NAHANT SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES
APRIL 13, 2004
CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m. by vice Chair Mrs. Dunn. All members were present except Mrs. Reeh (arrived at 7:50 p.m.)
READING & APPROVAL OF MINUTES: The minutes of the March 23, 2004 meeting were approved. Motion to approve by Mr. Rauworth, second by Mr. Coffey. Vote: All in favor
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF VISITORS
CORRESPONDENCE & COMMUNITY INPUT
EXAMINATION & AUTHORIZATION FOR PAYMENT OF BILLS
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
A. UPDATE ON CURRICULUM COMMITTEES: Dr. Littlefield updated the Committee on
curriculum work by the teachers. She distributed a packet of materials including
committees in place and relevant Curriculum Frameworks. She described in detail
the work of the Math Committee which has examined the MCAS Item Analysis to
identify areas for improvement. She also noted the new Report Card Committee
that is examining the format of the current report card and the Writing Program
Review Committee. Dr. Littlefield also noted that the Crisis Committee headed
by Cheryl DiLisio is reviewing policies related to responses to natural disasters
in place in other districts. Dr. Littlefield also described efforts to enhance
curriculum alignment with Swampscott including classroom visits by Nahant teachers.
B. REVIEW OF ADEQUATE YEARLY PROGRESS MID-CYCLE REPORT: Dr. DiBella reported
that the DOE recently released the Mid-Cycle Progress Report required under
the No Child Left Behind Act. She was pleased to inform the Committee that thanks
to the efforts of Dr. Littlefield and our teachers, the Johnson School has once
again met all improvement goals.
C. LIBRARY RESTORATION PROJECT: Dr. DiBella expressed many thanks to parent
volunteers and the PTO for their support in the completion of the first phase
of the library restoration project. She also reviewed standards for elementary
school libraries developed by the Massachusetts School Library Association regarding
print and non-print materials noting that our current collection does not meet
these standards. There will be an appeal in the May Harbor Review and at Town
Meeting for donations and volunteer assistance.
D. UPDATE OF FY ’04 BUDGET: Dr. DiBella reviewed current account balances
and explained that once again it is necessary to transfer funds to cover recent
heating, electric and legal bills. Motion by Mr. Rauworth, second by Mr. Coffey
to transfer the following funds:
From SpEd Textbooks to School Committee-Legal $1104.20
From Prof. Development-Salaries to Heating $19,909.00
From Prof. Development-Services to Heating $1,481.02
From Prof. Development-Services to Utilities-Electric $642.35
Total Transfer $23,136.57
ROLL CALL VOTE: ALL IN FAVOR
E. REPORT ON THE 2003 END OF YEAR REPORT AUDIT: The superintendent reported that auditors from Sullivan & Rogers have completed the required annual audit of the End of the Year Report for 2003. She was very pleased to announce there were no findings.
OLD BUSINESS
NEW BUSINESS
A. REVIEW OF SCHOOL DEPARTMENT ARTICLES FOR TOWN MEETING: At the annual Town
Meeting on Saturday, April 24th there will be two articles that pertain to the
School Department; our FY ’05 budget and the request for a new telephone
system.
B. SCHEDULE SCHOOL CHOICE HEARING: The members of the Committee agreed that
the School Choice hearing will take place on Tuesday, May 11th at 6:45 p.m.
in the Nahant Town Hall.
OTHER COMMITTEE BUSINESS
A. REPORT OF RENOVATION/BUILDING COMMITTEE; Mr. Rauworth outlined new avenues
for the renovation under discussion by the Committee.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
ADJOURNMENT: Motion to adjourn by Mrs. Dunn, second by Mr. Rauworth to enter into executive session for the purpose of discussing strategies for collective bargaining, not to return to public session. Vote: All members in favor
The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Thomas Coffey, Recording Secretary