At the last session of the school committee they heard a presentation from the Tucker Site Council, reviewed the enrollment figures for fall 2013, voted on fees for improved security measures, and received an update from Chairman Pavlicek on the possible impact of sequestration.
Tucker is unique among Milton’s elementary schools. It population is “richly diverse.” Over 54% are students of color (Milton as a district has ~30% students of color). Thirty-two per cent are low income and over 11% have a language other than English as their first language. In the most recent MCAS tests 75% scored proficient or above in ELA and 70% scored proficient or above in Math. Tucker raged above target in ELA and Math for all students and in all subgroups and have made marked progress in closing the achievement gap between White and African-American students. For example in 2008 the gap in ELA between the groups was 22.8 percentage points. In 2012 it is 15. Math and science reflect similar progress.
In her presentation Ms. Urestsky noted that there were students who tested out at a warning level on the MCAS. When digging deeper into the reasons, she discovered that ~40% of those students were new to the school that year.
The committee was impressed. Ms. Padera encouraged Ms. Urestsky to share what she does with other schools. Ms. Kelly offered her congratulations and said the results were “amazing”. Kelly asked Urestksy if there was one thing you could do to further close the gap, what would it be? “Connecting more with the families. . . [looking for ways] to support families to support their children.” Member Walker said, “We are very, very proud of what you and your team have been able to accomplish. . . what else can we do? . . . and don’t say you’re fine.” Ms. Uretsky and her site council left to applause form those in attendance. She will be leaving Milton at the end of this school year. It was noted that Ms. Uretsky led Tucker to two state accommodations and “elevated expectations of students and teachers every day.”
Mr. Phelan said that good progress was being made on both the search for a new principal at Tucker and a new Assistant Superintendent for Business.
Phelan also gave an update on 2013 fall enrollment figures. There are twelve students on a waiting list for French Immersion at either the Tucker or Glover elementary schools. The school committee recently voted on a cap to ensure parity between the English and French programs. Phelan said he expected movement between now and the start of school. For example, if a family moves to Milton and enrolls a child in the English program that will free up a seat in French. Phelan also credits the STEM initiative with helping to provide balance. There are no students on a waiting list from Cunningham or Collicot.
Chairman Pavlicek reviewed the budget in light of recent Warrant Committee discussions. At the moment the schools are looking at ~ $900K shortfall from what they requested. This will avoid the 2nd level cuts as identified in the administration’s presentation on budget drivers and reductions (You can find that presentation here); but cuts will need to be made. Also the cuts outlined in the presentation were not writ in stone. The committee will discuss the actual cuts to be made at a future session. Pavlicek also spoke of sequestration’s impact. He is estimating a possible decrease of $100,000 in federal spending. However, it is important to remember that with regard to any of this that there are still very fluid elements yet to be decided. There is no closure on state budget and there is also movement on implementation of sequestration. This is a snapshot of where things stand now.
Security at the schools is being “hardened.” There are two measures that were discussed. There will be a manned security desk at the front of the school fro 3:00 – 10:00pm. The cost of this will be covered by a $10 increase in fees for after school ed classes. Card readers are going to be installed. he security desk will be at front door only to start. However, conversations are ongoing with the Milton Police Department for re-evaluating security for all the schools.
Athletic fees are being increased from $250 to $300 per season. The family ccap will go from $1,500 to $1,850. You can find the complete 2014 fee schedule here. Member Bagley-Jones said the fee “was too high but we have no choice.”