Agawam Public Schools - S.C. Meeting Minutes October 24, 2006

During Citizen’s Speak Time, Susan Martin or 21 Francis Street voiced her concerns regarding how Robinson Park School students are picked up from school at the end of the day noting that identification is not required of the person who comes for the child. Next, Judith Mangiaratti of 111 Karen Lynn Circle expressed her disappointment that the Renaissance program at the high school was not operational to date due to the lack of an advisor for the club.

Under Superintendent’s Notes, Dr. Czajkowski reported on the following:

· Schools will not be in session on November 7, 2006, as it is a professional development day for all staff

· Attendance at the Professional Learning Communities conference at Assabet Valley on October 27, 2006, and attendance at the International Education Summit at Boston College on November 2 & 3, 2006.

· Presentation of Proclamation by Mayor to high school S.A.D.D. club members at 9:00 a.m. on October 25, 2006, in the AHS rotunda

· School Committee Governance Workshop with MASC executive director Glenn Koocher will take place on Saturday, December 2, 2006, from 9:30 a.m. to 12 noon at the Agawam Public Library

Dr. Czajkowski then asked if the Committee could go into “Committee as a Whole”, so that an in-depth discussion could take place about her next three items.

Then, on a motion made by R. Sandlin, 2^nd by A. Bonavita, the Committee voted to go into “Committee as a Whole.”

Vote: 7 – 0

Dr. Czajkowski then explained that she had met with representatives from Comtel Alarm to discuss purchasing sophisticated security equipment for all eight schools. She further explained that she would need the Committee’s approval to purchase surveillance cameras, magnetic door locks, intercoms, and buzzers for all school main entrances, with two to be installed at the senior high school, at the cost of approximately $27,000.00. Dr. Czajkowski said that purchasing surveillance cameras would be the first phase of a three phase plan, with staff micro chip identification cards and student proximity cards comprising steps two and three.

After lengthy discussion, on a motion made by R. Sandlin, 2^nd by D. Juzba, the Committee voted to approve the appropriation of up to $30,000.00 for the purchase of surveillance cameras and corresponding equipment to be placed at each school. During discussion, it was suggested that Comtel Alarm come before the Committee and present their proposal.

Vote: 7 – 0

Next, Dr. Czajkowski reported that the only qualified and certified candidate for the Interim Guidance Director position had withdrawn. Dr. Czajkowski said she spoke with Bob Bardwell, president of the Mass. Association of School Counselors, to request a team similar to NEASC to evaluate our guidance department job descriptions and program delivery so that our guidance program aligns with the new school counseling model. In addition, Jay Carey from UMASS, will summarize the guidance surveys that were completed during 2005-2006 as another means of determining the guidance program’s strengths and weaknesses.

Prior to discussion of this topic, the Chair removed himself, so there would not be a conflict of interest as his brother is a high school guidance counselor, and turned the meeting over to vice chair, P. Cavallo.

Dr. Czajkowski recommended that the interim position not be reposted and that an assessment of the guidance program by an outside agency be conducted. After an extended discussion, Committee members agreed with her recommendation.

At the conclusion of discussion, the vice chair turned the meeting back over to the chair, R. Cohen.

As her final note, Dr. Czajkowski provided an update on the status of the middle school’s construction project of four additional classrooms. She noted that all exterior work had been completed and only the interior work needs to be completed. She also compared architect Alfred Casella’s estimate of $500, 000 to finish the project with that of Building Maintenance Director Anthony Albro’s estimate of $221,000.00. During discussion, R. Sandlin asked for the percentage of architectural fees that are included in Mr. Casella’s proposal. Committee members agreed that an in-house savings of approximately $300,000 was significant and should be considered even if the project takes longer to complete. Dr. Czajkowski said she would keep the Committee apprised of the project’s progress.

Then, on a motion made by P. Cavallo, 2^nd by R. Doering, the Committee voted to come out of “Committee as a Whole.”

Vote: 7 - 0

Next, under Highlights on Education, Dr. Czajkowski was joined by Mr. Sapelli, Mr. Kane, and the Committee in her presentation of the annual M.A.S.S. Academic Achievement Awards to seniors Greggory David Lane and Myungsun Ro.

Under Unfinished Business, there was none on the agenda.

Under Business Meeting, on a motion made by R. Sandlin, 2^nd by D. Juzba, the Committee voted to approve the October 10, 2006, regular meeting minutes.

Vote: 6 – 0 – 1 abstention (R. Cohen)

Under Calendar/Correspondence, secretary D. Juzba said she had not received any.

Next, on a motion made by R. Doering, 2^nd by P. Cavallo & R. Sandlin, the Committee approved the following warrants as read: SW-07-15 in the amount of $99,514.93, SW-07-16 in the amount of $34,190.58, and SW-07-17 in the amount of $464,377.21.

Vote: 7 – 0

Under Reports, the first report of the evening was a review of student MCAS scores by Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction, W. Sapelli, who was joined by Mathematics Curriculum Specialist, Nancy Farrell, and all the other curriculum specialists from the secondary and elementary levels. During their PowerPoint presentation, Mr. Sapelli and Mrs. Farrell explained MCAS scores for each grade level, as well as Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP). Also reviewed were improvement initiatives in Math and ELA and the Spring 2007 MCAS test schedule. A question and answer session then ensued.

The second report of the evening was a Financial/Personnel Update as presented by Assistant Superintendent for Business/Human Resources, J. Kane. In his personnel report, Mr. Kane noted the hiring of two new teachers, one for Spanish at the high school and one in Mathematics at the junior high school. He also noted the hiring of one new teacher assistant and one more maternity leave request. In his financial report, Mr. Kane estimated, to date, a FY’07 surplus in the amount of $201,764.00.

Under Subcommittee Updates, R. Doering said she had attended two recent building committee meetings and that construction will begin as soon as the building permits are received. R. Cohen said the permits had been signed and were ready for the Resun Corporation to pick up.

Next, under Student Representative's Comments, C. Tierney said students were also disheartened by the lack of an advisor for the Renaissance Program and hoped that an alternative solution could be found so that the club could resume.

Under New Business, on a motion made by R. Sandlin, 2^nd by R. Doering, the Committee voted to suspend the rules and vote on SCR-06-25 and SCR-06-26 due to the urgency of both recommendations.

Vote: 7 - 0

Then, on a motion made by R. Sandlin, 2^nd by R. Doering, the Committee voted to approve SCR-06-25, Petition for Increasing Instruction Time for Reading Recovery Teacher at Granger School.

Vote: 7 – 0

Next, on a motion made by R. Sandlin, 2^nd by R. Doering, the Committee voted to approve SCR-06-26, Petition for Increasing Instruction Time for ELL Teacher at Agawam Middle School.

Vote: 7 - 0

SCR-06-27, Approval of Site Coordinator and Group Leader Pay Increases, was moved to the November 14, 2006, meeting agenda where it will appear under Unfinished Business.

Under Policy Review, on a motion made by R. Sandlin, 2^nd by P. Cavallo, the Committee voted to approve the 1^st reading of Policy IHBEA, English Language Learners.

Vote: 7 - 0

On a motion made by R. Doering, 2^nd by D. Juzba, the Committee voted to approve the 1^st reading of Policy JLCD, Administering Medicines to Students.

Vote: 7 – 0

Then, on a motion made by D. Juzba, 2^nd by A. Bonavita, the Committee voted to approve the 1^st reading of Policy KBBA, Non-Custodial Parent’s Rights.

Vote: 7 – 0

Next, on a motion made by R. Doering, 2^nd by D. Juzba, the Committee voted to approve the 1^st reading of Policy KBBA-R, Non-Custodial Parent’s Rights Checklist.

Vote: 7 - 0

Items discussed, A Bonavita asked for clarification regarding the Renaissance Program situation at the high school. Dr. Czajkowski said that after two postings, no staff member applied to be the club’s advisor. However, Dr. Prystupa is investigating the possibility of volunteer parents serving as the group’s advisors. Dr. Czajkowski said she will keep the Committee informed about the situation. D. Juzba asked if she could have updates regarding the District Wide Support Team meetings, as she is unable to attend them. She also complimented the Rosie Robotics ziti dinner, which she attended with her children last week, noting how she is always amazed by the student’s creativity. P. Cavallo said he was upset by Dr. Czajkowski’s memo, which said she would allow school committee members to serve on search committees on a trial basis. Therefore, he would be bringing forth to the Policy Subcommittee a formal policy, which would state a school committee member will serve on search committees. R. Doering asked if there had been any response yet regarding the Community Music School. Dr. Czajkowski said there had been none. She also inquired about Career Week guest speakers. R. Cohen said the list of speakers was included in the last school committee packet. L. Galarneau said she would be concerned if Renaissance Program parent volunteers had access to student grades, which are used to determine eligibility. She also said she was not offended by Dr. Czajkowski’s memo regarding search committees and believes that the Committee’s workshop on School Governance on December 2, 2006, will clarify the roles of both the Superintendent and Committee. R. Sandlin asked for an update regarding the parking lot situation at the high school. She said she would address the Superintendent’s memo with her personally. R. Cohen thanked and praised the Town’s Police and Fire Departments as well as everyone who was involved with securing the high school during the last two bomb threats.

There being no further business, on a motion made by D. Juzba, 2^nd by P. Cavallo, the Committee voted to adjourn.

Vote: 7 - 0

Time: 9:20 p.m.

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Alexis Ferioli, Committee Stenographer Diane Juzba, Committee Secretary