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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-03-22-SC-min LEXINGTON SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING Monday, March 22, 2021 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 Dr. Christine Lyons, 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: Ms. Cuthbertson and Mr. Bokun attended meetings over the past week with SEPAC. Mr. Bokun also attended the first Dyslexia Task Force meeting. Ms. Sawhney and Ms. Jay commented on the vigil that was held on Saturday evening to stand in solidarity with the Asian community following the shootings in Atlanta and anti-Asian hate crimes. Ms. Jay said there has been an increase in hate crimes against Asian Americans, but with recent events it is encouraging to see that people are learning about it and that there is an outpouring of support for the Asian community. LSC 3/22/21 -Approved 3/29/21 KK Ms. Jay reported that the Recreation Committee approved the use of snow removal equipment for football practices. Ms. Sara Mei reported that the Student Senate discussed the following topics: • Teacher appreciation notes, messages and videos for teacher appreciation week • Mural o Resubmission form & new information sheet for artists o Painting will be done over the summer • Short Brain Breaks o Encourage students to keep their cameras on more often when not taking computer break Ms. Lenihan reported on the Vision for Lexington (previously 20/20 Vision Committee) survey. They are making good progress on the plans for the survey and Ms. Lenihan said the School Committee has provided their feedback on the survey. Ms. Lenihan said that 16 and 17 year olds opting to be a camp counselor in New Hampshire this summer are eligible for the COVID vaccine under New Hampshire's Phase IIA. Ms. Lenihan noted that the Washington Post is running a program called Race in America: Combating Anti-Asian Racism with Representatives Judy Chu and Mark Takano on March 26th. If anyone is interested in further information email Kathleen Lenihan and she will send the information along. CONGRATULATIONS & CELEBRATIONS: Dr. Hackett said the first graders missed their Fire Safety Month programming this year due to the pandemic, so the Lexington Fire Department worked together to create a video for elementary students to learn skills and techniques for fire safety. They also spent time recording firefighters reading stories to K-5 students. SUPERINTENDENT REPORT: The Superintendent reported on the following items: • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion • LPS COVID-19 Updates • Learning Model Change Requests for Students in Grades 6 to 8 • Community Input Team for Full Return Updates • Patriots Day 2021 • Lexington High School NEASC Accreditation Visit The complete Superintendent's Report can be viewed here. LSC 3/22/21 -Approved 3/29/21 KK Dr. Hackett commented that the importance of Lexington's DEI work was brought into greater focus due to the senseless attacks in Atlanta. She said that many LPS parents attended the moving vigil at Hastings Park, organized by the Lexington Community Coalition on Saturday evening. The event brought an outpouring of love and support to our Asian and Asian American friends in Lexington and beyond. Dr. Hackett said in the days and weeks to follow, she is asking all LPS staff and all community members to join her in searching deeply within our collective conscience to ensure that we are all doing our part to stop anti-Asian hate. Lexington-Worcester Public Schools Partnership Dr. Hackett reported that, in collaboration with District 1 Worcester City Councilor Sean Rose, the LPS worked together with the Lexington PTO to utilize additional resources to seek and confirm vaccination appointments for K-12 staff in the Worcester Public Schools, the second largest school system in the Commonwealth. Thanks in large part to the efforts of our parent volunteers close to 100 WPS staff secured vaccination appointments. School Committee Questions Ms. Lenihan thanked the parent volunteers for helping the teachers in Worcester to get their vaccination appointments. Ms. Lenihan asked when the principals would have a better sense of how many parent volunteers are needed for lunch. Dr. Hackett said it would depend on school needs and suggested that principals double up on the volunteers so that, in the event someone doesn't show up, there will be someone always available. She noted that people will have to sign up quickly in order to have the CORI checks completed and all of the logistical pieces taken care of. CORE VALUE AWARDS Ms. Cuthbertson introduced Lexington High School student, Christina Wang. Christina was nominated by Sara Mei for the "Use Your Mind" Core Value Award. Mr. Bokun introduced the Chatterjee family to recognize Mr. Taggert for the "Do Your Part" & "Be Curious & Have Fun" Core Value Awards. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: 2nd Policy Reading: JJH -Student Travel Ms.Jay moved that the School Committee approve Policy JJH-Student Travel as amended; seconded by Ms. Sawhney. Ms. Lenihan took a roll call vote (Approved 5-0) LSC 3/22/21 -Approved 3/29/21 KK CONSENT AGENDA: Mr. Bokun moved to approve the following consent agenda items: • March 12, 2021 -Payroll in the amount of$4,110,945.14 • March 19, 2021 -Accounts Payable in the amount of$4,110,945.14 • March 19, 2021 -Accounts Payable Bank of Montreal(BOM)Reconciliation in the amount of$9,175.52 Ms. Sawhney moved to approve the School Committee Minutes from February 2, 2021 and March 9, 2021. Ms. Cuthbertson seconded the consent agenda. Ms. Lenihan took a roll call vote (Approved 5-0) COMMUNITY SPEAK: Dina Yu, 94 Reed Street: Asked if plans are in place to put back the hour of teaching in elementary and middle school. Theresa Wright, 35 Reed Street: Asked about full return in the fall for all students including Lexington High School Natalie Huitema, 2 Hancock Ave: Would like to hear how LPS is going to address the loss of curriculum and learning time that has happened this year. The School Committee recessed and stayed in open session for the purpose of participating in the Annual Town Meeting. At 10:48 p.m. following the Annual Town Meeting session, the School Committee reconvened for the purpose of adjournment. Mr. Bokun made a motion to adjourn; seconded by Ms. Cutherbertson. Approved (4-0); Ms. Sawhney not present. LSC 3/22/21 -Approved 3/29/21 KK