Dr. David Hopson
At its meeting on May 14, the school committee moved a number of items forward in a very productive meeting. As with many school committee meetings, the agenda for this specific meeting covered a wide range of topics including information from students, administrators, and committee members, requests for student field trips (required for out-of-state or out-of-country trips), policy deliberations, and items related to the future of the district (the major topic lately in this category being the potential of Worthington withdrawing from the district). As there were possible legal issues related to several items, the chair ensured that legal counsel was available at the meeting.
One of the most rewarding aspects for me when I was on the school committee, and that remains the most rewarding as superintendent, is listening to student and staff reports and being able to provide support for learning outside of the classroom. The school committee addressed two of these student-based issues last week. The committee allowed Casey Pease permission to directly solicit funds for an opportunity he has to participate in the “Junior Statesman of America” program this summer. The committee also approved a trip by the biology and Spanish classes to Costa Rica next spring. Both of these are great opportunities for our students and, in an age when many districts are restricting field trips and other activities outside of the classroom, speak volumes for the district, our school committee, and our staff in supporting our students.
Part of the issue surrounding districts allowing ‘out-of-school’ experiences—especially during ‘academic’ times—are the constantly increasing requirements and regulations that districts must meet throughout the year. A perfect example of that is a new policy that was adopted last week regarding Criminal History Record Information checks. This is a policy and procedure that has been adopted by most states in the country, which increases the background checking requirements for people who potentially have non-supervised contact with students. It requires an FBI criminal record check, which is a excellent safeguard. The problem is that this will be funded by the individuals required to have this check completed and there are no funds attached for the additional time, effort, and review that must be done by designated staff in the district – essentially resulting in another unfunded mandate.
The committee also reviewed, and accepted, the draft maintenance and capital plan for the next ten years. The committee also discussed the revised Administrative Consent Order from the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) about ensuring a safe and consistent supply of drinking water from Gateway’s well. The new DEP agreement permits the district to use money that would have been spent to upgrade the old well, to drill a new well in the same vicinity and addresses several other items that will prove favorable to the district. There was also much discussion around the Worthington withdrawal issue including timetables, required steps, and potential negotiated agreements around finances; the committee will continue to research and address these issues moving forward.
Despite the efforts of the committee, due to the need for additional information and review, selected policies were returned to the Policy Committee for further consideration. The committee was updated during executive session regarding ongoing negotiations. As with so many activities in the district, the school committee is also facing an increased level of work as the state and federal government add additional items that require their actions.
