|
Brockton, Massachusetts Brockton School Committee May 2, 2023 |
|||||||||
|
A meeting of the Brockton School Committee was held this evening in the George M. Romm Little Theatre of Brockton High School at seven o'clock. These minutes contain a summary of the meeting and lists items that were under discussion. |
|||||||||
|
Ms. Joyce Asack, Ms. Kathleen Ehlers, Mr. Jared Homer, Mrs. Cynthia Rivas Mendes, Mr. Tony Rodrigues, Mrs. Judy Sullivan, Mr. Timothy Sullivan, Mayor Robert Sullivan, Chair, Superintendent Michael Thomas, Secretary |
|||||||||
|
Cabinet Members, Ms. Kim Gibson, BEA President |
|||||||||
|
Mayor Robert F. Sullivan, School Committee Chair, called the meeting to order at 7:15p Mayor Sullivan read the following statement: In addition to attending, the public can view this meeting via television on Comcast Channel 98 and 1071 HD Version and online via this link: www.youtube.com/thebrocktonchannels. The Chair then took roll call to establish a quorum, followed by a salute to the flag.
|
|||||||||
|
No Visitors |
|||||||||
|
Mayor Sullivan acknowledged former Superintendent of Schools, Mr. Robert C. Jones, former School Committee members, Mr. Ozzie Jordan and Mr. Dennis Eaniri.
Mayor Sullivan requested to take agenda IV-A2: Mr. Robert C. Jones – Message of Appreciation out of order.
Ms. Ehlers motioned to take agenda IV-A2: Mr. Robert C. Jones – Message of Appreciation out of order. Seconded by Mrs. Sullivan.
The motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Robert C. Jones came before the school committee to express his gratitude for unanimously voting to name the 596 Summer Street building in honor of his name. Mr. Jones thanked all who have made Brockton what it is today; a vibrant community-grounded and boasted on the many accomplishments of companies and political figures. He also thanked former school committee members, colleagues, coworkers, superintendents and assistants, strategic planners, teachers, friends, neighbors and Brocktonians making April 4, 2023, possible and valued their support during his 37-year career in Brockton.
Mr. Jones hopes to establish a Bob Jones Foundation with $100,000 scholarship fund going forward to help the three to students who are going to a four-year college of their choice. During the April 4th ceremony Mr. Jones offered two current students a $5,000 scholarship upon graduation in 2024 and $1,000 each for books. Mr. Jones hopes that all his acquaintances and friends can establish a Bob Jones Remembrance Walkway leading to the school with either a brick or stone with their names and contribute $50-$100 for each stone to go towards helping the school and the students in the future.
In a letter previously of thanks written by Mr Jones he stated, “Today, as a “Life well lived comes slowly to an end” I am proud to tell anyone, anywhere, that I come from Brockton, MA. I may have been born in New York, spent 10 years in Boston, but I bleed Brockton, MA.”
Mr Jones concluded saying, “I’ve been blessed in many ways, but this evening on the record, I want to publicly say how grateful I am for this honor and thanked Emeritus Beacon Hospice Care of Fall River. From the bottom of my heart Thank you, Thank you, Thank you.” (applause)
Mayor Sullivan invited Mr. Ozzie Jordan and Mr. Dennis Eaniri to the podium to say a few words, both thanked Mr. Jones for the great work he has done in Brockton.
Mayor Sullivan thanked Mr. Jones and congratulated him on his upcoming induction into the Sports Hall of Fame at Tufts University on Saturday, June 17, 2023. (applause)
Mayor Sullivan took a three-minute recess at 8:12 p Mayor Sullivan returned back to the open meeting at 8:15 p |
|||||||||
|
Following the Mayor’s reading of the Agenda Items (see below), Mr. T. Sullivan made a motion to approve Consent Agenda items A, B, C, D, E, F, G and H as written, collectively. The motion was properly seconded by Mrs. Sullivan.
The motion passed, unanimously.
A. Approval of Minutes: Finance Subcommittee Meeting, April 4, 2023 B. Approval of Minutes: Security, Safety, Transportation Subcommittee Meeting, April 4, 2023 C. Approval of Minutes: Regular School Committee Meeting, March 21, 2023 D. Approval of 2023-2024 School Committee Meeting Dates E. Approval of School Closing Dates for 2022-2023 School Year F. Approval of 2022-20023 Home Education Request G. Requests for Authorization to Submit Proposal and Expenditure of Funds: · Authorization to submit an amended request for the FY2023 Department Energy (DOE) Renew · America’s Schools Grant from $6.6 million to $14.7 million - $14,071,631 · Authorization to Apply for Additional FY2023 Funding for the BPS Early College/Dual Enrollment Program - $50,000 H. Acceptance of Human Resources Notifications, Appointments: Non-Certified, Personnel Actions: Leaves of Absence, Resignations, Retirements
|
|||||||||
|
Teaching & Learning
Superintendent Thomas announced the last day of school is officially Friday, June 16, 2023 as an early release for staff and students. BHS Wind Ensemble Superintendent Thomas invited Mr. Kevin Kardel, BHS Band Director and students from the BHS Wind Ensemble to discuss the BHS Wind Ensemble first place win in the Band category at the World Strides Heritage Festival on April 20, 2023 in Philadelphia. This event is a nationwide competition of all the best bands across the country. (applause)
Mr. Kardel gave a brief description of how the Wind Ensemble was formed of 49 students from two concert bands during the school day. This group worked diligently two hours every Monday evening to rehearse on their own for this event. There were nine sites that hosted this national festival, and they chose Philadelphia mainly because it was held during the school vacation. The Wind Ensemble came in first place out of nine bands, an orchestra, jazz band, and several choirs.
Superintendent Thomas thanked Mr. Kardel and all the members of the music department for the work they put in throughout the years with students, it is a tremendous honor and appreciate s their continued support.
Mr. Kardel mentioned the Pops concert will take place on May 24, 2023 all are welcome to attend.
Community Schools Summer Programs Superintendent Thomas invited Dr. Soraya deBarros Monteiro, Director of Community Schools to discuss the summer programs offered this year.
Dr. deBarros Monteiro presented a brief powerpoint on the 2023 Summer Camp programs offered this year. 1. Vision and Mission statement of the Community Schools 2. Summer Camp schedule - June 26, 2023 thru July 28, 2023 3. There are 38 programs: 20 Paid Programs, 18 Free Programs and Academic Referral Programs 4. Breakfast and Lunch will be provided for all students
Dr. deBarros Monteiro mentioned the 2023 Summer Catalog was distributed to all students in grades PreK-8, high school received the electronic version. Registration will open on next Wednesday, May 10, 2023 until May 31, 2023, placements will be done June 1, 2023 thru June 9, 2023 and program assignments will be on the week of June 12, 2023.
Superintendent Thomas thanked Dr. deBarros Monteiro for her presentation.
Approval of SY24 BPS Calendar Including Professional Development Conference Dates Superintendent Thomas explained this calendar provides professional development (in-service) and conference dates at all three levels.
Ms. Asack motioned to approve the SY24 BPS Calendar Including Professional Development and Conference Dates. Seconded by Mr. Sullivan. The motion passed, unanimously.
Approval of Summer Schedule of School Committee Meetings
Superintendent Thomas mentioned there are two proposed dates for discussion for the summer school committee meetings, Tuesday, July 11, 2023 and Tuesday, August 15, 2023 both scheduled for 6:00p
Mr. Homer motioned to approve Tuesday, July 11, 2023 and Tuesday, August 15, 2023 School Committee Summer Meetings. Seconded by Ms. Sullivan. The motion passed, unanimously.
Administrative Internship Interns Superintendent Thomas introduced both interns, Dr. Abigale Jansen, has served as an ESL teacher at several middle schools and is currently the District’s Middle School Language Acquisition Coach, Ms. Nicole Thomas, an integrated teaches for eight years and is now a Moderate Special Needs teacher at the Baker School. Both interns will be working out of the Office for Student Support Services as well as with several administrators at Central and at schools. (applause)
Superintendent Thomas thanked the School Committee for always working with the BEA to keep this program going as it helps to grow our own. He also thanked Dr. Moran, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources and BEA President, Ms. Kim Gibson for their continued support.
FY24 Budget Superintendent Thomas gave a brief report from the Finance Subcommittee held earlier this evening and discussed how the committee reviews page by page to look for cuts. He also mentioned that during the last four years approximately 3,100 full time staff members were added, unfortunately 150 cuts should have happened last year, and he did not recommend it, as he felt the timing wasn’t good and took a chance hoping that our student enrollment would increase and would not apologize for investing and believing in people. Unfortunately, he has to recommend layoffs which is not something he wants to do, as he oversaw the hiring and helped bring diversity to our teaching and staff and it helped stabilize the district during a challenging time. Comments Ms. Asack echoed Superintendent Thomas regarding the budget and it being difficult when you have to lay people off, they are doing the best that they can working hard behind the scenes and appreciate the BPS staff.
Ms. Ehlers echoed Ms. Asack regarding the budget and wants to make sure that everybody that is watching understands even though we are struggling trying to preserve staff we have done a great job and credits Superintendent Thomas and his team to preserve as much of our programming to support the city, the children and parents.
|
|||||||||
|
The committee discussed and agreed to have a Facilities Subcommittee meeting at 6:00p and Special School Committee meeting at 7:30p next Tuesday, May 9, 2023. |
|||||||||
|
“In Force 911” Real Time Threat Alert and Notification Software Mayor Sullivan acknowledged Captain John Hallisey, Brockton Police Department, at tonight’s meeting regarding the In Force 911 and turned it over to Superintendent Thomas to give an update. Superintendent Thomas discussed the demonstration provided last week by Mr. Brandon Flanagan, President & Chief Executive Officer. In attendance was Captain John Hallisey, Captain William Hallisey, Lt. Livingston, Chief Perez, Ms. Asack, Mr. Rodrigues, Dr. Cobbs and Mr. Tobias Cowans. At this meeting, a live demonstration was given and information that supports safety and security. Ms. Asack spoke about the In Force 911 software and how it works in real time. She mentioned how quick the alert/notification corresponds with the police department and believes having this system will help our teachers and staff in the schools in the event an emergency should occur. Mayor Sullivan invited Captain Hallisey, Brockton Police Department, to the podium to speak regarding the alert system. He mentioned that they will get access to information quickly, critical information that they will need to do their job. The teachers and students will have a much safer environment and thinks this is a great idea and hopefully we’ll never have to use a lot of it but if so, they will be ready. A discussion took place regarding the contract provided by In Force 911. Mr. Aldo Petronio, Chief Financial Officer will look into the language and clause of the contract regarding the number of years and amount. Ms. Ehlers clarified for the public that this item was originally budgeted for the FY24 and not an added expense as presented this evening. Mr. Rodrigues mentioned this is an added tool having the In Force 911, he requested that the company come to the next school committee meeting to actually see how the system works. Mr. Homer motioned to postpone a vote until the next School Committee meeting to have the contract rewritten for the three-year. Seconded by Ms. Ehlers. The motion passed, unanimously.
|
|||||||||
|
Superintendent Thomas acknowledged Mr. Robert Hogan and Mr. Matthew Cunningham for their dedication, hard work and hours spent on the upcoming musical. Mr. Hogan gave an update on the musical “Mamma Mia”, as it will be a huge hit, it’s a wonderful diverse cast of kids that truly represent Brockton at it’s finest and a great collaborative team. The musical is next Friday, Saturday and Sunday at Brockton High School Auditorium nightly at 7:30p and Sunday at 6:00p Tickets are available through company members, BHS main office and can be purchased at the door. (applause)
Mayor Sullivan and Superintendent Thomas both spoke with Mr. Vincent Macrina and Ms. Carol Thomas regarding the stage naming ceremony, both have requested to have it in June, and that request will be honored.
Ms. Asack mentioned the 37th Annual Harbor One Fine Arts Show is held in the Fine Arts this evening through May 4, 2023 and the ceremony is 9:30a in the Little Theatre.
Ms. Asack congratulated the Bilingual department as they celebrated their 50th Anniversary.
Ms. Asack mentioned the JROTC dinner out is Thursday, May 4, 2023 at the VFW on North Quincy Street, Brockton, MA.
Ms. Heywood provided information about the quarterly community meeting that will take place on Thursday, May 4, 2023 from 5-7p at 661 Centre Street. This is an opportunity for the community and parents to come together with our superintendent, cabinet members and principals to participate in the world café.
Mr. Rodrigues mentioned how he and the Superintendent attended West Middle School for a MOC trial team, NBC was there to catch the story with discovering justice. Mr. Rodrigues spoke with Ms. Brennan who is looking to expand the program with BPS, a grant is available to put in for this expansion and is due on May 12, 2023.
Mr. Homer reminded all of the upcoming Honors Academy programs as they will host their Junior National Honor Society induction ceremony.
|
|||||||||
|
Seeing no further business, Mayor Sullivan asked for a motion to adjourn. Ms. Asack motioned to adjourn. Seconded by Mr. Sullivan. The meeting adjourned at 9:30p. |
|||||||||
|
Respectfully submitted,
Michael P. Thomas Secretary
mdc
Handouts: Community Schools of Brockton 2023 Summer Camp InForce 911 |