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26 AIM t5 l Minutes February 5, 1997
The meeting was called to order at 6:05 PM. in the Arthur W. Coolidge Middle School Principal's
Office by Renee Sbaschnig.
Attending: Larry Chomsky, Marie Pink, Renee Sbaschnig, Roy Welsch, and John Doherty.
Minutes by: Larry Chomsky
Previous Minutes: Minutes of November 19, 1996 were approved as submitted.
Minutes of December 3, 1996 (Special meeting with PTO) were approved as
submitted.
Minutes of December 17, 1996 were approved with corrections (SPAB changed
to SBAB, and addition of L. Chomsky as attending.)
Documents Distributed:
For School Profile
• Copy of Philosophy, Mission, and Principal Statement
• "Exploring Our Activities" draft list
• School Profile Questionnaire and Results (by mail).
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
Budget/School Committee Update:
John thanked the Council for their attendance at the various budget meetings.
John related discussions with members of the School Committee regarding the potential for full time
"World Languages" at the middle school level. The requirements would call for an additional 1.25
teachers at Coolidge for this subject area. Space requirements aside, it would mean removing the
7th grade study hall and SSR and cutting approximately 18 periods from the existing teacher
resource pool. Given the team structure, this is not currently feasible.
John also noted that several School Committee members would like to see full time "World Languages"
in grades 6, 7, and 8 within 2 years. John needs to come up with a plan. Concerns were raised over
the need to either remove elements of the current curriculum (which would be limited since most are
mandated), or extending the school day.
There also appears to be consideration by some members of the School Committee of changing from a
middle school model to a junior high model. John reported that he gave a presentation on
differences between the models to the PTO on February 4. The Council members present do not
appear to be supportive of a junior high model. The PTO suggested that John give a similar
presentation to the 5th grade parents.
Building Plans:
Yesterday, representatives of 8 architectural firms had a site visitation. Approximately 40 applications
have been received. $3MM have been allotted in next year's capital plan. The plans will be
presented to Town Meeting next November. It was noted that the populations in the middle schools
will be maxed out, under current projections, in 5 years. This population problem will allow us to
receive a higher level of state funding. ,
It was also noted that Parker Middle School parents have been asking the School Committee why
Coolidge is next on the renovation schedule, rather than the High School.
Profile:
We are targeting the Profile to be completed for use at the Coolidge Open Hor- in March.
Information for the various sections, outlined by Renee, w We will
highlight those items we feel are most important 1{- - r_Aaiize this content by next weeks
meeting. Certain quantitative graphics will be included, such as faculty experience years, degrees
earned, and MEAP scores.
Other Business:
John discussed the Restructuring Committee that has been meeting at Page
resources (e.g., space, staff available at each school, it has been difficult to deter:.
approach. It appears that each school may structure in the way that is most suitab.-, for the avw,,.
resources.
Next Meeting:
The next meeting date is to be Tuesday, February 11, 1997 at 7:30 PM. The agenda will include the
School Profile, starting the school Improvement Plan, and a budget update (if necessary).
Adjournment:
The meeting was adjourned at 7:45 PM.
A.W. Coolidge School Council February 5, 1997 Page 2