(Reminder: official minutes of
the Melrose School Committee can be found on the melroseschools.com web site
following approval by the Committee. My notes are below, and edits and errors
are mine alone.)
Welcome to a new school
year! Summer seems to have flown by. Before we head get too far into new
business, here’s a recap of Committee work since just before students left in
June:
6/14
MHS Foreign Language
teacher Mr. Malley was awarded the MA Foreign Language Association’s New
Teacher Commendation Award that recognizes new teachers for demonstrated
excellence in teaching as well as involvement in the school community and
professional activities. * Supt. Taymore presented a staffing report that spoke
to retirements, resignations, leaves, etc. * Asst. Supt. of Teaching and
Learning Dr. Margaret Adams, Foreign Language Director Kim Talbot, and members
of the foreign language staff presented the program review, a two-year
self-reflection process designed to improve services to students. * The
Committee unanimously approved the appointment of former MHS Principal Marianne
Farrell to the position of Interim Director of Finance and Administrative
Affairs, effective July 1st. * School Building Committee representatives
presented their findings and final recommendations regarding space challenges
in the schools due to increasing enrollments. They had voted earlier in the day
to recommend pre-fabricated classrooms as the optimal solution.
6/28
We held a pre-meeting to
meet with legislators Representative Paul Brodeur and Senator Jason Lewis where
we discussed concerns around increasing state mandates and upcoming ballot
questions. * In our regular meeting, Supt. Taymore indicated that there are 315
Kindergarten registrations. * MHS Interim Principal Jason Merrill and MVMMS
Principal Brent Conway announced the intention to develop a Secondary Schools
Culture and Climate Action Plan. * The Committee approved retaining current
grade configurations and supported the School Building Committee’s
recommendation to employ pre-fabricated classrooms to address our growing
school population. * A School Committee retreat was approved for later in the
year. * In Executive Session, we approved new teacher mentor positions, a three-year
contract for teachers (and others who bargain under the MEA), and an agreement
to allow the union president some teaching time relief.
7/26
Supt. Taymore presented an
overview of the School Improvement Plans for the coming year. * The Supt.
announced that the state Kindergarten grant was cut for 165 communities in the
state, resulting in a loss of $115K in revenue for Melrose in the coming year
while special education funding (Circuit Breaker) was restored to full funding.
* $23.5K will be transferred from the Facilities revolving account to furnish
this year’s additional elementary classrooms. * The choral instructor was
provided funding to teach another class block due to increased enrollment. * In
Executive Session, the Committee voted to approve an agreement with Traffic
Supervisors (crossing guards) and a retroactive 1% stipend increase for
extra-curricular activities, created stipend positions for teacher support, and
reinstated a special education Education Team Facilitator position.
8/23
Members of the Competency
Based Education Task Force presented their findings and recommendations, with
Supt. Taymore announcing the receipt of a $150K grant from the Barr Foundation (one
of New England’s largest private foundations) to continue this work. * The Committee
conducted its annual approval of Supt. recommended staff members as required by
law (physician, nurses, resource officer, harassment officer, and attendance
officer). * New entrance signage has been employed at Horace Mann and
Roosevelt. * The Committee approved funds for non-union personnel salary
increases. * Ms. Farrell will facilitate a working group to review the current
district rental agreement and recommend changes with respect to contract terms,
pricing, etc. * Financials for summer programs were reviewed, with programs
generally self-supporting. * A revised Field Trip Policy was approved with
Supt. Taymore indicating that she plans to update the Field Trip Approval Form.
* Supt. Taymore’s FY16 evaluation was presented, with the Committee finding her
work Proficient overall. She has declined a salary increase this year based on
the lean budget. *
Next meeting: tomorrow (9/13) at 7:00 in the Aldermanic Chambers of City Hall. You
can watch at home on MMTV or watch the video beginning Wednesday at mmtv3.org.
