At last night’s meeting of the Milton School Committee members received good news and bad news.
Leslie Collins, parent and chair of the Milton Foundation for Education (MFE) Grants Committee was joined by Asst. Principal Dr. Karen Spaulding, Pierce Gr.8 Science teacher Jennifer Gilbert, and Pierce Gr. 8 Science teacher Kathleen Bertrand. They discussed the awards, highlighting one Dr. Spaulding received for her project Hairy’s Inheritance. The funds will be used to: “Purchase lighting and watering systems and planting supplies. The students will study genetics, plant biology, and natural selection using Wisconsin Fast Plants which have a 40 day life cycle.”The MFE approved 24 of the 39 requests, for a total of $20,025. As Superintendent Gormley noted,
“There is a tremendous amount of pride that comes with these grants.”
Dr. Spauling expressed her gratitude,
“They [the grants] provide the opportunity to develop as a professional.”
You can learn more about the grants the MFE awarded from an article on their web site: Milton Foundation for Education Awards Fall Teacher Grants. The complete list of grants can be found here.
The committee also heard from Bob Pattison, Network Administrator who presented the Technology Plan. Mr. Pattison noted that things are currently running well but that Milton is trailing in almost all state recommendations for technology per student. For example, Milton is $44 per pupil under what state recommends. Mr. Pattison went on to that currently $107,094 is spent in recurring fees which does not leave a lot left to advance the technology going forward. The last couple years resources have been applied to “maintaining what we have.” he plainly stated,
“We are truly suffering.”
However, it was not all glum. A system was installed for the Guidance Department, Noviance (sp?) which will greatly streamline their process, procedures and ability to deliver services to students and their parents. Mr. Phelan noted, “Bob is being modest.” The administrate voiced confidence and appreciation for Bob Pattison’s efforts. They echoed the sentiments that Charlie Winchester had. Mr. Pattison said,
“Mr. Winchester never said no to me.”
We will lnk to Mr.Pattison’s presentation when it becomes available.
The Finance Subcommittee also reviewed the cuts discussed in the last session. They received a correspondence from the Warrant Committee regarding a reduction in the FY10 appropriation of $151,000 as a result of a proposed cut in state aid. Mr. Pavlicek noted that the legislature had not yet approved this cut. If they do need to reduce the budget by that amount, Ms. Gormley was blunt, “[We] will need to make 3 additional cuts.”
Ms. Gormley said the schools were at the “breaking point” with regard to electives. Her issue being that students are in school to go to class not study hall. She noted that the teaching staff dedicated to classes such as sewing, cooking and woodworking were already dramatically reduced. Ms. Gormley reviewed the specific cuts to the elementary, middle and high schools as well as the district wide cuts which will be required under a level funded budget. The total head count to be cut is currently 24.4. The further reduction will bring that to 27.4. You can find the proposed list of staff positions to be cut here. Ms. Gormley stated that with that the number of,
“[Cuts are] going to impact student instruction and achivement.”
One last positive was Mr. Phelan’s description of the enrichment program to take place in March at the Pierce Middle School. It will be funded in part by the MFE and will require a $100 fee from families to enroll their child. Mr. Lovely expressed concern regarding the fee and inquired if there were scholarships available. Ms. Gormley said financial need would not be a restriction. Parents with financial concerns can speak in confidence with either Mr. Phelan or Ms. Gormley directly. Brochures will be going out at the end of this week. The program is for students in grades 4 – 7.
And then there is the CATS program, a successful phys ed program that was highlighted on Channel 5 and is exceptionally timely in light of First Lady Obama’s recently announced initiative to combat childhood obesity. You can find the Channel 5 segment here.