Minutes – 1/12/2010

Richmond School Committee

Minutes from the 1/12/2010 Meeting

Members Present:  Chairman Lauren Broussal

Christine Triantos

Dewey Wyatt

Others Present:  Superintendent/Special Education Director William Ballen

Principal Jenevra Strock

Richmond staff members Renfrew and M. Smith

Mountain Road School Director Adams

The Meeting was called to order @ 7:08 P.M.

1. Citizens’ Concerns.  There were no citizens’ concerns this month.

1. Review and Approval of minutes from the 12/08/09 Meeting.  On a motion by Christine Triantos, seconded by Dewey Wyatt, the minutes were unanimously approved as amended.

1. Correspondence. Bill reviewed a letter from the Richmond Education Association indicating which articles they wished to review during up-coming contract negotiations.

1. Superintendent’s Report.  Bill discussed the following items with the Committee:  contract negotiations with the REA will begin within the next few weeks, with Bill, Lauren and Roger Manzolini representing the Committee and the Town.  A new proposal on a financial software upgrade with the Town has been received which is several thousand dollars less than the previous proposal.  Bill and Administrative Assistant Rancourt will be reviewing the plan with Town Administrator Kerwood.  The first meeting of the Principal’s Search Committee is scheduled for tomorrow afternoon at 4:00 P.M.  Bill indicated that so far he has received app. 15 applications and expects several more before the 1/29/2010 deadline.  There was a discussion concerning the Committee’s participation in the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s application for Federal Race to the Top funds.  Sharon Renfrew, representing the Richmond Education Association, elaborated on the Association’s concerns.  When asked by Chairman Broussal if the REA would support the RTTT initiative, Sharon stated that she didn’t feel that she could act on behalf of the Association without discussing this program with the members.  Given such a short notice, one day, she said she would try to convene the group the next day.  Sharon also stated that she was concerned that no RTTT funds would be available to Richmond School because the awarding criteria did not target our population.  She understands the School Committee’s position that this would most likely benefit many other schools in the state and indicated her support for this position.  Bill expressed his concerns as well, which were similar to those of the REA.  After debate and further discussion, on a motion by Christine Triantos, seconded by Chairman Broussal, the Committee voted 2-1 to approve the Memorandum of Understanding supporting the Department’s application for funding.  The Committee asked the Association to sign the Memorandum as well.

1. Special Education Department Report.  Bill reported that our residential student is doing very well, with great satisfaction her parents.  He continues to try and resolve a transportation issue with another secondary student who is attending a program in the Southern Berkshire Regional School District and hopes to have this resolved by February vacation.

1. Financial Report.  Bill reported that an analysis of the FY’10 budget shows that we are within $10,000.00 of projections.  A preliminary review of the FY’11 budget will take place at the February meeting.

1. Principal’s Report.  Jenevra reported that the school’s web site is up and ready to go, and computer hardware upgrading is proceeding.  She presented a list of class field trips for this school year with their costs, and indicated that the PTO is now sponsoring fundraisers with room mothers now working as a part of this process with the PTO.  In response to a question from Dewey Wyatt concerning many field trips being scheduled in the Spring, Jenevra responded by saying the weather is a concern in the winter months and many grades are completing curriculum units at that time of the year.  The Middle School (5-8 Grade) Team is visiting Westfield Middle School and the Middle School in Lenox as a follow-up to the Professional Development Day held this Fall at MCLA, which centered on the My Voice Survey results.  Areas of focus will include team activities, curriculum delivery, use of technology, performance based assessment and strategies to address the whole child.  The Active Parenting Class starts next week, and rehearsals for this Spring’s play have begun.  Jenevra also outlined several other school activities that will take place this month.  Finally, she reported that last month’s Enrichment Week Program was a huge success.  An exit poll will be conducted next week and she will share these results with the Committee next month.

1. Other Items.  Christine Triantos raised the issue of whether or not the school’s Voice Alert System could be expanded to be utilized by the Town as well.  Jenevra didn’t think so but indicated she would look into the situation.

1. Citizens’ Comments.  There were no additional comments this evening.

1. There being no further business before the Committee, the meeting was adjourned, by unanimous vote, @ 8:58 P.M.