November 28, 2006

Wellesley Public Schools
School Committee Meeting - Tuesday, November 28, 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 John McDermott.

PERSONNEL ANNOUNCEMENTS
Leave of Absence
Kristin Canavan, Elementary Teacher, 1.0FTE leave of absence February 12 - June 30, 2007
Bevin Hale, Elementary Teacher, 1.0FTE leave of absence March 19 - May 14, 2007
Sarah Maxwell, Elementary Special Educator, 1.0FTE leave of absence Februray 26 - June 30, 2007

Appendix A Resignation
Ryan Monihan, Coach, Middle School Boys Ice Hockey, effective November 9, 2006

Appendix A Coaching Appointment Correction
Jenn Lawlor, Coach, Middle School Girls Basketball, Group II-C, Step 5

CONSENT AGENDA
Upon motion made by Ms. Littlefield, seconded by Ms. Jablonski, it was unanimously VOTED:
Minutes
To approve minutes of Regular School Committee meeting dated November 14, 2006
Acceptance of Gifts
FromWellesley High School PTSO: • Flash memory cards for new teachers ($658.40) • Contribution ($1,570) for use in high school art department • Software ($714) for use in high school music department• Contribution ($2,500) to cover Treo monthly fee for three administrators • Pocket constitutions ($693) for use in high school history department
From Hardy PTO: • Library Circulation Desk ($2,500) for installation in Hardy School Library
From Schofield PTO: • Contribution ($3,000) to purchase library books for Schofield School
From WMS Class of 2006: • Sound system for Wellesley Middle School cafeteria
From Middle School Parents: •Contribution ($597.95) to purchase library books for Wellesley Middle School
From Betty & James Lo, Wellesley: •Contribution ($100) for discretionary teacher use in Preschool I
From Ben Howe and Joe Roberts, Wellesley: • Basketball scoreboard ($5,585) for installation at Bates School

RECOGNITIONS
Janice Gross, Assistant to the Director of Curriculum & Instruction, who played a major role in organizing and managing registrations for Professional Day. The 76 morning workshops, designed and offered primarily by WPS faculty in the fitness and health, performing arts, visual and fine arts, and nursing departments, attracted registration for 3 events each from 424 teachers (1,272 workshop placements). Athletic Director John Brown, who joined athletes and parents at the state cross country meet in Northfield on November 18, was commended by School Committee member Suzy Littlefield for his commitment to support student athletes competing in a venue far from home on a Saturday.

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
Professional Day on Monday, November 27, was well received. Afternoon activities were building based. Dr. King presented to the Schofield faculty a workshop entitled “Difficult Conversations.”

SCHOOL COMMITTEE’S REPORT
The fall athletic season has closed, with notable achievements by student athletes in many sports. The first of several public forums about the high school project attracted an audience of 50 and resulted in lengthy dialogue. Several more forums are scheduled in the immediate future through mid December. The high school program review advisory committee, which met recently, offers the committee a precursor of how the high school project is likely to be perceived within the town. In a status report about the superintendent search, it was reported that advertisements have appeared in the local and education press; the brochure has been printed and distributed by direct mail and is posted on the Wellesley Public Schools website. Student Congress is continuing to have discussions about the new rules requiring students in the high school library “to do work or leave.” Students are meeting with administrators to define alternative places where students can gather and talk with one another during study periods. Students are developing plans for improving the education component of Seminar Day 2007.

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

ACTION ITEM
FY08 Capital Budget Noting that recently the school committee had approved an FY08 capital budget request that presumed there would be funding for elements of the proposed high school project within a project budget, Mr. Young announced that after further consideration the committee and school administrators have concluded that the capital budget process should make no assumptions about a high school project. Ms. Wong detailed the revised recommended FY08 budget requests, which include $30,000 for high school design funding and $90,000 to cover the costs of converting the auto shop into classroom space, this work being necessary in FY08. If Town Meeting approves a high school project, the design funding will be folded into the project.

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

VOTED: To approve a revised FY08 capital budget request as presented.
The motion CARRIED unanimously (5- 0)

DISCUSSION ITEM
High School Project School committee discussed next steps in the project development. The programming consultant is preparing a final, full report. School committee discussed the development of several position papers on issues relative to the project.

ADJOURNMENT
The public session was adjourned at 8:54 pm

Executive Secretary