NEWTON SCHOOL COMMITTEE

MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING – MAY 27, 2003

EDUCATION CENTER, FRAZIER ROOM, 7:30 P.M.

PRESENT: Chairperson Anne Larner, Vice-Chairperson Susan Albright, Patricia Kellogg, Marc Laredo, Nancy Levine, Leslie Schneider, Dori Zaleznik, Mayor Cohen, Annie Levine, student representative - Newton North High School, Keith Agoada, student representative - Newton South High School

ABSENT: Gail Glick

CALL TO ORDER

Chairperson Anne Larner called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m. She announced that Superintendent Jeffrey Young is ill and Carol Daynard, Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Services, will be sitting in his place.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Stad St. Fleur, junior at Newton North High School, transferred from private school this year with some trepidation and reservations about attending a new school. Getting involved on the stage crew of the drama program was the key to his success. Had a fee been in place, he probably would never have joined. His family could not have afforded the cost and he would have been too embarrassed to apply for a waiver. This diverse program welcomes all students. It provides them an opportunity to work together on a mutual goal, regardless of race, sexual orientation, or financial status. Students involved have a variety of talents and expertise and all are welcome.

Wendy Gedanken, 60 Summit St., parent of a sophomore in the drama program, is concerned that a fee will result in less fundraising efforts and ultimately less money available for the program. She raised the issue of equity between a student who is a lead in a show vs. one who spends a few weeks making costumes. Even if various fees are considered, this could result in a hierarchy, which goes against the mission of the theater program. Adam Brown, theater director, has been working very hard to increase the number of students involved in the program and emphasizing that a production depends on the involvement of everyone.

Taren Metson, 119 Farlow Rd., Co-chairperson of the Newton North Theater Arts Opportunities Committee, reminded the School Committee of their commitment to the program two years ago, with an increase in the budget. Once again, the program is in jeopardy. Dependence on an activity fee will not allow them to properly plan each year. Asking students to pay for the ability to participate seems to go against the nature of public education. She worries about what would happen to the non-competitive, cooperative spirit that is currently in place if a fee is instituted. She is certain of the loss of many students, who will not make the commitment if they have to pay. She also expressed concern about athletes who might want to get involved in the theater program, but who already pay a user fee for sports. Given the current financial support of many parents through donations, purchases of ads in the programs, bake sales, and ticket sales, they are practically already paying a user fee.

David Bloom, post-graduate of Newton North, is also opposed to the drama user fee because of the inevitable loss of participation. He does not worry about the students who are deeply devoted to drama and will participate with or without a fee, but rather those who lack confidence and are afraid to take risks. He was very uncertain about his abilities when he originally began his involvement in his freshman year, as a backstage prop person. However, by the time he had graduated he had not only become a full-fledged member of the stage crew, but also acted and managed. This year he has returned to Newton North as the director of the summer production of "Tommy." He would most likely have taken a very different path had there been a user fee in place.

Lauren Schwab, 19 Hyde Ave., stated that the theater program represents a community, which would be deeply impacted by a user fee. Theater is a place where students not only learn about acting and stage production, but about themselves. She feels that many freshmen would choose other avenues for extracurricular activities where they would not have to pay.

Tyler Fox, 27 School St., presented the Committee with a 371 signature petition in opposition to the drama fee. He got involved in the theater skeptically in his freshman year and now, four years later, has 50 productions under his belt. The theater has become his second home and has been the best experience of his high school career. He is constantly surprised at the variety of students who participate and is pleased that there are no cliques. A user fee would deter curious students who drop by unexpectedly to see what it is all about and would change the philosophy and goals of the program.

Daniel Bassichis, post-graduate of Newton North, is concerned that upcoming students will not have the same opportunities that were afforded to him in the theater program if a user fee is instituted. This

would impact not only the program, but the entire community that has come to expect the high caliber quality of the productions. A fee would deter from the goal of building a diverse community and would relegate theater to an upper class activity. For some students, it is their only niche in a large school. He urged the Committee not to take a step backwards.

Molly Schreiber, senior at Newton North, will be studying drama next year at New York University. She would never have been accepted had she not received the exposure and training at Newton North. She talked about all the wonderful experiences over the past four years and how she would probably not have put the time and commitment into the program had a fee been in place. She hopes they will reconsider this idea.

Mimi Diamant, senior at Newton North, talked about her involvement in the theater program. The one thing she will take away from all that she has learned is the notion that everyone involved works equally hard to make the productions a success. Over the past four years, she has watched as the program has become more inclusive and diverse and a user fee would only create a barrier.

Daniel Rakowski, 14 Grayson Lane, stated that in recent years students have been encouraged to walk into auditions to see if theater might be something of interest to them, but he does not see that happening with the imposition of a user fee. The magnitude of the productions that are presented require a variety of talents and varying time commitments. One of the most crucial elements of success is a true collaboration between all involved in the shows. Forcing students to pay for this opportunity changes the whole atmosphere.

Hannah Pepper-Cunningham, student at Newton North, talked about the fact that it is refreshing to see that there are no stereotypical students in the theater program. Each production involves new faces both on and off stage. She feels that a user fee would mean the loss of the openness and diversity of this program. The education she has gained should not be restricted to a select elite.

Linda Krouner, 54 Sheffield Rd., talked about the support the School Committee provided with the $25,000 increase in the supplementary music & art line item, which pays for the directors' stipends. Unlike athletic coaches, there is no salary scale advance for this stipend. The small per pupil investment has yielded a tremendous program organized and supervised by only two individuals. Any loss of secure funding would make planning dependent upon estimating user fees based upon the previous year and the program cannot function without proper projections. Newton North technically has a music and art department,

but not a theater department. Therefore, Theater Inc. has become the after-school theater department, where students receive training in acting, directing, staging, costumes, etc. Reading and English assignments are connected to the plays, which often focus on political, psychological and social themes. The lives of the playwrights are studied and analyzed. She urged the Committee to search for an alternate solution to offset bus costs.

STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES' DISCUSSION

Annie Levine thanked all the speakers who addressed the Committee this evening regarding the drama fee. She is involved in the program and understands the importance of keeping it as diverse and open as possible. She hopes a user fee will not be instituted.

Keith Agoada agreed and stated that while he personally is not involved in theater, he supports and attends the school plays, which are excellent.

RECOGNITIONS

The following students were recognized by the New England State Olympiada of Spoken Russian, under the leadership of their teachers, Lucien Weisbrod, Newton North High School, and Lucinda Leveille, Newton South High School:

Natasha Abramiya bronze medal

George Dietz bronze medal

Helen Drislane gold medal

Anna Kastrilevich bronze medal

Leonid Margul gold medal

Marsha Rifkin bronze medal

Julia Shapashnik gold medal

Daniel Steingard silver medal

Sam Tikh silver medal

Andrew Yeats gold medal

Lena Zhadanovsky silver medal

Robert Korobkin honorable mention

Annie Levine honorable mention

Arsen Mirzoyan honorable mention

Gennady Sokolovskiy honorable mention

Pushkin Institute Moscow Level:

Lorena Duran advanced level and silver medal

Andrey Ostapchenko native speaker level and a gold medal

Alexandra Weinstein native speaker level and gold medal

APPROVAL OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES

Susan Albright made a correction to the minutes of 3/17/03, page 2, paragraph #6, 1st sentence: "thought" should read "though."

MOTION: It was moved to approve the School Committee

budget meeting minutes of 3/13 and 3/17/03

(as amended), and executive session meeting

minutes of 3/18 and 3/20/03.

(Zaleznik - Levine)

8 - 0 - 1

Absent: Glick

Due to the number of people in attendance this evening to hear the discussion on the proposed fee structure, the Committee agreed to move this item up on the agenda.

ACTION ITEMS

CONTINUED DISCUSSION/VOTE ON PROPOSED FEE STRUCTURE FOR 2003/2004

Dori Zaleznik stated that this issue arose out of the Committee's desire to search for a way to more equitably distribute the need to raise funds. The notion of a general activity fee was discarded after discussions with the Law Department, because Massachusetts law only allows fees for providing an actual service. The drama program was reviewed because it was an area that occupied a considerable amount of time. She was originally opposed to charging any type of fees but realized that the alternative would be cuts in staff or program. However, she believes people have made a very strong case for the drama program. Regardless of the outcome of tonight's vote, she feels they need a more in-depth discussion of user fees in the fall, with an attempt to continue to try to find ways to make these more equitable.

Marc Laredo thanked the speakers for their passion and obvious commitment to the program. He was particularly impressed by the students, who are taking from this program exactly what the system desires and that is a love of learning. He has no doubt that, for many, it is the single most important reason they attend school. While he understands the need for revenue, charging any type of user fee is an antithesis to the system's goals and mission and will discourage participation by the very students who most need these activities.

Susan Albright noted that through research she has found several web sites with public policies about this subject. They all state that fees should only be used for services that are in danger of being reduced and not for things that are the core of education. It would be wise for the Committee to develop a policy in the fall that would outline their core values around user fees. If the transportation fee is passed, it should be for one year only, so that they can have an opportunity to review its impact and decide whether or not it is something they wish to continue and/or make any necessary modifications. She also believes they need to do further research on a general activity fee and she strongly supports a family cap on all fees.

Nancy Levine noted that transportation differs from other fees in that it is a non-curriculum issue. The information that the administration provided from other communities who charge a transportation fee indicates that Newton's price is on the lower end. She agrees that if it is passed, it should reviewed after one year.

Patty Kellogg stated that after receiving all the information and hearing from the public, she is convinced that they should not institute a drama fee because of the complexity of implementation, equity issues, and its connection to the curriculum.

Leslie Schneider will support only the transportation fee and agrees that it should be for one year and then revisited. She has never supported a drama fee because of its connection to the curriculum and believes that no additional fees should be imposed until they have had some experience in these areas.

Mayor Cohen was impressed by the speakers who so eloquently helped them understand the importance and breadth of the drama program. He feels the imposition of a user fee for theater would be counter-productive to a successful program. While he is not pleased to have to impose any fees, the transportation area is a better alternative to having to make other program cuts.

Susan Albright commented on the traffic safety issue at the schools and the possibility that the transportation fee will only exacerbate that problem. While she will reluctantly support its implementation, these are the type of issues they will have to watch carefully and review next year.

Anne Larner also supports looking at user fees in a broader manner and developing some policies in this regard. She thanked the directors of the theater programs at the high schools for helping the Committee develop a better understanding. While she will support the transportation fee, she still has concerns about this area, as well as the parking fees that will be put in place at the high schools. This is all new territory for Newton and they will have to monitor it carefully.

Dori Zaleznik feels that a transportation fee limits options for families. She shares the concern about increased traffic and safety issues. However, as unpleasant as this fee may be, when broken down it is only $1.00 per day and, in her opinion, is a better alternative than having to cut program.

MOTION: It was moved to approve the adoption of a

transportation fee, as outlined in the original

proposal ($180 per year per student = $1.00 per day)

with a family cap of 2x that amount ($360), for the

2003-2004 academic year only.

(Levine - Schneider)

Discussion:

Susan Albright asked if they will allow students who do not currently ride buses to do so next year.

Sandy Guryan replied that this will be allowed, to the extent possible. The data indicates that there should be room for most, if not all, at the elementary level and they will be able to add a couple of stops closer to the schools. There are a few schools where there are barely any buses because most students live within walking distance. There also appears to be room at the high school level. The middle school is the area that is more problematic.

Dori Zaleznik noted that there is currently a proposal before the State legislature to eliminate the transportation mandate for elementary students beyond two miles. She would hope that if this is passed, it would mean the fee would be charged to all families for equity purposes. She also wants to be assured that they will be collecting from families whose children attend private school and who are not within the mandated distance.

Anne Larner mentioned that the fees do not apply to students in the special education program, who they are required to transport if it is part of their Individual Educational Plan (IEP).

Vote on motion to institute transportation fee: 7 - 1 - 1

Opposed: Laredo

Absent: Glick

There was no interest by the Committee in pursuing the drama fees.

Susan Albright asked about a family cap.

Sandy Guryan stated that she is reviewing this piece and will be providing the Committee with some calculations for discussion purposes. She will have some options prepared for their next meeting.

MOTION: It was moved to establish a subcommittee in the fall

to examine the user fee structure, including issues re:

policy, revenues and equitable distribution of fees.

(Zaleznik - Levine)

8 - 1

Absent: Glick

REPORTS

NEWTON NORTH HIGH SCHOOL TASK FORCE UPDATE

Susan Albright briefed the Committee on last week's Task Force meeting, where they reviewed the draft of the final report, which should be available shortly. Many people put in yeoman's work throughout this process, but she wished to particularly thank Theresa Park and Ouida

Young, who helped keep the group organized, informed and updated.

Anne Larner noted that they will be working on drafting a proposal for the process that the School Committee needs to take in reviewing the educational program and she hopes to have that by the next School Committee meeting.

HIGH SCHOOL BUILDING PROJECT UPDATE

Nicholas Parnell, Building Commissioner, updated the Committee on the work at Newton South High School. They anticipate the cafeteria and student center to be complete by the end of July, and the gym and field house in August.

Nancy Levine asked if there will be any cleanup and landscaping around the areas that were under construction before the opening of school.

Nick Parnell replied that they have already begun to fence around the parking lot and they are attempting to clean up that portion of the work from phase I.

CONTINUED DISCUSSION/VOTE ON PROPOSED FY04 SUPPLEMENTAL CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM & FY05-FY09 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN

Mayor Cohen reiterated that the reason there is so little funding this year for the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) is because of the extreme winter conditions that consumed a considerable amount of free cash. In addition, since there is still so much uncertainty around the budget and state funding, he is reluctant to commit additional money at this point. However, as of July 1st, he will set aside approximately $500,000 for the City, of which the School Committee will receive $200,000. This is in addition to the $80,000 that was discussed at the last meeting.

Marc Laredo understands the difficult financial situation they are faced with this year and appreciates the Mayor's efforts on behalf of the schools. However, he continues to remain concerned about the level of funding for both charter maintenance and capital improvements. Given the conditions of some of the buildings, they are running the risk of paying a far greater price later by not addressing problems now.

Michael Cronin, Chief of Operations, stated that last week they outlined how they would use the $80,000. The additional $200,000 will allow them to address other critical areas. The two he feels are priorities are generators and completing the installation of the phone system, so that the remaining three middle schools can come on line.

Dori Zaleznik asked about window replacements.

Mike Cronin replied that the major cost involved is the mobilization of the crew, so they would plan replacement building-by-building rather than piecemeal. The need is quite large and he has prioritized the buildings by need and broken them down into three separate installments. The average cost per building is $100,000.

MOTION: It was moved to approve the Proposed FY04

Supplemental Capital Improvement Program

& the FY05-FY09 Capital Improvement Plan,

as submitted in Attachment H.

(Zaleznik - Levine)

7 - 1 - 1

Abstained: Mayor Cohen

Absent: Glick

The Mayor explained that he abstained from the vote because the request for funding will be directed to him.

OPERATIONS STATUS REPORT

There were no questions on the report.

REPORT ON SMALLER LEARNING COMMUNITIES

Judith Malone Neville, Assistant Superintendent of Schools, introduced the group who will speak this evening, as well as those who could not be present, and thanked them for their hard work in developing this proposal for a federal grant for smaller learning communities. Last fall the high school principals attended a conference in Philadelphia on this subject and returned enthused and committed to the bringing this opportunity to Newton. In preparation for the grant, a needs assessment was conducted and letters of support from various members of the community were obtained. They are happy to answer any questions the Committee may have about this matter.

Dori Zaleznik asked if they could highlight the major parts of the program.

Magali Rowan, student at Newton South High School, stated that she and Molly Joplin got involved with this subject through their senior learning project. They feel that they bring an insider's perspective of what has and has not worked in their education over the past four years. They visited three schools in the spring (Parker Charter Essential School, Brookline High School, and Cambridge Rindge & Latin). At Parker Charter, they noticed that there was a lot of respect for teachers and a passion for learning at all levels that they would like to mirror in Newton. They also had no grading system but relied on portfolios. Brookline was more physically similar to Newton and has been able to meet the challenge of dealing with a school set off from the rest of the main building. Cambridge Rindge & Latin has attempted several plans and is working toward identifying the best.

Molly Joplin added that many students do not feel that they have a relationship with an adult that they can trust in school. Some are doing poorly and not succeeding, while others might be doing very well on tests but not really caring about learning. In their school visits, they saw independent thinkers that were excited about the material. At Cambridge Rindge & Latin, once the smaller learning communities concept was instituted, the number of students of color taking advanced placement (AP) courses increased dramatically along with better test scores. They see a great need for this in Newton.

Marc Laredo asked about their plans should the grant not be forthcoming.

Judy Malone Neville stated that they would hope to continue the work through other funding sources.

Jennifer Huntington, Principal of Newton North High School, added that they believe this program is so important that they would want to move ahead even without the grant, but on a slower and more realistic timeline.

Michael Welch, Principal of Newton South High School, stated that they are moving toward a time when both schools will be of equal size. Demographics indicate a small and shrinking population of teachers about to retire in the next several years and a large bulge who are 35 years old and under. They are heading toward a point of stability that will last approximately 15 years. The decisions that they make now are important for the future. The most consistent nationwide data on high schools indicates that large populations need to be broken down into smaller units so that students can be known. It is not the number of students in a building that is important, rather how it is managed. Newton's current house system dates to the 1950s and it is time for a review. While this is not the panacea for all problems, they view it as an opportunity to experiment and better the situation for a much higher percentage of students.

Jennifer Huntington commented that the theater group this evening is a wonderful example of a smaller learning community that they would like to see replicated in many areas.

Cynthia Bergen, Assistant Principal of Newton North High School, recalled her teaching experience in both the team model at the middle school and the house system at the high school. There is no doubt that the preferred model is one in which colleagues can meet several times a week and discuss their students' achievements and problems. This becomes nearly impossible in a school the size of Newton North under the current system.

Leslie Schneider is excited about this venture. The students were very helpful in providing her with a sense of what it is all about. There are not many models for this program in suburban communities, but she is aware of several and will be happy to provide some information to the group.

Judy Malone Neville noted that her son is a headmaster at a Boston school that is instituting a smaller learning communities grant and they have been able to share a great deal of information. A tremendous amount of commitment is needed to make it0 successful and she is looking forward to working on this issue.

Susan Albright noted that she has waited a long time for this program and is very pleased to see that they are moving forward. She hopes they will continue to include the School Committee in their process, particularly if

it is going to have budgetary implications. She is pleased that this program is going to benefit all students, including those who are experiencing problems and the ones who seem to be doing fine but are not connecting. Finally, she believes this can address gender issues. There seems to be a national recognition of the fact that boys seem to have fallen by the wayside lately in education.

Marc Laredo asked if they are anticipating a cluster model, such as is used in middle schools, an alternative high school, or a combination of both.

Judy Malone Neville stated that they have been discussing the myriad of models available, including some already existing in the schools. The components that appear to be successful in all are the bonding experiences and personal connections. They also talked about the transitional experience from the middle schools into the 9^th grade and how that factors into the equation. Questions have been asked about whether to duplicate the models in each school or utilize different methods depending on need. There are many more conversations that need to occur and they welcome everyone's input.

Jennifer Huntington noted that one thing that was so attractive about this grant is that it is not directed at one group, so they can develop an assortment of models.

Anne Larner suggested the possibility of a special meeting for the Committee devoted to this topic next fall.

Dori Zaleznik wondered if any of the structural features at Newton South might be ideally suited for this program or if there are things they might have wished to have done differently that might be helpful for the renovation project at Newton North.

Mike Welch admitted that the culture and climate of the two buildings is driven a great deal by the architecture, but he does not believe that hinders any programs. South had an existing structure before the addition, which now makes it a sprawling complex. He believes there will be both advantages and disadvantages to this design. One advantage is that the nature of the building will allow for places to evolve over time. His visit to a high school in Merrimack, New Hampshire that has recently gone through a similar situation will be a valuable resource.

Nancy Levine commented on Brookline, which removed the 9^th grade during renovations. This is another useful model from which to gain insight. What has struck her the most in tonight's discussion is the involvement of the students. She hopes they will expand these opportunities as they move forward.

Leslie Schneider asked if the planning for the New England Association of Schools & Colleges, Inc. (NEASC) evaluation next year might be of any help with this program.

Mike Welch believes that the two can dovetail nicely because the evaluation process involves a self-study that will guide them toward critical needs. This can then be incorporated into the work they are doing around smaller learning communities.

Molly Joplin envisions her dream school as one in which all freshmen are in a smaller learning community, with a more standardized curriculum. A more focused academy type choice would then be available to students in either their sophomore or junior year.

Judy Malone Neville hopes that Molly and McCauley will continue after graduation as consultants. The administration understands the importance of involving students as stakeholders.

Anne Larner asked when they anticipate hearing the outcome of the grant.

Judy Malone Neville expects it to be sometime late summer.

REPORT/RECOMMENDATIONS ON ELEMENTARY EQUITY POLICY

Judy Malone Neville briefed the Committee on the work of the Equity Committee, with its main focus on technology. The report has the support of the PTO Council.

Marc Laredo thanked them for their leadership in this difficult matter. There have been lively discussions and healthy dialogue around these issues and he fully supports the recommendations. While there continues to be equity issues that have to be addressed, in light of the difficult budget this year he does not believe the system can turn down a proposal that is going to allow them to bring in more funding.

Susan Albright asked about the notion of a central fund.

Pat Tietbohl, Cochairperson of the Elementary Equity Committee, stated that the recommendation for depositing money into a central fund, should a school go over a certain limit in fundraising, is a goal for the future and not part of this report.

Susan Albright expressed concern about some schools having more computers than others, as a result of more PTO funding.

Judy Malone Neville noted that it is the intent of the school system to make sure the field is equitable, by directing school department resources to those schools that have not reached a level playing field. Some of the shortfalls have been addressed through grants. In addition, as some of the technology is updated in the middle schools, older equipment is shared with the elementary schools.

Susan Albright asked about library automation and the lack of a cap on fundraising for that area.

Reenie Murphy, Cochairperson of the Elementary Equity Committee, stated that it is expected that all schools will be automated by the end of the year, either through the school system or PTO funds. The information in tonight's packet does not include older machines which, when factored in, make the ratios better than what they appear.

Dori Zaleznik stated that it is easier to raise funds from people for a particular program or school rather than for a general account. However, she feels they need to be working toward a policy by which technology can be self-sustaining through money that is not part of the operating budget; perhaps through a technology fund, grants, and/or business/alumni fundraising rather than relying on PTOs to fundraise themselves. In some cases there is a very large difference between what schools can raise.

Pat Tietbohl replied that the Equity Committee does not disagree and believes that they need to start discussing the notion of an endowment fund; perhaps with a group like the Newton Schools Foundation. However, they are not certain they are the group that should be leading this effort. Their charter calls for them to monitor the equitable distribution of funding.

Marc Laredo agrees that the citywide mechanism is preferable. However, they have to deal with the reality that is in place this year. Given that they have just instituted a bus fee, he would be hard-pressed to turn away funds from people who want to contribute to the schools.

Pat Tietbohl mentioned that even the schools that did not do a great deal of fundraising support the goal of getting more funds into the schools so that the school system can better deploy its limited resources.

Anne Larner asked about their recommendation regarding funding for professional development.

Reenie Murphy explained that in the past schools could not raise funds for teacher training. Under this plan contributions go into a general fund, which is then offered to teachers from any school.

Anne Larner has concerns about the philosophical issues involved in fundraising for a service that traditionally has been the role of the school system, even if it is distributed in an equitable manner.

Pat Tietbohl noted that this item came up last year in the need to address the implementation of technology, so that teachers would be able to effectively utilize the hardware and equipment that was being obtained.

Judy Malone Neville agreed that this is different than the way the system is used to operating. However, this effort was geared specifically to the use of training staff in technology.

Anne Larner questioned whether approval of the recommendations actually sets policy. She wondered if they could accept the report in spirit while continuing to talk about the particulars.

Susan Albright would like to further explore the notion of capping and a general fund and asked how the Equity Committee might feel about such a policy.

Reenie Murphy stated that this past year the elementary schools raised $700,000; the majority of it being used for technology. She expressed concerns about losing some funds if this type of policy were in place, but it certainly deserves further discussion.

Nancy Levine expressed some reservations about limiting fundraising to the point of dampening the spirit, but is also concerned about the amount of external spending that the PTOs are funding.

Marc Laredo commented that people are more likely to contribute money for something local. However, he agrees with the goal of establishing a broader-based support system for technology, which is going to take some time and effort.

Susan Albright is struggling with the notion of equity in this report.

Pat Tietbohl stated that these recommendations do not change the basic fundraising process and equity policy that has been in place since 1988. What is becoming apparent is that some schools are placing a major focus on raising funds for technology. While there was a lot of discussion around this issue, it was agreed that because of the cooperation between the PTOs and the school system, this has worked well over the past few years and should be left in place while being monitored.

Susan Albright commented that while it has appeared to work well for some schools, it seems that the spirit of the original intent of the policy has changed.

Pat Tietbohl noted that not all schools choose to spend their fundraising on technology. Each determines its own needs and desires.

Anne Larner does not want the Equity Committee to feel as if the School Committee is not appreciative of their work. It is because they have done such a fine job of presenting the information and the complex issues involved that they are struggling with these difficult decisions.

Judy Malone Neville stated that if the Committee supports the spirit of the recommendations, they can then work those into the existing policy, with the cooperative effort of the School Committee, PTO and administration. This is by no means a final document.

END OF YEAR REPORT ON SYSTEMWIDE GOALS

Dori Zaleznik was impressed to see the amount of progress on the goals and the staff should be commended for their hard work.

Anne Larner suggested that future reports include an outline on the status of where they are in the curriculum cycles in each area, since these are an ongoing process.

DISCUSSION ITEMS

DISCUSSION ON REVISIONS IN USE OF SCHOOL BUILDINGS POLICY

Nancy Levine, Chairperson of the Use of School Buildings Subcommittee, outlined their recommendations for some minor changes to the policy. The theater directors have raised the issue of some conflicts with outside users of the auditoriums, with regard to the use of lighting and sound systems. They have worked closely with the Law Dept. around liability issues and Carol Bock, Director of Capital Planning & Operations, has done a great deal of research around the costs associated with rental of this type of equipment from outside vendors. Newton will charge less than what it would cost a group to rent from outside providers.

Anne Larner asked if they had done research on fees charged by other school systems.

Mike Cronin replied that Carol contacted several neighboring communities in her research.

Nancy Levine added that several groups have been utilizing outside rentals at a higher cost, so to some extent this will make things easier for everyone.

VOTE TO ESTABLISH GIFT FUND

MOTION: It was moved to authorize the establishment of

the Debbie Ellis Grant gift account and to accept

donations on behalf of this account, as outlined

in Attachment I.

(Levine - Zaleznik)

7 - 0 - 2

Absent for vote: Mayor Cohen

Absent: Glick

COMMUNICATIONS

Carol Daynard announced an upcoming forum on legal responsibility at Newton South High School, on 5/28, at 7:30 p.m. This is an important subject matter at this time of year given graduations, proms, etc.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Jay Harney, 42 Central St., commended the Committee for not passing the drama fee. However, he reminded them of the vote to redistrict Williams Elementary School students to Newton South High School. One of the reasons cited was the cost analysis of busing students. He finds it ironic that two years later they are now faced with a transportation fee. Getting to and from school safely is not an optional activity and he views this as a core educational need. Not all students have to take a bus to school, but this decision impacts everyone in the Williams community and not all parents have the option of driving. He asked them to reconsider the bus fee and reduce it for the Williams and Lower Falls communities. He also suggested that at the time of the review of the user fees next year, they revisit the entire districting process, so that there is equity among schools.

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting was adjourned at 10:30 p.m.