School Committee Meeting Agenda: February 7, 2017

From the Office of the Executive Secretary to the School Committee

School Committee - Regular Meeting February 7, 2017

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 January 17, 2017
• Regular Meeting, January 17, 2017

4. Reconsiderations: None

5. Unfinished Business/Calendar:

Motion by Ms. Emily Dexter, whereas winter brings icy weather, the School Committee requests that the administration review our school bus safety policies as detailed in Committee policy #EEAEC (Bus Safety Program and Discipline Policy) as well as bus safety monitoring practices and report to the Committee in an upcoming Weekly report.

The Committee also requests that the administration bring forward any recommended revisions to the current CPS school bus policies. Particular attention should be paid to practices related the boarding and exiting school buses, dropping off young children, and seatbelt policy on daily bus rides, field trips, and in-district and out-of-district transportation for students with disabilities and other students attending school outside of the district. (Nolan, 1-17-17)

6. Awaiting Reports: None

7. Superintendent’s Agenda:

7a. Presentations: None

7b. Innovation Agenda:

7c. Consent Agenda:

#17-18 Approval of SY2017/2018 Cambridge Public Schools Academic & School Committee Calendars

#17-19 Contract Award: NOVAtime Technology Inc.: Software & Maintenance for Time & Attendance System

#17-20 Contract Award: Crossroads School: Student Services

#17-21 Gifts/Miscellaneous Receipts

#17-22 Grant Award: FY17 Early Childhood Special Education Program Improvement (SC17103)

#17-23 Grant Award: FY17 Massachusetts Life Sciences Center-Biotechnology (SC17101)

8. Non-Consent Agenda:

9. School Committee Agenda (Policy Matters/Notifications/Requests for Information):

#17-24, Motion by Mayor Simmons, that the School Committee may entertain a motion to convene in Executive Session for the purpose of discussing strategy for contract negotiations with non-union personnel (Executive Secretary to the Cambridge School Committee) and for the purpose of conducting contract negotiations with non-union personnel (Executive Secretary to the Cambridge School Committee) as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the strategy and/or negotiation positions of the Cambridge School Committee.

#17-25, Motion by Mr. Harding, that the School Committee requests the Superintendent to schedule a Roundtable meeting to discuss the school climate, student achievement and a curriculum overview of the High School Extension Program.

#17-26, Motion by Mr. Harding, that the Superintendent report back to the School Committee on the status and schedule of evaluations of all Cambridge Public School principals. Further, that the Superintendent provide an update to the School Committee on the contract status of all principals.

#17-27, Motion by Ms. Nolan and Ms. Bowman, that whereas the Cambridge Public Schools proudly stands for student leadership and civic engagement and whereas the City of Cambridge has stood proudly as a beacon for unity and tolerance, that the School Committee commend student Mari Gashaw for her leadership locally and nationally as part of the demonstrations for civil rights and justice for Black lives.

#17-28, Motion by Ms. Nolan and Ms. Kelly, that whereas CPS has stood firmly to support core values of tolerance openness, diversity and inclusion, that the School Committee joins the school administration in their work to ensure the safety and feeling of belonging for all groups in our schools.

#17-29, Motion by Ms. Dexter and Ms. Nolan, whereas CRLS plans to enroll all 9th grade students in Honors English 9 in Fall, 2017; and whereas English 9 has been a class with Honors and College Prep levels and CRLS strives to provide all students with encouragement and support to succeed in honors work; the School Committee requests that the administration provide the Committee and community with a report on plans including anticipated outcomes and measures of success for the all-Honors English 9 course and honors support course. Further that the report be provided by the first meeting in April 2017.

#17-30, Report of the January 10, 2017 Sub-Committee on Curriculum and Achievement

#17-31, Report of the January 11, 2017 Sub-Committee on the Budget (Committee of the Whole) Public Hearing on the FY18 Budget

10. Resolutions (letters of congratulations, letters of condolence):

#17-32, Motion by Mr. Fantini, that the School Committee goes on record in extending its appreciation to CRLS art teacher, Elizabeth Menges and her Studio One students with the following resolution:

WHEREAS: In recognition of the art work and collaborative efforts by art teacher, ELIZABETH MENGES AND HER STUDIO ONE STUDENTS, in the creation of a Mural Project entitled “Urban Decay” which will be on display beginning January 24th; and

WHEREAS: this mural project was created in partnership with Lesley University College of Art and Design with the attached description providing detailed information regarding that partnership; and

WHEREAS: MS. MENGES’ CLASS over the years has always done this type of collaborative work throughout the community and MS. MENGES deserves recognition for her efforts to provide our students with meaningful experiences; and

WHEREAS: because of this collaboration with our students, Lesley College of Art and Design wishes to pursue future collaboration with CRLS students; NOW,

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: that a formal copy of this Resolution be prepared by the Executive Secretary to the School Committee.

#17-33, Motion by Mr. Harding, that the School Committee goes on record in extending its condolences to the family of Renae Gray and assures her family of the Committee’s deep and heartfelt sympathy, and further that a copy of the following Resolution be inscribed to the memory of Renae Gray in the archives of the City of Cambridge School Committee and that a formal copy of this Resolution be prepared by the Executive Secretary to the School Committee and sent to the family of Renae Gray.

City of Cambridge School Committee
Resolution of Respect for Renae D. Gray

We honor you for whom you were and the special things you’ve done,
That made your life so rewarding and made you such a special woman.
Your memories are ours to cherish as we fondly remember your ways,
Keeping you safely tucked in our hearts is where you’ll always stay.
Our community honors you because of the beautiful difference you’ve made.

Deep sorrow fills the hearts of the members of the City of Cambridge School Committee with the passing of Renae Gray, the announcement of which we profoundly felt. Her support and dedication has left a noble heritage in her keen interest to the community. We revere her dedication as one of our forbearers; her years of service were distinguished by her integrity and devotion. We have now been deprived of the services of a valuable and faithful friend. Those who knew her can truly estimate her worth.

Whereas, Renae Gray was an avid activist in the City of Cambridge, was a member of the YWCA, where she was a regular volunteer, served as member of the Racial Justice Committee, and also as Chair of the Board of Trustees; and

Whereas, At the Margaret Fuller Neighborhood House, she served diligently with boundless enthusiasm as an ally, an advocate and an inspiration working at the helm of the Elder’s Program as well as in other areas. Even in failing health, she embodied a temple of honor and virtue, serving with a combination of unlimited energy and unselfish devotion whose influence will always be with us; and

Whereas, Renae Gray was involved closely in the community and with every political campaign where her aims were extraordinary, her motives right; she was a friend, a loyal voter, a hard worker with an amiable personality and a great spirit that impacted many lives, being humorous, enjoyable, loyal, trusted and true; and

Whereas, In her kindness, she saw the need as well as the cause and showed a good thing in helping her fellow being. To paraphrase the words of Abraham Lincoln, “This world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but we can never forget what she did here.” Renae Gray, a devoted mother, utilized her ability to counsel, encourage and motivate, being a guide and an inspiration to all in their pursuits; and

Whereas, We will miss the firmness of her purpose, the dignity of her virtues, the ideals which she captured. It is not a disaster to be unable to capture your ideal, but it is a disaster to have no ideal to capture. Renae had ideals to capture, and she will be missed by friends and associates in the Cambridge community where she was esteemed and recognized as one whose acts and deeds were worthy of emulation.

Be It Therefore Resolved, That The City of Cambridge School Committee assures her family of our deep and heartfelt sympathy. We extend profound condolence on the passing of Renae Gray and trust they will be comforted with the peace of accepted sorrow; and

Resolved, That while we pause to pay tribute to Renae Gray, we will cherish fond memories and appreciation of timeless efforts she shared with the community. We give thanks for her great spirit that endeared her to the lives she touched. May she enjoy eternal rest and the rewards she has earned.

Renae, we would love to hear your voice, we would love to see your smile though blindly we will grope; But the memory of your helping hand will bore us on with hope.

Be It Further Resolved, That a copy of this Resolution be inscribed to the memory of Renae Gray in the archives of The City of Cambridge School Committee.

Respectfully submitted in Love and Friendship, this third day of February in the year 2017.

Richard Harding, Jr., for The City of Cambridge School Committee
Mayor E. Denise Simmons, Manikka L. Bowman, Emily R. Dexter,
Alfred B. Fantini, Richard Harding, Jr., Kathleen Kelly, Patricia Nolan

11. Announcements:

12. Late Orders: