Agawam Public Schools - S.C. Meeting Minutes November 13, 2007

· Congratulations to A. Bonavita, R. Doering, L. Galarneau, & D. Juzba for their re-election to the Committee. Also, welcome to new members John Burns, Shelly Borgatti-Reed, & Mayor-elect Susan Dawson. Congratulations to P. Cavallo who was elected to the City Council and placed first in that race.

· Dedication of the “Joe Pisano Press Box” will take place at 9:30 a.m. at Harmon Smith Field on Thursday, November 22, 2007.

· Announcement that 70 AHS students in the Class of 2008 have qualified for the John & Abigail Adams Scholarships, which provide 4 years of free tuition to any state college, university, or community college.

· Announcement that Inglewood Development Corporation was the low bidder for refurbishing of the middle school autistic classroom coming in with a bid of $109,750.00. Dr. Czajkowski explained that $80,000 had already been appropriated from the Before & After School Program account for these renovations. However, she asked that the Committee approve another $29,750 from the Before & After School Program account to pay for this renovation.

On a motion made by R. Sandlin, 2^nd by R. Doering, the Committee voted to suspend the rules to vote on the request for an additional $29,750.00.

Vote: 6 – 0 – 1 absent

After a lengthy discussion, on a motion made by P. Cavallo, 2^nd by R. Doering & D. Juzba, the Committee, via roll call, voted to take another $29,750 from the Before & After School Program account and add it to the $80,000 already appropriated from that account to pay for the renovation of the autistic classroom at the middle school.

Vote: 6 – 0 – 1 absent

· Notice that the top three student information system vendors from the five vendors showcasing their software will be presented to the full Committee prior to submission of the FY’09 school budget.

· Attendance at the annual MASC/MASS Joint Conference on November 14 – 16, 2007, with A. Bonavita, R. Doering, & R. Sandlin.

· Reminder that the Fall Athletic Recognition Night will take place on November 15, 2007, at 5:30 p.m. in the AHS gymnasium.

· Announcement that a school safety table top exercise took place at the MEMA office on November 8, 2007, with all administrators, fire, and police personnel. Committee members should have received our new Family Guide to School Safety brochure in their packets. This brochure will be available to families on our website.

· Attendance at the November 8, 2007, PAC meeting with Dr. Provost, R. Doering, & A. Bonavita. The meeting was well attended and featured guest speaker Attorney Claire Thompson who discussed “Parents, Students, & Schools as Partners – Rights & Responsibilities in Special Education.”

· Conclusion of EQA audit on November 1, 2007. Once final report is received, it will be shared with Committee members.

· Announcement that the annual Thanksgiving Day football game Pep Rally will take place on November 21, 2007, at 9:50 a.m. in the AHS gymnasium. Also, Committee members are invited to attend the annual Rotary luncheon for all football and cheerleader captains and coaches at Storrowton Tavern following the Pep Rally. Interested members should notify Mrs. Ferioli. Preventative safety measures were also discussed.

· Wish for a safe and happy Thanksgiving to all students and staff. November 21^st is a ½ day of school.

Agawam School Committee

Minutes – November 13, 2007

Page 2

Next, under Highlights on Education, there were none scheduled.

Under Unfinished Business, on a motion made by R. Doering, 2^nd by D. Juzba, the Committee, via roll call, voted to approve SCR-07-20, Approval of Job Description for Network Support Technician.

Vote: 6 – 0 – 1 absent

Under Business Meeting, on a motion made by R. Sandlin 2^nd by P. Cavallo & D. Juzba, the Committee voted to approve the October 23, 2007, regular meeting, Executive Session, and workshop minutes.

Vote: 6 – 0 – 1 absent

Under Calendar/Correspondence, R. Doering said she had not received any correspondence.

Next, on a motion made by D. Juzba, 2^nd by R. Doering, the Committee approved the following warrants as read: SW-08-19 in the amount of $58,280.26, SW-08-20 in the amount of $6,754.88, SW-08-21 in the amount of $23,828.82, and SW-08-22 in the amount of $376,796.49.

Vote: 6 – 0 – 1 absent

Under Reports, the only report of the evening was a School Choice Update as presented by J. Kane, Assistant Superintendent for Business/HR. In his report, Mr. Kane noted that, to date, 80 students from 9 surrounding communities are enrolled in the Agawam Public Schools in grades K – 12. Of those, 12 students are on Individualized Education Plans (IEPs). Tuition from these students is placed in a revolving account.

Next, under Subcommittee Updates, L. Galarneau announced that the Policy Subcommittee will meet on

November 27, 2007, at 6:00 p.m. in the middle school auditorium.

Next, under Student Representative's Comments, Kaitlyn Weyant said the November 8, 2007, Agawam Spotlight Top 40 concert was excellent and complimented all those involved with the production. She also announced that the annual junior/senior girls’ Powder Puff football game would be taking place on November 20^th at 6:30 p.m. Kaitlyn then congratulated all the fall sports teams for a fine season and asked everyone to support the annual Thanksgiving Day football game with West Springfield.

Under New Business, on a motion made by R. Sandlin, 2^nd by D. Juzba, the Committee voted to suspend the rules so that action could be taken on a proposal that was discussed during the workshop conducted earlier that evening.

Vote: 6 – 0 – 1 absent

Then, on a motion made by P. Cavallo, 2^nd by R. Doering, the Committee voted to empower the Superintendent of Schools to explore the possibility of establishing a course in Bible Literature at the high school.

Vote: 6 – 0 – 1 absent

Under Items, P. Cavallo asked if the changes to the Renaissance Club rules were published. Dr. Czajkowski said that they were published in the 2007-2008 AHS Program of Studies, which the Committee approved in December 2006. He also suggested that a copy of the meeting agenda be e-mailed to the Committee prior to receiving their packets. D. Juzba asked if students were aware that FIRST sponsors approximately 9 million dollars in scholarships to students who are members of a robotics team? Dr. Czajkowski said that she would check with the high school’s guidance department to ascertain whether or not they are aware of these scholarships. R. Doering asked about the status of the outdoor learning classroom at the high school. Dr. Czajkowski said a CAD drawing had been sent to Mr. Kozloski who will bring it forward to the Agawam Community Preservation Committee. L. Galarneau praised the Family Guide to School Safety brochure noting that it is an important communication tool for parents and the schools. R. Sandlin said she had attended one of the student information software system sessions and found it to be very informative. She also welcomed new Committee members John Burns and Shelly Borgatti-Reed. A. Bonavita reminded his colleagues that they were to write a letter to Governor Patrick regarding the numerous audits and mandates that are placing a burden on districts. P. Cavallo and R. Doering said they would join A. Bonavita in drafting a letter with the Superintendent at a date and time to be determined.

Agawam School Committee

Minutes – November 13, 2007

Page 3

Then, on a motion made by R. Sandlin, 2^nd by D. Juzba, the Committee, via roll call, voted to go into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing contract negotiations.

Vote: 6 – 0 – 1 absent

A. Bonavita announced that the Committee would reconvene for the sole purpose of adjournment. Time: 7:56 p.m.

A. Bonavita reconvened the meeting at 8:27 p.m.

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

Vote: 6 – 0 – 1 absent

Time: 8:28 p.m.

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Alexis Ferioli, Committee Stenographer Roberta G. Doering, Committee Secretary