Incoming Superintendant Contract
Suzanne Oyawada presented the incoming superintendant contract, although not final. Levenson's own goals are: to model accountability, to lead through continuous communication, and to have continuous improvement in learning.

The contract is for a 3-year term starting July 1. His salary will be $135,000 base plus a yearly cost of living raise, plus a merit raise or decrease based on performance evaluation of student achievement goals. The merit raise, suggested by Levenson, could range from minus 5% to plus 10%. He will be reimbursed for attending conferences and training for continuous learning in best educational practices. The rest of this discussion moved to Executive Session.

Kathleen Donovan Stadium
Because of Kay's hard work for rebuilding the schools over the past 11 years and her work to ensure the restoration of Pierce Field, the school committee decided to name the new Stadium, Kathleen Donovan Stadium.

Town Finance Committee
Alan Tosti spoke how the finance committee extensively reviewed the selectmen's plan for an override ($6 million, vote on 6/11, no override for 5 years, fiscal restraint, 5% reserves) and its projections and voted to fully support it on Monday. They found it to be a well thought out plan and felt that the town will be able to maintain services, and we will not be hit with another override for the 5 years. Some numbers were even conservative, but we do need to push for local aid from the state.

Override Vote
Kay Donovan met with other school superintendants to push for local aid. A coalition of superintendants and legislators is forming.

Charlie Foskett applauded the school committee for its support of the override.
Several SC members are concerned if something goes wrong in a future year and were frustrated that the BOS asked them to vote again, yet had not moved to vote on it themselves.

The school committe took an unanimous roll call vote to fully support the $6 million, 5 year stability plan. They also asked that the BOS meet with the school committee twice a year to monitor finances and have a working partnership.

School Budget Review
Sue Sheffler presented issues from the budget subcommitte. Arlington's elementary schools have been supported well, there are new school buildings, we have high MCAS scores. The concern is the high school, where MCAS scores lag comparative communities.

The subcommittee would like to add 2 additional teachers in Science and Math so that we can have two block science labs. There are still too many study halls a week.

Responding to the SPOT letter of concern about alternative ed for at-risk population, Principal Skidmore feels that mainstreaming those students hasn't satisfied students' needs and takes time from other staff. He wants to add a Special Ed Director/Coordinator dedicated to the high school, who could spend more time on communications between special ed teachers, regular teachers, and parents. Currently there are 145 students on IEPs (individualized educational programs) at AHS.

Kay brought up that we spend $20 K per student at Minuteman, and last year 10 students were returned to AHS, so we should fight to get that money returned.

Public Hearing on School Budget March 22
There will a public hearing on March 22nd on the school budget. Kay will present her answers to questions raised by the subcommittee. The budget line items discussion is open until June, plus we need to have two budgets, in case the override does not pass.

MCAS
Skidmore presented that AHS students have fallen behind. The current juniors had their budget for tutoring cut, and last year's 10th graders had a difficult year with work for hire. Now we have hired additional tutors and have high expectations in each department.

These are my notes. Vickie Ford also contributed to these notes. Please post any omissions or errors.

Mona Zeftel
SPOT and Stand for Children