Minutes - December 6, 2022

                                       Brockton, Massachusetts                           Regular School Committee Meeting                          December 6, 2022

                                                          

                                                    The Regular Meeting of the Brockton School Committee was held this evening in the Dr. William H. Arnone Theater, at seven o'clock.  These minutes contain a summary of the meeting and list items that were under discussion.

 

                                                    Present:    Ms. Asack, Vice-Chair, Ms. Ehlers, Mr. Homer, Mr. Rodrigues, Ms. Sullivan,

                                                                      Mr. Sullivan (via phone)

                                                   

                                                    Absent:    Mayor Sullivan, Chair, Ms. Rivas Mendes

 

                                                    Also Present:  Superintendent Thomas, Cabinet Members

 

Ms. Asack, Vice-Chair called the meeting to order at 7:08 p.m. that was followed by a salute to the flag.  

 

                                                    Ms. Asack mentioned Mayor Sullivan is unable to attend this evening, he is away in Cape Verde to meet with various leaders.  Ms. Rivas Mendes had a scheduling commitment.

 

                                                    Ms. Asack, Vice-Chair took a roll call to establish a quorum.

 

Mayor Sullivan, Chair – Absent

Ms. Asack, Vice-Chair – Yes

Ms. Ehlers – Yes

Mr. Homer – Yes

Ms. Rivas Mendes – Absent

Mr. Rodrigues – Yes 

Mrs. Sullivan – Yes

Mr. Sullivan – Yes (via phone)

 

                                                     

                                                     Ms. Asack read the following information into the minutes.

 

                                                     In addition to attending, the public can view this meeting via television on Comcast channel 98 and

                                                     /1071HD Version, and online via this link:  www.youtube.com/TheBrocktonChannels

 

    Hearing of Visitors             There were no hearing of visitors.

  

      Consent Agenda                Ms. Asack 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.

Ms. Sullivan made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda, seconded by Mr. Rodrigues.

                                                                                                                                                Voted:  to approve the motion, unanimously

      

       Superintendent’s        Superintendent Thomas introduced student representative Jahir Castillo a senior at Brockton

             Report                      High School to give a report on happenings.

                                                                  

                                                 Student Report (Jahir Castillo)

                                                 Jahir gave a report on happenings at Brockton High School and congratulated Mr. Peter Colombo, Head Football Coach as he retires this year, and the team on their win at Fenway Park.

 

                                                

                                                 Career Technical Education Report

                                                 Superintendent Thomas discussed the Career Technical Education Report and recommends accepting the report and application as presented.

 

                                                 Ms. Ehlers motioned to accept the report as presented, seconded by Mr. Rodrigues.   

 

                                                    Ms. Asack, Vice-Chair took a roll vote:

 

Mr. Sullivan – Yes (via phone)

Mr. Rodrigues – Yes

Ms. Ehlers – Yes

Mr. Homer – Yes

Mrs. Sullivan - Yes

Ms. Asack, Vice-Chair – Yes

The motion passed unanimously.

 

                                                 Champion High School Update

                                                 Superintendent Thomas introduced Mr. David Pierce, Associate Principal, Mr. Carlito Weaver, Assistant Principal and Elijah Privott, student to give a report and update on the Champion High School.  Superintendent Thomas mentioned Ms. Sue England, Principal was unable to attends tonight’s meeting due to a medical procedure.

 

                                                 Mr. Pierce and Mr. Weaver presented a powerpoint that focused on happenings at Champion High School.  The Champion High School’s new location is 596 Summer Street, Brockton, MA., there are approximately 24 classrooms, it’s a great learning environment both inside and outside of the building that makes the difference for students and staff.

 

                                                 Elijah Privott, student shared his experiences as a student in the Brockton Public Schools from elementary, middle, and now a sophomore at Champion High School.  He mentioned that he appreciates the connection he has with staff and how they are able to understand his past and help him reach his future goals and encourages other students who may consider attending Champion. (applause)

 

                                                 School Committee members and Superintendent Thomas thanked Elijah for sharing his story and experience.

 

                                                 Update on Early College and Dual Enrollment

Superintendent Thomas introduced Dr. Shawn Boone, Early College Development Manager, to give an update on Early College and Dual Enrollment.

 

                                              Dr. Boone presented a power point and discussed the mission statement that provides Brockton students

with extraordinary post-graduation career prospects and early 4-year University opportunities and partnerships with local colleges.

 

                                                    Six BPS2 Strategic Initiatives

1.         Foster Collegiate Educational Community Partnerships

    Create effective partnerships with the Commonwealth and colleges including Massasoit CC

    and others as required

2.         Create Student & Family Interest in Dual-Enrollment or Early College

    Develop a broad communication plan for students and parents or guardians to convey the

    program options and long-term benefits

3.         Enhance Formative Skills & Program Readiness

    Enhance curriculum for every 6th-8th grade student to include critical thinking skills, written

    & verbal communication skills, and STEM interest

4.         Assess Vocational Interests During 8th Grade

    Administer a vocational interest inventory to determine career paths that align with

    individual interests

5.         Develop Effective Student Support Systems

    Designate onsite areas, foster internal guidance and support staff, and select external support

    such as Tutor.com

6.         Create Post-Graduation Career& Educational Opportunities

    Create multiple tracks to include employability on graduation such as in Healthcare, and

    opportunities to transfer to a 4-year University

 

                                                    A question-and-answer period followed the presentation.

 

     Items to Refer to                None         

   Subcommittee                 

 

     Unfinished Business          None

 

     New Business                      Discussion and Potential vote:  Building Naming Subcommittee Meeting – 12/6/22

                                                      Ms. Asack  gave a verbal report from the Building Naming Subcommittee held earlier this evening.  The committee voted unanimous in naming the Champion High School building after Robert C. Jones.  A public hearing will be scheduled for Tuesday, December 20, 2022 at 5:45 p.m. and move the recommendation to the full school committee later that evening.    

 

                                                      Discussion and Potential vote:  Regarding the Tuesday, December 20, 2022 Regular School Committee meeting time change from 7:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.,  B.H.S./ Little Theatre.              

                                                      The discussion by the School Committee members was the time change from 7:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. due to the Annual Holiday Concert scheduled for 7:00 p.m. the same day.  All members agreed of this change and the following motion was made.

 

                                                      Mr. Homer motioned the time change of the December 20, 2022 Regular School Committee from 7:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the Little Theatre, B.H.S., seconded by Ms. Ehlers.

 

                                                    Ms. Asack, Vice-Chair took a roll vote:

 

Mr. Sullivan – Yes (via phone)

Mr. Rodrigues – Yes

Ms. Ehlers – Yes

Mr. Homer – Yes

Ms. Sullivan - Yes

Ms. Asack, Vice-Chair – Yes

The motion passed unanimously.

 

                                                      Ms. Asack congratulated and thanked the following:

·         BHS football team on their recent win at Fenway

·         Congratulations to Mr. Peter Colombo, BHS Football Coach on his retirement

·         Annual Brockton Holiday Parade, Ms. Mary Waldron and her team, the Downtown Business Association, Mayor’s Office, and School Committee members

                                                                                                           

      Seeing no further business, Ms. Asack then asked for a motion to adjourn.

 

Ms. Ehlers motioned to adjourn, seconded by Ms. Sullivan.

 

                                                    Ms. Asack, Vice-Chair took a roll vote:

 

Mr. Sullivan – Yes (via phone)

Mr. Rodrigues – Yes

Ms. Ehlers – Yes

Mr. Homer – Yes

Ms. Sullivan - Yes

Ms. Asack, Vice-Chair – Yes

 

The motion passed unanimously.

 

                                                  The meeting adjourned at 8:35 p.m.

                                                     

    Respectfully submitted,

                           

                                                     

 

    Michael P. Thomas

    Secretary/Superintendent

    mdc

 

    PowerPoint(s):  BHS Student Representative Report, Champion High School Update,

                                     Update of Early College and Dual Enrollment    

Published