HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - SC - 04/05/2017 a
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Cohasset School Committee Meeting
School Committee Minutes
Wednesday, April 5, 2017
Cohasset Middle-High School
Community Use Room
143 Pond Street
Cohasset, MA
In Attendance: Jeanne Astino, Chairman
Katie Dugan
Ellen Maher
Barbara Stefan
Amanda Zani
Also in Attendance: Louise Demas, Superintendent
John Tuffy, Interim Business Manager
Sue Skeiber, Interim Assistant Superintendent
Chairman Astino called the meeting back to open session at 7:25 p.m.
Pledge-Recited
Invitation to Speak-Paul Schubert-155 Sohier Street reminded everyone of the CEF Spring Gala on
Friday, April 71" at the Cohasset Golf Club for fundraising for the Learning Commons. Bob Erlandsen-
Middle School Science teacher read aloud a prepared statement about MCAS testing and his opinion on
the effect it has on students. He asked the School Committee to consider a resolution to grant
permission to teachers to speak without fear of consequences.
Approval of Warrant-Motion by Mrs. Dugan to approve Warrant 17-205,seconded by Mrs. Stefan.
Roll Call Vote; Barbara Stefan-Aye, Katie Dugan-Aye,Jeanne Astino-Aye,Amanda Zani-Aye. Mrs.
Maher abstained from the vote.
Superintendent's Report-Gifts-Mrs. Demas informed the Committee they have received a donation of
$240 from the Cohasset PSO for grants to the Deer Hill School. Motion by Mrs. Dugan to accept the gift
of$240 from the Cohasset PSO for the grants to the Deer Hill School,seconded by Mrs. Maher. Roll
Call Vote; Barbara Stefan-Aye, Katie Dugan-Aye,Jeanne Astino-Aye, Ellen Maher-Aye,Amanda Zani-
Aye. Mrs. Demas informed the Committee they have received a donation of$1606 from the Cohasset
PSO for a grant to support a field trip for the entire 71"grade to attend the Sorensen Theater at Babson
College for a live performance of Julius Caesar. Motion by Mrs. Dugan to accept the gift of$1606 from
the Cohasset PSO for the 7`h grade field trip to the Sorensen Theater in May,seconded by Mrs. Maher.
Roll Call Vote; Barbara Stefan-Aye, Katie Dugan-Aye,Jeanne Astino-Aye, Ellen Maher-Aye,Amanda
Zani-Aye.
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ELA Curriculum Review-Lisa Farrell-Principal of Osgood School discussed the ELA Curriculum Review.
She spoke about the formation of a literacy committee with Deer Hill, its members and goals,the
importance of communication within the committee,the timeline and objectives. She also discussed
using a community/parent survey and visiting other successful districts to determine what is best for the
children regarding literacy.
Middle School Study-Assistant Principal of Cohasset Middle School Kerri Sandler discussed with the
Committee the current status of the Middle School Study. Its purpose is to re-examine programming and
structure at the Middle School. She highlighted the process being used,with the goal of articulating
what education for middle schoolers should look like.She updated where the committee and
subcommittees are at this point. She also reviewed things that are currently happening at the Middle
School that are changing the culture such as music during pass times, dodgeball games and other
activities for students,faculty and staff.
Update on Library Commons-Mrs. Demas gave the SC an update on the timeline of the project for the
Learning Commons. The goal is for the project to be completed by August 30tn
Faculty Hiring Update-Mrs. Demas advised the Committee she received a resignation letter from David
Delamatta effective 4/30/17.
School Committee Comments and Communication-Warrant Article#21-Mrs. Dugan advised the
Committee there were a couple of slight changes in the wording of the article by town counsel. Motion
by Mrs. Dugan to approve Article#21 with new language, seconded by Mrs. Stefan. Roll Call Vote;
Barbara Stefan-Aye, Katie Dugan-Aye,Jeanne Astino-Aye, Ellen Maher-Aye,Amanda Zani-Aye.
Follow-Up List-Mrs. Maher reviewed the list with the Committee and removed any items that have been
completed.
Reading of Policy JLC-Student Health Services& Requirements-1st Read-Mrs. Zani reviewed the
language changes with the Committee.
Reading of Policy IMG-Animals in School-1st Read-The Committee had a brief discussion on the policy.
Reading of Policy JF-School Admissions-1st Read-Mrs. Stefan discussion one change to the policy with
the Committee.
Reading of Policy JLCD-Administering Medicines to Students-1st Read-Mrs. Stefan advised the
Committee the MASC added one update to the policy which allows students with life threatening
allergies to possess and administer epinephrine.
Report of sub committees of school committee-Chairman Astino stated she attended the Long Range
Planning Group meeting and they discussed the new town website which has a YouTube link. There are
currently 365 videos posted. She also advised the Committee that she was asked to participate in a pre-
town meeting forum with Chris Senior that will be recorded by 143TV. Chairman Astino will forward
information about the upcoming Day on the Hill to the SC which is scheduled for 4/25/17. Mrs. Dugan
stated the Safe Harbor Coalition put out communication about the discussion of marijuana at the
Planning Board meeting. Mrs. Maher attended the Middle/High School Council meeting and discussed
Goals for 2018, school improvement plan and the piloting of the BRYT program for the transitional ESP
for next year.
Approval of Minutes-Motion by Mrs. Dugan to approve the minutes of 3/15/17 as amended,
seconded by Mrs. Stefan and the vote was unanimous(5-0). Motion by Mrs. Dugan to approve the
Budget Hearing minutes as amended, seconded by Mrs.Zani and the vote was unanimous (5-0).
Motion by Mrs. Maher to approve the minutes of 3/20/17,seconded by Mrs. Stefan and the vote was
unanimous(5-0). Motion by Mrs. Maher to approve the minutes of 3/22/17,seconded by Mrs. Zani
and the vote was unanimous(5-0).
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Motion by Mrs. Maher to adjourn, seconded by Mrs. Stefan and the vote was unanimous (5-0).
The meeting adjourned at 9:55 p.m.
Documents used at the Meeting
Gifts G-1
ELA Curriculum Review G-2
Middle School Study G-3
Library Commons Update G-4
Faculty Update G-5
Warrant Article#21 H-1
Follow up List H-2
Policy JLC-Student Health Services & Requirements H-3
Policy IMG-Animals in School H-4
Policy JF-School Admissions H-5
Policy JLCD-Administering Medicines to Students H-6
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