SC Executive Session Minutes 1/23/07 |
| Posted: July 19, 2007, by webmaster |
BELMONT SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES Present: Ms, Elizabeth Gibson, Chair Also present: Selectman Angelo Firenze for Executive Session; Warrant Committee Subcommittee on Education Chair Phil Curtis; Annie Warner, BHS Student Senate Advisor to School Committee 1. EXECUTIVE SESSION 1.1 Collective Bargaining On a motion offered by Dr. Stafford and seconded by Mr. Stratford, it was VOTED: unanimously, at 7:03 p.m., to enter Executive Session for the purposes On a motion offered by Dr. Stafford and seconded by Ms. Rittenburg, it was VOTED: unanimously, at 7:31 p.m., to return to Open Session. 2. OPENING BUSINESS 2.1 Call to Order At 7:35 p.m., Ms. Gibson called the meeting to order in the Community Room of the Chenery Middle School. 2.2 Superintendent's Report Dr. Holland began his report with comments on the tragic death of a student at Lincoln Sudbury High School. He continued his report with comments on a recent superintendent’s meeting at which research on the value of good leadership from the superintendent and school principals was addressed. The Superintendent asked Mr. Stratford to comment on the newly published Community Education Program booklet for spring 2007. 2.3 Chairman's Report Ms. Gibson announced that on Saturday, February 3, 2007, the Foundation for Belmont Education is sponsoring a student spelling bee for students in grades K-6. She reported on a recent meeting at EDCO attended by Ms. Miller and herself at which Department of Education representative Roger Hatch reviewed the new format for explaining per pupil expenditures. 2.4 Citizens' Concerns - None 3. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 4. MAJOR BUSINESS 4.1 Presentation of FY 2008 Budget to School Committee Dr. Holland and Dr. Missal presented highlights of the proposed FY 2008 budget for the School Committee. Committee members commented on a number of areas that might require additional attention such as: accountability and oversight issues and the need for administrative support; the demand of new student success plans at Belmont High School for students who do not meet the proficient performance level; textbook needs; class size issues; and clarification of aide costs. Mr. Phil Curtis, Warrant Committee Subcommittee on Education Chair, asked questions about the full-day kindergarten proposal, the new Guidance Director position, proposed salaries for newly requested FTEs, and the 10% increase in out-of-district tuition costs. Mr. Stratford shared his disappointment at the low level of funding for technology, and Ms. Rittenburg requested additional information on the proposed full-day kindergarten. 4.2 Schedule for FY 2008 Budget Review Process - Exhibit A The meeting schedule was presented but a number of questions regarding particular meetings require that the schedule be redrafted and returned to the Committee for its consideration. Of particular interest was the determination of a Public Hearing date at which the School Committee will present its budget to the public. 4.3 Review of Capital Budget Requests - Exhibit B Dr. Missal responded to questions from Committee members regarding the Capital Budget Requests and took note of their comments and concerns. Much of the conversation revolved around the inadequate funding for technology needs and the need to clarify budgetary responsibility for these requests. 5. REPORT OF SUBCOMMITTEES/LIAISONS Ms. Gibson advised that a Warrant Committee meeting was scheduled for January 24, 2007 and that Dr. Holland and Dr. Missal would be attending to provide budget information. Most members indicated that they would be able to attend. Mr. Stratford reported on the activities of the Youth Commission and reminded the Committee and the public of Belmont Unplugged scheduled for March 14 and the many activities that will take place in March. 6. OTHER BUSINESS 6.1 Consent Agenda On a motion offered by Mr. Stratford and seconded by Dr. Stafford, it was VOTED: unanimously, to approve the Consent Agenda, consisting of the a. Approval of Noncontractual Salary Change - Confidential Exhibit C b. Approval of Resources Savings Policy (Second Reading) - (Exhibit A
The following information was provided for the School Committee’s information: a. Instructional Assignments - Exhibit D 6.3 Business Items - None 6.4 Approval of Minutes - None 9. ADJOURNMENT On a motion offered by Mr. Bowe and seconded by Mr. Stafford, it was VOTED: unanimously, at 9:35 p.m., to adjourn the meeting.
RE: Collective Bargaining Selectman Angelo Firenze joined the School Committee in its discussion of collective bargaining issues with Unit A. |