Mr. Tetreault called the meeting back to order at 6:54PM.

Mr. Yezukevich joined the meeting.

Mr. Tetreault reported that he had not received any requests.

2023-2026 Accountability Plan

Ms. Berkowitz requested that this agenda item be tabled due to further edits being made.

Mr. Tetreault suggested commenting on the original accountability plan. He also noted that there were two corrections to the agenda. This would be the first reading of the accountability plan, and the employee handbook is incorrectly listed as the first reading and should be listed as the second reading.

Mr. Tetreault confirmed that there are members assigned to each of the measures of the accountability plan. He noted the importance of measuring the predictor of outcomes, i.e. if FRCS is doing a better job of preparing students for college and careers, having a metric to reflect that outcome. Discussion ensued. Ms. Foley and Ms. Benton-Johnson worked together to ensure success in supporting educators to define and enhance equity and justice, and to align student social/emotional needs with culturally responsive teaching and engaging students in the promotion of those skills. Different measures are derived from the same data collection.

Ms. Berkowitz noted that she had  advised the state that the plan was revised and a follow-up call will be made tomorrow. Following feedback, the final plan will be voted on by the Board.

Employee Handbook

Mr. Martin noted the inconsistency of language with regard to changes in the calendar. Either the Board gives flexibility leadership to make changes under special circumstances, or Board approval is needed before any change can be made. Discussion ensued on granting executive leadership the discretion to make changes to the calendar based on extenuating sometimes emergency situations within the constraints of and oversight of the 180-day calendar year. These circumstances may, but not be limited to, weather, facilities issues, public health emergencies, etc. It was the consensus of the Board to maintain the language that grants executive leadership this discretion.

Mr. Martin also suggested raising compensation for referrals from $250 to $500. Discussion ensued including the budgetary impact. It was the consensus of the Board that the increase in the referral amount would be beneficial to attracting good talent.

Vote:

Upon motion duly made by Mr. Tetreault and seconded by Ms. Crawford, it was unanimously voted to approve the Employee Handbook as amended to increase the referral compensation from $250 to $500.

Roll Call Vote:

                                                                Sergio Martin                       Aye

                                                                Badawi Dweik                      Aye

                                                                Kathleen Crawford               Aye

                                                                Anissia Vixamar                   Aye

                                                                Todd Tetreault                     Aye

                                                                 Motion passed 5-0.

Sexual Harassment Policy

Ms. Benton-Johnson reported that she had submitted the sexual harassment policy to the state including bullying prevention and response and civil rights. All three policies will be presented at staff professional development sessions. Discussion ensued on the specific language contained in the policies with regard to staff as well as students.

Following discussion, it was the consensus of the Board that Ms. Benton-Johnson will seek clarification of language from legal counsel with regard to a) inconsistency of reference to the policy applying to employees and students; b) the process and procedure for dealing with persons in violation identified by staff members and/or students; c) insofar as all persons are protected under sexual harassment laws, should policies be collaborative for all members of the community or separate; and d) if determined to be collaborative, that they reflect federal laws and provide overlap protection with regard to grievances, retaliation and designate  investigative responsibility and procedures. 

Student Code of Conduct

Ms. Benton-Johnson reviewed the Student Code of Conduct reflecting significant changes to the disciplinary law on how schools demonstrate providing interventions to students, and explicit criteria on what has to happen before a student is suspended or expelled. The three levels of intervention involve minor infractions happening in the classroom and class management and major infractions that are escalated to the office level. The law defines the scope of teacher response to low level behavior minor infractions on three occasions before the fourth occasion triggers office administration support and determination of implementing a higher level intervention or corrective action. Infractions are entered electronically by teachers with major infractions being reported to the state. The language of all letters of suspension/expulsion have been changed to reflect DESE regulations. Discussion ensued.

In response to Mr. Martin’s inquiry on the issuance of a data assessment plan, Ms. Benton-Johnson stated her six-month absence led to delays in reporting but that the data has been collected and will be summarized. Ms. Calvert added that an offer is forthcoming to fill the position of data analyst. Information will be placed in the calendar on the due date for timely district assessment of data.

Student Handbook

Mr. Martin noted that approval of the Student Handbook was behind schedule. Ms. Berkowitz agreed that discussion of the handbook needs to be on the October/November agenda to allow enough time for approval on June 1st prior to the next fiscal year. Ms. Benton-Johnson noted that the harassment policy and code of conduct are supporting documents and these were not received in a timely manner. Ideally the process should begin in March in time for finalization by end of the school year.

Ms. Benton-Johnson reported that each building level is being asked to determine the language that is applicable to their level. Language with regard to all levels is being developed around the process of the discipline of students and conversations with families so as to ensure process is followed explicitly to rule out biases. Also being considered is language with regard to tardiness to class as opposed to tardiness to school, progressive discipline with regard to dress code, cellphone policy at the middle school level, obtaining passes for movement in the building, etc.

Following discussion it was agreed that the next draft will be distributed to members in time for a second reading at the next Board meeting scheduled for August 23rd, and approval and printing in time for the start of the school year. The document will be posted as an attachment and also distributed in Word format for convenience of tracking change.

Upon motion duly made by Mr. Tetreault and seconded by Ms. Crawford, it was unanimously voted to adjourn the meeting.

Roll Call Vote:

                                        Sergio Martin                        Aye

                                        Badawi Dweik                      Aye

                                        Kathleen Crawford              Aye

                                        Anissia Vixamar                   Aye

                                        Todd Tetreault                      Aye

                                        Matt Yezukevich                   Aye

                                        Motion passed 6-0.

B.     Adjourn Meeting

There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 7:34PM.

Respectfully Submitted,

Christine Martin Barraford

Recording Secretary