3. Communications:

3A. Mr. Stevens welcomed the Student Representatives to the School Committee and invited them to bring issues forward to the Committee. Lindy-Ann Marcel and Christina Gregor reported that they are excited about the year, and they have lots of ideas to further communications between the School Committee and the students. They reported that they plan to meet with the Superintendent before each School Committee meeting.

Lindy-Ann Marcel invited the School Committee members to come to the student presentation of The Tempest, which they have been rehearsing as part of Shakespeare & Company's Fall Festival of Shakespeare. Performances will take place on Wednesday, November 10 and Thursday, November 11.

Mr. Pollitt suggested inviting Chairman Stevens to the first meeting of the Student Representatives to explain the role of the School Committee.

Phil Hannum reported that both the girls and the boys soccer teams have qualified for Western Mass. tournaments.

On behalf of the School Committee, Mr. Stevens expressed appreciation to the Student Representatives for sharing information and for coming to the meeting. Members also expressed their pride and congratulations to the soccer teams.

Ms. Tomich noted that she has heard from the students that they really want to be able to attend the boys' soccer game, which is due to begin toward the end of the school day on Friday. She said that she recognized that it could be a tricky situation, given that some class time would be missed, but asked that consideration be given to allow the students to support their boys' team. Ms. Spriggs stated that three other people had brought the question to her earlier in the day. She said that she had not yet had an opportunity to speak with Mr. Devoti, but she stated that she would support whatever decision he would make. Mr. Mielke stated that he supported Ms. Tomich's request in that regard, and he noted that the school spirit is phenomenal and would not wish to dampen it.

Cody Kern stated that he had no issues to bring forth. Ms. Spriggs relayed a conversation she had had with Cody earlier in the day, and said that Cody was interested in not only bringing forward student issues to School Committee, but also to bring School Committee issues back to the students.

4. Presentation: Kennedy Arts Audit

Chairman Stevens introduced Ms. Jane Burke, who is heading up the Kennedy Arts Audit of the District. Ms. Burke reported that the Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC) has recognized the Southern Berkshire Regional School District as a leader in incorporating the arts in schools. She said that SBRSD has received the largest grants from the MCC in the state in each of the past four years. Further, Ms. Burke reported that SBRSD is one of three schools in the state to receive a grant to engage in the Kennedy Arts Audit.

Ms. Burke recognized Ms. Maxine Lome for setting up the process and exceeding the state's expectations in how to conduct the audit in a professional manner.

Ms. Burke distributed a questionnaire to the School Committee members and asked each to complete it, if time permitted. She noted that the report is due to be finished in mid-January, and the group has been invited to present the results at the State House in February. She requested that finished questionnaires be returned to the Superintendent's Office by November 18.

Committee members then began discussion of the questionnaire.

Regarding Question 1, How would you characterize our school district's commitment to the arts? Art eh arts included in the District Improvement Plan?

• Mr. Stevens stated that the use and focus of the TAC-PAC made certain of the placement of the arts in the physical heart of the facility. He said that the practical commitment to the arts is evident from the time one enters the front door, and visitors feel the arts when they come and when they leave.
• Mr. Tillett noted the alliance with Shakespeare & Co. and the Berkshire Theater Festival.
• Mr. Ronan said he felt it was remarkable how many children participate in the music program and in band.
• Mr. Mielke said that the quality of the band and music program is outstanding.
• Mr. Ronan said that he did not have a real sense of the visual arts, as they were "quieter".

Regarding Question 2, Do you feel that the School budget's current allocation for arts education is sufficient? In what areas do you feel it falls short?

• Mr. Tillett said that he never has felt that the arts were underfunded; however, additional money can always be put toward the arts.
• Ms. Maggio disagreed, stating that she felt that the arts were grossly underfunded. She noted that there is no dance program, and that further, the theater physical plant needs enlargement and maintenance. She said that the theater department is constantly begging for funds, and she said that the program is underfunded as far as paying for what it costs. She noted that Janet's Fund and the Eagle Fund have already supplied more funding than they should have to the program.
• Ms. Spriggs clarified that some requests for additional funding were made to the budget subcommittee last year. She said that she believes that one of the biggest drawing cards to the District is the theater department's production of five major plays each year. She agreed that the productions are funded almost entirely by fund raisers and grants and not by the District.
• Mr. Mielke stated that the School Committee Buildings & Grounds Subcommittee has discussed updating the theater for years. He said that the matter has not come before the full Committee because the budget has not allowed for that. He said that other expansion requests had not come out of budget subcommittee, either. He said that a lot of the accolades that the District receives come because of parents and community volunteers who work with the theater department. He noted that the younger children just had a super play. He said that the arts are underfunded because they were not funded by the District.
• Mr. Tillett questioned how the public and others can know if there is under funding, if the matter never gets out of subcommittee. He stated that the school seems to find the money when it needs to do so, and he added that community members may be in a position to donate, if they knew what the needs are.
• Mr. Pollitt said that the conversation was started last year as to whether the subcommittees should be making decisions or just reviewing requests and bringing forward with a recommendation. He said that if structural improvements were needed, it would be a matter of capital improvements and bonds would be a possibility.
• Chairman Stevens advised that although the subcommittee procedures merit discussion, it was necessary to move on.
• Ms. Burke said that she appreciates that the issue has come up. She said she believed that if the District builds a vision, it will happen. She said that if a five or ten year plan were developed, she believed that the District can achieve the vision.
• Ms. Spriggs stated as a point of clarification that the budget subcommittee is a very large subcommittee, and that items are brought back to the full School Committee. She noted that it was a structure to be used, and not a shut-out of anyone.
• Ms. Tomich stated that the Finance Subcommittee relies on the department chairs to come and tell what they need. She said that she had not heard a request. She felt that the process seems to be working, but that she had never heard anything about a dance instructor.
• Mr. Mielke questioned whether the Kennedy Center recommended having a dance teacher. Ms. Burke stated that there was no firm recipe; the questions are for the District's use.
• Mr. Ronan said that a school of this size was not likely to have enough interest to recommend a dance teacher.
• Ms. Maggio said that she is proud of the District and what is offered. She said that a full-time dance teacher was probably not the answer, but that it may be wise to look at the idea of offering after school training.
• Mr. Ronan suggested collaboration with other districts or organizations.
• Ms. Burke noted that the MCC had funded a partnership with Jacob's Pillow previously, and such is still funded through other grants. She said that if there were commitment at the School Committee level, it may go further than just her calling on them.

Mr. Stevens noted the time factor.

Ms. Burke suggested that the group skip to question #5, Do you feel the administration encourages educators to use the arts to improve teaching and learning?

• Ms. Spriggs said that she was not sure that the School Committee could be aware of all that goes on in the classroom.
• Mr. Ronan recalled the Leap and Learn Program and other dance programs. He stated that he felt that dance had been used as an extremely valuable tool in teaching.
• Supt. Spriggs thanked Ms. Burke for helping make connections between science, math, and dance.

Ms. Burke asked that the School Committee members finish answering any questions they may wish to respond to. She said she was looking forward to giving the report. She invited the School Committee members to stop by and meet the president of the MCC, who is visiting next week. Ms. Burke thanked them for their time.

Committee members thanked Ms. Burke for all the work she has done.

A break was held at 8:00 p.m.

The meeting resumed at 8:17 p.m.

2. Minutes: Mr. Mielke moved to approve the minutes of the open session of Meeting # 1,307. Mr. Pollitt seconded the motion, and it was so voted. Ms. Tomich and Mr. Tillett abstained.

Mr. Pollitt moved to postpone a vote on the executive session to the next meeting. Mr. Tillett seconded the motion, and it was so voted.

5. Supt. Spriggs explained that Ms. Brown was ill and could not attend the meeting. Mr. Pollitt questioned whether the District had locked-in on a price of oil.

5B1. Ms. Tomich reported on the Building and Grounds Subcommittee meeting that took place earlier in the day. She said that Mr. Finkle had presented them with a list of projects and concerns, which he will prioritize and cost out. She noted that beautification of the campus is on that list. She said the subcommittee had walked through the available space, and she noted that a concern has arisen that the schools are running out of storage space. She said that they will look to see if there is a better way to utilize available space.

Mr. Tillett requested that Mr. Finkle's report be shared with the full School Committee, and Ms. Spriggs agreed to do so when he has prioritized and costed out the items.

5B2. Mr. Ronan and Supt. Spriggs reported on the November 1 joint meeting of the South Berkshire Educational Collaborative Board of Directors and Steering Committee. They said that the general purpose of the meeting had been to try to define the future role of the Collaborative. The Board of Directors had directed the acting director to conduct a needs assessment in the arena of business conducted by the districts to see if there are things that all districts do that can save money, for instance, bulk buying.

Mr. Pollitt asked whether it might not be better to keep the purpose educational, and he suggested that perhaps the Collaborative could check into the feasibility of providing summer school, for instance.

Supt. Spriggs said that Mr. McSpiritt had brought that idea forward last year, and it was being looked at. She said that there seems to be a real interest in not dropping the collaborative, but there was no clear purpose at this time. She said that the Adult Basic Education Program is still housed at the collaborative, and that all of the Districts are interested in having input on that program. Also, for this year, occupational therapy and physical therapy are shared among the districts.

Mr. Ronan added that there is a fear that once the doors of the Collaborative are closed, it would be very difficult to reorganize. He said that he also wondered about the feasibility of some collaboration of the arts. He suggested that everyone brainstorm ways that they can be useful and effective.

Mr. Pollitt said that he felt the Collaborative should provide student services, rather than being a purchasing agent.

Supt. Spriggs stated that all avenues are being looked at. If it is felt that it will not work, it will not be pursued.

Mr. Tillett requested a copy of the Collaborative's mission statement.

5B3. Ms. Maggio reported that the Policy Subcommittee had discussed two recommendations, and they recommended both.

The first recommendation was for a revised overnight field trip permission form (which was mailed out in advance to the School Committee). Following a brief discussion, Ms. Maggio moved to accept the extended field trip permission slip. Mr. Mielke seconded the motion, and it was so voted, unanimously.

5C. Ms. Maggio also put forth a recommendation to accept the Superintendent's request to approve an elementary and a secondary assistant principal position. She said doing so would acknowledge the two people who are already performing the work, and also would help the District by building leadership from within.

Supt. Spriggs noted that there was an issue of accountability. She said that the two people who are doing the work are currently not administrators and are members of the teachers' unit as well as being members of the administrative team, which puts them in a very difficult position.

Regarding salary, Ms. Spriggs said that the first step was to seek approval of the positions and then look at the need to make the salary fit the position. However, she said it was planned to go the remainder of this year with the same salary as the two similar positions are paying.

Following additional discussion, Mr. Ronan moved to approve the positions of assistant principal at the elementary and secondary levels. Ms. Maggio seconded the motion.

Mr. Pollitt questioned whether the positions would be non-unit positions. Ms. Spriggs responded that they would be. Mr. Pollitt also questioned whether the administrative structure would be looked at next year. Mr. Tillett questioned whether an overlap with the Dean of Students position was being created. Ms. Spriggs explained that for this year, there was no overlap in the positions.

Following additional discussion, Mr. Mielke noted that the positions would clear up some convoluted jobs, and he moved the question. Mr. Ronan seconded the motion. It was so voted. (Mr. Pollitt voted no.)

The Committee then voted, unanimously, to approve the creation of elementary and secondary vice principal positions.

Supt. Spriggs invited members to call if there were additional questions. She also publicly thanked Ms. Edwards, who was in attendance, for her work and her ethics in filling an awkward position. She said she looked forward to receiving Ms. Edward's application for the elementary vice principal position.

5D. Ms. Tomich moved to approve the request for approval of an overnight trip for the cross country team, November 12 and 13, 2004. Mr. Ronan seconded the motion.

It was noted that all CORI forms will be in prior to the trip.

Mr. Pollitt moved to approve the trip, with the amendment that approval is contingent upon all information, including CORI checks, be completed. Mr. Ronan seconded the motion. Mr. Abelow noted that the amendment had no purpose, as CORI checks are state law, as well as policy. The Committee approved the motion and the amendment unanimously.

6. Communication

• Mr. Stevens explained that Superintendent Spriggs will be unable to attend the December 2 meeting, and he asked how the members felt about holding the meeting or postponing or cancelling. Ms. Maggio moved to cancel the meeting. Mr. Mielke seconded the motion, and it was so voted, unanimously.
• Ms. Tomich noted a conflict in scheduling with the SAT tests. She asked that the tests be included on the Master Schedule without anything scheduled on either side. Supt. Spriggs agreed to check on the matter.
• Supt. Spriggs reviewed the Blue Notes (on file with these minutes).
• Supt. Spriggs also noted that all of the Undermountain students participated in a mock election on November 2. She thanked Ms. Edwards and Mr. Kuzia for setting up the program for the students.
• Mr. Ronan noted that the middle school students all participated in the election process, as well.
• Ms. Maggio reminded School Committee members that in two weeks, nine different schools will perform as part of Shakespeare & Company's Fall Festival of Shakespeare at the Founders' Theater in Lenox. She noted that it is a remarkable experience for the students, as well as for spectators.
• Mr. Stevens said that at a future meeting he would like to formalize when the other subcommittees meet, and would like a discussion of the role of subcommittees.

On a motion duly made and seconded, the meeting adjourned at 9:25 p.m.