March 3, 2020
March 3, 2020
School Committee
Brockton, Massachusetts
Regular Meeting
March 3, 2020
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 Sullivan, Mr. D'Agostino, Vice-Chair; Ms. Mendes, Mr. Rodrigues,
Ms. Sullivan, Mr. Sullivan, Superintendent Thomas
Absent: Ms. Asack, Mr. Minichiello
Also Present: Executive Team Members
Mayor Sullivan called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m., followed by a salute to the flag.
Mayor Sullivan acknowledged and thanked members of the School Committee, Superintendent Michael P. Thomas, School Administrators, Malinda Campbell Executive Assistant to the Superintendent, Kim Gibson BEA President that attended the School Committee Retreat on Saturday, February 29, 2020.
Hearing of Visitors None
Consent Agenda
Mayor Sullivan explained the purpose of the Consent Agenda and asked members for any requests to remove items for further discussion. Mr. D’Agostino asked to remove Item B, Acceptance of the February 11, 2020 Finance Subcommittee Meeting Report and Item D, Acceptance of the February 4, 2020 Curriculum Subcommittee Meeting Report, giving an overview report on the following consent agenda Items.
Item B, Acceptance of the February 11, 2020 Finance Subcommittee Meeting Report discussing the agenda items.
1. FY2021 Budget
2. Other Business
Mr. Sullivan moved to approve Item B, Acceptance of the February 11, 2020 Finance
Subcommittee Meeting Report, seconded by Ms. Sullivan.
Voted: to approve the motion, unanimous.
Item D, Acceptance of the February 4, 2020 Curriculum Subcommittee Meeting Report discussing the agenda items.
1. Curriculum Implementation Overview K-8
2. Other Business
Mr. Sullivan moved to approve Item D, Acceptance of the February 4, 2020 Curriculum Subcommittee Meeting Report, seconded by Ms. Sullivan.
Voted: to approve the motion, unanimous.
Mr. Sullivan moved the Superintendent's recommendation to approve the remaining Consent Agenda items, seconded by Mr. Sullivan.
A. Approval of February 11, 2020 Regular School Committee Meeting Minutes
C. Acceptance of the February 4, 2020 Security, Safety, Transportation Meeting Report
E. Acceptance of Notification: Personnel Appointments: Certified
F. Acceptance of Notification: Personnel Appointments: Non-Certified
G. Acceptance of Notification of Personnel Actions: Leaves of Absence, Retirements, Resignations
Voted: to approve the motion, unanimous.
Communication None
Superintendent's Report
Student Representative (Georgina Younes)
Student Georgina Younes gave a report on happenings at Brockton High School:
• The all city chorus concert Was held on March 2, 2020. The High School,
Middle School and Harmonics group performed a variety of songs in the Fine Art’s
auditorium.
• The boys’ varsity basketball team has earned a spot in the division one south finals after
their win against BC High Sunday night. The team will compete against Mansfield this
Friday, March 6, 2020, Taunton High at 7:30 p.m.
• Congratulations to the Brockton High School Drama Club for advancing to the semi-
finals while also competing “The skinflint of Schickshinney”. The Dram Club received
4 all-star awards for acting, set, costumes as well as hair and makeup.
• The National Honor Society will be hosting a fundraiser at Altitude Trampoline Park in
Avon, MA this Friday night, March 6, 2020. When you mention National Honor
Society 20% of the proceeds will be donated to benefit.
Curriculum Update
Superintendent Thomas mentioned the District Review DESE site visit is this week.
School Committee members are scheduled to meet March 4, 2020 at 4:30 p.m.
He thanked the Executive Team, Principals, Department Heads, Teacher, Kim Gibson BEA
President and everyone who has been involved in the planning process. The district will receive feedback during the summer from this site visit and information will be shared with all.
FY21 Budget Update
Superintendent Thomas asked Mr. D’Agostino Vice-Chair for an update from the Finance
Subcommittee meeting held earlier this evening where they discussed and reviewed 93 additional certified staff positions and 6 Kindergarten paraprofessionals. He stated the Finance Subcommittee voted unanimous to recommend to the full School Committee to approve the 93 certified staff positions and 6 Kindergarten paraprofessionals.
Mr. Sullivan motioned to approve hiring 93 certified staff positions, seconded by Ms. Sullivan.
Voted: to approve the motion, unanimous.
Mr. Sullivan revised the motion to approve hiring 6 Kindergarten paraprofessionals, seconded by Ms. Sullivan.
Voted: to approve the motion as amended, unanimous.
Superintendent Thomas thanked Mayor Sullivan, City Council, Superintendent Kathleen A. Smith, School Committee members and Chief Financial Officer Aldo Petronio for their commitment to the students of Brockton. He commented that approval to hire is an important start in rebuilding our district.
Mayor Sullivan and School Committee members thanked Superintendent Kathleen A. Smith, current and past School Committee members, Chief Financial Officer Aldo Petronio for their hard work and dedication during the past six years.
School Committee members also gave thanks to teachers and paraprofessionals for their hard work and dedication to our students. Although Mr. Minichiello and Ms. Asack are not in attendance they have given their full support in the hiring of 93 certified staff positions and 6 Kindergarten paraprofessionals to Vice-Chair Mr. D’Agostino.
Project Grads Presentation
Superintendent Thomas introduced Melissa Sheppard, Coordinator of Extended Day/Project, Grads, Lauren Sellman, Senior Program Director – Old Colony YMCA. He also acknowledged Erin Spaulding, Sr. Vice President. A Power Point was presented on the collaborative partnership with the YMCA and Project Grads with an update of the program. The program currently services five infants (0-15 months) at Brockton High School Childcare. Three toddlers of current BPS students and eight toddlers of graduated students at the West Chestnut Childcare that services (16 + months). A new addition to The Old Colony YMCA program is continued child care of BPS students that graduate if they continue to further their education. Any Brockton Public Schools student in need of the program is welcome to participate. The program works with expecting teens and parenting teens. The Brockton Public Schools provides the following:
• Transportation (Bus with car seats)
• Contracted Teen slots
• Classroom Space (2 rooms in the fine arts building)
• 3 paraprofessionals
• Access to an onsite nurse
• Guidance support
• Administrative support through Community Schools
• Childcare supplies
• High School administrative assistants
• School lunch for infants ready to eat solid food
Laure Sellman, Senior Program Director discussed the supports the Old Colony YMCA’s provides:
• Case Management for all pregnant/parenting teens
• Childcare and support services are provided for all program graduates
• Space at West Chestnut Street Location
• Administrative support through Y’s Social Services Division
• Access to donated baby/toddler items
• Field trips
• Family Strengthening group activities
• Financial Literacy
• Guest Speakers
The Old Colony YMCA is located at 850 West Chestnut Street, Brockton, MA., and are EEC
licensed.
Questions and comments by Mayor Sullivan and School Committee members:
• If donations are accepted – Yes new donations are accepted.
(Cradle to Crayons also donates)
• What are the hours at the West Chestnut location – 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Mon -Fri.
• Impressed how the program supports parenting teens giving them opportunities in
various activities.
Items to Refer To Subcommittee None
Unfinished Business
Student Opportunity Act (SOA) 3-year District Plan
Superintendent Thomas gave an update on the 3-year district plan for the Student Opportunity Act. He thanked Executive Team members, Chief Public Relations Officer Jess Hodges and BEA Representative Kim Gibson for their assistance in elementary school teachers, high school teachers, alternative school teachers, middle school teachers and principal’s forums. Information and feedback is being collected and highlighted in the 4 major areas for the Student Opportunity Act. Next week he will meet to provide information and feedback with bilingual parents, special Education parents and all parents next week at the North Community Center in the auditorium. Information will be provided as we continue to work together on the Student Opportunity Act 3-year District Plan in place.
Superintendent Thomas thanked Mr. D’Agostino for attending a meeting last week with (BIC) Brockton Interfaith Community regarding the Student Opportunity Act. They offered their feedback and will attend a follow-up meeting. He thanked Mayor Sullivan, City Council, Counselors-At-Large, School Committee member Judy Sullivan, School Committee member Cynthia Rivas Mendes in attending a Ward 2 (Mr. Thomas Monahan) and Ward 5 (Mr. Jeffrey Thompson) Councilors meeting last week and their participation and discussion on the Student Opportunity Act.
Mayor Sullivan thanked Superintendent Thomas for his efforts informing City Council, Counselors-At-Large and parents on the positive feedback he has received. Mayor Sullivan also thanked Chief Financial Officer, Aldo Petronio for his presentation at the Chamber of Commerce.
New Business
Superintendent Thomas spoke about the Coronavirus. We are kept informed by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health receiving updates and following guidelines as we would follow flu precautions such as handwashing, hand sanitizer, disinfecting hard surfaces in schools, desks, tables, cafeteria tables.
Mayor Sullivan held a round table meeting at City Hall on March 2nd to discuss what our next steps are. We must educate and do best practices such as: washing hands, disinfect, if you have flu like symptom you can self-isolate, go to your medical clinician. In the event someone dials 911 they will ask a mandatory question, if you have traveled outside the U.S. in the past 14 days listing the 5 countries. For Brockton 911 reverse calls and social media updates will occur to keep everyone informed with clear expectations in multiply languages.
Acknowledgements/Announcements
• All are invited to attend a Stop the Violence forum hosted by Mayor Sullivan on
Wednesday, March 4, 2020 at Brockton High School from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
• Thank you to all who participated in Dr. Seuss Read Across America to the children
throughout the district this week.
• All are invited to attend the Art Smart Spring Art Exhibit and Contest Reception on
Tuesday, March 17th from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., at the Joseph A. Driscoll Art Gallery,
Brockton Public Library, 304 Main Street.
• Thank you to Dr. Julianne Andrade for hosting the Kindergarten showcase at the Arnone
School last week. All parents of children entering kindergarten should attend this
informative event.
• Best of luck to the Drama Club as they advance to finals. Thank you, Mr. Hogan, team
and staff for your continued support.
• Best of luck to the BHS Boys basketball team as they play in the South Sectional Finals
this Friday, March 6, 2020 at 7:30 p.m. against Mansfield High School at Taunton
High School.
Executive Session
Mayor Sullivan announced School Committee members have personnel matters to deal with
and would go into Executive Session pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 30A, Section 21 (a)(3), to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining or litigation if an open meeting may have detrimental effect of the bargaining or litigating position of the public body and the chair so declares. [Pending Litigation]
A Roll Call Vote was taken:
Mayor Sullivan – yes Mr. D’Agostino – yes Ms. Mendes – yes
Mr. Rodrigues – yes Ms. Sullivan – yes Mr. Sullivan – yes
School Committee went into Executive Session at 8:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Michael P. Thomas
Superintendent/Secretary
mdc
Project Grads PowerPoint
