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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-11-10-SC-min LEXINGTON SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING Tuesday, November 10, 2020 Conducted by Remote Participation Meeting Minutes AGENDA CALL TO ORDER AND WELCOME: 6:00 p.m. Chair Kathleen Lenihan welcomed and introduced committee members SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT Kathleen Lenihan, Chairperson Eileen Jay, Vice-Chair Deepika Sawhney Scott Bokun Sara Cuthbertson, Clerk STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE Sara Mei SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS PRESENT Dr. Julie Hackett, Superintendent Mr. David Coehlo, Assistant Superintendent for Finance & Operations Assistant Superintendent to Curriculum, Instruction, and Professional Development The minutes were taken by Kristen Keough, Executive Assistant to the School Committee Ms. Lenihan read Governor Baker's Executive Order from March 12, 2020 which allows public meetings to be conducted remotely due to the state emergency related to the COVID-19 outbreak. Ms. Lenihan covered additional ground rules for an effective and clear conduct of business and to assure accurate meeting minutes. MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS/LIAISON REPORTS: Mr. Bokun noted that November is "No Hate November" and the Lexington Human Rights Committee is having a presentation on how interrupting racist hate could save someone's life on Tuesday, November 17, 2020 from 7:00-8:30 p.m. A zoom link is available on the Lexington Human Rights Committee website. Mr. Bokun attended the MASC Delegate conference and said that all the resolutions passed, except for the last resolution (monitoring student attendance during a pandemic) which was tabled because they wanted to change the language. Mr. Bokun noted that resolution #4 LSC 11/10/2020 Meeting Minutes-Approved 1/05/2021 KC (lowering the voting age) that the School Committee voted against did pass as well but not by much. Ms. Jay commented on how well Lexingtons Learn Together went and was grateful for the opportunity to join. Ms. Cuthbertson noted that the roll out for "Understanding our Differences" for 3rd grade happened earlier today. Ms. Cuthbertson said she was really impressed with LexSEPTA parent volunteers who are able to shift and make it happen. Ms. Sawhney thanked the LHS team and administrators for a fabulous Back-to-School Night. She said it was well coordinated and nicely done. Ms. Sara Mei said that Student Elections would be happening this week. Ms. Lenihan noted that LexPride would be hosting the Transgender Day of Rememberance on Friday, November 20, 2020. This will be a virtual event from 7:00-8:30 p.m. COMMUNITY SPEAK: Lucianta Seymour, 30 Hazelwood St.. Boston, MA: Ms. Seymour asked when they thought things would start to get back to normal with the school system. Congratulations and Celebrations: Dr. Hackett echoed Ms. Jay's comments regarding the Lexington Learns Together (LLT) that was held on Tuesday, November 3, 2020. She said that 1,117 staff members attended over 90 professional development sessions during Lexington's 7th annual LLT. Dr. Hackett said that the flu clinic for Lexington staff and families has been completed. Dr. Hackett said she has had the chance to visit a few classrooms lately and the experience has been phenomenal. SUPERINTENDENT REPORT: Dr. Hackett reported on the following: • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion • 2020 National Blue Ribbon Schools Award Ceremony • Superintendent Staff and Parent Chats • Food Service Free Meals Update • COVID-19 Key Metrics and Testing in Schools LSC 11/10/2020 Meeting Minutes-Approved 1/05/2021 KC Click here for a complete copy of the Superintendent Report. Dr. Hackett addressed the question from Community Speak on when schools would go back to normal. She provided a brief background on what has happened since the shutdown in March and noted that now is not the time to focus on a full return to school. Dr. Hackett noted that the district is in its 5th week of hybrid implementation and in the midst of a surging global pandemic. The health and safety protocols that the district has in place appear to be working and the goal is to continue with in-person learning for as long as it is safely possible to do so. Dr. Hackett said a premature rush to a full return to school ultimately could compromise the ability to offer in-person hybrid learning at all. Dr. Hackett said, as of right now, there is no plan to do anything other than the hybrid in place and the district will revisit the conversation when things look better. Ms. Sawhney asked how long the CARES Free Meals Act would last? Dr. Hackett replied that it will continue until December 31, 2020 with the possibility of renewal. Ms. Sawhney asked about the Project Based Learning Academy and if both Clarke and Diamond students could register. Dr. Hackett replied yes. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: FY2022 Budget Guidelines Mr. Bokun motioned to accept the FY2022 Budget Guidelines of the Lexington School Committee;seconded by Ms. Cuthbertson. Ms. Lenihan took a roll call vote;Approved 5-0 METCO Presentation Presenters: Ms. Barbara Hamilton, Ms. Cheryle Crowder, Ms. Rachel Philippe, Ms. Gretchen Segars, Habiba Davis, Ms. Lisa Powell, Mr. Audi Lynch, & Mr. Isaiah Reeves Ms. Hamilton said her goal for tonight's presentation was to update the School Committee and some parents that may have not attended the September meeting. Ms. Hamilton and the team provided a quick overview on the following topics. • Overview of METCO • Summer Work o Social Emotional Learning 0 55 students in grades K-8 received tutoring services 0 18 students in grades 8-12 participated in the Calculus Project 0 25 rising 9th graders participated in a one-week virtual transition program • Program Updates o Pretty Little Brown Girls & Becoming Me o Young Kings o Coaching 4 Change LSC 11/10/2020 Meeting Minutes-Approved 1/05/2021 KC • Impact of COVID o transportation • Future Initiatives Click here for a complete copy of the METCO Presentation Committee members and Dr. Hackett thanked everyone for tonight's presentation. Ms. Cuthbertson said it is important to keep the kids feeling connected with each other and the schools and kids are able to keep maintaining those relationships whether they are hybrid or remote or regardless of where they are living. Mr. Bokun asked if any students had to be turned away in regards to the summer tutoring? Ms. Hamilton replied that no one who wanted to participate was turned away. Mr. Bokun commented that he was really happy to hear that Coaching 4 Change was continuing to get up and running during the pandemic. Ms. Sawhney echoed Ms. Cuthbertson and Mr. Bokun's comments. Ms. Jay commented on the need to expand our view of what SEL is in a culturally responsive way. Ms. Jay said the educators and staff and district leaders can start working on thinking of SEL more broadly and be more tuned in to the different groups of students that are in our district. Ms. Lenihan called for an adjournment;so moved by Mr. Bokun. Ms. Lenihan took a roll call vote;Approved(5-0).Adjournment at 8:00 p.m. [Following adjournment of the School Committee meeting, there were small break out groups by school for LPS administrators/staff and families/attendees.] LSC 11/10/2020 Meeting Minutes-Approved 1/05/2021 KC