February 2010 Minutes
Last Updated (Monday, 07 June 2010 14:36) Written by Nancy Rhoads Monday, 07 June 2010 14:34
School Council Minutes, 2/25/10
Present: Roly Chaput, Alan Feinstein, Nicole Feroleto, Fern LaRocca, Nancy Rhoads, Stephanie Zerchykov and Cindy Bouvier
Absent: Christie Getto Young
The minutes for January were approved unanimously.
Stephanie provided an update on current budgetary concerns. The expected deficit for 2010/2011 is $4 million. This includes an increase in fees totaling $500,000. At this time it is believed that class sizes will not exceed 30 students (previously the average class size would be 30). The possibility of multi-grades is being explored in order to keep class size down. The art and music program will not be funded, and physical education will be decreased by half. All non-professional status teachers will not be rehired.
Upcoming activities were reviewed. Julie Hall and Kristin Faiola have stepped forward to be PTO chairs.
Stephanie reported that a parent has brought forth a proposal for selling healthy snacks. Further exploration is needed.
Cindy Bouvier, Director of Health and Wellness spoke about bullying. She reviewed the preventative measures the school already takes – the Open Circle curriculum and the Great Body Shop curriculum. Her hope is that, through the current legislation a clear definition will be provided. A discussion ensued as to whether or not bullying is a problem at Brackett (yes, though not rampant) and where it is happening. There was consensus that bullying happens when there is minimal adult supervision, namely during lunch recess and after school. The school becomes responsible for after school issues only if it subsequently spills over into school.
Stephanie handed out an older version of a school handbook. It will be reviewed next meeting.
The meeting adjourned at 4:00.
Respectfully submitted by Nancy Rhoads
