SC Meeting Minutes December 7, 2015 Page 15

MINUTES MEETING OF THE BRAINTREE SCHOOL COMMITTEE

Monday, December 7, 2015 7:00 P.M. Ross Elementary School 20 Hayward Street

School Committee Present: Cyril Chafe/Thomas Devin/Lisa Fiske Heger/George Kokoros/Kate Naughton/David Ringius/Mayor Joseph Sullivan

Administration: Superintendent of Schools – Dr. Frank Hackett Assistant Superintendent of Schools – Ms. Jennifer Fay-Beers Business Manager – Mr. Ed Cronin

Student Representatives: Edmond Bousaleh, Brian McDermott, Erin McGinn, Sarah Murphy

Recorder: Diane Intravaia

I. CALL TO ORDER Mr. Ringius called the meeting to order at 7:08 p.m. He welcomed District 5 Town Councilor Michael Owens and District 3 Town Councilor and President of the Town Council Thomas Bowes, for being present at the School Committee meeting this evening.

II. ROUTINE MATTERS A. Approval of Minutes VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: Upon a motion by Mr. Kokoros and seconded by Mr. Devin to approve the minutes for the Open Session of November 16, 2015. ROLL CALL: AYES – 7 Mr. Chafe/Mr. Devin/Ms. Fiske Heger/Mr. Kokoros/Ms. Naughton/Mr. Ringius/ Mayor Sullivan

B. Communications i. Betsey Clifford, BPS Director of Science: 2015 MAST State Educator of the Year Award ii. BHS Fall Athletic Accomplishments iii. School Newsletters, December 2015 iv. SEPAC Meeting Minutes, October 22, 2015 v. Braintree High School: 9th Annual Make A Difference Day & BHS Concert Choir: Pearl Harbor Day Program SC Meeting Minutes December 7, 2015 Page 2.

III. PRESENTATIONS A. Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents’ Award for Academic Excellence: 2015 Recipients Jasmine Lau and Namita Arunkumar

Ms. Jasmine Lau’s success has been especially evident in the fields of Science and Math. She has taken the toughest courses that BHS has to offer. She has connected with athletics through the Cross Country and Tennis Teams. In addition she has been involved with academic clubs such as BHS News, Environmental Science Club, NHS, SNHS, and the Woman of Science and Technology Program. Ms. Lau volunteers with Interfaith Social Services and the Suit Cabot Lab at the Museum of Science. In addition, she was the recipient of the Harvard Book Award and received the Sylvanias Thayer Award for outstanding leadership. Ms. Lau plans to attend the University of Chicago and study Computer Science.

Ms. Namita Arunkumar is currently ranked number 2 in her class of 389. When Ms. Arunkumar graduates this June, she will have successfully completed a total of 10 AP classes. She has not received a grade lower than an A-. She earned a 5 on her AP Calculus BC exam. Ms. Arunkumar has taken karate for the past 12 years as well as becoming an assistant instructor. She holds various positions of leadership and membership on several clubs at BHS. In addition, she has completed an internship with Beth Israel Deaconess and countless hours of tutoring with National Honor Society. Ms. Aurnkumar plans to attend Yale University and study Bio Medical Engineering.

B. Restraint Policy Changes as Mandated by the State Department of Elementary & Secondary Education (Approval Request), Jeffrey Rubin, Director of Special Services.

Dr. Hackett stated the Department of Elementary & Secondary Education (DESE) has changed the regulations around the Physical Restraint Policy and Procedures. He indicated there have been many iterations of the changes over the past few months, however the policy and procedures must be in place and approved by January 1, 2016. Dr. Hackett indicated the policy and procedures are complicated and there are several legal issues which surround the use of physical restraint. He wanted to be clear in stating the reference to physical restraint, is that of restraining students that are in danger of hurting themselves or others and it is a measure of absolute last resort. He also recognized it is not ideal to be presenting a policy change on the same evening he is seeking approval, but it was unavoidable because of the DESE timeline.

Mr. Rubin came forward to present a brief overview of the policy and procedures. He indicated the Physical Restraint Policy and Procedures that Braintree put together in 2002 were quite inclusive, therefore, there are not too many changes within the revision being presented this evening. One of the main areas of change is around the reporting requirements. In the past, reporting was only required if a child was restrained for more than 20 minutes in length at a time. Now there is a new online data collection process and anytime a child is restrained for any length of time it must be input online which in turn gets uploaded to a districtwide data collection SC Meeting Minutes December 7, 2015 Page 3.

spreadsheet. The spreadsheet will get submitted to the DESE at the end of every year. Mr. Rubin indicated reporting (in reference to the Physical Restraint Policy and Procedures) will continue to take place (to the State) on an ongoing basis if a child is injured, which would also include notification to the parents/guardian. Another change in the policy and procedures is that “prone” or a “medical” restraints are no longer allowed. Mr. Rubin reminded the audience this policy and procedure is written to apply to the entire state, which includes many facilities which unfortunately need to restrain on a somewhat regular basis. He stated in Braintree there are only periodic situations in which students need to be restrained.

Mr. Rubin stated anyone who restrains a child needs to be trained and certified. There are approximately 200 individuals in BPS that are trained and certified through the Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) Program. The CPI Training is approximately 16 hours long and each individual has to be retrained every other year. The district has begun retraining every year in certain circumstances. A great deal of the content of the CPI Training is how to deescalate a situation with a child and avoid restraint whenever possible. There is also in-depth training on how to properly restrain a child safely if it was necessary.

Mr. Devin asked if there is any statistical data available recording how many restraint incidences have taken place in a given year in Braintree. Mr. Rubin stated, statistical data has not been kept at the district level but each school within the district has logged each incident.

Mayor Sullivan referenced the handout titled Braintree Public Schools Physical Restraint Policy and Procedures, Page 5, #9 which reads: “For extended restraints (restraints lasting more than twenty minutes), description of the alternatives to extended restraint that were attempted, the outcome of those efforts and the justification for administering the extended restraints.” He asked Mr. Rubin to define who makes the determinations in these incidences. Mayor Sullivan wants to be sure the teachers, students, paraprofessionals and basically the entire Braintree School System is protected legally when these incidences arise with regards to who defines the justification to administer a restraint. Mr. Rubin indicated the justification to administer a restraint rests with the individual(s) who are faced with the need to restrain a child. Dr. Hackett responded in stating, no one can restrain a child unless they have been trained and certified within the Braintree Public Schools (BPS). Part of the training program is around helping professionals understand and assess the situation they are in and when restraint is appropriate. Dr. Hackett stated with regard to liability, these are state regulations from the DESE. Dr. Hackett indicated the School Committee’s responsibility is to approve the regulations so that we as a school system are protected and the professionals who have been trained and certified have the support of the school system based on the regulations that have been approved by the DESE. Dr. Hackett apologized for being in the situation in which the School Committee is approving the regulations on the same evening in which they are first seeing them. He stated it is mandated by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts that these regulations are approved. In response to a question from Mayor Sullivan, Mr. Rubin stated Braintree has never been sued in using restraint since he has been in Braintree. SC Meeting Minutes December 7, 2015 Page 4.

Mayor Sullivan noted part of the policy the School Committee is being asked to approve tonight includes that of a Grievance Procedure: Complaints of Discrimination section. Mr. Rubin replied in stating that section has always been part of the policy it simply notes “Revised 12/2015” due to the new Assistant Superintendents phone number being updated. The Grievance Procedure: Complaints of Discrimination section is often included in many policies as an effort to allow individuals to file an appeal if so desired.

Mr. Rubin confirmed for Mr. Chafe that Ms. Pamela Ten Eyck is a Board Certified Behavioral Analysis and a Certified Trainor within BPS who trains and certifies the BPS staff on the Physical Restraint Policy and Procedures.

Mr. Kokoros stated given the amount of questions the School Committee has and that it appears there are still more questions to come what are the consequences to not approving the policy tonight. Dr. Hackett stated that DESE is requiring School Committees across the Commonwealth to adopt this policy and its regulations as of January 1st, 2016. If it is not adopted and approved the school system would be out of compliance as of January 1st. Dr. Hackett stated without the adoption and approval of this policy Mayor Sullivan’s concerns with regards to legal protection could become real concerns and he would suggest the committee seek legal counsel on the matter if that was going to be the case. Dr. Hackett feels this is an important matter to be voted and approved prior to January 1st. He stated if necessary maybe an additional School Committee Meeting could be scheduled by the end of the year and he could request an individual from the DESE to come speak to some of the committee members concerns. Mr. Kokoros expressed concerns regarding the lack of statistical data prior to making a decision on the vote. Dr. Hackett questioned what the statistical data would offer when making a decision around adopting a policy that is required by the state.

Mr. Ringius requested clarification as to whether the policy would apply to restraints of general education students, such as if a staff member was breaking up an altercation between students. Mr. Rubin has spoken of it in a way it applies to Special Education perspective. Mr. Rubin stated that type of situation is covered within the policy on page 1, 2nd paragraph noted as “None of the foregoing paragraph or the policy/procedures which follow precludes any teacher, employee or agent of the Braintree Public Schools from using reasonable force to protect students, other persons or themselves from assault or imminent serious harm.”

Mr. Ringius stated, Dr. Hackett makes a strong valid point, like it or not the DESE is saying we have to adopt this policy by January 1st 2016 and unfortunately like many of the other issues we have dealt with the DESE on, there appears to continue to be a disconnect between the state and local level. Despite that issue, Mr. Ringius does not want to see BPS in a situation in which we are putting a staff member or the district itself in a legal quandary. Mr. Ringius suggested, in the essence of staying in compliance with DESE the committee should vote on this subject matter tonight and perhaps at a future School Committee Meetings Mr. Rubin could provide additional information on how the policy works. SC Meeting Minutes December 7, 2015 Page 5.

VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: Upon a motion by Mr. Chafe and seconded by Ms. Fiske Heger to approve the Braintree Public Schools Physical Restraint and Policy and Procedures updated as of December 2015. ROLL CALL: AYES –7 Mr. Chafe/Mr. Devin/Ms. Fiske Heger/Mr. Kokoros/Ms. Naughton/Mr. Ringius/Mayor Sullivan

C. Ross Elementary School: 2015-2016 School Improvement Plan, Principal Donna Bonarrigo

Ms. Bonarrigo began by thanking Dr. Hackett and the BPS School Committee in addition to expressing what a pleasure it is for Ross Elementary to host the School Committee Meeting. She also thanked Ross Elementary PTO President Angie DiMarzio for her work in hosting refreshments this evening as well as Ross staff members Heidi Olson, Susan McCarthy, Michael Keaney, and Katie Malcomson in addition to Councilor at Large, Ms. Shannon Hume for being present at the meeting.

Ms. Malcomson a 2nd grade teacher at Ross came forward with four 2nd graders and presented an example of what they have been working on as part of their Social Studies curriculum. Ms. Malcomson’s 2nd grade class is studying famous Americans who have contributed to our society in different ways through interpretations of their Biographies. As part of the effort in helping the students understand how these individuals fit into American history they created a timeline while utilizing the tablets that are available to them in their classroom. The students were able to input the data and subsequently create the timeline that was then printed out and hung up in class for the students to see and reference. Ms. Malcomson noted the websites she used with the students had been recommended at an early Professional Development Day course she attended. Ms. Bonarrigo thanked the students for their presentation.

Ms. Bonarrigo moved onto the 2015-2016 Ross School Improvement Goals.  Improve Student Performance in English Language Arts, Mathematics, and Science and Technology as evidenced by proficient PARCC (ELA and Math) and MCAS (Science) scores.  Plan and implement a research project at grades 2 through 5 that requires students to use both print and digital resources for research.  Plan and implement Differentiated Instruction with a focus on using wireless technology.  Support Monatiquot School Kindergarten Center and provide a safe and beneficial kindergarten experience for our home school students.  Differentiate instruction to address advanced learners’ needs.  Pilot Collaborative Team Teaching (CTT) as an instructional model for co- teaching by classroom, Title I, special education, ELL, Remedial Reading, and Math Specialist teachers.

Throughout her presentation, she provided details on how each of the goals would be achieved during the school year.

Ms. Bonarrigo provided a brief description of the demographics at Ross and highlighted that the school is quite diverse. The diversity is a strength and a valuable SC Meeting Minutes December 7, 2015 Page 6.

learning opportunity because students are exposed to the wider world and they get to know firsthand other cultures. In addition, Ms. Bonarrigo explained the Selected Populations Data provided by the Department of Education in reference to Ross School. She reviewed the following areas; First Language not English, English Language Learner, Students with Disabilities, High Needs, and Economically Disadvantaged with relation to the percentage within Ross School, the district and with the State.

The PARCC and MCAS Data – Student Performance and Growth data reflect extremely strong growth.

Overall Summary CPI Student Growth Percentile English/Language Arts 94.3 70 80% Level 4 or 5 Mathematics 90.2 65 65% Level 4 or 5 Science & Technology 89.7 72% Advanced or Proficient

Lastly, she reviewed a slide which contained a DART ANALYSIS in which Ross School’s percentile (overall performance relative to other schools in same school type) is 85.

Ms. Bonarrigo is very proud of how the students at Ross perform in addition to the enormous amount of support the school receives from the Ross families. There is a very strong collaborative relationship between the staff, families and students and that is a strong contributor to the success of the students.

Mayor Sullivan expressed how proud he is of Ms. Bonarrigo’s work at Ross School. He stated he feels a great sense of cooperation and sense of togetherness at Ross. It is the only walking school in Braintree and when he was in attendance a few weeks back at a presentation at Ross for the Safe Walking Routes to School Program he felt the sense of togetherness was present and he could see how the environment allows for great learning to take place among the students. Mr. Ringius agreed with Mayor Sullivan’s compliments.

D. Opiate and Drug Deterrence, Town Councilor Dan Clifford Town Councilor of District 6 Dan Clifford came forward to speak on substance abuse and in particular the use of Opiates. Councilor Clifford would like to recognize some of the individuals who are present at tonight’s meeting in support of the topic that is going to be discussed. First recognition is Braintree Police Chief Russell Jenkins, Council President Thomas Bowes, Councilor Michael Owens, Councilor Shannon Hume, Probation Court Officer Julie Jacobs and benefactor and supporter Peter Thompson. Dean of Students at Whitman Hanson Regional High School Chis Googins planned on attending the meeting but was called away at the last moment. Mr. Googins invited Mr. Ringius and Councilor Clifford to participate in a related process at Whitman Hanson in May of 2015.

Councilor Clifford stated Substance Abuse which includes Opiates is getting worse. Hardly a day goes by that we don’t hear of a youthful individual who has died of drug abuse. Councilor Clifford stated the abuse is pervasive across the country, Norfolk County and in Braintree. Norfolk County and the South Shore are among the worst affected as outlined by District Attorney Michael Morrissey and State SC Meeting Minutes December 7, 2015 Page 7.

Senator John Keenan. It is an epidemic and it crosses all demographics. There are several groups in Braintree that have been doing work towards education the community; the Drug Partnership group, Braintree Youth Center, Braintree Alliance for Safe and Healthy Youth (BASHY), and Heather and Peter Thompson, Ryan M. Thompson tournament. Councilor Clifford stated our school officials can play a center role in education and the prevention of Substance Abuse.

Councilor Clifford’s is looking for the School Committee to adopt what more than a hundred other school districts in Eastern Massachusetts have already adopted and that is the Safety and Security Substance Search within Schools using canines. He stated it is a deterrent to tell our kids we love them but to let them know we do not want drugs in school. Councilor Clifford after having the privilege of witnessing a search at Whitman Hanson High School he is clear to say the search was non- disruptive and finished within 1 hour. There were several police communities present and the dogs were never around the students nor did they ever bark. Council Clifford felt it was a nonintrusive process. There are many ways in which these searches can be conducted

Council Clifford then spoke of the second piece of the proposal which is being moved up on the agenda from Section VI School Committee - Consideration of Subcommittee to Review Opiate & Drug Deterrence Policies, Procedures and Curriculum. He is proposing along with Chairman Dave Ringius to create a subcommittee to reshape the school’s Health and Wellness Curriculum, in conjunction with the D.O.E. Health Education Framework by integrating readily available, free, age appropriate modular video, of substance and drug education. Essentially needing to review, revise and make recommendations within the school’s framework to establish additional drug education. It is recommended that established progress milestone reviews with a commitment to implement new revised substance and drug prevention education by January 2017 are created.

In summary, Councilor Clifford would like to see Braintree in a leadership position when it comes to educational reform relative to the drug situation our society is facing today.

Ms. Jacobs a probation officer at the criminal court in Boston came forward to speak. She feels the proposals put forth are an opportunity to protect a number of children who otherwise would not be protected with the lack of education regarding drug abuse and specifically the Opiate epidemic in our community.

Councilor Clifford clarified these proposals are meant to be a deterrent and intervention not punitive towards students.

Mr. Ringius spoke to the topic of creating a subcommittee to review Opiate and drug deterrence policies, procedures and curriculum. He stated we all realize the reality we are facing that Opiates abuse is not going away. In Massachusetts, Opiates related deaths rose from 338 in the year 2000 to 978 in the year 2013. There were 2,008 hospitals stays related to Opiates and 4,570 Emergency room visits in 2013. In 2014 in Norfolk County there were 116 overdose deaths. There have been 823 deaths since the year 2000. Mr. Ringius feels the Braintree Public Schools have done a lot of good work towards educating the youth and the community. He is SC Meeting Minutes December 7, 2015 Page 8.

proposing the creation of a subcommittee on Opiates and substance abuse education. Specifically, he would like to see a subcommittee made up of varied cross of individuals representing school administration, athletics, public safety, town government and students. Mr. Ringius would like to see the group have two main criteria in which they look at, one criteria being identification and the second criteria developing an action plan. Identification would be to identify the current Opioid substance abuse education which currently exists in the curriculum today in BPS (all 3 levels), identify the current programs engaged in by the BHS athletes in addition to identifying outside resources and programs currently in use by BPS. As far as an action plan, the group on a set time line would come up with a comprehensive report of the current state of the Opioid and substance abuse education in the BPS. In addition develop a nonbinding plan on recommendations as the possibility of increasing Opioid and substance abuse education, for the use of those outside resources for additional education while also exploring other partnerships within town bodies and other agencies. Mr. Ringius feels the overall objectives of the subcommittee are to identify the existing education within BPS and to identify areas of improvement.

Mr. Kokoros agrees and feels we really need a comprehensive approach. He feels Mr. Ringius suggestion of a subcommittee is a good one and a good way to ensure the work is done across many disciplines. On the issue of the canine search, Mr. Kokoros asked Chief Jenkins to explain what a search would feel like and look like. Chief Jenkins explained there are many ways to conduct a canine search. One way would be to bring a group of police officers from the surrounding communities with their canines into the entire school. The search would take approximately an hour to accomplish. It would be done once a year or possibly twice a year. Another model, in which Chief Jenkins would recommend, is to have one officer (Braintree officer with canine) come in on a random basis multiple times during the school year and conduct a search on a small piece of the school. The search could take approximately 10-15 minutes. This particular method would be less disruptive and keep the students off balance. Chief Jenkins reiterated the searches can be done many different ways. It would have to be a discussion with Chief Jenkins, Mr. Lee, the Superintendent and the School Committee to determine the best method.

Mr. Kokoros asked under what circumstance would Chief Jenkins be able to conduct a search without the School Committee authorization. Chief Jenkins indicated he would only go into the schools if authorized by the Superintendent.

Mr. Devin likes the search method in which one officer and canine goes into the school and searches a smaller area in less time opposed to a larger one time a year which could take upwards to an hour long. If drugs were found in a locker the headmaster would be consulted prior to an arrest. Chief Jenkins stated although they would have the probable cause and the right to arrest the individual they would not just move to make the arrest; there would be a discussion with the Headmaster and the School Safety Officer first. Mr. Devin is a strong proponent of educating the students and the community with regards to drug abuse.

Mr. Chafe confirmed with Chief Jenkins marijuana is an offense, but based on quantity. It is a noncriminal violation to possess and ounce or less of marijuana, all that can be issued is a civil violation. Mr. Chafe asked whether the canines can SC Meeting Minutes December 7, 2015 Page 9.

differentiate between different types of drugs (ie. ADHD medication, anxiety medicine) or are they going to detect anything they smell. Chief Jenkins knows the canines are trained to identify a list of narcotics, he does not know exactly (at the moment) which specific narcotics are on the list.

Ms. Naughton asked who would be privy to the dates and times of the searches. Chief Jenkins stated the officer with the canine and the headmaster would be aware, the fewer individuals who know the more effect the search is.

Ms. Fiske Heger prefers the search method Chief Jenkins recommends, the search were one officer and canine conduct the search, shorter search time and one section of the school is searched versus, multiple officers, approximately 1 hour search time and the entire school is searched. She confirmed a ‘Stay in Place’ is announced during the search. She also confirmed although the officer and the canine identify the hit on the locker it is a school administrator that actually conducts the search of the locker. Ms. Fiske Heger supports the proposals but she wants to be sure the atmosphere of the school is not affected negatively and she prefers the searches be as least invasive as possible.

Mayor Sullivan is supportive of the proposals. He feels the searches can be handled professionally and enhance the awareness among individuals. As the School Committee takes this step hopefully the community realizes the problem we are facing is not only one we recognize and take seriously but one we are going to continue to combat. In addition, he is supportive of the subcommittee. Mayor Sullivan stated given all the pieces of this problem it still centers on community involvement, it is not effective to have the schools doing one thing, the police department another, and Town Hall another, etc., it all has to be done under one umbrella. Mayor Sullivan emphasized the need for parents to have discussions regarding the dangers of drug abuse at home.

Ms. Murphy is in agreement of the proposals. She feels there are definitely good kids who make bad decisions and this could be the necessary wakeup call they need. She likes the proposal being a teaching opportunity and not punitive.

Mr. McDermott inquired as to whether the students would be made aware of when (at what point in the year) the searches would take place. Chief Jenkins indicated we would lose our deterrent effect on the students if they are aware of the searches in advanced. But it would be counterproductive if at some points the students didn’t know the search took place. It is not intended to be secretive once it is underway. Councilor Clifford stated the Student Handbook would need to be updated to ensure the students and parents are aware the canine searches will be conducted throughout the school year. VOTED: Upon a motion by Mr. Kokoros and seconded by Ms. Fiske Heger to authorize School Safety Security Substance Searches under the direction of the Police Chief and the Superintendent of Schools at Braintree High School. ROLL CALL: AYES –6 Mr. Devin/ Ms. Fiske Heger/Mr. Kokoros/Ms. Naughton/Mr. Ringius/Mayor Sullivan SC Meeting Minutes December 7, 2015 Page 10.

NAYS – 1 Mr. Chafe

VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: Upon a motion by Mayor Sullivan and seconded by Mr. Devin to approve the creation of a Subcommittee to Review Opiate and Drug Deterrence Policies, Procedures and Curriculum as read into the notes previously by the Chairman. This Subcommittee would be assembled and begin their work in December of 2015 with a report to the Braintree School Committee at the currently scheduled May 23, 2016 meeting. The makeup of this Subcommittee will be determined by the School Committee in consultation with the Superintendent of Schools. ROLL CALL: AYES –7 Mr. Chafe/ Mr. Devin/ Ms. Fiske Heger/Mr. Kokoros/Ms. Naughton/Mr. Ringius/Mayor Sullivan

IV. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS A. Superintendent i. Consideration of Trip Approvals a. South Middle School Concert Choir: Providence Bruins, Friday, December 11, 2015 Mr. Matthew Sawtelle is seeking approval on behalf of the South Middle School’s Concert Choir to attend a Providence Bruins Game on Friday, December 11th. The students will be participating in the pre-game singing of God Bless America on the ice, then staying to watch the game. A bus will depart South Middle School at 4:00 p.m. The bus is expected to arrive home at approximately 10:00 p.m. A minimum of five teachers/parents will attend as chaperones. Students will cover the costs of the bus. Friends and family that would like to attend will need to arrange their own transportation. VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: Upon a motion by Mr. Kokoros and seconded by Mr. Devin to approve South Middle School’s Concert Choir to attend the Providence Game on December 11th at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center in Providence, RI. ROLL CALL: AYES –7 Mr. Chafe/Mr. Devin/ Ms. Fiske Heger/Mr. Kokoros/Ms. Naughton/Mr. Ringius/Mayor Sullivan

b. BHS Students Ski Trip: North Conway, NH, January 29, 2016 Ms. Mary Ford Clark is seeking approval on behalf of the student body at Braintree High School (BHS) to offer a one night ski trip to all members of the BHS student body. The bus will leave at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, January 29th and will return by 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, January 30th. The group will stay at the North Conway Grand Hotel in North Conway, NH and ski at Attitash Mountain on Saturday. The price of the trip is $130 for transportation, lodging, pizza and skiing. There will be chaperones by BHS faculty and staff at a minimum rate of one chaperone per ten students. VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: Upon a motion by Ms. Naughton and seconded by Mr. Devin to approve a BHS one night ski trip stay at the SC Meeting Minutes December 7, 2015 Page 11.

North Conway Grand Hotel in North Conway, NH on January 29th to then ski at Attatish Mountain January 30th. ROLL CALL: AYES –7 Mr. Chafe/Mr. Devin/ Ms. Fiske Heger/Mr. Kokoros/Ms. Naughton/Mr. Ringius/Mayor Sullivan ii. Consideration of Approval of Gifts to Schools Hollis Elementary School donations VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: Upon a motion by Mr. Devin and seconded by Mr. Kokoros to accept as a gift to schools a check in the amount of $1,845.72 to be used to purchase a short throw projector for a 1st grade classroom. ROLL CALL: AYES –7 Mr. Chafe/Mr. Devin/Ms. Fiske Heger/Mr. Kokoros/Ms. Naughton/Mr. Ringius/Mayor Sullivan

VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: Upon a motion by Mr. Devin and seconded by Mr. Kokoros to accept as a gift to schools a check in the amount of $567.53 from the Braintree Rotary to be used to purchase an ELMO for a 1st grade classroom. ROLL CALL: AYES –7 Mr. Chafe/Mr. Devin/Ms. Fiske Heger/Mr. Kokoros/Ms. Naughton/Mr. Ringius/Mayor Sullivan

Monatiquot School ‘Kindergarten’ School donations VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: Upon a motion by Ms. Naughton and seconded by Mr. Devin to accept as a gift to schools a check in the amount of $2,015 from the MSKG Gear & Apparel Fundraiser. ROLL CALL: AYES –7 Mr. Chafe/Mr. Devin/Ms. Fiske Heger/Mr. Kokoros/Ms. Naughton/Mr. Ringius/Mayor Sullivan

VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: Upon a motion by Mr. Devin and seconded by Ms. Naughton to accept as a gift to schools a check in the amount of $810 from the sale of raffle tickets at the parent-teacher conference raffle. ROLL CALL: AYES –7 Mr. Chafe/Mr. Devin/Ms. Fiske Heger/Mr. Kokoros/Ms. Naughton/Mr. Ringius/Mayor Sullivan

South Middle School donations VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: Upon a motion by Ms. Naughton and seconded by Ms. Fiske Heger to accept as a gift to schools a check in the amount of $16,052 from the “October Festival of Motion” fundraiser to be used to support the mission and vision of South Middle School. ROLL CALL: AYES –7 Mr. Chafe/Mr. Devin/Ms. Fiske Heger/Mr. Kokoros/Ms. Naughton/Mr. Ringius/Mayor Sullivan

iii. Distribution & First Reading: Proposed Changes to BHS Homework Policy for 2016-2017 SC Meeting Minutes December 7, 2015 Page 12.

Dr. Hackett indicated School Committee members had received a copy of the Proposed Changes to BHS Homework Policy for 2016-2017 last Thursday (12/3). Mr. Lee was present at the meeting if anyone had any questions regarding the proposed changes, but none were asked. The proposed policy will be on the agenda for approval at the next School Committee Meeting in January 2016.

iv. Consideration of Approval: Proposed BHS Master Schedule Changes (Effective 2016-2017)

Dr. Hackett reminded the committee there was a presentation on the Proposed BHS master Schedule Changes (Effective 2016-2017) previously at the November 16, 2015 meeting at the Highlands Elementary School and it is being presented tonight to for consideration of approval.

Mr. Devin and Mr. Ringius thanked Mr. Lee and others for their dedication and hard work. They both felt it is a great proposal and are supporters of the changes.

Ms. Fiske Heger was complimentary of the proposed changes. She is pleased to see more electives being offered to the students, more students receiving their desired courses, and class sizes being balanced better.

Ms. Naughton inquired as to whether the Science Department was in favor of the class time and lab times being split up. Currently, labs directly follow class time. Mr. Lee feels that although the Science Department does not feel splitting up the class time and lab time is ideal they do see the proposal as a viable solution to the overall master scheduling concerns. AP courses will remain intact as they are currently.

Mr. McDermott a Student Representative stated he is a supporter of the changes and likes that there will be more electives. He hopes students can have a say in what those additional electives are going to be. VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: Upon a motion by Mr. Devin and seconded by Mr. Kokoros to approve the Proposed BHS Master Schedule Changes (Effective 2016-2017). ROLL CALL: AYES –7 Mr. Chafe/Mr. Devin/Ms. Fiske Heger/Mr. Kokoros/Ms. Naughton/Mr. Ringius/Mayor Sullivan

v. Update on Technology Infrastructure Project (Postponed)

vi. Consideration of Changes to the 2015-2016 School Calendar to Accommodate March 1, 2016 Voting.

Dr. Hackett stated Super Tuesday is approaching on March 1st and he feels given it is a Primary Vote there will be a good amount of traffic at the schools. He is seeking approval to have no school on March 1st (no teachers, staff, or students) and add a day at the end of the school year. VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: Upon a motion by Mayor Sullivan and seconded by Mr. Devin to approve a change to the 2015-2016 School SC Meeting Minutes December 7, 2015 Page 13.

Calendar in which there will be no school on March 1, 2016 and a day will be added at the end of the school year. ROLL CALL: AYES –7 Mr. Chafe/Mr. Devin/Ms. Fiske Heger/Mr. Kokoros/Ms. Naughton/Mr. Ringius/Mayor Sullivan

V. CITIZEN PARTICIPATION

Mr. Peter Thompson came forward to thank Mr. Ringius, Mayor Sullivan, and Dr. Hackett for their support with regards to the presentation for the Braintree Alliance for Safe and Healthy Youth for “Secret Life of a Teen” which took place in November at Braintree Town Hall. Mr. Thompson stated the presentation was well attended and participants asked some great questions. He stated there are more funds available to schedule more speakers if and when desired. Mr. Thompson thanked the School Committee for taking a position tonight in allowing the canine searches at BHS. He feels although not one decision can fix the drug problems within our community that particular decision will serve as a deterrent and let everyone know drugs are not allowed in our schools.

Mr. Robert Fitzgerald came forward and stated he reviewed the School Building Survey and feels it is very clear that most who participated indicated they would like to see a new high school built. Mr. Fitzgerald asked the committee what their thoughts were with on building a new high school. Mayor Sullivan responded by stating the project at East Middle School is offering some potential for expanded opportunities. In addition, the School Building Committee has been doing their due diligence in coming up with a plan. He invited Mr. Fitzgerald to come to the School Building Committee Meetings in that they are public meetings. Mayor Sullivan and Mr. Fitzgerald have had a number of conversations regarding the financing aspect of this topic. Mr. Fitzgerald asked for someone on the committee to speak to the MSBA and find out how much money is recommended per student to be spent on the school buildings (based on the age of each of the buildings) and provide him with the information obtained. From Mr. Fitzgerald believes Braintree should be spending a lot more money per student on each of the buildings. Mayor Sullivan reminded Mr. Fitzgerald the town has spent a great deal of money on Capital Improvements over the past 8 years on BPS. Both Mayor Sullivan and Dr. Hackett invited Mr. Fitzgerald to set up meetings to have further discussions on this topic.

Mr. Fitzgerald stated he recently toured Franklin High School and the number one thing the students said they enjoyed the most was outside dining. He asked if Dr. Hackett would consider outside dining for the Braintree students. Mayor Sullivan responded in saying that decision would have to be up to the Mr. Lee, BHS Headmaster.

Councilor Michael Owens came forward and commended the committee on their approval of the canine searches; however, he does have concerns on how to follow up with a student that may be found with drugs. He asked the administration to have a very serious discussion with the police department, District Attorney’s office, and local Social Services about the services that should be offered to a student after an arrest. If it truly is as stated earlier, not the intent to be a punitive goal then we have to really focus on the follow up aspect of the process. Mr. Owens’ hopes there is some type of mechanism in SC Meeting Minutes December 7, 2015 Page 14.

place to ensure a student is getting services and we are not simply going through an arrest and processing it through the court system.

Mr. Ringius thanked Councilor Owens for his insight and thoughtful comments in addition to his continuous support on the topic in general.

Dr. Hackett agreed with Councilor Owens comments and feels the need to follow up after an arrest would absolutely be part of the discussion as they move forward with the canine searches at BHS.

Mr. Ringius notified the audience that tonight is his last night as the Chairman of the School Committee. Although he will continue as a School Committee Member there will be a re-organization as of January 2016 in which a new Chair will be elected. Mr. Ringius wanted to express his appreciation to all the Student Representatives current and past and all the members of the School Committee for making the past two years as a Chairman a great experience. In addition he thanked the students, teachers, staff (at every level within the schools), principals, administration, directors, central office staff, and central office administrators for making his job easier and enjoyable.

VI. SCHOOL COMMITTEE i. School Building Committee Update Mayor Sullivan and Member Thomas Devin Mr. Devin stated the School Building Committee is currently in the process of scoping out the work that will be done at East Middle School. Mayor Sullivan added the Massachusetts Building Authority (MSBA) has introduced the idea of moving this renovation/repair project into an educational project, which essentially means additional classrooms could be added to East. Mayor Sullivan noted BPS has done a lot of work with the MSBA over the last few years and the relationship continues to strengthen and the communication is positive. Mr. Devin noted Mayor Sullivan’s continuous support of BPS.

Mr. Kokoros noted he appreciates all the work that continues to be done by the School Building Committee. He does however want to be sure as we move forward on the East project we are also considering all options as well as ensuring we have a more comprehensive plan and are looking at the big picture. The next School Building Committee Meeting is scheduled for January 11, 2016 at 5:00 p.m. at the Colbert Administration Building.

ii. Consideration of Subcommittee to Review Opiate & Drug Deterrence Policies, Procedures and Curriculum, Chairman David Ringius (please see above section IV PRESENTATION, D. Opiate and Drug Deterrence, Town Council Dan Clifford.)

VII. FUTURE MEETING DATES January 11 and 25, February 8 and 22, March 7 and 21, April 11, May 9 and 23 and June 15 of 2016.

VIII. ADJOURN VOTED UNANIMOUSLY: Upon a motion by Ms. Naughton and seconded by Mr. Kokoros to adjourn. ROLL CALL: AYES – 7 SC Meeting Minutes December 7, 2015 Page 15.

Mr. Chafe/Mr. Devin/ Ms. Fiske Heger/Mr. Kokoros/ Ms. Naughton/Mr. Ringius/Mayor Sullivan

Time: 9:57 p.m.

Thomas Devin Recording Secretary