Minutes

January 3, 2008

Wellesley Public Schools
School Committee Meeting – Thursday, January 3, 2008
Wellesley High School Library

The meeting was called to order by the Chairman at 7:30 pm.  Mr. Young, Ms. Allen, Mr. Guiffre, Ms. Littlefield, and Ms. Newman were present.  Also present was Ms. Wong. Ms. Gregory was absent. Representing the Student Congress was Kelsey Woerner.

CITIZEN SPEAK
Laura Hockett, Precinct C:  Ms. Hockett spoke to the issue of middle school class size with concern that since the base budget does not provide for incremental increase in teachers next year in grades six and seven, the majority of those classes will be over guideline next year, just as all sections exceed guideline this year. She asked the committee to include additional middle school staff in the base, sustaining, and/or advancing budget.

DISCUSSION ITEMS
Middle School Sub Committee Report
Mr. Guiffre reported for the sub committee.  When it discussed class size the sub committee learned that imbalanced scheduling complexities and space issues develop with the addition of a 17th grade six section. Mr. Blumer joined the discussion, reflecting on the capacity of teachers to absorb in the short term a “normal” class load of 24 students rather than the guideline of 22. The committee also discussed

  • middle school academic labs
  • activity fee and its impact on participation
  • options for purchasing supplies

There was preliminary discussion regarding what the committee might recommend in order to comply with a budget reduction request. It was noted that there are no middle school items in the sustaining or advancing budget.

High School Sub Committee Report
Ms. Littlefield reported for the sub committee. There will be large class cohorts in grades 9 and 12. The budget calls for increased teaching staff, apportioned among departments. The committee discussed the enrollment driven upward trend developing in the guidance counselor/student ratio. The discussion also covered

  • fees
  • follow up after the NEASC accreditation process concludes (March 2008)
  • academic labs – structure, staffing and rate of student usage
  • proposed new assistant principal position, with secretary
  • coach stipends
  • income from athletic events
  • advanced orchestra elective
  • virtual high school

In anticipation of further discussion of the budget at its next meeting prior to taking a vote, the members considered where it might be possible to propose reductions, given the financial constraints of the Town’s budget. The committee also requested additional information about the cost of the academic lab program, and anticipated revenues from incremental increases in parking fees.

ACTION ITEMS
Energy Savings Initiative
Ms. Allen described an initiative for achieving savings in energy costs through voluntary reductions in power usage when peak events occur in June through August. Based on known power consumption, three schools -- Sprague, middle school, and high school -- could participate in the program, pending a preliminary, no obligation feasibility assessment.

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

         VOTED:  To proceed with the exploratory feasibility phase of the energy savings initiative proposed to the Town through the Municipal Light Plant.

Asbestos Abatement, High School Project
The committee reviewed its position on asbestos abatement. During the recent projects at Sprague, Bates, and the middle school, abatement was not permitted while students were in the building. In anticipation of a high school project, the committee agreed to recommend a modified position on asbestos abatement to the Permanent Building Committee, which would allow students to remain in the building during abatement. The intent of the proposed modification is to minimize the potential detrimental impact on a student’s high school experience due to limitations that might otherwise be imposed on after school activities by an extensive and protracted building project. The committee plans to discuss the matter fully in a joint meeting with the PBC on January 10.

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

        VOTED:  To recommend to the Permanent Building Committee, in anticipation of a high school project, an amended position on asbestos abatement as discussed.

CITIZEN SPEAK
Sarah Pedersen, Precinct D: Ms. Pedersen advocated for the sustaining budget and requested that the committee budget for a new guidance counselor position at the high school, which she believes would receive support within the community.

EXECUTIVE SESSION
Upon motion made by Ms. Newman, seconded by Ms. Allen, it was unanimously

                  VOTED:  To go into Executive Session for purposes of collective bargaining, with intent to return to public session solely for the purpose of adjournment.

Ms. Allen, aye; Mr. Guiffre, aye; Mr. Littlefield, aye; Ms. Newman, aye; Mr. Young, aye.

The public session adjourned at 10:05 pm.

 

Executive Secretary