In addition to the Athletic Director’s review of Fall II Season sports, the School Committee (SC) heard a presentation of the Superintendent’s Budget FY22 recommendations during Thursday (2.11.21) evening’s SC meeting. The lengthy meeting began with Chair Stacey Raffi’s reading of the remote meeting directive of the Governor and a role call attendance at 7:00 PM. Adjusting the order of the agenda, Raffi recognized student representative Elise Andelman (photo below), who shared some highlights of Holliston HS.
In addition to noting the end of finals and the beginning of the second semester, Andelman introduced a new organization, Generation Ratify, spearheaded by Emma Grace, whose purpose is to aid in the national ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment.
Dr. Susan Kustka (photo above), Superintendent, provided a brief COVID 19 update: the Holliston Public Schools have been designated for 3 weeks in the “yellow” or moderate level of the State’s 4-tier COVID infection rate. She reported no school transmission.
Matthew Baker (photo above), Athletic Director, provided an overview of the Fall II season, planned to begin with tryouts on February 22 and continue through April 25. The season includes these 6 sports: Cheer (Sideline), Football, Swim and Dive, Track (Indoor), Unified Basketball, and Volleyball. Presently registration is open and Baker encourages those interested to sign up ASAP. The Middle School has no sports presently, but Baker is hoping for outdoor opportunities for students. Raffi thanked Baker for his efforts with the season ending this weekend, and for his efforts with the oncoming Fall II season.
Some lively discussion was shared among SC members concerning the present “no spectator” policy. Some asked for a change in the policy to allow parents to view the weekend’s final hockey game. Others supported the present policy for equity as well as to avoid possible COVID transmission. A vote was taken to allow Holliston parents as spectators at the remaining hockey game (for boys and for girls), but the no’s carried the vote, 4-3.
Dr. Kustka gave an update to the SC concerning the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) “Pool Testing” pilot program. According to presentation slides displayed by Dr. Kustka, “Pooled testing involves mixing several test samples together in a “batch” or “pool” and then testing the pooled sample with a PCR test for detection of SARS-CoV-2.” HPS would use Concentric Ginko Laboratories as its service provider. Test kits, support from Ginko, and the testing software to track results would cost HPS nothing until March 28, 2021. At this point, HPS “may continue using pooled testing by purchasing the tests and any other accompanying testing materials, software, or support from a statewide contract using their own funding.” Dr. Kustka said that pooled testing is an efficient way to catch COVID cases, even in people without symptoms. Results are delivered to the school nurse within 48 hours, with subsequent nursing intervention—followup testing for positive pools.
Results from an electronic family and staff interest survey provided the following data:
- 57% wanted to be included in the Pooled Testing Pilot program
- 43% did not want to be included in the Pooled Testing Pilot program.
As DESE recommends 80% participation, Dr. Kustka said, “We can’t move forward with the numbers we have.” Additionally, carrying on the Pool Testing from April 1 – June 23 would cost the District $113,000. (See slide below.)
Next, Dr. Kustka presented the Superintendent’s Recommended Budget FY22, beginning with a rationale for the 5.57% increase from FY21 appropriation ($35,139,715) to the FY22 ($37,098,5230).
According to Dr. Kustka, the increase is based on 7 articulated priorities. Among these are:
- Long term effects of the pandemic are yet to be determined but “can predict deficits in academic areas and in social-emotional learning (trauma) for students;
- A focus on repairing learning gaps compared to student progress in a typical year”;
- Plans to develop a 5-year strategic plan (FY23-FY27) informing a 5-year budget plan that connects to technology, professional development and curriculum review.
Below are the priority areas and the corresponding recommended requests:
Below are the priority areas and the corresponding recommended requests:
Upon the completion of Dr. Kustka’s presentation, Raffi said, “I like this approach to this crazy year. It’s helpful to look at it in this way.” She thanked the building administrators for attending this meeting. Dr. Kustka said, “This team has been phenomenal. I value their input on the team. They are your champions.”
Member Dawn Naborsky read a Resolution created in response to the Massachusetts planned vaccination of teachers. This Resolution requests the prioritization of vaccine availability to teachers as well as extended hours to accommodate the typical PreK-12 teacher’s schedule. The SC voted to send this Resolution to Senator Karen Spilka and Representative Carolyn Dykema.
Minutes from the following Executive Meetings were accepted by roll-call votes: 10.2.20, 10.20.20, 12.3.20, and minutes of Regular Sessions 8.6.20, 1.7.21, and 1.21.21.
Cynthia Listewnik read Policy JLCB, “Immunization of Students,” for the second time. This Policy was approved by a vote, and the 3rd reading of the Policy was waived.
Raffi reported signing warrants for the following School Bills: $288,841.88 ($6884 COVID-related), $35,925,58 ($8870 COVID-related), $246,097.94 ($775. COVID-related), and Cafeteria Bill $13,038.36 ($189.71 COVID-related) and Student Activities Replenishment HHS: $9375.92.
The meeting adjourned at 9:54 PM. The next remote meeting of the School Committee is February 25, 2021 at 7 PM.
