2 Blackburn Drive Tel: 978-281-9800 Gloucester, Massachusetts 01930 Fax: 978-281-9899 www.gloucesterschools.com
Our Mission is for all Students to be Successful, Engaged, Lifelong Learners
SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING
Wednesday, October 24, 2018 7:00 pm
District Office – Conference Room 2 Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930
AGENDA
Meetings are recorded
I. CALL TO ORDER/Statement of Mission II. SALUTE TO THE FLAG
**III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
IV. COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIRPERSON V. RECOGNITIONS
VI. GHS STUDENT ADVISORY COUNCIL VII. CONSENT AGENDA
*A. Approval of Minutes
1. Program Sub-Committee of September 6, 2018
2. School Committee & Executive Session of September 9, 2018
*B. Approval of Warrants
*C. Approval of Transfers D. Referrals
VIII. DELIBERATIONS ON EDUCATIONAL ISSUES/SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT A. 2018-2019 Professional Development Plan
*B. Superintendent’s Report
IX. SUB-COMMITTEE REPORTS (Items listed under X. ACTION may be brought forward with reports)
A. Program Sub-Committee of October 11, 2018 — Chairperson Kathy Clancy Agenda Items: Review of Buildings and Grounds Security Policy, File: ECA, Update on the CVTE Program, and Report on Substitute Teachers Procedures
B. Building & Finance Sub-Committee of October 17, 2018 — Chairperson Tony Gross
Agenda Items: District Expenditures, DPW Open & Closed Tickets, Food Services, Budget Transfers, Revolving Funds, Cash Handling, and Contingency Balance
X. ACTION
*A. First Reading of Security Cameras in Schools Policy, File: ECAF, as recommended by the Program Sub-Committee at its meeting on October 11, 2018
*B. Approval of Out-of-State Field Trip Request
1. O’Maley Innovation Middle School to Washington, DC (Annual Field Trip) from Wednesday, March 27 to Friday, March 30, 2019
C. Approval of City Councilor, Valerie Gilman, as a Representative to the Essex North Shore Agricultural & Technical School Committee, effective January 2019 for a three-year term, as recommended by Mayor Romeo Theken
*D. Gloucester Education Foundation Grant
1. The amount of $675 for Music Therapy for Life Skills at Gloucester High School
XI. DISCUSSION/OTHER COMMUNICATION/OLD AND NEW BUSINESS A. Massachusetts School Building Authority Project Update
XII. EXECUTIVE SESSION
A. For the purpose of discussing a GTA grievance XIII. ADJOURNMENT
The listing of matters is those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which may be discussed at the meeting.
Not all items may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law. Action items may include motions that come out of sub-committees.
*Enclosures
**Oral Communication: The public shall have the opportunity at every regular School Committee meeting to be heard under Oral Communications. Oral Communications shall allow any resident who has a request or complaint of any nature relative to the School Committee business to appear before the School Committee, state their problem without debate, and the matter may be referred to the proper sub-committee.
For items that are on the agenda, members of the public may address the Committee with the permission of the Chair. Persons speaking under Oral Communications shall be limited to three (3) minutes each and shall submit a copy of their prepared communication to the Recording Secretary. The School Committee Chair shall not allow complaints as to individual performance or character.
THE GLOUCESTER PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Our mission is for all students to be successful, engaged, lifelong learners.
Program Subcommittee Meeting Minutes
Thursday, September 6, 2018 District Office Conference Room 2 Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930
5:00 p.m.
Members Present Administration Present
Kathy Clancy, Chairperson Dr. Richard Safier, Superintendent Michelle Sweet, Vice Chairperson Gregg Bach, Asst. Superintendent
Jonathan Pope, Member Kathy Verga, Transportation Director
______________________________________________________________________________
I. CALL TO ORDER – Chairperson Clancy called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. and stated the mission of the Gloucester Public Schools.
II. REPORTS/DELIBERATIONS/DISCUSSION
A. Audio and Video Monitoring on School Buses – Dr. Safier reported that the district has new buses that have both video and audio recording capabilities, which have not yet been implemented due to installation work that needs to be done, etc. He pointed out a distinction between video and audio recording on the buses and stated that there is more sensitivity to audio recording.
Dr. Safier indicated that the purpose of video recording on school buses is to reduce misconduct and stated that audio recording could help deter verbal conflicts and bullying. He summarized a couple of articles on the subject, one of which indicated that audio recording can also be used as a resolution tool to identify allegations of bullying. Dr. Safier noted that the ACLU has been apprehensive about the use of audio recording; however, according to state law and the district’s attorney, if there are signs on the buses and parents are notified of the surveillance, there is no expectation of privacy for students.
Ms. Verga reported that the cameras on the buses will not be live monitored and that there is a button the driver can push to “bookmark” an incident on the bus. The drivers would not have access to turn off the cameras and the cameras would only be accessed in the event an incident is reported.
Dr. Safier recommended implementing video recording at this time and further considering audio recording. He noted that he sent out a survey via a
superintendents’ mailing list and reviewed the six responses he received. He stated that he will also work on a policy for the next meeting.
Dr. Safier reviewed the specifics of the cameras, including their locations on the buses, settings, how and when the footage would be accessed and by whom.
On a motion by Mr. Pope, seconded by Ms. Sweet, it was unanimously
VOTED: 3 in favor, 0 opposed to recommend to the full School Committee that we approve the use of audio and video recording equipment on our school buses.
B. Amendment to Elementary Student Handbooks regarding Recess – Dr. Safier reported that the elementary handbooks have been revised based upon the Wellness Guidelines, which state that “Physical activity during the school day . . . will not be withheld as punishment for any reason.” He indicated that the handbooks have been amended to state, under the possible consequences for inappropriate behaviors, that loss of recess is for student safety purposes only.
On a motion by Ms. Sweet, seconded by Mr. Pope, it was unanimously
VOTED: 3 in favor, 0 opposed to recommend to the full School Committee that we approve the new language to the elementary handbooks which states, “Loss of privileges, e.g. recess (for student safety only).”
III. ACTION – See Items II.A and B.
IV. ADJOURNMENT – On a motion by Ms. Sweet, seconded by Mr. Pope, it was unanimously VOTED: 3 in favor, 0 opposed to adjourn the Program Subcommittee Meeting of
September 6, 2018 at 5:35 p.m.
All reference documents and reports are filed in the Superintendent’s office.
Maria Puglisi Recording Secretary
THE GLOUCESTER PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Our mission is for all students to be successful, engaged, lifelong learners.
School Committee Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, September 12, 2018 District Office Conference Room 2 Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA
7:00 p.m.
Members Present Administration Present
Kathy Clancy, Vice Chairperson Dr. Richard Safier, Superintendent Tony Gross, Secretary Gregg Bach, Asst. Superintendent Melissa Teixeira Prince Gary Frisch, Director of Finance
Michelle Sweet and Operations
Joel Favazza Dr. Telena Imel, West Parish Principal
Mayor Sefatia Romeo Theken
Recorded by 1623 Studios I. CALL TO ORDER – Vice Chairperson Clancy called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and
stated the mission of the Gloucester Public Schools. She noted that Chairman Pope is absent due to the death of his mother.
II. SALUTE TO THE FLAG
III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS – None.
IV. COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIRPERSON – None.
V. RECOGNITIONS – Dr. Safier read an email he received on September 6th from a parent whose child attends East Gloucester School thanking and commending school secretary Cathy Doe for her kindness, compassion, professionalism and empathy towards her son when he was having a rough start to his day. Vice Chairperson Clancy commended the DPW for their work over the summer getting the schools ready for opening day.
VI. GHS STUDENT ADVISORY COUNCIL – Caroline Muniz and Delaney Benchoff introduced themselves and asked why the student snack shop is not part of the GHS culture anymore. Ms. Benchoff stated that the snack shop generated about $100 every day, which is about $18,000 per year that they are losing out on now. That money had been used for prom, semi, senior banquet, graduation, and the class gift. Ms. Muniz stated that the cost of those events is going to be greater for students now that the snack shop is closed, and Ms. Benchoff stated that they want everyone to be able to afford to go to the events. She indicated that they only have so much time and ability to do fundraising.
Ms. Benchoff also stated that the new vending machine does not really work and has less healthy food than they had in the snack shop. She also noted that an additional lunch lady has to spend her time helping students with the vending machine.
Vice Chairperson Clancy stated that the committee dealt with this issue last year, and
Ms. Teixeira Prince stated that by giving students advance notice last year, the committee hoped they could come up with some other fundraising ideas. She suggested referring the matter back to the Building & Finance Subcommittee to see if there are any further
considerations to be discussed. She also recommended that Student Advisory Council members attend School Committee and subcommittee meetings to understand the big picture and hear how the committee comes to their decisions.
Mr. Gross pointed out that the snack shop competes with the district’s Food Service Department, which is in a huge deficit that needs to be made up from the budget (and
therefore taking money away from classrooms). He stated that if there are problems with the vending machine or if the food is not adequate, those issues should be reported to the
committee.
Ms. Benchoff stated that if they are not able to have the snack shop open every day, they would propose to have it open on holidays and special events (approximately 30 days a year).
Dr. Safier indicated that this should be discussed with Mr. Cook, Mr. Frisch and Food Service Director Martha Jo Fleming. Ms. Teixeira Prince suggested that the students meet with Mr. Cook and Dr. Safier first and then it can be brought to the committee.
Elizabeth Schuster joined the meeting and introduced herself. The students reported on the following events at the high school: Student Council freshmen elections, sports teams, and the pep rally and homecoming game on October 5th.
Finally, Dr. Safier reported that he and Mr. Cook are discussing a Student Government Day to be held in the spring.
VII. CONSENT AGENDA A. Approval of Minutes
1. School Committee of June 27, 2018
2. Building & Finance Subcommittee of August 8, 2018 B. Approval of Warrants
C. Approval of Transfers D. Referrals
E. Acceptance of Gifts
1. $1,833.40 from the West Parish PTO and $35.00 from Susan B. Field for the replacement of cafeteria trays with new trays made of biodegradable materials Dr. Imel spoke about this fundraising project and the West Parish Green Team.
2. $350.00 and bookplates from Susanna Natti
On a motion by Ms. Teixeira Prince, seconded by Ms. Sweet, it was unanimously VOTED: 6 in favor, 0 opposed to approve the Consent Agenda as noted.
VIII. DELIBERATIONS ON EDUCATIONAL ISSUES/SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT A. GEF Annual Presentation – Executive Director Tina Raimo reported on some of the
programs the Gloucester Education Foundation funded over the past year, noting that the best program ideas came from the GPS staff. Some of those programs include the teen mental health first aid program at the high school, a sail aboard the Ardelle, a climate change program and presentation, expansion of 3D printers at the high school, the use of touchscreen Chromebooks at East Gloucester, a new audio system for the Docksiders, a new sound system for the O’Maley auditorium, support for music therapy at the high school, a Tower Garden at the GAP program, iPads for the O’Maley theater teacher, and the summer STEAM Camp at Beeman.
Ms. Raimo indicated that GEF has also approved grants for a new printmaking studio and a software upgrade for the Robotics program at the high school and noted that Applied Materials will be putting together backpacks with school supplies for the elementary schools. She reported that other GEF-funded programs are ongoing, such as the after school music programs and the elementary theater programs.
Ms. Raimo expressed her gratefulness for the collaboration with the district and for the incredible generosity of the community. She reminded the committee that the GEF annual celebration will take place on October 19th from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the North Shore Arts Association. The committee members thanked Ms. Raimo and the GEF for everything they do for the district, and Mr. Bach stated that Ms. Raimo has been an incredible collaborator and grant writer.
After discussion, on a motion by Ms. Teixeira Prince, seconded by Ms. Sweet, it was unanimously
VOTED: 6 in favor, 0 opposed to accept a donation of backpacks and school supplies from Applied Materials to the elementary schools.
B. Superintendent’s Report – Dr. Safier updated the committee on the following matters:
1. School Opening Reports 2. Calendar of Open Houses 3. Updated Health-Related Plans
4. 9/11 Recognition and Moment of Silence
5. GHS NEASC Update
6. Purchasing and Cash Procedures Update – Mr. Frisch discussed the student activity accounts.
7. ENSATS Partnership – Dr. Safier discussed the Construction Craft Laborer Program.
8. Model MOU for School Resources Officers
9. MassHealth School-Based Medicaid Program Expansion Update 10. Request for Waiver from Limit on Alternate Assessments
On a motion by Ms. Sweet, seconded by Ms. Teixeira Prince, it was unanimously VOTED: 6 in favor, 0 opposed to accept the Superintendent’s Report.
IX. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
A. Program Subcommittee of August 23, 2018 – Vice Chairperson Clancy reported that the Program Subcommittee discussed the vocational program at its meeting of August 23, 2018. Dr. Safier discussed the Safety Survey Checklist that he, Mr. Frisch and Mr. Cook drafted reflecting corrections that need to be made to the program.
B. Program Subcommittee of September 6, 2018 – Vice Chairperson Clancy reported that the Program Subcommittee discussed audio and video monitoring on school buses at its meeting of September 6, 2018. Dr. Safier reviewed the discussion held at the subcommittee meeting and noted that both types of recordings are legal. He also reviewed the specifics of the cameras, including their locations on the buses, settings, how and when the footage would be accessed and by whom. Finally, he indicated that he and IT Director Grant Harris will be putting together a draft policy.
Vice Chairperson Clancy made a motion, seconded by Ms. Sweet, to approve the use of audio and video recording equipment on school buses. Mr. Favazza stated that he will not vote in favor of audio recording, and Mr. Gross asked if the committee could hear what the audio recording sounds like before voting on it. Ms. Sweet noted that there is no expectation of privacy on a public school bus and she believes it will help deter bullying. Ms. Teixeira requested that the motion be tabled
On a motion by Mr. Favazza, seconded by Ms. Teixeira Prince, it was unanimously VOTED: 6 in favor, 0 opposed to amend the motion to remove the reference to
audio recording equipment.
Amended Motion
On a motion by Vice Chairperson Clancy, seconded by Ms. Sweet, it was unanimously
VOTED: 6 in favor, 0 opposed to approve the use of video recording equipment on school buses.
Finally, Vice Chairperson Clancy reported that the Program Subcommittee discussed an amendment to the elementary handbooks regarding recess.
After discussion, on a motion by Vice Chairperson Clancy, seconded by Ms. Sweet, it was unanimously
VOTED: 6 in favor, 0 opposed to approve the new language to the elementary handbooks which states, “Loss of privileges, e.g. recess (for student safety only).”
X. ACTION
A. Acceptance of Grants
1. Gloucester Education Foundation Grant – On a motion by Ms. Teixeira Prince, seconded by Ms. Sweet, it was unanimously
VOTED: 6 in favor, 0 opposed, to accept a grant from the Gloucester Education Foundation in the amount of $1,200.00 ($700.00 for hydroponics studies at O’Maley and $500.00 for the West Parish project to replace cafeteria trays with new trays made of biodegradable materials).
2. DESE Grants – Mr. Bach distributed and reviewed a summary of the grants.
a. Title I Grant – On a motion by Ms. Sweet, seconded by Mr. Gross, it was unanimously
VOTED: 6 in favor, 0 opposed, to accept the Title I grant in the amount of $579,853.00.
b. Title IIa Grant in the amount of $120,809.00 c. Title III Grant in the amount of $24,103.00 d. Title IV Grant in the amount of $39,783.00
After discussion, on a motion by Ms. Teixeira Prince, seconded by Ms. Sweet, it was unanimously
VOTED: 6 in favor, 0 opposed to accept the above-referenced Title IIa, Title III and Title IV grants.
B. Approval of AFSCME B Contract – Ms. Teixeira Prince noted that this agreement was already approved in Executive Session.
On a motion by Ms. Teixeira Prince, seconded by Ms. Sweet, it was
VOTED: 4 in favor, 1 opposed (Mr. Favazza), 1 abstained (Mayor Theken) to approve the Agreement between the Gloucester School Committee and Council #93, Local #687 American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, AFL-CIO from July 1, 2018 to June 30, 2020.
XI. DISCUSSION/OTHER COMMUNICATION/OLD AND NEW BUSINESS A. MSBA Project Update
1. East Gloucester School – Dr. Safier reported that the Request for Services for a designer is out on the street and will be out for three weeks. He indicated that the designer selection panel will be meeting in Boston on October 16th and that we will hopefully have a designer under contract shortly thereafter.
B. Letter to Chief John McCarthy from Chairperson Pope – Dr. Safier reported that temporary signs have been put up at West Parish and there has been a police presence there every day except for last Thursday.
C. Regionalization with Rockport – Vice Chairperson Clancy reported that the chairman of the Rockport School Committee responded to Chairman Pope that they would like to have a study of the three districts (Gloucester, Rockport and
Manchester-Essex).
XII. EXECUTIVE SESSION – On a motion by Ms. Teixeira Prince, seconded by Ms. Sweet, it was unanimously
VOTED: By Roll Call Vote Ms. Sweet – yes
Ms. Teixeira Prince – yes Mayor Theken – yes
Vice Chairperson Clancy – yes Mr. Favazza – yes
Mr. Gross – yes
To enter into Executive Session at 8:50 p.m. for the purpose of discussing litigation involving non-renewal of a teacher and to enter back into regular session for the purpose of adjournment only.
XIII. ADJOURNMENT – On a motion by Ms. Teixeira Prince, seconded by Mr. Gross, it was unanimously
VOTED: 6 in favor, 0 opposed to adjourn the School Committee Meeting of September 12, 2018 at 9:02 p.m.
All reference documents and reports are filed in the Superintendent’s office.
Maria Puglisi Recording Secretary
1 The Gloucester Public Schools
Our mission is for all students to be successful, lifelong learners
Report of the Superintendent of Schools
October 24, 2018
1. Training Sessions on the Spring 2019 MCAS Grade 10 Next-Generation Tests
DESE is holding training sessions this fall to support the transition to the next-generation MCAS computer-based tests for grade 10 English Language Arts and Mathematics. The sessions will discuss updated test designs, item types and essays, retest information, and resources.
A mix of face-to-face and remote sessions will be offered as follows:
• October 3, 9:00-11:00 a.m.: WebEx session
• October 25, 1:00-3:00 p.m.: Holyoke Community College
• November 5, 9:00-11:00 a.m.: WebEx session
• November 9, 9:00-11:00 a.m., Middlesex Community College, Bedford Members of GHS ELA and Math Departments have already signed up for the session.
As an aside, I sat in on professional learning community time with the Math Department last week. They were actively reviewing the curriculum in relation to the standards in both Geometry and Algebra, assessing elements of units for what is and what is not being tested, and modifying pacing guides to address “holes” in the curriculum.
2. Biweekly Meeting with the Department of Public Works
The last biweekly meeting on October 16 produced the following status of a number of items associated with the CVTE Safety Survey. These include:
• The planning for the replacement of the floors in the Electrical and Carpentry Shops, along with repair in the Machine Tool;
• Quick release Electrical Chords in the Cabinetmaking Shop so that power can be disconnected quickly in the event of an emergency (twist out cords);
• The acquisition of a building permit for the new CVTE classroom at the high school;
this classroom will be used for the pilot program with ENSAT;
• A review of storage, alternate locations for storage, and weight bearing of lofts connected to the roof (e.g., wall shelving for wood instead of the loft in the Cabinet Shop);
• The decommissioning of the crane system in the Machine Tool Technology Shop;
2 In addition, we are checking into availability of “spots” for the hanging of banners for the Arts Festival in May.
3. Loss of Managerial Authority Over Non-Teaching School Employees
As a result of our conversations, the district will provide more extensive itemization in its recording of time worked and benefits paid. For example, separate pay codes have been established for the recording of actual time worked as opposed to both paid vacation and sick pay. GCRS, for their part, now understands that transportation workers are paid one week in arrears.
A law that went into effect on August 3 has removed the managerial authority of school principals in the promotion and discipline of custodial, maintenance, cafeteria, and other non-teaching school employees. The new law retains the principal’s hiring authority for these employees, but requires that promotions and disciplinary decisions be made in accordance with collective bargaining agreements.
The law makes a significant change to procedure established under the Education Reform Act of 1993, which gave principals the authority to hire, promote, and discipline employees in order to further two of the Reform Act’s main objectives: improving school performance and accountability. School districts will need to align promotional and disciplinary decisions for non-teaching employees, including terminations, with any governing collective bargaining agreements.
4. GEF Donor Event
On Friday night, the Gloucester Education Foundation held its Annual Celebration. This included three student demonstrations: a) the first by students who attended the Beeman STEAM Camp over the summer; b) the second a presentation by no less than three (3) Mary Poppins from the O’Maley Theater; and, c) a high school student who demonstrated a drone that he built.
Among the many things that GEF has provided support for, we can include the following examples:
• Physics—$38K for new robotics equipment;
• Seeking Relief from Sea Level Rise
• Biomechanics
• Computer-Assisted Design
• HS Chemistry Partnership with Maritime Gloucester
• Arts, Musical Sound Systems—HS
• OM Environmental Partnership Program with Mass. Audubon
• Aquaponics--in addition to Birdseye Hammond Science Lab at OM
• OM Sound System
• OM Performing Arts
3
• After-school music instruction;
• Ballroom Dance,
• Dance Through the Decades;
• The Citywide Arts Festival; and,
• The Countdown to Kindergarten
• Music Therapy
• Youth Mental Health First Aid Calendar
The Open Door Autumn Breakfast @ Cruiseport, Thursday, 7:30 am Fall Cape Ann Caucus, Manchester American Legion Hall, Friday, 7:30 am
Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, October 30, 11:00 am
SECURITY CAMERAS IN SCHOOLS `
The School Committee works to maintain a safe and secure environment for its students, staff, visitors, and facilities. Security means more than having locks and making certain that doors are locked at the proper times. Security also means minimizing fire hazards, reducing the possibility of faulty equipment, keeping records and valuables in a safe place, protection against vandalism and burglary, the prosecution of vandals, and developing crisis plans. It also includes monitoring to ensure the safe transportation of students to and from school.
School facilities and their contents constitute one of the greatest investments of the community. The School Committee believes it to be in the best interest of students and taxpayers for the district to exert every reasonable means to protect the investment adequately.
In pursuit of this objective, the School Committee authorizes the use of security cameras in school district buildings, on its property, and on school buses to ensure the health, welfare and safety of all students, staff and visitors, to deter theft, vandalism, and other negative behaviors such as bullying, verbal or physical conflict, to safeguard district buildings, buses, grounds and equipment, and to monitor unauthorized individuals in or on school property. Security cameras may be used in locations as deemed appropriate by the Superintendent of Schools in consultation with school officials as well as local law enforcement and emergency response agencies. They may be used in any area, inside or outside of school buildings, on school buses, and/or where there is no reasonable expectation of privacy.
The district shall notify students and staff through student and employee handbooks and appropriate signage that security cameras, or in the case of buses, audio/video equipment, have been installed and may be used at any time. Security camera footage, and in the case of school buses, audio recordings, may be used to assist in the resolution of a complaint or conflict involving students and/or staff.
The Superintendent shall ensure that proper procedures are in place and are followed regarding use, viewing, disclosure, retention, disposal and security of video recordings or photographs from security cameras in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. A video recording, and in the case of buses, audio and video recording, used for security purposes in school district buildings, and/or on school property, or on school buses, shall be the sole property of the school district. All video recordings will be stored in their original format and secured to avoid tampering and to ensure confidentiality in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. Access to video recordings from security cameras shall be limited to school administrators (Superintendent/designee, School Principal/designee). Law enforcement and emergency response officials shall be granted access to video recordings or the security system after giving prior notice to the School Superintendent/designee.
The Superintendent may, from time to time, issue further guidance that is consistent with current laws and this policy.
SOURCE: MASC Adopted: August 2015
