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July 16, 2019

george school
July 16, 2019

BROCKTON, MASSACHUSETTS

REGULAR MEETING

JULY 16, 2019

PDF Version of Minutes

The Regular Meeting of the Brockton School Committee was held this evening in the George M. Romm Little Theatre at Brockton High School, at seven o'clock. These minutes contain a summary of the meeting and list items that were under discussion.

Present: Mayor Rodrigues, Chair; Mr. Minichiello, Vice-Chair; Ms. Asack, Mr. D’Agostino, Mr. Gormley, Ms. Sullivan, Mr. Sullivan, Interim Superintendent Thomas.

Absent: None

Also Present: Executive Team Members

Mr. Minichiello called the meeting to order at 7:11 p.m., followed by a salute to the flag.

Mr. Minichiello asked for a moment of silence in memory of Mayor Bill Carpenter who also served as Chair for the School Committee.

Followed by a powerpoint paying tribute to our Mayor, School Committee members reflected on the remarkable job and work he accomplished for the city. Mayor Carpenter loved Brockton and cared deeply about this great city. Mayor Carpenter was an advocate for the school district when it came to funding, he advocated against substance abuse, he was a father of six children, a grandfather and a companion to his longtime supporter and partner Julie Smith. Mayor Carpenter is a true champion of our city and will truly be missed.

Interim Superintendent Thomas spoke about the friendship he and Mayor Carpenter have had and with him and his family for twenty-five years. He was always about making schools, playgrounds and fields better for the children. Mayor Carpenter worked diligently on the New Recovery High school, the Rocky Statue and served on many other committees. Mayor Carpenter was always supportive when it came to the children of Brockton. Former Superintendent Kathleen A. Smith asked Interim Superintendent Thomas to pass along her heart felt wishes and prayers for the family.

Mr. Minichiello formally introduced Mayor Moises Rodrigues to the school committee. Mayor Rodrigues expressed to keep our late Mayor Carpenter’s legacy and wishes during the next six months of serving as the Mayor in the city of Brockton working together as a city government moving forward.

Hearing of Visitors

None.

Consent Agenda

Mr. Minichiello explained the purpose of the Consent Agenda and asked members for requests to remove items for further discussion.

Mr. Sullivan moved the Interim Superintendent's recommendation to approve the following Consent Agenda items, the motion was seconded by Mr. Gormley.

  1. Approval of Minutes of the June 18, 2019 Regular School Committee Meeting
  2. Acceptance of Notification of Personnel Actions: Leaves of Absence, Resignations, Retirements

Voted: to approve the motion, unanimous.

Interim Superintendent's Report

Interim Superintendent Thomas welcomed Mayor Rodrigues to the school committee and expressed the positive conversations always wanting the best for the children of Brockton and looks forward to working together.

Human Resources Update

Interim Superintendent Thomas invited the Director of Human Resources, Dr. Kathleen F. Moran to give an update on job openings. Currently there are 71 vacant certified positions across the district. Tracy Holland and Matthew Beals are working continuously processing paperwork and completing the hiring process along with help from the Administrative assistants in human resources tracking down pertinent information.

Interested candidates who would like to apply can either check out the web page on the Brockton Public School or access School Spring or contact Human Resources directly.

FY20 Budget Update

Interim Superintendent Thomas invited Chief Financial Officer, Aldo Petronio to give us an update on the budget. Since our last meeting we have not received any information from the state as far as the compromise committee. He has spoken to various state representatives and the budget is being hashed amongst the committee. Mr. Petronio recently had a conversation with Commissioner Riley at the Superintendent’s conference regarding the house budget of approximately thirty million that is set aside where Commissioner Riley can use it. His focus is on urban settings. Commissioner Riley hasn’t heard from the compromise committee if all funds will be given but is hopeful that it is at least sixty/forty if not more. Mr. Petronio advocated that we need all seeing that we currently have a five million shortfall. We did not have any layoff’s, but we have cut most of our substitute teacher budget, technology budget, our curriculum and many other areas to avoid another layoff. Mr. Petronio is hoping to receive information in mid-July, once we receive information a finance subcommittee will be scheduled for discussion.

Executive Team Update

Interim Superintendent Thomas mentioned he is not replacing his Deputy Superintendent position and that the work will be spread out to the executive team members in which he thanked for their assistance. Listed below are the responsibilities that are assigned:

Interim Superintendent Thomas
  • Community Schools
  • Transportation (Peggy)
  • Grants (Karen Watts)
  • Appeal Hearings Grades 9-12
Ms. June Saba-McGuire
  • Parent Information Center – Grades K-5
  • Parent Complaints – Grades Pre-K – 5
  • Dan Vigeant – Technology
  • Help Desk – Lisa Ando
  • Due Process Appeals Grades K-5
  • Pre-K expansion
  • School Improvement Council Agendas, Minutes, roster, etc.
  • School Improvement Council Rosters, (original postings of meetings to the City Clerk)
Ms. Sharon Wolder
  • Parent Information Center Grades 6-12
  • Alternative School Principals
  • New Intervention Program
  • Transfers Grades 6-12
  • Parent Complaints Grades 9-12
  • Student/Parent Handbooks
  • Champion City Program
  • Community Mentors
  • Private fundraising approvals
  • School PAC Fundraising approvals (Principal must sign)
Dr. Kathy Moran
  • Finish left over IBB open items
  • Recruitment of teachers & administrators
Dr. Clifford Murray
  • Middle School Principals
  • Due Process Appeal Hearings Grades 6-8
  • Parent Complaints Grades 6-8
  • Athletics Grades 6-12
Mr. Aldo Petronio
  • Approve all travel requests
  • No Out of State travel requests will be approved unless required by a grant
  • Approve all new cell phones/new service/electronic devices
  • Approving Community Schools purchase orders
Dr. James Cobbs
  • Facilities (Ken Thompson & James Dimestico)
  • MSBA Projects – Huntington Roof & North Middle School full renovation
  • Safety and Security (Lt. Vadaro)
  • Liaison to Mayor’s office & DPW
  • Inclement weather assistance with Interim Superintendent
  • Field Trip Report Forms for Grades 6-12
Dr. Ethan Cancell
  • District Review Liaison
  • TAG Expansion
  • Kevin Daponte – Instructional Technology
  • New School Messenger roll out
  • Parent Portal expansion
Sharon/June/Cliff – Year Long Goal
  • Develop 2 Template Middle School Schedules (implement 2020-2021)
  • Continue to develop alternatives to suspensions (marijuana)
Sharon/June/Ethan
  • Gilmore Immersion Pilot

Administrative Appointments

  • Dr. Soraya De Barros to the position of Director of Community Schools
  • Ms. Marcia Serpa Andrade to the position of Director of Parent Information and School Registration
  • Mr. Shawn Desmond to the position of Interim Coordinator of Vocational and Career Education Grades 6-12
  • Mr. Kevin Daponte to the position of Interim Director of Instructional Technology
  • Dr. Kelly Silva to the position of Principal of the Promise High School

Principal/Assistant Principal Moves

  • Carol McGrath, will be the Principal at the Arnone School
  • John Kelly, will be the Principal at the Angelo School
  • Colleen Proudler, will be the Principal at the Downey School
  • Peri Jacoubs, will be the Assistant Principal at the Barrett Russell School
  • Nicole Ford, will be the Assistant Principal at the Arnone School
  • Adam St. Peter, will be the Assistant Principal at the Gilmore School
  • Diane Lynch, will be the Principal at North Middle School and Intervention program

Open Positions

  • Raymond Principal
  • East Interim Principal
  • South Principal
  • Hancock Assistant Principal
  • Downey Assistant Principal
  • East Assistant Principal
  • BHS/Assistant Dean – Azure Building

Edison Academy Graduation

Will take place at the Marciano stadium Thursday, July 18, 2019 at 6:00 p.m., if the weather permits. Interim Superintendent Thomas, Dr. Cobbs, Ken Thompson and Jamie Dimestico will meet Wednesday, July 17th to review the weather forecast and make a decision to either hold the ceremony outside at the stadium or move it inside to the auditorium. There are 300 students total graduating earning a diploma and 200 will attend the ceremony.

Items to Refer to Subcommittee

None.

Unfinished Business

None.

New Business

Mr. Minichiello discussed the Ratification of Superintendent’s Contract. The Superintendent’s Contract Subcommittee met on June 25, 2019 to go over the perimeters of the contract and approved at the meeting that was held in Executive session due to negotiations. The minutes will be released. The contract will now become a public document if ratified by the school committee members. The Interim Superintendent contract will run from July 1, 2019 – June 30, 2020.

Mr. Sullivan motioned to approve the minutes of the Superintendent’s Contract Subcommittee meeting on June 25, 2019, the motion was seconded by Mr. Gormley.

Voted: to approve the motion, unanimous.

Mr. Sullivan motioned to ratify the contract meeting held in Executive Session on June 25, 2019, the motion was seconded by Mr. D’Agostino.

Voted: to approve the motion, unanimous.

Naval Academy

Mr. Minichiello was contacted by the Naval Academy stating they would like to pursue students in the City of Brockton. They feel they are not receiving enough applicants. Mr. Minichiello will visit the academy on August 1st and 2nd and return on the 3rd, all expenses are being paid. They are looking for participants from the community visit to report back to the high school guidance department to encourage students to visit and see what the academy has to offer.

Cradle to Crayons

Ms. Asack discussed Cradle to Crayons 4th year of partnership with the Brockton Public School department. This year we will receive approximately 2,500 backpacks for our students. August 2nd Ms. Asack will speak during the event at the Reggie Lewis center. Volunteers are always welcome to assist. Thank you Cradle to Crayons for always supporting our Brockton students.

Art Show

Mr. Gormley mentioned the Brockton Youth Art Show is being held at the Fuller Art Museum beginning July 20th thru October 6th show casing the talent of our students in Brockton.

Summer of Work and Learning

Interim Superintendent Thomas mentioned the Summer of Work and Learning is painting a mural at the Raymond School. Thank you, Laura Dedonato, for your continued work each year with the students.

Bid Review Subcommittee

Mr. Sullivan discussed the Bid Review subcommittee meeting held earlier this evening. A motion was made to accept the Bid(s) as presented:

  1. FY20 Projector Install Service to Ockers Co., Brockton, MA in the amount of $71.49 (Hourly Rate)
  2. Roof Replacement Project for the Brockton Board of Health/School Parent Information Center to Wayne Roofing Systems, Foxborough, MA in the amount of $204,000.00

A motion to recommend to the Brockton School Committee to award the School Bid(s) as presented.

Ms. Asack motioned to approve the Bid(s) as presented, the motion was seconded by Mr. D’Agostino.

Voted: to approve the motion, unanimous.

Mr. Minichiello mentioned the City Council is looking to hold a joint session on August 5th at 6:00 p.m. to select the School Committee seat for Ward 2 vacancy. Confirmation will come from Mr. Zeoli once a date and time is confirmed.

Seeing no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:22 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Michael P. Thomas
Interim Superintendent/Secretary
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