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SC Meeting: June 17, 2025

At the June 17 SC Meeting there was discussion of the Unit A Collective Bargaining Contract 2025-2028, Student Attendance: Followup, the Portrait of a Needham Graduate Strategic Plan 2025-2026 Action Steps, and the Superintendent’s SY 2024-2025 Summative Performance Evaluation.

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School Committee Comments

  • SC congratulated students, teachers, and staff on completing the school year and wishes them a safe and enjoyable summer.

Superintendent’s Comments

  • Dr Gutekanst echoed SC comments wishing staff & students a joyful summer
  • Dr Gutekanst was notified today that a staff member from the Needham extended day program was arrested for possession and distribution of child pornography.
  • The police are not aware of any Needham public school students being involved, and a virtual meeting is scheduled for families and parents.
  • the district provided counseling for students and families and will update the school committee and community if further updates are needed.

Unit A Collective Bargaining Contract 2025-2028

Kate Fitzpatrick, Needham Town Manager, Mike Hirsch, NPS teacher, and Dr. Montes McNeil, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources, presented the Unit A collective bargaining agreement.

  • Dr. Montes McNeil recognized the Needham Education Association and School Committee team members involved in negotiations, acknowledged the collaborative process and highlighted the contract’s success.
  • Highlights of the contract include competitive salaries, expanded parental leave, catastrophic leave, and planning for the new teacher rubric.
  • Mike Hirsch and Kate Fitzpatrick expressed gratitude for the collaborative process and the resulting contract.
  • School Committee members engaged in discussion and shared their thoughts on the contract and the negotiation process.
  • Teachers have ratified the contract and Dr. Gutekanst recommended that the SC and Town Manager Approve the Unit A Contract as written.
  • Vote on the Unit A Collective Bargaining Contract -Approved unanimously by School Committee & Town Manager: 8-0-0
  • Kate Fitzpatrick provided closing remarks as this is her last SC Meeting before her retirement as Town Manager. She reflected on her time as town manager and her good working relationship with Dr. Gutekanst and the School Committee over the years.

DISCUSSION ITEMS

Student Attendance Followup

This is a followup to several previous discussions about the proposed NHS Attendance Policy language in the Handbook. Dr. Gutekanst provided an update on the latest version of the policy.

  • NHS Handbook language streamlined and additional resources added for clarity
  • attendance data has improved but there is still work to do in certain subgroups
  • Going forward, Dr Gutekanst proposed that the School Wellness Advisory Committee meet regularly to analyze student attendance patterns and student health access.
  • The school committee’s policy subcommittee should consider state laws and district goals to inform a local attendance policy.
  • The School Wellness Advisory Committee and the policy subcommittee are encouraged to involve parents, students, and experts in their discussions.
  • Dr Gutekanst emphasized the importance of using data to inform practices and policies, and the need for equitable practices.

School Committee Members will continue to evaluate the attendance data gathered next year and hope to hear more from students about how the policy is working.

Portrait of A Needham Graduate Strategic Plan 2025-2026 Action Steps

  • Dr Gutekanst presented highlights from the current five-year PONG plan and introduced the updated Portrait for 2025-2026. Highlights of this year and details of future planning can be found in the packet.
  • New framework was developed for the next 5 years with input from many stakeholders in the community.
  • The new plan focuses on growth, innovation, communication, and infrastructure, with specific action steps for each priority area.
  • Dr. Carmen Williams discussed the first action step of continuing the Portrait of a Needham Graduate initiative, emphasizing the importance of explicit teaching of competencies.
  • A narrower Literacy pilot will be piloted in all elementary classrooms next fall
  • Mary Lammi and Alison Coubrough-Argentieri discussed the second action step of expanding experiential learning and community service opportunities, and the third action step of developing a framework for using AI responsibly.
  • Dr Gutekanst outlined the communication priorities, including developing a robust family registration welcome process and implementing Canvas for enhanced family partnerships.
  • The district will focus on expanding parent opportunities to access and understand curriculum and programs, including social emotional learning and the Pollard project.
  • Anne Gulati discussed the importance of engaging in the collaborative design process with MSBA for the Pollard school project and the implementation of a town-wide financial application.
  • The district will also consider the 2024 teacher evaluation rubric and continue the professional learning program for the Portrait of a Needham Educator (PONE).

School Committee members expressed their appreciation for all the work that has gone into the PONG Update and engaged in discussion.

Superintendent’s SY 2024-2025 Performance Evaluation

The School Committee is responsible for evaluating, hiring, and terminating the superintendent. Every year the School Committee undertakes a superintendent performance evaluation, organized by the most recent previous SC Chair (Liz Lee). The process is designed to provide feedback and accountability, and to promote professional growth and continuous improvement aligned with the districts goals.

  • Liz Lee thanked Dr Gutekanst for his self-assessment and acknowledges the quick responses and thoughtful comments from school committee members
  • The evaluation process includes the superintendent’s self-assessment, two surveys (DESE standards and Needham Public School goals) with a rating system (0-4). A 3 rating is “proficient” (the expected level of performance). A 4 rating is “exemplary” (a model for others in the Commonwealth).
  • The evaluation also includes feedback from eight school committee members including Connie Barr who stepped down in April, and Sri Baqri the newest SC Member, ensuring a comprehensive and inclusive reflection.
  • This year’s evaluation was in line with previous years with all average ratings being well above proficient and often close to exemplary.

Evaluation Areas for DESE Standards Rubric:

Instructional Leadership

  • average score of 3.71 for instructional leadership, with positive adjectives like meticulous, balanced, and knowledgeable used to describe the superintendent.
  • The use of data to drive decision-making and the integration of data into school improvement plans are noted as strengths. Growth areas include continued attention to improving outcomes for student subgroups and expanding intervention blocks to all elementary schools.
  • The literacy pilot is praised for its thoughtfulness and rigor as an example of instructional leadership

Management & Operations

  • average score of 3.83 for management and operations, with respondents describing the superintendent’s accomplishments as monumental.
  • Key accomplishments include Pollard feasibility, navigating budget challenges, managing teacher personnel issues, and creating the district’s strategic plan.
  • The superintendent’s strong leadership skills and deep investment in relationships are highlighted as strengths. Remains calm & capable in the face of unexpected challenges

Family & Community Engagement

  • average score of 3.69 for family and community engagement, with respondents praising the superintendent’s ability to communicate well and build relationships.
  • The superintendent is described as visible and present throughout the community.
  • The superintendent’s ability to create a shared vision for the district, including equity and high standards, is appreciated. Some ongoing concerns around cultural sensitivity and inclusion in the district as a whole.

Professional Culture

  • an average score of 3.83 for professional culture, with the superintendent praised for creating a shared vision and building staff and community consensus around key initiatives.
  • The ability to navigate both the big picture and the details is highlighted as a strength. The superintendent’s commitment to continuous learning and improvement is appreciated.
  • Concerns around not all families feeling fully seen or heard in the district are noted.

Evaluation Areas for NPS Rubric

Annual Goals

  • scores ranging from 3.25 to 4.
  • The volume and scope of the Dr Gutekanst’s accomplishments over the past year are emphasized, including the advancement of the Portrait of a Needham Graduate, progress on the Pollard Project and the successful integration of IT systems.
  • The ability to navigate both the big picture and the details is highlighted as a strength.
  • The need for improvement in chronic absenteeism and staff diversity is noted.

School Committee Relations

  • Dr Gutekanst’s strengths in managing challenging meetings and maintaining a calm demeanor, resilience under pressure, and willingness to share feedback are praised.
  • His ability to create an environment for thoughtful engagement and discussion is appreciated.

In Summary, the School Committee’s assessment of Dr Gutekanst across multiple measures notes that he remains a highly experienced and highly capable superintendent. School Committee members noted that Dr Gutekanst’s steady leadership makes it difficult for others to realize how massive and complex the job is. They also appreciate his own goals for continuous learning and self improvement.

Dr Gutekanst humbly acknowledged the comments and suggestions for growth from the School Committee. He credited his team, including principals, teachers, and administrative & support staff, for making the work come alive, expressed gratitude for the guidance, ideas, and suggestions from the School Committee, and reflected on the importance of boosting student learning and lifting their experience.

ACTION ITEMS

  • Approval of the 2025-2026 High School Handbook – Matt Spengler abstains from voting due to his concerns about the pilot high school attendance policy but notes that he supports the rest of the handbook. The handbook is approved with a 6-0-1 vote.
  • Approval of Superintendent’s Performance Evaluation – Approved 7-0-0
  • Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for Non-Contracted Employees – Approved 7-0-0
  • Superintendent’s Merit Award and FY 26 Salary – Liz Lee suggests a 3.35% COLA and a 0.5% merit award. The merit award and salary adjustment were approved with a 7-0-0 vote.

School Committee Comments

  • Pollard building project community meeting on July 9.
  • Additional community meetings are scheduled for September 10.