School Committee s1

School Committee

MINUTES OF THE CHELSEA SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING September 24, 2009

Approved 10-22-09

The Chelsea School Committee met on Thursday, September 24, 2009, in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, 500 Broadway, Chelsea.

Members Present: Chairman Rosemarie Carlisle, Michael Caulfield, Lucia Colon, Ed Ells, Ramona Foster, Lisa Lineweaver, Morrie Seigal, and Melinda Alvarado-Vega. Vice-Chairman James E. Dwyer joined the meeting at 7:45 p.m. Also Present: School Superintendent Dr. Thomas S. Kingston, Deputy Superintendent Dr. Mary M. Bourque, Executive Director Administration & Finance Gerry McCue, and School Business Manager and Clerk to the School Committee Barbara Martin.

1. The meeting was called to order at 7:00p.m.

2. Pledge of Allegiance: Dr. Kingston welcomed Karla Hernandez as the new Student Delegate to the Chelsea School Committee

3. School Committee Minutes: The minutes of the June 11, 2009, School Committee Meeting and the special meeting of August 20, 2009 were unanimously approved.

4. Public Comment: At this time under a suspension of the rules, Human Resources Subcommittee Chairman Edward Ells reported on the subcommittee meeting of September 8, 2009. The members presented and reviewed with Dr. Kingston his 2008- 2009 Performance Evaluation. Mr. Ells then asked for public comment. Being none, he proceeded to review the report.

5. Report of the Superintendent of Schools: Dr. Kingston thanked the members of the committee for putting together the document and for working to form a joint enterprise after Boston University relinquished control last year. A copy of the report is enclosed and forms a part of these minutes. Questions and discussion ensued.

Student Achievement: Dr. Kingston called upon Dr. Bourque to report on student achievement. Dr. Bourque presented statistics for the Freshman Academy Program. A copy of the report is enclosed and forms a part of these minutes. Questions and discussion ensued. Next, Dr. Bourque discussed the updated graduation data for the class of 2009. Ninety- three percent of seniors received a full diploma. A copy of the report is enclosed and forms a part of these minutes. Questions and discussion ensued.

Dr. Bourque also reported on MCAS results. Highlights include increases in advanced and proficient for Grade 4 and Grade 7. A copy of the report is enclosed and forms a part of these minutes. Questions and discussion ensued.

Personnel Report: Dr. Kingston commended the personnel report to the record. He also reported that almost every position is filled.

Enrollment Report: Dr. Kingston commended the Enrollment Report to the record. As of September 22, 2009, the district-wide enrollment was 5,664 students, including 123 students in out-of-district placements.

Miscellaneous: Dr. Kingston thanked members of the committee for their involvement at the recent retreat and noted that another retreat will be scheduled in January or February.

Dr. Kingston reported that the schools will provide free inoculation, with parental permission, against the H1N1 flu when the vaccine becomes available.

Lastly, Dr. Kingston announced a Dropout Forum would be held Saturday at Chelsea High School, sponsored by Chelsea School Department and CUDE.

6. New Business: Mr. Ells moved to approve a field trip to Washington D.C. by Middle School students in June, 2010. On a voice vote the motion was approved unanimously

Mr. Caulfield moved to approve a field trip to Quebec City, Canada by Chelsea High students in April, 2010. On a voice vote the motion was approved unanimously.

Ms. Foster moved to approve Mr. Abi Hassan’s petition to home school his children. On a voice vote the motion was approved unanimously.

Ms. Foster moved to approve Mr. & Mrs. Pazos’s petition to home school their children. On a voice vote the motion was approved unanimously.

Under suspension of the rules, Ms. Lineweaver moved to have a late motion approved. The motion to approve a Pilot Program for advertising on the fence at the Stadium was moved to a second reading and referred to the Policy and Procedures Subcommittee.

7. Communications: Accepted and filed a letter from EDCO Collaborative.

8. Committee Reports:  Human Resources: Mr. Ells reported that the subcommittee last met on September 8, 2009. A copy of the report is attached and forms a part of these minutes.

 Budget & Finance: Ms. Lineweaver reported that the subcommittee last met on September 24, 2009. A copy of the report will be included in next month’s board report.

 Student Representative: Ms. Hernandez thanked the Committee for welcoming her, and she looks forward to the experience. Ms. Hernandez also reported that the first week back to school was somewhat confusing, especially with the new scheduling system; but everything has been fixed and is working smoothly.

9. Announcements: Mr. Ells volunteered for the Book of the Month for October.

10. Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 8.20 p.m.

Recorded by

Barbara A. Martin Business Manager Clerk to the Chelsea School Committee