Georgetown School Committee
Monday, September 12, 20167:00PM
Town Hall 2nd Floor Meeting Room
Regular Session Minutes
Barbie Linares, Chairman
Pamela Lundquist, Vice Chairman
Michael Hinchliffe, Clerk
Cheryl Lachendro
Suzanne MacDonald
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In Attendance:
Barbie LinaresSuperintendent JacobsLaura LaFlammeDeborah LarsonKaitlin Donovan
Cheryl LachendroKimberly SenkoDesiree EdwardsMike MurphyMargaret Maher
Pamela LundquistCollin MacDonald
Michael Hinchliffe
Suzanne MacDonald
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Chairman Linares called the meeting to order at 7:05PM.
Consent Agenda
Chairman Linares read the items included in the Consent Agenda for September 12, 2016 which were Acceptance of Warrants #11V17 and #10P17, and Communications.
MOTION: Pam Lundquist (S. Macdonald second) to approve the consent agenda as presented. So voted (5-0). Motion carried.
Audiences:
Parent Deborah Larson came to petition the Committee to make an exception for her child in order for her to attend kindergarten though she does not meet our entrance age requirements. Her daughter already attended two years of preschool. Chairman Linares asked Ms. Larson what is her basis for asking to change the policy? Ms. Larson stated that she has an amended law effective January 13, 2015 that states “The mandatory minimum age for attendance of kindergarten shall be for a child 5 years of age for attendance in the school year beginning in September of the calendar year in which he or she attains the age of 5.” Superintendent Jacobs was asked about her knowledge of the law being amended and she is surprised to see this document as the MASC normally alerts districts to any changes in laws in order to update policies.
In previous discussions between Supt. Jacobs and Ms. Larson, it came down to determining the readiness of her daughter for kindergarten. There are other students who fall into this time frame that are currently in classes with 5 year olds. The assessment of the professional who work with this child does not recommend she move forward at this time. There is not data that says she would fall behind. If she doesn’t enter into kindergarten, she is not currently and will not be enrolled in anything until the time comes by entrance age. She was part time in preschool. At further inspection of the document Ms. Larson provided, it is not an amended law, but a petition to change the law.
Documents Referenced: GPS Policy File JEB, internal email from Amanda Harding, House 305 petition, and parent request letter.
Administrative Reports
Superintendent’s Report
Out of State Field Trip Request
Chairman Linares invited new music teacher Kaitlin Donovan to come forward to gain approval for a field trip to the New England Choral Festival at Plymouth State University. This will give the students a great opportunity for our students to showcase their talents with others from across the state using a more challenging repertoire. There would be a limit of 10 students who are chosen from our by Dr. Dan Perkins who makes the final selection. This trip takes place on a Thursday so it could impact students who participate in sports. Parents who will drive students to the school must hold a certain amount of insurance and will need to be CORI’d.
MOTION: Cheryl Lachendro (M. Hinchliffe second) to approve the out of state trip to the All New England Choral Festival 2016 at Plymouth State University in Plymouth, NH on Thursday, November 3, 2016 as presented by Kaitlin Donovan. So voted (5-0). Motion carried
Both Kaitlin and Eric Blackman will come to a future meeting to introduce themselves and present to the Committee their plans for this school year and beyond.
Document Referenced: Out of State Field Trip Request and informational pages.
Superintendent’s Reports
Superintendent Jacobs took this time to provide an update on the current bus situation. This is one area that has been challenging to this year’s opening. On Friday Supt. Jacobs, Cindy, Laura, and Barry will meet to discuss the issues with bus 3 and 5. The goal is to get the bus routes completed faster than in previous years. Bus pass applications were mailed out in the spring and the deadline for registrations was before the end of the school year. The routes were built around those who actually registered on time. The domino effect with those who registered late causes more stops to be made and longer ride times.
In previous years the bus company used to contractually determine the routes with the districts input. Drivers are meeting with Cindy tomorrow then we will meet internally on Friday. Bus 3 was getting to school late because the GMHS run was longer and that was adjusted. The color coding process and convenience runs are working. We agree that 45 minutes is not an out of the ordinary time for students to ride the bus. There will be changes coming but we don’t know them at this point. Friday’s meeting purpose will be to look at the routes and make the adjustments and notify parents as appropriately. The students need to be dropped off to school on time and brought home in a timely manner. We are not sure if the drivers practice the routes before school starts. There are a lot of factors that go into making the routes including if there are restrictions in certain neighborhoods. Pick up and drop off at Penn Brook has been smooth.
Superintendent’s Information for the Committee
Chairman Linares mentioned the GMHS ranking article included in the packet and that she is very proud of the district, Superintendent, teachers, administrators, and paraprofessionals.
Financial Report
Restructuring of Bookkeeper Position
Superintendent Jacobs reported that there was a need to restructurethe student activities bookkeeper position at GMHS. The current Middle School Secretary will assume responsibility for the athletics department. The current Preschool Director will assume the responsibilities for the Preschool. A part-time bookkeeper will be hired to hand the remaining student activities.
MOTION:Pam Lundquist (S. MacDonald second) to approve the restructuring plan per Joan Liporto’s memo dated 8/30/16 as presented. So voted (5-0). Motion carried.
Document Referenced: Restructuring of Bookkeeper Position Memo dated 8/30/16.
Redirections of funds
Superintendent Jacobs reported that Principal Lucia would like to recommend Bill Adams at GMHS and Margaret Maher would like to recommend Laura Backman for Penn Brook.
Motion: Cheryl Lachendro (P. Lundquist second) to approve the building-based substitute positions at GMHS and Penn Brook as outlined in Joan Liporto’s memo dated 8/30/16 as presented. So voted (5-0). Motion carried.
Document Referenced: Redirection of Funds memo dated 8/30/16.
Chairman Linares took this time to discuss the upcoming ballot question regarding the Charter School cap lift. There was some language on both sides that overall, the Committee does not agree with increasing the amount of charter schools in the Commonwealth. Because of some disagreement with some of the language in the petition, the Committee decided to make an independent statement of their position.
MOTION: Cheryl Lachendro (S. MacDonald second) to state that we, as the Georgetown School Committee, believe that the current cap on charter schools in Massachusetts is appropriate and doesn’t feel at this time that the cap should be lifted. So voted (5-0). Motion carried.
Superintendent Jacobs took this opportunity to point out the included letter regarding the NEASC accreditation status. Because this will have a financial impact of approximately $25-30K, she wanted to ensure the Committee was aware and that they can keep this in mind during the budget season. The cost is for a team to come to our district and they must have lodging and food. It cannot be delayed since it was supposed to have taken place in 2016.
Subcommittee Reports
Member Hinchliffe reported that the Budget/Finance Subcommittee met about the memos discussed tonight. Vice Chairman Lundquist spoke about House Bill #4565 as recommended but not passed yet. We may establish or appropriate or transfer money to a reserve fund to be utilized in the upcoming fiscal years to pay without further appropriationfor unanticipated or unbudgeted cost of special education, out of district, tuition, or transportation. The balance in such reserve shall not exceed 2% of the annual net school spending of a school district. There will need to be further discussion as a Committee then a joint meeting with the Board of Selectmen. If there is a balance it can be put into a reserve fund for the following year. Want to meet every two weeks to begin budget process.
Member Hinchliffe reported that Governance has not met yet.
Member Lachendro reported that the Negotiations Subcommittee we will negotiate with AFSCME both food services and custodians. No letter has been received yet.
Vice Chairman Lundquist reported that the Public Relations Subcommitteeneeds to meet again soon.
Chairman Linares reported that the Safety Subcommittee meets this Thursday morning
Chairman Linares reported that the Start School Later Subcommittee doesn’t have a meeting set up yet but will be soon. There will be a parent forum on 9/27/16 at 7pm at Masconomet featuring Dr. Judith Owens. The MASC would like us to come and talk about our process at the Joint Conference in November.
Member Lachendro reported that the Supt. Eval. Subcommittee needs to meet again to establish goals. Discussion about using a rubric from a recent seminar rather than using an evidence binder will be discussed.
Vice Chairman Lundquist reported that the School Building Committee is meeting on 9/13/16to review punch list and noted that the MSBA closeout is upcoming.
Also on that night there will be a GMHS parent information night from 6-8PM. Penn Brook’s will be on two nights 9/14 and 9/15.
Vice Chairman Linares mentioned the recent donation from the Richie family on the sign then Supt Jacobs on
Penn Brook.
Vice Chairman Lundquist reported that the SEPAC will host fundraiser for trick or trunk 10/26/16 5:30-7:30PM. There was a new brochure created that will be distributed at pin night. Desiree Edward spoke about the meet and greet and workshops coming up.
New Business
Margaret talked about responsive classroom then one day Gina saw the buddy bench and wanted to donate it. It will be part of a community gathering soon.
MOTION: Cheryl Lachendro (S. MacDonald second) to accept the bench donation to Penn Brook School from the Gilmore Family and by Gina Thibeault from Keller/Williams Realty in memory of Laurie Condon Hodges as presented. So voted (5-0). Motion carried.
MOTION: Michael Hinchliffe (C. Lachendrosecond) to adjourn at 8:25PM. So voted(5-0). Motion carried.
Respectfully Submitted,
Laura Markarian, School Committee Secretary
Regular Session Minutes 9/12/16