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NEWBURYPORT SCHOOL COMMITTEE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE BUSINESS MEETING
Senior Center, 331 High Street, Newburyport, MA 01950
Monday, June 7, 2021
Meeting Convened at 6:31 PM Mayor Donna Holaday / Brian Callahan Presided
Present: Mayor Donna Holaday, Brian Callahan, Bruce Menin, David Hochheiser,
Sheila Spalding, and Sean Reardon
Absent: Steve Cole
CALL TO ORDER / ROLL CALL / PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Mayor Donna Holaday called the School Committee Business Meeting of the Newburyport
School Committee to order at 6:31 PM. Roll call found all members present, except Steve Cole.
At this point Vice-Chairman Brian Callahan assumed chairmanship of the Business Meeting.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
There was no Public Comment at this time.
STUDENT RECOGNITION:
Superintendent Sean Gallagher recognized the following students for their participation in the
COVID Victims Memorial Day Service that was held in Newburyport on March 1, 2021. He
stated this was a moving ceremony and was important at this time.
Audrey Cooper - sang the National Anthem
Molly Mosquera - read “GOLD” an original poem written by Mrs. Sheehan’s class and
illustrated by Ms. Cahill’s class
Camilla Fuentes and Jaxon Kue - read a Native American remembrance poem from the
Lakota Nation
Callum Johnson - played the violin (First Movement of Sonata in “G” Major by
Jean-Baptiste Senaille)
Norah McElhinney & Sierra Leahy - read the poem “One Art”
He also recognized:
Sierra Leahy - for her hard work, dedication and leadership over the past year in
providing a student voice as the high school’s student representative for
the Newburyport School Committee.
Mayor Holaday thanked all those who participated in the ceremony.
NHS STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE REPORT:
NHS Student Representative Sierra Leahy reported on the following events at NHS:
● Last week was senior week at NHS. All of our traditional ceremonies took place
along with several new activities. Tuesday night the seniors participated in the
Vespers Ceremony. The student speakers included Thomas Childs, Molly Page,
Christian Kinsey, Maddie Desimio-Maloney, and Sierra Leahy. All of the
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speeches were spectacular and were centered around the theme of the Ocean.
Wednesday night was the promenade which was followed by the Senior Night,
which consisted of yard games, a photo booth, a dunk tank, and multiple food
trucks from local vendors.
● Thursday was the Senior Sing-out, which was a slideshow of senior professional
photos and memories from the past four years together, and that was followed by
the Senior Banquet in which students received class awards and signed
yearbooks. Friday the senior class and junior class officers participated in Ivy
Day. This year’s Ivy Day Orator was Nate Hall. Friday afternoon was the senior
outing in which seniors went to a bowling alley and an arcade. Saturday was our
car parade and Sunday was the graduation. Sunday was also the Senior
Celebration that was put on by Newburyport Youth Services and volunteer
parents of the senior class.
● As for other happenings across the District, Grade 8 will participate in their Walk
Out Ceremony on Tuesday, June 15, and on June 16 they will have a field day
which will be held at the high school stadium. The Junior Class also had a field
day scheduled on Wednesday night from 6:00 - 9:00 PM on the field adjacent to
the Nock-Molin school. There are a lot of exciting end-of-year activities
happening across the district. Hopefully these activities will help take the edge
off of the MCAS testing that is still being administered in the schools and will
allow students to enjoy their last few days in their respective grade levels.
CONSENT AGENDA:
Warrants:
Motions:
On a motion by Bruce Menin and seconded by Sean Reardon it was
VOTED: To approve, receive and forward to the City Auditor for payment the
following warrant:
$19,882.24
Motion Passed
Steve Cole absent for vote
On a motion by Bruce Menin and seconded by Sean Reardon it was
VOTED: To approve, receive and forward to the City Auditor for payment the
following warrant:
$546,260.86
Motion Passed
Steve Cole absent for vote
On a motion by Bruce Menin and seconded by Mayor Holaday it was
VOTED: To approve, receive and forward to the City Auditor to make payment
and deduct the funds from the school’s account.
$29,766.71
Motion Passed
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Steve Cole absent for vote
Minutes:
On a motion by Sean Reardon and seconded by Mayor Holaday it was
VOTED: To approve, receive and file the School Committee Business Meeting
minutes of Tuesday, April 27, 2021.
Motion Passed
Steve Cole absent for vote
On a motion by Sean Reardon and seconded by Brian Callahan it was
VOTED: To approve, receive and file the School Committee Business Meeting
Minutes of Monday, May 3, 2021.
Motion Passed
Steve Cole absent for vote
MODEL UN CONFERENCE OVERNIGHT TRIP:
NHS teachers Matt LaChapelle and Wendy Crofts presented the background information for the
Model UN Conference, which is a 3-4 day overnight trip to be held in Montreal, Canada from
November 11-14, 2021.
Bruce Menin asked if students will be protected in events of change; he also asked about costs
for the event.
Motion:
On a motion by Mayor Holaday and seconded by Bruce Menin it was
VOTED: To approve the Model UN Conference overnight 3-4 day overnight trip to
be held in Montreal, Canada on November 11-14, 2021.
Motion Passed
Steve Cole absent for vote
SY2021 STATEMENT OF INTEREST (SOI) MSBA:
Motion:
On a motion by Brian Callahan and seconded by Bruce Menin it was
VOTED: To approve the SY2021 Statement of Interest (SOI) MSBA for the
High School.
Sean Reardon inquired re: student/teacher ratio at NHS.
Roll Call Vote:
Mayor Holaday - Yes
Brian Callahan - Yes
Bruce Menin - Yes
Sheila Spalding - Yes
Sean Reardon - Yes
David Hochheiser - Yes
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Motion Passed
Steve Cole absent for vote
TRANSPORTATION BID AWARD FY22-24:
Superintendent Gallagher reviewed the bid and selection process. He explained there was
only one bid, Salter Transportation Company.
Motion:
On a motion by David Hochheiser and seconded by Bruce Menin it was
VOTED: To approve the bid from Salter Transportation Company for a total cost
for three years of $2,808,180.00.
Mayor Holaday inquired re: seats on bus - social distancing - later start times - was it
accommodating?
Sean Reardon asked if this could change. Answer - Yes
Sheila Spalding asked why there was only one bid. Superintendent Gallagher explained.
Mayor Holaday explained the possibility of purchasing a bus for school use - athletics, etc.
Motion Passed
Steve Cole absent for vote
JUNETEENTH INDEPENDENCE DAY - AFSCME:
Superintendent Gallagher explained that the Massachusetts Governor recently recognized
June 19th as a State holiday. The AFSCME union is requesting NPS to recognize this new
State holiday.
Motion:
On a motion by Sheila Spalding and seconded by Bruce Menin it was
VOTED: To approve the request from the AFSCME union to amend the contract
to include June 19 (Juneteenth Independence Day) as a holiday.
Mayor Holiday explained that City Hall would be shutting down on that day as well and all city
employees would be getting this holiday as well. A short ceremony will be held.
Motion Passed
Steve Cole absent for vote
POLICY SUBCOMMITTEE:
Sheila Spalding outlined and explained the new Communications Policy (KAA).
David Hochheiser suggested eliminating phrasing in the first paragraph - he asked if the
document covered conversation?
Mayor Holaday explained recordings - yes.
Bruce Menin about #4 - if it contradicted with #2?
Brian Callahan questioned the wording in #5.
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David Hochheiser suggested doing away with #10.
Sheila Spalding outlined and explained the changes to the Public Participation at School
Committee Meetings Policy (BEDH).
Bruce Menin inquired re: names.
David Hochheiser spoke about parents speaking about their children at Public Comment.
Brian Callahan inquired about when parents insist on speaking re: their children.
It was explained that this can be declared “out of order”.
2016-2021 STRATEGIC PLANNING REPORT:
Superintendent Gallagher presented a Strategic Planning Report. It included the following:
● A new Mission Statement was written
● The Strategic Planning Team identified 13 Foundation Beliefs and set 4 Aspirational
objectives
● 7 Strategies for meeting our mission were identified
● The strategies call us to action
● Accomplishments
● Instructional Leadership
● Curriculum Development
● Social Emotional Learning
● Dual Enrollment Program
Mayor Holaday asked if the data could be separated out for the Committee - Answer -
Yes
● World Language Programs
● Later Start Times
● Special Education
● Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
● NEF Supported Initiatives
● Instructional Technology
● Organizational Design
● Strategic Partnerships
● Leading for Tomorrow - 2021-26 Strategic Plan Process/Timeline
Bruce Menin inquired if focus groups would be used. Answer - Yes
Superintendent Gallagher said he was excited about this process.
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT:
Superintendent Gallagher reported on the following:
● School Choice - he explained the School Choice report which had been provided to the
Committee and said he will update them on the June 21st.
Brian Callahan asked what would happen if we go over the amount approved? Answer
- a waiting list would be started.
● Hiring Update
Integrator - down to 2 finalists
Cathy Riccio is retiring - down to 3 finalists for Nurse Leader
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Bresnahan Assistant Principal - we have 35 applicants
Nock Principal - we have 35 applicants - a committee is being assembled
NEW BUSINESS:
Brian Callahan inquired of the Committee re: the July Retreat date - a date of Wednesday July
28th was suggested. Conversation then ensued regarding possible other dates. A date will be
set.
Bruce Menin reported on the Superintendent Evaluation Committee. He explained that
Superintendent Gallagher has identified the Mass. Model - this will be sent out.
Mayor Holaday said the memo from the Superintendent made it easier for the Committee.
Brian Callahan said that the School Committee Self-Evaluation was coming up.
David Hochheiser said that the Committee needed to send items to the Superintendent that he
would need to focus on for the next school year.
Sheila Spalding said the Policy Subcommittee would be meeting on Thursday AM.
ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion by Bruce Menin and seconded by Sean Reardon it was
VOTED: To adjourn the Business Meeting of the Newburyport School Committee
at 7:59 PM.
Motion Passed
Steve Cole absent for vote
