Regular Meeting
September 13, 2010
City Council Chambers
95 Pleasant Street, Gardner, Massachusetts
Members present: Mayor Mark Hawke, Chairman; John LaFreniere, Secretary; Carol J. Bailey, Paul G. Tassone, Matthew Vance, and Christine Wilson
Member absent: James S. Boone, Vice Chairman
Others present: Dr. Carol L. Daring, Superintendent; Terri Hillman, Recording Secretary; Michael A. Hurd, Assistant Superintendent; Catherine Goguen, Business Administrator; Karen Scanlon, Director of Technology; John Salovardos, Special Education Director; Susan Hui, Grants Administrator; Deborah A. Caligaris, Interim Principal, GHS; Andrew S. Haas, Principal of Prospects Alternative Program; Christopher Casavant, Principal GMS; Joyce Swedberg, Principal ESS; Cherie McComb, Principal HMS; F. Daniel Hill, Principal Waterford Street School; Howard Klash, G.E.A. President; Anne Hurst, SPEDPAC; and other interested persons
Call to Order
Mayor Hawke, Chairman, called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. The meeting opened with a roll call and the pledge of allegiance. The meeting was broadcast live on cable television.
Recognition of 30 Year Employee
Mr. Charles Beattie, Middle School Teacher, was recognized and presented with a gift to celebrate his 30 years with the Gardner Public Schools.
Open Time for General Public
The following spoke to the School Committee:
- Dr. Andrea Damour, Fieldstone Drive, Vice President of Gardner Music Boosters. Asked School Committee members not to forget the music program and the GHS musicals.
- Ms. Anne Hurst, SPEDPAC, presented the schedule of the SPED Parent Advisory Council meeting for the 2010-2011 school year. All workshops/meetings will be held at the GMS and she invited all School Committee members to attend.
- Mrs. Katherine Quenneville, Brookside Drive. Thanked the School Committee for restoring some of the cuts to the sports programs.
- Howard Klash, Athletic Director, said that all athletic programs are off and running.
Presentation of Warrants
Ms. Wilson moved to ratify as recommended by the Finance Subcommittee and the Superintendent the following warrants:
Warrant #10-50 dated June 10, 2010 in the amount of $9,953.33
Warrant #10-51 dated June 17, 2010 in the amount of $145,603.17
Warrant #10-52 dated June 24, 2010 in the amount of $159,044.62
Warrant #10-53 dated June 30, 2010 in the amount of $565,464.07
Warrant #10-54 dated June 30, 2010 in the amount of $152,103.09
Warrant #10-55 dated June 30, 2010 in the amount of $87,866.28
Warrant #10-56 dated June 30, 2010 in the amount of $270,833.06
Seconded by Mr. Tassone. Vote – so voted.
Ms. Wilson moved to ratify as recommended by the Finance Subcommittee and the Superintendent Warrant #11-05 dated July 29, 2010 in the amount of $150,129.71.
Seconded by Mr. Vance. Vote – so voted.
Ms. Wilson moved to ratify as recommended by the Finance Subcommittee and the Superintendent Warrant #11-07 dated August 12, 2010 in the amount of $125,220.13.
Seconded by Mr. Tassone. Vote – so voted.
Ms. Wilson moved to ratify as recommended by the Finance Subcommittee and the Superintendent Warrant #11-08 dated August 19, 2010 in the amount of $118,599.99.
Seconded by Mr. LaFreniere. Vote – so voted.
Ms. Wilson moved to ratify as recommended by the Finance Subcommittee and the Superintendent Warrant #11-09 dated August 26, 2010 in the amount of $51,185.65.
Seconded by Mr. Tassone. Vote – so voted.
Ms. Wilson moved to ratify as recommended by the Finance Subcommittee and the Superintendent Warrant #11-10 dated September 2, 2010 in the amount of $220,985.44.
Seconded by Mrs. Bailey. Vote – so voted.
Approval of Minutes
Regular Meeting – June 14, 2010
Ms. Wilson moved to approve the minutes of the regular School Committee meeting of June 14, 2010 as presented.
Seconded by Mr. LaFreniere. Vote – so voted.
SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
Policy Subcommittee Report
The Policy Subcommittee will meet on September 20, 2010.
Facilities Subcommittee Report
The Facilities Subcommittee will meet on October 4, 2010.
Finance Subcommittee Report
Ms. Wilson, Chairperson, said that the Finance Subcommittee met on September 7, 2010. Minutes of the meeting were presented. Approximately $819,000.00 has been allocated to Gardner Public Schools from the EdJobs Bill. The use of this money will be voted on under Item 1979.
Ms. Goguen told the Finance Subcommittee that the Heating Oil bid was contracted at $2.385 per gallon which will yield an $18,515.00 savings in budgeted local funds for FY11.
The Finance Subcommittee recommended the acceptance of donations and they will be voted on under Items 1969 – 1977.
Technology Subcommittee Report
The Technology Subcommittee will meet on September 21, 2010.
Transportation Subcommittee Report
Mrs. Bailey, Chairperson, said that the Transportation Subcommittee met on August 12, 2010. Minutes of the meeting were presented. The status of transportation over the course of the past year was reviewed. Enough savings have been achieved by seeking new proposals for in-district Special Education transportation that a bus has been added to the regular transportation fleet to accommodate high school freshmen.
Athletic Council
Mr. Tassone said that the Athletic Subcommittee met on July 6, 2010. Minutes of the meeting were presented. The Subcommittee discussed the impact of various increases in user fees for high school and middle school athletes. A new fee schedule was approved.
A motion to restore the fall cross country head coach and winter head indoor track coach positions from athletic revolving account funds for FY11 was approved.
Report of Superintendent of Schools
Dr. Daring reported on the new Act Relative to Bullying in Schools (Chapter 92 of the Acts of 2010). The Act, signed by Governor Patrick includes a provision that the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education promulgate a Model Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan for schools. A copy was presented. Each school district as well as charter schools and special education school must submit copies of their local bullying prevention and intervention plans to DESE by December 31, 2010.
G.E.A. President
Mr. Howard Klash, President of the G.E.A., said that the teachers and support staff in the Gardner schools go above and beyond the call of duty. Everyone is looking forward to a good year.
Student Representative to the School Committee
Nicholas Magalhaes, Student Representative to the School Committee, said that the school year started off with a bang. The senior class is planning fundraisers, and the freshmen class is holding election of officers.
Sports, band, School clubs and other extracurricular activities are in full swing. The students like the paw prints that were put on the sidewalk at the end of the last school year. They help create a school atmosphere in the area and boost a sense of school pride.
OLD BUSINESS
Item 1963 – Oral Reports from Administration
Mr. Haas, Principal of Prospects Alternative Middle/High School, presented highlights from his monthly report. The program finished last year with 12 students enrolled and one student, Cassie Meany, graduating. She spoke to the School Committee about her experience at the school. Another student, Amanda Byrnes, worked through the summer to complete her needed credits and will participate in the December graduation with six other students.
This fall 51 students are enrolled and 90% of the students are residents of Gardner. Students have begun to speak of the Prospects Alternative Program as “their school”. Mr. Haas is asking to amend the name to Gardner Academy for Learning & Technology (GALT).
A copy of Mr. Haas’s report and a copy of the PowerPoint were presented.
Item 1964 – K-12 Technology Update
The Technology Update was e-mailed to School Committee members on September 10. Mrs. Scanlon was present to answer questions.
Item 1965– Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment Update
The Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment Update was e-mailed to School Committee members on September 10. Mr. Hurd was present to answer questions.
Item 1966- Special Education Update
The Special Education update was e-mailed to School Committee members on
September 10. Dr. Salovardos was present to answer questions.
Item 1967– Business Administrator’s Update
The Business Administrator’s report was e-mailed to School Committee members on
September 10. Ms. Goguen was present to answer questions.
Item 1968 – Grants Administrator’s Update
The Grants Administrator’s report was e-mailed to School Committee members on September. Mrs. Hui was present to answer questions.
NEW BUSINESS
Item 1969 – Acceptance of Donation – E.G. Watkins Family Foundation
Ms. Wilson moved to accept the recommendation of the Superintendent and Finance Subcommittee to accept $30,000.00 from the E.G. Watkins Family Foundation to be used for Freshmen and Middle School Sports Programs.
Seconded by Mrs. Bailey. Vote – so voted.
Item 1970 – Acceptance of Donation – Compass Group USA, Inc.
Ms. Wilson moved to accept the recommendation of the Superintendent and Finance Subcommittee to accept two $500.00 scholarships from Compass Group USA, Inc. (Chartwells) to the Gardner High School Scholarship Fund
Seconded by Mr. Tassone. Vote – so voted.
Item 1971 – Acceptance of Donation – Estate of K. Weighill
Ms. Wilson moved to accept the recommendation of the Superintendent and Finance Subcommittee to accept a donation of $83,445.48 from the estate of Kenneth Weighill to the Gardner High School Scholarship Fund.
Seconded by Mr. LaFreniere. Vote – so voted.
Item 1972 – Acceptance of Donation – Estate of James M. Shevas
Ms. Wilson moved to accept the recommendation of the Superintendent and Finance Subcommittee to accept a donation of $25,000.00 from the estate of James M. Shevas to the Gardner High School Scholarship Fund for a student pursuing a degree in Journalism.
Seconded by Mr. Vance. Vote – so voted.
Item 1973 – Acceptance of Donation – Estate of Jadwiga and Michael E. Zemak
Ms. Wilson moved to accept the recommendation of the Superintendent and Finance Subcommittee to accept a donation of $49,954.31 from the estate of Jadwiga and Michael E. Zemak to the Gardner High School Scholarship Fund for a student pursuing a degree in Business.
Seconded by Mr. LaFreniere. Vote – so voted.
Item 1974 – Acceptance of Donation – Gardner Soccer Booster Club
Ms. Wilson moved to accept the recommendation of the Superintendent and Finance Subcommittee to accept a donation of $2,038.00 from the Gardner Soccer Booster Club to the GHS Boys’ Soccer Team.
Seconded by Mr. Tassone. Vote – so voted.
Item 1975 – Acceptance of Donation – LaChance Furniture, Inc.
Ms. Wilson moved to accept the recommendation of the Superintendent and Finance Subcommittee to accept the donation of a sofa valued at $2,522.00 from LaChance Furniture to the GHS Teachers’ Room.
Seconded by Mrs. Bailey. Vote – so voted.
Item 1976 – Acceptance of Donation – University of Massachusetts Medical School
Ms. Wilson moved to accept the recommendation of the Superintendent and Finance Subcommittee to accept a donation of $100.00 from the University of Massachusetts Medical School to the Gardner Public Schools Nursing Department.
Seconded by Mr. Tassone. Vote – so voted.
Item 1977 – Acceptance of Donation – Barnes and Noble
Ms. Wilson moved to accept the recommendation of the Superintendent and Finance Subcommittee to accept a donation of $109.39 from Barnes and Noble to the Helen Mae Sauter Elementary School.
Seconded by Mr. LaFreniere. Vote – so voted.
Item 1978 – Green Repair Program Statement of Interest
First Motion:
Having convened in an open meeting on September 13, 2010, the Gardner School Committee of Gardner Public Schools, in accordance with its charter, by-laws and ordinances, has voted in the form of the following motion made by School Committee member, John LaFreniere: “I would like to make a motion to authorize the Superintendent to submit to the Massachusetts School Building Authority the Green Repair Program Statement of Interest to be dated September 22, 2010 for the Gardner High School as priority one, located at 200 Catherine Street, Gardner, MA 01440 which describes and explains the following deficiencies and the priority category(s) for which
Gardner Public Schools may be invited to apply to the Massachusetts School Building Authority in the future:
Priority # 5. Replacement, renovation or modernization of school facility systems, such as roofs, windows, boilers, heating and ventilation systems, to increase energy conservation and decrease energy related costs in a school facility.
- Description of Deficiencies:
Gardner High School was built in 1976 and still has its original roof; there are several areas throughout the surface of the roof that are “spongy” and/or have begun leaking into the building. Spot repairs have occurred and continue to occur to stop such leaks; however, a roof replacement is necessary to eliminate further leaking and structural damage.
The Gardner School Committee hereby further specifically acknowledges that by submitting this statement of interest, the Massachusetts School Building Authority in no way guarantees the acceptance or the approval of an application, the awarding of a grant, or any other funding commitment from the Massachusetts School Building Authority or commits the Gardner Public Schools to filing an application for funding with the Massachusetts School Building Authority.”
The motion was seconded by Mrs. Bailey. 5 Yes votes 0 No votes
Second Motion:
Having convened in an open meeting on September 13, 2010, the Gardner School Committee of Gardner Public Schools, in accordance with its charter, by-laws and ordinances, has voted in the form of the following motion made by School Committee member, John LaFreniere : “I would like to make a motion to authorize the Superintendent to submit to the Massachusetts School Building Authority the Green Repair Program Statement of Interest to be dated September 22, 2010 for Elm Street School as priority two, located at 160 Elm Street, Gardner, MA 01440 which describes and explains the following deficiencies and the priority category(s) for which Gardner Public Schools may be invited to apply to the Massachusetts School Building Authority in the future:
Priority # 5. Replacement, renovation or modernization of school facility systems, such as roofs, windows, boilers, heating and ventilation systems, to increase energy conservation and decrease energy related costs in a school facility.
- Description of Deficiencies:
Elm Street School has had work done on its roof within the last fifteen years, however, there are areas that are leaking and in need of repair; the roof has been maintained and spot repaired and continues to be maintained and repaired as needed; a more extensive repair/replacement is necessary to eliminate future leaking and structural damage.
The Gardner School Committee hereby further specifically acknowledges that by submitting this statement of interest, the Massachusetts School Building Authority in no way guarantees the acceptance or the approval of an application, the awarding of a grant, or any other funding commitment from the Massachusetts School Building Authority or commits the Gardner Public Schools to filing an application for funding with the Massachusetts School Building Authority.”
The motion was seconded by Mrs. Bailey 5 Yes votes 0 No votes
Item 1979 – Education Jobs Funding Plan
Ms. Wilson moved to accept the recommendation of the Superintendent and the Finance Subcommittee for a two-year expenditure plan for the use of the $819,283.00 “new” money to be received from the Federal grant Education Jobs Funding.
Seconded by Mr. Tassone. Vote – so voted.
Discussion took place regarding positions to be reinstated as a result of the Ed Jobs money.
Recess
Mayor Hawke declared a brief recess at 8:22 p.m. and reconvened the meeting at 8:28 p.m.
Ms. Wilson moved to reinstate2.0 FTE Elementary Guidance Counselors.
Seconded by Mr. LaFreniere. Vote – so voted.
Ms. Wilson moved to reinstate 1.0 FTE High School Guidance Counselor.
Seconded by Mr. Tassone. Vote – so voted.
Ms. Wilson moved to reinstate 2.0 FTE Elementary Secretaries.
Seconded by Mr. Tassone. Vote – so voted.
Ms. Bailey moved to reinstate 1.0 FTE Dean of Students.
Seconded by Mr. Tassone. Vote – so voted.
Ms. Wilson voted in opposition.
Ms. Wilson moved to reinstate 2.0 FTE Curriculum Specialists (Math/ELA),
Seconded by Mr. Vance. Vote – so voted.
Ms. Wilson moved to reinstate 1.0 FTE Elementary Paraprofessional.
Seconded by Mr. Vance. Vote – so voted.
Note – the above positions are scheduled to begin on November 1, 2010.
Item 1980 – Allocation of FY 2009 Carryover Money
Ms. Wilson moved to accept the recommendation of the Superintendent and Finance Subcommittee to allocate $5,000.00 of FY 2009 carryover money to the Elm Street School After School Band Program.
Seconded by Mr. Tassone. Vote – so voted.
Item 1981 – Local Share of Funding for MSBA Roof/Alternative Energy Study Projects
Ms. Wilson moved to take $125,000.00 out of the Building Use Revolving Fund to pay the local share of funding for MSBA Roof/Alternative Energy Projects. This is in lieu of paying for the local share from FY 2009 carryover as previously voted.
Seconded by Mr. Vance.
Vote – 3 in favor (Wilson, Tassone, Vance); 2 opposed (Bailey, LaFreniere). Chairman declared motion passed.
Item 1982 - Separate School Status for Prospects Alternative Middle/High School
Mr. LaFreniere moved to accept the recommendation of the Superintendent to accept Separate School Status for Prospects using the name “Gardner Academy for Learning and Technology”.
Seconded by Mr. Tassone. Vote – so voted.
Comments
Mrs. Bailey attended the opening day for the GHS Freshmen.
Ms. Wilson attended the welcome back picnic at Waterford Street. She also attended the Elm Street School open house and complimented Mrs. Swedberg and her staff on a job well done.
Mr. Tassone thanked everyone who came this evening to speak to the School Committee.
Mr. Vance thanked everyone who donated to the schools for scholarships, supplies and trips.
Mr. LaFreniere also thanked everyone for their donations. He thanked Cassie Meany for volunteering at GALT.
Mayor Hawke thanked Mr. Vance for helping with work at Fantasy Playground. He also thanked everyone who donated to the schools.
ADJOURNMENT
Mr. LaFreniere moved to adjourn. Seconded by Mr. Tassone.
Vote – so voted.
The meeting adjourned at 9:28 p.m.
John LaFreniere, Secretary
T. Hillman, Recording Secretary
| 
