School Committee Meeting Agenda: December 5, 2017
From the Office of the Executive Secretary to the School Committee
School Committee - Regular Meeting
December 5, 2017
Corrected*
WITH REVISED SUPPLEMENTAL (11/30/17)**
AND SCHOOL COMMITTEE REVISED ORDER***
A G E N D A
1. Public Comment (3 Minutes):
2. Student School Committee Report:
3. Presentation of the Records for Approval:
• Special Meeting, November 14, 2017
4. Reconsiderations None
5. Unfinished Business/Calendar:
#17-266, Motion by Ms. Dexter, that whereas this has been an unusually difficult year for the City of Cambridge and for the Cambridge Public Schools community; and
Whereas the adults who work in our schools—educators, staff, administrators, parents, volunteers, and others—are often the emotional first-responders when negative events and tragedies affect our community;
The Cambridge School Committee wishes to express its deep appreciation to all those who work in our schools, who have done so much this past year to uphold the values of our city and of our public school system, and who, in addition to performing their regular jobs, have been repeatedly called upon to provide extra emotional support to our students, our students’ families, and to their colleagues, in response to unusually difficult local, national, and global events and circumstances. We are very grateful.
(Mayor Simmons 11-21-17)
#17-267, Motion by Ms. Dexter, that whereas there is evidence that consumption of "sugary drinks," including chocolate milk or fruit juices with only natural sugar, contribute to childhood diabetes and obesity, the School Committee requests a report from the administration on the extent to which sugary drinks are made available to students in CPS cafeterias in the elementary, middle, and high school grades. (Mr. Fantini 11-21-17)
#17-272, Joint Motion by Ms. Nolan and Ms. Bowman, that the budget guide be mailed to all households except dormitories.
Further, that the administration and School Committee work together on future mailings to include additional information on the district. (Ms. Dexter 11-21-17)
#17-273, Joint Motion by Ms. Dexter and Ms. Bowman, that whereas the School Committee and CPS administration have prioritized expanding and strengthening family and community partnerships; and
Whereas annual School Committee budget discussions held in public, along with public hearings at which family and community members are invited to speak, influence how educational resources and opportunities are distributed to CPS schools and students in the following year; and
Whereas not all family or community members can easily attend public meetings due to childcare responsibilities, physical disabilities, work schedules, lack of transportation, and other circumstances;
Therefore be it resolved that the School Committee will seek to increase community participation in the budgetary process by expanding community engagement efforts for the FY19 budget discussions by:
1) Providing childcare at budget hearings and publicizing childcare availability on notices about budget hearings;
2) Assessing the need for language interpreters, including sign language interpreters at meetings;
3) Holding at least one budget hearing on a Saturday in a location other than the School Committee Meeting Room;
4) Broadcasting, livestreaming, and video-archiving all budget-related roundtable discussions, workshops, retreats, and special meetings.
These rules will apply to the FY19 budget convenings, to be reviewed for permanent status in Fall, 2018. (Mr. Fantini 11-21-17)
6. Awaiting Reports: None
7. Superintendent’s Agenda:
7a. Presentations: Cambridge Public Schools
District Plan Framework Outcomes
Dr. Kenneth N. Salim, Superintendent of Schools
7b. Innovation Agenda:
7c. Consent Agenda:
#17-277 Approval of the Cambridge Public Schools
District Plan Framework Outcomes 2017-2020
#17-278 Approval of Revisions to Weapons & Assaults
On School Staff Policy (Second Reading)
#17-279 Approval of Revisions to Cambridge Public Schools
Criminal Offender Record Information Policy (First Reading)
#17-280 Day & Residential Program Services not Available
From the Cambridge School Department
#17-281 Contract Award: Essex North Shore Agricultural
& Technical School: SY17/18 Student Tuition & Transportation
#17-282 Contract Award: Filter Sales & Service: FY18 HVAC Supplies
#17-283 Gifts & Miscellaneous Receipts
#17-284 Grant Award: FY17 Title I Distribution (SC17604) (Increase)
REVISED SUPPLEMENTAL**
#17-289 Approval to Re-establish a Cap of Students at the Kindergarten and /or Junior Kindergarten Grade Level for the SY 18-19 JK/K Lottery (second reading).
8. Non-Consent Agenda:
9. School Committee Agenda (Policy Matters/Notifications/Requests for Information):
#17-285 Motion by Mr. Fantini, whereas we have a significant number of sports teams at CRLS and Coaching positions regularly become open;
It is the desire of the School Committee to fill these positions in a timely manner and: have parents actively involved in the hiring process;
Therefore, Be It Resolved:
That the Superintendent work with the Athletic Director to provide a written process on how these goals will be met.
#17-286 Motion by Ms. Dexter, Mr. Fantini and Ms. Kelly, whereas the School Committee wants all Cambridge families to feel that the Cambridge Public Schools can properly educate their children, the School Committee requests a report from the administration that details:
1) The number and demographics of Cambridge students attending charter schools, the schools they are attending, and the grade levels in which they are enrolled. Demographics should be grouped by preK-5, 6-8, and 9-12.
2) For the past 3 years combined: 5th grade MCAS ELA and Math scores of students who have attended CPS schools in 5th grade, but enrolled in charter schools in 6th grade;
3) CPS efforts, including those planned for the coming winter and spring, to reach out to parents entering the preschool lottery, the JK/K lottery, 4th-5th grade parents considering middle school options, and 7th-8th grade parents considering high school options.
The Committee requests this report by February 1. This motion aligns, in particular, with Strategic Goals #1 (Access and Equity); #4 (Parent and Community Partnerships); and #5 (Progress Monitoring, Evaluation, and Data).
#17-287 Motion by Mr. Harding, that the Superintendent forward the latest MCAS results to the School Committee in preparation for the December 12th Special Meeting to review the Spring 2017 MCAS results for Cambridge Public Schools.
#17-288 Motion by Mr. Harding, that the Superintendent report back to the School Committee on the progress he has made creating a Parent University Program for the Cambridge Public Schools.
10. Resolutions (letters of congratulations, letters of condolence):
11. Announcements:
12. Late Orders:***
#17-290, Revised Order by Ms. Nolan, (C17-356) that whereas how siblings are assigned to immersion programs should be aligned with the district goals of supporting families and prioritizing sibling togetherness in schools, beginning with the January 2018 Lottery for new students entering CPS in the 2018-2019 school year, the internal JK to K transfer program from King Ni Hao to King Chinese Immersion and King Open to King Open Ola will be eliminated. This means that JK students registering for the 2018 Lottery for school year 2018-2019 will not have the opportunity to transfer for their K year between programs at King and King Open during their 2019-2020 school year.
Furthermore, all internal transfer rules in place for the two programs at the time of the 2017 Lottery for the 2017-2018 school year will govern the current JK to K transfer rights for internal transfers between King Ni Hao and Chinese Immersion and King Open and Ola. This means that current JK students in King Ni Hao and King Open retain their internal transfer rights for their K year for the 2018-2019 school year.
Further, that the administration will work to ensure that all siblings affected by the internal transfer policy be assigned to their siblings’ school for the 2018-2019 school year (second reading).
At the conclusion of the Regular Meeting, the School Committee may entertain a motion to enter into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing strategy with respect to collective bargaining for CEA Units C, D, E, Cambridge Liaisons Invested in Families & Education, AFSCME Council 93 Local 1611, Cambridge Safety Specialists, and Cambridge Food Service Employee Association, as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the School Committee with each of these units.
School Committee - Regular Meeting
December 5, 2017
Corrected*
WITH REVISED SUPPLEMENTAL (11/30/17)**
AND SCHOOL COMMITTEE REVISED ORDER***
A G E N D A
1. Public Comment (3 Minutes):
2. Student School Committee Report:
3. Presentation of the Records for Approval:
• Special Meeting, November 14, 2017
4. Reconsiderations None
5. Unfinished Business/Calendar:
#17-266, Motion by Ms. Dexter, that whereas this has been an unusually difficult year for the City of Cambridge and for the Cambridge Public Schools community; and
Whereas the adults who work in our schools—educators, staff, administrators, parents, volunteers, and others—are often the emotional first-responders when negative events and tragedies affect our community;
The Cambridge School Committee wishes to express its deep appreciation to all those who work in our schools, who have done so much this past year to uphold the values of our city and of our public school system, and who, in addition to performing their regular jobs, have been repeatedly called upon to provide extra emotional support to our students, our students’ families, and to their colleagues, in response to unusually difficult local, national, and global events and circumstances. We are very grateful.
(Mayor Simmons 11-21-17)
#17-267, Motion by Ms. Dexter, that whereas there is evidence that consumption of "sugary drinks," including chocolate milk or fruit juices with only natural sugar, contribute to childhood diabetes and obesity, the School Committee requests a report from the administration on the extent to which sugary drinks are made available to students in CPS cafeterias in the elementary, middle, and high school grades. (Mr. Fantini 11-21-17)
#17-272, Joint Motion by Ms. Nolan and Ms. Bowman, that the budget guide be mailed to all households except dormitories.
Further, that the administration and School Committee work together on future mailings to include additional information on the district. (Ms. Dexter 11-21-17)
#17-273, Joint Motion by Ms. Dexter and Ms. Bowman, that whereas the School Committee and CPS administration have prioritized expanding and strengthening family and community partnerships; and
Whereas annual School Committee budget discussions held in public, along with public hearings at which family and community members are invited to speak, influence how educational resources and opportunities are distributed to CPS schools and students in the following year; and
Whereas not all family or community members can easily attend public meetings due to childcare responsibilities, physical disabilities, work schedules, lack of transportation, and other circumstances;
Therefore be it resolved that the School Committee will seek to increase community participation in the budgetary process by expanding community engagement efforts for the FY19 budget discussions by:
1) Providing childcare at budget hearings and publicizing childcare availability on notices about budget hearings;
2) Assessing the need for language interpreters, including sign language interpreters at meetings;
3) Holding at least one budget hearing on a Saturday in a location other than the School Committee Meeting Room;
4) Broadcasting, livestreaming, and video-archiving all budget-related roundtable discussions, workshops, retreats, and special meetings.
These rules will apply to the FY19 budget convenings, to be reviewed for permanent status in Fall, 2018. (Mr. Fantini 11-21-17)
6. Awaiting Reports: None
7. Superintendent’s Agenda:
7a. Presentations: Cambridge Public Schools
District Plan Framework Outcomes
Dr. Kenneth N. Salim, Superintendent of Schools
7b. Innovation Agenda:
7c. Consent Agenda:
#17-277 Approval of the Cambridge Public Schools
District Plan Framework Outcomes 2017-2020
#17-278 Approval of Revisions to Weapons & Assaults
On School Staff Policy (Second Reading)
#17-279 Approval of Revisions to Cambridge Public Schools
Criminal Offender Record Information Policy (First Reading)
#17-280 Day & Residential Program Services not Available
From the Cambridge School Department
#17-281 Contract Award: Essex North Shore Agricultural
& Technical School: SY17/18 Student Tuition & Transportation
#17-282 Contract Award: Filter Sales & Service: FY18 HVAC Supplies
#17-283 Gifts & Miscellaneous Receipts
#17-284 Grant Award: FY17 Title I Distribution (SC17604) (Increase)
REVISED SUPPLEMENTAL**
#17-289 Approval to Re-establish a Cap of Students at the Kindergarten and /or Junior Kindergarten Grade Level for the SY 18-19 JK/K Lottery (second reading).
8. Non-Consent Agenda:
9. School Committee Agenda (Policy Matters/Notifications/Requests for Information):
#17-285 Motion by Mr. Fantini, whereas we have a significant number of sports teams at CRLS and Coaching positions regularly become open;
It is the desire of the School Committee to fill these positions in a timely manner and: have parents actively involved in the hiring process;
Therefore, Be It Resolved:
That the Superintendent work with the Athletic Director to provide a written process on how these goals will be met.
#17-286 Motion by Ms. Dexter, Mr. Fantini and Ms. Kelly, whereas the School Committee wants all Cambridge families to feel that the Cambridge Public Schools can properly educate their children, the School Committee requests a report from the administration that details:
1) The number and demographics of Cambridge students attending charter schools, the schools they are attending, and the grade levels in which they are enrolled. Demographics should be grouped by preK-5, 6-8, and 9-12.
2) For the past 3 years combined: 5th grade MCAS ELA and Math scores of students who have attended CPS schools in 5th grade, but enrolled in charter schools in 6th grade;
3) CPS efforts, including those planned for the coming winter and spring, to reach out to parents entering the preschool lottery, the JK/K lottery, 4th-5th grade parents considering middle school options, and 7th-8th grade parents considering high school options.
The Committee requests this report by February 1. This motion aligns, in particular, with Strategic Goals #1 (Access and Equity); #4 (Parent and Community Partnerships); and #5 (Progress Monitoring, Evaluation, and Data).
#17-287 Motion by Mr. Harding, that the Superintendent forward the latest MCAS results to the School Committee in preparation for the December 12th Special Meeting to review the Spring 2017 MCAS results for Cambridge Public Schools.
#17-288 Motion by Mr. Harding, that the Superintendent report back to the School Committee on the progress he has made creating a Parent University Program for the Cambridge Public Schools.
10. Resolutions (letters of congratulations, letters of condolence):
11. Announcements:
12. Late Orders:***
#17-290, Revised Order by Ms. Nolan, (C17-356) that whereas how siblings are assigned to immersion programs should be aligned with the district goals of supporting families and prioritizing sibling togetherness in schools, beginning with the January 2018 Lottery for new students entering CPS in the 2018-2019 school year, the internal JK to K transfer program from King Ni Hao to King Chinese Immersion and King Open to King Open Ola will be eliminated. This means that JK students registering for the 2018 Lottery for school year 2018-2019 will not have the opportunity to transfer for their K year between programs at King and King Open during their 2019-2020 school year.
Furthermore, all internal transfer rules in place for the two programs at the time of the 2017 Lottery for the 2017-2018 school year will govern the current JK to K transfer rights for internal transfers between King Ni Hao and Chinese Immersion and King Open and Ola. This means that current JK students in King Ni Hao and King Open retain their internal transfer rights for their K year for the 2018-2019 school year.
Further, that the administration will work to ensure that all siblings affected by the internal transfer policy be assigned to their siblings’ school for the 2018-2019 school year (second reading).
At the conclusion of the Regular Meeting, the School Committee may entertain a motion to enter into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing strategy with respect to collective bargaining for CEA Units C, D, E, Cambridge Liaisons Invested in Families & Education, AFSCME Council 93 Local 1611, Cambridge Safety Specialists, and Cambridge Food Service Employee Association, as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the School Committee with each of these units.