PRESENTChair and Mayor Clare Higgins, Alden Bourne (1), Lise Glading DiLorenzo (2), Howard Moore (3), Ed Zuchowski (4), Stephanie Pick (5) (arrived later), Downey Meyer (7), Jim Young (at-large), Mike Flynn (at-large). Absent: Lisa Minnick (6) Staff: Interim Superintendent William Erickson, Business Manager Susan Wright, Secretary Jennifer Towler.
PUBLIC COMMENTSeveral people spoke about the Fresh Wednesdays program. Most expressed support for the program whose goal is to replace overly processed foods with more fresh, local produce and whole grains; some expressed concerns about the difficulty of carrying it out (e.g., eliminating chocolate milk will lead to children bringing in their own chocolate syrup, too much prep. time for kitchen staff , too expensive, fresh not always superior to fresh-frozen, depending on circumstances, etc.). NPS Health Director Karen Jarvis-Vance provided a brief history of the program, explaining how the coalition was formed. She recommended more parent representatives on the coalition and a tie-in with curriculum (some teachers already do this).
FRESH WEDNESDAYS
Mickie Darling, a second grade teacher and parent leader for the Fresh Wednesdays program, presented an overview of the program and its progress up to now. Change is difficult, so transition should be taken slowly. They are guided by research, specifically the Institute of Medicine standards and best practices. Since its beginning here in October, the program has been successful, according to survey feedback from parents and students. Between 170 and 260 parents have attended each time. Benefits: educates children about healthy foods, makes use of local foods, increases local purchasing, sustainable, limits processed foods.
What is healthy food? minimally processed, whole grains, low in sugar, sodium and fat. Real food, no flavored milk.
Children will eat healthy foods if you put them in front of them. Healthy foods don't have to cost more. You just have to look around and find where those healthy foods are for less. Modeling is important.
Dietician (sorry, didn't get her name) accompanied Mickie and listed the following food recommendations on behalf of the coalition: no more sugared cereals for school breakfasts; no marshmallow fluff on sandwiches; no hot dogs, BBQ ribs, chicken bowls or french toast sticks (all have too much saturated or trans fat and sodium); no processed desserts (have freshly made dessert once per week); fruit for dessert; limit popcorn chicken and chicken nuggets to twice per month; use fresh or frozen vegetables, not canned; baked potatoes or wedges, not french fries; no juices or flavored milks.
How can school committee help? Keep supporting Fresh Wednesdays; implement the above recommendations; work with kitchen staff to come up with healthy menus within budget.
Conclusion: We, as educated, concerned adults should lead by observing the best practices re. nutrition, even when children resist. Likened it to children saying they didn't feel like doing their homework. Do we just let them do that?
School Committee DiscussionCH: EZ is on the committee, as is Karen Jarvis-Vance, so any comments can be directed to them.
EZ: Agree with KJV that more stakeholders need to be represented on coalition. Change comes slowly and in moderation. Important to be conscious of how this is going to be funded. There isn't as much federal funding for this as you think.
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORTField trips approved.
Snow days: 5 so far out of 185-day school year (180 legally required). Last day is June 27. Days cannot be made up by lengthening school days, according to state.
Roof snow: staff is doing well in determining where it needs to be removed and they're doing it.
CH: City will pay for the cost of school roof snow removal.
School choice program: committee voted to continue participating (allowing children from neighboring towns to attend NPS).
FY2012 BUDGET UPDATESusan Wright presented a detailed budget update, which I was not able to view. Please see SchoolsWatch's Budget & Property subcommittee meeting from Feb. 3 for this same information.
Conclusion: At this time, there is a $1.2 million deficit for NPS, which does not include salary increases. By the next Budget & Property meeting, SW will have a draft of the proposed FY12 budget. Items that are likely to fluctuate over next few months: school choice, circuit breaker (special ed. reimbursement), health insurance costs.
SUPERINTENDENT SEARCH UPDATEVice-chair Stephanie Pick has been leading this process for the school committee. She reported: weather has delayed some of the process. NESDEC (consultants hired to do search) led a focus group for the public (one was cancelled and not rescheduled) and met with the school committee, administrators, faculty and municipal employees. NESDEC then wrote up a summary and presented it to the school committee, taking their feedback. A candidate profile will be given to the screening committee at its first meeting Monday. The screening committee will first conduct a workshop open to the public, followed by a closed executive session so they can review applicants. New screening committee member to replace one who had to leave: Stephanie Grimaldi, parent and education teacher at Westfield State College. Goal: to bring finalists to school committee by end of April at latest.
SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS[See SchoolsWatch's curriculum and budget & property subcommittee reports for Feb. 3].
NEASC accreditation process for NHSSchool committee members asked NHS Principal Nancy Athas a number of questions about the eight Wednesdays she has proposed to start school late so that teachers can participate in accreditation tasks. Concerns about: insufficient notice for families, state laws regarding minimum number of hours school must be in session, morning not as good as afternoon to do this.
Rules & Policy committee to meet this Thursday at 6:00 pm at JFK. Conference committee to meet this week (see NPS website). Invited State Senator Stan Rosenberg to talk about state funding for education.
Barbara Considine, SchoolsWatch
No comments:
Post a Comment