3A. Communications:

Chairman Stevens welcomed Student Representative Cody Kern and invited him to be seated at the School Committee table. Mr. Stevens stressed the importance of having student representatives bring issues before the Committee.

3B. Superintendent Spriggs introduced student Thomas Buchte, Mt. Everett's 2004 recipient of the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents Award. Ms. Spriggs said that she had met with all of the seniors eligible to receive the award. She commented on the collective talents of the group and noted how difficult it had been to choose just one of the students to honor. However, she said that Tom had stood out, even among his very talented peers. Ms. Spriggs reviewed a lengthy listing of Tom's accomplishments over his first three years of high school, and then presented him with the 2004 MASS Award. Tom, in turn, expressed his gratitude for the award, and stated that he was happy that he had chosen to stay at Mt. Everett. His parents spoke, as well, expressing their pride in their son's accomplishments. Following congratulations by School Committee members, Mr. Mielke moved, seconded by Ms. Maggio, to hold a 15 minute recess in order to enjoy a cake in Tom's honor. It was so voted at 7:20 p.m.

The meeting resumed at 7:38 p.m.

4. Chairman Stevens welcomed and introduced Mr. Glenn Koocher, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Association of School Committees.

Mr. Koocher presented an overview of the Education Reform Law of 1993 and the many changes that the law had set in motion regarding the roles and responsibilities of school committees and superintendents. He reviewed the specifics of the superintendent's job, and the duties of the school committees, including the hiring and contracting with the superintendent. He noted that the Reform Law had limited the hiring duties of school committees to superintendents, business managers, school nurses, and special education directors. However, he said that school committees were still regarded as the employers of record for collective bargaining contracts.

Mr. Koocher reviewed the fiscal role of school committees. He noted that the school committee has the responsibility to set the yearly budget and to make adjustments within line items. Mr. Koocher said that the particular line items should be decided after the budget is passed, and he recommended that the committee set 4-12 line items, noting that he strongly recommended fewer, rather than more, line items.

Mr. Koocher further reviewed some of the questions most frequently asked, including what to do when someone brings a complaint forward. He noted that the parents and citizens have the right to go to a school committee at any time, and he recommended that at such times, a member should listen respectfully, ask critical questions, and then refer the complainant to the principal or superintendent. He cautioned that a school committee member could not personally intervene or use his/her position to pressure school personnel to resolve an issue in a certain way.

Other items covered in Mr. Koocher's presentation included the following:

• School committee members are not authorized to speak for the full committee, unless designated as spokesperson.
• A member may speak to any reporter at any time about anything he/she wishes, as long as it is clear that the member is speaking for him or her self only.
• It is a violation of the ethics law to discuss executive session in public.
• Electronic media (i.e., telephone, e-mail) cannot be used to circumvent the Open Meeting Law.

In conclusion, Mr. Koocher invited School Committee members to call him at 800-392-6023 at any time, should they have further questions. He also suggested that members join the MASC ListServe by contacting mgilbert@masc.org . (Note: A video tape of Mr. Koocher's presentation is available in the Superintendent's Office.)

On behalf of the Committee, Chairman Stevens thanked Mr. Koocher for a very instructive presentation.

Mr. Mielke moved, seconded by Mr. Pollitt, to take a 5 minute break. It was so voted at 8:50 p.m.

The meeting resumed at 8:57 p.m.

5A. Professional Staff Lateral Movements: Mr. Stevens recused himself from this item of business. After he had left the room, Mr. Mielke assumed the duties of the Chair. Ms. Spriggs presented a listing of Professional Staff Lateral Movements, effective September 1, 2004, per SBREA/SBRSD Unit A Contract. She questioned whether the Committee wished to vote on the lateral moves, or to let the listing serve as notification. Following discussion, it was concluded that the Committee did not need to vote, as they had already voted the Contract. However, the members did request that they continue to receive timely notification. It was noted that the funds for the lateral movements have been allocated, but Ms. Brown will need to request line item transfers. Also, in response to a question from Mr. Pollitt, Supt. Spriggs agreed to provide the Committee with a report on the education levels of the teaching staff.

Chairman Stevens was called back into the room and resumed the duties of the Chair.

5B. Superintendent Spriggs presented an overview of progress made toward School Committee Goal #2: Achievement of the District's students and staff will be publicly celebrated and shared with our communities to provide confirmation to our citizens and taxpayers that their pride in their schools is justified. (A copy of the overview is on file with these minutes and on the District's Web Page).

5C. Ms. Maggio moved, seconded by Mr. Ronan, to approve a request by Ms. Wendy Casey for creation of a student activities account for the Yearbook Committee. Following discussion, the Committee voted unanimously to approve the request.

Ms. Brown noted that a financial report for the period ended July 31, 2004 had been included in the School Committee Members' packets. There were no questions/discussion.

Ms. Brown explained the District's position regarding the purchase of oil during the upcoming heating season. She explained that she had not locked in on a price as yet, as when prices began to climb, some analysts felt that the market could not support the increase for an extended period, and that the market would return to a more normal state after cleanup from the hurricanes was finished in the Gulf of Mexico. However, at this point, the return to normalcy in time to lock-in at a reasonable price seemed unlikely (according to the County contract, lock-in must take place on or before October 15). Ms. Brown stated that she intended to lock in the following day, unless the Committee felt she should wait a bit longer. She also explained that the District has 25,000 gallons of oil on hand, so would not be needing to purchase oil in the near future. Also, even after locking in on a price, the contract ends in April. At that time, the District would be able to buy on the spot market.

Ms. Brown also noted that she had been informed of the possibility that those who had locked in early may not actually receive their supply of oil at the price which they contracted for, as there may be an "accelerator" clause in the contract, specifying that if the company could not get the oil for a certain amount, they did not have to abide by the promised price. At the request of the Committee, Ms. Brown will seek further information regarding the existence of such an "accelerator" clause.

At Mr. Pollitt's request, Ms. Brown also agreed to check into whether it may be cheaper to purchase oil through a supplier on the state bid list.

Following further discussion, it was the consensus of the Committee members trust their business manager to lock in at the most appropriate time, rather than providing guidelines.

5D. Policy: The Committee observed the first reading of Policy EBCD, Emergency Closing. Members agreed to call the Superintendent's Office, should they have questions or suggestions. Approval will be requested at the October 21 meeting.

6. Communications:

• Supt. Spriggs updated the Committee regarding the September 30 meeting with town officials. She stated that representatives from three towns had been present, and that conversations had been civil and constructive. No decisions had been made, but those present had engaged in brainstorming and had offered several suggestions on how to provide a better way to proceed with the School District's budget process.

Ms. Spriggs noted that the meetings with the town officials were not in regard to the District's FY'06 budget. She stated that she has informed the towns that she is looking forward to hearing their input at the Open Hearing.

Ms. Spriggs said that she had suggested that the towns may wish to meet on their own, but they have requested that the school host additional meetings.

School Committee Members asked to be informed of the next such meeting, and the Superintendent agreed to do so.

• In deference lateness of the hour, Supt. Spriggs requested that the School Committee be sure to read the "Updates" section of the Blue Notes on their own.

5D. Negotiations: Ms. Maggio moved to enter into executive session for the purpose of discussing collective bargaining. Mr. Mielke seconded the motion. The vote:

Mr. Ronan yes Ms. Maggio yes

Mr. Mielke yes Ms. Tomich yes

Mr. Pollitt yes Mr. Stevens yes

Mr. Tillett yes

Mr. Stevens noted that no further business would be conducted in open session.

The committee entered into executive session at 9:58 p.m.

The Committee came out of executive session at 10:31p.m.

The meeting adjourned at 10:32 p.m.