February 5, 2008
Wellesley Public Schools
School Committee Meeting – Tuesday, February 5, 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 were Ms. Wong and Ms. Gregory. Representing the Student Congress was Kelsey Woerner.
PERSONNEL ANNOUNCEMENTS
Reduction in Teaching Time
Jane Lord, High School Family/Consumer Science Teacher, from 1.0 to 0.9FTE, effective 2008-09 school year
Leave of Absence
Kate Blaser Dienel, 0.7FTE Elementary Occupational Therapist, 0.2FTE leave for the 2008-09 school year
Marjorie Ford, 0.6FTE Middle School English Teacher, 0.6FTE leave, 2008-09 school year
Sylvia Kaczmarek, High School Science Teacher, 1.0FTE leave April 28 – June 30, 2008
CONSENT AGENDA
Upon motion made by Ms. Littlefield, seconded by Ms. Allen, it was unanimously VOTED to accept:
Gifts
Contribution ($1,000) for High School English student field trip (play, “Angels in America”) from WHS PTSO
Salary Lane Change
Taryn Drake – Master’s, effective January 25, 2008
Gillian Heckman – Master’s, effective January 29, 2008
Nancy Eich – Master’s Plus 60, effective January 30, 2008
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT A panel presentation at the high school this evening has drawn large attendance. This is the first in a series that is being developed by Andrew Keough about climate and culture in the high school. Work is continuing with principals and administrators to create the two budgets requested by Advisory, one which reduces the school department’s $55 Million request by $3 Million; the other reducing the budget request by $1.4 Million. Decisions are guided by the goals of protecting •class size, •breadth of program, and •organizational supports that sustain quality of service and growth.
SCHOOL COMMITTEE REPORT The high school project parking sub group, which will soon conclude its work, is considering making recommendations that may impact traditions for major special events at the high school such as back to school night. The committee report also included updates on the work of the School Building Committee, which is preparing for its meeting with Massachusetts School Building Authority on February 28; and the continuing process throughout town to refine budgets to bring to Annual Town Meeting.
CITIZEN SPEAK
SUSAN RYAN, Precinct E: Ms. Ryan urged the committee to hold the line on budget cuts and maintain core academic programs and class size; to seek alternative revenue, including fee increases and private funding; and to look everywhere before cutting and increasing class size.
ACTION ITEMS
FY09 Capital Budget Advisory has asked town boards to develop FY09 capital budgets that do not exceed FY08 funding. Ms. Wong presented recommended reductions to achieve the lower number, largely through deferred purchase of replacement furniture. requiring elimination of line items totaling $359,154.
Upon motion made by Ms. Littlefield, seconded by Ms. Newman, it was
VOTED: To reduce the School Committee’s approved FY09 capital budget in the amount of $359,154 as recommended.
(4 – 1)
Mr. Guiffre voted NO.
DISCUSSION ITEM
FY09 Budget In preliminary discussion, pending recommendations that will be presented by the superintendent on February 12, the committee considered the impact of possible cuts in the FY09 Operating Budget.
CITIZEN SPEAK
There were no citizens present who wished to speak.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Upon motion made by Ms. Littlefield, seconded by Mr. Guiffre, it was unanimously
VOTED: To go into Executive Session for purposes of collective bargaining and personnel matters, 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 9:00 pm.
Executive Secretary
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