December 12, 2006
Wellesley Public Schools
School Committee Meeting - Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Wellesley High School Library
The meeting was called to order by the Vice Chairman at 7:30 pm. Ms. Newman, Ms. Allen, Ms. Jablonski, and Ms. Littlefield were present. Also present were Dr. King and Ms. Wong. Representing the Student Congress was John McDermott. Mr. Young was absent.
PERSONNEL ANNOUNCEMENTS
Resignation
Emily Ganung Darby, Elementary Teacher on leave of absence, effective June 30, 2004
Susan Hoffman, 0.2FTE School Nurse, effective December 6, 2006
Appointment
Shari Johnson, 0.3FTE School Nurse, Master’s, Step 5, effective December 8, 2006
Reduction in Teaching Time
Susan Fine, Speech/Language Pathologist, from 0.7FTE to 0.5FTE, effective December 4, 2006
Elvira Fulchino, Preschool Occupational Therapist, from 0.9FTE to 0.7FTE, effective December 4, 2006
Leave of Absence
Kara C. Sullivan, Middle School Drama Teacher, 1.0FTE leave February 26 - April 23, 2007
Kimberly Willdridge, Elementary Special Educator, 1.0FTE leave April 23 - June 30, 2007
Appendix A Appointment
Jon Ricci, Assistant Coach, High School Wrestling, Group IIB, Step 4
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 28, 2006
Salary Lane Change
Kate (Clark) Mahoney - M+30, effective December 4, 2006
RECOGNITIONS
Middle School Principal John D’Auria and members of the middle school administrative team, together with Police Chief Terry Cunningham and Deputy Chief Bill Brooks for adroit response to the discovery of live ammunition at Wellesley Middle School last week and the subsequent investigation, which has resolved the matter.
SCHOOL COMMITTEE’S REPORT
The middle school renovations project will require the most complicated move of the phasing process during the upcoming break, but officials are confident that the thorough planning for this change will assure a smooth transition. More than 50 faculty will be affected by the move. The academic year calendar has been adjusted to accommodate an early dismissal for middle school students only on Friday, December 22, and a one-day delay for middle school students only in the return to school, Wednesday, January 3. School committee thanked the Schofield PTO for hosting an open house in the new modular classrooms, where the community’s joy in having designated classroom space for art, library, and music was evident. The schedule of high school building project public forums is continuing. The public is increasingly knowledgeable and aware of the project, thanks in large measure to significant outreach from the school committee about it. A five-member credentials review committee, which will work together with school committee, will meet this week with the superintendent search consultant for orientation regarding its task to screen all formal applications for the position received by the application due date of January 12, 2007. School committee held another workshop meeting on December 11 regarding the high school project and continues its work on developing position papers and answers to frequently asked questions about the project. In behalf of the Student Congress, John McDermott reported that the director of libraries met recently with Student Congress.
CITIZEN SPEAK
There were no citizens present who wished to speak.
DISCUSSION ITEMS
FY08 Budget: Dr. King reviewed the process through which the annual budget is developed. In the summer the school committee establishes goals for the year. School committee develops budget guidelines during the fall. The superintendent working with the administrative team develops a budget, beginning at the school level and moving to the administration level. Ultimately the superintendent determines what is to be included in the budget request. Comparisons with our benchmark communities reveal a striking difference between enrollment growth in Wellesley and elsewhere. The superintendent’s recommended FY08 budget calls for an increase of 5.98% over FY07. The suggested guideline from the Advisory Committee is 5.5%. New special education programs will offer some cost savings. The minimal increase of .13% in special education is due to the fact that several students are graduating and/or aging out of the program, and no new out of district placements are anticipated. Two new in house programs will meet the needs of some students who otherwise would be placed out of district. Two new vans will be purchased for special education transportation. Expense budgets have been level funded. Small recommended staffing increases are enrollment driven to accommodate the expected increase of 21 elementary students. The budget calls for reinstatement of core professional development, and improvements to fund technology and library support.
Program of Studies - Middle School and High School: Suggested changes to the middle school program for next year accommodate recommendations of the math curriculum review and language changes regarding the special education programs. The math curriculum review cut program at the middle school impacting IMP, but an arrangement has been developed to accommodate those students who wish to enter IMP in Year 2 in ninth grade. At the high school the overall proposed changes in the naming of the levels is deemed more descriptive of the work required of the students at the differing levels. Proposed new courses include AP Latin, Intermediate Algebra, Contemporary Global Problems, You and the Law. School Committee will take action on the recommended programs at its next meeting.
ACTION ITEMS
2007-08 Academic Year Calendar: School committee reviewed the proposed calendar for the 2007-08 academic year. School will begin after Labor Day. The calendar allows three additional release days at the high school to accommodate extra time required by the NEASC accreditation process.
Upon motion made by Ms. Jablonski, seconded by Ms. Allen, it was unanimously
VOTED: To approve the 2007-08 academic year calendar as recommended.
The motion CARRIED (5 - 0).
Warrant Article Placeholders: School committee agreed to table development of placeholder articles for the Annual Town Meeting warrant until its next meeting.
CITIZEN SPEAK
There were no citizens present who wished to speak.
ADJOURNMENT
The public session was adjourned at 8:37 pm
Executive Secretary
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