|
Agawam School Committee Minutes – December 12, 2006
Vice Chair, P. Cavallo, called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Agawam Middle School auditorium. Present: A. Bonavita, R. Doering, L. Galarneau, D. Juzba, & R. Sandlin Dr. Czajkowski, J. Kane, W. Sapelli, & student representative Caitlyn Tierney Absent: R. Cohen During Citizen’s Speak Time, no one from the public came forward. Under Superintendent’s Notes, Dr. Czajkowski reported on the following: · Presentation of dictionaries to all 3rd grade students by Agawam/W. Spfld. Elks at Phelps School on December 13, 2006 · Visit to Aimee Beaudette at Brigham Women’s Hospital on December 7, 2006. Approximately $3,000 raised during “Dress Down for Aimee” day on December 1, 2006. A “Pasta Dinner” will take place on Sunday, January 21st, from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. in the AHS cafeteria with all proceeds going to the Beaudette family. · Reminder that the Winter Arts Festival will take place on December 14th at 6:30 p.m. in the AHS rotunda and auditorium · Reminder that the DWST will meet at 7:30 a.m. on Friday, December 15th, in the AHS cafeteria · Announcement that the AHS S.A.D.D. club will hold a candlelight ceremony in front of the AHS flagpole at 6:30 p.m. on December 18th · Installation of wiring for the new security system has been completed at the four elementary schools · Recovery wishes to elementary physical education teacher, Kirk Parker, who recently suffered a severe heart attack and is in the Intensive Care Unit at Baystate Medical Center · Wishes for a safe and happy holiday to everyone and a reminder that Friday, December 22nd, is a full day of school Next, under Highlights on Education, there were none scheduled. Under Unfinished Business, on a motion made by A. Bonavita, 2nd by D. Juzba, the Committee voted to approve SCR-06-29, Approval of Mary Ann Studio of Dance Use of AHS Auditorium for Recital on June 18, 21, & 22, 2007. Vote: 6 – 0 – 1 absent Then, on a motion made by R. Doering, 2nd by D. Juzba, the Committee voted to approve SCR-06-30, Approval of AHS Band Trip to Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Competition in Cleveland, Ohio, on May 3, 4, 5, & 6, 2007. Vote: 6 – 0 – 1 absent Under Business Meeting, on a motion made by L. Galarneau, 2nd by R. Doering, the Committee voted to approve the November 28, 2006, regular meeting minutes. Vote: 5 – 0 – 1 abstention (R. Sandlin) – 1 absent Under Calendar/Correspondence, secretary D. Juzba reported receiving a note from Rudy Altobelli thanking the Committee for dedicating the AHS tennis courts in his honor. Next, on a motion made by R. Doering, 2nd by R. Sandlin, the Committee approved the following warrants as read: SW-07-27 in the amount of $62,291.84 and SW-07-28 in the amount of $236,493.09. Vote: 6 – 0 – 1 absent Under Reports, the first report was a Technology Update as presented by IT Director, Kevin Brown, and IT Specialists, Kathleen Baker and Ann Flynn. Highlights included the acquisition of 300 new computers, establishment of e-mail accounts for all teachers, the purchase of new software, hardware, and computer products; implementation of new IEP software, and the initiation of a new district website. The second report was an update concerning the annual Joint MASC/MASS Conference as presented by Committee members A. Bonavita, D. Juzba, R. Doering, and R. Sandlin. Mr. Bonavita explained that he had attended three seminars regarding legal issues, substance abuse, and financial/personnel matters and shared information from each session. D. Juzba, who also attended the financial/personnel matters seminar, reported that she had gained very insightful information from the Teaching Children with Autism and Superintendent’s Evaluation seminars. R. Doering, who also attended the Delegates Assembly, proclaimed the seminar about collaboratives to be extremely beneficial. R. Sandlin said she attended the School Committee Governance seminar, which discussed roles and responsibilities, as well as the perspective legislation seminar. In addition, she chaired the Division 5 meeting. Under Subcommittee Updates, L. Galarneau announced that the next Policy Subcommittee meeting would take place on January 9, 2007, at 6:00 p.m. in the middle school auditorium. Invited quests include Science specialist, Mary Wolochowicz, AHS adjustment counselor, Ralph Figy, and AHS guidance counselor, Alan Cohen. Next, under Student Representative's Comments, C. Tierney announced that AHS acting principal, Ralph Zavarella, had met with all the seniors to receive student feedback. She also reminded everyone about the Winter Arts Festival and S.A.D.D. candlelight ceremony. In addition, Caitlyn noted that the AHS Prom Committee would be conducting a “Santa Gram” fundraiser on December 18th, and the National Honor Society is presently collecting for the annual Toy for Joy campaign. She concluded her remarks by wishing everyone a happy holiday season. Under New Business, SCR-06-31, Approval of AHS Varsity Baseball Team Trip to Baltimore, MD from March 29 – April 1, 2007,and SCR-06-32, Acceptance of $750 Donation to Rosie Robotics from Berkshire Power were moved to the January 9, 2007, meeting where they will appear under Unfinished Business. Then, D. Juzba asked that the rules be suspended so the Committee could vote on SCR-06-33, Acceptance of Tool Chest & $2,100 worth of Tools to Rosie Robotics by John Yelle from Enfield, CT. Mrs. Juzba explained that Mr. Yelle wanted to include the donation on his 2006 tax return. On a motion made by R. Doering, 2nd by R. Sandlin, the Committee voted to suspend the rules and to vote on SCR-06-33, Acceptance of Tool Chest & $2,100 worth of Tools to Rosie Robotics by John Yelle from Enfield, CT. Vote: 6 – 0 – 1 absent Then, on a motion made by D. Juzba, 2nd by R. Doering, the Committee voted to approve SCR-06-33. Vote: 6 – 0 – 1 absent Items discussed, all Committee members wished everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday season. D. Juzba also noted that Rosie Robotics came in third overall at a competition held in Worcester on Saturday, December 9th. P. Cavallo thanked IT Specialist, Kathleen Baker, for collating the 350 District Goals surveys, which District Goals Committee members will be reviewing during the next few weeks. He also reminded everyone about the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, which will take place on Wednesday, December 13th, at McGrath Park. There being no further business, on a motion made by R. Doering, 2nd by D. Juzba, the Committee voted to adjourn. Vote: 6 – 0 – 1 absent Time: 7:55 p.m. ____________________________________ Alexis Ferioli, Committee Stenographer Diane Juzba, Committee Secretary |