Brockton, Massachusetts Special School Committee Meeting June 27, 2023
The Special School Committee Meeting of the Brockton School Committee was held this evening, at six-thirty.
These minutes contain a summary of the meeting and list items that were under discussion.
Mayor Sullivan, Chair called the meeting to order at 6:50 p.m., followed by a salute to the flag.
Present: Chair, Robert F. Sullivan, Mayor, Ms. Asack, Ms. Ehlers, Vice-Chair, Ms. Rivas Mendes,
Mr. Homer, Mr. Rodrigues, Ms. Sullivan, Mr. Sullivan (via zoom)
Also Present: Superintendent Thomas, Cabinet Members, Attorney Peter Mello
Mayor Sullivan, Chair, took roll call to establish a quorum.
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Ms. Sullivan – Yes |
Mr. Homer – Yes |
Ms. Ehlers, Vice-Chair – Yes |
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Ms. Rivas Mendes – Yes |
Mr. Rodrigues – Yes |
Ms. Asack – Yes |
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Mr. Sullivan – Yes (via zoom) |
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Mayor Sullivan, Chair – Yes |
Mayor Sullivan read the following statement for the record.
This meeting will be held and will be accessible to the public via Brockton Community Access, Brockton
Public Schools website, www.bpsma.org, YouTube and Comcast channel 98 and /1071HD Version.
The public can access this meeting via this link: www.youtube.com/TheBrocktonChannels
Agenda #2 –Discussion and Potential Vote: FY2024 School Bids #2480-0001 - #2480-0017
Ms. Ehlers made a motion to accept the report of the Bid Review Subcommittee meeting and to accept the Bids as presented. Seconded by Ms. Sullivan.
Mayor Sullivan, Chair, took a roll call vote.
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Ms. Sullivan – Yes |
Mr. Homer – Yes |
Ms. Ehlers, Vice-Chair – Yes |
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Ms. Rivas Mendes – Yes |
Mr. Rodrigues – Yes |
Ms. Asack – Yes |
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Mr. Sullivan – Yes (via zoom) |
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The motion passed.
Agenda #3 – Discussion and Potential Vote: On the Superintendent’s recommendation for the Associate
Director of Exceptional Learning
Mayor Sullivan turned the floor over to Superintendent Thomas. Superintendent Thomas thanked school
committee, parents, educators and community members in taking part of the interview process and input.
He explained the position “Director of Special Education” was formally in the BEA and was negotiated to be a non-union position due to the person overseeing many union members and therefore it was renamed “Associate Director of Exceptional Learning” and a non-union position. After several interviews and recommendation from committee and Superintendent Thomas he recommends Ms. Jami D. Langley for the position of Associate Director of Exceptional Learning and mentioned some of her credentials. Ms. Langley was well received by the community, parents and was highly recommended.
Comments
Ms. Rivas-Mendes echoed Superintendent Thomas comments.
Mr. Homer thanked school committee members for the time spent during the interview process.
Ms. Sullivan motioned to approve Associate Director of Exceptional Learning namely Ms. Jami D. Langley. Seconded by Ms. Rivas-Mendes.
Mayor Sullivan, Chair, took a roll call vote.
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Ms. Sullivan – Yes |
Mr. Homer – Abstained |
Ms. Ehlers, Vice-Chair – Yes |
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Ms. Rivas Mendes – Yes |
Mr. Rodrigues – Yes |
Ms. Asack – Yes |
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Mr. Sullivan – Yes (via zoom) |
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Mayor Sullivan, Chair – Yes |
The motion passed.
Agenda #4– Other Business
Mr. Homer mentioned the Facilities Usage & Planning Subcommittee is looking to re-convene on Tuesday,
July 11, 2023 at 5:00 p.m.
Ms. Asack mentioned having an executive session at the next meeting for discussion of a possible building. Superintendent Thomas mentioned the purpose would be to move forward and discuss a total operations center that would service the needs of the school department with facilities.
Mayor Sullivan asked Attorney Peter Mello for his legal opinion regarding the purpose of executive session, that it doesn’t create a detrimental ability to our negotiations going forward. Attorney Mello mentioned he will discuss the context and circumstances with Superintendent Thomas.
Superintendent Thomas requested a Policy Subcommittee meeting to discuss a proposed Cell Phone Policy and proposed Dress Code Policy. School Committee members asked questions regarding surrounding schools that may have these policies and requested to have a representative from Yondr attend the meeting and bring samples of the cell phone pouch.
Ms. Rivas-Mendes asked if the student handbook will be available for this meeting? Superintendent Thomas mentioned the handbook is ready in draft form that will need approval by the School Committee, once a proposed Cell Phone Policy and Dress Code Policy is voted on. The final handbook vote will take place in August, then available on the BPS website (translated in all languages) and printed copies in each school building.
Ms. Rivas-Mendes suggested going over the student handbook during the BHS parent forum to discuss the attendance policy providing clarification. Superintendent Thomas mentioned he meets with a student group at Brockton High on a regular basis, this group has made recommendations to adjust the attendance policy, this request was sent to DESE to ensure that we’re in compliance of the attendance policy, upon feedback a draft will be provided. Superintendent Thomas will check with DESE regarding middle schoolers and high school to see if they would allow a staggered back to school to acclimate students.
Mr. Rodrigues mentioned School Committee members need to take an official vote on the proposed school changes by Superintendent Thomas, Mayor Sullivan concurred and asked Attorney Mello to assist in this matter for the school committee meeting on July 11, 2023.
Ms. Asack asked about the Superintendent’s evaluation and if the deadline is in July. Ms. Ehlers mentioned the evaluation is due in July, she is working with Dr. Karen Spaulding and will follow up with her. Mayor Sullivan mentioned to Vice-Chair Ehlers if a Special School Committee meeting is needed, she can call one. Ms. Rivas-Mendes asked because the Superintendent has a long-term contract can you legally skip a year? Ms. Ehlers has reached out to DESE for clarification.
Agenda #5 – Adjournment
Mayor Sullivan asked for a motion to adjourn the Special School Committee Meeting.
A motion was made by Ms. Sullivan to adjourn. Seconded by Mr. Rodrigues.
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Ms. Sullivan – Yes |
Mr. Homer – Yes |
Ms. Ehlers, Vice-Chair – Yes |
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Ms. Rivas Mendes – Yes |
Mr. Rodrigues – Yes |
Ms. Asack – Yes |
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Mr. Sullivan – Yes (via zoom) |
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Mayor Sullivan, Chair – Yes |
The motion passed.
The meeting adjourned at 7:20 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Michael P. Thomas
Superintendent/Secretary
mdc