Staff Senate Minutes

Staff Senate Minutes November 14, 2014

1. Approval of October minutes – approved with corrections

2. Committee Reports

A. Governance – Simon Desantis reported that a letter of support for Dr. Gordon being appointed as a long-term principal for the school was presented by Mark Bissonnette, as parent senate president. Dr. Gordon left the room during that time. The committee discussed the next steps of principal selection, and will be attending training next week to fit the governance structure guidelines. The principal position has not been posted, and that will be figured out after November 20th. Enrollment numbers were discussed. The school has lost students since October 28th, and, therefore, we remain on a strict budget. Concerns about the proper support documentation for IEP students were brought up, as well as funding issues. In order to meet requirements, the school may need to raise the number of Special Education teachers.

B. CIA – Kim Webster reported that the committee discussed the retake policy. Conditions like the addition of time limits for retakes, or requiring a form to be completed were also discussed. There was discussion of allowing fewer retake opportunities at higher levels for juniors and seniors to prepare for college. Staff asked for clarification on whether junior or senior restrictions would apply to the course or students, for off-team situations.

C. Student Life – Nida Kazmi reported that the committee discussed fundraisers, and allowing one major annual fundraiser. There is a fundraising subcommittee meeting on November 24th, please let Nida know if interested in attending. Parents and community members are also encouraged to get involved. Please also forward ideas to Nida as head of the subcommittee. Revision of the cell phone policy was also discussed at the meeting.

D. Health and Safety – Liza McMahon informed staff if they notice a threat in building, and call 911, try to let administration and security know also. Nebulizer in the nurse’s office is currently broken, which leads to concerns for asthma with the cold/flu season, and can lead to hospitalization if not treated.

E. Union - Pat Bracken reported that an email was sent to staff from Scott Nicol regarding additional training on the SLO process, and no additional information from superintendent’s office. There is a Board of Education meeting on Tuesday about SLOs, Pat asks staff to attend so we have representation. Staff have voiced concerns about the fairness of evaluations. If you have concerns, be sure to put them in writing on Teachscape, and also tell Pat or Dan. First Union School Committee meeting will be next Thursday, with open attendance, at 2:50 in Pat's room. If you cannot attend, email Pat, Dan Duesing, or [email protected] email for concerns to discuss at the meeting.

November 25th will be the next night of committee meetings

3. No New Proposals or Readings 4. Other Business

A. Play performances next week on Friday and Saturday, please attend.

B. Concerns regarding the retake policy. Lack of deadlines are frustrating to parents, and we need to be careful about making changes for junior or senior year and creating a graduated system. As a staff we need to have a conversation and stop building a culture of negatives around this issue.

C. Advisors asked for feedback if you used the distributed chart for conferences. Please email Cindi Avezzie or Gary Lotreck.

D. Frustration voiced about the lack of ability to create the citizenship report card for advisor conferences. A help desk ticket has been created already, but the problem has been given lowest priority to be fixed. Schoology could set up to create report cards.

F. RSCO fair tomorrow 9-12 at Prince Tech, please come volunteer.

G. New district policy requires compliance with physicals and immunizations, students can be kept from attending school if out of compliance. Staff can pass those issues on to Liza McMahon.

H. Homecoming volunteers needed for tonight.

I. Juniors will be missing class for coached project Monday and Tuesday next week.