I. Call to Order
Mr. Anthony Paolillo called the June 21 2010 meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Members
present included, Ms. Eileen Hsu-Balzer, Ms. Laurie McManus, Mr. John Portz, Mr.
David Leon, Mr. Christopher Beach and Mr. Mark Sideris. Also present were Dr. Ann
Koufman-Frederick, Dr. Jean Fitzgerald and Ms. Allie Altman.
Chairman Paolillo asked that the School Committee hear a report from the Student
Advisor. Chairman Paolillo asked next items be taken out of order.
Student Advisor
Ms. Mary Izzo reported on events at Watertown High School to include the Jr. Cruise
on the Odyssey ship on June 9th and final exams ending on June 22nd.
V. Presentation/Discussion
i. Watertown Boosters Association
Mr. Stephen Messina, Mr. Arthur Venezia and Mr. Tony Fantasia from the
Watertown Boosters Association gave a report on the Watertown Boosters and
future plans with Watertown Public Schools. Mr. Venezia reported fight night is the
main fundraiser for the Fitness Center and will continue in the future. The Boosters
are working with youth sports presidents to build youth sports and to join their
booster clubs with the Watertown Boosters Association. Chairman Paolillo
commented that there are different High School Sports teams with their own booster
clubs. Mr. Lahiff would like to see one main booster club for the High School not
to say those other booster clubs would go away but to make it one big club to
fundraise. Mr. Beach proposed having a summer event to supplement fight night.
Mr. Jason DelPorto, Vice Principal, Watertown Middle School and Mr. Mike
Noftsker, Headmaster, Watertown High School presented to the School Committee
their School Improvement Plans.
III. Teaching and Learning Showcase
Mr. Rob Stergis, Curriculum Coordinator, English as a Second Language and Ms.
Mena Ciarlone, Grade 5 Teacher, Cunniff School gave a recap of this year’s
Professional Development Program and an overview of next year’s program. The
PDC is comprised of 10 members representing all levels of the schools who meet on
a monthly basis. Courses covered 21st Century Skills, 13 Technology-In-Practice
courses as well as mini courses and school based courses throughout the school
year. Ms. Ciarlone and Mr. Stergis reported on the application Xtra Normal that is
being used in the classrooms as well as WikiSpace. Classrooms are also using
Kidspiration, Adaptiation, Aminationish and GarageBand.
Ms. Silka Plesh of Putnam Street, Watertown, would like to host a Foreign
Exchange Student from Germany. This student would be placed at the High School.
Dr. Koufman is working out issues/concerns with this and will stay in touch with
Ms. Plesh.
b. Acceptance of a Gift
A gift of approximately $846.00 has been received for books to the Hosmer
School Library from Hosmer School parents.
Mr. John Portz reported that the Subcommittee on Budget and Finance met on
6/14 focusing on proposed cuts in the budget particularly with the Custodial staff.
Fees were also discussed to include bus transportation, sports and activity fees
and preschool fees. In regards to bus transportation, for at least the last seven
years the fees were $180 per student and $250 family cap. The Subcommittee
recommended modifying that charge and proposed to increase both by 50%/ The
new fees proposed would be $270 per student and $425 family cap. A motion
was made and seconded to accept the recommendations.
Mr. Portz reported that at the Middle School a $25 activity fee was instituted last
year that allowed unlimited sports and activities. The Subcommittee made a
recommendation to include an athletic fee. The Subcommittee recommended a
$100 athletics fee and a $25 activities fee for the Middle School. If a student
pays the $100 athletic fee, they will be able to do an activity as well. A motion
was made and seconded to accept the recommendations.
VII. Reports
a. Chairman’s
Chairman Paolillo announced that the budget was passed by Town Council and
thanked Mr. Sideris, the Town Council and Administration for all the work they
did on getting the budget passed. Chairman Paolillo thanked the Boosters for
coming in tonight. Chairman Paolillo mentioned he is not sure when the next
School Committee meeting for the summer will be but the Athletics
Subcommittee should meet in July or August to talk about Middle School sports
so parents will know where they stand with the program. Two issues were sent
back to the Policy Subcommittee – for more information - eligibility
requirements and retired numbers. Buildings and Grounds Subcommittee needs
to meet regarding the parking issue at the Hosmer School and discussions on the
Family Network and the impact they will have with the seniors needs to be
discussed. Chairman Paolillo also recommended that the Budget and Finance
Subcommittee meet.
b. Superintendent’s
Dr. Koufman-Frederick reported that there are many moving on ceremonies. The
Lowell and Hosmer took place, and tomorrow is the Middle School Graduation
and the Cunniff School 5th grade ceremony. Dr. Koufman-Frederick thanked the
Administration and School Committee members for their support throughout the
school year.
c. Next Meeting
a. Summer Meetings TBD
b. Proposed 2010-2011 Meeting Dates
Chairman Paolillo would like Joan Jackson to poll the members on what
they are doing for vacation over the summer so that a School Committee
Meeting can take place. There will also be a workshop sometime in
August.
No New Business
IX. Adjournment
A motion was made and seconded to adjourn the June 21, 2010 meeting of
the School Committee at 9:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Laurie J. McManus
Secretary