Nicole Morse
May 4 at 12:58pm
Kindergarten placement letters are being delivered today! I basically attacked our mail man.
smile emoticon
Jill Demsey Does anyone know who we should speak to directly to revisit this practice?
Is anyone going to the school committee meeting tonight?
May 5 at 7:15am
Charlene Sickler Sanna The letter we got did not discuss class size. Is that something that can be communicated, knowing it could change? I'm concerned with the unexpected bump in kids that class sizes are inching up. Also what is the timeline for finding out who the teacher will be?
May 5 at 7:17am
Rachel DeCicco Teacher assignments are mailed out in August.
May 5 at 7:19am · 1
Jhana Wallace Liz, do you have a cointact? DCR has been less than responsive.
May 5 at 7:28am
Megan Long Kovacs There seems to be a lot of ppl on here who wanted Hoover and got Winthrop and vice versa. from all I've been told the great extra services are offered at Roosevelt and Lincoln. If your child needed services I would think there would have been communication letting families know ahead of time that specific specialists or services are at certain schools thus placement.
May 5 at 7:52am
Lisa Hamel-Smith I just got back from the admin office and found out more info. I also found out where my child is on the wait list. Made me feel much better and good to talk to someone in person. We also decided to tour Roosevelt to see what it's like just in case. Admin said there will be lots of shifting in the upcoming weeks so stay tuned....
May 5 at 9:01am · 2
Betsey Benagh It's kindergarten, people. One year. You have to go through the process again next year, anyway, for the rest of elementary. It's worth calling/emailing to ask about getting on the wait list for your first choice, but not worth getting all worked up about. All of the schools are good. I get that you are nervous, but I promise, it will be fine.
May 5 at 9:09am · Edited · 2
Josh Chace Lots of manufactured rage in this thread. Seems like school placement is more an exercise in human decency than anything else. Guess what folks. Contrary to your belief you aren't the center of the universe. Flexibility is a wonderful trait to have.
May 5 at 9:10am
Martha Victoria You do not have to go through the process again next year. That is why the kindergarten placement is important.
May 5 at 9:11am · 4
Ellen Barrasso Easy for you (and me) to say, Betsey. That hill looks overwhelmingly large when you're at the bottom of it. Ridiculously small in the rear-vew mirror though!
May 5 at 9:11am · 4
Josh Chace It's easy to say when you step away from the situation and look at it in your kids best interests and not yours. All I see here are self absorbed people more concerned with what's convenient for them and easiest for them. Shouldn't you be thinking about what's best for your kids instead? Have an open mind. Jesus.
May 5 at 9:15am
Josh Chace You'd think that schools were hours apart the way some of these people are reacting.
May 5 at 9:20am
Kim Pegnato Josh Chace Most of would drive 3 hours a day for our kids. It's not the distance, its the comfort for the kids to go to the neighborhood school that their older friends go to, where they have played in the playground,. Kindergarten is scary for 5 year olds and knowing there is some level of comfort makes that transition a little easier.
May 5 at 9:25am · 4
Josh Chace Comfort is subjective. You're assuming you're kids are already setup to have a bad experience when in reality helping them adapt and create new friendships is far better in life than simply always just being comfortable and convenient.
May 5 at 9:29am
Ellen Barrasso Josh, I agree with Betsey, as she and I have teenage kids. 20/20 hindsight and all that. (I don't know you; maybe you have older kids too?) However, I can understand the anxiety of the first-timers who are stressing about the school placement. But, as Betsey said, all the schools are good, everything will be fine.
May 5 at 9:31am · 2
Marie Spinale Tajmajer I got my first choice but completely understand why so many are in a panic. It's a big step for your 5 year old. Mother bear comes out! You no longer need to reregister for 1st grade. This is the school your child will be in for 6 years. I don't think people should be putting negative comments on here! Everyone should feel free to vent and be supported. If you think someone is overreacting why do you need to post it???
May 5 at 9:33am · 9
Jen Brammer-DiFiore Luckily all the schools in Melrose are fantastic so no matter what school your child goes to they will all get a great education!
May 5 at 9:35am · Edited · 4
Betsey Benagh I didn't realize that they had changed the policy so you only register once. I do get the frustration, but all of the schools are good, none of them are that far, your kids will make friends. Try to take a deep breath. I'm not being negative - I'm being supportive. And by the way, you can always request to be switched to a different school later. I know several people who have successfully done so. It's not a life sentence.
May 5 at 9:40am · Edited · 1
Betsey Benagh For both of my kids, we had to go through the registration/school choice process for both kindergarten and first grade. The fact that people only have to do it once is a (welcome) change.
May 5 at 9:52am
Lori Mabardi I do think people should suspend judgement and let people process what is going on. I am processing that the playground we have played in for 5 years, the school I've totally talked up to my son forever, the school where most of his friends are going is not where he is going. I'm also processing that I'm not getting those morning walks I was looking forward to. I am processing that i won't be on pto with really good friends I've made over the last several years. I also know in my heart that this will all be ok and I don't envy the administration for what they needed to do. We are all able to feel grateful we live in a great place, and grateful this is our biggest problem (hopefully) but we should be given the space to process all of this as a community without judgement. No one is forced to follow the posts.
May 5 at 9:52am · 30
Betsey Benagh I don't think anyone was judging. I'm sorry you felt that way.
May 5 at 9:57am · 1
Lisa Hamel-Smith Exactly what I'm feeling Lori Mabardi - thank you!!
May 5 at 9:59am · 4
Eileen Moise Ditto, Lori Mabardi
May 5 at 10:12am · 2
Gerri Mannion Reilly Well said Lori Mabardi feel the same way. There is space at St. Mary's if anyone is interested in an alternative.
May 5 at 10:23am · 2
Eileen Moise Just visited St Mary's , Gerri Mannion Reilly
May 5 at 10:26am · 3
Ellen Barrasso St. Mary's is a wonderful school, and not just as an alternative for parents unhappy with the public school kindergarten placement results. I have two sons in public school (no complaints - very positive experience at Roosevelt and MVMMS). I have another son who will graduate from SMS this year. I love St. Mary's, and can't say enough good things about it. We do not regret a single dollar spent on the education, faith formation, and sense of community that St. Mary's provides. PM me for more info, if you want. I hope I haven't offended anyone with this comment. I don't work for SMS, nor do I benefit from anyone choosing it over public school. Just wanted to express a positive opinion.
May 5 at 10:46am · 7
Sara Potier Martin A side comment... are people moving to Melrose and not understanding (or being told by their realtors) that there are not truly neighborhood schools anymore? If so, shame on the realtors! I know at least for my older kids, MOST kids in the neighborhood ended up at Roosevelt, but we knew going in that it wasn't a slam dunk (we were one of the first classes that started kindergarten under the current "request" system.) Before the new system started and there were actually district dividing lines, our old house was in Hoover; our next door neighbor's were in Winthrop. Not sure if that's better (at least you know from the get-go where your school is)...
May 5 at 10:48am · Edited · 1
Josh Chace Yea not even close. Realtors post specifically how close to the nearest schools most houses are in most profiles. They tote Melrose as "small town USA with walkable schools and parks" all the time.
May 5 at 10:51am · 1
Jhana Wallace Lori, excellent way of describing it. We live close to HM, but I actually liked the Lincoln a lot more. But, we wanted to be able to walk to school and for our kids to be able to walk to their friend's houses and streets. We wanted to be near the school community. I grew up in Boston and know too well what it's like to not be near your school friends (granted, melrose is much smaller but being able to walk a few blocks to your buddy's house is great). We had other options of places to live but liked the neighborhood school aspect of Melrose.
I don't think people are worried about the quality of the school they were assigned. I think, like Lori said, they chose to live here so they could be part of a close school community. It's not what people expected, and I don;t think they are being self absorbed or focused on convenience for being disappointed. I think they were excited to be part of something that is not happening. I also don't think people look into that before they move because until you have kids you don't think about things like that, and also Melrose SEEMS like a town where you would go to the closest school, given that there are 5. It's a legitimate complaint. It's ridiculous that kids are walking PAST a school to get to another one. This isn't Boston. If I was forced to send my kids to Lincoln, I would bypass all the other schools in Melrose. This makes no sense. But it is what it is, and people will adapt, but venting their frustrations is understandable.
May 5 at 11:08am · 6
Liz Foulser Jhana Wallace, the way to get to the DCR is through our elected officials, Senator Jason Lewis and Rep. Paul Brodeur.
May 5 at 12:32pm · 1
Liz Foulser For those who would like to walk to school but live at a distance can I suggest organizing a walking school bus? Really just a group of people who walk together, you could drive to the vicinity of a classmate's house and walk together. The adults can enjoy the socializing, or take turns walking. If you would like help feel free to reach out to the Melrose Ped/Bike Committee, a group of citizens promoting walking and biking in our city.
May 5 at 12:35pm · Edited · 1
Liz Foulser Margaret Raymond Driscoll that's true, in fact, Melrose Police Sgt. Goc should probably be the first point of contact, with the understanding that he can't do much. I am convinced that we can get that crosswalk if we just apply the steady and noisy pressure that is needed.
May 5 at 12:42pm
Jill Hitchman Leeman As a realtor in Melrose it is so hard to see this going on. I will tell you that personally I make it very clear that it is school choice and there is a chance that you will not get your first choice but... Up till now we have not been faced with what we are seeing here. It's a shame that families buy in a neighborhood and don't get to walk their children to the neighborhood school. There has to be a better way.
May 5 at 12:46pm · 9
Jeannie Olivadoti McNeely I am probably going to get slammed here, but here goes anyway…if I moved to the HM neighborhood so I could be a part of a school community and be involved w/ the school, my neighbors and the parents of my children's friends attending my neighborhood school and my first choice was the HM, a couple block walking distance, and I was sent across town to attend one of the other 4 schools; that would definitely cause me to rethink what sort of community I lived in. Moving would be a serious table conversation!!! It's all flowers and daisies in May, how about driving in last winter's weather to and from school! Agreed Jill, there has to be a better way! I certainly would not want to be an administrator this week!
May 5 at 2:02pm · 8
Betsey Benagh In my opinion, that's a little extreme. Within a few blocks of the house where I lived when my kids were in elementary school, about half of the kids went to Roosevelt, and half went to HM. There were also a handful who went to the charter school, St. Mary's, etc. In my kids' classes at the Roosie, there were plenty of kids who didn't live within walking distance. As far as I can tell, that had zero impact on the community aspect, forming friendships, or anything else. Newsflash: almost no matter where you live in Melrose, you'll be driving your kids to school during the winter in middle school and HS. It's just not safe to walk once the snow falls. Just something to think about, from someone who's been through it...
May 5 at 2:10pm · Edited · 4
Betsey Benagh As an aside, I would personally rather drive my kid across town than have the wild class size inequity that existed before. YMMV.
May 5 at 2:12pm · 1
Julie Cali Betsey, I drive my daughter across town to the Roosevelt every day! We live in between the Hoover and the Winthrop, but frankly the Roosevelt is a better fit for us. With that said, I was never "promised" a certain school......I think that all and all they do the best they possibly can for all, but with the HUGE numbers this year it's next to impossible to make everyone happy (do you think admin wants to deal with 100's of angry Melrose parents?). I hope that the families that TRULY have a need to be in a neighborhood school due to not having transportation can be moved to make their school experience more positive. Otherwise I think we all live in Melrose for the "whole" school system, not just a specific elementary school. Good luck to anyone looking to make changes, I hope it works out For the rest, try to rest easy knowing that we have a GREAT community for ALL... not just your neighbors!! I know how welcome I feel at the Roosevelt and we couldn't possibly live further away from it
May 5 at 2:33pm · Edited · 7
Charlene Sickler Sanna Does anyone know what the class sizes will be next year ... Based on current information?
May 5 at 2:23pm
John Kropewnicki Ahhh, here is the critieria right there
Criteria for determining school assignment will be based on the following factors, with consideration given to yearly enrollment numbers as well as each unique student cohort:
1) Need for special programs and/or facilities including, but not limited to, English Language Learning and special education
2) Equity of class size across the district by grade level
3) Timeliness of registration (on-time, late, rolling)
4 ) Family preference including presence of siblings in the school
5) Proximity of the child(ren)’s residence to the preferred sch
May 5 at 2:42pm · Edited · 1
Nicole Morse Charlene Sickler Sanna I got a letter today stating that class sizes will all be 25 except integrated classrooms (18) and at Roosevelt (23).
May 8 at 3:20pm · 1
Kathryn Taylor Fisher-Rubbins 25? That's too many little ones in one class. An important question to ask is will there be paras next year. Better check on that. Need to open the Beebe back up.
15 hrs · Edited · 1
Melissa Williamson Taking Notes in Melrose
Looking at education in Melrose and beyond...........
Margaret Raymond Driscoll is an (almost!) eight-year Melrose School Committee member who is passionate about excellent teaching and learning for all traditional public school students, and considers it a privilege to collaborate with others who share that passion. Just to be clear - opinions expressed here do not represent those of the Melrose Public Schools or the Melrose School Committee - they are hers alone.
Friday, May 8, 2015
Kindergarten Placement Follow-Up Information
This year, the Melrose Public Schools received an unprecedented number of Kindergarten registrations, 312 students to-date, well over the 276 students enrolled in the 2014-2015 class. (More info on that here: http://profiles.doe.mass.edu/profiles/student.aspx...&.) In the past, 95% or more students received their first school choice, but this year that was not the case and administrators are working very hard to address this happy challenge. On Wednesday, May 5th, Supt. Taymore crafted and sent a letter to families whose children have been placed on the wait list for admission to Kindergarten in a school other than their first-choice school. This information may also provide insight to families who received their first choice school. Her highlights are as follows:
- Melrose does not draw school district boundaries nor designate neutral zones and has not done so in ten+ years (since the closing of Ripley and Beebe) in an effort to balance class sizes.
- There is no mathematical formula for ranking or weighting placement criteria. The top priority is English Language and Special Education programming.
- After the special programs, siblings have a priority but it’s important that families register on time.
- 92.2% of parents registered on-time; siblings made up 38.2% of the population; and 6.5% of students needed special placements.
- There are 25 students in each general education classroom except Roosevelt, which has 23. Each integrated classroom is at its cap of 18 students.
- Of the 38 families who didn’t receive their first choice, all but one received their second choice, and families on the wait list for their first choice school will be placed there before any new registrants.
- The wait list is by school, and families will be contacted as openings occur.
- Wait list placements will be begin to be revisited in mid-May.
- For families that incur a hardship based on their school assignment, an appeals process is available.
- There are usually additional registrants prior to September and a 15th K class will be opened (at Lincoln) as needed.
- A team of administrators (not a computer program or one person) makes the placements and they evaluate every student’s needs and every family’s choice to the very best of their ability.
- Due to laws around student confidentiality details of placements are not public, so administrators can't respond to information a family may hear from a friend or neighbor to address a specific placement. Comparing year-over-year first choice placement percentages is difficult since there is a different set of circumstances every year, e.g. some schools are requested more often in some years (so a fewer number might receive first choice there). In order to give most students their 1st or 2nd choice, sometimes more families will receive 2nd choice so that all receive some choice. Committee policies are always followed.
The full letter can be found here: http://tinyurl.com/mvsy2rv and it is posted with the relevant School Committee policy as well as a copy of district procedures. Should you have questions regarding any of this information, please contact Supt. Taymore’s office at ctaymore@melroseschools.com or 781.662.2000.
Enrollment Data (2013-14) - Melrose (01780000)
profiles.doe.mass.edu
MRD "is an (almost!) eight-year Melrose School Committee member who is passionate about excellent teaching and learning for all traditional public school students"
And what were we saying about how things are represented?
So many things wrong here.
Of course she would be on here stridently defending the administration, even if she contradicts herself right and left (but that's okay because she's counting on dumb Melrose parents to have a short memory or that there will be a constant supply of new gullible parents who will buy the updated BS).
This person wouldn't know "excellent teaching" let alone "learning" if it bit her on the a$$, and of course there's the dig, because she is only passionate about this "for all traditional public school students"! She wants us to KNOW that she is all about "traditional" even while she is waving whatever flag administration is touting as the trendy buzz words du jour. We're not supposed to remember that she also vehemently defended and adored the previous administration (which this one routinely vilifies and blames for everything that is embarrassing now). But don't talk to her about anything "nontraditional" or "nonpublic" (especially if it's Mystic Valley CS!) because that makes you automatic Public Enemy #1, along with that "certain" demographic that keeps costing the "traditional" "public" school so much money and bad press (demonizing anything/anyone different if it's not officially sanctioned is not only okay, it's the way to do it).
Melrose Mommy Nutjobs looking for an easy job in the district, like so many others. This one just happens to be more lethal, especially because she's joined at the hip with RD & CT.
And the hysterical k mommies here are just over the top. They really have no concept what life is like in most other places. It's no wonder when their kids get older that they are even more clueless (they turn into the MEF mommies--most of that original bunch were overwrought K mommies whose kids didn't get placed in their chosen schools a few years ago).
This is so hilarious that you copy and paste a string from the Melrose FB site so you can anonymously slander our school admin again. If you are so opinionated, why don't you post on that FB string instead of here? Lot course you won't be use you are just. Cyber Bully
What's your name, "Ironic"?
I didn't start this thread and if I had any opinion on the kindergarten placements, which I don't because I don't have any kids in K, I would have made them in the original FB thread. Not copied and pasted this thread onto an anonymous message board to twist it into another cyber bullying agenda item to trash the admin. If you have an opinion regarding K placements, write it where it belongs, on the original FB thread you copied it from. Like all of the other people who actually identified themselves in the FB postings.
Anything posted in that FB string is public, and I for one appreciate knowing about the various perspectives since it is guaranteed that the local media won't tell the truth. Many of us don't "do" FB so I'm glad to see what others have said. I feel badly for parents who are anxious about this, and I also know that there have been major administrative errors in the management of the issue. For one thing, it looks like a wide bunch of First Choices got reversed through the incompetence that many of us have come to know as the status quo now. "Ironic" is no doubt one who didn't think anything was wrong with the administratively sanctioned bullies (cyber and otherwise) like we all got a snootful this past 2 weeks with MG's unfounded and disgusting character assassination. All misplaced outrage. How about being upset over the real issues?
Hint: If you are upset with your child's placement, just make a donation to the MEF. Trust me, you will get more attention.
House prices in Melrose are exploding. No inventory on market. Bidding war on every house. It's hard to believe. Don't these families from all over New England, spending a ton of money on real estate read Melrose Messages and know how horrible Melrose is? Don't they know that if they send a child to school here they will never get into a good college? Why aren't people fleeing? There are actually people that live in Melrose staying, and moving into nicer houses. How ignorant are these people. I drive all over town in my little clown car and can't believe I can't get a Parking space on Main Street. If these people only read the anonymous posts on Melrose Messages they would truly know what a horrible City this is.
Prior post was spot-on!
FYI, most of the people looking at homes in Melrose are from the City or surrounding communities that may have much to offer for young adults but lousy school systems. Young married couples who are having their first child come here for a more suburban feel that is still close to their jobs and has better schools than Boston, albeit not by much. If they are listening to the Realtors, they are getting the song and dance but when their children start approaching 5-6 grade, many families end up leaving the Melrose community for Lexington, Winchester, Reading Andover/N. Andover where the schools are good. Or they send their kids to private school or the charter schools. Its not because their kids can't "cut it". Its because they value a good education and they know they can't get that here anymore. Lets face it, Its just very average here and getting worse. Its a shame because it could be so much better. Changing the city charter to install the mayor as a permanent SC member was just a poor decision. School Committee members now feel pressured by the administration to "be on board" or be attacked by the Mayor's lemmings. (Witness the abuse of our best SC member Carrie K at just about every SC meeting by K Thorpe, MD, and even the Mayor's staff now). That leads to poor decision making and bad political hires (the current Superintendent hiring for example). The best thing the city could do is to revert back to the old charter. Keep politics out of school decisions.
Look folks, K Thorp and Taymore have been playing this little game with CKK of witholding information for some time now; its quite obvious. On the revolving accounts for sports, music etc., K Thorpe assured us all( at 22 minutes into the meeting) that the accounting reports CKK has been repeatedly requesting are readily available. She and the Super just won't share them with CKK, preventing our elected representative to School committee from making informed budget decisions. Its a slap in the face to the students and all the residents of this city.
Mother Still Searching For Preschool That Focuses Exclusively On Her Son
BOULDER, CO—Expressing frustration over the dearth of options that met her high standards, local mother Shannon Gail confirmed Monday that she was still looking for a preschool that would focus exclusively on her son. “I’ve been searching for months, but it’s been so difficult to find a program that devotes all its resources to my child, and only my child,” said Gail, who added that a shocking number of preschools in the area employed teachers who divide their attention between more than one student instead of dedicating all their time to the education, care, and positive mental stimulation of her son. “I think it’s my responsibility as a parent to choose a school with an educational philosophy that is personalized to the specific needs and interests of my child alone. I just don’t feel comfortable leaving my Skyler in a place where he is not the center of attention at every moment of every day.” Gail, who reiterated the importance of choosing a preschool that concentrated solely on her child, said the next few years would be incredibly formative in determining the kind of person he would grow up to be.
http://www.theonion.com/article/mother-still-searching-preschool-focuses-exclusive-50387?utm_campaign=default&utm_medium=ShareTools&utm_source=facebook
Reading old articles and doing some simple searches on the Wicked Local site is extremely instructive! Stepping back a few years, it's very interesting to observe the level of contempt for the law and for the public's interest in how this SC behaved back before it had an internal watchful eye and one courageous voice. This super had better watch out for this pack of vipers because they may soon need a new scapegoat and clearly they don't care what they have to do in order to achieve their nauseating "Goals"! Fortunately there are now a few more tools in the toolbox, even when it comes to cracking down on the abuse of "Executive Session" as this latest Thorp debacle illustrates. Funny thing about that "This is done on the advice of counsel and the Massachusetts Association of School Committees" thing, as the presence of the city solicitor telling the SC to make Thorp "apologize" indicates a new course, as it were. Do you suppose someone's running a bit scared (finally!)?
Also quite interesting: "Only one member of the public spoke during the meeting, after Casatelli's statement. Charlene Weekley, herself a former member of the School Committee, said she found it "egregious" to terminate the superintendent's contract, and accused the committee of "hiding behind executive session" to make the decision. In addition to "embarrassing" Melrose, Weekley also wondered how much the decision will cost the district to end its relationship with LeBlanc-Considine and provide stipends for all those who must assume more duties in her absence." The Melrose School Committee had another courageous voice back then, too, but clearly the community hasn't appropriately supported these voices. So it looks like Melrose just won't learn and deserves what it's getting, sadly. CT had better take heed! With all the bad things brewing (for which she can take much of the "credit"), she shouldn't count on her "friends" on the SC. What will be even more interesting is when the "friends" turn on each other, as is already happening with the nastiness being unleashed for the O campaign. Put on your seatbelts, Melrose citizens (and look in the mirror if you want to know who's ultimately responsible for the mess).
April 06. 2006 12:01AM
School Committee comments on Superintendent's dismissal By Greg Duggan
Ever since the School Committee went into executive session March 14 to relieve former Superintendent Rosemary LeBlanc-Considine from her duties, the public has called for the committee to explain the reasons for its decision. On Tuesday night, March 28, School Committee chairwoman Christine Casatelli opened the meeting by reading a statement about the vote.
"This vote relates to actions that have been implemented, and thus no longer need to remain private," Casatelli said before continuing. Anyone hoping to learn the specific reasons for LeBlanc-Considine's release will likely be disappointed. The School Committee does not record conversation from executive session, and Casatelli said the School Committee "does not feel that it would be appropriate to try to summarize, after the fact, what was said in executive session."
Only one member of the public spoke during the meeting, after Casatelli's statement. Charlene Weekley, herself a former member of the School Committee, said she found it "egregious" to terminate the superintendent's contract, and accused the committee of "hiding behind executive session" to make the decision. In addition to "embarrassing" Melrose, Weekley also wondered how much the decision will cost the district to end its relationship with LeBlanc-Considine and provide stipends for all those who must assume more duties in her absence.
The rest of the meeting progressed according to the agenda.
Statement from Christine Casatelli, chairwoman of the Melrose School Committee
This statement was read at the Melrose School Committee meeting on Tuesday, March 28.
"This evening the School Committee will report out a vote that was taken at the meeting in executive session on March 14, 2006. This vote relates to actions that have been implemented, and thus no longer need to remain private.
'The motion was made by Katherine Clark and seconded by Kristin Thorp:
To authorize the Chair of the Melrose School Committee to notify the Superintendent that the School Committee has released her of the performance responsibilities and duties as set forth in her contract effective immediately continuing through the term of her contract.
Nine having voted in the affirmative.
Zero having voted in the negative.
Zero having abstained.
The motion was carried unanimously.'
Last week, a number of people asked the School Committee to inform the public of what was said in executive session concerning the reason for the School Committee's action. The School Committee does not keep a transcript or record of what is said in executive session. This is done on the advice of counsel and the Massachusetts Association of School Committees, and in accordance with guidance issued by the Attorney General's Office and the Middlesex District Attorney's Office concerning the requirements of the Open Meeting Law. The School Committee, therefore, does not have a record of its deliberations on March 14 and does not feel that it would be appropriate to try to summarize, after the fact, what was said in executive session.
As the vote indicates, the members met in executive session and considered negotiating a change in the Superintendent's employment contract. After discussion, the School Committee decided to release the Superintendent from her contractual responsibilities for the remainder of the contract term and to ask the Assistant Superintendent, as second in charge, to assume responsibility for running the school district. The School Committee also agreed to schedule the meeting that was held on March 20, 2006 to discuss what the members and the Assistant Superintendent feel are the district's priorities and needs during the next couple of months until a new Superintendent is brought on board.
These actions were taken by the members based on their feelings about what would best serve the interests of the school district at this time.
The School Committee feels that at this point it is best to move on and look toward the new possibilities that await us as we complete our Superintendent search. I will be giving a report on the status of that search later on in this meeting.
At this time I would like to publicly thank the administrators, teachers and staff of the Melrose Public Schools who are going above and beyond the call of duty to help us out during this transition period.
Thank you all very much. Your work does not go unnoticed. We appreciate all your hard work in educating our children."
http://melrose.wickedlocal.com/article/20060406/NEWS/304068508
VOTING NO ON THE OVERRIDE !!!!!!!!
"The Mayor needs to be honest with us."
Yes, absolutely. But that isn't going to happen unless it's forced, and probably not even then. It's not really possible because that would require some basic material that isn't in the agenda.
So what's happened with all the parents who didn't get their choice for Kindergarten? Have RD and CT schmoozed them all with reassurances or are they just ADD and beyond the 48-hour Melrose Outrage period?