September 18, 2019
September 18, 2019
BROCKTON, MASSACHUSETTS
REGULAR MEETING
SEPTEMBER 18, 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: Mayor Rodrigues, Chair; Mr. Minichiello, Vice-Chair; Mr. Bath,
Mr. D’Agostino, Ms. Sullivan, Mr. Sullivan, Interim Superintendent Thomas
Absent: Ms. Asack, Mr. Gormley
Also Present: Executive Team Members, Sarah Richards, Director of Art K-12;
Bill McGauley, President, Brockton First Foundation
Mayor Rodrigues called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. followed by a salute to the flag.
Consent Agenda
Mayor Rodrigues explained the purpose of the Consent Agenda and asked members for any requests to remove items for further discussion; Mr. Sullivan requested Item C, Acceptance of Donation to the Raymond School from Burlington Coat Factory.
Mr. Minichiello moved to accept the Interim Superintendent’s recommendation to approve the following Consent Agenda items, the motion was seconded by Mr. Bath.
- Approval of September 4, 2019 Regular School Committee Meeting Minutes
- Acceptance of Report: September 10, 2019 Finance Subcommittee Meeting
- Acceptance of Notification of Personnel Appointments: Certified
- Acceptance of Notification of Personnel Appointments: Non-Certified
- Acceptance of Notification of Personnel Actions: Leaves of Absence, Resignations, Retirements
Voted: to approve the motion, unanimous.
Mr. Sullivan was informed by Principal, Melanie Hart of the Raymond School of the date change from Burlington Coat Factory being postponed to October 8, 2019. Mr. Sullivan acknowledged and thanked Burlington Coat Factory for their support to our school district.
Mr. Sullivan moved to approve Item C from the Consent Agenda, the motion was seconded by Mr. D’Agostino.
Voted: to approve the motion, unanimous.
Superintendent's Report
Charity Guild
Interim Superintendent Thomas invited Laura Striese, Executive Director of Charity Guild to discuss the High Five For $5 which supports the Hunger Action Month Campaign. The Prone Family foundation will match your High Five For $5 donations. Information can be found on the website www.bit.ly/highfive2019, feel free to post a High Five photo & Tag 5 friends and share the donation link with your post. (On Facebook or Instagram) Ms. Striese also thanked Dr. Murray and Brockton High School for their support in the can drive during at the first home football game and collected over 1500 lbs. of food. A program was created with Ms. Richards the Art Director at Brockton High School where there was an art show in March where 38 students participated a campaign to recreate art work for the downtown building. Lisandro Velazquez was the winner in painting the mural during the summer and should be revealed within the month.
Summerfest K-12 Art Show 2019
Interim Superintendent Thomas acknowledged Mr. McGauley and Ms. Richards for their hard work and dedication for the Summerfest K-12 Art Show 2019. Mr. McGauley thanked the mayor, superintendent and school committee members for their continued support and allowing students to showcase their art work before the meeting. Mr. McGauley acknowledged Ms. Richards for an amazing job and the assistance of many other people, including the jurists and Brockton’s art teachers. Ms. Richards thanked Superintendent Thomas, school committee members, Mr. McGauley, art teachers for their continued support. Awards were presented to students in K-2 category, 3-5 category, 6-8 category, 9-12 category and best in show.
Recognitions
Interim Superintendent Thomas acknowledged recipients that made school supplies donations to students throughout the district. Citations and Certificates were presented by Mayor Rodrigues and Interim Superintendent Thomas.
1. Riley O’Connell, a 1 year old whose parents had people bring backpacks to his birthday party instead of presents. His parents are Jason and Casey O’Connell.
2. Fallon Smith a 5th grade student of Bridgewater, donated $1000 in school supplies to the Hancock School this year.
3. Denise Bishop teacher at the Gilmore School, worked on a project this summer and received funding for EVERY CHILD to receive a Brand-New Scholastic Book EVERY MONTH of the school year. (approximately $5,000)
4. Ms. Jennifer Edwards from Body Elementz, donated 15 backpacks.
5. Ms. Jasmine Jean-Louis from Massachusetts Black Women Attorneys, donated backpacks and school supplies.
6. Ms. Lita Kuipers from Quality Assurance Specialist with Invoice Cloud in Braintree, donated three filled backpacks to Brockton kids because she knows the need is here.
7. Mr. Jordan Cruz Class of 2008, Donated sneakers from Concepts Boutique, and this year also from the New England Patriots, along with backpacks, supplies, hoodies and sweatshirts for the kids of the Brockton Public Schools who need them.
School Committee members thanked everyone for their donations to our district and thinking of our students.
Learning and Teaching
Enrollment and Class Size Report
Interim Superintendent Thomas introduced Chief Academic Officer, Mrs. June Saba-Maguire and Executive Director of Middle Schools and Principal of Brockton High School, Dr. Clifford Murray to discuss the enrollment and class size report throughout the district. Interim Superintendent Thomas visited every school in the district and reported the hiring of additional staff has made a difference in class sizes, during lunch and in the hallways.
Chief Academic Officer, Mrs. Saba-Maguire reported this past Monday, September 16, 2019 the district welcomed over 1,000 kindergarten students (class of 2033). While visiting with school’s positive feedback was given about the transition for our kindergarten students. This is the first year we have transitioned to the new age requirement, every student is the age of five and over. Kindergarten class size this year is an average of 21 compared to 26 last year. Four additional kindergarten classes were added this year which was a focus for the district. Last year at the Arnone school there were four half day PreK classes, this year two of the half day classes were created into full days. There are 54 PreK students attending the Arnone school and can fill a total of 60 seats. There is a wait list for the remainder of seats and all are expected to be filled.
- Grade 1 class size last year was an average of 23 this year is 22
- Grade 2 class size last year was an average of 25 this year is 23
- Grade 3 class size last year was an average of 24 this year is 22
- Grade 4 class size last year was an average of 25 this year is 25
- Grade 5 class size last year was an average of 25 this year is 25
Interim Superintendent Thomas mentioned school committee members worked on the paraprofessional contract last year and incorporated the ability to be able to ride buses in the afternoon the first six weeks of school. This ensures bus drivers can learn their students in kindergarten, first grade and their parents. They are not allowed to get off the bus without a parent present, this has helped with safety and security.
Dr. Clifford Murray, Executive Director of Middle Schools and Principal of Brockton High School reported how Middle School Principals are appreciative for staffing. This has allowed specialists to return and created smaller electives for students.
Middle School class size last year was an average of 35 and more this year is 30 and lower
Brockton High School welcomed over 1,400 freshman which is an increase over the past several years. Currently there are approximately 4,200 students and in the last 6 days registered 90 students in ESL. Having additional staff in the building is a notable difference in the common areas such as the cafeteria and in the hallways.
Dr. Murray thanked Human Resources, Payroll and the Superintendent’s office for their hard work towards the end of the summer completing the hiring of staff.
Dr. Murray invited everyone to Friday’s football game at home against Natick High School at 5:00 p.m. All outside activities will finish before sundown due to the EEE threat until it is lifted for the safety of all.
School Committee members commented on class sizes this year compared to last year and what an improvement, also the support of our paraprofessionals and variety of assistance they provide in the district.
Items to Refer to Subcommittee
Mr. Sullivan suggested scheduling a Security, Safety, Transportation Subcommittee meeting in October to discuss leasing or purchasing school buses and vans.
Interim Superintendent Thomas thanked Lt. Vardaro for having additional officers on duty during the preliminary elections held on Tuesday, September 17, 2019 that provided additional safety and security at the schools. Interim Superintendent Thomas is requesting a Security, Safety, Transportation Subcommittee meeting with the Election Commissioner after the November election to discuss voting locations or remain open on Primary day.
Unfinished Business
None.
New Business
Voting Delegate for MASS/MASC Joint Conference
Mr. Minichiello informed the committee members that a voting delegate needs to be elected for the upcoming MASS/MASC joint conference in November. Mr. Minichiello nominated Mr. Bath to be the official voting delegate and Mr. Sullivan as alternate.
Mr. Minichiello moved to appoint Mr. Bath as the voting delegate representing for the 2019 MASS/MASC Joint Conference and Mr. Sullivan as the alternate; the motion was seconded by Mr. D’Agostino and the vote was unanimous.
Ms. Sullivan thanked our Administrators, Principals, Teachers, Paraprofessionals, MTA’s, Food service and extra-curricular for a very smooth opening of schools.
Seeing no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:09 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Michael P. Thomas
Secretary/Interim Superintendent
mdc
