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June 4, 2019

george school
June 4, 2019

BROCKTON, MASSACHUSETTS

REGULAR MEETING

JUNE 4, 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: Mr. Minichiello, Vice-Chair; Mr. D’Agostino, Mr. Gormley, Ms. Plant, Ms. Sullivan, Mr. Sullivan, Superintendent Smith

Absent: Mayor Carpenter, Ms. Asack

Also Present: Executive Team Members, Student Representative Jaila Smith

Mr. Minichiello called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m., followed by a salute to the flag.

Superintendent Smith asked for a moment of silence in memory of a staff member Janet “Jan” McGarry. Jan was a Nurse at the Cardinal Cushing Hospital many years ago which is now Good Samaritan, Jan worked as the Nurse at the Howard Diagnostic Center which is now the Barrett Russell and later moved to the Brockton High School. Jan was a woman that was caring, involved with the kids, family and always going that extra mile. Many of us know her husband John and her daughter Katie who are dedicated and huge supporters and champion for the music and drama department at Brockton High as Jan was until her passing.

Mr. Minichiello announced that school committee meeting would be abbreviated session in the beginning. The Student Recognition Ceremony is being held in the auditorium and the remainder of the agenda will resume back in the Little Theatre after the ceremony.

Mr. Minichiello removed a line item out of order for discussion and asked Superintendent Smith to speak. Superintendent Smith commented on Brockton High Schools graduation ceremony this past Saturday, June 1, 2019 and how wonderful the ceremony was. She called up Senior Rep. Jaila Smith who is now a graduate of the class of 2019 to present her a gift on behalf of the School Committee.

Hearing of Visitors

None.

Mr. Minichiello asked for a motion to suspend the School Committee meeting with the understanding that the meeting would reconvene after the Student Recognition Ceremony.

Mr. D’Agostino moved to suspend the School Committee meeting with the understanding that the meeting would reconvene after the Student Recognition Ceremony, the motion was seconded by Mr. Sullivan.

Voted: to approve the motion, unanimous.

Mr. Sullivan motioned to reconvene the School Committee back in session, seconded by Ms. Sullivan.

Voted: to approve the motion, unanimous.

The School Committee meeting reconvened in the Little Theatre at 8:15 p.m.

Consent Agenda

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

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

  1. Approval of Minutes of the May 21, 2019 Regular School Committee Meeting Minutes
  2. Approval of Minutes of May 21, 2019 Public Hearing on School Choice
  3. Approval of Report: May 21, 2019 Finance Subcommittee Meeting
  4. Approval of Minutes of May 28, 2019 Finance Subcommittee Meeting
  5. Approval of Minutes of May 28, 2019 Public Hearing on FY2020 School Budget
  6. Approval of Minutes of May 28, 2019 Policy Manual Review
  7. Approval of Minutes of May 30, 2019 Accounts Review Subcommittee Report
  8. Approval of School Closing Date for 2018-2019 School Year
  9. Approval of 2019-2020 School Committee Meeting Dates
  10. Approval of Out of State Field Trip: Hancock Elementary School, Canobie Lake Park, Salem, NH
  11. Acceptance of Notification of Personnel Actions: Leaves of Absence, Resignations, Retirements

Voted: to approve the motion, unanimous.

Communicatoin

The Brockton School Committee voted to approve the request to use the following schools as polling places during the 2019 election cycle on Tuesday, September 17, 2019 and Tuesday, November 5, 2019.

  • Ashfield
  • Brookfield
  • Davis
  • Downey
  • East Middle
  • Gilmore
  • Hancock
  • Kennedy
  • North Middle
  • Raymond
  • South Middle
  • West Middle

As requested, all buildings will be opened by 6:00 a.m. and will remain open until 8:00 p.m.

Superintendent's Report

  • Superintendent Smith read a card from Mrs. Landerholm thanking the School Committee for taking the time to recognize her husband Carl Landerholm for all his time and hard work spent with the children of Brockton. He loved sharing his knowledge of the history of Brockton especially to the young people. Mrs. Landerholm thanked everyone for the beautiful flowers that were presented to her at the meeting.
  • Superintendent Smith also received notification from Commissioner Jeffrey Riley dated June 3, 2019 approving our waiver request sent on May 21, 2019 requesting a one-day waiver for the Downey Elementary School, due to health and safety reasons that occurred from a water main break on November 26, 2018. This approval will allow the Downey Elementary School to make up the day on Wednesday, June 19, 2019 as a full day.

  • Superintendent Smith spoke about the Brockton High School graduation on Saturday, June 1, 2019. Dr. Clifford Murray referenced one of our senior student’s Anthony Wright in his speech.

    Mrs. Wright the mother of Anthony Wright wanted to share her son’s senior speech that he wrote. Although his speech wasn’t chosen as a keynote speaker she didn’t want his speech to go unread and forwarded it to all. The School Committee would like to invite Anthony to the next meeting on June 18, 2019 to read his letter to all.

  • Superintendent Smith mentioned our new Director of Community Schools, Dr. Soraya deBarros. Dr. deBarros worked at the Parent Information Center for a number of years and wanted a new challenge. Community Schools is going into a new era along with wonderful things that are happening. Superintendent Smith is pleased that Dr. deBarros will lead Community Schools.
  • Superintendent Smith thanked all who attended the City Council Budget Hearing held on Monday, June 3, 2019. The Brockton School department budget was presented. Although we did not layoff staff we still have a $4.8 million-dollar deficit. We are looking at opportunities from the state with the house and senate budget moving through. We will prioritize as funding becomes available to us. We are hopeful to having a better budget than last year to continue to grow the district.

Advocacy

Superintendent Smith mentioned we are looking to hold a meeting with our Legislative in June before the Senate and House go into their compromise committee discussion. We want to make sure they truly understand our present challenges.

Kudos

Superintendent Smith spoke about the Alumni award ceremony she attended on May 30, 2019 thanking Bob Saltzman and the Alumni that continue to grow the organization and encouraged all alumni to become involved. Four scholarships were given to four recent Brockton High school graduates of 2019.

District Happenings (Powerpoint)

  • Brockton High School Drama Program; Seven musical nominations for NEWSIES for the Massachusetts Educational Theatre Guild MET Awards
  • B.H.S. Senior -Jordan Williams winner of the MIAA D1 Pentathlon
  • B.H.S. Senior Jordan Williams winner of the MIAA All-State Pentathlon
  • Tea Time with the Superintendent at Hancock Elementary School
  • Vula Roumis and Gloria Cho named “Anne Dow Award Recipients for Excellence and Creativity” at the MATSOL conference
  • Angelo School Gator Girls On The Run Team completed their 5K
  • Texas Roadhouse Fundraiser – 10% of the bill will be donated for the benefit of the Brockton Education Foundation to support Friends of SEPAC.

Unfinished Business

None.

New Business

None.

Seeing no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Kathleen A. Smith, JD

Superintendent/Secretary

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