May 21, 2019
May 21, 2019
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; Ms. Asack, Mr. D’Agostino, Ms. Plant, Ms. Sullivan, Superintendent Smith
Absent: Mayor Carpenter, Mr. Gormley, Mr. Sullivan
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 Pamela Brown, beloved teacher for 45 years in the district, most recently at the Arnone School.
Superintendent Smith then asked for another moment of silence in memory of Walter Balchunas, husband of Executive Assistant to the Superintendent Patricia Balchunas who passed away suddenly. Walter worked as the wiring inspector for the City of Brockton.
Consent Agenda
Mr. Minichiello explained the purpose of the Consent Agenda and asked members for requests to remove items for further discussion.
Ms. Sullivan moved the Superintendent's recommendation to approve the following Consent Agenda items, the motion was seconded by Mr. D’Agostino.
- Approval of May 7, 2019 Regular School Committee Meeting Minutes
- Acceptance of Report: May 7, 2019 Finance Subcommittee Meeting
- Approval of Out-of-State Field Trip: Raymond School, Canobie Lake Park, Salem, NH
- Approval of JROTC Overnight Boys and Girls State Program at Stonehill College
- Approval of JROTC Overnight Trip to Ft. Devens
- Authorization to Submit a FY2020 Proposal for MA DESE Adult Basic Education Grant
- Acceptance of Notification of Personnel Actions: Leaves of Absence, Resignations, Retirements
Voted: to approve the motion, unanimous.
Superintendent's Report
Recognitions
- Superintendent Smith introduced Mrs. Diane Landerholm in recognition and honor of Carl Landerholm. Mr. Landerholm was a valued member of Brockton, he always had a smile on his face. He shared his true love for Brockton, spent countless hours talking to students at schools sharing the roots of Brockton, he marched with the Alumni, he was everywhere that represented all that is good in Brockton. Superintendent Smith invited Mrs. Landerholm and her family as she was presented with a bouquet of flowers on behalf of the School Committee.
- Superintendent Smith introduced Dr. Lisa Battaglino Dean in the College of Education and Allied Studies at Bridgewater State University. Superintendent Smith spoke about the partnerships and relationships developed. She shared thoughts from Chief Academic Officer June Saba-Maguire and Principal Marybeth O’Brien. Dr. Battaglino was presented with a plaque on behalf of the School Committee.
- City Councilor – Ward 3 Dennis Eaniri introduced Paul Studenski as the Louis F. Angelo Community Service Award 2018 recipient. This award recognizes those whose actions and generosity positively impact the students and families of Brockton. Mr. Studenski was presented with a certificate on behalf of the School Committee.
- PreK-Grade 8 Guidance Department Head - John Snelgrove introduced Michael Silva as the Louis F. Angelo Community Service Award 2019 recipient. This award recognizes those whose actions and generosity positively impact the students and families of Brockton Mr. Silva was presented with a certificate on behalf of the School Committee.
Student Representative - Jaila Smith
Jaila gave a report on happenings at Brockton High School:
- Math MCAS begins on Wednesday, May 22, 2019
- Chorus Concert at BHS in the auditorium on Wednesday, May 22, 2019
- Seniors last day of school is Wednesday, May 22, 2019
- Senior prom is Thursday, May 23, 2019 at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, MA
- Graduation is Saturday, June 1, 2019
Project 351 – Student Deborah Silva
Deborah presented a powerpoint on Project 351 & The Playbook Initiative which represents the number of cities and towns in the Commonwealth with an 8th grade from each city and town to represent as an ambassador that are chosen by their Superintendent or Principal. The program was started by Governor Devall Patrick and founder Carolyn Casey. Project 351 is involved in various outreach programs such as Cradle to Crayons, Greater Food Bank of Boston alongside two days of leadership and community service. The Playbook Initiative was created by the Celtic Shamrock foundation that was piloted by Project 351 The purpose is to create dialogue about uncomfortable conversations that covers many topics.
Presentation from Cape Verde – Director of Bilingual Kellie Jones
Kellie Jones presented a powerpoint on a recent trip during the April vacation to Cape Verde where members in the district collaborated along with Bridgewater State University to travel and learn about the educational services, cultural and land of our students.
Presentation from China – Coordinator of Foreign Languages, 6-12 Rachael Umbrianna
Rachael Umbrianna presented a powerpoint on a recent trip to China that was funded by Brockton Public Schools through Primary source during the April vacation to share information and possibilities of educators and students to do exchanges.
Superintendent Smith mentioned School Committee member Brett Gormley asked if Rachael would discuss information about the social media where parents and students are able to connect through the foreign language department. Ms. Umbrianna presented a powerpoint about the social media account for the department. Ms. Asack and Ms. Sullivan both commented on following the social media from the department.
Manthala George, Jr. School – Update, Principal Natalie Pohl
Principal Natalie Pohl of the Manthala George, Jr. School gave an update on the turnaround plan and discuss the global plan. She spoke about the incoming kindergarten students and suggest a calendar change by having them begin a week earlier in September and end one week earlier in June.
- Lisa Plant asked if a survey could be done before making a change, Ms. Asack agreed.
- Mr. Minichiello suggested sending a survey to see if parents are willing to participate in this change.
Mr. Minichiello suggested to table the recommendation at a Curriculum Subcommittee meeting for further discussion on Tuesday, May 28, 2019 at 7:00 p.m.
FY20 Budget Update & Advocacy Update
Superintendent Smith discussed the Advocacy Update going before the City Council with our State of the Schools on Monday which allowed discussion on the many events that are happening, the press briefing which happened on May 8th and met with the Editorial Board of the Boston Globe with the three Attorneys who are representing us statewide in the iniative as we watch our state budget. Monday, June 3rd we are presenting our budget to the City where we will present our needs. Although we did not layoff staff we still have a $5.6 million-dollar deficit. 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.
On the motion, Ms. Plant asked whether numbers have remained the same over the years, the Superintendent responded that number have remained reasonably stable. Mr. Sullivan asked whether the policy needed to be updated to reflect current years.
Vote on School Choice Public Hearing
Mr. Minichiello gave the report on the School Choice Public Hearing held earlier this evening at 6:45 p.m., where the public had the opportunity to speak to the issue of school choice. Mr. Minichiello reported that the hearing convened at 6:45 p.m. in the Little Theatre, no one from the community chose to speak, committee members discussed the benefits of participating in school choice and felt as long as it is manageable it is good for Brockton. The hearing closed at 6:55 p.m.
Mr. D’Agostino suggested to doing more to promote “Choose Brockton”.
Mr. Minichiello moved to continue to participate in School Choice in its current form for the 2019-2020 school year, the motion was seconded by Mr. D’Agostino.
Voted: to approve the motion, unanimous.
New Business
Mr. Minichiello discussed a letter from the Office of the Elections Commission request The use of an additional school for the upcoming election season. The recommendation is to further discuss this at a Facilities Usage & Planning Subcommittee meeting.
BPS Supplemental (In-service) Calendar 2019-2020
The 2019-2020 supplemental (in-service) calendar was introduced to School Committee at the May 7, 2019 school committee meeting for review. The calendar is being submitted for approval.
Ms. Sullivan moved the recommendation for the FY2019-2020 BPS Supplemental Calendar, the motion was seconded by Ms. Asack.
Voted: to approve the motion, unanimous.
BPS Parent/Student Handbooks 2019-2020
School Committee members received copies of the DRAFT 2019-2020 Student-Parent handbooks at all levels (Elementary, Middle, BHS, Frederick Douglass Academy Alternative Program, Huntington, Brockton Champion High School, Edison Academy) for review in preparation for approval. Upon approval, the handbooks will be sent to the printer.
Mr. D’Agostino moved the recommendation for the FY2019-2020 BPS Parent/Student Handbooks, the motion was seconded by Ms. Asack.
Voted: to approve the motion, unanimous.
Unfinished Business
Mr. Tom Burke and Ms. Erin Long gave a powerpoint presentation on the 2018-2019 school year at the Finance Subcommittee Meeting earlier this evening. Following the presentation, Mr. Petronio announced that Chartwells Food Service contract is up for approval for year two of the three-year contract.
Ms. Plant moved the recommendation for the Renewal of Chartwells Food Service contract for the 2019-2020 School Year, the motion was seconded by Ms. Sullivan.
Voted: to approve the motion, unanimous.
District Happenings (PowerPoint)
- Brockton Boys Track MSTCA Coaches Invitational
- Drama Club – Broadway Musical “Newsies”
- BHS Apprenticeship Challenge Graduation
- Superintendent Smith – IMPACT award from Bridgewater State University
- Brockton Boxers Track and Field Teams
- Spelling Bee Contest
- Brockton High School Pops Concert
- Texas Roadhouse Fundraiser
Motion to adjourn by Student Representative Jaila Smith, seconded by Ms. Asack.
Seeing no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Kathleen A. Smith, JD
Superintendent/Secretary
mdc
powerpoint(s)
