Sue Flicop

Maintenance: The FY10 Budget includes the purchase of a preventative maintenance program for $50,000. This program builds upon the software currently used, and will allow NPS staff to enter info on1700 pieces of equipment at NSHS. The bulk of the expense is for preventative maintenance work. Less than $10,000 is for the actual software. As ESCO projects happen in the school buildings, the equipment is expected to be included in this new program. The goal is to have info on all the mechanical equipment in all the buildings as part of the preventative maintenance program, but this may take a few years.

The budget also increases charter maintenance by $300,000. This amount reflects a more accurate amount that NPS spends on charter maintenance. It is not expected to lead to a significant reduction in the backlog of projects.

Food Services: The budget calls for a reduction of 73 lunch attendants in the elementary schools as a way to reduce the costs associated with school lunch. The information in the budget book did not mean to imply that students would be eating in the hallways. The principals and staff are currently trying to determine the best way to handle lunchtime in each school. Those schools with cafeterias or lunch space will have an easier time finding a solution. In other schools, there is an effort to find some new space specifically for lunch. How recess is handled is still being determined.

These cuts are particularly difficult since many of the lunch attendants are long-term staff members. Many have gone through social competency and anti-bullying training in order to handle difficult situations that may arise during lunch and recess.

USB (Use of School Building) Fees: USB fees were last raised 3 years ago. Members of the SC agreed that these should be reviewed each year in order to charge a fair fee. The SC discussed the goal of increasing fees to earn an additional $40,000. More info and analysis will be done, leading to a recommendation on this fee.

Curriculum and Instruction: There are two proposed increases in professional development:

1. OAT (Observing and Analyzing Teaching) Course: This course has been offered in the past to improve supervision. The format includes reading current research, analysis, role plays and on-site practice. This program was not given last year, since there were only a few people who would be eligible. With new principals this year and a new observation instrument, there will be a full class that will meet every other week for a total of 36 hours over the school year.
2. Creating Authentic Assessments: This includes sending a contingent of NPS staff to certain conferences regarding 21st century skills and professional learning communities, and the purchase of materials. These staff members would then bring this information back to NPS and develop plans to apply their knowledge in Newton.

There was a discussion about using technology to aid in teachers’ professional development. This has started in Newton in two ways:

1. Using a moodle, staff can share their ideas for teaching new curriculum. This process has improved over time. For example, face-to-face time was found to be important early in the process, with an increase in online communications after the participating staff got to know each other better.
2. Online courses are being developed in-house or in conjunction with other communities so that they are tailored to the needs of our community.

Regarding assessment of teachers, the principals and department heads try to keep strong teachers and help them improve their practice through evaluations. Principals follow a procedure that includes 3 formal observations a year (which include observations, summary and recommendations) in addition to informal observations for all new teachers during their first three years. Once teachers attain professional teacher status, they begin a cycle that includes observations every other year. The focus is on whether or not (and what) the student is learning—not on what is being taught. There are lots of supports for teachers to help them improve, including literacy specialists and math coaches.

One element of the Strategic Plan is a 360-degree evaluation process. This is already beginning in some schools, as teachers and parents are being included in reviews. The SC called for adding a presentation on reviews and evaluations at a SC meeting later in the year.

School Committee, Central Staff and Human Resources: These areas were briefly addressed. The main issues that arose included the idea of adding a Chief Financial Officer and why there have been some sizable jumps in costs in certain areas (i.e. supplies and printing). These areas will be addressed on Monday.

Business, Finance, and Planning: Would adding another staff person in the Grants Office increase the amount of money NPS receives? With the amount, timing and requirements of any stimulus money unknown, this is difficult to answer. This area will also be addressed on Monday.

Transportation: The FY10 budget calls for an increase of $40 per child in transportation fees. The additional fee is not expected to significantly impact the number of passes purchased. Some members of the SC called for increased checking of passes if the fee increases. These fees are still under review by the Fees Subcommittee of the SC.

There is a question about whether or not NPS can stop providing transportation to Newton students who attend private schools in Newton. This is a matter of law—recently the city lawyers have weighed in, but this will be confirmed.

Next Meeting: On Monday night, the SC is expected to continue discussion in the following areas: math coaches; changes at the high schools level, including changes in the PE requirements, the change in maximum number of blocks, and the proposed cut-off number for under-enrolled courses; Special Education; the addition of a CFO and new Grants positions. This will be followed by a straw vote, where each SC members give an idea of how they will vote and what changes they would hope to see.