1. Were new positions added in the District for FY09?  If so, how many and why?
Yes, new positions were added for FY09.  As represented below the additions amounted to 23 FTEs (fulltime equivalents) or 29 actual individuals in the areas represented below.
This figure is consistent with what was communicated during the spring budget process.  Any additional individuals in FY09 are teachers or staff filling existing positions that have become vacant due to retirements, resignations, non-renewals and leave of absences.

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2. What role does the school committee play in PILOT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) programs?

The school district has no direct role in the discussions/negotiations of PILOT programs.  Not-for –profit organizations are not legally required pay real estate taxes. In some situations, municipalities can negotiate agreements with these not-for- profits in which they make payments to the town to help pay for town services.  These PILOT programs become legal agreements between the town and the not-for-profit entity, and the money is paid to the town. If asked, the school district will act as a resource to town officials to provide school information that may be necessary to proceed with discussions.

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3.  Why doesn’t the school district charge students for busing?

As a regional school district, we are required by law (MGL Chapter 71, section 16c) to bus our students to school.

The state pays partial reimbursement for the costs of busses. Any fees the district charges from parents would be deducted from our state reimbursement, resulting in no increase in revenue to the district.

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The athletic director in our community plays a critical role in development, management, and scheduling of the athletic program. 
Today the athletic director in Hamilton Wenham is responsible for 38 teams competing in 22 sports, which is a very comprehensive program for a District of our size.
Program Administration

• Schedule practices & games
• Budget development and management
• Transportation and practice
• Hiring, supervising, and evaluating coaches
• Administration of user fees
• Compliance with the student athletic code (HW & MIAA)

Game & Site management

• Field maintenance (on and offsite)
• Sports equipment
• Safety
• Attend games

Athletic Director – Job Description
Athletic Director Responsibilities

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Eligibility to attend the school in the Hamilton Wenham Regional School District is determined by both state law and district policy. 

Massachusetts general law (MGL C.76, §5 and §6) states that, “every person shall have a right to attend the public schools of the town where he actually resides…No school committee is required to enroll a person who does not actually reside in the town, unless said enrollment is authorized by law or by the school committee.” 

School district policy states that, “Students whose parents or legal as established by the School Committee guardians are considered legal residents of the Town of Hamilton or…Wenham shall be eligible to attend the schools…” 

Please note that it is RESIDENCY of parents or guardians, not payment of taxes, that determines who is eligible to attend the HWRSD schools.

There are several times when parents of school age children need to consider these laws, regulations and policies.   

1. When you have a child who may be eligible for enrollment in kindergarten.
2. When a family is moving but wishes their child to remain in his/her HWRSD School.
3. If there is change in marital status, such as a divorce or separation and child custody is established. 

Please note that the HWRSD policy is available for review on the district website at www.hwschools.net by clicking on “School Committee,” then “Policies” and see Student Admission Policy. 

You should first speak with your school principal as soon as you know your situation may change. Your principal may then refer you to the Superintendent who can advise parents and guardians on the allowable options.  If you know your situation may change, do not wait!  Determining your options by speaking with the District before actions are final can often prevent unnecessary upheaval to the student and their families. 

The Superintendent is entitled to the following benefits under the terms of her contract with the district:

• An allowance of up to $3,500 annually for expenses incurred while attending work related out-of-district meetings.
• 25 vacation days per year.
• Compensation for up to 7 unused vacation days per year.
• Up to 30 days accrued vacation days.
• 18 sick days per year.
• Sick leave  buy back if she retires from the district.
• Same insurance benefits as other district employees

12. What is the School District’s official class size policy?

HWRSD established an official policy with respect to class size in 1999 as reflected in the following table. These guidelines are designed to insure that we deliver an appropriate environment for learning as well as any take into consideration any facility limitations that may exist. One should note that where mandated by law, there are some class sizes that differ from the table below to ensure compliance with educational plans.

At the February 5, 2009 meeting, the School Committee voted to approve new class size guidelines.  These guidelines will apply for the next three years (through 2012).  While neither the School Committee nor the Leadership Team believes that these new guidelines are a good thing for our students, they are a direct result of the current financial constraints of the Towns and the School District. One should note that where mandated by law, there are some class sizes that differ from the table below to ensure compliance with educational plans.

Redistricting can be a painful and disruptive experience for families.  The District strives to avoid redistricting, if at all possible, and to maintain equity among our three elementary schools.
 
When redistricting becomes necessary it is our policy to (1) to keep class size consistent across our three schools, (2) keep families together, (3) balance classes with regard to gender and student learning needs, and (4) to minimize any possible increase in transportation expenses.

Any redistricting changes for the 2009/10 fiscal year will be announced once a final budget is approved.

The Director of Curriculum and Instruction is a staff position that supports all regular education programs and personnel; it is really more a Director of “Educational Services”.  Under the direct supervision of the Superintendent, this individual is responsible for the development, implementation, and evaluation of all school programs.

Further, this individual provides leadership in the areas of curriculum and instruction, staff development, technology, Title I, Title VI, Chapter 622/Title IX, and Section 504.

Responsibilities span the following:

• Steering curriculum initiatives across the board
• Development & implementation of new curriculum initiatives
• Management and oversight of personnel, budget functions & regular education compliance
• Grant writing
• Home School oversight

Curriculum Director - Job Description

Scope of Responsibilities

The Curriculum Director’s job is to ensure that District programs are instituted in a way that promote its vision, goals and long range plans across all levels of schools. Many of their activities involve other district employees that are engaged with curriculum, budgeting, technology, and personnel.
                  
A few years ago, the School Committee did without a full-time curriculum director for several months because of a personnel transition.  What we found was that very few curriculum initiatives were implemented at a time of critical and faced-paced educational advances.  As well, curriculum coordination across the District fell, leading to deficiencies and inefficiencies in the teaching program and many grant opportunities were missed.  Principals and other administrators are unable to fill the gap, particularly given the level of reporting districts are required to do to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations and grant acquisition.

The six school buildings represent a total of 352,960 square feet and are occupied by approximately 2,500 individuals each day. 

Within the school operating budget there is a maintenance account that provides funds for custodial supplies and equipment, special maintenance projects, and yearly maintenance for such items as boiler burner repair, plumbing repairs, carpentry etc.

For FY 10 there is a total of $592,010 budgeted in this account.  By comparison, in FY 09 maintenance spending was $595,013. The table below shows the FY 09 spending.