SC Executive Session Minutes of 2/13/2007 |
| Posted: August 17, 2007, by webmaster |
BELMONT SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES Present: Ms, Elizabeth Gibson, Chair Also present: Student Advisors: Mark Howitt, Amanda Ota, Sophie Meyers, Mo Zhu. Winn Brook School Principal Janet Carey, Butler School Principal Bruce MacDonald, Wellington School Principal Amy Wagner, Fine & Performing Director Bill Pappazisis, Director of Student Services Sally Smith, Assistant Director of Special Education Ken Kramer, and Director of Technology Lee McCanne, RE: FY 2008 Budget; AGENDA 1. EXECUTIVE SESSION 1.1 Collective Bargaining On a motion offered by Mr. Bowe and seconded by Dr. Stafford, it was VOTED: unanimously, at 7:00 p.m., to enter Executive Session for the purpose of discussing collective bargaining issues. On a motion offered by Mr. Bowe and seconded by Ms. Rittenburg, it was VOTED: unanimously, at 7:00 p.m., to return to Open Session. 2. OPENING BUSINESS 2.1 Call to Order At 7:30 p.m., Ms. Gibson called the meeting to order in the Community Room of the Chenery Middle School. 7:30 P.M. - MEETING WITH STUDENT ADVISORY COUNCIL 1. Overview of Life at Belmont High School The students provided information on a survey of the student body at Belmont High School to determine student level of satisfaction with curriculum, student life, and facilities. APPROX. 7:45 P.M. REGULAR SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING 2.2 Superintendent's Report Dr. Holland asked Dr. Missal to provide an update on a heating system problem at the Wellington School. At the Superintendent’s request, Dr. Aubin shared information on student awards in art and music. Dr. Holland provided information on: National History Day at Chenery Middle School, Diversity Week at Belmont High School, The METCO Caucus Breakfast rescheduled for March 1, 2007, and a February 28, 2007 program at Wheelock College entitled Conversations about Desegregation. 2.3 Chairman's Report Ms. Gibson announced that the Warrant Committee meeting scheduled for February 14, 2007 was cancelled. She announced meeting dates in March at which budget discussions specific to the School Department will take place. 2.4 Citizens' Concerns A Belmont High School parent shared her concerns about a change in practice regarding learning center enrollment. Dr. Holland stated that he would contact Ms. Smith, Director of Student Services, and Mr. Harvey, Belmont High School Principal, to investigate the issue. Mr. Andy Levin, parent of a Belmont High School student, spoke on behalf of the Ski Team. Ms. Gail Gorman, a Wellington School parent, read a letter from parents to the School Committee requesting an additional Grade 2 teacher at the Wellington School for the 2007-2008 school year. Lynn Findley, another Wellington School parent, brought to the attention of the Committee her serious concerns about the safety of the Wellington School Playground. Dr. Missal responded with information about a study that has been commissioned to review the current status of school playgrounds. He awaits the recommendations of the study to determine the next steps. 3. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 4. MAJOR BUSINESS 4.1 Review of School Lunch Program & Proposal for Price Increase - Exhibit A Dr. Missal presented information on the School Lunch Program including information on health and retirement costs for current employees. He outlined the need for an increase in the price of a school lunch. On a motion offered by Ms. Miller and seconded by Mr. Bowe, it was VOTED: unanimously, to approved the following school lunch prices, Elementary Schools $2.25 4.2 Continued FY 2008 Budget Discussions Dr. Missal reviewed with the Committee budget information on the above twelve programs. Principals and curriculum directors were present to respond to questions from the Committee. A discussion of the full-day kindergarten proposal took place. Mr. MacDonald presented for the Committee and audience the School Department’s rationale for supporting a full-day kindergarten. Dr. McCanne responded to questions about technology needs for the schools. Dr. Missal noted the significant decrease in funding from the original requests from administrators, to the requests from Dr. McCanne, to the eventual funding request in the proposed budget. 4.3 FY 2007 Budget Report, Second Quarter - Exhibit B Dr. Missal provided an overview of the second quarter budget report and responded to questions from the Committee. 5. REPORT OF SUBCOMMITTEES/LIAISONS Mr. Stratford reminded the Committee of the many events planned during March as a part of Belmont Unplugged. 6. OTHER BUSINESS 6.1 Consent Agenda On a motion offered by Mr. Bowe and seconded by Dr. Stafford, it was VOTED: unanimously, to approved the following Consent a. Revised Job Description for Social Studies b. Schedule for Search Process for Social 6.2 Personnel Items - Informational a. Retirements - Exhibit E b. Instructional Assignments - Exhibit F 6.3 Business Items - None 6.4 Approval of Minutes - None 9. ADJOURNMENT On a motion offered by Dr. Stafford and seconded by Mr. Bowe, it was VOTED: unanimously, at 10:14 p.m. to adjourn the meeting. Respectfully submitted by ATTACHMENT A EXECUTIVE SESSION: February 13, 2007 7:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. RE: Collective Bargaining No actions or votes were taken. The Committee indicated its readiness to return to Open Session at 7:30 p.m. Ms. Silverman left the meeting at the end of Executive Session. |