2.      Minutes: The minutes of meeting #1,312 were passed over for lack of a quorum.

3.      Communications: 

3A.    At the request of Chairman Stevens, Superintendent Spriggs updated the Committee regarding the daily recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.  Supt. Spriggs said that she has sent out a memo re-instating the practice of saluting the flag each morning, and the Morning Show will once again televise the pledge to assure that each classroom participates.  She stated that the principals have also inventoried which classrooms do not have a flag, and the American Legion will help the District provide flags for those classrooms.

Ms. Maggio arrived at 7:05 p.m.

3B.    Lindy Marcel, Student Representative for the Senior Class, notified the School Committee that the students have now collected $3,700 in donations for the tsunami fund.  She said that the proceeds from the SADD breakfast, scheduled for February 4, would also be put toward that cause. 

Ms. LeGeyt requested that the sign advertising the breakfasts be put at the intersection of Berkshire School Road and Route 7 no later than Wednesday prior to each breakfast to give people advance notification of the event.  She also said that WSBS should be notified and asked to advertise. 

Mr. Stevens expressed the pride of the School Committee for the students= efforts on behalf of the tsunami victims.

Cody Kern notified the School Committee that he is working on a project to start a club bowling sport.  He said he was hoping to have a presentation for the Members at the next meeting.  Chairman Stevens suggested that Cody contact Mr. MacDonald for his input and help.

2.      With a quorum now present, Mr. Stevens requested the approval of Minutes of Meeting #1,311.  Mr. Tillett moved approval, seconded by Ms. Maggio.  Ms. LeGeyt noted that one of the 8^th grade students who had invited the School Committee to the spaghetti dinner had been incorrectly identified.  She noted that the student=s name was Chance Rueger.  The minutes were then voted, with that correction.  (Mr. Abelow abstained.)

4.      Regarding the District=s Curriculum Accommodation Plan (DCAP), Superintendent Spriggs stated that the document was one which is required by the Department of Education to address methods of helping students who may have difficulties in the classroom that are not severe enough to be addressed through special education plans.  Ms. Spriggs requested that formal presentation of the plan to the School Committee members be put on hold until such time as some of the teachers who worked on it can be in attendance at the School Committee meeting.  It was the consensus of the Committee to do so. 

5A.    Superintendent Spriggs noted that the Elementary School Improvement Plan had been amended to show how much money and from which line item of the budget each particular plan was to be taken from.  She noted that on the original document, there were areas that reflected a $0 budget because the items were already included in the regular budget lines and no additional funds were being addressed.  She said that she felt it was important for the School Committee to know the cost of each and where it would be taken from. 

Mr. Nadolny then reviewed amended areas.  Following a brief discussion, Mr. Abelow moved to accept the 2004-05 Elementary School Improvement Plan, as amended.  Mr. Tillett seconded the motion, and it was so voted, unanimously.

5B.    Mr. Stevens reported on the Extended Finance Committee meeting held the previous evening with representatives from all of the member towns.  He noted that the proposed budget had received support from all who were present, and that there had been a good, helpful, and positive meeting. 

6.      Superintendent Spriggs reported that she, along with Mr. Ronan and Ms. Maggio, had attended the Egremont Select Board meeting on Monday, January 31.  She said that they had enjoyed lots of good dialogue.  She noted that she and Mr. Stevens had also visited the Alford Select Board meeting, and that she is looking forward to doing the same in the other three member towns.

Ms. Spriggs acknowledged and thanked Ms. Maggio, Mr. Tillett, and Mr. Ronan for their efforts in helping out with the upcoming Madrigal Feast. 

It was noted that the grades 9-12 production of Damn Yankees will take place on February 11, 12 and 13.

Mr. Stevens reported that student Allison Rote was minutes away from scoring her 1,000^th point, and he suggested that the members join the fans in the gymnasium to watch.

Ms. Maggio then moved, seconded by Mr. Abelow, to adjourn the meeting.  It was so voted, and the meeting adjourned at 7:42 p.m.

Minutes

Re: Pledge of Allegiance

Quorum

Student Reps.

Approval of Minutes

Re: DCAP

Approve Elem. School Improvement Plan

Re: Extended Finance Com. Meeting

Updates

Adjourn