MINUTES OF THE HINGHAM SCHOOL COMMITTEE
March 24, 2008
The meeting was called to order by Chrisanne Gregoire at 7:33 p.m. in the School Department Conference Room.
Members Present: Chrisanne Gregoire, Christine Smith, Barbara Cook, Caryl Falvey, Esther Healey, Linda Hill, Steve Nagle.
Central Office Present: Dot Galo, Ellen Keane, David Killory, Jean Curtis Loud.
Visitors Present: Alan Freedman, Sharon McKay, Roger Boddie, Erica Carmody, Mary Power.
On a motion by Linda Hill and seconded by Esther Healey,
It was
Voted: To approve the Minutes of the Regular Session of March 10, 2008.
Communications.
Dot Galo noted the Globe article regarding girls’ hockey venues. The Committee discussed whether or not to write a letter to MIAA supporting equity for girls’ hockey. Dot Galo also noted that Jan Duffy was acknowledged at the State House as a Massachusetts PAEMST Finalist, and a press release regarding MSBA visits to schools.
Old Business.
The Committee conducted a public meeting regarding School Choice.
On a motion by Linda Hill and seconded by Barbara Cook,
It was
Voted: To adopt a resolution withdrawing from participating in the State’s School Choice Program.
New Business.
Dot Galo reviewed the background and reasons for the September 25, 2006 School Committee vote.
On a motion by Caryl Falvey and seconded by Barbara Cook,
It was
Voted: To rescind the September 25, 2006 vote of the School Committee authorizing temporary use of the proposed new school to house fifth and sixth graders, and to affirm that the new school, upon its completion, will function as a pre-K-grade 5 elementary school.
Dot Galo reviewed the recommended charge and the composition of the Ad Hoc Study Committee regarding Extended Kindergarten in Hingham. The Committee agreed to direct the Superintendent of Schools to (1) form an Ad Hoc Study Committee to be charged with developing a proposed scope and program model for an extended school day for Hingham Public Schools kindergarten students, and (2) report back to the School Committee by the end of October, 2008 with a recommended action for implementation of a full or extended day program, to commence as soon as space allows.
David Killory reviewed the process for a committee to review modular classroom proposals. The committee will include Christine Smith, Roger Boddie, Scott Dunlap, and Paul Field.
On a motion by Linda Hill and seconded by Barbara Cook,
It was
Voted: To appoint a committee to review modular classroom proposals, as recommended.
The Committee received notification of the retirement of Marion Brewer, a grade 3 teacher at Plymouth River School, effective June 30, 2008.
The Committee received notification that an anticipated resignation has been withdrawn.
The Committee received notification of the maternity leave of absence for Natalie Allen, an English teacher at Hingham High School, from April 7, 2008 through the end of the 2007-2008 school year and an extended leave of absence for the 2008-2009 school year.
The Committee received notification of the maternity leave of absence for Shastin Garland, a grade 3 teacher at Foster School, from March 31, 2008 through to the end of the 2007-2008 school year.
The Committee received notification of the maternity leave of absence for Heather Sullivan, an English teacher at Hingham Middle School, from May 1, 2008 through to the end of the 2007-2008 school year.
The Committee received notification of the extended leave of absence for Ruth Watson, a kindergarten teacher at Plymouth River School, for the 2008-2009 school year.
The Committee received information regarding a field trip of the Spanish V class to El museo dei Bario in New York, April 4, 2008.
The Committee received information regarding a field trip of the Amnesty International Club to the Indian, Sri Lankan, and Myanmar Consulates, New York City, April 11, 1008.
The Committee received information regarding a field trip of the Fashion Flair & Interior Design class of Family & Consumer Science to the New York City Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) Museum, April 17, 2008.
The Committee received information regarding a field trip of the Varsity Girls Lacrosse team to White River Junction and Dartmouth College, New Hampshire, April 22, 2008, returning April 23, 2008.
The Committee received notification of spring coaching assignments, as recommended.
Subcommittee Reports.
Linda Hill, Chair of the Salary & Negotiations Subcommittee, reported on the status of Athletic Director and South School Principal Search Committees processes.
Steve Nagle, School Building Committee, reported on the status of bids, including the general contractor bid, March 26, 2008 at 1:00 p.m.
On a motion by Barbara Cook and seconded by Steve Nagle,
It was
Voted: By roll call vote, with all in favor, to adjourn the School Committee meeting at 8:45 p.m.
Barbara Cook
Secretary
/ns