September 25, 2007

Wellesley Public Schools
School Committee Meeting - Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Wellesley High School Library

The meeting was called to order by the Chairman at 7:32 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

Increase in Teaching Time
Beth Lyons, Preschool Physical Therapist, increase from 0.5FTE to 0.6FTE, effective 2007-08 school year
Leave of Absence
Laurie Haig, High School Mathematics Teacher, December 10, 2007 - February 29, 2008

Appointments
Laura Abely, 0.2FTE Special Educator, Step B-1, effective August 29, 2007

CONSENT AGENDA
Upon motion made by Ms. Littlefield, seconded by Ms. Allen, it was unanimously VOTED:
Minutes
To approve minutes of Executive Session minutes dated September 11, 2007
Gifts To accept
Contribution ($2,175) for equipment and supplies for use in High School library: 1 Smart Board, 1 Scansnap; books; and miscellaneous supplies, from Wellesley High School PTSO
Contribution ($6,590) for purchase and installation of 3 SmartBoards at Wellesley Middle School, from Wellesley Middle School PTO
Contribution ($1,721) for purchase and installation of 1 SmartBoard at Wellesley Middle School, from The Callaghan Family Trust
Contribution ($179.60) for purchase of library books at Hardy School, from Stephen and Susanna Mele
Contribution ($549) for purchase of Apple Cinema Display (20” flat panel) for WHS Performing Arts, from PTSO
Picnic tables for use with preschool children at PAWS from PAWS PTO
Contribution ($500) for technology at Wellesley Middle School, from The Callaghan Family Trust
Lighting for Middle School Auditorium from Anonymous
Mobile projection systems --installation, wiring and mounting -- at Upham School, from Upham PTO
Olds 025 Large Bore Tenor Trombone with F attachment ($150) for performing arts department, from Joan Minkler

Salary Lane Changes
Master’s
• Marie Foley, effective September 17, 2007
• Karen Walsh, effective August 30, 2007
Master’s Plus 30
• Rachel Blake, effective September 5, 2007
• Julie Dennis, effective September 14, 2007
• John Maxwell, effective September 5. 2007

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
A reception for new teachers at the home of the superintendent occurred on September 16. A second reception occurred on September 19, honoring 45 teachers who were awarded Professional Teacher Status for this new school year, together with several nurses, who became eligible for PTS due to a recent change in the law.

SCHOOL COMMITTEE’S REPORT
The Sprague Fields Task Force is meeting with consultants who responded to the RFP. The public is invited to join a scheduled listening session, a special opportunity for Sprague community residents, parents, and athletes to share their views. Identification of a funding source for the project is still pending. Student Congress Representative Kelsey Woerner reported that the students have been discussing possible modulars at the high school and scheduling issues. Overcrowding is especially noticed in study halls, in the hallways, and in the library.

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

ACTION ITEM
FY09 Budget Guidelines
Using the FY08 budget guidelines as a reference, the committee discussed possible modifications for the upcoming budget cycle. No budget guideline has yet been set for the schools this year by Advisory. The committee discussed the concrete implications of these guidelines on budget development, especially maintenance of class size guidelines. The committee left open the possibility of amending its vote, pending further clarification of an increase guideline recommendation from Advisory.

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

VOTED: To approve FY09 Budget Guidelines as recommended and amended.
The motion CARRIED unanimously (5-0).

DISCUSSION ITEM
Modulars for Wellesley High School: The committee received reports from SMMA architects regarding possible installation of temporary modular classrooms at the high school and an analysis of the high school schedule. Possible short term space conversions are also being considered to address overcrowding. The committee discussed utilization of the cafeteria; reconfiguration of block one in the schedule; alternate schedules; planning issues relative to acquisition of modulars; permitting concerns.

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

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

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

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

The public session was adjourned at 9:35 pm

Executive Secretary