2009-06-01 School Committee Minutes

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June 1, 2009 Angela Binda, parent, SAC member and Town Meeting member was there to advocate for class sizes within the district guidelines. Eaton first and fifth grade class sizes are outside the limits. Pricilla Hollenbeck reiterated that class sizes within the guidelines is crucial and hopes that discussion will continue throughout the summer. She felt we should encourage our teachers to think outside the box, rethink their teaching styles. Mr. Robinson thanked the parents for their input and assured them that the School Committee takes class size very seriously and will be keeping a close eye on the numbers over the summer. He said of the 19 positions eliminated in the FY10 budget, five were teachers. Superintendent Schettini addressed the inquiries regarding the stimulus money both the federal IDEA and the state stabilization funds. The state budget is not done yet and won't be until sometime in July. He feels that state is not seeing these funds as additional money but rather an opportunity to get to level funding of state funding. He also addressed the question regarding the $125,000 surplus stating that he would prefer to move it forward to help offset contractual obligations in the FY11 budget. Superintendent Schettini said he has five areas of concern in the district Bente Starble asked if with larger numbers of students in the class is learning adversely affected? Janet DiRocco asked how the decisions will be made as far as alleviating class size issues. Mr. Robinson called a brief recess at 8:05 a.m. The meeting was called back to order at 8:10 p.m. B. Reports 1. Student Patrick O'Sullivan reported on the seniors last week, the Drama Club production of Hamlet, Scholastic Awards Night and the recent loss of a classmate. 2. Liaison Ms. Webb reported the recent recognition of Food Service director Kristin Morello as Director of the Year and thanked the administration for organizing the open mike session for the high school principal candidates. Mrs. Janowski reported that the winners of the HRAC Arts Contest would be announced at the HRAC next meeting. She said there were 20 entries. Mr. Caruso stated that there were several Joshua Eaton parents at the office hour session. Mr. Robinson reminded the committee that the RMHS graduation is Sunday afternoon. Superintendent's Report Superintendent Schettini shared the following: • New artwork from Joshua Eaton • RPS has been named a SMART Showcase District - it is quite an honor for the district. We will be piloting technologies for SMART.