HWRSD School Committee

HAMPDEN-WILBRAHAM REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
School Committee Meeting
Monday, December 11, 2006 @ 7:00 p.m.
Superintendent’s Conference Room

Present:
School Committee Members: Scott Chapman, William Bickley, Marianne Desmond, Peter Salerno, and Student Representatives Nicole Sawyer and Courtney Sanders.
Administrators: Paul Gagliarducci and Donna Scanlon.
Guests: Beth Regulbuto, candidate for Director of Financial Operations; Douglas Farmer, Wilbraham Hampden Times; Suzanne McLaughlin, The Republican; Levon Kinney, Intern at The Reminder; Ed Gorski, Hampden resident, and Frank Pzchewicz, Wilbraham resident.
Absent: D. John McCarthy, Lisa Morace, and Gilles Turcotte.

Chairman Chapman opened the meeting at 7:15 p.m.

  1. General (see attached)
    1. Public Comment
      There was none.
    2. Minutes
      • Regular Meeting – November 28, 2006
        The Minutes of the November 28th meeting were reviewed. Mr. Salerno made a motion to accept the Minutes as written. Mrs. Desmond seconded and it was approved.
      • Executive Session – November 28, 2006
        The Minutes of the Executive Session of November 28th meeting were reviewed. Mr. Salerno made a motion to accept the Minutes as written. Mrs. Desmond seconded and it was approved.
    3. Student Representatives
      Student Representatives Nicole Sawyer and Courtney Sanders reported on some recent and upcoming events at the high school including progress reports, 2010 class elections, winter sports, winter concert, successful band fruit fundraiser, and motivational speaker Marc Brown’s presentation.
  2. Financial Issues (see attached)
    1. Early Childhood Program Tuition Increase - Vote
      Dr. Gagliarducci reviewed the information previously distributed from Dr. Tobias regarding the Early Childhood Program and the need for a tuition increase. Mrs. Desmond made a motion to increase the Early Childhood Program Tuition from $2000 to $2100 for 07/08. Mr. Salerno seconded and it was unanimously approved.
    2. Approve Warrants
      The warrants were approved.
  3. Other Business (see attached)
    1. Interview Director of Financial Operations
      Dr. Gagliarducci introduced Beth Regulbuto to the School Committee. He reviewed her background and skills, including experience working with all types of budgets, supervisory positions, interpersonal skills, team player, and enthusiasm to make a career change. The School Committee commented on her financial background and Beth answered their questions.
    2. School Calendar 07-08 – Vote
      Dr. Gagliarducci had previously distributed the draft 07-08 school calendar for the Committee’s review. He explained there was nothing out of the ordinary; but unlike this year, next year isn’t an election year so we would not have that day off. He brought it to the HWEA for their review. Mr. Salerno made a motion to approve the 07-08 calendar as presented. Mr. Bickley seconded and it was unanimously approved.
    3. System Wide Curriculum Review & Technology Update
      Dr. Scanlon had previously distributed her “System-Wide Curriculum Review and Technology Update”. She briefly reviewed the information on the Coordinated Program Review Report (www.doe.mass.edu/pqu.review/cpr/reports/2006/0680.doc), advancements in the Curriculum Development, and the technology highlights throughout the district. Regarding the health education curriculum, Mr. Salerno wants to be sure the district is adhering to the changes previously discussed. Dr. Scanlon will share the proposed textbook with Mr. Salerno. Regarding technology, Mr. Salerno requested a method for measuring “internal equity for technology”. Dr. Gagliarducci believes the district is better at programmatic material, but the reorganization of the district’s technology personnel is showing some progress. Mr. Salerno strongly believes that rather than buy what we can afford, we afford what we need.
    4. Policy Subcommittee Discussion
      One of the School Committee’s goals for 06-07 is to update their Policy Manual. As a member of the Policy Manual Subcommittee, Mr. Salerno had previously publicly proposed that two outsiders be invited to join the subcommittee. Three criteria he would ask for are: someone with research skills, ability to draft ideas, and time available to put into this project. These people would participate in the discussions but would not have any veto power. If anyone is interested, they should contact Dr. Gagliarducci or Mr. Salerno.
  4. Correspondence/Written Reports Received (see attached)
    1. Superintendent’s Report
      In addition to his report, Dr. Gagliarducci mentioned how good the high school’s recent winter concert was.
    2. Press Release
      Mr. Chapman read his prepared press release regarding school safety and security and the use of executive sessions to discuss this issue.
    3. Enrollment Report
      No further discussion.
    4. Misc. Correspondence (green folders)
      It was noted that Memorial Elementary School is having a playground dedication ceremony and all members are invited to attend. Dr. Gagliarducci mentioned the “save the date” invitation for the district-wide K-12 choral program on March 28, 2007, sponsored by WHAT, as well as the WHAT Spelling Bee tentatively scheduled for March 11, 2007.
  5. Personnel
    The School Committee noted the following appointments, resignations, leaves of absence, and retirements:
    1. Appointments (replacements unless noted otherwise*)
      • Danuta Czyzewski, Food Service @ MEM, eff 9-18-06
      • Berna DeCurzio, Para @ Mile Tree, eff 12-11-06
      • Sarah Lopes, Food Service @ WMS, eff 10-23-06
      • Barbara Lucas, PT Para @ WMS, eff 12-11-06
    2. Resignations
      • Pam Lathan, Science Teacher @ MRHS, eff 1-19-07
      • Mary Miller, PE/Health Teacher @ MRHS, eff 10-31-06
    3. Leaves of Absence
      • None
    4. Retirements
      • Hans Mentzen, Math Teacher @ WMS, eff 6-23-07
      • Arthur Tipaldi, English Teacher @ MRHS, eff 1-11-08 (amended)
  6. New Agenda Items (for upcoming meetings)
    1. Student Services Update (January 9)
    2. District Improvement Plan (January 23)
    3. Budget Capital Projects Review
    4. MRHS Building Committee Update
    5. Policy Subcommittee
  7. Executive Session
    Mr. Chapman noted that there was need for Executive Session to discuss a personnel issue. Mr. Bickley made the motion. Mr. Salerno seconded. Mr. Chapman took a roll call vote with Mr. Bickley, Ms. Desmond, Mr. Salerno, and Mr. Chapman voting in favor of convening Executive Session. The Committee returned to the regular meeting and adjourned at 8:35 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Karen W. Belsky
Recording Secretary

Next Meeting Scheduled For:
* Tuesday, January 9, 2007, at 7:00 p.m. in Thornton W. Burgess Middle School. *

HAMPDEN-WILBRAHAM REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
School Committee Meeting
Monday, December 11, 2006 @ 7:00 p.m.
Superintendent’s Conference Room

Present:
School Committee Members: Scott Chapman, William Bickley, Marianne Desmond, and Peter Salerno.
Administrators: Paul Gagliarducci and Donna Scanlon.
Absent: D. John McCarthy, Lisa Morace, and Gilles Turcotte.

Executive Session convened at 8:15 p.m. The Committee instructed Dr. Gagliarducci to negotiation a compensation package with Ms. Regulbuto. There were no votes taken.

The Committee returned to open session at 8:35 p.m. to immediately adjourn.

Respectfully submitted,
Paul C. Gagliarducci
For Gilles Turcotte
School Committee Secretary