Accolades for students
Student representatives reporting to the school committee congratulated the boys and girls cross country and soccer teams, praised the middle school drama production of Tales of Trickery, and noted that Bromfield had held a mock election the previous week and a Veteran’s Day assembly earlier on Monday.
Committee explores uses for potential town land
Committee member Willie Wickman reported that she is serving on a subcommittee comprising members from different town boards and chaired by Selectman Peter Warren. The group’s intention, she said, is to explore the Getty land off Mass. Ave. for possible town uses. The School Committee sent a memo on Nov. 3 to Board of Selectmen Chairman Leo Blair stating, “We think looking at this land is forward-thinking. The committee agreed that this property appears to have excellent characteristics for a future school facility if it is indeed determined that our current buildings cannot accommodate future enrollment.”
Wickman said one of the questions for the committee is how much land the schools would need for a new facility. She went on to express her concern that the School Committee needs to stay informed and involved in the Devens disposition talks. She said it is crucial that the committee be prepared with projections and whatever else is needed.
Task force considers uses for Shirley School
As a member of the task force to explore possible uses of the Shirley School on Devens, School Committee member Virginia Justicz reported that the committee had a brainstorming session and intends to conduct a survey of community needs. The top priority for the facility is educational use by the Harvard and Devens community.
School energy update
On the energy front, board chairman Sklar reported that National Grid will run gas lines to the two schools, which should be in operation a year from now, and Lorraine Leonard confirmed that the new Bromfield boiler came in under bid and looks good to go.
Cost-saving measures in place
Superintendent Tom Jefferson reported on his meeting with the Financial Impact Analysis Team (FIAT) and commended them for their work in creating suggestions for cost savings to the town. He commented that Harvard is already implementing strategies like sharing personnel between school and town and charging user fees.
Strategic Plan progress
Jefferson gave a progress report on the implementation of the Strategic Plan. He said the schools are “on target with most goals” and that he is pleased with the progress. Goals concerning the teaching of critical thinking and the commitment to the success of all learners have so far been addressed through a professional development day, planning groups, the creation of a blog, and software programs that assess learning styles and analyze MCAS data. To promote more effective communication (goal three of the Strategic Plan) Jefferson has published three news columns to date, the latest one on the budget process, and he will hold coffees on budget development.
Group to look for funds
The School Committee voted unanimously to approve the establishment of a grant-writing group, composed of volunteers from the community. Such a group would seek to identify and apply for funds available for all community agencies and the schools.
School Committee to hold open forum
Instead of a second business meeting this month, the School Committee will hold an open forum on Monday, Nov. 17, from 10 a.m. to noon in the Town Hall meeting room. The public is welcome to ask questions and give input.
Open meeting violation complaint filed
Sklar reported that a public meeting violation against the School Committee had been filed with the DA’s office. It regards the presence of School Committee members Sklar and Patty Wenger at a coffee Justicz held last month to solicit public input on the superintendent’s contract. Sklar asserted that he did not know Wenger would be present and that, “I went out of my way not to talk to Patty.”
The problem is, he said, that when people file these kinds of complaints it causes work for the committee. He seemed to be urging the public to settle their concerns in a different way.
