Sunday, August 5, 2007

Sunday, August 5, 2007

Dear Parents and Constituents,

Attached is this week’s schedule of Holyoke School Committee Meetings. The agenda for Monday’s School Committee Meeting can be viewed by clicking this link http://www.hps.holyoke.ma.us/pdf/sc_agendas/Agenda_08-06-07.pdf . Please note that agendas are in PDF format, which allows me to provide the package of attachments to the agenda.

Highlights:

As usual, there were no regular meetings of the school committee in July, although a special meeting to ratify two collective bargaining agreements did take place. Also, the Building Needs Committee has been active in July, addressing pending deadlines for projects to improve Holyoke High School and McMahon, and possibly replace Lawrence School.

There will be a finance committee meeting on Wednesday, which will review information comparing the cost of School Buses vs PVTA passes. On Monday, the Superintendent will update the Committee on the status of the budget for 2007-2008 Fiscal Year, which is on a deficit. The Finance Meeting is likely to have some work to do following up on the information received on Monday. In addition to the budget update, the Superintendent will advise us on the effect of budget cuts on before and after school programs.

On Friday Night, the Summer String Program wrapped up with a very well received performance at the Yellow Barn Music Festival in Amherst. The students presented themselves very well, putting the Holyoke Public Schools in a positive light. There were many comments from people impressed with the children and the work that is being done. It was a great example of how the entire community benefits when the Public Schools remain committed to the fine arts and a full comprehensive curriculum in every school.

I have attached the agenda in pdf format in addition to providing a link, as I had trouble making the link work. Hopefully the technical issue can be resolved tomorrow.