Click here to view the agenda for the regular meeting
Click here to view the packet information
The Pittsfield School Committee will have a meeting on Wednesday, March 13th at 6pm in City Hall Council Chambers (70 Allen St). The meeting will also be broadcasted on PCTV Channel 1302, PCTV’s Facebook page, and PCTV Select.
Any member of the public may wish to speak during our public comment period. Public comment is limited to 3 minutes per person and the public comment period is limited to 15 minutes unless the school committee votes to extend the public comment period. Anyone wishing to speak during the public comment period may be required to sign up before the meeting starts.
Agenda Highlights
FY25 Budget Overview and School Committee Discussion and Questions Related to the FY25 Budget – This is the highlight of the meeting when the district administration will present their recommended FY25 budget for the Pittsfield Public Schools (FY25 runs from July 1st, 2024 to June 30th, 2025). The initial budget presentation tends to be lengthy, and after it there will be time for the School Committee to give their initial thoughts on the budget.
See my prior recap on the February 28th Budget Workshop. To give you a sense of what we know about the budget already:
- For various different reasons we are only receiving a $649,248 increase in Chapter 70 state aid under the Governor’s proposed FY25 budget
- ESSER COVID grant funding is ending this September, and we currently have 44 Full Time Equivalent Positions funded by ESSER
- In order to reduce expenses to the district, enrollment data will give the administration a sense if we can close an elementary school if there is a need to make that decision. School closures require a vote of the School Committee. But given the budget issues we are currently facing closing a school is not off the table.
I will note that on Friday the Massachusetts Association of School Committees (MASC) is hosting a workshop on what is happening with Chapter 70 this year, and I know that MASC is advocating for a larger increase in Chapter 70 for districts than is already provided by the Governor’s budget. School committee members and district administration have also been in contact with our state legislative delegation as well for assistance.
Authorization for the Superintendent of Schools to Submit a Statement of Interest to the Massachusetts School Building Authority – The other highlight of the meeting, we will be voting to authorize the Superintendent to submit a Statement of Interest for Crosby Elementary School and Conte Community School.
See my prior recap on the March 5th tour of Conte and Crosby
First Reading on the Adoption of Piloted Courses – These courses have already been piloted and the School Committee must now vote to continue offering these courses.
- Personal Finance (PHS) – For 11th and 12th graders, this half year course “focuses on sound financial management decision-making that results in long-term personal financial success. Financial planning, budgeting, investing, credit, financial services, and insurance protection are the primary focus areas. Students will complete an online simulation that will utilize the skills they have learned throughout the semester.”
- Facilitating Community Change (PHS) – “This course is designed to provide students with more independence and ownership as they explore their passions and desire to impact a community. In this course, students will work towards progress in six competency areas: communication, life-long learner, global citizen, prepared individual, responsible person, and critical thinker. Over the semester, students will self-reflect and evaluate their growth in these areas. Collaborating along the way and exploring various industries in Berkshire County, students will present their research, action steps, and final products to community members. “
- Honors Algebra 2 Summer (PHS and Taconic) – This course would allow students students who are placed into Algebra 1 in their Freshman year of high school to take Algebra 2 during the summer between Sophomore and Junior year to allow them to take advanced math courses, such as Calculus, in their Senior year.
- Introduction to Engineering Design – Project Lead the Way (PHS) – “Students are introduced to the engineering design process, applying math, science, and engineering standards to identify and design solutions to a variety of real problems. They work both individually and in collaborative teams to develop and document design solutions using engineering notebooks and 3D modeling software.”
- Introduction to the United States Legal System (PHS) – “Intro to the United States Legal System is the first course within the Legal and Protective Services Pathway. This will serve as an exploratory course for freshmen to provide students with the basic knowledge of the federal, state and local court systems. This project based course will include field trips to local courthouses, as well as guest speakers.”
Additionally, Introduction to Engineering Design and Introduction to the United States Legal System are all part of the new Innovation Pathways programs at PHS.
First Reading on the Approval to Pilot a New Course Graphic Novels at Pittsfield High School – More information coming soon.
Second Reading on Various Curriculum Items – The School Committee will conduct a second reading and vote on the following curriculum items voted on at our January 24th meeting (recap here):
- New Textbooks
- Environmental Science for the AP Course – For AP Environmental Science at PHS
- Young Producers Group Complete Curriculum – For Music Production 1 and 2, Music Appreciation, Career Awareness for Young Producers
- Pilot Program – UFLI Foundations (Morningside)
- New Course Pilots
- High School Playwriting & Directing (PHS)
- High School Musical Theatre Performance (PHS)
- Middle School STEM Lab (Reid)
- Middle School Personal Finance (Reid)
- Middle School Introduction to Digital Literacy (Reid)
- Pilot Program – TeachTown’s Meta Play
Executive Session – We will have an Executive Session to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining with the United Educators of Pittsfield (teachers union), Pittsfield Educational Administrators’ Association (administrative personnel union), and the Pittsfield Federation of School Employees Bus Drivers’ & Attendants’ Unit.
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