May 9, 2006

Wellesley Public Schools
School Committee Meeting - Tuesday, May 9, 2006
Wellesley High School Library

The meeting was called to order by the Chairman at 7:34 pm. Ms. Jablonski, Ms. Allen, Ms. Littlefield, Ms. Newman, and Mr. Young were present. Also present were Dr. King and Ms.Wong. Representing the Student Congress was Ryan Speers.

PERSONNEL ANNOUNCEMENTS
Appointments
Douglas Brown, High School Department Head of Science, Unit B I-186, Step 2, effective July 1, 2006
Resignations
Anne Haan, High School Biology Teacher, effective June 30, 2006
Amy Squillante, Elementary Art Specialist on leave, effective June 30, 2006
Leave of Absence
Martha Cooney, Elementary Teacher, 1.0FTE leave of absence for the 2006-07 school year
Stacy Lake, Elementary Teacher, 1.0FTE leave of absence for the 2006-07 school year
Appendix A Appointments
Jeremy Dexter-Smith, Assistant Coach, High School Boys Lacrosse, Group II-B, Step 2

CONSENT AGENDA
Upon motion made by Ms. Littlefield, seconded by Ms. Allen, it was unanimously VOTED:
Minutes:
To approve minutes of Regular School Committee Meeting dated April 25, 2006
Acceptance of Gifts:
Contribution ($1,691) for purchase of student agendas from Wellesley High School PTSO
Contribution ($575) for Power Up course (Health & Fitness Dept). from Wellesley High School PTSO
Two wooden bookcases (value $200 each) for PAWS library from Matt and Rebecca Meier
Contribution ($2,497), 50% of funds raised by Street Sign Auction, for purchase of library books at the middle school, from the Wellesley High School PTSO

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
Dr. King addressed the Wellesley Hills Congregational Church men’s breakfast today at 6:30 am. In recent weeks he has visited the high school, Schofield, and Bates. Last week he introduced Sheryl Boris-Schacter to the Hunnewell community, faculty and parents. The athletic schedule has been disturbed by the recent wet weather.

SCHOOL COMMITTEE’S REPORT
Project liaisons updated the committee about ongoing work on the high school project and the middle school renovations. The recent National Honor Society blood drive was well attended. Central Council is still considering issues around the elementary mathematics professional development proposal. In follow up of its previous discussion about Chapter 70 funding, the committee agreed with an initiative developed by Acton Boxboro advocating a formula that would create greater predictability of anticipated funding among communities.

Upon motion made by Ms. Littlefield, seconded by Ms. Allen, it was unanimously
VOTED: To approve sending a letter supporting the Acton-Boxboro initiative regarding
Chapter 70 funding to Wellesley’s state senators and representative.
The motion CARRIED (5 - 0)

The special election in Wellesley will be May 16. Ryan Speers reported that students are considering ways to measure student opinion about the pilot elimination of mid year exams this year. Student congress is also investigating minor revisions within itself and the impact of removing club participation from student transcripts. The high school debate team received “Chapter of the Year” recognition among northeast states.

CITIZEN SPEAK
There were no citizens present who wished to speak.

DISCUSSION ITEMS
Wellness Policy In compliance with a new federal law, a proposed wellness policy has been developed for the schools. Key personnel who worked in developing the policy included Anne Prinn, Joyce Tolken, Kathleen Keady, and Sharon Hobbs, in consultation with Jean Viecha, of the Harvard School of Public Health. Judy Boroschek described the policy and evidence in the schools of modifications in line with the policy concerning a continued emphasis on development of lifelong fitness habits and healthy choices for nutrition in school lunch rooms, classroom celebrations, and fundraisers. The committee concurred to vote on the policy immediately rather than to wait until the next meeting, as had been planned.

Upon motion made by Ms. Allen, seconded by Ms. Littlefield, it was unanimously
VOTED: To accept the proposed Wellness Policy as presented.
The motion CARRIED (5 - 0)

K-12 Library Review Judy Boroschek discussed with the committee the findings of the comprehensive K-12 library program review. In accepting the report, the committee by consensus expressed favor for separating the department head leadership of libraries and technology into distinct positions.

ACTION ITEM
Education Planning Contract Project liaison Michael Young presented the sub committee’s findings and recommendation of DeJong, Inc., to consult with the town in the education planning component of the developing high school renovation and expansion project. The school committee deferred formal action on this recommendation until a future meeting.

CITIZEN SPEAK
There were no citizens present who wished to speak.

ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 9:05 pm.

Executive Secretary