December 13, 2005
Wellesley Public Schools
School Committee Meeting - Tuesday, December 13, 2005
Wellesley High School Library
The meeting was called to order by the Chairman at 7:32 pm. Ms. Jablonski, Ms. Littlefield, Mr. Murphy, Ms. Newman, and Ms. Sereiko were present. Also present were Dr. King and Ms. Wong.
PERSONNEL ANNOUNCEMENTS
Resignation
Kelli Tosone, Elementary Teacher on leave of absence, effective June 30, 2006
Leave of Absence
Deborah Cohen, 0.5FTE Elementary Teacher, 0.5FTE leave of absence March 6 - June 30, 2006
Appointments
Primary Math Intervention Specialists
Leslie Barnes, Joan Berlin, Christine Capaldo, Eileen Fuller, Elizabeth Steele
Mike Bresnahan, Patti Kakas, Kimberlee Nicksa, Jennifer Watson, Kristie Weber
Kyle Dubois, Cristina M. Romoli
CONSENT AGENDA
Upon motion made by Ms. Sereiko, seconded by Ms. Littlefield, it was unanimously VOTED:
Minutes
To approve minutes of Regular School Committee Meeting dated November 29 and December 6, 2005
Acceptance of Gifts
Contribution ($7,180) for mounted projection systems at Upham School, from Upham PTO
Contribution ($1,310) for Middle School Library Books from Wellesley Middle School parents
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
Dr. King acknowledged that many people within the community assured the safety of children during the thundersnow event at dismissal on Friday, December 9. Throughout the system and across town departments, people performed varieties of tasks, supervising students, transporting, shoveling, facilitating, communicating, and reassuring students to bring about safe closure to the school day. Principals and administrators discussed the event fully at Administrative Council with a view toward learning from it so as to respond better if some future similar event should occur. Responding to comments from members of the committee, Dr. King noted that as an outgrowth of the discussion, enhancing communications capability within the system and among the community remains a priority. Another idea that is being explored further is instituting a process for a delayed closing. As work continues on the middle school renovation, Dr. King reported that one of the planned phase moves will take place December 27-29. It is expected that the move into the new Preschool facility will also occur in late December. Dr. King thanked the Permanent Building Committee for its work to hasten the time that the preschool can move into its permanent facility.
SCHOOL COMMITTEE’S REPORT
The high school facilities advisory committee will meet in its final session on December 15. The health care liability group is continuing its deliberations. The middle school project is progressing well, though the additional necessary casework in the science labs has delayed the timetable in that area of the building.
CITIZEN SPEAK
Tom Stagliano, Precinct D: With reference to ten-year elementary enrollment projections when planning was underway for the Sprague and Bates projects, and which included, at the time, a possible framework for reducing from seven to six elementary schools, Mr. Stagliano advocated for that. Based on projections from several years ago, Mr. Stagliano is concerned about building a new school at Hardy.
DISCUSSION ITEM
Elementary Schools Master Plan Study Architects from SMMA presented their findings about conditions in the five elementary schools excluding Sprague and Bates. The committee agreed that this master plan study will be the basis for its long range capital plan to maintain the schools. Within the context of stewarding all the school buildings in town, the committee will plan future capital improvements and/or maintenance of the elementary buildings to incorporate consideration of the master plan study report recommendations.
FY07 Budget Dr. King presented his recommended budget for the upcoming school year calling for a total increase of 9.98%, which is due in large measure to contractual and special education increases. Dr. King presented a supplemental request for a reinstatement of items totaling $539,973 which have been reduced over the past three years. Sub committees will review the budget with Advisory liaisons in preparation for full committee discussion of the budget in early 2006.
ACTION ITEMS
Annual Town Meeting Warrant Article Placeholders
•Modular Classrooms (Fiske and Schofield)
Upon motion made by Ms. Littlefield, seconded by Mr. Murphy, it was unanimously
VOTED: To request a Warrant Article placeholder for the 2006 Annual Town Meeting for
installation of seven modular classrooms at Fiske and Schofield Schools.
The motion carried unanimously (5 - 0)
•High School Project
Upon motion made by Ms. Sereiko, seconded by Ms. Littlefield, it was unanimously
VOTED: To request a Warrant Article placeholder for the 2006 Annual Town Meeting to
address the high school project.
The motion carried unanimously (5 - 0)
•Middle School Project
Upon motion made by Ms. Littlefield, seconded by Ms. Sereiko, it was unanimously
VOTED: To request a Warrant Article placeholder for the 2006 Annual Town Meeting to
address the need for additional funds for contingency related to the middle school project.
The motion carried unanimously (5 - 0)
Programs of Study
Upon motion made by Ms. Sereiko, seconded by Ms. Littlefield, it was unanimously
VOTED: To accept the proposed changes to 2006-07 Programs of Study for Wellesley High
School and Wellesley Middle School as recommended.
The motion carried unanimously (5 - 0)
CITIZEN SPEAK
There were no citizens present who wished to speak.
The public session was adjourned at 9:35 pm.
Executive Secretary
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