January 12, 2023 Meeting

Weymouth School Committee

Humanities Center & Zoom
January 12, 2023
MEETING OF THE WHOLE MINUTES
(approved 2/2/23)

Members In Attendance: Dr. John Sullivan, Chair; Tracey Nardone, Vice Chair; Carrie Palazzo, Secretary; Rebecca Sherlock-Shangraw;

Members Absent: Kathy Curran; Steve Buccigross; Mayor Hedlund

Also Present: Robert Wargo, Superintendent

The meeting was called to order at 5:44pm

Superintendent Evaluation
The Chair advised that the task of the meeting is to formulate parameters for the Superintendent's evaluation. The standards are listed on page 33 from the Department of Education Rubric. The Superintendent handed out his goals and suggested that the committee evaluate on: #3 - Strategic Plan, #4 - Facilities Plan, #5 - Student Achievement which ties to the Indicators. At least 1 indicator (element) for each goal must be evaluated upon

The Superintendent shared that all four standards are represented in combination of the goals such as communication and evidence will be provided/presented according to goal and indicator. Superintendent Wargo electronically shared the SMART goals with the committee.

Discussion of student achievement outlined in #5 and whether data is inclusive of the entire student body. Measurable information in addition to MCAS and Dibels was also discussed. The Superintendent advised that teaching to the standards will provide the data needed to see how well the District is teaching.

Common assessments, benchmarks and assessments that fit the whole range of students and evaluating programs were also discussed. Entry criteria, stay and exit planning in addition to transitioning out of programming were talked over.

Superintendent Wargo shared that MCAS is aligned to the state standards and that Weymouth is below the state average. He reassured that the District is meeting students' needs in their own way of testing. MCAS results timeline was considered; results are received in August however embargoed data is received in June. It was requested to have alt scores included in data as well to support goals. More information was requested on the alt test scoring guide.

Selecting indicators for goals was discussed. At least one indicator must be chosen and evaluated. Standards are listed on page 32 and rubrics are previous pages. Standards are I-Instructional Leadership, II-Management and Operations, III-Family and Community Engagement, IV-Professional Culture. There are 4 categories for evaluation-Unsatisfactory, Needs Improvement, Proficient, and Exemplary. Using the rubric was explained.

The Chair suggested:
Standard I C (assessment)
Standard II A (environment)
Standard III A (engagement)
Standard IV A and/or E (commitment to high standards; shared vision)

Indicator A-Engagement versus D-Family Concerns for Standard III were talked over. It was shared that compiling the data for the strategic plan is work that is already being done.

A suggestion was made to have the Superintendent present on the walkthroughs and give data and what follow up-decisions were/will be made and how that affects the strategic plan and professional culture.

A suggestion from a community member was made to have live links added to the evaluation to reference in real time.

Indicator A of Standard IV-commitment to high standards versus shared vision was talked over.

Consensus for Standard II was reached that Indicator A-environment; it will have a lot of data behind it as the Superintendent is already doing the work.

Standard III rubric language and differences between Indicator A Engagement versus Indicator D Family Concerns was talked about. Sub indicators in addition to adding to the notes field of the evaluation were discussed.

Examination of Sub sep/partial and full inclusion programs was mentioned as well as folding in family concerns to engagement.

Motion by Dr. Sullivan to include indicators as follows for standards; I-E , II-E, III-A, IV-A & E. Motion seconded by Mrs. Nardone. Motion passed.

Motion by Dr Sullivan to accept the 3 goals presented by the Superintendent. Seconded by Dr. Sherlock-Shangraw. Motion passed.

It was reiterated that the Superintendent sent his SMARTIE goals to the committee.

General discussion:

The Chair advised that this an opportunity to share information and not a deliberation.

A suggestion was made for the committee to entertain moving school committee meetings from WHS to Adams. It was commented that Adams is more accessible.

School start times were touched upon. Based on research to start as late as possible for high school was shared. Start times and their logistics are still being looked at.

It was requested to have a schedule of meetings for School Committee meeting agenda topics and goals to help map out the year.

It was inquired if the District participates in the state REDI program.The Superintendent explained that there is exposure to the program during the new superintendent induction. The first dimension is self awareness. The program is not mandated but MASC is talking.

The 8th grade participatory showcase of civics curriculum-Generation Citizen was talked about. The Superintendent will look into it further.

The Meeting adjourned at 7:17pm on the motion of Mrs. Nardone, seconded by Dr. Sherlock-Shgangraw. Motion passed.

Respectfully Submitted,

Carrie Palazzo
Secretary

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