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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - SC - 06/06/2018 A T CQ%ASSET O Cohasset School Committee Meeting School Committee Minutes Wednesday,June 6, 2018 Cohasset Middle-High School Community Use Room 143 Pond Street Cohasset, MA In Attendance: Jeanne Astino, Chairman Ellen Maher Barbara Stefan Jennifer Madden Paul Kearney Also in Attendance: Louise Demas, Superintendent Patrick Sullivan,Assistant Superintendent John Tuffy, Business Manager Chairman Astino called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Roll Call-Paul Kearney-Present, Barbara Stefan-Present,Jeanne Astino-Present, Ellen Maher-Present,Jennifer Madden-Present. Pledge-Recited Public Comment-Patty Gillis-492 Jerusalem Road stated she has been attending School Committee meetings for 18 years, she has had children in the CHS since 2000 and currently has an incoming 6`" grader. She did not like the comments on social media over the weekend by SC member Paul Kearney. Superintendent Demas has done a great job as well as the School Committee. The district has regained the respect and loyalty of everyone. There is a welcome change in energy. The comments made were appalling. Maura Sharry-15 Virginia Lane and Co-Chair with Tara Morin of the Start School Later group stated she met with other committees to get the word out. They were not trying to avoid meeting with the School Committee. Some of the comments on social media insinuated that. They are advocates for the children. She has met several times with Superintendent Demas and spoke with the SC members. They understand there are difficulties in bus, class and sport schedules that would be affected. Mr. Kearney asked how long the group has been proposing the late start. Chairman Astino reminded Mr. Kearney that this topic is not on the tonight's agenda. She advised Ms. Sharry that the Committee understands her concerns and they are willing to continue the discussion. She will put on an upcoming agenda. Mrs. Stefan added that the Committee is looking to get involved and discuss. There needs to be research and it takes time. The Committee is receptive and open to ideas. Chairman Astino added that there is a lot of work to be done to make this happen. Superintendent Demas stated she has a great relationship with the group and they will continue to work on any options. Tracy Kearney-461 Chief Justice Cushing Highway stated she has attended the Superintendent's coffees and has been present at the School Late Start discussions. She understands that social media is not the forum to discuss these issues. She recently heard concerns from her own children and other parents about the 1 temperature at the Deer Hill School. She has offered to donate fans to the school. She stated she wants to respond to a post on social media about the character of Paul (Kearney). Mrs. Kearney stated she has known Mr. Kearney for 20 years and has been married to him for 14 years. She asked her husband Paul Kearney(as a parent not a School Committee member)to look into the temperature issues. She stated Mr. Kearney does not have a personal agenda or ulterior motives. He is an action guy. He does understand there is a process for School Committee members but he is speaking as a parent first. Mr. Kearney stated he wants to talk about his child sitting in a classroom in 88 degree temperatures. He wants to discuss the temperature at the Deer Hill School now. He asked who in the room tonight knew about children being in a classroom in 88 degrees. He asked Superintendent Demas if she knew and if she sat in her air-conditioned office while children sat in 88 degree temperatures. Chairman Astino advised Mr. Kearney he was out of order. Mr. Kearney stated that children sitting in a classroom that is 88 degrees is child abuse and he wants to discuss it right now. Chairman Astino stated they will put on a future agenda and discuss. Mr. Kearney responded that he doesn't believe that Chairman Astino will put on an agenda because she thinks she is running the schools. He further stated that parents are taking the school back and if Chairman Astino or Superintendent Demas do not like it,they can leave. He stated everyone should be disgusted that they had this information about temperature and did nothing about it. He stated Mrs. Maher&Chairman Astino do not have any children in the school and they don't care. Chairman Astino responded that they have all had children that went through the Cohasset schools. Mrs. Kearney advised Mr. Kearney that there is an acceptable way to approach this issue. Mr. Kearney stated anyone that new about the temperature in the classroom should be locked up. The children do not have a voice, he is their voice. He stated anyone that doesn't like this should get out. Children in a classroom in those temperatures is a crime and they have covered up a crime. Chairman Astino advised Mr. Kearney that they would ask him to leave if he could not calm down. Mr. Kearney stated he would stop, but he will make sure that the schools stop abusing children. His son is sick every day. He asked for a mold test at the school, but is wasn't approved. Chairman Astino stated there is a process and again they would put on a future agenda to discuss. Mr. Kearney responded there is no process when children are being abused. He advised the Committee to lawyer up. Katie Dugan- 100 Blackrock Road stated she is appalled at the behavior of Paul Kearney. Mr. Kearney stated he is appalled that Mrs. Dugan sat on this Committee and did nothing about the temperatures in the classroom and she should apologize to every child and teacher that had to sit in the classroom. Mrs. Dugan stated that the behavior that Mr. Kearney is exhibiting will result in loss of administration and loss of teachers. Dima Omran of 19 Ledgewood Farm Drive stated she came to the meeting tonight to get involved. She is appalled by the way that Mr. Kearney is talking in his strong man voice to intimidate others and it is unacceptable. It scares her. She asked him not to speak on her behalf. Motion to adjourn by Jennifer Madden. Three members of the Cohasset Police Department arrived. Chairman Astino stated the Committee will recess for 10 minutes. Motion by Chairman Astino to recess for 10 minutes,seconded by Mrs. Maher. Jennifer Madden-Aye, Ellen Maher-Aye,Jeanne Astino-Aye, Barbara Stefan-Aye, Paul Kearney-Aye. The Committee took a recess at 7:20 p.m. Motion by Chairman Astino to come back into open session,seconded by Mrs. Madden and the vote was unanimous. The Committee came back into open session at 7:36 p.m. 2 Approval of the Warrant-Motion by Mrs. Maher to approve Warrant 18-21S,seconded by Mrs. Stefan. Roll Call Vote;Jennifer Madden-Aye, Ellen Maher-Aye,Jeanne Astino-Aye, Barbara Stefan-Aye, Paul Kearney-Aye. Superintendent's Report-Superintendent Demas advised the Committee she received a letter of resignation from John Buckley,who has been at CHS for over thirty years. Sandy Crough has been hired as the school's nurse leader. Joseph Osgood School Handbook-Principal Lisa Farrell was present to review the handbook. She stated the biggest change was the additional recess they added in the afternoon that is 10 minutes. This transpired after she was approached by a parent and discussed with teachers and Superintendent Demas. So far the additional recess has worked out well. Joseph Osgood School Improvement Plan-Principal Farrell discussed the year in review at the Osgood Schools. She discussed Professional Development, Enhancement of Parent Communication, Promotion of Social & Emotional Well-Being of All Students and Literacy Revision. Principal Farrell discussed the Walk to Read & March to Math programs. She discussed the improvements with security at the school and stated they have had two safety drills this year. The School Resource Officer has been great. He has a regular schedule at all schools. He attends events throughout the year and meets with kids during the Recreation programs over the summer. Motion by Mrs. Madden to approve the Joseph Osgood School Improvement Plan as presented, seconded by Mrs. Maher. Roll Call Vote; Paul Kearney-Aye, Barbara Stefan-Aye,Jeanne Astino-Aye, Ellen Maher-Aye,Jennifer Madden-Aye. Early Literacy Study-Principal Farrell discussed the findings of the study. The main focus of the study was "What is best for the children?" She reviewed the goals of the ELA Curriculum Review Committee (ECRC) and what they have done so far. She discussed the improvements with communication, reviewing K-Grade 6 reading&writing, ways to reach out& include parents, pilot programs & Professional Development days and continuing gradual progression of skills &expectations of grade level teachers. Graduation Update-Principal Carolyn Connolly reported the Class of 2018 graduated 94 students on Saturday. It was a great affair. The class had an old fashioned field day for their last day of school. The class dedicated their yearbook to Mr. McCabe. Principal Connolly thanked the community for all of the support especially the Longo Family&the South Shore Music Circus. Middle School Action Planning Team-Principal Connolly&Asst. Superintendent Patrick Sullivan discussed the Action Plan Timeline, Vision Statement,Action Plan Design (communication, culture, and curriculum &staff development). Ms. Paula Jewell (MS science teacher) discussed Goal #1-developing effective teaching teams by clear communications& planning and Goal #2-increasing community involvement in the school by outreach to parents and increased volunteer opportunities. Principal Connolly discussed Goal #3-Develop a unique middle school culture by increasing intramural offerings, promoting MS activities &collaboration with staff and building leaders. Mr. Sullivan discussed Goal#4- To examine the curriculum so that it accurately reflects MS development& learning styles by developing Tier 2 intervention strategies, making sure the vision is reflected & lived in the curriculum and creating interdisciplinary experiences. Ms.Jewell discussed Goal #S-To offer more diverse learning environments & experiences to engage all learners by different desk options, dedicated work spaces and develop interdisciplinary projects. Goal#6-To improve student access to specialist courses by developing 3 "electives" at the MS by surveying the students, identify appropriate courses, personnel adjustments and plan a roll out of events. Goal#7-To explore ways to embed PBL in the MS curriculum by providing PD to all teachers and integrate PBL in curricula. Principal Connolly discussed Goal #8-Improving transition from 5th to 6th grade &8th to 9th grade by reviewing current orientations, soliciting feedback from students, exploring developing a buddy system and communicating events with families. Goal #9- To restructure utility periods for learning& advisory by determining time allotment, developing a team to connect with other schools' best practices and applying for training and funding. Ms.Jewell discussed Goal #10-To provide greater mental health support for MS students by exploring additional funding opportunities, requesting additional adjustment/social worker and adding a pilot additional lunch for social groups for students. The Committee had a brief discussion and thanked everyone that worked on the MS plan. Enrollment Update-Superintendent Demas stated there has been very little change in enrollment. They have had one student decide on home school. There are currently 96 Kindergarten students enrolled and they expect over 100 by the beginning of the school year. At this point they will retain the half-day Kindergarten program. SC Comments and Communications-School Committee Meeting Dates 2018-19-The Committee reviewed and completed the meeting schedule for the 2018-19 year. Reports from Sub Committees-Mrs. Maher stated the PEB Committee met. They discussed healthcare and retirement. They discussed the balance of municipal employees and how to deal with rising healthcare rates. They are trying to keep things fair for employees and help the Town financially. Chairman Astino asked for a motion to go into Executive Session for Exemption#3-Strategy in preparation for collective bargaining with union personnel; Education Support Professionals and Exemption#1-To discuss the reputation, character, physical condition or mental health, rather than professional competence,of an individual,or discuss the discipline or dismissal of, or complaints or charges against, a public officer, employee,staff member or individual. The Committee will come out of Executive Session to adjourn. Motion moved by Mrs. Madden,seconded by Mrs. Maher. Roll Call Vote;Jennifer Madden-Aye, Ellen Maher-Aye,Jeanne Astino-Aye, Barbara Stefan-Aye, Paul Kearney- Aye. The Committee went into executive session at 9:29 p.m. The Committee exited executive session at 11:01 p.m. Motion made by Mrs. Maher, seconded by Mrs. Astino. Roll-call vote 5-0. The committee exited regular session at 11:02. Motion made by Mrs. Maher, seconded by Mrs. Madden. Roll Call Vote 5-0. Documents used at the Meeting Joseph Osgood School Handbook E-1 Joseph Osgood School Improvement Plan E-2 Enrollment Update E-3 School Committee Meeting Dates F-1 4