RECORD BROOKLINE SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING 9/19/13 VOL. 2013 REGULAR MEETING PAGE 102 ______
RECORD OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE BROOKLINE SCHOOL COMMITTEE HELD ON THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2013 AT 6:00 PM IN THE JAMES F. WALSH SCHOOL COMMITTEE ROOM, 5TH FLOOR, TOWN HALL. STATUTORY NOTICE OF THIS MEETING WAS FILED WITH THE TOWN CLERK.
School Committee Members Present: Mr. Morse (Chairman), Ms. Ditkoff (Vice Chairman), Mr. Chang, Ms. Charlupski, Ms. Cox, Mr. Pollak, Ms. Scotto, and Ms. Stone. School Committee Members Absent: Ms. Kershaw. Also present: Dr. Lupini, Mr. Rowe, Dr. Fischer-Mueller, Dr. Allen, Mr. You, and Ms. Coyne. Others Present: Steve Lantos.
1. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS a. Calendar Mr. Morse called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM. He noted upcoming events on the calendar.
b. Consent Agenda i. Acceptance of $2,064.62 from the 21st Century Fund - Frieze Fund Unexpended Balance Ms. Charlupski asked whether the unexpended balance will be earmarked for a plaque explaining the friezes. The School Committee agreed to hold this vote until September 26, 2013 so that the Superintendent can look into this issue.
2. WELCOME TO CHINA EXCHANGE VISITORS Dr. Lupini introduced Steve Lantos, China Exchange Coordinator at Brookline High School. Mr. Lantos noted that this is the 14th year of program. They will be planning an event to honor the 15th anniversary. Mr. Lantos expressed his appreciation to the School Committee, school administration and teachers, and the host families. Mr. Lantos then introduced the students and their teacher (Bai Yujie, Chen Xizhou, Teacher Liu Jin, Liu Ruoxuan, Shi Yixin, Su Kaixian, Sun Zhaole, Yang Xilin, and Zhang Qimen) who described their experiences and initial impressions of Brookline and the Brookline High School. They expressed their gratitude for this opportunity. The School Committee members welcomed the students and talked about the value of international exchanges.
3. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS a. Finance Mr. Morse reported that the Finance Subcommittee will be meeting on September 23, 2013. The agenda will include review and approval of the FY 2015 Budget Calendar and review of the final FY 2013 Financial Report.
b. Capital Improvements Ms. Charlupski reported that meetings have been scheduled to address the request for a variance for the Lawrence School modulars. The first meeting will take place on September 19, 2013. RECORD BROOKLINE SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING 9/19/13 VOL. 2013 REGULAR MEETING PAGE 103 ______
c. Curriculum Ms. Scotto reported that that the Curriculum Subcommittee will be meeting on September 24, 2013. The agenda will include a presentation/discussion on the Massachusetts Accountability and Assistance System-Level Determinations
d. Government Relations i. Appointment of Massachusetts Association of School Committees (MASC) Delegate Ms. Stone reported that the School Committee needs to appoint a Delegate to the Massachusetts Association of School Committees.
ACTION 13-65 On a motion of Ms. Stone and seconded by Ms. Ditkoff, the School Committee VOTED UNANIMOUSLY to appoint Ms. Charlupski to the position of Massachusetts Association of School Committees Delegate.
e. Negotiations Ms. Stone had nothing to report at this time.
f. Policy Review Ms. Stone reported that the Policy Review Subcommittee met on September 18, 2013. The Subcommittee discussed the schedule for 2013-2014 and the policies to be reviewed (Proof of Residency; Ethics Umbrella, including Social Media, Discipline, Outside Tutoring of Students by Employees, and Staff Gifts and Solicitations; Graduation Requirements; Intellectual Property; Housekeeping Amendments; and Out of School Time). Ms. Stone reported that she met with the Town Clerk to get more information on intersected properties. She also met with Ben Vivante from the Information Technology Department who has been working to make the on-line Policy Manual searchable using key words. This will be demonstrated at the next Policy Review Subcommittee meeting on October 9, 2013. She will be asking each Subcommittee member to update a section of the Policy Manual Index so that it is compatible with the search function. In response to a question from Ms. Charlupski, Ms. Stone explained the Town Clerk’s procedure for determining where residents of intersected properties vote.
g. Override Study Committee Ms. Ditkoff reported that the Override Study Committee had an organizational meeting on September 16, 2013. The Committee plans to meet every other Wednesday from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. The next few meetings of the Committee will take place on September 25, 2013 (municipal finance), October 2, 2013 (school finance), and October 9, 2013 (consolidate questions hope to answer). School Committee members strongly recommended that the Committee ask BATV to broadcast the meetings and stressed the need to communicate with and engage the public.
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h. Additional Liaisons Ms. Cox provided an update on Hancock Village. Chestnut Hill Realty submitted a new Chapter 40B proposal at the end of June. The Town of Brookline submitted a letter to the state outlining various issues of concern.
Mr. Chang reported that the September 18, 2013 meeting of the Human Relations Youth Resources Commission was adjourned for lack of a quorum.
Ms. Scotto reported that the Brookline Community Foundation met this week. Lincoln School Principal Kristen Herbert and Educational Technologist Sabrina Avnor discussed the integration of technology into the classroom.
Ms. Scotto reported that the Brookline Education Foundation will be presenting the Sperber Award to Vicki Milstein on September 28, 2013.
4. PUBLIC COMMENT There was no one signed up for Public Comment.
5. STUDENT REPORT Mr. You reported that classes started at the high school on September 9 (Grade (9) and September 10 (Grades 10-12). The opening went very smoothly thanks to the wonderful job done by the administration and faculty. Dean Alexander talked about unity. The new scheduling system helped students identify and address conflicts early on. Implementation of the new attendance and technology policies has been going very well. There is overcrowding in the cafeteria. Hopefully the situation will resolve itself. If not, Ms. Holman and Mr. Mason have said that they will work with the students to look into solutions. The Brookline Teen Center had its grand opening on September 15. It is a beautiful facility. Ms. Holman and Teen Center staff have been discussing possible collaborations.
6. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT Dr. Lupini provided the following report:
Introduction of New Administrators Scott Butchart, Interim Dean (Brookline High School). We are delighted that Mr. Butchart has agreed to serve as Interim Dean at Brookline High School for the 2013- 2014 school year. Since 1984, Scott has served as World Language teacher of both French and Spanish. In 2007, Scott was appointed as Associate Dean. Additionally, Scott has vast leadership experiences at BHS as the Scholarship Committee Chair, Yearbook Advisor, on Hiring Advisory Committees, and as a Critical Friends Group Facilitator. He also serves as the MCAS Coordinator and now oversees the BHS Summer School as the Director. Prior to joining PSB, Mr. Butchart served as a French teacher in Cony High School in Maine and in Richmond Middle School in New Hampshire. Scott has a Bachelor of Arts in French and Spanish from Colby College and a Master of Arts in French from Middlebury College. RECORD BROOKLINE SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING 9/19/13 VOL. 2013 REGULAR MEETING PAGE 105 ______
Nadia Chamblin-Foster, Director of Steps to Success. We are pleased to announce that Nadia Chamblin-Foster has joined The Public Schools of Brookline as the new Director of Steps to Success. Ms. Chamblin-Foster previously served as a Regional Director of Community Health Benefits (Community Relations) for the Steward Health Network (MA Southcoast Region). Prior to this position, she spent five years at the Boston Medical Center HealthNet Plan as the Manager of Community Relations and Outreach. Additionally, Nadia served as Student Support Leader at Boston Public Schools; Director of Development at the Boston University School of Social Work; Boston Pilot Schools Network Associate for the Center for Collaborative Education (CCE); Boston Public School Retention Program Coordinator at Bentley College; and as a Social Worker at Dimmock Community Health Center. Beyond the breadth of over 15 years of professional experience with corporate and foundation relations, community and non-profit relations and social work, Nadia serves as a trustee for Pine Manor College, and has served as Co-President of the Boston University School of Social Work Alumni Board. Ms. Chamblin-Foster holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology with a concentration in Education from Pine Manor College and a Master of Social Work with a concentration in Non-Profit Leadership from Boston University.
Jeanne Farwell, Out-of-District Coordinator. We are delighted to announce that Jeanne Farwell has joined The Public Schools of Brookline as our Out-of-District Coordinator, having served as the Interim Director during the spring of 2013. For nearly eight years, Jeanne served as the Program Director for The Children’s Center for Communication in Beverly. Prior to that, she was teacher at The Beverly School for the Deaf for 16 years. Ms. Farwell has been described as an organized, efficient and creative leader who realizes a vision with existing resources. Jeanne holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Framingham State University and a Master of Education degree with a major in Hearing Impaired from Kent State University.
Emily Frank, PK-8 Director of Special Education. We are pleased to welcome Dr. Emily Frank as one of our two PK-8 Directors of Special Education. For the past 12 years, Emily has served as the Team Evaluation Coordinator and Special Education Department Head for the Framingham Public Schools where she led the following initiatives: • restructuring substantially separate programs for intellectually impaired students; • developing a new special education class (Guided Academics); and • restructuring service delivery model on inclusion teams, so that all students have maximum exposure to general education Prior to her service in Framingham, Dr. Frank was a staff psychologist with Adolescent Consultation Services, Inc. in the Framingham Juvenile Court system and a staff forensic psychologist with the Bedford Policy Institute consulting to the Department of Youth Services. Additionally, Emily has several publications, including “Interventions for Developing ELL’s Oral Academic Language Skills” (2012) in the ASCD Express. Emily holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Religious Studies from Brown University, a Masters of Education in Human Development and Doctorate of Education in Counseling and Consulting Psychology both from Harvard Graduate School of Education. Dr. Frank RECORD BROOKLINE SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING 9/19/13 VOL. 2013 REGULAR MEETING PAGE 106 ______will serve as Director for Runkle, Lincoln, Lawrence, and Pierce Schools, as well as with our Home Services.
Kenny Kozol, Interim Coordinator of Performing Arts (K-12). We are pleased that Kenny Kozol will be our new Interim K-12 Performing Arts Coordinator. Since 2006, Mr. Kozol has worked as a Spanish teacher at Brookline High School. Prior to working in the Public Schools of Brookline, he was the Director of Music at The Children’s Storefront Pre-K to 8th Grade Elementary School in Harlem from 1999 to 2006. From 2003 to 2006, Kenny was a Teaching Artist for the 92nd Street Y in New York City, teaching music and writing curricula. He has also maintained an active professional performing career, leading concerts and educational workshops for students and teachers at the Shalin Liu Performance Center, Merkin Concert Hall and Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall, and regularly runs workshops on music and culture for Primary Source, Rockport Chamber Music Festival, and other organizations. Mr. Kozol has a Bachelor of Music and Spanish/Latin American Studies from Bard College and a Masters in Music Education from Columbia University. He recently completed a second Masters in Educational Leadership at Simmons College as a Dean’s Fellow. Kenny is committed to providing every student access to the Performing Arts, offering an opportunity to enrich their lives and educational experience through the joy of music, dance and theater.
Mark Nacht, PK-8 Director of Special Education. We are delighted to announce that Mark Nacht has joined us as one of our PK-8 Directors of Special Education. For the past five years, Mark has served the Reading Public Schools in numerous positions within the department of Special Education, as well as having worked as a Vice- Principal. Most recently, he served as the Elementary Special Education Administrator and has also served as School Psychologist and Special Education Team Chair. Mark brings a wealth of School Psychologist experience, having served in Westwood and Canton for three years and four years, respectively. He also has high school experience as School Psychologist/Adjustment Counselor at Northeast Regional Vocational High School in Wakefield, where he served for 7 years. Early in his career he spent 5 years as a classroom teacher at the Holden School in Charlestown. While in Reading, Mr. Nacht participated on the Administrative Council, SEPAC and the Behavioral Health Committee. In addition, he actively participates as a member of the National Association of School Psychologists and for many years, he served as a Board Member as well as a Co-Chair of the Research Committee for the Massachusetts School Psychologists Association. Mark holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from City University of New York-Hunter College and a Master of Science Degree with a major in Organizational Psychology from Radford University. He also has completed a CAGS (Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies) at University of Massachusetts (Boston) with a major in School Psychology. Mr. Nacht will serve as Director at Devotion, Driscoll, Heath and Baker Schools, as well as in our Early Education program.
Christina Palmer, PK-12 Director of Guidance and Clinical Services. We are pleased to welcome Christina Palmer as the PK-12 Director of Guidance and Clinical Services. RECORD BROOKLINE SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING 9/19/13 VOL. 2013 REGULAR MEETING PAGE 107 ______
Christina has most recently served as the Director of Guidance and Admissions at Shawsheen Valley Technical High School. Prior to joining Shawsheen, Christina served for 12 years as the Dean of Student Support Services at Newburyport High School, where she oversaw both guidance and health services supervising and evaluating the guidance counselors, co-op coordinator and school nurses. As the Dean of Student Support Services, she wore many other leadership hats and served as the 504 Coordinator and Harassment Officer, MCAS/EPP administrator and AP Coordinator. While in Newburyport, she served on the Crisis Management Team, District Health Advisory, and Leadership Team. For three years, Christina served as a Therapist for emotionally involved youth in grades 7 to 12 at the Frontier Regional School in South Deerfield. She has also served as a Clinical Director at the Child Guidance Clinic in Springfield. Christina is an active member of the American Association of Marriage Family Therapy and Massachusetts Secondary School Administrators Association. Christina holds a Bachelor of Science in Recreation and Leisure Services from Springfield College and a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapist from Southern Connecticut State University. In addition to her system-level responsibilities, Ms. Palmer will carry a student caseload at Devotion School. She will also coordinate our “Re-entry, Resource and Referral” team at each elementary school focusing on students with mental health needs.
Brian Poon, Interim Associate Dean (Brookline High School). We are pleased to announce Brian Poon as the Interim Associate Dean at Brookline High School. In 1997, Mr. Poon joined the Public Schools of Brookline as a Social Studies teacher. Most recently Brian served as the Coordinator for the Opportunity for Change (OFC) Program. Prior to becoming the OFC Coordinator, Brian was an Associate Dean at BHS for nearly two years. Additionally, Mr. Poon has vast leadership experiences at BHS as a member of the Strategic Planning Committee, the Strategic Planning Synthesis Team and the Superintendent's Equity Advisory Team on Equity. He co-chaired the NEASC accreditation process and coordinated the development of the Ithaka Advisory curriculum. Prior to joining PSB he spent three years as an Admission Counselor for Haverford College. Brian holds a Bachelor of Arts from Haverford College and a Masters of Education from Harvard University.
Lisa Redding, Associate Dean (Brookline High School). We are pleased to announce that Lisa Redding, a math teacher for 12 years at Brookline High School, has joined the BHS Dean’s Team as the new Associate Dean. Ms. Redding has served as an after- school teacher in the Calculus Project, Honors Peer Tutoring Math Coordinator, Mentor Teacher and a member of the Legislature and Faculty Council. Lisa is also a 2011 recipient of the Ernest R. Caverly Award Winner. At BHS, she is widely known for her solid, supportive relationships with staff and students alike and commitment to the core values of high achievement for all and educational equity. Prior to her arrival in Brookline, Lisa worked in Chelsea Public Schools for seven years. Ms. Redding holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics from Boston College and a Master of Education degree in Mathematics Curriculum and Instruction and a Master of Education degree in Policy, Planning and Administration both from Boston University. RECORD BROOKLINE SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING 9/19/13 VOL. 2013 REGULAR MEETING PAGE 108 ______
Bart Walker, Coordinator – Opportunities for Change Program (Brookline High School). We are excited to announce that Bart Walker has joined The Public Schools of Brookline as the new Opportunity for Change Coordinator at Brookline High School. For seven years, Mr. Walker served as an Alternative Program Lead History Teacher for Chelsea High School. Bart’s leadership experience at Chelsea High School ranges from managing a substantially separate environment for students who are emotionally and behaviorally challenged to devising, facilitating, and executing clinical plans to collaborating and consulting with personnel in community agencies. He also worked for Dearborn Academy in Arlington for six years as a Social Studies, Language Arts and Mathematics teacher to students with emotional and behavior challenges. Mr. Walker holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and a Master of Arts in Teaching with a Major in History both from Salem State University.
Enrollment As of Friday, September 13, 2013, we had a total PK-12 enrollment of 7,369 students, compared with 7,141 students at the opening of the 2012-2013 school year. Following are some of the details of this enrollment figure. • K-8 enrollment has increased from 4,818 students in 2011-2012 to 5,077 students in 2012-2013 and 5,216 students in 2013-2014. • High School enrollment is now at 1,800 students (up from 1,780 in 2011-2012 and 1,781 in 2012-2013). • We currently have 97 early education students housed in elementary schools and 184 students housed in EC sites (including rental property). • Baker School enrollment has increased from 673 students in 2011-2012 to 734 students in 2012-2013 and 750 students in 2013-2014. • Devotion School enrollment has increased from 763 students in 2011-2012 to 820 students in 2012-2013 and 838 students in 2013-2014. • Driscoll School enrollment has increased from 530 students in 2011-2012 to 548 students in 2012-2013 and 549 students in 2013-2014. • Heath School enrollment has increased from 492 students in 2011-2012 to 518 students in both 2012-2013 and 2013-2014. • Lawrence School enrollment has increased from 623 students in 2011-2012 to 652 students in 2012-2013 and 660 students in 2013-2014. • Lincoln School enrollment has increased from 548 students in both 2011-2012 and 2012-2013 to 563 students in 2013-2014. • Pierce School enrollment has increased from 696 students in 2011-2012 to 738 students in 2012-2013 and 779 students in 2013-2014. • Runkle School enrollment has increased from 493 students in 2011-2012 to 519 students in 2012-2013 and 559 students in 2013-2014. • Our kindergarten enrollment is 626 students. Other grade level numbers are as follows: 1st – 675 students; 2nd – 619 students; 3rd – 537 students; 4th – 652 students; 5th – 562 students; 6th – 520 students; 7th – 535 students; 8th – 490 students; 9th – 464 students; 10th – 445 students; 11th – 475 students; and 12th – 404 students. • A total of 72 students are in out-of-district placements. RECORD BROOKLINE SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING 9/19/13 VOL. 2013 REGULAR MEETING PAGE 109 ______
• A total of 297 students are enrolled through METCO for the current year. This includes 204 K-8 students and 93 students at Brookline High School. • A total of 178 students are enrolled through the Materials Fee program for the current year. This includes 144 K-8 students and 34 students at Brookline High School, as well as 144 children of school employees and 34 children of town employees.
High School Accreditation In March, 2013, a number of EDCO school systems (including Brookline) sent a letter to the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) outlining issues with the accreditation process that our high schools are subjected to. Specifically, in addition to noting areas of strength for the NEASC process, we highlighted six (6) areas of concern: • Inflexibility: NEASC needs to accept alternative methods of achieving its standards and support us in our own progressive improvement efforts. • Insularity: The standards are narrowly constructed and constitute yet another top down external mandate for our schools. • Dual Standards: NEASC needs to allow public schools the leeway and options it permits independent schools. • Expense: NEASC accreditation is cumbersome and consumes tremendous amounts of time and money, both of which are now in shorter supply than ever. • Responsiveness: NEASC needs to pay attention to criticism and input from the field and acknowledge and respond to both. • Relevance: The NEASC accreditation process no longer differs significantly from state- driven school reform efforts. NEASC needs to adapt to change that the Common Core, the Massachusetts Educator Evaluation System and other initiatives have brought about.
Over the past few months, numerous school systems from across the Commonwealth have become interested in this effort. In addition, initial conversations between representatives of our group and NEASC staff have been disappointing. Finally, at least a few school systems have opted to suspend all NEASC related work until changes are made and others are contemplating leaving the organization, possibly to examine other forms of high school accreditation. I plan to work closely with Ms. Holman and the Brookline High School leadership to develop a recommended course of action for our system on or before October 31, 2013.
School Security The Brookline Police Department is reviewing final changes to procedures for classroom staff, in the event of a lock down, to emphasize that staff should use their discretion and best judgment in certain situations, rather than always consider a lock down/shelter in place to be a fixed decision. There may be instances where the professional judgment of the teacher would lead him/her to choose evacuation over lock-down. This change will be in place for “shelter-in-place” exercises this year. Additionally, utilizing funding in the FY14 CIP the Building Department has taken action to implement certain changes: • Exterior doors to all school buildings are locked during the day, with access through designated doors equipped with camera phones. These camera phones give visual head views to the school office personnel. As an enhancement we have expanded the RECORD BROOKLINE SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING 9/19/13 VOL. 2013 REGULAR MEETING PAGE 110 ______camera system, already in use at Town Hall, by placing exterior cameras at exterior doors to give better visual information to office staff who have control over locked doors. • We have installed new keyed door locks in all classrooms, to ensure that classroom doors can be easily and securely locked from the inside by teachers, in a manner that students will not be able to accidently (or otherwise) lock themselves into a room. (Baker and Heath will be completed by the end of September). • We have equipped additional locations with automated swipe operated lock systems, to reduce the occurrence of improperly blocked open doors. This will allow teachers to access the schools more easily during the school day from playgrounds, etc.
As we move forward we will: • Consider additional interior security measures at certain schools where the main entrance is not adjacent to the school office.
Educator Evaluation Brookline Educator Union (Unit A) membership voted overwhelmingly in favor of the Educator Evaluation agreement on Tuesday, September 17, 2013. We have already begun the process of implementation by devising a training plan for all teachers being evaluated during the coming year. This training module, which consists of a four (4) hour face-to-face session(s) and a two (2) hour on-line component, is being offered on a number of dates and in a number of configurations during the next month (between September 23rd and October 14th). We are continuing our work with Teachers21 in developing and implementing these training programs. In addition, Dr. Allen will be working with BEU leadership to finalize the written agreement, which we hope to have completed before the end of October.
In addition, Dr. Lupini reported that the Burlington school system is no longer participating in NEASC and the Newton system has suspended all high school accreditation activities pending a response. Dr. Lupini stated that keyed door locks aren’t possible in open classrooms. Principals indicated which doors should have keycards. Procedures vary by school. The school security cameras are not coordinated with any other department and the Town Meeting warrant article does not apply to the school security cameras.
7. SCHOOL COMMITTEE PROPOSED VOTES a. Recommendations by the School Capital Improvements Subcommittee to the School Committee regarding Space Decisions Ms. Charlupski referred to the proposed recommendations by the School Capital Improvements Subcommittee to the School Committee regarding Space Decisions (Attachment A). There are no changes to the document presented on September 12, 2013. She expressed her appreciation to the members of the B-SPACE Committee and the Capital Improvements Subcommittee.
Ms. Stone stated that the School Committee appreciated the thoughtful input at the public hearing and in subsequent e-mails. What we are proposing to the town is a RECORD BROOKLINE SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING 9/19/13 VOL. 2013 REGULAR MEETING PAGE 111 ______brighter future for the Public Schools of Brookline. The proposals align with the strategic vision and allow the system to move forward with technology, create space, even out enrollment and accommodate it well, and bring the PreKs back into the buildings. An override is needed because the town also has critical infrastructure needs that cannot be deferred. The School Committee will have to keep pressing budgeting decisions that will help with the size of the operating budget. We have to invest in what will happen in the buildings. Ms. Charlupski noted that these projects were in the long- range Capital Improvements Program.
School Committee members expressed their appreciation to the members of the B-SPACE Committee including Mr. Morse, Ms. Stone and Ms. DeWitt; the members of the Capital Improvements Subcommittee led by Ms. Charlupski; the administrative staff led by Dr. Lupini; and the members of the public who were so involved and helpful during this process. Ms. Cox stated that she hopes that the public will have the opportunity to be engaged in the upcoming process. People are concerned about the rapid timeline. It is important that the School Committee makes the process as clear and understandable as possible. Mr. Pollak stated that this vote represents a positive path forward for the town. He noted that the approval process will take a great deal of time. The administration will need to meet the demands of the planning process and meet the community’s demands that the projects be excellent.
ACTION 13-66 On a motion of Ms. Charlupski and seconded by Ms. Stone, the School Committee VOTED UNANIMOUSLY to approve the following recommendations:
Recommendations: Brookline School Committee Proposals for Expansion
To address the space needs identified in the Capital Subcommittee’s Recommendations, align with the PSB Strategic Plan and Vision, and preserve Brookline’s commitment to excellence and equity, the School Committee adopts the following plan:
A. Accept the B-SPACE recommendation to maintain the present K-8 and 9-12 educational program configuration.
B. Accept the B-SPACE recommendations for “Expand in Place” as follows: • Devotion School renovated and expanded to accommodate 5 sections per grade with class sizes conforming to BSC policy, with target occupancy in September 2017. • Driscoll School renovated and expanded to accommodate 4 sections per grade, with class sizes conforming to BSC policy, with target occupancy in September 2018. • Lawrence School continues a modular addition of 4 classrooms (already planned and funded), to be ready for occupancy Sept. 2014.
RECORD BROOKLINE SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING 9/19/13 VOL. 2013 REGULAR MEETING PAGE 112 ______
C. Engage in further study regarding the B-SPACE recommendation to maximize the use, whether by efficiency and/or expansion, of Brookline High School. Begin a process immediately of analyzing the pedagogical and administrative implications of optimally serving up to 2,500 high school students in Brookline. This may include new or revamped programs, staffing and administrative structures, and facilities use. The plan and educational program for an expansion of high school capacity should follow a process of engagement and deliberation of options with current BHS faculty and students, the Brookline community, the School Committee, PSB leadership, as well as input from the research on current best practices in curriculum, instruction, and pedagogy for secondary schools. That process, to be completed during the 2013-2014 school year, will be led by the Superintendent and Headmaster, and will benefit from a consultant to help guide the research and constituent engagement. This process will take into account, but not be limited to, the options presented in the HMFH High School Concept Study.
D. Accept the B-SPACE recommendation to renovate/replace and expand the Pierce School after completion of other expansions.
b. Approval of a Contract with Apple, Inc. for a Three-year Lease Purchase of Computer Equipment Mr. Rowe referred to his memo requesting that the School Committee vote to approve a contract with Apple Inc. to authorize a three-year lease purchase of computer equipment (Attachment B). This request is part of the School Department’s strategy for maintaining a lifecycle strategy for replacement and upgrade of instructional computers. The total cost is $289,914. These funds would come from the operating budget and would cover approximately 300 units. In response to a question from Ms. Stone, Dr. Lupini stated that this request maximizes dollars on a short-term basis and enables the system to “buy time” as they attempt to implement a broader technology plan.
ACTION 13-67 On a motion of Ms. Charlupski and seconded by Mr. Chang, the School Committee VOTED UNANIMOUSLY to approve a contract with Apple, Inc. (AFS Educational Finance Program) for the purpose of authorizing a three-year lease purchase of computer equipment amortized on the attached schedule with payments of $96,683.04 annually for FY 2014, FY 2015 and FY 2016 for a total cost of $289,914.12, as shown in Attachment B.
8. PRESENTATIONS AND DISCUSSIONS OF CURRENT ISSUES a. Report on June 25, 2013 and July 9, 2013 School Committee Workshops Mr. Morse provided a report on the June 25, 2013 and July 9, 2013 School Committee Workshops. On June 25, the School Committee talked about the events of the past year (the Newtown, Connecticut shooting and the Marathon bombing; B-SPACE; mandated initiatives such as Educator Evaluation, the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers, Rethinking Equity and Teaching for English Language Learners; and our own initiatives). The School Committee acknowledged that RECORD BROOKLINE SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING 9/19/13 VOL. 2013 REGULAR MEETING PAGE 113 ______the agenda was too big and discussed how to address this. The facilitators told the School Committee to prioritize and to stick to those goals and issues.
On July 9, the School Committee and administration established district priorities and agreed that Subcommittees should focus on these priorities. Goals include creating a long-term capital and operating budget plan; implementing the space plan including the capital and operating budgets; completing educator contact negotiations; completing and implementing the Educator Evaluation Agreement; and implementing various state and district initiatives including Common Core State Standards/Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers, Rethinking Equity and Teaching for English Language Learners/World-Class Instructional Design and Assessment, and Standards based conference forms. The School Committee noted that the size of the central office has not kept pace with student enrollment growth and is actually down from previous years. The School Committee and administration also discussed how to improve communication to the public. That planning is underway.
9. NEW BUSINESS There was no new business to discuss.
10. ADJOURNMENT Mr. Morse adjourned the meeting at 8:45 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Robin E. Coyne, Executive Assistant Brookline School Committee