1/8/13 School Committee Meeting Minutes

Richmond School Committee Meeting 

January 8, 2013 7:00 PM
Richmond Consolidated School Conference Room

Present Jim Biancolo, Dewey Wyatt, Bianca Daigle, Barbara Ripa, Michelle Smith, Jenevra Strock, Mike Syzmanski, Monica Zanin, Alan Briar, Jackie Rawson, Lt Dave Buell, Lt Andy Bzdel (from State Police.)

1. Call to Order 7:02

2. Public Concerns None

3. Correspondence From Board of Healh Re: Kitchen Inspections, license to serve food, John Olander on behalf of BOH, $50 fee waived.

4. Review and Approval of December 11 minutes, Housatonic Academy, Bondini, and Jenevra misspelled. Wellness, Tammy input was important to be included. Healthy food brought in. Minutes approved as amended.

5. Security
   1. Overview of response in the wake of Newtown, Jim thanks everyone for their work with our children. Talk about security in less detail publicly as not to provide information for anyone with bad motive. Monica met with staff to go over best practices, crisis team available to meet with parents. Article on how to cope with violence, routine is important, mental health professionals are available to address concerns. Tues and Wed. troopers Novak and Clock spent time at RCS.Recommend have lockdown drills, have other troopers come in. Crisis team: video surveillance, live feed not archived, lower level only. Add to front and back door and archive footage, 1 week to 1 month later, first and second floor hall, and buzzer system.Lee Audio and Security met with Alan (custodian) and will give quote. Dewey, doors open, make certain that doors default to closed position,spring loaded hinges, alarm? Syzmanksi, CORI checks? Lt. Bzdel, from Northampton, offer to train staff and educate in best practices, drill: don’t have until training, presentation is 1 hour, typically lockdown that takes 20 minutes, speak to crisis management, “target” hardening, how to make a building safe, spend money on locks vs. cameras?

2. Known issues, Gym users have access, ownership of security to program directors (i.e. rec committee.)
3. Next steps Have program participants CORI checked by program. January 24^th meet with crisis team.
4. Public comment Syzmanski, doors open to public during concert. Dewey, thanks admin for sensitive and quick response to parents and children, commitment to safety of the school. 

6. Discussion of MASC position statements John Hockridge chair of MASC div 6, encourages assault weapon ban and negative response to armed security in schools.
   1. Assault weapon ban
   2. Armed security

SC does not support armed staff. Weapons ban not in scope of SC duties.

7. Principal’s Report

a. School Council SIP, Safety planning. Family, School and Community Connections. Heritage Festival/Open house

b. Evaluation Training PD 1/15: Assessment of student learning. Organizing data and evaluating next steps. Creating lesson plans based on data. Benchmarks, Reading, DIBELS, Open response writing

c. Professional Development: Embedded and out in county. Co-teaching observations and feedback meeting. Math tiered intervention observations and feedback meetings.

Weekly Math meetings with teachers, curriculum, and principal. Sharing instructional strategies. Discussing use of data. Assessing student learning

Review of student work. Observing within building

8. Superintendent’s Report

11 hrs of training was completed by Monica & Barbara, training for teachers will be incorporated into contract language. Professional Development will continue, but evaluations will be done in August. Dr. Ripa has been working with the state police around safety concerns. Tammy Pierce and Barbara training in Softwrite.

9. Special Education Director’s Report

Visited Berkshire Meadows, student doing very well, has settled in nicely, IEP in March; foresee large expenditure for next year. New employee at Preschool to work one on one with student.

10. Policy Updates
    1. Attendance – final reading and adoption vote Bianca motion to approve, unanimous vote, approved.
    2. School choice policy, two lotteries, one in spring, one in the fall. Waiting list, unanticipated openings, may be second lottery for those spots. Need input from principal. Present to SC in Feb. Advertize openings in Feb, have drawing March. Lottery is posted publicly.
    3. Wellness policy status update, committee meets Jan 9^th.
    4. EEO, Equal Educational Opportunities, Motion to accept, BD, Dewey second. Accepted as first reading
    5. Policy organization status (adopting standard structure, printable book) tabled

11. Budget Update
    1. Budget due to Selectmen by 2/15, discuss maintenance, get budget to reflect real costs – can use Softwrite to collect data, instead of exporting data into excel.
    2. Status, 98 carry over from 2012. State of Ch 70 cuts, no additional information.

12. Financial Report
    1. Softwrite report instead of spreadsheet

13. Other Unforeseen items – Parking spaces lost to snow removal, staircase needs repair.

14. Adjournment to Executive Session 9:30 Dewey motion to enter ES, Bianca second; roll call vote Dewey, aye, Bianca, aye, Jim, aye
    1. Contract Negotiations

15. Adjournment from Executive Session 10:39 Dewey motion to exit ES, Bianca second; roll call vote Dewey, aye, Bianca, aye, Jim, aye meeting adjourned by unanimous vote 10:39

Richmond School Committee Meeting Minutes 12/11/12

Richmond School Committee Meeting
December 11, 2012 7:05 PM
Richmond Consolidated School Conference Room

Monica Zanin, Jim Biancolo, Bianca Daigle, Dewey Wyatt, Barbara Ripa, Jenevra Strock, Louise Brogan

1. Call to Order

2. Public Concerns: none

3. Correspondence: none

4. Review and Approval of November 13 and November 27 minutes, Principal’s report – MCAS review item corrected to “not on target” for math. Minutes approved as amended.

5. Principal’s Report: Kara Delmer hired as the theater director. Musical being produced. May presentation. Cares, positive climate assembly, 8^th grade worked with school – very nice event. Staff directing students to go back to cares. Teacher evaluation conference SMART goals – climate goals, try to make evaluation changes less overwhelming for staff. Held at MCLA. PARC, college and career readiness for students – teaching the standards, staff meeting, how to reach learners at different levels, share strategies.

DA’s office, meet with 8^th grade – last time showed video, a bit strong, but good discussion afterward.

Two new students, ELL (English Language Learner) – level 1 (no English) 190 min a day of support. One teacher has to go full time to meet requirements.

Evaluations, working session to discuss timeline and workload, goals, keep ahead of deadlines, share information.

6. Superintendent’s Report : Grant- 108k, infrastructure to support wifi here at RCS, and Hancock.

287 districts applied reduction from 4m to 2..25m, MASC meeting – spoke to Lynch – collaboration grant cut – unsure as to the impact. Jan will have news.

Training 11 hours for evaluators.

Following up on assignments from summer.

Curriculum support person, working on wherever there is need. Coaching groups – Mrs. Renfrew will be attending January SC meeting to speak to the committee about her role.

7. Special Education Director’s Report DCF (dept. children and families) child started at Housatonic Academy. High School student has had curriculum adjusted, doing well. Ward Johnson, Dom Bondini & Jenevra Strock were appraised by DA’s office of changes to reporting of child at risk; only mandated during school hours.

8. Richmond, Lee and Lenox superintendent collaboration Nov 19^th, Lee & Lenox Superintendents, Chairs of SC’s ( Lee, Lenox, Hancock and NA.)
   1. Not regionalization
   2. Exploring cost-sharing opportunities
   3. RSC support vote

9. Policy Updates
   1. Attendance – second reading and adoption vote, an email is acceptable correspondence, in lieu of a written note. 6/15 days, 8 to 8:30. DW motion, BD second – approved as second reading will revise and vote to adopt in Jan.
   2. Wellness policy status update, wellness committee met, plan was read, Tammy and Deb A. unable to attend. Classroom food being brought in.
   3. Next policies to tackle, Equal Ed opportunities, harassment, student records, staff: EOE, staff conduct, finances: budget, warrant process, instruction: dev. Curriculum, students rights, parents rights. School choice. Transportation of SC.

10. Budget Update
    1. Timeline, prep Nov-Feb, SMSU Jan, Prelim- Feb, March present to Finance Committee and Selectmen, March public meeting. Analysis of where funds have gone this YTD.
    2. Status, Revising classifications, PO’s need to be broken down by category. Plan to incorporate grant funding projections into next year.

11. Financial Report

Chapter 70 cuts being challenged by legislature, defined in January 2013. Could impact budget.

12. Other Unforeseen items –School assessment study, going out to bid. Submit feedback to Dr. Ripa to pass to Matt Kerwood.

School Council, improvement plan almost ready, will be ready to present to SC in February. 

Motion to adjourn to ES by Bianca, Dewey second, moved

13. Executive Session 9:30 Roll call vote to enter ES to discuss Contract Negotiations:

Jim, aye, Bianca, aye, Dewey, aye. Roll call vote to exit ES at 10:10

Jim, aye, Bianca, aye, Dewey, aye.

14. Adjournment 10:11pm

School Committee Special Meeting Minutes 11/27/12

Richmond School Committee Meeting – Special Meeting 

November 27, 2012 5pm
Richmond Consolidated School Conference Room

Present: D. Wyatt, J. Biancolo, B. Daigle, B. Ripa, M. Zanin, J. Strock, E. Smith, M. Smith
1.  Call to Order 5:06

2.  First reading of the Attendance Policy parents = parents/guardians

Too strict? 8 or more days absent too many? Can be indicative of bullying? Chronic absenteeism for no reason. Last sentence “may consider corrective action up to and including retention.” Retention= non promotion to next grade.

Add attending camp to list of unexcused absences. Chronic tardiness may be considered unexcused absenteeism at the discretion of the administration. Parents are encouraged to contact the school for support as needed. First reading, motion BD, second DW. Approved as first draft.

3. Community Innovation Challenge Grant – review and vote of approval

47-53k, obtain quotes and purchase equipment to support the tools we use.

Admin asst has to export data to be compatible with other town’s system.

Student info system, all programs are handled by subcontractors. PowerSchool, one vendor who has comprehensive program.

Stipulations- post evaluation for success, constraints? Software license fees per year, what is the cost, are they sustainable?

DW motion, BD second, all in favor, aye.

4. Roll call vote DW aye, BD aye, Jim aye 6:10, exit to Executive Session for the purpose of discussing Contract Negotiations. Roll call vote DW aye, BD aye, Jim aye, exit from Executive Session 8pm

5. Adjournment 8pm

School Committee Minutes 11/13/12

Richmond School Committee Meeting
November 13, 2012 7:05 PM
Richmond Consolidated School Conference Room

Present: Jim Biancolo, Bianca Daigle, Dewey Wyatt, Barbara Ripa, Monica Zanin, Louise Brogan, Jenevra Strock , Jeff Konowich, Mike Syzmanski
1.  Call to Order – 7:05

2.  Public Concerns – none

3.  Correspondence

1. Level III Grievance Hearing request- scheduled for January
2. Sick day reimbursement request (about $100) from former principal

4. Review and Approval of October 9 minutes. Item 6, abbreviation incorrect, more detail to “ SWOT” in long term planning, wellness policy – last rev. date added. Jim motion to approve as amended, Bianca second – all in favor, approved unanimously.

5.  Principal’s Report

a. MCAS Report- PPI (progress and performance index) DESE website has data avail. Level 2 school, met target but are lacking in aggregate. 2017 must meet gaps in proficiency.

ElA above target, math below target. 78.8 for math, needs 85.5 in 2013.Above target in science.

Progress is now computed based on growth model (2 ys) Proficiency gaps widening for math, our school is not on target. Addressing math – half of PD day spent looking at the data, exploring improvement plans for math and ELA. Using meetings to share strategies. SMART goals, teachers are creating student based planning, curriculum support, teams of 2 grades ( 1&2 etc..)

Urgency in math, what methods can help kids catch up?? Instruction in classroom is crucial, PD for teachers, meeting with coaches, observing other teachers: two to schools in Pittsfield, one to Muddy Brook. Conference in Albany. Common assessments.

ELA: weekly meetings & PD, graphic organizers – consistency, middle school team collaboration is imperative. Teaching to push thinking.

Co-curricular planning in Middle School.

Achieve goals academically without sacrificing the arts program, small changes to maximize time.

Dewey, way to increase time avail. for classes, recesses? Math help available by adjusting schedule for students who need intervention. Parents can support by reinforcing basics. Curriculum support person take role in assessment? Standards?

b. October 26 Professional Development – Positive behavioral support, universal set of expectations, CARES (cooperation, assertion, responsibility, empathy, self control. )

c. Book Fair, raised $3800

d. Craft Fair, not as well attended as in previous years, total not avail. yet

e. Parent Teacher Conferences

f. School Council update Nov 27^th, achievement, safety, families, ethic fair. Early spring, open house. New school improvement plan.

g. School Safety Plan update, met with ER team, changed meeting place for fire drills, room numbers, lock down procedures, update plan, 2 years since revision. New e vac plan.

6.  Superintendent’s Report

1. Website update Cathy M asked to be assigned to maintain website, next year will be part of technology position.
2. Special Education Attorney – Proposal from Fred Dupre, retainer $725 month (currently $325 mo.) to include Sped counsel. Jim motion to approve proposal, Bianca second, Updated retainer accepted.
3. Grant proposal- with science teacher – Clorox, missed deadline.
4. Title 1, eligible, grant approved, addresses at risk learner. Address math deficiency, paying for materials, $8995, Title 2 (shared w. Hancock) $4284. Grant 240, $18733. Community Innovation challenge grant, to reduce inefficiency and increase collaboration between district. Meeting w/ Matt tomorrow to discuss software. Comprehensive software for reporting and managing records.
5. Budget software training, Tammy attended training in October, can get support directly.
6. Superintendent goals, compiled by chairs of SMSU
7. MASC/MASS Conference, Legal updates, how to prepare budget, foundation budget, empowering students.

7. Special Education Director’s Report: Student at Berkshire Meadows, DCF student at Muddy Brook, looking for new placement. High School student may be transferred. Conference on assessments, reading and math, tiers, SPED, remediation, classroom teacher. Support at first and 2^nd tier, address needs early. Potential exists for large overage this year.

8. Policy Updates – located and put into binder.

a. Policy update proposal, crucial are student rights, parents rights, staff rights, student records

b. Attendance, truancy policy, absenteeism policy, special meeting to do first reading

5pm Tuesday the 27^th

c. Wellness Policy – going to form committee and review, need to address allergies and foods being brought in by parents and teachers.

d. Curriculum Development, raise state standard. Tabled.

e. Use of Facilities, including Gym, Rec committee writes, they set rules and regulations, fees, (rec comm. contributes to floor resurfacing) Alarm system updated to increase security. Rec committee has 7 keys, Jeff will check on status. 2 codes, 7 keys, two more codes will be provided.

9. Begin budget process discussions – budget timeline starts in December.

10. Financial Report – overage on supplies, however books were ordered and misclassified.

11. School Committee Reorganization, Jim voted Chair, Dewey voted Vice Chair, Bianca voted Secretary.

12. Other Unforeseen items – Peas on earth (school garden) donation by trash hauler, Bianca will thank.

13. 10:05 Executive Sessions Dewey Moved BD Second, DW – all aye

Contract Negotiations discussed

Roll call out of ES 10:38, Dewey Moved BD Second, DW – all aye

14. Adjournment by unanimous vote for signing of warrants at 10:38

Richmond School Committee Meeting Minutes October 9, 2012

Richmond School Committee Meeting
October 9, 2012  7:15PM
Richmond Consolidated School Conference Room

Present: D. Wyatt, J. Biancolo, B. Daigle, B. Ripa, M. Zanin, J. Strock, M. Smith, E. Smith, M. Szymanski, C. Massimiano, L. Nilan, C. Polinski

1.  Call to Order by Chairman Wyatt at 7:16

2.  Public Concerns: Parent Szymanski, nut allergy needs to be addressed more thoroughly.

3.  Correspondence

1. Invitation to enter into negotiations with the teachers, accepted and will begin by Dec. 1^st. Current contract expires on June 30, 2013. Joy Mullen, a group of eachers, and REA counsel will negotiate the new contract with the designee of the School Committee, the designee of Town (Selectboard member,) Superintendent Ripa, and counsel. Fred Dupre will review.
2. Invitation to enter into negotiations with the paraprofessionals, negotiated as a separate unit from teachers, but may be scheduled concurrently, for convenience of parties involved in negotiations.
3. Correspondence from Hunter Green regarding former superintendent’s computer, valued $175, was given to former Superintendent Ballen by SMSU #70, at the time of his retirement.

4. Review and Approval of September 11 minutes, Jim B. motion to approve as amended, Bianca second, approved by unanimous vote.

5.  Principal’s Report

a. Transition – Monica Zanin assumed her position as interim Principal October 1^st, was able to spend some time prior to this meeting staff, parents and becoming familiar with RCS.

b. Observations

• Master Schedule almost complete.
• Proactive School-Wide Discipline Plan is underway.

c. School Council – School Improvement Plan Development, Principal Zanin has called members of council and they will reconvene shortly.

d. Upcoming Dates

• October 17 Staff Meeting

• October 26 Staff Development

6.  Superintendent’s Report

1. Website, typically stipend is offered to a teacher to maintain. Dr. Ripa will inquire if any staff member has an interest.
2. Special Education Attorney, is there a need to retain counsel? Cost of SPED litigation is typically extremely high. Discussion, Dr. Ripa will obtain quotes.
3. Substitute principal’s activities, assisted Monica in her transition.
4. District Safety Plan update

Discussion: Long Term Planning meeting, was very positive. Town supports RCS and is committed to education. Dr. Ripa has assisted other districts with strategic planning (SWOT, strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) it is a very fruitful process and beneficial for the schools. Gather data; identify areas for growth. Dewey: important to be proactive in making our school the best, to attract families who will purchase homes in Richmond.

7. Special Education Director’s Report

a. PAC (parent advisory) meeting attended by parent reviewed the law and regulations.

b. Need for new Preschool evaluation tool (will share w. Hancock to reduce cost.)

c. CAP – 1^st report for special needs complete. Civil rights, completed by Principal, done by Feb.

d. One student out of district DCF (dept. children and families) placement.

8.   Union #70 Meeting on September 27 Discussed goals for year and long term goals. Discussed the new evaluation tool.

9. Policy Updates

a. Attendance policy is a priority.

b. Wellness currently under review (4 years since revision.)

c. Curriculum Development

d. Use of Facilities, including Gym

10.   Financial Report

11. Other Unforeseen items – none.

12. 9:05 Adjournment by Roll Call Vote to Executive Sessions Jim – aye, Bianca- aye, Dewey- aye

• Teacher Grievance Hearing
• Contract Negotiations

Exit ES 9:55 by Roll Call Vote Jim – aye, Bianca- aye, Dewey- aye

13. Adjournment for signing of warrants by unanimous vote 9:55

Richmond School Committee Meeting September 11, 2012  

Present: J. Strock, B. Ripa, D. Wyatt, B. Daigle, J. Biancolo, K. Massimiano, L. Brogan, S. Lockwood, M. Smith, E. Smith, E. Smith (II), R. Stover, H. Stover, K. Stover, M. Seymanski, F. Erickson, C. Polinsky, A. Dean, P. Saupe, L. Ballinger, M. Roller, T. Crawford, G. Bell-Devaney, K. Hosley, J. Yohalem, P. MacDonald, M. Barber, S. Ackerman, I. Ackerman, D. Davison, E. Rawson, E. Garstang, B. Smith, D. Fabiano, L. Broussal, R. Bartlett, C. Bartlett, S. Wojtkowski, E. Snowise, S. Pitcher-Hoffman, K. Smedvig, J. Jones, E. Campbell, B. Frye, J. Cardillo, S. Cardillo, C. Gamberoni, M. Kerwood, others

1. Call to Order 7:14PM Introductions by Wyatt, reminder of code of conduct and protocol for meeting.

2. Public Concerns – Letter of concern read by Louise Brogan, Chairman Wyatt: To cast aspersions on a school employee is not permitted in open session. Ackerman: Pittsfield parent, daughter new to school this year, no signs of any issues when made decision to choice child in, now concerned. Erickson: concern regarding long term planning, is choice discouraging parents from living here in Richmond? Wyatt: Long term planning by town is being addressed at Oct 3 meeting. Ballinger: Moved here to have children attend RCS on reputation, worried re: principal resigning and consistency of curriculum. K. Massimiano, on behalf of REA read letter of support; REA gives vote of 100% confidence to Dr. Ripa and the Richmond School Committee. Bartlett: After several years Dr. Ripa rectified issue for family. E. Smith: Dr. Ripa just hired, give chance for her to perform job without interfering, the SC was elected by parents and town, trust them to handle situation. Stover: very unfortunate that Karin resigned. Roller: Worried that families will not move to Richmond if reputation of school declines. Cardillo: RCS excellent school, own children very successful because of good start they have had here, parents should be more realistic, people leave positions and life goes on, we will find new principal. Wyatt: parents need to be positive, negativity and gossip are very harmful to our community and students, focus should be on kids. Many hours speaking to administrators and SC members re: Dr. Ripa, all had very positive comments, no cause for concern. Read letter from Dr. Jan Gibeau, SC Chair, Chesterfield, MA. Dr. Ripa: sad about allegations, she is looking forward to good year and moving forward with us.

3.  Review and Approval of August 14 Minutes. Approved as submitted by unanimous vote.

4. Transporting of Choice Students. Terry from Dufour: 3 bus stops; Hancock Shaker Village, Bartlett’s and Baker St. in WS. Choice students parents sometimes not there, creates longer ride, they must return to school, try to call parent. Dufour has 2 strike rule for other towns, if parents do not pick up twice, lose privilege. R. Bartlett: kids dropped off and left outside store, sometimes 15-20 minutes. Discussion, parents will be notified in near future via letter.

5. Principal’s Report (Karin absent, read by Barbara)

a. Start of School, first fire drill under 2 min.

b. Staffing update, positions in middle school filled by well qualified teachers, very excited to join RCS, amazing energy, have really transformed the middle school in short time. Kanz- ELA, Purvis- Science and Tech, Valenti- Math, Renfrew- Curriculum Coordinator.

c. New school year off to smooth start

6.  Superintendent’s Report

a. Convocation Day on August 28, met at here RCS with Richmond and Hancock principals, faculty and staff, made introductions, discussed goals, anti-bullying and anti-harassment training

b. Meetings with Select board, Director of Pubic Works, State Police, Fire Chief

c. Website, create stipend for a teacher to keep updated? More than stipend position, to maintain and keep info current. Grant? What are the best programs to use, can teachers put homework up on the site? Can parents access? Training?

d. Meeting w. parents after PTO meeting on Oct 9^th.

7. Special Education Director’s Report- PAC (parent advisory) meeting 10/9. IEP’s being followed. CPR report complete, CAP (corrected action plan) being completed, we have one year to comply, areas being addressed include restraint training, discrimination training and textbooks.

8.  Policy Updates – Wellness policy and attendance next in line for revision. Wellness policy needs review from school nurse and school doctor. Policies on website?

9.   Financial Report

10. Other items: Working session scheduled for Monday, September 17^th,

11. Public Comment- E. Snowise: 17^th is a Jewish holiday, meeting should be rescheduled.

12. Executive Session – Contract Negotiations – motion to adjourn to ES by Bianca at 8:45 roll call vote, Bianca– aye, Jim – aye, Dewey -aye. Roll call vote out of ES – 9:02 Bianca -aye, Jim- aye, Dewey – aye.

13. Adjournment for signing of warrants 9:05by unanimous vote.

School Committee Agenda 10/9/12

RSC AGenda 10092012

Richmond School Committee Meeting 9/24/12

Richmond School Committee

Agenda for the Special Meeting on Monday, September 24, 2012

7:00 P.M.

Richmond School Cafeteria

Call the Meeting to order @ ________.

1. Working session – School Committee discussion on goals, priorities and action plans

2. Executive Session – to finalize Interim Principal Contract

3. Exit from Executive Session

4. Move for Adjournment

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