NEWTON SCHOOL COMMITTEE

MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING

PUBLIC HEARING ON FY04 BUDGET

MARCH 20, 2003

DAY MIDDLE SCHOOL, AUDITORIUM, 7:30 P.M.

PRESENT: Chairperson Anne Larner, Vice-Chairperson Susan Albright, Gail Glick, Patricia Kellogg, Marc Laredo, Nancy Levine, Leslie Schneider, Dori Zaleznik, Mayor Cohen

ABSENT: student representatives

OPEN SESSION

MOTION: At 5:45 p.m., it was moved, by roll call vote, to convene

in executive session for the purpose of discussing matters related to collective bargaining. The Committee will reconvene in open session at 7:30 p.m.

(Levine - Glick)

7 - 2

Absent for vote: Laredo, Mayor Cohen

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, "yes" (Schneider); Ward VII, absent for vote (Laredo); Ward VIII, "yes" (Zaleznik); Mayor Cohen, absent for vote

CALL TO ORDER

Anne Larner called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.

PUBLIC HEARING ON FY04 BUDGET

Michael Feldstein, Newton South High School parent and Horace Mann Elementary School teacher, addressed the Committee with regard to the guidance ratios at the high school. As the class sizes increase, the needs of students

become more intense, both academically and emotionally. Next year will be a very challenging time because of increased enrollment, as a result of redistricting. Newton does not have other supports in place, as some other communities do, and the guidance counselors have many varied responsibilities. He urged the Committee to maintain the current ratio.

Ava Shapiro, Mara Bartek and Ben Jabbawy, Newton South High School students, presented a petition (247 signatures) in support of the enrichment coordinator's position at Newton South High School. The students spoke about the person serving in this role and its importance. They talked about the variety of programs she oversees and her commitment and dedication. They hope that this position can be reinstated full-time.

Jane Franz and Judi Bartek, Cochairpersons of the Newton North and Newton South High School Councils respectively, expressed concern about the limited amount of funding in the budget for all the existing needs, of which class size and guidance ratios are their top priority. Last year the Committee's decision to reinstate several teaching positions resulted in a 50% reduction in the number of classes over 25, but there are still many that continue to be large. They hope the Committee will reconsider the cuts in the guidance staffing, particularly in a year where redistricting and renovations will be impacting the high schools. In terms of possible fees to raise revenues, they suggested the Committee look at ways to make that a more equitable distribution and investigate other areas that might share the burden.

Andi Edson Sterne, member of the Newton South High School Council, spoke about the position of the enrichment coordinator and requested that the Committee retain its 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE) status. The scope of this person's responsibilities include, but are not limited to, coordinating the community service learning program, peer mediation and mentors in violence prevention program, senior serve-a-thon, holiday drives, staffing soup kitchens, and fundraising. This is an opportunity for many students to learn about good citizenship. She questioned the cost of giving up this program.

Amy Sangiolo, member of the Board of Aldermen and a Williams Elementary School parent, addressed the issue of bus fees. The decision to redistrict Williams was a bad one and the idea of now imposing a transportation fee on this community is even worse. Instituting a fee could result in more parents driving their children to school, thereby increasing traffic and causing safety hazards. She urged the Committee to find alternative ways of finding funding that would be shared equally systemwide.

Judy Nagle, 23 Agawam Rd., Waban, expressed concern about cuts of interns in the integrated programs. The interns support students while teachers conduct lessons, so that all students in the classroom are participating in the lesson plan simultaneously at their own level. Student teachers will not suffice in this

position, because they are not available for 10 weeks out of the year. This program requires consistency, in order to understand the needs and learning styles of the children. The program at Angier Elementary School is a model for the entire system. She hopes they will reconsider this decision.

Fiona Penman, 44 Troy Lane, Waban, hopes that the nursing staff will not be reduced in the budget. Children today have many medical issues that require immediate attention by a professional, including peanut allergies, diabetes, and asthma. Her daughter experienced a seizure disorder and it was the nurses in the buildings who made the difference in her being able to attend school. If they are forced to cut full-time nursing, it will be a step back for the system.

Jane Wan, Copresident of the Williams Elementary School PTO, referred to a recent comment by a School Committee member comparing fees for buses to student lunches. Students have a choice to bring a lunch if they do not want to pay, but parents do not necessarily have the choice to transport their children. With regard to the nursing situation, she talked about the day-to-day issues that unexpectedly occur that require their oversight. For instance, nine children were treated at Williams today for nosebleeds and cuts from playing at recess with over-excitement on the first spring-like day. The nurse is the only qualified person to determine whether a student can remain in school or has to be dismissed as a result of illness. She believes there will be more calls to 911 and increased dismissals without full-time nursing.

Michael Winter, junior at Newton South High School, spoke in support of lower guidance counselor ratios. The role of the counselors is to serve all students; from those with troubles, to those needing career advice. The relationship that develops between a counselor and a student is a necessary part of the educational process.

Reenie Murphy, Copresident of the PTO Council, thanked the Superintendent for his decision to reinstate the creative arts position, as PTO funds should not be spent on staffing. In terms of the increased cut in the per pupil allocation in lieu of reducing teachers, she believes this was a good decision. This is an area where the PTO could assist with some short-term funding, i.e., paper, copy supplies, toner, etc.

Alison Bass, 20 Hallron Rd., Newton Lower Falls, suggested a broader fee for all students vs. targeting just transportation, which penalizes families who live far from schools or those without automobiles.

Ming Foay, 51 Crehore Dr., Newton Lower Falls, considers a bus fee a discriminatory tax and believes that once it is passed it will be very difficult to contain.

Liz Richardson, 55 Mossfield Rd., Waban, Newton South High School parent, spoke in support of retaining the current student/counselor ratio, particularly as there will be an increased number of freshmen at Newton South next year. While they are excited about the influx of new students, it is essential that they have sufficient support in the transition. All the literature around student/counselor ratios actually recommends 150:1. Counselors currently work weekends and evenings just to keep up with their responsibilities. Over school vacations they work with the secretarial staff to process college applications. The elementary classroom teacher has approximately 25 students with support staff. The middle schools operate on a team model. However, the high schools have no supports, such as social workers or psychologists, other than what is allocated for special education. Therefore, the counselors serve in multiple roles. They also deal with numerous outside agencies that may be involved in the needs of families.

Brian Camenker, 84 Staniford St., President of the Newton Taxpayers Association, noted that even after the Override the school system continues to face budgetary problems. There is still talk of cuts and instituting fees. The budget has grown far beyond the rate of inflation and salaries continue to increase. Newton is top-heavy in its administration vs. other school systems and pays staff far more than many other communities. He listed several areas of concern and waste that he has raised in the past, such as using public space for controversial non-school related activities, busing children from outside of the City to meet social programs, and lavish health benefits and retirement packages for employees. He believes the system needs an entire overhaul.

Walter Cohn, 49 Collins Rd., Waban, expressed concern over the cuts in aides. Many special needs students are thriving as a result of the support they receive from this staff. Difficult times require creative thinking and he hopes they can reexamine this area and find other alternatives.

Bill Hecht, 32 Oldham Rd., asked for an explanation of the increase in staff salaries.

Anne Larner explained that the School Committee is just beginning to discuss contracts with the unions and the final figure is subject to bargaining. What is listed in the budget includes items such as benefits, health insurance, and step increases.

Bill Hecht responded that this is a perfect opportunity to negotiate some of these items.

Sandra Hurwitz, Copresident of the Williams Elementary School PTO, stated that parents are very concerned about the proposed cuts in the nursing staff and the establishment of bus fees. The school system seems to be continually asking families to bear more of a financial burden. She suggested they investigate fees for all activities.

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting was adjourned at 8:20 p.m.