Pierce School PTO; Brookline, MA
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Notes from the Superintendent's Monthly Meeting

Every month, PTOs from all schools participate in a meeting with Superintendent Bill Lupini.  (Starting in November 2011, all  School Council Chairs are also invited to those meetings.)  At each meeting, special topics are presented from programs across the district, such as the World Language Program or Steps to Success.  Updates on enrollment, budgets and building issues across the district are reviewed and PTOs are able to share information with each other, such as fundraising strategies, budget and communications. As a PTO we are committed to communication and transparency and will be summarizing these meetings and posting them here. Please feel free to follow up with any questions, comments or feedback to piercepto@gmail.com.

Video of Superintendent's Forum at Pierce - December 2013

Summary of PTO/Superintendent February 2014 Meeting
  1. Meeting Notes
  2. Budget Message
  3. Budget Presentation

Summary of Superintendent Lupini’s Forum at Pierce School - March 8, 2013

I. Superintendent’s opening statement

Space issues
Long-Term: B-SPACE committee charged with exploring solutions for beyond 2015 and outline what a new school could look like. Superintendent is advocating for a school to start in SY 15-16. School department will present some possible ideas to the Committee at the next meeting, Monday, March 11. One consideration for a long-term solution is whether it will help address the oncoming space crunch at the high school. (Projection—2,500 high school students by 2022.)

B-SPACE website: http://www.brooklinema.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1503:committee-on-space-planning-for-enrollment-growth-in-the-public-schools&catid=326:boards-appointd-by-selectmen&Itemid=1742

Short-Term: District hopes to place modular classrooms at Lawrence School for SY 13-14. This could help Pierce because of the Pierce/Lawrence buffer zone.

Budget
Thursday evening, March 14: Presentation of budget to School Committee.
Superintendent’s budget message available for download:
http://www.brookline.k12.ma.us/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=101&Itemid=329

The message states a primary goal reflected in budget decisions—to use scarce funds to keep classroom sizes relatively low.

Proposed cuts include eliminating the ECS program (which could be slated for restoration with a redesigned program if additional revenues are realized) and reducing K-3music to once per week. In addition, there is a proposed increase in the fee for athletic participation at the high school.

Brookline’s final budget is greatly influenced by what happens with the state budget. Gov. Patrick’s proposed budget would give significant support to the Brookline school budget, but there is not much support in the state legislature for the Governor’s budget.

Town of Brookline continues its strong support of the School Department. It is codified that there be a 50/50 split of revenues between Town and School Department. This year, as in recent past, School Department has received more than its 50% of revenues, plus an additional $750K in growth money allocated before the split was figured.

Superintendent anticipates that the earliest an override could be considered would be 2014, because the Town requires an override study committee before one gets proposed and put on a ballot.

Upcoming budget forums:

Tuesday, March 19, 6:30PM, Baker School Library

Wednesday, March 20, 8:15AM, Town Hall Room 103

II. Highlights from the Question and Answer Period

  • Lots of talk about how budget constraints, growth realities, and decisions made because of these might affect the “magic” that makes Brookline Public Schools desirable . Parents cited some of their feelings about what makes the magic: school culture, teachers who know their kids well, opportunities for students to follow their interests, appropriate support and challenge for all students. Superintendent acknowledged that he’s the ultimate watch guard of the “magic.” Definition of where the magic lies, he says, is different for different people—choices for budget reductions have to be viewed in context of simultaneous decisions about what to keep (e.g. low adult/child ratio in classes, instrumental program, music conservatory, 4+1 teaching load at high school.) He reasserted his belief that low class size is fundamental to the magic. The proposed budget, in his view, is not ideal but is “the best use of resources I have available to me now.”
  • Several ways for parents concerned about current and future funding constraints to get involved—contacting state legislators to influence state budget; making your voice heard by attending School Committee meetings, as they ultimately vote on the Superintendent’s proposed budget; getting involved in BSPACE and the Strategic Plan update.
  • Full renovation of Pierce likely to be pushed back by need for a new school and for additional space for high school students.
  • Superintendent understands the desire for more vice-principal support at Pierce, as expressed by parents at the Forum and by the current Pierce School administration.
  • Date for eighth grade graduation should be decided soon. Superintendent understands the desire to not change the date, though he’s also pushing year-by-year to have eighth-grade graduation be closer to the end date for all students.

Summary of PTO/Superintendent January 2013 Meeting

  1. The Country Club of Brookline is hosting the U.S. Amateur Golf Championship August 12-13, 2013. They and the town are hosting a variety of activities throughout the summer to encourage family participation in the event. Kids under 18 are admitted free to the event.  http://www.2013usamateur.com/Club/Scripts/Home/home.asp
  2. FY2014 budget preview: The Superintendent outlined the budget development process. He made an initial presentation to the School Committee and by 2/14 must present a balanced budget to the school committee and by 2/28 have the numbers to support it. Highlights include:
    -Town/school partnership for shared expenses
    -Floor for state aid was raised last year by $2 million and was supposed to be raised by an additional $2 million but it is unlikely that full amount of the planned increase will be realized
    -The Governor made cuts to the Circuit Breaker program which funds special education
    -The town will likely continue its increased allocation to offset enrollment growth
    -Health insurance rates will not be set until March and will have an impact on the budget if the increases are greater or less than planned.
    -FY13 budget deficit of $600,000 required budget cuts; any of those will be considered additional budget items in FY14.
    -Enrollment growth means an increase in @10 K-8 teachers across the district as well as specialists and other providers, materials and supplies and space rental.
    -Planned program improvements are also part of the FY14 budget plans, including professional development, literacy and program review.
    -Budget cuts will look at every area not mandated while honoring commitments to appropriate levels of classroom teachers and class sizes.
    -School security update-the Superintendent’s office met and continues to meet with Principals and the Chief of Police to enhance school security plans. Some of the strategies developed may not be able to be shared widely because they must be kept internal to building leadership to preserve the security of the measures.
  3. Opportunities for public feedback:
    -Strategic plan committee-Charged with updating and revising strategic plan; meetings publicly accessible http://www.brookline.k12.ma.us/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=395:strategic-plan-committee&catid=101:superintendents-news&Itemid=329 or http://www.brooklinema.gov/index.php?option=com_jevents&view=month&layout=calendar&Itemid=1647
    -“Case for Space” group will look at school space needs

Summary of PTO/Superintendent December 2012 Meeting

1. Social Competency and Bullying Prevention
- Olweus Bullying Prevention Program has been selected by Brookline Schools to be implemented in Gr K-12
- Goals are to reduce existing bullying problems among students, prevent the development of new bullying problems and achieve better peer relations at school
- Includes component in the school, in each classroom, with individuals and throughout the community
- to date Bullying Prevention Coordinating Committees at each elementary school have been formed and trained, 856 staff have been trained, there have been staff discussion groups and an annual Olweus Bullying Questionnaire was administered to students grades 3-9 in Spring 2012
- full roll out to students and parents to begin Winter 2013 (stay tuned for details)
- 2 other social competency programs are being used also: Responsive Classroom in gr k-5 and Development Design Gr 6-8 
2. Addressing Enrollment Growth
- Reviewed Goals for Medium Growth Development (next 2 years)
- Goals include maintaining reasonable class size, avoiding Educational Program compromises, plan the necessary short-term measures needed to enhance long-term vision, long-term return of Pre-ks to the K-8 school buildings (though some will be moved out to other facilities in the short term), Pay attention to common spaces for future adaptations, retain METCO and Staff Materials Fee Program (total of 450 across district), study and research appropriate sizes for school facilities
- A few stats: current 8th gr enrollment is 446, current kindergarten is 666 - helps to demonstrate accelerated growth
- 12 new sections added this year, anticipate 10 new sections next year and 7 the  year after that - currently exploring how to accommodate this (such as portable classrooms, renting class space outside of schools, reconfiguring current spaces)
- Concept study underway for the high school for future scenarios
3. Other
- Govern Patrick announced municipal cuts yesterday which will impact Brookline (and other urban school districts).  These include cuts in Circuit Breaker (reimbursement to districts for out-of-district special education placements) and transportation for homeless students
- Currently running a deficit of $425k for Quarter 1, exploring costs cuts for the remainder of the year which include reviewing all open positions, all materials, professional development and any other discretionary costs
- ECS pre-program review scheduled for Dec. 17, 7-8 pm
- Math program review postponed to ensure Brookline math can complete its alignment with new MA core curriculum standards

Summary of PTO/Superintendent November 2012 Meeting

1. Steps to Success: Steps to Success is a program in the Brookline public schools focused on low income students, "Working with young people from Grade 4 through college, Steps seeks to break through the attitudes and substantive barriers — both personal and institutional — that often make it difficult for low-income students to succeed in school and pursue higher education." They presented to increase awareness about this program across all Brookline schools.  They are always looking for adult volunteers, check the website for details. http://www.stepstosuccessbrookline.org/

2. 'Non-Tax" Revenue Procedures - Dr. Lupini is charged with developing administrative guidelines for school-based organizations (PTO, friends groups, extended day, etc.) to implement the School Committee's newly approved policy on fundraising dollars raised by these organizations.  These guidelines are still in draft and are expected to be finalized by December.  They include guideline around PTO spending for technology, professional development, library, field trips, specialized equipment and capital additions/ upgrades.  These guidelines outline what is appropriate for these organizations to spend their dollars on and where expenditures need School Committee approval and how to collaborate with the appropriate School Department staff and administrators through this process.  Once finalized these guidelines will be posted.

3. Educator Evaluation - There is a new law regarding educator evaluation that includes changes in performance standards and ratings as well as additional feedback inputs, such as staff feedback on principals.  Brookline Schools are currently piloting a new educator evaluation of which 42 teachers and 40 evaluators are participating.  This pilot includes non-classroom and classroom teachers, it includes increased unannounced classroom visits, SMART (specific, measurable, appropriate, realistic, timely) goals by all participants, self-assessments and 2 evaluations.  The pilot will be complete by March so that the findings can be reviewed and incorporated into a new system.  

Summary of PTO/Superintendent October 2012 Meeting

1. Hiring Profile- presented by Dr. Angela Allen, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources
Dr. Allen presented on the strategy for hiring teachers in Brookline. She presented an analysis of teacher profiles, focused on their racial/ethnic diversity.  105 ‘new to the position’ teachers were hired (18% were current Brookline employees and 82% were new to Brookline) and 125 new paraprofessionals were hired for the current school year.  Paraprofessionals hired most often are certified teachers and many have Master’s degrees in education. Paraprofessionals are also seen as a ‘pipeline’ for future teachers.
In terms of the racial/ethnic diversity of teaching staff, there is a strategy and intention to increase diversity in the PSB.  Using the classifications mandated by the state, Brookline currently has 90.09% ‘white’ and 9.1% ‘non-white’ teachers.  The state as a whole has 93% ‘white’ and 7.1% ‘non-white’ teachers, so Brookline is currently more diverse in its teacher profile.  However, this breakdown is not reflective of our student population nor is it ‘where we want to be.’ (Note: A question was asked about gender breakdown of teachers, but that data was not available during this meeting.  It will be sent out to the group later.)
As such, Dr. Allen is reviewing current hiring practices to try and create innovative strategies to increase the diversity of our teachers.  These include seeking out a variety of job fairs, thinking creatively about how to use these job fairs, creating partnerships with colleges and universities that have a more diverse student population, and long term partnering programs, such as Today’s Students, Tomorrow’s Teachers.

2. Non- Tax Revenue Policy – presented by Dr. Lupini, Superintendent of Schools
The School Committee passed a new policy regarding ‘non-tax revenue’ for schools in September 2012.  This work was completed after a long debate last spring over a proposed ‘non-tax revenue’ project for a new Heath School auditorium.  The policy will shortly be posted to the School Committee’s web site at http://www.brookline.k12.ma.us/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=50&Itemid=135.
The School Committee’s adoption of the policy included a mandate that the Superintendent’s office draft administrative guidelines for the implementation of this policy.  A draft was circulated for review, comment and questions. These guidelines will help PTOs and other ‘school-based’ organizations, determine how to spend their funds. Included in the draft are elements surrounding technology, field trips, professional development and capital improvements. Dr. Lupini will continue to work on these guidelines. Once final, they will be available on the website.

3. Homework and Holiday Procedures – presented by Dr. Lupini, Superintendent of Schools
The Public Schools of Brookline has revised its policy regarding homework on ‘days of low attendance’ and other religious/ cultural holidays.  A letter will be sent home to families shortly outlining this new policy and including all of the dates that are impacted by this new policy.  The administration reviewed this policy in light of its core value, ‘Respect for Human Differences’ that is committed to acknowledging and celebrating the diversity within our community….” The Superintendent’s office was very clear that non-compliance with this policy on the part of individual classrooms will not be tolerated and that any deviation from the policy should be reported directly to the Principal, so that they may work with the teachers to accurately implement this new policy.

Notes from Q&A with Dr. Lupini, 03/09/12

Superintendent Lupini came to speak with the Pierce School community on Friday March 9. He discussed a number of topics, which are summarized briefly below.
  1. School year 2012-2013 budget: The District, in the Governor’s budget proposal, received increased revenue in several different categories, which has had a positive impact on the Superintendent’s draft budget. Details of the budget are available at http://www.brookline.k12.ma.us/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=188%3Aadministration-a-finance-budget&catid=38&Itemid=78
  2. The Superintendent addressed short term efforts at all buildings to address the need for increased classroom space due to increasing enrollment. He also acknowledged that the District will have to pursue a long term plan to address the accelerated growth being experienced currently.
  3. The bids on the renovation of the Pierce auditorium came in $300,000 over budget. The town administration has proposed a warrant article at Town Meeting to authorize the town to fun the difference (the original renovation budget was @ $700,000). This could possibly delay the Auditorium project by a number of months.
  4. Dr. Lupini acknowledged Pierce, in particular Dr. Smith-Mumford and Mary Gabriel for their work with the Literacy Collaborative and their leadership on literacy at the district level.

The Superintendent then fielded questions from parents on several topics:
  1. Q: The impact of the proposal from the parent group at Heath to fund an auditorium with private contributions, and the impact it has on equity within the district. A: Parents should make their opinions heard at the 3/15 School Committee meeting (three members of the School Committee were in the audience).
  2. Q: The enrollment “wave” and when it hits the high school—what are the Town’s plans? A: The School Department will conduct a concept study at Brookline High to determine what can be done in the facility and how it could be fully utilized (short to medium term).
  3. Q: How do we account for the first large class that will enter 6th grade next year? A: The budget takes into account that growth (4 new teachers, 3.2 specialists district wide).
  4. Q: How do we support children at the higher levels of achievement as well as those working to reach proficiency? A: The Superintendent outlined a number of district initiatives and program enhancements to support ECS students, including auditing college courses, sending middle schoolers to the high school for advanced level work, a program called “Virtual High School” and more.   The Superintendent was asked to make those programs more visible and make information about them more readily available.
  5. Q: Is there a way to increase programs for 7/8th graders after school? A: Several initiatives have been tried and there may be possibilities with the Teen Center to offer such programs.
  6. Q: What is the Superintendent’s philosophy about a longer school year? A: He supports it in theory but it would need to be done in the right context, i.e. the new state “innovation school” models.
  7. Q: Technology infrastructure? A: The Superintendent highlighted the district-wide strategic plan for technology, a summary of which can be found here.
  8. Q: Is there an opportunity to expand BEEP? A: With facilities challenges the location of those classrooms may be centralized. There is an increasing demand for early education from those who require services, and solutions about physical space may allow for some growth.
  9. Q: Is METCO impacting growth and would a reciprocal arrangement with Boston Public Schools be possible? A: The Superintendent reiterated his support for Brookline’s particpation in METCO, and cited the program as only one input into growth pressures (among them increasing demand from staff to send their children to Brookline, increasing enrollment overall, etc).
  10. Q: The statewide changes to MCAS reporting. A: [didn’t have good notes here]

SUPERINTENDENT LUPINI UPDATE March 2012

  1. Dr. Lupini will speak and answer questions at the March 9 community breakfast, 8 am in the Auditorium.   
  2. The 2012-13 Budget: Dr. Lupini is working on next year's school budget, to be presented Feb. 16 to the School Committee.  More information on this process can be found on the Administration and Finance page of the Public Schools of Brookline website. http://www.brookline.k12.ma.us/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=188%3Aadministration-a-finance-budget&catid=38&Itemid=78   
  3. The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has developed new legislation regarding educator evaluation. Brookline Schools are in the process of developing a system to meet these new requirements and this new system will be rolled out in 2013. 

Summary of PTO/Superintendent January 2012 Meeting

  1. Parent Portal - The School Department has been piloting an electronic parent portal, called X2, at the High School that would provide access for students and parents to data such as progress reports, report cards, syllabi, attendance records and a unified access point for links to teacher platforms.  Rollout will begin at the high school.  They are exploring expansion to grades 6-8 in the future. 
  2. Out-of-School Time Program ReviewA Program Review of all the 'out-of-school time' offerings was conducted (Extended Days, Enrichments, Rec, etc.)  The report was recently completed highlighted many shortfalls and challenges across the districte and included a set of recommendations.  These include: update vision and policies which includes review of priority setting and fee structure of building use, develop a unified scheduling and reservation system for buildings, create an advisory group with representatives from many different groups. 
  3. "METCO Merits More" PresentationThe Pioneer Institute recently completed a comprehensive study of the METCO program.  The report highlights Brookline's program in a positive way, especially important in the difficult budgetary times.  The authors will present their findings to the School Committee on January 19 and it is open to the public.

Summary of PTO/Superintendent December 2011 Meeting

  1. A presentation from Jeanne Rintell, the coordinator of the Understanding Disabilities program, which provides educational programs and activities to fourth graders in each Brookline school. Parent volunteers coordinate with the district on the design and delivery of these programs. Kate Ewan, Nancy Leventhal and Jennfier Bruni are the Pierce parent team. More information about the program's curriculum is available online at http://www.understandingourdifferences.org/website/school-programs/.
  2. Peter Rowe, Deputy Superintendent for Administration and Finance, presented on the enrollment projections for the Brookline Public Schools. Over the last seven years the district has grown by 941 students, with Pierce alone adding 151 students in the same time frame, making Pierce the second largest K-8 school in the district (after Devotion). School department officials anticipate that this growth will continue along this trajectory. The School Department is initiating a number of projects to generate solutions to the space constraints created by increased enrolment, including a Buffer Zone Committee and a Capital Facilities subcommittee of the School Committee to explore the options available to the town. The Superintendent also reported that such an enrollment is not sustainable under the current operating budget, and that his office will also begin to explore ways to increase revenue in a more sustained manner.
  3. The Superintendent also distributed a revised copy of PTO funding guidelines, which set standards across the district as to how PTO funding can support each school. Those will be reviewed by a school committee subcommittee and a final version will be presented in January. 

 Summary of PTO/Superintendent November 2011 Meeting

  1. Two programs that are closely affiliated with the district presented: Steps to Success (a comprehensive school and community-based initiative that helps low income students succeed in school and make college a reality); and B-PEN - Brookline Parent Education Network, which provides parent resources for grades 6- 12. More information on both programs can be found at www.stepstosuccessbrookline.org or (B-Pen web site). We will provide links to both sites on at http://piercepto.weebly.com/other-links.html
  2. PTO Funding Guidelines: In an effort to have equity, transparency and clarity across PTOs at all schools, the group has been discussing appropriate guidelines for PTO spending. Currently, the guidelines from the Town are being updated. This conversation is helping us as we review our own budget expenditures and fundraising. Once these guidelines are presented to and approved by the School Committee, they will be posted on the website. In the meantime, Pierce PTO is finalizing its budget and reviewing its fundraising strategy.  Be sure to join in the conversation - send an email to pierce.pto@gmail.com if you want your voice heard.
  3. PTO Insurance - Pierce PTO has purchased general liability insurance for this year. Previously, event insurance had been purchased for one-time events, such as the auction. This annual policy is more in line with recommendations from our attorney and consistent with the Town counsel’s recommendations. 
Next month’s agenda will include a discussion of the parent portal pilot at the high school – which, when rolled out district-wide, will enable us to get contact information directly through a secure, online site!  Let's keep our fingers crossed that it is going well and will be ready for rollout at the elementary schools to replace our directory! 

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