School Committee recognizes many for their efforts
Published on June 11th, 2008
STONEHAM, MA - The school year is winding down and the Stoneham School Committee took the opportunity last Thursday to recognize some of the individuals who have made their mark on the schools.
Student representatives to the School Committee were commended for their interest in representing the views of students at School Committee meetings throughout the year, as well for keeping the committee updated on high school activities. The following student representatives were recognized: Brandon Epstein, Nicole Willard, Daniela Colucci, Zachary Pinto, Alicia Farina, Nick Ciarlante, and Mary Neil.
“You've done a fantastic job this year,” said School Committee Chair Marie Christie. “You've been generous with your comments. You're fun to have and are always prepared.”
Retiring faculty members were also recognized for their years of service and dedication to the school system. This was the first time this was done at a School Committee meeting.
“Our list seems to be great again this year, unfortunately, and we hate to see you go,” Christie said.
The honored retiring faculty members include: Steve Jackson whose service to SHS in the field of science has spanned 38 years; Bob Lague who has graced the schools' fine arts department over the last nine years; Kindergarten teacher Linda Peterson who first came to Stoneham in 1973; Stoneham High School English teacher Bill Mucica, a 33 year veteran to the system, Speech and Language Pathologist Deborah Pavelle who has service the Middle School and elementary schools since her arrival in 1989; Barbara Lambropoulos, who has taught at nearly every elementary school in Stoneham for the past 34 years, and Nancy Kaftan, elementary school teacher in Stoneham since her arrival back in 1972.
In other news, policy revisions were discussed last week, with the committee vowing to research further the issue of renting out building space to for-profit, out of town organizations. Currently, Stoneham schools charge one rental fee, which is a nominal fee designed to cover what local nonprofit youth groups, such as scouts and recreation programs, are able to pay. But, according to Superintendent Dr. Les Olson, many out-of-town groups are turning to Stoneham for bargain rental space, since it is cheaper than that in surrounding towns. Stoneham currently charges $25 per hour. A custodian is required to be on duty during any group's use of the building, but the cost of this is over and above the current $25 charge.
“I have no problem subsidizing local community youth groups. I don't know if I want to be subsidizing all of Eastern Massachusetts,” Olson said.
Other communities charge as high as $150 per hour to organizations looking to rent space. While increasing the rental charge for some out of town organization may discourage some groups to come to Stoneham, Olson said that at the current, very low rate, rental has become more of an administrative nuisance.
An increase in building rental fees for organizations other than local community youth organizations - somewhere between the current low rate and under surrounding town's existing rental rates is being considered, and will be reviewed again at the next School Committee meeting.
Another policy under review and possibly making a comeback is the Middle School in -house suspension policy.
According to Christie, this policy was in place in the 1990's but fell victim to budget cuts several years ago. She said getting this policy back in place would be a great advantage to the Middle School.
In house suspension is given to any student who has committed certain, outlined infractions, and is designed to remove the student from the classroom but keeps them in a separate classroom where learning and supervision can continue. This policy would be in addition to an out of school suspension which is levied on students for more serious rules infractions. The School Committee will take up a second reading on this policy at its next meeting.
The School committee scheduled two meetings for the summer, July 24 and August 28, and will schedule additional meeting on an as needed basis.
In closing, Olson said it has been a pleasure to take part in all of the schools' year end activities.
“I wish everyone a safe end of the school year, a healthy summer, and we look forward to having everyone come back in the fall.”
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