Wakefield School Committee Meeting December 10, 2013 Present: Chairman Danehy, Vice-Chairman Callanan, Ms. Cook, Mr. Liakos, Ms. Morgan, Mr. Kenney, Supt. Zrike and Business Admin. Pfifferling. 1. Call to Order – Chairman Danehy called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. 2. Reading of Mission Statement – Chairman Danehy read the Wakefield Public Schools’ Mission Statement. 3. Public Input/Student Council Members a. SAC members Carly Buckley and Adam Celikman updated the committee on high school activities: . Musical groups will be performing at their winter concerts on Thurs.; . Fri. progress reports issued; . National Honor Society doing a scholarship fundraiser for a teacher in Danvers who passed away. They are designing pink ribbons and selling them at school and money will go towards a scholarship; . National Honor Society students volunteered at both the Holiday Stroll and the National Honor Society Breakfast at the Dolbeare. Then 35 of the NHS students volunteered at the Holiday Stroll helping with setup, playing Disney characters in the parade, helping with children’s event and marching in parade; . Student from the Arts Dept painted windows in shops downtown . High School A Capella and Chamber sang Christmas carols at the Holiday Stroll; . Tryouts for winter sports have ended; new bleachers have been installed in the gymnasium; . Two new Student Council committees have been formed. Academic Advisory Committee has been formed. It will give opinions re. classes being offered. Also the Lunch Subcommittee met with director and is starting to solidify the possibility of a snack bar after school. b. Public Input – Paul DiNocco, appearing as the Chairman of the Event Planning Committee, came before the School Committee and administration to speak about student involvement in the recent Holiday Stroll. The National Honor Society participated in the event, along with the Marching Band, A Capella group,WHS carolers and drum line. He thanked the School Dept., Dr. Smith, Dr. Zrike and the many students for their participation in the Holiday Stroll. Students earned credit from the NHS. They took their assignments seriously and superbly. The Disney characters lit up the eyes of the children. Marching Band led the parade under the direction of Tom Bankert and then performed; as well as the Drum Line, Wakefield Carolers and A Cappella group. Two-hundred and twenty five students from local dance studios performed in the parade and along Albion St. Many students from the various schools also marched in the Hat Parade. The student’s involvement in the event is a testament the partnership being formed between the School Dept. and Event Planning Committee. He also thanked Jason Levine, Tom Bankert and Senior Adam Celikem. 4. Educational Spotlight a. Kim Hartman, President of the Galvin PTO introduced Katherine Larson, President of Baystate Recycling. Ms. Larson spoke about the Back to School program with a 16,000 lb. benchmark. The Wakefield Public Schools’ reached the benchmark and surpassed it. The program helps the environment. Ms. Larson presented the Wakefield Public Schools with a 1

check for $800. Mr. Callanan moved, seconded by Ms. Morgan, that the School Committee accepts with gratitude a gift of $800 from Baystate Recycling for the September thru November recycling promotional event period. Voted Unan. b. Greenwood School – Kathy Holland, Greenwood Reading Specialist and Kristin Harper, Gr. 1 spoke about the reading program and early detection. At the Greenwood there are 2 full time reading specialists. The program is a form of diagnostic recovery. Gr. 1 program will make significant progress, and the other part identifies students who need long term support if the don’t make progress. Many students have benefited from the program. Ms. Harper spoke about the successes she has seen. The program has presented students with a whole different model which makes the students successful. The students come back into the classroom as leaders and they can take on the demands of the classroom. Mr. Liakos noted the program is very important for future students. He asked about trends seen over the years, and was advised that students are coming in with stronger preparation from kindergarten with a wider variety of skills. Kindergarten students are coming in with a stronger foundation. Mr. Callanan asked if it is targeted to only first grade students, and was advised the recovery program is for Gr. 1, after the first round of 20 weeks, certain students may continue to receive instruction in the classroom or students who may need more time thru grade 2. Ms. Danehy suggested that watching them early is important. Dr. Zrike thanked them for their presentation and recognized Deb Collura for her support of the program. The program at Greenwood is a collaboration between the classroom teacher and specialist; they are working together to support the student. Also, there is excellent data information on the students. 5. Chairman’s Comments/Reports/Recommendations a. WCAT Annual Report – Mr. Tom Stapleton and Mr. James Taylor, President of WCAT appeared before the committee to present WCAT’s Annual Report. Mr. Taylor noted there is now a Marketing Board. WCAT is a gem of the town. Mr. Stapleton read the mission of WCAT, and then presented a video A Year in Review. The committee thanked Mr. Stapleton and the WCAT employees for all they do for the Town of Wakefield and School Department. . 6. Superintendent’s Comments/Reports/Recommendations a. WHS Program of Studies – Dr. Smith and Mr. Beebe presented the WHS 2014-2015 Program of Studies. Mr. Beebe reviewed the course selection process from approval of the course offerings thru placement into the I Pass system. Mr. Beebe noted he is looking forward to the Student Advisory Boards’ input. Dr. Smith reviewed the changes to the handbook. Ms. Cook asked about the criteria for eligibility for a Gr. 9 math course, and was advised there is a prerequisite for math and science. The committee asked about the AP factor in the GPA ranking as well as elective courses counting towards GPA. Mr. Liakos asked about Mass Core and Dr. Smith indicated that Race to the Top districts are expected to align with the course of studies Wakefield is closing in by adding the world language 3 yr requirement and one course away. Arts will be added next year. Mr. Liakos asked how Wakefield is doing as a system in drawing and attracting kids to the higher level courses. Dr. Smith advised Wakefield made the AP honor roll last year – College Board has acknowledged WHS as one in 500 in the country. b. Superintendent’s Comments – Dr. Zrike commented on the following: - Happy Holidays to all. The Central office is holding an Open House on December 19 from 24:40. - Toured Galvin Middle School and it is exciting to see what it’s becoming. 2

- A thank you to Chris Goslin, who helps with the Facebook, and encourages all to take a look at it. - Letter from MSBA notifying Wakefield that they are not invited to the accelerated repair program for WHS and Greenwood. Had a conference call with the MSBA, and learned more about the potential of future projects in Wakefield. We can apply for the accelerated program for repairs and replacement of boilers, windows, roofs. And core program – for full scale repairs, renovations and school construction. Application due by April 11 and must be approved by School Committee and Board of Selectmen. - Update on SEEM. Wakefield is very active and likes what is happening across the district with SEEM, Wakefield administrators, department heads and curriculum specialists. They do an excellent job of gather a “think tank” from the local districts. Mental health work came up and the need for help. It is a concern throughout the various districts. - Report Card meeting around standards based reporting was well received by the parents. Thank you to Nancy Milligan. and Deb Collura for working on the meeting. - Met with Steve Maio and Rick Stinson regarding the Capital Outlay and we are on the same page. There is transparency of the process. - Dr. Halloran’s contract. Dr. Zrike recommended that Dr. Halloran’s contract be extended. She is an experienced superintendent and the past six month has been very helpful, especially as a new sitting superintendent. Her years of experience have allowed him to do the entry work. It also gave him an opportunity to see what the district needed in an Assistant Superintendent. There is a need and it is critical. If recommendation approved, Dr. Halloran will stay until the end of the school year. Mr. Callanan moved, seconded by Mr. Liakos, that the School Committee extend Dr. Sandra Halloran’s contract as Interim Assistant Superintendent thru June 30, 2014. Voted unanimously. c. Preliminary Entry Findings – Dr. Zrike presented his Preliminary Entry Findings, noting before the review, that initially he was going to present the report but advised by his coach that the presentation tonight be more of a rehearsal. He did not want the SC or public to hear the final report without being able to make adjustments. After the community forums, there will be the document will be shared with the School Committee and community. It will capture the themes shared this evening. A “white paper” will be published in January, based on what he heard, saw and analyzed documents. . Entry phase was a five-month process. Education stakeholders, community stakeholders, outreach, data analysis/document review and meeting with members one on one. . Key Questions: What should I know about the Wakefield community? What is working well in our schools? What are areas of growth for our schools? What advice do you have for me as a new superintendent? These are questions that anchored conversations with the community. Wakefield’s pride is alive and strong as noted from talking with community, staff and students. It is a close knit community. Many former students work in our schools. There is enthusiasm for sports teams, music, etc. Core values run deep. There is a lot of positive momentum in the community moving from good to great. Values are lived out in the community. Behavior and actions of students and staff are consistent with the principles in the mission statement.

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Five Themes . Wakefield Educators – They are caring, responsive and resourceful. Recent survey called out that learning is a priority. Educators want visibility of the superintendent in their schools. Because of the many changes they have operated in silos. The strategic plan has been very effective and a good road map, but does not establish a plan for improved learning in district. The principals need the tools to create a positive school culture. Leaders have to be empowered. The feedback also noted that we are not promoting from within. There is an interest to develop a pipeline program to promote from within. There is a hope for a vision in the area of professional development. They want PD to be relevant and practical, and have would like a voice in the PD process. There is a need for specialized training. Paraprofessionals want more PD. . Curriculum/Instruction/Assessment There is inconsistency across grade levels and schools. Materials are different. Families and staff feel the inconsistency hurts children. It also has an impact on SPED program. Deep understanding of CCSS (Common Core – State Standards) is a big part of the inconsistency. Parents want and are craving information and understanding of CCSS. Curriculum adoption cycle is not clear. Over time schools have made decisions independently. There needs to be a clear vision - digital vs. textbook. 21 Century Learning – there is a void and direction in this area. Many districts are moving to appoint STEM coordinators. This is an important area where we have to prepare our students for the 21st Century workplace. Parents want a better understanding to prepare their students for college and career readiness. Technology – There is a lot of positive energy around technology. The work by IT Dept. has been well received, but staff/parents want more done. Tech Committee is recommending more devices, improve digital workload; meaning and comprehensive PD. Students want more rigorous course. Health and Wellness – A Health and Wellness Committee has to be established. Instruction – New evaluation system has been very well implemented in Wakefield. Dr. Kim Smith, Deb Collura and the leadership of the WEA have to be commended. There is a need to revisit and re-calibrate the system. Time & Learning – For teachers it’s about more time to plan. There is an expressed concern about the daily interruptions that takes away from learning. Teaching to Standards should uphold what is inherent in the Common Core. The WEA has expressed a concern that there is an inconsistent vision of what special leadership teams are to do in every school. Regarding MCAS comparisons in ”like” districts, will report at a future School Committee meeting. . Student Support Services Over Testing –As a system there isn’t a strong data management system. Staff is frustrated on analysis of data. There is other data we should be looking at, which is not part of our regular system. Early childhood has been a very consistent topic. There should be a more robust childhood experience. There should be better advertisement of the pre-school program, lottery, and access to free full day K for all students. Housing a kindergarten in home school is a real challenge. Wakefield Academy – 30% did not know if the program provided a meaningful service. It is only 4

seen as a child care program. ELL – The sentiment is that we are peace mealing support. There are legal requirement and individual challenges. It is a moving target. Students of Color – The high school leadership have voiced a concern of the number of students of color in AP and honor level programs. SPED – A concern with relationship with parents; it has become an adversarial relationship over time. Students, who cannot afford to be bounced around, are being bounced around. Also a concern to create programs that meet the needs of the students. It appears that program names have lost meaning. They have to be clearly delineated. The number of students excluded has been noted during conversations. . Budget & Operations – Transparency has been a theme. 5% of budget goes to curriculum instruction. It is disproportionate to the district’s mission. Salaries – not paying competitive salaries, but a continued push to keep best and brightest. There is a discrepancy in like-district communities. Autonomy for schools –Principals have voiced a concern, they want more autonomy. Food services – concern we are divesting away from actual services and quality. User Fees – need equity across the board. Operations – DPW/School Dept. – there is a concern of building upkeep, management and oversight. They are not well delineated. Facility plan –Consensus is that we establish a facility plan. Procedures – lack of procedures & policies. Crisis management – schools have plans, but not synchronized across the system. Student Information System is not customer/user friendly . Community/School Relations Communication - 64% agreed schools communicate with parents. There is a need for central office to communicate more effectively about what is happening in the schools. E-mail is the most effective way to communicate with families. Collaboration with Town – There is a sincere desire to work with schools, which is vital to the success and growth of Wakefield. Partnership with business and local organizations they want to help but not told how they can do this. School Committee is a very strong committee. They vary in experience and background, but there is a disconnect with the community. Branding – We have to tell our story better. Naysayers dominate discourse in the community. Role of Superintendent and Central Office – There needs to be a shift from complaint/fire extinguisher dept. Role of superintendent has not been seen as an instructional leader in the district, but more of a manager operational role. . Next Step – Forums to get input and then publish white paper mid-January. There is a lot to digest. The committee thanked Dr. Zrike on the in depth presentation and observations made. Mr. Liakos remarked that priorities will have to set for the system, but we have the beginnings of a roadmap. He encouraged the public to participate in the public forums. Mr. Callanan asked about setting meetings with superintendent to discuss where to arrive in the middle on some of the findings. Dr. Zrike welcomes discussions with the School Committee 5

members. Ms. Danehy thought the presentation will start the dialogue with community and engagement. People need to feel included, empowered and making an impact. 7. Business Items – Mr. Pfifferling presented the financial reports and shared with the Budget Subcommittee at their last meeting. Encumbered column taken out and working with the Town to ensure that purchase orders have been updated. They do not included $164,000 added to budget, based on Town Meeting action. . Heating fuel - very little spent at this time. . Grants report reviewed . Revolving Accounts – reviewed the status of the Food Service account. The program should be branded. . Wakefield Academy – reviewed the status of the account. There is a $70,000 swing. New director’s salary, employees paid in July which would account for some of the swing. Will do a full analysis of locations. Ms. Cook asked about the lunch policy and is it working out. She was advised they did a good job communicating to families. Some money has been recouped, and some families put on payment schedule. It seems to be working, but will know more in a month or so. Will bring the director in at a future meeting. Mr. Liako asked about the Performing Arts program and was told Lights up Theatre, a district wide summer program, is non-existence at this time. Once it is up and running, will report on fees and revenues. . Budget Schedule – Mr. Pfifferling highlighted upcoming meetings the remainder of the school year. . Dr. Zrike – will put out the public budget forum agenda so people will know in advance. . Personnel Report reviewed. 8. Consent Agenda a. Approval of Payroll Warrants – Mr. Callanan moved, seconded by Mr. Liakos, approval of the Payroll Warrants #19 & 21. Voted Unan. b. Approval of Minutes – Mr. Callanan moved that the School Committee approves the corrected minutes of November 12, and the minutes of November 26 as presented. Voted Unan. Mr. Callanan moved, seconded by Mr. Liakos that the School Committee accepts the Policy Subcommittee minutes of December 4, 2013. Voted Unan. 9. Subcommittee/Liaison Reports Policy – Mr. Callanan moved, seconded by Mr. Liakos, that the School Committee take off the table the following policies: Administering Medicines to Students (JLCD), All Day Kindergarten (JF-E-3); Reporting to Authorities Suspected Child Abuse or Neglect (JL); Entrance Age (JEB); Field Trips (IJOA); Illegal Substance & Alcohol (JICH); Internet Safety (IJWDB-R); Life Threatening Allergies in the School Setting (JLCE); Motor Vehicle Idling (EEAJ); Non-Resident Students (JFAB); Salute to Flag & Display of Same (IMDA); Parental Notification Relative to Sex Education (IHAMB); Student Athletic Concussion (JLCAB); Student Conduct (JIC); User Fees (JQ); Web Content Filtering (IJNDD); Wellness Policy (ADF). Ms. Cook asked if it would be beneficial to wait before creating the Wellness policy, because of 6

the establishment of a Wellness Committee. Dr. Zrike advised that the Wellness Committee has been established which consists of a teacher, nurse and Board of Health member, as well as parent & Health & Wellness teacher at the High School. Dr. Zrike urged the committee to move forward with the policy. The Wellness Committee will be meeting, as well as attending a conference. Mr. Callanan felt the policy is open enough to adapt to variations to procedures. Motion voted unanimously. Communications – Ms. Morgan reported that the Committee recently met and reviewed the survey results. They will be meeting on January 6 to discuss the first public forum on the budget. 10. School Committee Comments – The members extended holiday wishes to all. 11. Next Meeting – The committee will hold their regularly scheduled business meeting on Tuesday, January 12, 2014. 12. Adjournment – On a motion by Mr. Callanan, seconded by Mr. Liakos and voted unanimously, the committee adjourned their meeting.

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