NEWTON SCHOOL COMMITTEE
MINUTES
OF REGULAR MEETING – NOVEMBER 25, 2002
EDUCATION
CENTER, FRAZIER ROOM, 7:30 P.M.
PRESENT: Chairperson Anne Larner, Vice-Chairperson Susan
Albright, Gail Glick, Patricia Kellogg, Marc Laredo, Nancy Levine, Dori
Zaleznik, Mayor David Cohen, Annie Levine, student representative, Newton North
High School, Keith Agoada, student representative, Newton South High School
ABSENT: Leslie Schneider
OPEN
SESSION
At 7:00 p.m., it was announced that the Committee
will entertain a motion to convene in executive session.
MOTION: It
was moved, by roll call vote, to convene in executive
session for the purpose of discussing budget
matters, as they relate to collective bargaining. If passed, the Committee will reconvene in open session at 7:30
p.m.
(Levine - Albright)
7 – 0 - 2
Absent for vote: Mayor Cohen
Absent for meeting: Schneider
ROLL CALL VOTE BY WARD:
Ward I, “yes”
(Glick); Ward II, "yes" (Albright); Ward III, "yes"
(Larner); Ward IV, "yes" (Levine); Ward V, "yes" (Kellogg);
Ward VI, absent (Schneider); Ward VII, "yes" (Laredo); Ward VIII,
“yes” (Zaleznik); Mayor Cohen, absent for vote
CALL TO ORDER
Chairperson Anne Larner
called the meeting to order at 7:40 p.m.
There were no members of
the public who wished to address the Committee.
None.
None.
MOTION: It was moved to approve the School Committee
meeting
minutes of 11/12/02.
(Kellogg
– Levine)
8
– 0 – 1
Absent: Schneider
REPORTS
OPERATIONS STATUS REPORT
Superintendent Jeffrey
Young noted that they continue to pay particular attention to custodial overtime
and the report also includes an update on charter maintenance. A new item of particular interest on the
report has to do with indoor air quality and chemical management. There has been an emphasis in Newton for the
past few years on using less toxic products and more environmentally friendly
cleaning methods, as well as better recycling efforts. They are currently in the process of forming
a districtwide team on this subject, which will work towards implementing plans
and procedures recommended by the Department of Education’s Tools for Schools
program. This is an ongoing effort
among all city and school departments.
HIGH SCHOOL BUILDING PROJECT UPDATE
Jeff Young stated that
this report focuses on Newton South High School, as the Newton North project is
a separate agenda item. Phase 1B
continues to move along toward completion.
A series of training sessions for support staff will be offered around
plumbing, fire, electrical, etc.
Teachers also received summer training on the new technology that is in
place. They are currently planning for
the movement of students in the building, as Goodwin and Wheeler Houses
will be vacated
shortly. Finally, Phase II is also
moving along and it is amazing to watch the steel being put into place.
Marc Laredo asked about
the schedule for completion.
Heidi Black,
Administrative Assistant, stated that Phase II will be taken in two parts. The first will address the classrooms and
the second will focus on the remaining spaces in the school. She believes they are close to being on
schedule for the completion of Phase I.
However, they would like to do a more thorough cleaning than the
standard expected from the contractor and several punch list items will need to
be addressed throughout the next several weeks, including being sure the
network is working. It is their
expectation to begin to plan for the move after the first of the year, at a
time when it is appropriate to move students and staff. However, she is not able to provide a
specific date.
Jeff Young noted that
there are enough contingencies in place that it would not be fair to try to
pinpoint a moving date at this time.
Susan Albright is not
comfortable with the fact that they cannot provide even an approximate
timeframe. They know what has to be done
and how long it takes to do certain things and she feels the uncertainty is
problematic.
Marc Laredo agreed. He understands that there are always
uncertainties with construction, but they should be able to give a timeframe.
Heidi Black responded that
they would not be moving before the end of the first semester, which is January
24th. Her best guess would
be somewhere after that time and the February vacation. Again, they want to make sure the move is
conducted during a logical break.
Keith Agoada asked about
parking.
Heidi Black replied that
they will be gaining some minimal parking after the project is completed.
Anne Larner asked the
Mayor if he has any sense of whether there might be some additional funding for
technology, which they had to address through a transfer from the operating
budget last summer.
Mayor Cohen stated that he
does not have that information at this time, but will continue to review the
situation.
Jeff Young stated that
tonight’s presentation will focus on the programmatic aspect of special
education. Hopefully, this will give
the Committee a better understand and appreciation of the needs of students,
services they are providing, and the future goals and challenges.
Carol Daynard, Assistant
Superintendent for Pupil Services, stated that 16.4% of Newton students require
special education services. Because
they do such a good job in this area, many people move into the City to take
advantage of the programs. The areas of
special education that are seeing the most growth are in autism disorders and
behavioral/emotional issues. Good
in-house programs that serve the population keep out-of-district numbers down.
Alison Corner, Director of
the Preschool Program, stated that due to the highly skilled and dedicated
professionals in this system, Newton has an exceptionally strong preschool
program. Parents are also very involved
in contributing to their children’s education, by giving of their time and
expertise. This year they have also begun
to organize a Parent Teacher Organization (PTO), in order to assist with
resources for the program. The number
of referrals over the past few years has risen dramatically. There have been 95 just since this past
September, as opposed to 34 in the entire program in 1994. This year there are 134 children on
Independent Evaluation Plans (IEPs).
There is a morning integrated program, where these students are
mainstreamed in a classroom with 56 regular education students, whose families
pay to be in the program. There are
also afternoon programs for children in community preschools who require
special services, but whose needs are not as severe. These children receive services such as speech/language support,
physical therapy, etc. Given the
numbers in the preschool program, resources are obviously very tight. In terms of diagnoses, there are currently
15 children in the program with PDD (pervasive developmental disorder), with
two referals pending. Parents are
encouraged by the medical community that with intensive therapy and educational
resources, these children can make dramatic progress. However, this puts a strain on educational systems. Another increase is in the area of adopted
children from other nations, many whom arrive with special needs. Finally, there is the group of medically
fragile children, who have survived premature, high-risk pregnancies, with
complications and abnormalities, who are now thriving but require support. The implications for the future are that
there will be more demands and strain on already sparse resources to educate
children with these very intensive special needs. Additional staff and space will eventually be required. Currently their programs are at the
Education Center and Lincoln-Eliot Elementary School.
Jeff Dias, special
education teacher at Day Middle School, talked about the Bridge Program, which
is housed at Day, but educates children from all parts of the City. There are currently eight students in the
program, with a range of disabilities.
The staff consists of two
teachers, an aide, and a part-time social worker. Some of the students are educated strictly in the Bridge
classroom, while others are mainstreamed for one to three classes. There is a great deal of collaboration that
has to occur to coordinate these students’ schedules. The needs of these particular students require constant
monitoring of both academic instruction and behavior.
Walter Lyons, Assistant to
the Department Chair of Special Education at Newton North High School, talked
about the program at his school, which was piloted seven years ago, in the
hopes that there would be fewer out-of-district placements. This is beneficial in terms of both keeping
children in their own community school, as well as for budgetary purposes. The program began with three students, two
of whom returned from outside placements.
They currently have 40 students and a staff of 11, which includes
teachers, counselors, and assistants.
To demonstrate the success of the initiative, 84% of their population go
on to post-secondary schools. Like the
Bridge Program, they do not have a typical type of student, but serve those
with a variety of needs, with the one common denominator of not being
successful in other programs. There is
a mix of academic aptitudes, behavior, and social and emotional issues. There are students who struggle with MCAS,
to another who achieved 800 on his SATs and is now at the Berkeley School of
Music. It is this mix of personalities
that help make the program successful, as the students learn from one
another. They have recently begun an
afternoon program and six students are taking advantage of this
opportunity. In the morning they work
or do community service and in the afternoon receive instruction and support on
independent projects, in order to graduate and achieve success.
Susan Albright asked if
they envision the high school program expanding for students who may be having
problems in school but who are not on an IEP.
Walter Lyons replied that
there are already programs in place for those students who need some extra help
academically, emotionally or in differentiated learning styles. Their program is set up for students who
have not been successful in these other situations.
Jeff Young asked what
would happen to these students if this program were not in place.
Walter Lyons estimates
that half would be placed out-of-district, while the others would most likely
go into various programs in the school that have not worked for them in the
past.
Susan Albright asked about
the space that this program occupies.
Walter Lyons stated that
they are on the first floor of the building, with four classrooms and some
office space.
Dori Zaleznik asked how
long students spend in these programs and if any remain until the age of 22,
which is the age at which the school system is legally responsible.
Walter Lyons replied that
they have been pretty successful in moving students toward graduation, by
utilizing summer school and afternoon programs, if necessary. Most students graduate within five
years. The older they get, the less
likely the program will be successful.
In terms of moving them into the mainstream, the issues that many of
these students face are not ones that are easily curable. Providing an
educational experience where they are successful is key. Approximately 30% of the students are
mainstreamed in some classes but, as a general rule, few return to regular
classes on a permanent basis.
Jeff Dias added that at
the middle schools students typically spend all three years in the program and
then at the high school they are placed according to their particular need.
Dori Zaleznik asked what a
typical day is like for students in the high school program.
Walter Lyons depicted a
typical day as one that follows a more traditional schedule vs. the block
schedule, with math, English, science and social studies in the same order each
morning, followed by physical education, electives, and extracurricular
activities in the afternoon. Those who
are mainstreamed for some of their classes are accommodated in the scheduling.
Patty Kellogg asked how
students enter the program.
Walter Lyons stated that
students are referred by staff and through team meetings and are screened by a
committee. There is actually a waiting
list for their program. Students
returning from the Department of Youth Services (DYS), Department of Social
Services (DSS), or hospitals are given high priority.
Patty Kellogg asked if all
students on IEPs are aware that the program exists.
Walter Lyons admitted that
there can often be a stigma associated with special education programs, so
rather than keep it low key, he prefers to make the program very visible. They play football games and invite the
other student body members to join.
They host Jambalaya night for the entire school and just today hosted a
Thanksgiving dinner. They also do an
annual fundraiser that is well attended.
Annie Levine assured
people that everyone is well aware of the program. She asked how students get an IEP and its impact on their school
experience.
Carol Daynard explained
that teachers, parents, and students themselves can request an evaluation for
an IEP if a child is having trouble learning.
If it is determined that an IEP is necessary for either a physical, emotional,
or academic disability, a plan is set in place that treats each child as an
individual learner. Goals are then
set, along plans with which to achieve that vision.
Gail Glick asked how the
Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) exam impacts on the
program.
Walter Lyons stated that
MCAS has certainly had an impact on the students in his program, who already
have a great deal of stress in their lives.
The school has been extremely accommodating in terms of tutoring assistance
and they have restructured some of the program to meet the academic needs
associated with this requirement. Four
of the 12 seniors this year are retesting.
Marc Laredo asked about
the participation of these students in mainstreamed extracurricular activities.
Jeff Dias replied that
while they try to encourage students to participate, it can be a difficult
endeavor. Some of them prefer
structured environments, so places such as the YMCA or the Boys & Girls
Club are popular. They also play sports
against students from alternative programs in other schools.
Walter Lyons stated that
they have a couple of students on the football team and a few trying out for
the basketball team. However, it can be
difficult to get the students integrated into these types of activities.
Mayor Cohen asked if the
trends indicate that more children are surviving premature deliveries because
of medical advances.
Alison Corner replied in
the affirmative. Children are surviving
serious medical procedures, such as heart surgery, which was not the case in
the past. Families move to local
communities, such as Newton, to access Boston Hospitals, where a great deal of
this cutting edge medical technology is occurring. This results in the need for a lot of educational resources.
Anne Larner noted that
there is a lot of data supporting Alison’s comments. Some interesting presentations have been conducted through the
Education Collaborative (EdCo) in an attempt to get more funding through the Individuals
with Disabilities Act (IDA) to address these needs.
Susan Albright would like
to know the number of preschool referrals from last year.
Alison Corner stated that
she would provide the Committee with that information.
Susan Albright believes
this is an area that they will need to focus on for long-term planning, as it
appears that the needs are going to increase for staffing and space.
Carol Daynard mentioned
that this is where they see the increase in number of aides because of the
support that is needed for these students as they move through the system.
Dori Zaleznik asked if
they can expect any assistance through the “No Child Left Behind” federal
legislation.
Carol Daynard believes
that the law will mean a redistribution of existing funds rather than anything
additional. The legislation is
redefining eligibility on who will qualify for an IEP. The Massachusetts delegation is supportive
of school districts’ efforts for additional funding, but it remains to be seen
how it will ultimately impact school systems.
Marc Laredo would like to
see some comparisons with peer districts in terms of special education
enrollment trends, so that they can plan proactively.
Carol Daynard mentioned
that some of the data she has collected indicates similar situations to
Newton. However, it is difficult to
make comparisons given that the demographics are very different and there is
not a comparable match in the State.
She will provide the information from the October 1 enrollment data,
which is easy to collect from neighboring districts.
Anne Larner added that
most surrounding communities are much smaller than Newton.
Gail Glick suggested national comparisons with like communities.
Jeff Young introduced
Yvonne Spicer, Career and Technical Vocational Director, who has been doing a
superb job in her role over the past two years. Newton is lucky to have her in the system.
Yvonne Spicer thanked the
Committee for the opportunity to talk about the Career & Technical
Education programs. She introduced and
thanked her staff
that are in attendance
this evening, for without them she could not run a successful program. Her material provides a brief description of
all of the programs under the umbrella of Career & Technical Education. She talked about her vision for the program,
which is to strengthen the relationship between traditional academics and
career education, as they are not mutually exclusive.
She believes there is a
need to bridge the gap between the traditional high school model and the career
pathways of students. She attended
Brooklyn Technical High School, which had both a very strong academic program
and career pathway. One of the
strengths of the program was that everything she learned had a connection to
real life.
While Newton offers an
array of breadth of program, there are still some unmet needs. Two of the new pilot programs being offered
are A+ Computer Maintenance/Repair and N+ Network/Server. One staff member was trained last year for
the program and paid for by Newton and she was able to negotiate with the
vendor for training for 10 additional staff members at no extra cost. The classes have been extremely successful
to date and the Newton Tab ran an article on them this week. She believes they could replicate this
course at Newton South, given the interest expressed by students. Eighty-five signed up for the course at
Newton North and they were not able to accommodate all students. The business community indicates that there
is a great need for these skills. Students
who complete these courses and pass the exam can go into the workforce, as well
as serve the school community in a work study program and paid internship.
In terms of trends, the
health field is a booming marketplace.
The medical profession is desperate for people in nursing and medical
technology, with a focus on elder care.
She views these opportunities not only in a programmatic sense for
students, but also from an economic standpoint for the community at large. She is also working with the Community
Education Director to see if there are ways in which they can translate the
curriculum into part of an adult evening program.
Finally, she wanted to
address the area of cosmetology.
Currently, students interested in this field attend Blaine Cosmetology
School out-of-district, and she believes it is feasible and cost-effective to
bring that program in-house. In
conclusion, she feels they have created a very good program that provides
options and creates pathways for all students, whether they choose to go on to
college, work for a time before attending post-secondary school, or immediately
enter the workforce.
Dori Zaleznik asked if
they can accommodate the necessary hardware for the A+ and N+ programs given
the gap in technology funding.
Yvonne Spicer stated that
there are quite a few projects in place for the A+ class, where students will
take old computers and rebuild them with upgraded hard- drives. However, they will require some additional
funding if they expand to an additional class and in order to purchase some
more sophisticated hardware.
Dori Zaleznik asked how
MCAS impacts on the program.
Yvonne Spicer recently
reviewed some preliminary comparison MCAS data. Students in Newton’s Career and Technical Education program
clearly do very well. There are
probably one or two in each discipline who are not passing and
her goal is to make sure
that they are all successful. She will
need to analyze where the students are falling short, both in their discipline,
as well as the other
parts of their academic
program. There will be a need for some
intervention, although nothing she would view as critical.
Gail Glick asked about
enrollments in some of the other disciplines.
Yvonne Spicer stated that
enrollments are strong in all areas.
The program serves approximately 600 students and, in comparison with
similar programs in other communities, they serve a large population with a
small staff. The teachers do a terrific
job in spite of budgetary constraints.
The major programs average approximately 18 students, with 23 in the
child studies program. The numbers are
also good in the exploratory courses and she tries to cut those off at
18-20.
Susan Albright asked about
her role in the technology/engineering field, with respect to MCAS.
Yvonne Spicer stated that
one of her responsibilities at the Department of Education was working on the
revision of the science/technology/engineering framework, so she is well versed
in this area. She has been working
closely with Newton’s science coordinator, particularly at the elementary
level. This is where there is a gap
because there are no specialists at this level and the teachers have a huge
responsibility for covering the standards.
They are working to tie the technology/engineering component to the
physical science standards. At the
middle school level, there is at least one technology/engineering teacher in
each school. Some of the challenge here
is in trying to find sufficient time for this subject, since it varies from
school to school, as they operate on different schedules. Another component of this area, of which she
is very proud, is the engineering program for girls at the middle schools,
which is being piloted at Brown and Day and being supported by a grant from
Verizon. At the high schools, there is
a full program at both schools in technology/engineering.
Carolyn Wyatt, Assistant
Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction, added that Yvonne has been
instrumental in making the connections and linkages necessary for successful
standards-based learning. There is
another program at the middle schools where students build racecars, which is
then connected to the physics program at the high school, indicating that the
integration of curriculum between science and technology is happening in the
way it is supposed to work.
Patty Kellogg asked if
there is any possibility of the Tiger’s Loft becoming a public restaurant.
Yvonne Spicer stated that
the location on the 4th floor of the building does not make it
easily accessible for public use during the day and it is currently only open
during school lunch blocks. It would be
feasible to open as a public restaurant if they could relocate to the first
floor and hire an additional staff member.
However, it would only be practical during the week because weekends
would involve custodial overtime. They
currently serve cafeteria style vs. sit-
down service with
menus. The teachers and students are
very proud of their work and she encouraged people to visit. She envisions someday being able to invite
senior citizens from the community to spend a day having their hair done by the
cosmetology students, lunching in the Tiger’s Loft, and then taking part in
activities in the elder care facility program.
Marc Laredo wondered if
there are some programs that are becoming less popular as society changes.
Yvonne Spicer believes
that each program serves a specific population. She believes they are all on target and need to be
maintained. The class load is fairly
evenly balanced and, if anything, she sees the challenge as needing to
strengthen some areas.
Jeff Young reported that
in the process of working on the FY04 budget and considering the various
challenges they are going to face in attempting to balance revenues and
expenditures, they are putting forward information with regard to fees. The material incorporates a survey with
respect to what other communities are doing in this area. Tonight’s discussion is to ascertain whether
the Committee is interested in pursuing any type of revenue enhancement of this
kind.
Marc Laredo noticed that
there are several gaps in the report where it is unclear whether or not the
community charges a fee, as the response is left blank.
Sandy Guryan will
follow-up and report back on this question.
Dori Zaleznik recalled
that when the Committee was reviewing the possibility of fees last year, The
issue was raised of the possibility of exacerbating the car/parking problems,
particularly if they eliminated transportation at the high school level. As they explore these options, they need to
be careful about outcomes of their decisions.
She then asked if there is a mileage limit for busing Newton residents
to private schools.
Sandy Guryan replied that they are obligated to transport
both public and private school students grade K-6, who live more than two miles
from school. However,
they have chosen in Newton to set a different standard and
bus students K-5, who live more than one mile from school. At the secondary level (grades 7-12), they
are not obligated to bus at all, but do so for students that are over two miles
from the school. This is applied equally to both public and private schools.
She will check with the law department with regard to whether or not they have
to apply the same standard.
Dori Zaleznik requested a
breakdown of the number of elementary students who would be bused under a one
vs. two mile policy.
Nancy Levine requested
that they include the tracking of ridership over a long period of time in any
review of transportation fees. She does
not believe ridership is anywhere near equal to eligibility, as so many
students are at school early and late in the day for extracurricular
activities. Perhaps they could consider
consolidating some routes. She
mentioned that there has been a lot of talk among members of the Massachusetts
Association of School Committees (MASC) around fees and she will see if they
have compiled any information that could be shared.
Patty Kellogg asked if
there is any information from other communities who have instituted a
transportation fee around an increase in the number of parents dropping
children off, which may exacerbate the issue of traffic congestion.
Sandy Guryan spoke from
some limited experience in a community that instituted a transportation
fee. The type of situation Patty
describes did not result after the implementation of fees. Once there was an adjustment period, people
opted to pay the fee, in order to have the option of busing. The amount charged would be an important
part of the discussion, as that would have an impact on ridership. There are two pieces to the policy issue;
one is the philosophical discussion around whether or not fees should be implemented
at all and the other is the amount of the fee, should they move in that
direction.
Susan Albright asked if,
with a transportation fee, the system could let anyone ride the route
regardless of distance.
Jeff Young replied that
the Committee can set any policy it so desires.
Susan Albright mentioned
that some of the elementary school buses are not full and perhaps with a few
additional stops they could accommodate more students, if it would not add
significant time to the run.
Anne Larner has always
been reluctant to institute any type of fee.
However, considering the negative financial news and concern about cuts
in state aid for next year, she feels it would be irresponsible to ignore the
subject. As a last
resort, they may decide to
go this route in order to keep program in place. In any case, they should at least explore the matter and have the
information available.
DISCUSSION ITEMS
DISCUSSION OF HIGH SCHOOL BUILDING PROJECT
Anne Larner announced the
formation of the Citizens Advisory Task Force, which was discussed at length at
the Board of Aldermen meeting last week.
There was a lot of input and suggestions made at that meeting around the
size and composition of the group, to make sure it remained manageable and yet
representative of the entire community.
Its charge will be 1.) to
develop viable options for addressing the needs at Newton North High School,
2.) overseeing and critiquing analysis of options, 3.) presenting options to the public, 4.)
soliciting feedback, 5.) refining the options in light of the feedback and 6.)
delivering a final report to the Mayor, School Committee, and Board of
Aldermen.
Marc Laredo asked if this
task force would report regularly on its work.
Anne Larner replied that
an ongoing communication plan is part of the directive to the task force and
would most likely include engaging various sectors of the community in meetings
and reporting on their progress. It
would be the responsibility of the three School Committee members who will
serve on the task force to keep the entire Committee informed.
Mayor Cohen added that it
is their expectation that all of the task force meetings will be open to the
public.
Dori Zaleznik has been
hearing a lot of positive comments about an open approach that will consider
all options. The more inclusive and
open the task force is, the better they will be able to reach a consensus on
the best solution for the City. Taking
a step back is going to help everyone focus.
She hopes that ultimately the process will draw the community together.
Susan Albright asked when
they will have further information on the selection of the chairperson of the
task force, as well as the application process.
Mayor Cohen expects to
have that in place within the next week or two.
Susan Albright commented
that it is unlikely that they will reach a consensus in the community because
there will be financial issues that come into play and it will be a very
complex decision.
Dori Zaleznik agreed and
stated that a better way to phrase it would be a consensus-building experience.
Patty Kellogg would like
to see the minutes from the task force meeting posted on the web site and/or in
the newspapers on a regular basis, so that the community can stay abreast and
be informed.
Anne Larner stated that,
in addition to whatever method of communication is ultimately decided upon by
the task force, the School Committee can do their own publicizing and the PTO
is working on this as well.
Patty Kellogg suggested
they consider having someone take formal minutes of the task force meetings.
ACTION ITEMS
VOTE TO APPOINT SCHOOL COMMITTEE REPRESENTATIVES
TO THE CHILD CARE COMMISSION
MOTION: It
was moved to reappoint Patty Kellogg (School Committee rep.), Bob Capstick
(parent rep.), Kathy Lynnes (after-school rep.), Pat Adario (family child care
rep.) and Lisa Mikus (school dept. rep.) to the Newton Child Care Commission;
effective terms – January, 2003 – January 2005.
(Mayor
Cohen – Albright)
8
– 0 – 1
Absent:
Schneider
MOTION: It was moved
to approve the monetary donation from
Lueders Environmental, Inc. to
the Newton Public
Schools, and drafting equipment from Bryer
Architects
to the Career & Technical Education Department
at
Newton North High School, as outlined in Attachment
H.
(Levine- Glick)
8 – 0 – 1
Absent: Schneider
MOTION: It was
moved to approve the grants totaling $18,300, as outlined in Attachment I.
(Glick – Levine)
8 – 0 – 1
Absent: Schneider
Anne Larner noted that
several people have raised the issue of writing some articles for the local
newspapers as a means of communication.
She requested that any Committee members interested in forming a
subcommittee to work on this contact her within the next few days.
David Donahue, Russell
Rd., West Newton, stated that the Mayor is not the sole person responsible for
the delay in the Newton North High School project. However, he is pleased to see that it has been put on hold and
that all options will return to the table.
He hopes that this also includes the issue of busing students from
Williams Elementary School to the south side of the City, which many still feel
was a bad decision, and that the taskforce explore this issue as part of their
work. In terms of the Newton South
project, he is appalled that a transfer was made to cover construction cost
overruns from technology for students.
The meeting was adjourned
at 10:00 p.m.