MINUTES OF THE HINGHAM SCHOOL COMMITTEE
September 14, 2009
The meeting was called to order by Christine Smith at 7:35 p.m. in the School Department Conference Room.
Members Present: Christine Smith, Linda Hill, Barbara Cook, Caryl Falvey, Chrisanne Gregoire, Esther Healey, Steve Nagle.
Central Office Present: Dorothy Galo, Ellen Keane, David Killory, Jean Curtis Loud.
Visitors Present: Debbie Stellar, Roger Boddie, Dennis Friedman, Elizabeth Eldredge, Melissa Smith, Laura Marwill, Andrew Shafter.
On a motion by Caryl Falvey and seconded by Linda Hill,
It was
Voted: To approve the Minutes of the Regular Session of August 17, 2009.
Communications.
Dot Galo noted a letter from Richard McManus, Beal Street Academy, regarding letter of approval from DESE. Christine Smith noted a letter on behalf of the School Committee to Alan McDonald and members of the School Building Committee thanking the Committee for their work and a letter to be sent to the Hingham Journal thanking the community for their support.
New Business.
The Committee received the Proposed Schedule of School Committee Presentations Including Program Review and Other Special Reports for 2009-2010. Dot Galo reviewed the proposed School Committee presentation topics and special reports for the coming year.
The Committee received the updated curriculum for grades K-5. Ellen Keane reviewed the updates including the elimination of Gr. 3 CAT testing due to budget cuts.
The Committee heard a report on the start of school. Dot Galo reviewed the following: September 14 enrollment, School Committee policy related to class sizes, HEA Contract class size language, elementary, middle school and high school classes 25 and over (elementary-6 classes, MS-35 classes & PE, HS-76 classes), and the sharing of the three music, Spanish & PE specialists among four elementary schools. School Committee members and audience members asked questions.
The Committee heard a report on preparations regarding the H1N1 virus. Dot Galo shared information and data from a recent DPH/DESE audio conference.
The Committee received a report on progress on Superintendent/School Committee goals for 2008-2009. Dot highlighted specific goals. School Committee members asked questions.
The Committee reviewed plans for the membership and charge for an Ad Hoc Committee to study the feasibility for a fee-based full day K for September 2010. Dot reviewed the proposed Committee membership, charge and activities. Committee members and audience members asked questions and made comments.
The Committee received fall coaching assignments, as recommended.
The Committee received notification of the resignation of Kaitlin Moynahan, a para educator at East School, effective August 28, 2009.
The Committee received notification of the resignation of Christine Stark, a para educator at Foster School, effective August 31, 2009.
The Committee received notification of the appointment of Kristi Allan as a grade 3 teacher at South School, effective August 31, 2009.
The Committee received notification of the appointment of Richard Amonte as a para educator at Hingham High School, effective September 2, 2009.
The Committee received notification of the appointment of Kevin Bird as a custodian at Hingham Middle School, effective September 8, 2009.
The Committee received notification of the appointment of Adam Derosier as a grade 4 teacher at East School, effective August 31, 2009.
The Committee received notification of the appointment of Caitlin Donovan as a para educator at Foster School, effective September 3, 2009.
The Committee received notification of the appointment of Virginia Goodwin as a para educator at Foster School, effective September 3, 2009.
The Committee received notification of the appointment of Geoffrey Kramer as a para educator at Hingham Middle School, effective September 3, 2009.
The Committee received notification of the appointment of Karen Maravel as a para educator at Foster School, effective September 3, 2009.
The Committee received notification of the appointment of Kaitlin Murphy as a para educator at South School, effective September 8, 2009.
The Committee received notification of the appointment of Elizabeth Murphy as a para educator at Foster School, effective September 3, 2009.
The Committee received notification of the appointment of Rosanna Nigro as a para educator at Hingham High School, effective August 24, 2009.
The Committee received notification of the appointment of Sean O’Hara as a custodian at East School, effective August 3, 2009.
The Committee received notification of the appointment of Deborah Rathnam as a para educator at Hingham Middle School, effective September 3, 2009.
The Committee received notification of the appointment of Mary Anne Schmitt as a para educator at Foster School, effective September 3, 2009.
The Committee received notification of the appointment of James Yanizzi as a custodian at East School, effective August 24, 2009.
Subcommittee Reports.
School Building Committee: Steve Nagle reported on Foster/PRS renovation projects and East School.
Community Outreach: Christine reported on a recent meeting.
Superintendent’s Report.
On a motion by Linda Hill and seconded by Barbara Cook,
It was
Voted: To adjourn to Executive Session at 10:30 p.m. to discuss strategies for negotiations with the HEA, Unit A.
Barbara Cook
Secretary
/ns