August 30, 2006

Wellesley Public Schools
School Committee Meeting - Wednesday, August 30, 2006
Wellesley High School Library

The meeting was called to order by the Chairman at 7:30 pm. Mr. Young , Ms. Allen, Ms. Jablonski, Ms. Littlefield, and Ms. Newman were present. Also present were Dr. King and Ms.Wong. Representing the Student Congress was Ryan Speers.

PUBLIC HEARING
Proposed Night Football Game Friday, September 8, 2006
Mr. Young described the process to be followed for attaining a permit from the town for a night football game and called for public comment on the proposal.

NESBITT HAYGOOD, 71/73 Smith Street: Affirming the positive experiences of the past two years, when there has been one night football game per season, Mr. Haygood asked that portable sanitation facilities be removed quickly afterwards and reported dangling barbed wire that could pose a safety issue in the darkness.

MARY CANADAY, 55 Smith Street: Ms. Canaday requested that the lights be turned off by 9:30 pm, or as soon after that time as possible.

Interim Athletic Director John Brown and Principal Rena Mirkin responded to the specific public comments and described the thoughtful planning for this event. School committee affirmed that in conjunction with the permit application a traffic and safety plan has been filed.

NEIL SEABORN, Vice Chairman, Natural Resources Commission: Mr. Seaborn expressed the NRC’s positive thinking about this proposed event.

Upon motion made by Ms. Jablonski, seconded by Ms. Littlefield, it was unanimously

VOTED: To approve the proposal fromWellesley High School to host a night football game Friday, September 8, 2006, under the circumstances and provisions discussed this evening, and subject to approval by the Natural Resources Commission.

The motion CARRIED (5 - 0).

The public hearing was closed. Mr. Young opened the meeting to the regular business of School Committee, welcoming especially liaisons from Advisory and representatives of the high school program advisory committee. In opening remarks Mr. Young described his expectation that the upcoming year will be unique and challenging, involving many significant projects. The calendar of meetings may be adjusted to accommodate at a given meeting concentrated attention on one significant issue.

PERSONNEL ANNOUNCEMENTS
Resignations
Susan Davis, Speech-Language Pathologist, effective June 30, 2006
Kelly Harper, Elementary Teacher on leave of absence, effective June 30, 2006
Sharon Liszanckie, Middle School Mathematics Teacher on leave of absence, effective June 30, 2006
Mary Memmott, Middle School Science Teacher, effective June 30, 2006

Leave of Absence
Julieanne Doyle, High School Special Educator, 0.2FTE leave of absence for the 2006-07 school year
Britta Hiester, High School Social Studies Teacher, 0.4FTE leave of absence for the 2006-07 school year
Michele Karol, Middle School Social Studies Teacher, 0.4FTE leave of absence for the 2006-07 school year
Jane Lord, High School Business Teacher, 0.1FTE leave of absence for the 2006-07 school year
Jennifer Milne, High School Mathematics Teacher, 0.4FTE leave of absence for the 2006-07 school year
Kari Sciera, Middle School Fitness & Health Teacher, 0.1FTE leave of absence for the 2006-07 school year
Kristin Stoetzel, Elementary Teacher, 1.0FTE leave of absence August 28 - November 20, 2006
Michelle A. Weir, Preschool Special Educator, 1.0FTE leave of absence January 16-April 9, 2007

Reduction in Teaching Time
Mariessa (Longo) Theodorou, Preschool Special Educator, from 1.0FTE to 0.5FTE, effective 2006-07 school year

Appointments (effective August 24, 2006)
Kenneth Bateman, 1.0FTE High School Science Teacher, Step M+30-6
Timothy Best, 1.0FTE Technology Curriculum Specialist, Step M-5
Julie Boehm, 1.0FTE High School Biology Teacher, Step M-4
John Brown, Interim Athletic Director, Unit B-II-209, Step 4, effective July 1, 2006
Julie Caparco, 0.2FTE High School Special Educator, Step B-2
Alexandria Chang, 1.0FTE Elementary Teacher, Step M-1
Joanne Chartier, 1.0FTE Elementary Teacher, Step M-9
Adam Diliberto, 1.0FTE Special Educator, Step B-4
Phyllis Fermon, 0.8FTE School Psychologist, Step M+30-13
Jany Finkielsztein, 1.0FTE Elementary Science Coordinator, Step M+60-5
Sharon Grossman, 1.0FTE School Psychologist, Step M+60-13
Jeffrey S. Howard, 0.2FTE Orchestra Teacher, Step M+60-6
Erin E. Howe, 1.0FTE Mathematics Teacher, Step M-1
Amy Jankins, 1.0FTE Elementary Teacher, Step M+30-10
Julie Leondis, 1.0FTE Special Educator, Step M-5
Andrew Levin, 1.0FTE Mathematics Teacher, Step M-14, effective August 28, 2006
Nicholas Lykling, 0.8FTE Library/Media Specialist, Step M-6
Shanna Macauda, 0.5FTE Speech-Language Pathologist, Step M +30-8
Heather Macchi, 1.0FTE Elementary Teacher, Step M-9
Leah MacDonald, 1.0FTE Mathematics Teacher, Step B-4
Michael Milofsky, 1.0FTE Elementary Teacher, Step M-1
Rachel E. Narrow, 0.4FTE English/0.2FTE Spanish Teacher, Step B-3
Kathryn Regan, 1.0FTE Elementary Teacher, Step M-4
Lindsay A. Rice, 1.0FTE Special Educator, Step M-5
Pollyanna Sidell, 1.0FTE Elementary Teacher, Step M+30-3
Susan B. Smith, 1.0FTE Elementary Mathematics Specialist, WEF/PTO Grant Funded
Sarah Steinberg, 0.5FTE Art Teacher, Step B-3
Farrah Taulbee, 1.0FTE Speech/Language Pathologist, Step M-7
Mariessa (Longo) Theodorou, 0.5FTE Preschool Coordinator, Step M-8
Martin Wagner, 1.0FTE Mathematics Teacher, Step M-5

Increase in Teaching Time (effective August 28, 2006)
Jess Hatch, High School Business Teacher, 0.2FTE increase from 0.3FTE to 0.5FTE
Lila Heideman, High School Social Studies Teacher, 0.2FTE increase from 0.8FTE to 1.0FTE
Robyn Holzman, Middle School Special Educator, 0.1FTE increase from 0.8FTE to 0.9FTE
Elisa Kramer, Speech Language Pathologist, 0.2FTE increase from 0.8FTE to 1.0FTE
Sheri Landers, Preschool Special Educator, 0.5FTE increase from 0.5FTE to 1.0FTE
Ellen Mandel, Library Media Specialist, 0.2FTE increase from 0.7FTE to 0.9FTE
Barbara Manley, Middle School Math Teacher, 0.4FTE increase, from 0.5FTE to 0.9FTE
Maria Olohan, Middle School Choral Specialist, 0.2FTE increase from 0.8FTE to 1.0FTE

Appendix A Appointments
Grade Level Leaders
Dina Maggipinto - Kindergarten
Dara Gaul - Grade One
Pamela Marazzo - Grade Two
Neysa Deegler - Grade Three
Karen Panos - Grade Four
Heather Haskell - Grade Five

Mathematics Resource Teachers
Rita Cutroni - Kindergarten
Andra Jacobs - Kindergarten
Susan Lydon - Grade One
Lisa Giaquinta - Grade Two
Lisa Mortarelli - Grade Two
Jayne Byrne - Grade Three
Karen Poole - Grade Three
Kate Barry - Grade Four
Melissa Gladtke-Coultas - Grade Four
Bevin Hale - Grade Five

Social Studies Resource Teachers
Dina Maggipinto - Mexico
Heather Sanborn - Ghana
Renee Lilley - New England Long Ago
Lisa Mortarelli - Japan
Jayne Byrne - Boston
Sue Farkas - Japan
Deb Toal - The People and Geography of the US
Erica Ilyin - Ancient China
Bevin Hale - Ancient Egypt

Elementary Curriculum Coordinators
Jany Finkielsztein - Science
Karen Goulet - Literacy
Jen MacPherson - Mathematics

High School Coaching Appointments/Re-Appointments, Fall Season
Faculty Manager Don LaBorne Group IVA, Step 5
Football Physician Dr. Paul P. Weitzel Group IE
Football
Head Coach Bill Tracey Group IA, Step 5
Assistant Coach John Griffith Group IC, Step 5
Assistant Coach Andy Levin Group IC, Step 5
Assistant Coach Dan Rubin Group IC, Step 5
Assistant Coach Larry Corda Group IC, Step 5
Assistant Coach Angelo Macchiano Group IC, Step 3
Cross Country
Head Coach Lou Pearlman Group IIIA, Step 5
Assistant Coach Bob Bergeron Group IIIB, Step 4
Golf
Head Coach Jon Hamilton Group IVA, Step 5
Girls Swimming
Head Coach Beth Belanger Group IIA, Step 5
Assistant Coach Sarah Belanger Group IIB, Step 2
Assistant Coach Kelly Tonole Group IIB, Step 5 (50%)
Boys Soccer
Head Coach Mike Sabin Group IIA, Step 5
Part Time Assistant Coach Vacant
Assistant Coach Brian Meringer Group IIB, Step 5
Assistant Coach Kyle Philson Group IIB, Step 5
Girls Soccer
Head Coach Nancy Foot Group IIA, Step 5
Part Time Assistant Coach Leanne Drummond $40/diem to maximum $1,000
Assistant Coach Kristen Maloney Group IIB, Step 5
Assistant Coach Andrew Crowe Group IIB, Step 4
Field Hockey
Head Coach Christine Molonea Group IIA, Step 5
Part Time Assistant Coach Vacant
Assistant Coach Marianna Chiodo Group IIB, Step 5
Assistant Coach Mindy Kessler Group IIB, Step 5
Girls Volleyball
Head Coach Wayne Lem Group IIIA, Step 5
Assistant Coach Chris Gelinas Group IIIB, Step 5
Part Time Assistant Coach Vacant
Team Room Manager Chuck Bognanni $2,000 Stipend

Middle School Coaching Appointments/Re-Appointments, Fall Season
Cross Country Anne White Group IIIC, Step 5
Boys Soccer Jonathan Rabinowitz Group IIC, Step 5
Girls Soccer Jenn Lawlor Group IIC, Step 5
Maria Olohan Group IIC, Step 3
Field Hockey Megan Patterson Group IIC, Step 5
Nia Peltekis Group IIC, Step 3
Football Drew Kelton Group ID, Step 5
George Campbell Group ID, Step 5
Equipment Manager Kirk Fredericks $1,870 Stipend

CONSENT AGENDA
Upon motion made by Ms. Littlefield, seconded by Ms. Jablonski, it was unanimously VOTED:
Minutes
To approve
minutes of Regular School Committee meetings dated June 20 (corrected), July 13, and July 24, 2006
Acceptance of Gifts
To accept
Contribution ($3,954.40) to be applied toward tuition assistance for PAWS 2005-06, from Community Partnership Grant, Communities United, Inc., Newton
Contributions from the Wellesley Middle School PTO Dollar a Day Program:
• $9,050 for Summer Professional Development
• $12,000 for Auditorium Sound System
• $15,000 for I-Books
• $10,000 for Library Books

Salary Lane Change (effective 2006-07 school year)
Master’s
• Nora Curran
• Devon Ellis
Master’s Plus 30
• Sarah Byrnes
• Lisa Cannon
• Kara Gelormini
• Kathleen Harris
• Kate Menser
Master’s Plus 60
• Kathy Rielly

RECOGNITIONS
Elementary Teacher Erica Ilyin, Middle School Social Studies Teacher/Department Head Adam Blumer, and High School Mathematics Teacher Craig Brown, who spoke on Opening Day describing what makes Wellesley special as a place to teach. Middle School Fitness and Health Faculty Joyce Tolken, Donna Arcudi, Kirk Fredericks, Christina Gerst, Ken Johnson , Kari Sciera, and Ilene Sharpe, recipients of this year’s Out of the Box recognition for creativity in continued offering of the fitness and health curriculum last year without a gymnasium. Deane McGoldrick, Transportation Coordinator, for his careful and effective preparation of transportation in this new school year, and, together with Business Manager Ruth Quinn Berdell, for effective planning to manage traffic changes especially involving school buses in light of ongoing renovations at the middle school. Terry Connolly, Town of Wellesley Deputy Assistant Director, for assistance in assuring timely inspections allowing for an occupancy permit at the middle school on Friday, August 25, which facilitated teacher moves into their classrooms and their preparation for the opening day of school on August 30.

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
Dr. King visited all the schools on opening day. Across the board, it was a smooth start. While stopped in traffic as a school bus discharged passengers, he was moved by the evident joy and excitement as parents and children greeted each other. He remarked on the tremendous planning that undergirded the smooth transition between lunch periods at the middle school involving more than 1,000 students. In a financial update, Dr. King reported that the schools’ actual final FY06 budget deficit was significantly less than had been projected, reduced from $783,652 to $335,399. Funds returned to the town by the schools at the close of FY06 totaled $448,253, comprising $272,051 additional circuit breaker funds and savings from a renegotiated natural gas contract. Dr. King also reported that there has been an increase of $595,395 in Chapter 70 school aid for FY07.

SCHOOL COMMITTEE REPORT
A process is underway for developing a consolidated position for facilities management of school and all other town buildings. Recruitment of candidates has begun. As observed by Ms. Jablonski, the cameraderie among faculty at the opening day assembly on August 28, and their evident pleasure upon returning to work was a tribute to the leadership of the system, starting with the superintendent and building principals, which has developed a healthy culture in our schools. Student Congress will begin meeting in mid September. There will be a rotation of student congress representatives this year to school committee.

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

DISCUSSION ITEMS
Middle School Project Update After an intensive period of renovations during the summer, an occupancy permit was obtained on Friday, August 25, allowing the middle school to be open for the first day of school, August 30. Newly renovated operating areas include performing arts, kitchen, cafeteria, work elevator, technology center, and classrooms. Renovations in an occupied school building are complex. Since the project beginning in May 2005,
six incremental moves have occurred. Work is underway now in the rear wings of the building. The project timeline calls for completion by the fall of 2007.
High School Project Update The Statement of Interest has been prepared and was filed with the Massachusetts School Building Authority. All-day visioning meetings with programming consultant Frank Locker (DeJong, Inc.) occured June 20-21 and August 22-23. A Program Review Advisory Committee was appointed by the Town Moderator and has met twice. Wellesley representatives attended tours of six area high schools which have been recently renovated or newly built. Forums for public comment are scheduled August 22, September 6 and 9.
A full discussion of the project with school committee and Mr. Locker will occur September 19, after which the committee will develop a project timeline and plans for a future presentation to Town Meeting.
Elementary School Modulars Installation of 4 modular classrooms at Schofield and 3 at Fiske is proceeding well, with expectations that the classrooms will be in use by late October.

ACTION ITEMS
System Goals 2006-2007 School Committee reviewed a draft of system goals as it was developed in conjunction with principals and administrators at the summer planning retreat.

Upon motion made by Ms. Jablonski, seconded by Ms. Allen, it was unanimously

VOTED: To approve System Goals for 2006-07 as presented.
The motion CARRIED unanimously (5-0).

Superintendent Search The Committee reviewed a proposed RFP for the Superintendent Search.

Upon motion made by Ms. Littlefield, seconded by Ms. Jablonski, it was unanimously

VOTED: To accept the RFP for Superintendent Search as presented.
The motion CARRIED unanimously (5-0).

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

ADJOURNMENT
The public session was adjourned at 9:00 pm

Executive Secretary