Government at a glance

Pentucket Regional School Committee

Dec. 15, 2009

Wendy Willis of West Newbury was not present

APPROVED

A three-year high school improvement plan submitted by Principal Jonathan Seymour and developed by the school council. Goals include proficient scores for all students on all MCAS exams; a written curriculum balancing content knowledge and Habits of Learning to include common midyear and end-of-year assessments by June 2010; a revised school mission and adequate preparation for a successful visit from the New England Association of Schools and Colleges by June 2012; and a reduction in the high school drop-out rate to less than 1 percent. The school's drop-out rate was 0 percent last year. But since 2003, nearly 70 students have dropped out. Seymour is organizing a team to identify and work with at-risk students. He asked that the committee continue to provide resources in the budget to allow him and his staff to collaborate on a regular basis. The committee also received a presentation on a Middle School Improvement plan from Principal Robin Wilson.

Obtaining potassium iodine pills to distribute to students in the event of a nuclear incident at Seabrook nuclear power plant. The schools will follow recommended guidelines for distribution and obtain parental permission before administering the pills.

Authorizing the treasurer to borrow money for next year, as is allowed under state statute, should state revenues not come in a timely basis.

Adoption of updated policies governing learning support service programs, remedial instruction, alternative programs, curriculum adoption, health education, physical education and participation in interscholastic sports.

The following donations for the Bagnall Elementary School Open Space and Trails mapping project: Groveland Diner, Ellen Conley, $25; Wright family, $100; and Daniels Electric, $100.

A donation of a color laser printer with supplies to Page Elementary School from the Atwood Family of West Newbury.

An $86,000 donation from the town of West Newbury to fund technology upgrades at Page School. Voters approved the spending at a special Town Meeting in October following a citizen's petition organized by Anna Marie Beech and Sandra Capo of the West Newbury PTO. West Newbury Selectman Glenn Kemper asked that the district commit a dedicated funding source for technology upgrades in future budgets.

An anonymous $12,000 donation to the Pentucket music program for the purchase of band uniforms. Musicians will wear the new uniforms while representing Massachusetts at the National Memorial Day parade in Washington, D.C., in May. Fundraising efforts to offset costs for students to travel to and participate in the parade are underway. Anyone wishing to donate to the cause can contact band director Tony Beatrice at abeatrice@prsd.org.

Giving Chairman Moran authorization to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the state for a grant program that may established in the future to manage distribution of federal Race to the Top funds.

Going into executive session at the end of open session under Chapter 39, Section 23 of the Open Meeting Law.

DISCUSSED

The educational and staffing implications of a level-funded budget for next year as presented by Superintendent Paul Livingston. Discussion on the budget continues on Jan. 5 at 7:30 p.m. in the high school cafeteria.

Donna Torvi, a Groveland parent, raised concerns during the public comment portion of the meeting about how a possible switch from a seven-period to a six-period day at the high school might affect the ability of students to fit theater, music and visual arts classes into their daily schedules. In a time when districts are concerned about unhealthy stress levels in students, these programs are "the best stress relievers that we provide for our children," Torvi contended.

At the close of the meeting, Maria Gray, president of the Pentucket Association of Teachers, made public a press release highlighting three concerns the union has: the lack of response to her request on Dec. 3 for a copy of the superintendent's most recent contract, which she says was promised to her by School Committee Chairwoman Maureen Moran no later than Dec. 11; a proposal by the West Newbury Board of Selectmen to change language in the Pentucket regional agreement that would restrict teachers' salaries to a specific percentage of the overall budget; the PAT's disappointment in a response from the School Committee to an executive session held in September on the vote of no confidence made by teachers against the superintendent last June. Gray stated that no concerted effort or measurable progress has been made by the superintendent to improve his working relationship with the full Pentucket faculty.

RECOGNIZED

With great sadness the unexpected passing of former School Committee member Val Corradino of Merrimac. Chairwomen Maureen Moran asked for a moment of silence at the beginning of the session in memory of Corradino's community service to the towns and schools, and Selectman Kemper remembered her tireless advocacy for the district's children and contributions to Page School, where she previously worked. The Pentucket Fine and Performing Arts Foundation is planning a tribute to Corradino, a former board member and strong advocate for the arts, at its upcoming AlumNight concert and art exhibit on Jan. 8.

An artistic presentation by Page sixth-graders. Donning glittery gold top hats, the students performed a piece on which they collaborated to create lyrics and choreography. The song, "Peace of the People," was sung to the tune of "Eye of the Tiger." Teachers Nancy Fiske, Brenda Dresser and Sue Van Etten oversaw the interdisciplinary project. Students performing were Adreana Dziadosz, Lauren Gendron, Martin Hayes, Taylor Hebert, Hannah Hollow, Beebe Jackson, Nickolas Jorge, Brennan McGuirk, Brady Mokrzycki, Taylor Moore, Brielle Powers, Samantha Romano, Alyssa Richardson, Emma Silverthorne, Emma Vargo and Hailey Vlass.

A letter from Page Principal Liz Perry announcing her retirement in June 2010. Perry thanked the administration, West Newbury town leaders, the school board, parents and students for their support over the past 17 years. She encouraged the committee to continue its focus on Professional Learning Communities as a way to develop teacher talent.

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