Action in Brief

5-8-06 School Committee Meeting

· Following a public hearing, as required by law, on the Massachusetts School Choice Program, it was unanimously voted not to participate in the program for the 2006-2007 academic year. The Committee has voted not to participate since the inception of this program and the reasons remain consistent: 1.) It diverts financial resources from poorer communities to those more affluent, 2.) There is no evidence that it offers a better education for disadvantaged students or provides a more integrated learning environment, 3.) It diverts attention and resources from schools in need, and 4.) As a result of level enrollments and continued participation in the METCO program it is unlikely there would be space available for students from other communities.

· The Committee reviewed the following standard monthly reports:

Superintendent’s Personnel Report

Special Education Update

FY06 Budget Update – As of 4/26 the district has spent $101,133,289 (73% of the annual budget) and projecting a year-end balance of $1,561.

Operations Status Report – A comprehensive report on deferred maintenance to the buildings was requested for the fall and will include discussion around the School Building Assistance Program (SBAP)

ratings of schools. Under Food Services it was noted that the program for on-line payment of lunches will be in place for all schools at the start of the next school year.

High School Building Project Update – Newton North High School: Design Review voted to recommend Option 4A for the siting of the new school and is sending that to the Board of Aldermen along with a letter framing the issues that still need to be resolved. A tentative date of 6/6 is being held by the Board of Aldermen for a public hearing. Newton South High School: The Committee hopes to have a report shortly on the punch list items, which are pending litigation, and commissioning of the building.

· The Committee heard from the Principals of Newton North and Newton South around the review of the progress made to date in the School Improvement Plans for the high schools, which are based on the following four goals: 1.) to continue to raise the academic achievement of all students, 2.) to continue to create an anti-bias/anti-racist school environment that actively practices respect for human differences, 3.) to continue technology planning with an emphasis on integrating technology as a tool for teaching and learning, and 4.) to ensure a safe and vibrant school environment. The principals touched upon many initiatives, including the work in the area of smaller learning communities, closing the achievement gap, efforts around hiring and retaining staff of color, improvements to the physical facilities, and the NEASC accreditation process.

· For the second consecutive year it was agreed to open the out-of-district process to parents who wish to send their children to an elementary school where the class sizes may be more favorable than in their own neighborhood school. The window for the application process is earlier this year in response to requests from the community. Applications will be available on June 1 and must be received by June 16.

· The Committee discussed the www.newtonpublic schools.com website survey and the next steps to be taken. The Committee praised the work of Andy Vizulis, the webmaster of the School Committee’s website, for the yeoman’s job he does on keeping up the site on a solely volunteer basis. The results of the survey indicated that many people would like to see a less cluttered, more user-friendly site. It was noted that most websites only have a 3-5 year lifecycle before needing to be upgraded. It is the School Committee’s desire to work with the administration, as the school system rolls out its own new website, to find the best way to continue to provide the public with user-friendly and up-to-date information, whether that be through linking the sites or continuing to keep them separate. It was also noted that the School Committee needs to be conscious of budget constraints and staff time in these discussions.

· Discussion was had around the school calendar. The Committee voted to approve a traditional version of the calendar for FY07-FY08, where staff and students return after Labor Day (staff 9/4 and students 9/6) because Labor Day does not fall late next year. The Committee also voted to form a subcommittee to review and make recommendations on a policy for how to address future years when Labor Day falls later.

· The Committee voted to accept two grants totaling $21,115 (Greek Studies & Title I).