HomeMy WebLinkAbout1994-11-08 Coolidge School Council MinutesA. W. Coolid e School Council
Minutes November 8, 1994
The meeting was called to order by Chair, John Carpenter, at 7:30 PM in the Arthur W. Coolidge
Middle School Media Center.
Attending: Lou Adreani, John Carpenter, Larry Chomsky, Peter achborn, Carol Perletz, Sue
Redgate, and Roy Welsch. Also attending: John Doherty Minutes by: Larry Chomsky
Minutes of October 12, 1994 were approved as written.
Discussion Items:
Parent Participation: The meeting started with a discussion of how to encourage school parents
to participate more in the activities of the school in general and the PAC and School Council in
particular. The question was posed, "What can we do to keep a sense of openness?". A suggestion
to write a brief article for the Coolidge newsletter including our key topics (e.g., "Time for Change",
Curriculum Frameworks, etc.) was accepted. It will be the responsibility of the scribe to compose
the article. A few moments at the end of each meeting will be taken to list the key points to be
included.
Budget: Lou Adreani discussed the FY96 budget allotment The base allotment is $50,600 which is
$110 per student times 460 pupils. It was noted that we are in fact expecting 468 pupils next year.
Also add the following:
$960 $16 x 60 students) for Special Ed.
$1,245 for the Maintenance of Office Equipment (primarily Contractual Services).
$3,792 for the Maintenance of Instructional Equipment.
$250 $125 x 2 students) for Disabled Students.
$56,847 TOTAL BUDGET
A potential may exist for an additional $2,300 (=$5 x 460 students).
Out of the above, $4,600 is designated as discretionary by the School Council. Lou also noted that
in the following cycle, FY97, there may be a need for new Science (spiral) texts based on the
proposed Curriculum Frameworks.
Lou expected that there will be a lack of funds for sufficient professional development in Core
Values, Technology, and other Improvement Plan areas. In particular, the funding will be
insufficient to support all the teachers in the building. Professional Development and Technology
are the key problem areas with respect to the instructional areas.
Principal Selection: Larry Chomsky, as a member of the Coolidge Principal Screening Committee
(CPSC), explained the process and decisions to date. Briefly, the CPSC had determined that a
minimum pool of 30-40 applicants were necessary to assure enough candidates of sufficient caliber
for screening interviews and recommendation to Dr. Munnelly. As the number of candidates was
very low, the Committee decided not to look at any applications and has no direct knowledge of any
candidates. It was determined to postpone the process to this Spring when more potential
candidates may be looking toward positions for next fall, and to use a larger ad in the appropriate
channels.
At this point, John Carpenter advanced the concept of splitting the position into Academic and
Administrative functions. This was discussed at length: It was suggested that anything that dilutes
the focus of the principal from academic considerations was counter-productive. It was pointed out
that models exist for this division in private schools, universities, and the British educational system.
Further, while unconventional in the current public environment, consideration of this type of
initiative is consistent with "School Based Management" as indicated by the Educational Reform
Act and the Department of Education. Larry will take this as an action item and bring this to the
attention of the CPSC, and perhaps divide up the requirements to fill the position in this
alternative manner.
Workstation Specification: A discussion of how to best proceed with determining what
hardware/software to acquire focused on asking the faculty "What are your instructional needs that
require computer/technology resources?" It was suggested that there are 4 types of uses to be
considered: 1) Computer literacy itself, (i.e., how to use the equipment), 2) Computer Aided
Instruction, (i.e., to teach/learn other subject matter), 3) Administrative Support, (i.e., testing,
analysis, record keeping), 4) Use as a tool to build other instructional material (i.e., using programs
such as Harvard Graphics to develop slides, etc.). It was determined that Lou should query the
faculty, by department/subject area, as to specific instructional needs and use this information to
determine the best allocation of the expected technology funding.
• Redistricting: John Doherty presented a map of potential redistricting impacts upon Coolidge and
the community. He also provide 2 handouts: "Middle School Enrollment Projections 1994-2000"
and "Notes from Administrative Council Meeting - September 27, 1994". A discussion of the
situation followed including the effect of the new Parker Middle School (if approved). It was taken
as an action item by all members to consider how to communicate the impact to the Coolidge
community. .
"Time for Change": The Council discussed the report on the length of the school day/year
proposed by the DOE. At this time, it appears that 330 minutes/day and 185 days/year are to be
recommended, however, the 330 minutes are the sum of "academics" and the definition of this is not
yet final. There were concerns, based on the unknown definition, that this requirement be able to be
met "honestly", both in terms of interface with the students and cost to the district.
Council Budget & Role of Council: The discussion continued as to the role of the Council.
Material from the DOE was shown implying more than an advisory role with respect to school
based management. This material will be copied and distributed to Council members for further
discussion.
School Improvement Plan Revisions: Due May 1, 1995. Also, a Professional Development
Statement regarding types of activities is due by June 1 to the School Committee. Action items:
Ideas for Improvement Plan revisions and Professional Development due for next meeting.
• Curriculum Frameworks for Science and Math: Deferred until next meeting.
A.W. Coolidge School Council November 8, 1994 Page 2
• "Limitless Learning" Concept: Peter Hichbom presented the "Limitless Learning" Curriculum
Enhancement Framework developed by him with faculty members Ellen Svenson and Joseph
Finigan. This concept is in response to last year's Improvement Plan goals of "Meeting Diverse
Learning Needs" and collaborative "Professional Development". The Council will review the
handout provided in more detail, but Peter explained that "LL" is designed to support different
learning styles and build more thoughtful tasks for students while providing better feedback.
Teachers would be using release days to develop actual "LL" activities and methods to assess the
results. This proposal will be made to the staff next Friday (Nov. 18).
ACTION ITEMS:
• Approach Coolidge Principal Screening Committee with alternative principal concept
(Academic/Administrative) (Larry)
• Instructional Requirements Survey of Faculty with respect to technology needs (Lou)
• How to communicate impact of Redistricting to Coolidge Community (All)
• Ideas for Improvement Plan revisions and Professional Development (All)
Next Meetings: PAC: Tuesday, Dec. 6,
Council: Wednesday, Dec.
Tuesday, Jan. 10,
The meeting was adjourned at 9:45 P.M.
1994, 7:30 PM
7, 1994, 7:30 PM
1995, 7:30 PM
A.W. Coolidge School Council November 8, 1994 Page 3