School Committee Meeting Summary
February 25, 2021
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Public/Citizen Participation of School Committee Meeting
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic and State of Emergency, on March 12, 2020, Governor Baker issued an Executive Order Temporarily Suspending Certain Provisions of the Open Meeting Law, G.L. c. 30A sec. 20. Pursuant to the Order, public bodies are temporarily relieved from the Open Meeting Law’s requirement that meetings be held in public places, open and physically accessible to the public, so long as measures are taken to ensure public access to the bodies' deliberations "through adequate, alternative means."
Citizens with a question or comment can join the meeting through the Zoom. The “chat” feature will be enabled at the “Citizens Comments” portion of the Agenda. Participants are asked to comment in the chat that they would like to speak, indicate your name and address in the chat and you will then be let into the Meeting. Please unmute your microphones at that time. If you have any questions regarding this process, or would like to send a comment in advance, please email mmortali@walpole.k12.ma.us.
All votes taken by the School Committee in a remote participation meeting are done via roll call.
The recorded School Committee Meeting can be accessed here.
RECOGNITIONS
Walpole High School Student Report
Scotty C., Walpole High School student representative to the School Committee, gave a report as follows:
These past few weeks Walpole High School has continued excellence in academics including through many extracurricular activities.
Students are thrilled that Fall 2 sports, like cheerleading, football and indoor track, started last Monday. Many students were doubtful that there would even be a Fall 2 season, however, thanks to the work done by the sports directors and coaches, students are optimistic that the Fall 2 season will continue.
The Math Team is currently 7th overall in their Southeastern Massachusetts League following their win at Wednesday's meet.
Most music classes were at the beginning of the year because of the half year classes. To conquer this challenge, both the band and chorus have started after school music groups where they can socially distance in the auditorium or virtually. Ironically both the band and chorus teachers are new to Walpole High School this year, but they are doing a fabulous job engaging the students despite not having these music classes this semester.
Since it is Black History Month, it is very exciting to see the steps that Walpole High School has taken to educate our students about African Americans struggles for equality and how that pertains to current events today. Every morning the morning news anchor educates the school on a prominent African American in history. Also, the History Department is offering some new courses specifically about African American history for next year. The English Department has the AP Language and Composition Course where justice is one of the main topics of the class, and students learn the importance of justice. There is also the Students For Equality Club that has been having weekly conversations about justice, equity, inclusion, and diversity in our own school community and also how it is important in the broader national level every week.
With the changing of the Rebel name and the new mascot to be selected in the near future, students are very excited to see the school educating students about black history and its importance in today’s society.
Overall, the high school has been focused on the new semester and excited for the many new opportunities that arise as we slowly make our way back to some type of normal.
Going into another semester of classes really makes us appreciate how many unique educational opportunities are available to students in and outside of school, which is why we are so thankful to have a diligent school administration and school committee that helps make this all possible.
New Business
1. Stonehill College Partnership - Assistant Superintendent Hahn discussed the Stonehill College Teacher Residency Program which provides graduate teacher candidates a teaching residency in a district while they are completing their graduate degree. Mr. Hahn said this is a unique program, and we have committed to Stonehill College to accept at least one candidate, and potentially more, next year. We are excited about this program because it has a strong connection to diversity, equity, and inclusivity which is a goal in the district's Strategic Plan.
2. Strategic Planning - Dr. Gough discussed the Strategic Plan Meeting that was held virtually on Wednesday, February 24, 2021. The meeting began with the previous Strategic Plan goals being reviewed and an update on what has been accomplished. Dr. Gough provided an overview of how the Superintendent's Entry Plan findings correlated to the newly developed Strategic Planning goals. After the update, each of the four goals broke out into sessions to modify and/or create objectives and action steps; identify priorities, and create benchmarks. Goal 1 of the Strategic Plan focuses on providing engaging curriculum, differentiated instruction, and ongoing assessments for all students. Goal 2 focuses on fostering and strengthening the social-emotional well-being of the school community in order to develop responsible and engaged citizens. Goal 3 includes Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Goal 4 pertains to facilities and resources that support student learning and well-being. The Chairpersons of each goal are still working with subgroups on their respective goals, and once they are finalized, the School Committee will be provided updates. Once the Strategic Plan is approved and finalized, it will be posted on the District webpage. The District is grateful to all the stakeholders of this Plan, including parents, community leaders, students, town officials, staff, School Committee members, and administration.
3. FY '22 Budget Discussion - Dr. Gough and Mr. Friscia went through the FY ’22 budget development and proposed Walpole Public School FY ’22 budget. The School Department will present the FY22 budget to the Finance Committee next Monday and, if needed, next Thursday.
4. Commissioner of Education Announcement - Dr. Gough announced that earlier this week, Commissioner Riley asked the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to grant him the authority to change time on learning regulations to bring more students into school buildings. She advised the School Committee that once we receive confirmation that the Board has granted the Commissioner’s request, we will be able to communicate specific details in a timely manner. If there are changes, a survey will be sent to caregivers to collect pertinent information to prepare for adjustments to our learning model. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education was very clear that all full Remote Learning Management System (RLMS) students will be able to remain in the full remote option until the end of the year. Information will be communicated to parents/caregivers as soon as it becomes available.
OLD BUSINESS
Middle School Building Project - This week was another milestone for the Middle School Building Project as the Preferred Schematic Report (PSR) was submitted to the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA). The next step in the middle school building project is working towards the submission of the Schematic Design Report that will be submitted to the MSBA this summer. Dr. Gough encouraged all town individuals to check out the middle school building project website here.
Walpole Public Schools
Website: www.walpole.k12.ma.us
Location: 135 School Street, Walpole, MA 02081
Phone: 508-660-7200
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/walpolepublicschools/
Twitter: @PublicWalpole