SCHOOL COMMITTEE RETREAT
April 24, 2008
The School Committee held a retreat on Thursday, April 24, 2008 at 7:30 p.m. in the Training Conference Room, Town Hall, Third Floor. Chairman Meyler called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
Members Present: Stephen Meyler, Anne Blanchard, Dave Murphy, Dirk Coburn, Karen Adelman Foster, Anne LaPlace Zernicke
Members Absent: Rick Wynn
Others Present: Dr. Joseph Keefe, Interim Superintendent of Schools
Douglas Thompson, Senior Moderator, the Keystone Center
DISCUSSION OF REDMEN FORUM MEETING STRUCTURE
Chairman Meyler gave an overview of Tuesday’s meeting with the School Committee attorneys regarding the Redmen issue. He gave an overview of the Redmen issue history, from last year’s action to the present. Members discussed their thoughts and perceptions about the Redmen issue, their hopes for the forum, and how the moderator can guide the discussion.
Attest: ________________________________________ David Murphy, Clerk
Mr. Murphy left the meeting at 8:20 p.m. Mr. Thomson asked if it would be possible to put forth a factual account of the history, context, and current status of the question. There was general agreement that this would be done. It was discussed whether there should be time allotted at the outset of the meeting for each side to make an opening statement. A discussion was held about trying to frame the discussion by giving each side a list of issues to respond to in the opening statements. It was agreed that each side would be asked to address the following:
1. The existence of a variety of points of view over the use of the Redmen name.
2. The challenge the community faces over what would be a cultural change.
3. The challenge the School Committee faces, given its existing policy on nondiscrimination.
Consensus was reached that the evening should be structured as below, and would require a projection screen, two microphones, and the presence of two police officers.
I. Call to order (chair)
II. Agenda review/ground rules (facilitator)
III. Context (chair)
IV. Opening statements (representatives of pro and anti Redmen name speakers)
V. Open mike – 3 minute limit, to be shortened at the moderator’s discretion to 2 minutes if necessary.
VI. Closing
ADJOURNMENT
At 10:45 p.m., a motion to adjourn was made by Mr. Dirk Coburn, seconded by Ms. Anne Zernicke, and approved unanimously.
Attest: ________________________________________ Karen Adelman Foster
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