2021-08-12 - Minutes - Admissions Policy Subcommittee
GREATER FALL RIVER VOCATIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
ADMISSIONS POLICY SUB-COMMITTEE MINUTES
DISTRICT OFFICE CONFERENCE ROOM
1082 DAVOL STREET, 2nd FLOOR, ROOM NO. 237, FALL RIVER, MA
SEPTEMBER 29, 2021
In attendance: Paul Jennings, Jeff Begin, Fr. Jay Mello, Dr. Elvio Ferreira, and Andrew Rebello.
The meeting began with a roll call at 3:08 p.m.
It was moved by Mr. Begin, seconded by Fr. Jay, and voted unanimously to approve the August 31, 2021 minutes, as submitted.
Dr. Ferreira provided the updated working draft of the Admissions Policy for the incoming grade 9 students – sections 1 through 5 are from the existing policy and section 6 is regarding admissions – the criteria point system has changed. With the new requirements, the state requests that the Admissions Policy be reviewed every year and changes made, if needed – changes are required by October 1st of every year.
The three major infractions allowable to deduct points is MGL c. 71 37H, 37H ½, and 37H ¾ (assaults on staff, drugs and felonies). Fr. Jay suggested eliminating the conduct portion or increase the points received. There was a discussion about the percentage of student who will fall under that category. Mr. Begin explained that the District can deduct for severe and egregious conduct, not the minor items. Mr. Jennings asked what the lowest mark is now, Dr. Ferreira responded 250-260, with the highest being 320. Dr. Ferreira explained that it may raise a red flag to the state to increase the points, but the rationale can be that the stated offenses are so egregious. Mr. Jennings suggested increasing it to 75 points.
It was moved by Fr. Jay, seconded by Mr. Begin, and voted unanimously to increase the points for conduct to 75.
Dr. Ferreira clarified that the total points equal 100%, according to the state. Mr. Begin explained that the remaining criteria points will need to be adjusted. There was a discussion about the point values in comparison to percentage. Fr. Jay asked what the experience is with the students with major infractions. Mr. Rebello explained that those students don’t typically get accepted because of the grade and attendance point values.
It was moved by Fr. Jay, seconded by Mr. Begin, and voted unanimously to withdraw the motion to increase the points for conduct to 75.
Mr. Begin suggested making the academic mark maximum 140 and recommendation to 70. Mr. Rebello stated that having the three recommendations is critical. Fr. Jay suggested having the school recommendation (guidance dept.) be weighted heavier (30 points) and non-school be 20 points and require three recommendations.
It was moved by Fr. Jay, seconded by Mr. Begin, and voted unanimously to increase the school recommendation to 30 points and non-school to 20 points and require three recommendations.
Fr. Jay asked if the exploratory rubric can be done online. Dr. Ferreira explained that guidance can create a form.
Dr. Ferreira provided an overview of the revised process for the Review and Appeal Process.
There was a discussion about the Review and Appeal Process. Fr. Jay asked about what the District does about verifying addresses. Dr. Ferreira stated that the District receives the verification from the sending school. Fr. Jay feels that the District should have a process to verify addresses. There was a discussion about steps to take in order to verify addresses.
Dr. Ferreira explained that he will make the edits and will forward to the Sub-Committee. He asked about having a consultant take a look at it. Mr. Jennings explained that the changes have been minimal. Mr. Begin concurred and does not see reason to submit to a consultant. Mr. Rebello stated that the District will be looking at enrollment trends and recruitment. Mr. Jennings suggested the 7th grade exploratory program from years ago, with students in the school for about four weeks. Dr. Ferreira explained that the District cannot use operating funds for those purposes, but there are alternative programs (i.e. tours). The changes will be ready for the Policy Sub-Committee on October 14th, with the recommendation to the full Committee.
It was moved by Fr. Jay, seconded by Mr. Begin, and voted unanimously to adjourn the Sub-Committee meeting at 4:10 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Lucy Thompsen
Materials Included: August 31, 2021 Minutes
Proposed Admissions Policy