May 17, 2022
May 17, 2022
Brockton, Massachusetts Regular School Committee Meeting May 17, 2022
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, Chair, Ms. Ehlers, Mr. Homer, Ms. Rivas Mendes, Mr. Rodrigues,
Ms. Sullivan, Mr. Sullivan
Also Present: Superintendent Thomas, Interim Deputy Superintendent Szachowicz,
Executive Team Members, Ms. Kim Gibson, BEA President
Mayor Sullivan, Chair, called the meeting to order at 7:07 p.m. followed by a salute to the flag.
Mayor Sullivan, Chair took a roll call to establish a quorum.
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Ms. Sullivan – Here |
Mr. Homer – Here |
Ms. Ehlers – Here |
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Ms. Rivas Mendes – Here |
Mr. Rodrigues – Here |
Ms. Asack, Vice-Chair – Here |
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Mr. Sullivan – Here |
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Mayor Sullivan – Here |
Hearing of Visitors There were no hearing of visitors.
Mayor Sullivan thanked Superintendent Thomas, members of the School Committee and everyone who attended the Brockton High School performance “Hello Dolly” on Sunday, May 15, 2022 for the designation naming of the stage “Vincent Macrina and Carol Thomas”. A formal ceremony will take place in the fall where friends and family can attend.
Mayor Sullivan congratulated all the students, the actors, designers, musicians that reflected a wonderful performance, a job well done.
Consent Agenda Mayor Sullivan explained the purpose of the Consent Agenda, read the items aloud and asked members for any requests to remove items for further discussion. No items were removed for discussion.
Mr. Sullivan made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda, seconded by Ms. Sullivan.
Voted: to approve the motion, unanimously.
Superintendent’s
Report Student Representative (Elen Arustamyan)
Student Representative Elen Arustamyan gave a brief power point presentation on happenings at Brockton High School:
· The 36th Annual Harbor One Fine Arts Show, held on May 3rd thru 5th at B.H.S. Fine Arts Building
· Hello, Dolly! Musical Performance that took place on May 13th thru May 15th.
· Senior Voices plan to meet on May 30th & 31st with Freshman and Sophomores having positive
conversations. They also plan to visit Middle School 8th grade students to welcome them into
high school.
· The Senior Assembly was held on April 27th for the end of the year of upcoming events such as
prom tickets, yearbooks, sports recognition banquet, seniors last day of school, senior
breakfast, graduation tickets and the graduation rehearsal line up.
Elen thanked her Classmates, Teachers, School Police, Staff Members, Administration and School Committee Members for the opportunity and support given throughout the school year.
Elen introduced “Max” the newest therapy dog coming to Brockton High School in September 2022.
Senior Class President, Mamadu Tchamo shared with the committee positive progress as a school
and as a class that was made throughout the year. Congratulations to the Class of 2022 for stepping up and showing the meaning of what a “True Boxer” is. He also thanked the School Committee members, teachers, parents for the continued support throughout the years.
(applause)
Mayor Sullivan, School Committee member and Superintendent Thomas thanked Elen for her
exceptional leadership, a great voice for the entire student population and exemplified “Boxer Pride.
A gift was presented to Elen and well wishes as she plans to attend Pepperdine University, Mamadu
will attend Umass Lowell, and Andrew Gomes will attend Suffolk University.
District Wide Attendance Policy
Superintendent Thomas gave an update regarding the suspension of our Attendance Policy for the past
two years considering COVID-19. Beginning this summer with the Edison Academy Summer School
and next school year, it is his recommendation to re-instate the Attendance Policy that’s in the
handbook.
Ms. Sullivan motioned to re-instate the District Wide Attendance Policy beginning with the
Edison Academy Summer Program, seconded by Mr. Sullivan.
The motion passed unanimously.
Presentation
Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Regarding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Partnership
Superintendent Thomas introduced via zoom, Ms. Susan Berglund, DESE Director, Liaison and Coastal Director from the Office of Statewide of Systems of Support. She is joining us tonight to
discuss our current Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Partnership with DESE and to go over
progress that has been made by the district through the Strategic Planning Process and the adoption of our New Strategic five-year plan.
Ms. Berglund introduced Ms. Komal Bhasin, DESE Chief Schools Officer to present a brief power point who oversees the work of several offices within the Department of Education including the Statewide System of Support.
Ms. Bhasin presented the following:
Ø Key Features
· Develop and implement a coherent and ambitious districtwide improvement strategy
· Coaching, support, resources, and monitoring
· “Brockton must substantially change the way it operates, including///review(ing) the
effectiveness of its organizational structure; improving its approach to planning;…and
promoting…ownership of student outcomes.” MOU 2020
Ø Highlights
· Plan development process was inclusive, thorough, and ambitious
· The plan addresses key challenges, including those identified by the 2020 district review
· Strategic objectives and initiative will guide the district’s work for the 2022-2027
· Strategic objective and initiatives focus on improving student outcomes and promoting equity
Ø Next Steps
· Ensuring that planning and decision-making are guided by the strategic plan.
· Identify district instructional focus for SY22-23
· Outline action steps, roles and benchmarks
· Set outcomes to measure progress
· Solicit feedback from stakeholders
Ø The School Committee’s Role
· Before: 2020 district review found that decisions were often made based on anecdotal information
· Going Forward: Use the new district strategic plan and frequent review of relevant disaggregated data to guide budgeting, policies, and decision-making
· Institute routines to maintain focus on the strategic plan
· Develop practices to analyze data through equity lens
Ø Next Steps: Brockton Public Schools – DESE Partnership MOU
· Current MOU expires in summer 2022
· DESE and BPS have the option to review and update the MOU agreement in the summer or early fall of 2022
· The intention is to renew and update the MOU with a focus on outcome data; it will continue support for restructuring, access and learning environments for all students; building leadership capacity and implementing high-quality curriculum materials
· At the end of the MOU, DESE will have the option to conduct a District Review
Superintendent Thomas thanked Ms. Berglund and Ms. Bhasin for their presentation, partnership and support.
Questions/Answers
Ms. Rivas Mendes asked how do we define equity and what does it mean to have equity across the district? When DESE says they will have the opinion to conduct a district review, why is it just an option if it is critical information that would show how much improvement in progress we will have?
Ms. Bhasin mentioned to define educational equity means that every child receives what they need developed to their full academic and social potential. When we talk about looking at data with an equity lens, we look at opportunity gaps where students may not be provided with services they need to achieve to their full potential. As with any memorandum the policy is that there’s the option to conduct a district review to analyze the progress made.
Targeted Site Visit Process for Turnaround Schools
Superintendent Thomas introduced Dr. Szachowicz, Interim Deputy Superintendent to present a brief
power point on the TSV (Targeted Site Visit) process that is done with all our turnaround schools. Each
school must have a Sustainability Improvement Plan that they write (such as a School Improvement
Plan), as it is based on what’s put forward by the Department of Education.
Dr. Szachowicz presented the following:
Ø School and District Turnaround: Statewide System of Support
· Since 2009, Massachusetts further defined what they meant and it’s about producing continuous and sustainable improvement
· SSOS staff engage with districts that have schools identified as requiring assistance and intervention
Ø About Underperforming Schools
· Underperforming schools are the state’s most struggling schools based on an analysis of four-year trends in absolute achievement, student growth, and academic improvement trends
· Schools designated as underperforming are allowed flexibilities to accelerate student achievement and are given priority to receive DESE targeted assistance.
Ø Creation of Sustainable Improvement Plans
· A snapshot or brief profile of the school
· Strategic objectives and initiatives aligned to the Turnaround Practices to accelerate improvement
Ø The Targeted Site Visit Process
Arnone – done Brookfield – done Downey – done Gilmore – June 15-16
George – done North – done South – done East – done
West – done Plouffe – done
Ø What is this TSV Process?
Goal: building district and school capacity to engage in successful improvement work. The process is 1.5 days long, and includes 1 full day of evidence collection and crafting findings, and ½ prioritization
Ø Successful Turnaround in Action – Turnaround Practices
· Leadership, Shared Responsibility, and Professional Collaboration
· Intentional Practices for Improving Instruction
· Providing Student-Specific Instruction and Supports to All Students
· School Culture and Climate
Ø TSV Follow up and next steps:
Ø After all, TSVs are completed, we will receive the final reports – a report is written for every school and one for the district.
Ø Review the date and recommendations and prioritize action steps at the district level and the school site level.
Ø Common themes we have heard so far:
Areas of STRENGTHS
Ø Supportive and caring environment for all students
Ø Collaborative environment for staff
Ø Strong positive classroom climate: Behavioral expectations clear, and students in EVERY school talk about a caring adult they can turn to
Ø Clear Focus Areas understood by all, particularly the attention on reading and writing
Areas for IMPROVEMENT
Ø Need to use data more effectively to inform instruction, measure achievement and monitor outcomes
Ø What does this mean at the district level?
Ø What does this mean at each school?
Ø TSV Follow up and next steps:
Ø Key question: What can the district do better to support these schools in their improvement?
Ø Important to remember, these Turnaround Practices are best practice for every one of our schools to follow
Ø These align with our Strategic Plan, and can provide some action steps for improvement
Questions/Answers
Ms. Ehlers asked, why the George School partnered with AIR (American Institutes for Research)?
The George School selected this program.
Ms. Ehlers asked, out of the 11 turnaround schools do we have anyone school that is close to coming
out of turnaround status?
We are awaiting the MCAS results.
Ms. Ehlers asked, what are the factors (accountability) internally across the district?
We must do a better job from central administration supporting our school leaders, so the school
leaders can support our teachers.
Items to Refer to Public Hearing – Tuesday, May 24, 2022, Budget
Subcommittee Superintendent Thomas proposed the Public Hearing FY2023 Budget meeting next Tuesday, May 24,
2022 at 6:00 p.m.
Mr. Homer motioned to the Public Hearing FY2023 Budget meeting next Tuesday, May 24, 2022 at 6:00 p.m., seconded by Ms. Ehlers.
The motion passed unanimously.
Special School Committee Meeting – Tuesday, May 24, 2022
Superintendent Thomas proposed Special School Committee Meeting next Tuesday, May 24,
2022 at 6:30 p.m.
Mr. Homer motioned to the Special School Committee Meeting next Tuesday, May 24, 2022 at 6:30 p.m., seconded by Ms. Ehlers.
The motion passed unanimously.
Proposed Policy Regarding Coordination of Subcommittee Meetings
Superintendent Thomas discussed the Proposed Policy Regarding Coordination of Subcommittee
Meetings put together by Attorney Peter Mello. The Policy Manual Review Subcommittee would first review the documents, make recommendations, take this under consideration and vote whether to send it to the full School Committee.
Ms. Sullivan will work with Ms. Campbell to schedule the meeting.
Unfinished Discussion and Potential Vote: Bid Review Subcommittee Meeting – 5/17/22
Business Mr. Sullivan gave a verbal report from the Bid Review Subcommittee meeting earlier this evening.
The agenda item was tabled for further discussion.
No vote is needed.
Discussion and Potential Vote: Public Hearing – FY2023 School Choice Meeting – 5/17/22
Ms. Asack gave a verbal report from the Public Hearing FY23 School Choice meeting held earlier this evening. The committee recommends this to the full school committee for approval.
Mr. Homer motioned to approve the verbal report, seconded by Mr. Sullivan.
The motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Sullivan motioned to approve the FY2023 School Choice, seconded by Ms. Ehlers.
The motion passed unanimously.
New Business Mr. Sullivan will coordinate with Ms. Campbell to schedule a Facilities Subcommittee Meeting.
Executive Session Mayor Sullivan read the following into the record.
“The School Committee members will go into Executive Session Pursuant to G.L. c. 30A, § 21(a)(2)
To conduct strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with nonunion personnel or to conduct collective
bargaining sessions or contract negotiations with nonunion personnel – Deputy Superintendent. The
Committee will not return to open session following the executive session.”
Ms. Ehlers motioned to enter Executive Session. Seconded by Mr. Sullivan.
The School Committee members went into Executive Session at 8:18 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Michael P. Thomas
Superintendent/Secretary
mdc
PowerPoint: BHS Student Report
Community Schools of Brockton 2022 Summer Camp
Winter Star Results
