Town of Natick - School Committee Minutes

Dr. Keefe requested the School Committee’s approval to name the Press Box at Memorial Field in honor of Mr. Vangie Sticka. This request was made by members of the community at the School Committee meeting of March 3, 2008. Pursuant to the School Committee’s policy, a 60-day waiting period is required before the School Committee may take action. Dr. Keefe pointed out that Mr. Sticka is a noted athlete and graduate of Natick High School’s Class of 1946, has served in the U.S. Marine Corp and followed his military service with decades of service to the Natick Fire Department. Mr. Coburn moved to approve and endorse this request. Ms. Adelman Foster seconded. It was unanimously approved. School Committee members and the public applauded Mr. Sticka. Dr. Keefe announced that a formal dedication ceremony will take place in the Fall.

Mr. John Hughes requested the School Committee’s approval for out of state travel for students in the Spanish program to travel to Mexico in April 2009. This international travel opportunity would be contingent upon interest and the cost of the trip would be borne by the students and their families. At this time, Mr. Hughes is requesting the School Committee’s approval to move forward for the purposes of planning for this trip. He will bring this item back in the Fall with more specifics. Ms. Blanchard moved for approval to allow the Foreign Language Teacher, Ms. Coffey, permission to begin planning for this trip. Ms. Adelman Foster seconded. It was unanimously approved.

Mr. John Hughes requested the School Committee’s approval for the NHS band to travel out of state next March. He introduced Mr. John Cice, Band Director, who provided more details. The band has two options – they may be invited to Disneyworld, Florida in March 2009 to participate in public performances and workshops of the highest quality. If this invite is not forthcoming, they have an opportunity to participate in an American Musical Salute Celebration in Washington, D.C. for the Bi-Centennial of Abraham Lincoln that honors his life and legacy (March 4-7, 2009). Chairman Meyler pointed out that these trips are funded by donations and by the parents. Mr. Coburn moved for approval of these two options for travel in March of 2009. Ms. Zernicke seconded. It was unanimously approved.

Dr. Keefe requested the School Committee’s approval to award a bid to Enterprise Equipment Co, Inc. to replace the boilers at Kennedy Middle School for the sum $646,513. Enterprise Equipment was the lowest bidder and recommended by the Project Engineer, R.D. Kimball. Mr. Coburn moved for approval on this bid. Ms. Zernicke seconded. It was unanimously approved.

Mr. Jimmy Brown of the Redmen Forever Group came forward and indicated that its attorney will be responding to the opinion from the School Committee’s attorney by the end of the week. He will send copies to the School Committee and will post it on their website: RedmenForever.com

Mr. Jeff Silverstein came forward and discussed the fact that he has recently seen the film “In his Honor” and feels it is inadequate as an educational tool. “It is propaganda and inadequate unless put in perspective.” He hopes the students can be afforded an opportunity to have local Native Americans address them.

Ms. Firkins Reed stated that she hopes the School Committee stands by it decision last year to change the logo name. It has never been a legal matter - it is an ethical issue. She reported that many Native Americans and non-Native Americans have expressed that the Redmen name is offensive. She knows it is a hard decision and hopes that the community can come through this together without a lot of bitterness on either side.

Ms. Mary Brown came forward and said that the Redmen Forever citizens have been very respectful. She too agreed that the Film “In His Honor’ is propaganda. “See what is being taught to our children. Teaching should be done in a positive way, not to destroy children with negative thoughts. Take a stand, be proud – keep the Redmen name.”

Dr. Keefe provided the School Committee with line items where transfers could be made to fund one additional elementary position. He also provided information on how the town has a contingency to fund for health insurance for unknown positions. A discussion continued. Mr. Meyler moved for approval to hire an additional elementary teacher where appropriate. Mr. Murphy seconded. It was unanimously approved. Dr. Keefe will provide elementary class size updates to the School Committee on a weekly basis.

Dr. Keefe requested that the School Committee award the contract for Special Education in town transportation to JFK Transportation, beginning July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2011 and the School Committee shall have the sole option to renew the contract for an additional two (2) year term from July 1, 2011 to June 30, 2013 subject to annual appropriation as outlined. JFK was the sole vendor to respond. Chairman Meyler handed the position as Chair to Vice Chair Anne Blanchard as he has a conflict of interest in this matter. A discussion continued. Concerns were raised about the increase in prices and the fact that only one bid was received. After discussing, Chair Blanchard called for a vote. Ms. Zernicke moved for approval. Mr. Coburn seconded. Approval was given to award the Special Education in town transportation contract to JFK Transportation by a positive vote of 5 members. Mr. Meyler abstained.

Dr. Keefe provided the School Committee with the charge and composition of an Activity Fee Study Task Force and requested that the School Committee appoint a member to serve on this task force. Chairman Meyler asked members who are interested to contact him and an appointment will be made at the next meeting.

Dr. Keefe reviewed the agenda items that need to be addressed for the next few meetings. Chairman Meyler discussed his plans for keeping the agenda for the 16^th of June very concise. The School Committee will hear the legal opinion from its attorney and have an opportunity to ask questions. Public opinion will not take place during this time. Documentation may be provided to the School Committee prior to the meeting on the 16^th and public comment will be allowed during the Public Speak portion of the agenda. The School Committee will have to decide if it will or will not rescind the motion made last year which according to the Massachusetts Association of School Committees requires a 2/3 vote. Chairman Meyler requested that members consider all the information they have received to date and encouraged members of the public to forward any documentation, prior to June 16, that they wish the Committee to review.

· Mr. Coburn provided an update on the Expense Control Subcommittee. They have discussed a number of ideas throughout town government pertaining to cost efficiencies such as outsourcing, increased collaboration and cooperative purchasing. Mr. Coburn will make a request to have the minutes forwarded to the School Committee. Dr. Keefe discussed his attendance at a recent meeting of the Expense Control Subcommittee where he provided them with all sorts of data. They held a discussion about combining various services such as custodial & maintenance, HR, IT, etc. and suggested that if they really wished to study this that they look very closely at utilizing the expertise of the Natick Public School system as the recipient of any form of combination with the town side given the number of personnel, experience and number of buildings it has. He offered that they have discussions with the Director of Special Education and the Director of Technology to understand the intricacies of those departments.

· Chairman Meyler discussed the meetings of the Revenue Enhancement Task Force. He recently spent time with them on the School Committee’s Facility Rental Policy and discussed the fee structure. He discussed the fact that the rental fees are structured in a way to cover the school department costs and are not sources of revenue. He will continue to provide them with updates. A discussion was also held around the selling of advertising space and the pros and cons that go along with that undertaking. No conclusions were reached at this point, however, it was a great venue for opening dialogue.

Ms. Blanchard thanked Dr. Keefe for providing the School Committee with the school population numbers expected from the Chrysler Apartments. This is the second assessment that has been received which shows the impact on our schools being an average of 11-15 students. She urged the School Committee to continue to monitor these numbers and pay attention to its impact on capacity.

Chairman Meyler congratulated the administration and high school staff on the wonderful Natick High School graduation ceremony held this past Sunday. He along with Ms. Anne Blanchard and Ms. Anne Zernicke attended the graduation. The School Committee presented six academic awards to outstanding students. He wished to extend his thanks and congratulations to all those involved in the planning and organization of this wonderful day. Ms. Zernicke requested a listing of schools and colleges in which the graduating class will be attending as some of the ones mentioned at graduation were most impressive. Ms. Blanchard extended congratulations to all the graduates.