Changes to curriculum, state funding, and the school calendar the consistent thread

The School Committee recognized the FHS boys hockey team as the State Division 1 Champions with plaques on Tuesday. 2 of the 4 team captains helped present the full team to the School Committee assisted by Coach Spillane. The 2 captains missing also participate in a spring sport and were unable to attend.

2 of the 4 team captains helped present the full team to the School Committee assisted by Coach Spillane

Digital learning and the changes to the science curriculum were key presentations to the School Committee. Additional details and a combination of screen shots from one presentation and a copy of the other presentation are contained in the live reported notes linked below.

A resolution to address state funding of Chapter 70 was also presented and passed by a 6-1 vote. Committee member Vanessa Bilello presented an articulate and thoughtful summary of the reasons for the resolution. The lone vote against was cast by Committee member John Jewel who wanted the increase in funds but objected to wording that seemed to have strings attached restricting on how the fund could be used. 

Two proposal for changes to the school year calendar were also discussed. While one of the calendars proposed was reported out by the subcommittee to contain 'no changes', it does make at least one change that would need to be negotiated with the teachers union. The Wednesday before Thanksgiving is shown on the proposals as full days. They were typically half days until about 2007 when they became a no school day in recognition of the attendance patterns for both students and faculty.

The School Dept will bring the proposals to the teachers union for further review and discussion before the next School Committee meeting. The Committee plans to approve a calendar for the 2017-2018 school year at the May 10 meeting. If the desired changes are approved, they want to provide parents and the community enough time to plan for them.


Option 1
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczalVVTG5IZzNFSWZxT0dUaUdnLV9rY0ZhZWpF/view?usp=sharing

Option 2
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczcF92Qmt0WklWN0U/view?usp=sharing

representatives of the Digital Learning Committee at the School Committee meeting

Additional photos and notes from the meeting can be found here:

• Live reporting: Action items to closing
• Live reporting: Discussion only items - Chapter 70...
• Live reporting: Digital Learning
• Live reporting: School Committee - Apr 26, 2016