November 12, 2019
Brockton, Massachusetts
Regular Meeting
November 12, 2019
The Regular Meeting of the Brockton School Committee was held this evening in the theater at the Dr. William H. Arnone School in Brockton, MA, 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; Ms. Asack,
Mr. Bath, Mr. D’Agostino, Mr. Gormley, Ms. Sullivan, Mr. Sullivan,
Interim Superintendent Thomas
Absent: None
Also Present: Executive Team Members
Mayor Rodrigues called the meeting to order at 7:11 p.m. followed by a salute to the flag.
Hearing of Visitors None
Consent Agenda
Mayor Rodrigues explained the purpose of the Consent Agenda and asked members for any requests to remove items for further discussion. Mr. Gormley asked to remove Item C, Approval of Out-of-State Trip: South Middle School 8th grade students to New York.
Mr. Minichiello moved the Interim Superintendent's recommendation to approve
the remaining consent agenda items listed below; the motion was seconded by
Mr. D’Agostino.
· Approval of October 29, 2019 Regular School Committee Meeting Minutes
· Approval of October 29, 2019 Curriculum Subcommittee Meeting Report
· 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.
With respect to Item C, Approval of Out-of-State Trip: South Middle School 8th grade students to New York, Mr. Gormley thanked Principal Duarte of South Middle School and Mr. Bohnam teacher at South Middle School for sponsoring this trip. It’s a great experience for our students to travel out-of-state and learn.
Mr. Sullivan asked if students could send post cards from this trip.
Mr. Minichiello recommend having a nurse as a chaperone attend.
Mr. Gormley moved the approval of Out-of-State Trip: South Middle School 8th grade students to New York; the motion was seconded by Mr. D’Agostino.
Voted: to approve the motion, unanimous.
Interim Interim Superintendent Thomas introduced student representative Cheyenne Jackson
Superintendent’s a current senior at Brockton High school. Cheyenne is a member of the JROTC program, peer
Report mediation, varsity tennis, science seminar, nursing 3 program and enlisted in the National Guard.
Student Report
Student Cheyenne Jackson gave a report on happenings at Brockton High School: Monday, November 11, 2019 the Brockton High school JROTC participated in the Brockton Veterans Day Parade downtown Brockton.
Learning and Teaching
District Design Team Update
Interim Superintendent Thomas introduced BEA President Kim Gibson and Teacher Dorine Pinkham to give an update on the new district design team.
The District Design Team is based from the Restructuring committee originally formed at Brockton High School from 2000 to 2010, when MCAS was introduced and our scores showed we had some struggles. Retired Principal of Brockton High School Dr. Szachowicz designed a Restructuring team that included teachers and administrators in all content areas that helped drive instruction and professional development activities at Brockton High.
We currently have 7 schools in turnaround and informed we have 3 additional schools that are also in turnaround. Interim Superintendent Thomas stated it was important to put together a district design team. This team is made up of 30 members, every school is represented and every subject area. The goal is to focus on the districts professional development opportunities we have for teachers, and to make sure a clear message is given to all the schools of what our goals are. This year we are focused on where our students are struggling. MCAS data was the focus at the last two meetings, particularly the Math and English. Professional development is being designed to offer areas where our students struggle. Interim Superintendent Thomas mentioned once the initiatives are completed the district design team will invite school committee members to attend a meeting for a presentation around February 2020.
STEM Week Presentation (power point)
Interim Superintendent Thomas introduced Dr. Heather Ronan, Coordinator of Mathematics and Science preK-5 to present a power point from STEM Week that was held across the district October 21st thru October 25th. Some items this presentation included are:
· Gilmore had a little help getting inspired by New England Patriots player Duron Harmon!!!!!!
· Students from Pre-K
· Grade 1 activity – testing materials for helmet safety
· Math project – measuring their height
· Kennedy School – project on the football sled
· George School – students having STEM Spirit!
· Ms. Sacco’s students have very “interesting” ideas for helmet safety!
· Engineers collect data! Scientists hard at work!
· Davis students proudly parade their projects
· Lombardi trophy project
· New England Poster board – Who looks better!!! Interim Thomas or Dr. Ronan???????
· Raymond School pictures of participating in STEM Week
· Arnone School pictures of participating in STEM Week
· Kennedy School – Cougars are the winners of the STEM Week!!!!!!!!!!
Dr. Ronan presented the STEM trophy to the Kennedy School. Principal Brian Rogan and ILC-STEM Coach Jami Milnamow thanked everyone for their participation and hard work. Mr. Rogan is looking forward to bringing the trophy back to the school for a celebration. Dr. Ronan thanked all teachers and students who participated in this event. A special thank you to the STEM coaches and principals for organizing such a wonderful day at your school.
Parent Community Center
Interim Superintendent Thomas mentioned that he is working with a parent group discussing a Community Center at North Middle School in the evenings Monday thru Thursday from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. where volunteers would aid in a number of topics and provide support such as tutoring for students, assisting parents navigate thru IEP’s, college applications and help with scholarships. Parents’ are required to stay with their child(ren) during the session(s) they will attend. Volunteers that are interested in helping will need to complete a CORI by our Human Resources office located at 43 Crescent Street, Brockton, MA.
Questions/Comments from School Committee members
· Great idea of having a Community Center in Brockton
· Wonderful to have resources and support for families
· Helpful for parents/students with completing FAFSA
· Great for the Community and Parents
Items to Refer to Interim Superintendent Thomas requested the following Subcommittee meetings:
To Subcommittee 1. Facilities Subcommittee – Discussion on the Community Center at North Middle School
2. Building Naming Subcommittee – BHS Gymnasium floor named after retired Basketball
coach Victor Ortiz
Mr. Minichiello requested a Superintendent’s Contract Subcommittee meeting.
Unfinished Business None
New Business Mr. Bath discussed the recent MASC conference he recently attended and stressed the importance of school committee members attending each year. He also recommended that our school district host a seminar led by Dr. Derick Gay. Dr. Gay is a consultant who travels around the world discussing “diversity”. Mr. Bath will send a complete report from the various workshops he attended to share with school committee members.
Mr. Minichiello motioned to recommended Mr. Bath represent Brockton Public Schools in the life-time membership for MASC; the motion was seconded by Mr. Sullivan.
Voted: to approve the motion, unanimous.
Ms. Asack thanked Cradle to Crayons for their generous donations of approximately 370 winter coats, hats and gloves for our students. Please contact your child’s principal if you need a coat, this will be on a first come first served basis beginning next week.
Mr. D’Agostino congratulated the Kennedy School for the great work during the STEM week.
Mayor Rodrigues discussed the funding on transportation for the remainder of the school year and it has been resolved. The City council is meeting tonight for their consideration. This matter should be taken care of in a few weeks.
Mayor Rodrigues discussed the Superintendent’s Contract Subcommittee meeting held earlier this evening. The discussion was in favor of a great job our Interim Superintendent Thomas is doing in the system and community. The committee voted unanimous in recommending Interim Superintendent Thomas as the next Superintendent of schools.
Mr. Minichiello thanked Mayor Rodrigues for his continued support of the Brockton school system and his assistance in the bus transportation for our students.
Mr. Minichiello also discussed the Superintendent’s Contract Subcommittee meeting earlier, all School Committee members agreed in moving forward in open negotiations for a permanent position Superintendent of schools and remove the term “Interim” from Interim Superintendent Thomas title and voted to enter into negotiations. The School Committee and Interim Superintendent Thomas will meet and come to a resolution in accepting the position and move forward to negotiate a fair contract and to provide the district with stability going forward.
Mr. Minichiello motioned to ratify the decision made at the Superintendent’s Contract Subcommittee on Tuesday, November 12, 2019 to enter into negotiations with Interim Superintendent Thomas appointing him as permanent Superintendent of Schools.
Mr. D’Agostino seconded the motion.
Voted: to approve the motion, unanimous.
Interim Superintendent Thomas thanked everyone for their support and is humble and honored.
Announcements/ Mr. Sullivan mentioned how well Anna Annese (BHS student) sung the National
Notices
Anthem at the Veteran’s Day parade on Monday, November 11, 2019. Mayor Rodrigues felt it was necessary to showcase the many talents we have in Brockton.
Mr. Minichiello commented how he was impressed with Mayor Rodrigues remarks that he gave during the Veteran’s Day parade on Monday, November 11, 2019 and thanked him for his service in the Navy.
Interim Superintendent Thomas thanked Dr. Murray, JROTC, Mr. Macrina and the BHS Band for their Veteran’s Day assembly at Brockton High School on Thursday, November 7, 2019.
Interim Superintendent Thomas sent a text message to our parents of students in grades K-5 inviting them to the 125th Birthday of Brockton City Hall, located at 45 School Street, Brockton, MA 02301 on tomorrow, November 13, 2019 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., for a fun-filled celebration with various activities. The 125th Gala event will take place on Saturday, December 14, 2019 at 6:00 p.m.
Seeing no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:28 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Michael P. Thomas
Interim Superintendent/ Secretary
mdc
Attachment:
STEM Week Presentation