MINUTES OF THE HINGHAM SCHOOL COMMITTEE
February 11, 2008
The meeting was called to order by Chrisanne Gregoire at 7:35 p.m. in the School Department Conference Room.
Members Present: Chrisanne Gregoire, Christine Smith, Barbara Cook, Caryl Falvey, Esther Healey, Steve Nagle.
Central Office Present: Dot Galo, Ellen Keane, David Killory, Jean Curtis Loud.
Visitors Present: Roger Boddie, Gretchen Amonte, Dennis Friedman, Charlotte Alger, Carol Meyer of the Hingham Journal.
On a motion by Esther Healey and seconded by Barbara Cook,
It was
Voted: To approve the Minutes of the Budget Meeting of January 24, 2008.
On a motion by Christine Smith and seconded by Esther Healey,
It was
Voted: To approve the Minutes of the Regular Session of January 28, 2008.
On a motion by Christine Smith and seconded by Esther Healey,
It was
Voted: To approve the Minutes of the Budget Meeting of January 31, 2008.
Student Communications.
Charlotte Alger reported on the Girls Hockey Team record (15-1-2) and Hingham Cup win vs. Notre Dame; the Drama Play “Removing the Glove”; Focus the Nation Day (Environmental Focus); Math Team record - two out of four meets; the Chorus Concert – Motown theme; and Orchestra Concert “The General” by Buster Keaton (Silent Movie music).
New Business.
The Committee received the annual reports from the Hingham Town Report, calendar year 2007. Dot Galo noted that a more detailed version of the school and department reports is included in the School Committee packet.
The Committee heard an update on communications with the MSBA. Dot Galo noted the copies of the two articles for the Special Town Meeting on March 3 and reported that no additional information is available from MSBA.
The Committee received notification of the following retirements: William Barges, Director of Physical Education and Athletics; Joan Blaustein, grade one teacher, PRS; Sandra Carlson, special education teacher, PRS; Cheryl Edgar, Principal, South School; Susan Hess, grade 2 teacher, Foster; John Higgins, English/Drama teacher, high school; Douglas Ryan, foreign language teacher, high school; Donna Savage, English/Drama teacher, middle school; Joan Silver, English teacher, high school.
The Committee received notification of the appointment of Deborah Marani, a Title I tutor at Foster School from February 1, 2008 to the end of the 2007-2008 school year.
The Committee received notification of advancements on the salary schedule, effective February 1: Erica Dieselman, social studies and Chinese teacher, high school, Bachelor’s +15; Mary Anne Kahler, special education teacher, high school, Master’s +60; Jennifer Larose, social studies teacher, middle school, Bachelor’s +15; Leo Piantes, foreign language teacher, high school, Master’s +30.
The Committee received information regarding an overnight field trip of grades 10-12 chorus to Germany and Poland April 17, 2008 – April 25, 2008.
Budget.
Dot Galo reported on a recent department head forecast meeting. The Public Hearing of the budget scheduled for February 25 will be postponed until March 10. Dot Galo requested input on budget priorities from Committee members no later than February 15th, given the anticipated need to reduce the operating budget. Committee members asked questions. The next forecast meeting is scheduled for February 21.
David Killory reported on an update of the five year Capital Budget. Committee members asked questions and made comments.
Subcommittee Reports.
Steve Nagle reported on the School Building Committee meeting January 29th. The next meeting is scheduled for February 12th. Barbara Cook reported on the Special Education Subcommittee meeting Thursday, January 31st. The next meeting is scheduled for March 27th.
Superintendent’s Report.
1. February enrollment.
2. Parent Literacy Newsletter.
3. DOE document “Questions and Answers”: New Competency Determination Requirements and the Education Proficiency Plan.”
4. Science presentations at Hingham Public Library: Gregg Wachtelhausen (middle school), Katie Roberts (elementary), and Dana Crosby (high school).
On a motion by Barbara Cook and seconded by Christine Smith,
It was
Voted: By roll call vote, with all in favor, to adjourn to Executive Session at 9:10 p.m. to discuss matters pertaining to possible litigation. The Committee stated it would not reconvene in Regular Session.
Barbara Cook
Secretary
/ns