1. Greetings and Call to Order
   Dennis Picker called the meeting to order at 7:06 p.m.

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2. Chairperson’s and Members’ report
   Mr. Picker reported that members of the Board of Selectman have identified Sarah Holden as the Board’s liaison to the School Committee.

   Mr. Picker announced that he attended a School Committee members’ training session conducted by the Massachusetts Association of School Committees (MASC) and briefly explained the benefits from that session.

   Sandy Hessler reported about the School Committee’s recent participation in the Town’s July 4th parade.

3. Public Comments
   There were no public comments.

4. Time Scheduled Appointments
   1. Vote on Late Enrollment Request
      Mr. Brandmeyer reported that he had received a late request for the enrollment at the Lincoln School of a child of a Hanscom campus staff member. He had determined that the request was late due to unanticipated family circumstances. Mr. Brandmeyer recommended acceptance of this enrollment.

      Julie Dobrow inquired about grade 6 enrollment.

      Ms. Dobrow moved that the Committee approve the enrollment of the student. Ms. Hessler seconded the motion. The Committee unanimously approved the motion.

   2. School Committee 2003-2004 Self-Evaluation
      Ms. Dobrow reported that after the last School Committee meeting she and Mr. Peery met to tighten the language in the self evaluation and to articulate some impressions and thoughts to be included in the column labeled “considerations.” She guided the Committee through the results of their work.

      Mr. Picker added that at the MASC meeting he recently attended he learned that MASC officials and members encouraged self evaluation by School Committees and they include self evaluation in their recommendations of “best practices” for School Committees to follow.

      Mr. Picker moved that the Committee adopt the self evaluation with edits discussed. Ms. Hessler seconded the motion. The School Committee unanimously accepted the motion.

      Mr. Picker moved that the Committee agree to post the self evaluation on the website. Ms. Dobrow seconded the motion. The Committee unanimously agreed to accept the motion.

   3. School Committee 2004-2005 Goals: Template for Work Plans
      Mr. Picker presented a draft of a template for developing the work plans to address the 2004-2005 School Committee goals. He invited public comment on the work plan template. Mr. Brandmeyer discussed the work plan process being considered for district goals.

      Mr. Picker moved that the Committee accept the work plan template. Ms. Dobrow seconded the motion. The Committee unanimously approved the work plan templates.

   4. Discussion of Draft State of the Town Memo
      Mr. Picker provided background and explained the organization of the memo as set forth by the Board of Selectmen. The memo covers accomplishment against goals mentioned in last year’s State of the Town report, goals for the coming year, and how the Lincoln School District helps fulfill various aspects of the mission statement of the Town. He then explained how he developed the information included in each section of his draft.

      The Committee proceeded through a review of the draft and made suggestions for language changes.

      There was some discussion in particular about the ways that the Lincoln School system helps to fulfill the Town of Lincoln’s mission. Also, specific changes were suggested for redrafting the section that addresses the diversity element of the Town’s mission.

      Mr. Picker moved that the School Committee adopt the draft with edits for submission to Board of Selection as its first draft. Ms. Dobrow seconded the motion. The Committee unanimously approved the motion.

5. Superintendent’s Report
   There was no report from the Superintendent.

6. Curriculum
   1. Briefing
      There was no briefing from the Assistant Superintendent.

7. Policy
   1. Proposed Guidelines for School Committee Use of Email
      Mr. Picker offered a set of guidelines pertaining to use of email among members of the School Committee. The intent of the proposed guidelines is to help committee members stay in compliance with open meeting laws. He explained that the guidelines are in keeping with general recommendations from the District Attorney’s office and the MASC. They urge caution with electronic communication so that School Committee members do not compromise open meeting laws.

      The Committee discussed the guidelines and their implications. They wondered about how they might manage to accomplish their many tasks in a timely manner while observing the proposed email guidelines. There was also discussion as to whether it was prudent to adopt email use guidelines when there were members absent. Mr. Picker explained that guidelines were less rigorous than formal School Committee policies, and felt to be a suitable way to begin to address the issue of email usage.

      Mr. Brandmeyer suggested that the Committee adopt the guidelines, experiment with their use and effects, and then discuss them again in September and consider a more formal adoption.

      Mr. Picker moved that the Committee adopt the guidelines regarding School Committee use of email and revisit these guidelines at some time in October. Ms. Hessler seconded the motion. The Committee unanimously approved the motion.

8. Budget and Financial
   1. FY04 Fiscal Update
      Dave Jack reported that the reserve fund transfer for a facilities study has been approved by the Finance Committee. He anticipates quotes from two groups to conduct the study. It is anticipated that a completed report will be prepared in time to coincide with the capital planning schedule. He anticipates that the winning bid will be at about $18,900. The other bid is in the neighborhood of about $25,000.

      He reported that there are some delays arriving at the FY04 final numbers due to the scope of work at this time of year as well as minor complications with the software conversion. He explained that there remains approximately $125,000 or 1.5% of the entire budget. There was some discussion about how those remaining funds would be spent.

      Mr. Jack also discussed the conversion to MUNIS. He explained that although there have been some small glitches, at this point the transition has been smooth.

      Mr. Jack reminded the Committee that the report of the Hanscom Facilities Study Committee was expected on July 13th.

      Mr. Picker suggested that there may be value in reporting to the School Committee in September about the work on physical plant accomplished over the summer. Ms. Dobrow proposed that the School Committee write a letter of appreciation to custodian and maintenance crews. Mr. Picker offered to write a letter. Mr. Brandmeyer suggested a barbecue for the custodian/maintenance staff.

      Mr. Picker inquired about the status of the school bus scheduling. Mr. Jack noted that the planning looks positive at this point.

   2. Warrant Approval
      There was no warrant.

9. Old Business
   1. Update from Communications Subcommittee
      Ms. Dobrow reported that the Communications Subcommittee met on June 22nd. Gertrude Webb and Beth Lerman have joined the Committee. They are planning a schedule for School Committee coffees for next year. They intend to meet with the Lincoln School leadership team. She also reported on a meeting of the subcommittee about electronic communications. She announced that there is progress being made with the plans to video School Committee meetings. They are also considering ways to develop a communication to the community about how to learn about the work of the School Committee and various facets of the schools. Work is continuing on an organizational chart.

      Mr. Picker asked members of the School Committee to submit suggested agenda items for next year by August 10th.

   2. Update on Strategic Planning Work
      Ms. Hessler provided an update on the process. She explained how key points have now been summarized and can be used for discussion about building a strategic plan.

   3. Update on Hiring for Faculty (teaching) Appointments
      Mr. Brandmeyer provided a summary of staffing changes and recently hired professional staff. He also explained the process being used to fill vacancies.

10. New Business
    Mr. Brandmeyer offered an update on district goals and explained that he has now added a specific goal regarding the Hanscom contract negotiation. He requested that the Committee re-vote to include that change.

    Mr. Picker moved that the Committee modify the previously approved district goals to include the changes proposed by Mr. Brandmeyer. Ms. Dobrow seconded the motion. The Committee unanimously approved the motion.

    Mr. Picker moved that the Committee authorize the posting of the District goals. Ms. Hessler seconded the motion. The Committee unanimously approved the motion.

11. Approval of Minutes
    The Committee reviewed the minutes of the June 3rd meeting. Various edits were proposed. Mr. Picker moved that the Committee adopt with edits the minutes of the June 3, 2004 School Committee meeting. Ms. Hessler seconded the motion. The Committee voted unanimously to approve the minutes.

    Ms. Dobrow moved that the Committee approved the minutes of the June 8, 2004 School Committee meeting. Mr. Picker seconded the motion. The Committee voted unanimously to approve the minutes.

    Mr. Picker moved that the Committee adopt with edits the minutes of the June 14, 2004 School Committee meeting. Ms. Dobrow seconded the motion. The Committee voted unanimously to approve the minutes.

12. Information Enclosures

13. Adjournment
    Ms. Dobrow moved that the Committee adjourn. Ms. Hessler seconded the motion. The Committee adjourned at 9:44 p.m.

14. Executive Session
    There was no Executive Session.

Respectfully submitted by
Paul Naso, Assistant Superintendent