1. Greetings and Call to Order
   Sue Hollingsworth called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m.
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2. Chairperson’s and Members’ report
   Sue Hollingsworth reported that the March 18th Nutrition Breakfast at the Hanscom campus was a “wonderful affair” and thanked all those responsible for the event.

   Julie Dobrow distributed copies of the letter of support for METCO that was sent by the Lincoln-Sudbury School Committee to Governor Romney.

   Ms. Dobrow, acknowledging that this may be Sue Hollingsworth’s last meeting as Chairperson, thanked her for “yeowoman’s effort” during her years of service on the School Committee.

3. Superintendent’s Report
   On behalf of the School District Mickey Brandmeyer thanked Sue Hollingsworth for her tenure as a member and Chair of the School Committee.

   Mr. Brandmeyer acknowledged and thanked the Friends of the Lincoln Library for contributing the proceeds of their March 13th book sale to the Lincoln School.

   Mr. Brandmeyer reported that there was a potential exposure to chickenpox at the Lincoln School the previous week. He summarized efforts at the school to assess who was susceptible and communicate with parents when, according to Massachusetts Department of Public Health requirements, there might be a need for quarantine. Mr. Brandmeyer commended School Nurse Karen Lewis for the prompt and efficient manner in which she responded to this matter.

4. Public Comments
   Sandy Storer thanked Sue Hollingsworth for her service on the School Committee.

5. Time Scheduled Appointments
   1. Proposal for Overnight Field Trip
      Hanscom Middle School Principal Barry Hopping presented a proposal for an overnight field trip for the school’s eighth grade class. As background, he explained that until two years ago Hanscom had collaborated with the John Glenn Middle School in Bedford for an eighth grade trip to Washington, D.C. Due to the concerns about student travel after September 11, 2001, HMS developed and implemented plans during the past two years for eighth grade trips to local destinations. This year’s plan, however, is a three-day, two-night trip to Ellis Island, Philadelphia, Valley Forge and Gettysburg. In response to a question by Mr. Picker about participation rate, Mr. Hopping explained that they anticipate 76% of eighth grade students will participate which represents the highest rate he has had for such a trip.

      Mr. Hopping explained the itinerary and the intended curriculum connections. Ms. Dobrow recommended adding the Ben Franklin House in Philadelphia to the list of sites to be visited.

      Mr. Picker inquired about deposit insurance, and Mr. Hopping explained that he had held the deposits until the trip arrangements were certain.

      Mr. Hopping explained that one of the eighth grade teachers would remain with the 12 students who have opted not to participate and that alternative plans had been developed for them.

      Ashton Peery moved that the School Committee approve the Hanscom eighth grade overnight field trip proposal. Ms. Dobrow seconded the motion. The Committee voted unanimously to accept the motion.

   2. Superintendent’s Evaluation
      Before Mr. Peery explained the evaluation process and presented its key points, he made two general statements. He also explained how the Committee got to this point: that the Committee and Superintendent had set goals for his performance; that the Superintendent reported on status against goals at a prior School Committee meeting; that School Committee members had received input from members of the community; that feedback from all members of the Committee had been incorporated into the evaluation; and that Mr. Brandmeyer had received a copy in advance of the presentation.

      Jan Nyquist added that this is the first time in this community for a public performance review of a Superintendent. She observed that this process is a good method for capturing all of the feedback, but she reminded the public that the School Committee does provide the Superintendent with feedback on an ongoing basis.

      In his comments Mr. Peery began by highlighting 13 areas of accomplishment. His presentation then focused on each of the eight goals, including specific details about performance relative to each goal and “Development Opportunities” which provided recommendations for improvement. Mr. Peery also summarized two key areas that should become priorities for the Superintendent: 1) building an environment in which strategic priorities are not crowded out by day-to-day demands; and 2) focusing on community relations a.) to build or restore trust in those portions of the community where he does not enjoy strong support and b.) to improve dialogue between the community and the school system about programs and possible directions the district might take.

      Other members of the School Committee spoke to the points made in the performance evaluation. Mr. Picker acknowledged the operational successes and stressed the importance of scaling new plateaus. Ms. Dobrow underscored the desire to see redoubled efforts to articulate an educational vision. Ms. Koning expressed appreciation for the attention Mr. Brandmeyer has given to Hanscom, especially efforts to connect with the Base hierarchy. Ms. Hollingsworth acknowledged the commitment shown by Mr. Brandmeyer to cultivate a relationship with each individual on a large board such as the School Committee.

      Mr. Brandmeyer expressed his appreciation for the extensive feedback and restated the messages he has heard and read in his evaluation.

      Mr. Picker moved that the School Committee adopt the Superintendent’s performance review. Mr. Peery seconded the motion. The motion was unanimously approved.

6. Curriculum
   1. Math Program Report
      Paul Naso provided an update to the School Committee regarding the status of the district’s work in mathematics. Kathy O’Connell and Charlotte Berger were also present for presentations. He reminded the Committee about his curriculum initiatives and his attempt to have the work address many strands. Mr. Naso indicated that this work is in various stages of completion.

      The report was organized by topics: staffing, program, communication and professional development.

      Staffing: Attention to staffing issues recognizes that classroom work is central. Mr. Naso reported that we are beginning to see results from school and district level coordination. We have also reviewed the use of available resources, including the best methods for scheduling to ensure the best return on resources invested.

      Program: The focus has been on alignment to curriculum frameworks in recent years. We are now shifting the focus toward expectations for student learning. This includes establishing district performance indicators that can be used for assessment and to calibrate instruction.

      Mr. Naso also indicated that it is important that we address issues of disagreement about mathematics instruction. If not, conversations tend to shut down and conflict results.

      Mathematic teachers have also been working to seek clarification on what effective enrichment is and how to provide it.

      In the area of communication, the district is addressing transition issues particularly between grade 8 and high school but also between grades at the elementary level. The district is also working on ways to communicate elements of the program to parents and students so that they know what to expect.

      Kathy O’Connell, Lincoln’s Curriculum Specialist for Mathematics, discussed how she supports teachers in mathematics. This includes professional development, co-teaching and facilitating discussions about math instruction.

      Mr. Peery commented on the significant resources we have provided in this area and asked that we focus on ways to articulate results so that we can maintain the support of all concerned.

      Ms. Dobrow urged Mr. Naso to communicate the progress this year, especially to report to parents about what is happening and about planning.

      Ms. Nyquist shared her observation that Kathy O’Connell work is a powerful example of good professional development.

      Ms. Koning asked if the curriculum was consistent between Lincoln and Hanscom and if the resources are the same.

      Mr. Naso reported that the structure is the same and that we have added an additional full-time mathematics specialist to the Hanscom budget for next year.

      Mr. Picker encouraged Mr. Naso to communicate that we are getting traction in this area. He also recognized that while the model of a curriculum specialist is a good model he wondered how we scale this to all content areas and whether we could explore other approaches.

      David Birney requested specific information about the discussions between Hanscom Middle and Bedford High School Teachers with the goal of formal coordination.

7. Policy
   No discussion

8. Budget and Financial
   1. Warrant Approval
      Ms. Nyquist moved that the School Committee accept the warrants in the amount of $703,336.07. Mr. Peery seconded the motion.

      The Committee voted unanimous approval.

9. Old Business
   No discussion

10. New Business
    1. Hanscom Facilities Study
       Dave Jack announced that the district has been informed that DODEA has contracted with Baker and Baker Associates of Virginia to conduct a facilities study of the Hanscom Primary and Hanscom Middle Schools. The process begins with a brief self-study to be completed by April 9th. Mr. Peery and Mr. Birney recommended that Mr. Jack contact officials at the Base for technical support and a liaison. The Committee also recommended to Mr. Jack that he get in touch with someone at the DODEA school at the Air Force Base in Dover, Delaware where a similar study resulted in extensive work.

    2. METCO Initiative
       The School Committee discussed some potential confusion about how the METCO question appears on the ballot. Some were concerned that there was a possibility that some voters might select more than one option. Mr. Brandmeyer reported that the Town Clerk has indicated that instructions would appear so that voters are directed to select one option.

11. Approval of Minutes
    Ms. Hollingsworth moved that the School Committee accept the minutes from the May 29th meeting. Mr. Peery seconded the motion. With a 3-0 vote the Committee approved the minutes for May 29, 2003.

    Ms. Nyquist moved that the School Committee accept the minutes from the June 19th meeting. Mr. Peery seconded the motion. With a 3-0 vote the Committee approved the minutes for June 19, 2003.

    Ms. Hollingsworth moved that the School Committee accept the minutes from the February 24th meeting. Ms. Nyquist seconded the motion. The Committee unanimously approved the amended minutes for February 24, 2004.

    Ms. Hollingsworth moved that the School Committee accept the minutes from the March 4th meeting as amended. Ms. Nyquist seconded the motion. The Committee unanimously approved the amended minutes for March 4, 2004.

    Mr. Picker moved that the School Committee accept the minutes from the March 10th meeting. Mr. Peery seconded the motion. The Committee unanimously approved the minutes for March 10, 2004.

    Mr. Peery moved that the School Committee accept the minutes from the March 11th meeting. Ms. Hollingsworth seconded the motion. The Committee unanimously approved the minutes for March 11, 2004.

12. Workshop: Prep for Town Meeting Budget Presentation and Capital Warrant Articles
    Dennis Picker presented an overview of the slide show that will be used for the presentation of the budget and capital warrant articles at Town Meeting.

13. Adjournment
    Mr. Peery moved that the meeting adjourn. Jan Nyquist seconded. The Committee voted unanimously to adjourn at approximately 10:50 p.m.

Respectfully submitted by
Paul Naso, Assistant Superintendent