Draft:  June 15, 2006

Approved:  August 2, 2006                                                                                           

School Committee meeting June 14, 2006                                                               

Under Report of the Secretary

 

Executive Session

Consideration and action to move into Executive Session to discuss negotiations with the Portland Education Association (PEA) pursuant to 1 MRSA §405(6) D.

At 6:07 p.m. Mr. Meiklejohn moved, seconded  Ms. Hopkins and voted  unanimously to move into Executive Session to discuss negotiations with the Portland Education Association (PEA) pursuant to 1 MRSA §405(6)D.

 

Members present:  Ellen Alcorn, Susan Hopkins, John Coyne, Benjamin Meiklejohn, Jon Radtke, Stephen Spring,

 

Members not present:  Lori Gramlich, Otis Thompson, Jason Toothaker

 

At 6:30 p.m. Mr. Spring moved, seconded  Mr. Coyne and voted unanimously to come out of Executive Session.

 

Business Meeting

Ms. Alcorn called the meeting to order at 7 p.m.

 

Members present:  Ellen Alcorn, Jason Toothaker (arrived at 7:09pm), John Coyne, Stephen Spring, Benjamin Meiklejohn, Jonathan Radtke, Susan Hopkins, Otis Thompson (arrived at 7:10pm), Sarah Muzzy, Joshua Waxman

 

Members not present:  Lori Gramlich

 

Ms. Alcorn requested unanimous consent of the board to take some agenda items out of order.

 

Personnel 

  1. Consideration and action to approve the Personnel items listed:

Re-Election:  Effective 9/1/06 – 2nd Probationary contract, One Year Only

Abigail Carter                           Child Development                0.5                                                                                                       PATHS

Aaron Rog                               Computer Teacher                   1.0

                                                Moore Middle School

 

Leave of Absence: Effective 2006-2007 School Year

Lisa Downey                            Speech Pathologist                    .1 of 1.0            Personal

                                                Moore

Luisa Martinez              Language Arts Teacher            1.0                   Personal

                                                King

 

Change in Degree:  Effective 9/1/06

Stephanie Doane              Social Studies/DHS                Salary Increase of $3,324*

   MS in Education – USM               

 

Laurie Daniels                           Grade 5                                  Salary Increase of $3,022*

            MS in Education – USM

 

Election:  Probationary Contract effective 9/1/06

Ted Dalton                               Special Education – Spring Harbor            $39,706*

            BA in Human Ecology – College of the Atlantic

                       

Nicholas Potts             Special Education – Spring Harbor            $41,597*

            BS in School Health Education – UMaine Farmington                              

 

Gail Bailey                                Speech – Longfellow                            $56,812*

            M.S. in Communication Disorders – Marquette

 

Anne Grygiel                            District OT                                           $37,774*

            M.S in occupational Therapy – Tufts University

 

Caroline Davies                        Special Ed Teacher                               $45,631*

            MA in English – Bread Loaf School of English @ Middlebury College

 

Effective 7/1/06:

Sheila Jepson                            Assistant Principal/DHS              $80,349*

            M.S. in Education – Plymouth State College

 

Non-Represented Election – Effective 7/1/06

Gary Groves                             Co-Curricular Director-DHS              $62,475*

            BA in Speech Communication and Public Relations – UMO

 

* pending negotiations

 

Mr. Radtke moved, seconded  Mr. Coyne and voted  unanimously to approve the personnel items listed. (students voted with majority)

 

Sheila Jepson and Gary Groves briefly addressed the Committee.

 

Old Business

1.            Consideration and action to approve the 2006-2007 school calendar.

 

Mr. Radtke moved, seconded  Mr. Toothaker to approve the  2006-2007 school calendar.

 

Mr. Coyne spoke to the motion.  Has heard overwhelming support for professional development.

 

Clarifying questions:

Mr. Spring - asked if the Committee would be voting again on the calendar once all 

considerations are discussed.  Ms. Alcorn - yes.

 

Public Discussion: 13 members of the public addressed the Committee  regarding the calendar.

 

Discussion/Debate:

Mr. Thompson - looking at calendar already adopted.

 

Ms. Alcorn - intent of the motion is to bring the calendar forward again to correct a problem in process to allow public to interact with board on this issue.

 

Mr. Meiklejohn - questioning procedural process and asked if a motion would be made to amend the approved calendar to take suggestions by public into consideration.

 

Ms. Hopkins -spoke about weekly professional development.

 

Ms. Muzzy - thanked everyone who decided to revisit the calendar issue.

 

Mr. Waxman – a solution is needed.  Teachers and parents feel disrespected by the process.

 

Mr. Spring - requested a 5 minute recess be taken to discuss possible amended motion that student reps might like considered.

 

At 7:55 p.m. Ms. Alcorn called a 5 minute recess.

 

Meeting was called back to order at 8:02 p.m.

 

Discussion/Debate of motion before committee.

 

Mr. Coyne moved, seconded  Mr. Radtke to amend the calendar changing Wed. late starts to  1 hour early release each Wed.

 

Mr. Coyne - spoke to amended motion.

 

Clarifying questions:

Ms. Hopkins- would transportation  and after school programs be worked out?

 

Superintendent O’Connor mentioned 1)considering the possibly having chorus, music, and other creative programs offered at the end of the day.  Rec. Dept. has indicated that they can cover in afternoons at all elem. schools.  There will be a fee for parents to access the rec program.  Any change would not affect the local budget.

 

Mr. Spring – unable to guarantee that students can get free learning or care on late start?

 

Superintendent O’Connor - cannot guarantee free supervision.  Rec. Dept. fee is on scale and scholarships are available.

 

 Mr. Waxman – asked if there would be any public comment on amendment.   Ms. Alcorn – indicated that there would not be public comment.

 

Ms. Muzzy - referred to meeting when calendar was passed - late starts were considered vs. early releases and discussion of students going home to an empty home, no parental supervision.

 

Mr. Radtke - supports amendment.  Notion of ongoing staff development gained additional energy last year when compassioned parents brought forward concerns about how PPS was doing staff development by offering early  releases during the year.   To that end a task force was created, suggestions went to PDC, which included reps from PEA who brought 3  potential calendars to the School Committee with a list of things to keep in mind.  This information went back to the task force to review and then the task force made recommendations to superintendent, which were brought back to the School Committee.  The School Committee vote was the result of an amendment made that supports notion that all teachers should have opportunity and be able to participate in staff development on an ongoing basis - Oct. to May.

 

Mr. Meiklejohn moved, seconded  Mr. Toothaker and voted  unanimously to allow a period of public comment on the amendment be opened with 3 minute limit.  (students 

with majority)

 

Public Comment:  15 members of the public addressed the on the amendment.

 

Discussion/Debate:

Mr. Thompson – there is a need in the district for ongoing, systematic professional development and to the PPS specifically to meet various expectations required of the 

district.  Has concerns about young children during afternoon early release.

 

Mr. Radtke - spoke about professional development in the district.   Calendars PDC provided included three options- one calendar had early release one Wed. a month; second option had no early release days; third option was early release once a week.

 

Mr. Spring - supports amended motion.  Professional development needs are huge in 

preparing students for 21st century and needs to be part of  schedule.   Referred to task force recommendations.   Hopes that free care of some type can be offered.

 

Mr. Waxman - suggested trying this for a year and if it doesn't work then it can be changed.  Asks that public realize that ongoing professional development is for a better education of students.

 

Ms. Alcorn - supports amended motion.  Ongoing professional development is a 

necessity.   Important to get child care info out to community and to immigrant families.

 

Superintendent O’Connor - supports amended motion.

 

Vote on amendment:  It was voted unanimously to amend the calendar changing Wed. late starts to one-hour early release each Wed. for 2006-07.(Students- 1 yea, 1 nay)

 

Back to main motion to approve 2006- 07 calendar as amended.

 

Mr. Meiklejohn moved, seconded Mr. Toothaker to approve the calendar officially recommended by  the calendar task force. (Mr. Toothaker withdrew second)

 

Mr. Meiklejohn - spoke to amendment.

 

Mr. Spring - requested clarification of amendment.

 

Mr. Toothaker - seconded amendment, but now realizes it is referring to a different calendar.  Withdrew second.

 

Mr. Radtke - the calendar presented by the superintendent and the task force are 

different calendars.

 

Mr. Spring moved, seconded  Mr. Toothaker to amend 2006-07 calendar with early release to shift Sept. 6th  to student day and June 14th  as a regular student day.

 

Kathleen Casasa spoke to calendar and asked SC to be cautious when  making changes.

 

Joline Hart – addressed the Committee indicating that she was not comfortable with amendment.

 

Discussion/debate:

Mr. Spring - intention is to try to provide more student instructional time.  If concerns are violation of contract would withdraw amendment.

 

Superintendent O’Connor - does not recommend.

 

Vote on amendment:  It was voted  2-6 to amend 2006-07 calendar with early release to shift Sept. 6th  to student day and June 14th  as a regular student day. (Motion fails) (Students voted with majority)

 

Vote on main motion as amended:  It was voted  unanimously to approve the  2006-2007 school calendar changing Wed. late starts to one-hour early release each Wed.

(Students – Mr. Waxman - yea, Ms. Muzzy-nay)

 

Committee took another agenda item out of order:

 

New Business

  3.            Consideration and action to accept the revised instructional times as presented by the Superintendent for the 2006-07 academic year.

 

Ms. Hopkins moved, seconded  Mr. Radtke to accept the revised instructional times as presented by the Superintendent for the  2006-07 academic year.

 

Superintendent O’Connor - spoke regarding start/dismissal times.  Elem. 8:50-3;Middle School  8:15-2:25; High School 7:45-1:55  Early release: Elem. 2:00; Middle School - 1:25; High School- 12:55

 

Public Comment:  Four members of the public addressed the committee on proposed instructional times.

 

Discussion/Debate:

Mr. Radtke - board is in negotiations and has discussed many issues in exec. session.

 

Mr. Thompson – asked how difference in hours of middle school teachers versus elementary and high  schools occurred.   Superintendent O’Connor indicated that it happened many years ago.

 

Superintendent O’Connor - spoke to staggered start/dismissal times and the need for buses to transport students to/from school.  Superintendent indicated support of the motion.

 

Vote:  It was voted  unanimously to accept the revised instructional times as presented by the Superintendent for the 2006-07 academic year. (Students opposed) 

 

Report of the Chair – No report

 

Report of the Superintendent

Superintendent O’Connor:

·        Announced retirements/resignations:

             1.  Retirement:  effective 6/30/06

Arlene Wescott                       Grade 3          1.0                   27 years of service

                                                            Reiche

2.  Resignations: effective 6/30/06

Wendy Russo                           Art                                           29 years of service

                                                            Deering

Margaret Lewis                       Literary Specialist                      2 years of service

                                                            Longfellow

Shiela Reaman                        Adult Ed Teacher                   6 years of service

                                                            West

 

Jonathan Dodson                     Adult Ed Teacher                   2 years of service

                                                            West

 

Janie Bartlett                         Speech                                     1 years of service

                                                Clifford

 

·        Update on Family Living Task Force - provided a brief update on the status of the Family Living Task Force recommendations and Family Living Program. Thanked task force members and Sue Steele, facilitator.

 

·        Update on the request by the City Council to reduce the FY07 budget by $500,000 - reviewed where monies will be taken to reduce the budget by $500,000.

 

Report of Committees

1.   Policy Committee - Mr. Radtke - 2 policies for first read.  Next  meeting will be in early August.

  1. Finance Committee - Mr. Thompson – spoke to the $500,000 reduction provided  by superintendent.
  2. Legislative Affairs Committee - no report
  3. Riverton Building Committee - Mr. Coyne - waiting for bids on project

5.   Other Committees and/or member concerns – None.

 

Consent Items - None

 

Report of the Secretary

1.  Consideration and action to approve the meeting minutes of the May  15, 2006, May 17, 2006, and June 7, 2006 meetings.

 

Mr. Coyne moved, seconded  Mr. Toothaker and voted  unanimously to approve 

the meeting minutes of  the May 15, 2006 , May 17, 2006 and June 7,  2006 meetings.(Students voted with majority)

 

Old  Business - None

 

 

 

New Business

1.         First reading of policies:

Mr. Radtke commended Bill Verrill and Wellness Task Force for their 

work on the following policies:

a.         EFE - Competitive Food Sales-Sales of Foods in Competition with  the School Food Service Program

b.         JL - Local Wellness Policy

 

2.            Consideration and action to approve the expenditure of up to  $1,700 from the School Committee's FY06 contingency to cover the cost of rewiring the audio for broadcasting of meetings from Room  250 beginning in 2006-07.

 

Mr. Radtke moved, seconded  Mr. Thompson to approve the expenditure of up to $1,700 from the School Committee's FY06 contingency to cover the cost of rewiring the audio for broadcasting of meetings from Room 250 beginning in 2006-07.

 

Shoshana Hoose spoke to the motion.  Consensus of a previous  workshop was that Committee would remain in Room 250 for 2006-0, which would require some rewiring.

 

Mr. Thompson – asked if  wireless mikes could be a possibility.  Ms. Hoose – indicated that cell phones interfere with these.

 

Mr. Spring - during workshop was City Council chambers discussed for future meetings?  Is there cost associated with this?

 

Ms. Hoose - there would be a cost.  Time Warner does City Council broadcasts at no cost.  School Committee meetings would not be broadcast at no charge.  Equipment could be used, however, wired to go over channel 2, which would cause an override of programming on channel 2.

 

Discussion/Debate:

Mr. Spring- doesn't support.  Wants to hold meetings at City Hall.  More accessible for people who don't have cars, busing stops at City Hall.

 

Mr. Meiklejohn- would prefer full financial accounting for broadcasting on channel 2 or channel 3 from city hall before considering this motion.

 

Ms. Alcorn- in workshop Committee members present reached consensus to remain at PATHS  for one more year while technology could catch up that would allow meetings to be moved to a school in the future.

 

Vote:  It was voted 6-2 to approve the expenditure of up to $1,700 from the School Committee's FY06 contingency to cover the cost of rewiring the audio for broadcasting of meetings from Room 250 beginning in 2006-07.  (Students voted with majority)

 

4.            Consideration and action to approve a contract agreement between  B.A.S.E. (Benefit Association of School Employees) and the Portland  School Committee effective July 1, 2006 to June 30, 2007 pending 

ratification by B.A.S.E.

 

Mr. Radtke moved, seconded  Mr. Coyne to approve a contract agreement between B.A.S.E. (Benefit Association of School Employees) and the Portland School Committee effective July 1, 2006 to June 30, 2007 pending ratification by B.A.S.E.

 

Ms. Hart - spoke to the motion – re-opener on salary/benefits only.

 

Clarifying questions:

Mr. Meiklejohn – asked when information was available to public.

 

Ms. Hart- available since Friday, June 9th.

 

Vote:  It was voted  unanimously to approve a contract agreement between B.A.S.E. (Benefit Association of School Employees) and the Portland School Committee effective July 1, 2006 to June 30, 2007 pending ratification by B.A.S.E.(Students voted with majority)

 

5.            Consideration and action to approve a contract agreement between  the Portland Education Association for Educational Technicians and Bilingual Facilitators and the Portland School Committee effective  September 1, 2006 to June 30, 2007 pending ratification by the Educational Technicians and Bilingual Facilitators.

 

Mr. Radtke moved, seconded  Mr. Coyne to approve a contract  agreement between the Portland Education Association for Educational Technicians and Bilingual Facilitators and the Portland School Committee effective September 1, 2006 to June 30, 2007 pending ratification by the Educational Technicians and Bilingual Facilitators.

 

Ms. Hart - spoke to motion.  Re-opener for salary/benefits only.

 

Mr. Meiklejohn – asked if information was available to the public.

 

Ms. Hart – indicated that it was.

 

Vote:  It was voted  unanimously to approve a contract  agreement between the Portland Education Association for Educational Technicians and Bilingual Facilitators and the Portland School Committee effective September 1, 2006 to June 30, 2007 pending ratification by the Educational Technicians and Bilingual Facilitators. (Students voted with majority)

 

6.            Consideration and action to approve a three percent (3%) salary  increase for non-represented employees effective July 1, 2006.

 

Mr. Coyne moved, seconded  Mr. Radtke to approve a three percent (3%) salary increase for non-represented employees effective July 1, 2006.

 

Ms. Hart – indicated that this applies to the 48 non-represented employees

 

Vote:  It was voted  unanimously to approve a three percent (3%) salary increase for non-represented employees effective July 1, 2006.(Students opposed)

 

 

 

 

Committee Focus on Educational Issues - None

 

Public Comment Prior to 11:00 PM - None

 

Adjournment

Mr. Spring moved, seconded  Mr. Toothaker and voted  unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 9:55 p.m. (Students voted with majority)

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

Mary Jo O’Connor

Superintendent of Schools