Agawam School Committee
Workshop Minutes
November 6, 2008
Chair, S. Dawson, called the meeting to order at 6:03 p.m. in the Agawam High School cafeteria for the purpose of discussing changes to the AHS Program of Studies and any FY’10 Budget implications.
Present: A. Bonavita, J. Cameron, L. Galarneau, R. Doering, & S. Reed (arrived at 6:10 p.m.)
Dr. Czajkowski, G. Bares, W. Sapelli, Mr. Lemanski, Mrs. Schoenberger & all Secondary Curriculum Specialists &
Assistant Curriculum Specialists
Absent: D. Juzba
S. Dawson turned the workshop over to Dr. Czajkowski who introduced Gregory Bares, our new Assistant Superintendent for Business/HR to everyone present. She then asked the curriculum specialists to introduce themselves. Dr. Czajkowski explained that a meeting was held earlier in the day with the high school administration, central office administration, and the curriculum specialists to discuss how proposed changes to the AHS Program of Studies would impact the school budget next year.
Next, Mr. Lemanski noted that many of these changes were the result of the Mass. Department of Elementary & Secondary Education raising the MCAS passing score from 220 to 240 beginning with the Class of 2010. In addition, the number of units in the Massachusetts High School Core Program of Studies (MassCore) has been increased, thereby impacting our graduation requirements.
Dr. Czajkowski reminded everyone that re-evaluating the present graduation requirements was listed as a priority in the district’s “Vision 2010” goals. She also explained that teachers will be required to submit an Educational Proficiency Plan (EPP) for those students who are not meeting MCAS proficiency scores. In addition, she noted that data shows approximately one-third of students who enter college need remediation in Reading and Math.
Next, ELA Secondary Curriculum Specialist, Bronwyn Monahan, reviewed a list of 24 high school students who have been identified as needing reading intervention with some reading at only the 4th, 5th, and 7th grade levels. Mrs. Monahan noted that over half of these ninth grade students are from other districts attending the high school under School Choice. She also explained that staff is not available to remediate these students in grades 10, 11, and 12.
Dr. Czajkowski then discussed the relevance of the MCAS on-line course that was instituted 10 years ago. She also stated that more staff will need to be hired if the district is to meet the standards of MassCore, which will be a significant cost.
During discussion, A. Bonavita said a cost projection for placing staff in areas of need would be helpful to the Committee when they prepare the next school budget. Mayor Dawson reminded the Committee that unemployment benefits have been increased for employees who have been laid off, which is another financial consideration. She confided that she had sent a memo to her department heads that day asking them to look at budget cuts in the amounts of 3%, 5%, & 7% for their respective departments. J. Cameron reminded everyone that the purpose of a high school diploma is two-fold, namely to be able to graduate and enter the work force or to enter college. Discussion then took place regarding the present Foreign Language and Physical Education graduation requirements, as well as the lack of space to add more programs/staff. R. Doering stressed that she is not in favor of eliminating the Foreign Language graduation requirement noting that our district is so close to meeting the MassCore requirements. S. Reed agreed with her colleague and said it would be a step backwards if we eliminate Foreign Language. L. Galarneau suggested that to lighten up the course requirements for ninth graders, perhaps Health and Physical Education classes could be incorporated.
After a lengthy discussion, Dr. Czajkowski said that she would be looking to change our present graduation requirements for the 2009-2010 school year, which may lead to a reduction in staff. A suggestion was made that some seniors, who only need a few credits to graduate, be encouraged to take college courses at STCC under our Dual Enrollment Policy. She asked the high school administration and curriculum specialists to be creative when looking at ways in which to meet MassCore standards and areas of need.
It was the consensus of the Committee to postpone placing the AHS Program of Studies on the School Committee agenda for New Business until the December 9, 2008, meeting, at which time Mr. Lemanski and Mrs. Schoenberger will bring forward any further changes. Then, on December 23rd, the Committee would vote to approve the revised AHS Program of Studies under Unfinished Business. Dr. Czajkowski asked all curriculum specialists, who do not have Parent’s Night, to also attend the December 9th meeting.
There being no further discussion, the workshop was adjourned.
Time: 7:23 p.m.
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Alexis Ferioli Roberta G. Doering
Administrative Assistant to the School Committee Committee Secretary |