1. Public Comment (3 Minutes):

2. Student School Committee Report:

3. Presentation of the Records for Approval:

• October 3, 2023, Regular Meeting

4. Reconsiderations:
None

5. Unfinished Business/Calendar:
None

6. Awaiting Reports:
None

7. Superintendent’s Agenda:

7a. Superintendent's Update:

General Updates

7b. Presentations:

Superintendent Evaluation Process/Draft Goals and Focused Indicators

Victoria L. Greer, PhD

Superintendent of Schools

7c. CPS District Plan:

None

7d. Consent Agenda:
#23-249 Recommendation: Approval of Private School Expansion to Include Grades 1 & 2: Tamim Academy School-8 Museum Way, Cambridge MA
#23-250 Recommendation: Day & Residential Program Services not Available from the Cambridge School Department
#23-251 Recommendation: Contract Award: Apple Inc.: Computer Hardward
#23-252 Recommendation: Contract Award: Boston Area Gleaners dba Boston Food Hub
#23-253 Recommendation: Contract Award: Cambridge Health Alliance: Specail Education Services
#23-254 Recommendation: Contract Award: Newsela: Educational Computer Software
#23-255 Recommendation: Grant Award: FY2024 McKinney-Vento HOmeless Educations Grant (SC24707)
#23-256 Recommendation: Grant Award: FY24 Strengthening Career & Technical Education (Perkins V) Secondary (SC24606)
#23-257 Recommendation: Grant Award: FY2024 SEL & Mental Health Grant-Continuation (SC24832)
#23-258 Recommendation: Grant Award: Fy24 Early College Support Grant (SC24831)

8. Non-Consent Agenda:
None

9. School Committee Agenda (Policy Matters/Notifications/Requests for Information):
#23-259 Motion by Special Education & Student Supports Sub-committee: Download Attachment

Report of the October 4, 2023 Special Education and Student Supports Subcommittee Meeting

#23-260 Joint Motion by Member Hunter, and Member Fantini

WHEREAS: Dr. Karyn Grace is serving as the Interim Assistant Superintendent of the Office of Student Services; and

WHEREAS: Dr. Karyn has capably served as the Interim Assistant Superintendent of the Office of Student Services; and
WHEREAS: The Human Resources Department is charged with the hiring process to fill the position with a permanent replacement; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That Dr. Karyn Grace is highly qualified and capably doing the job; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the School Committee has the authority to waive the process, and allow the Superintendent to appoint a candidate of her choice as the Assistant Superintendent of the Office of Student Services.

#23-261 Joint Motion by Vice Chair Rachel, Member Rojas

That the School Committee adopt the Preliminary School Committee FY25 Budget Calendar.

10. Resolutions:
#23-262 Joint Motion by Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Chair Rachel, Member Fantini

WHEREAS: Dr. Carolyn L. Turk is retiring as Deputy Superintendent following 46 years of service to the Cambridge Public Schools (CPS); and

WHEREAS: Dr. Turk was always supported by her loving parents in all her endeavors. After many years,her mother, a beloved teacher, retired from the Boston Public School System. Her father, a dedicatedpostal carrier, became a United States Postal Service Retiree; and

WHEREAS: Dr. Carolyn L. Turk is a lifelong Cantabrigian who was educated in the Cambridge Public Schools, attended the Russell Elementary School and then the Tobin, graduated in 1973 from Cambridge High and Latin School, and earned her Bachelor's degree in Early Education from Boston State College, her master's degree in Education and Instructional Technology from Fitchburg State University and her doctorate in Educational Leadership, Management and Policy from Seton Hall University; and

WHEREAS: Dr. Carolyn L. Turk began her career with Cambridge Public Schools in 1977, when she started as an Extended Term Substitute which led to her becoming a full-time teacher at the Tobin later that year; and

WHEREAS: Dr. Carolyn L. Turk continued to excel and gain experience within the Cambridge Public Schools serving as Acting Assistant Principal at the Tobin in 1991, Assistant Principal at the Tobin in 1992; Acting Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction in 1998, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction in 1999, and finally, the Deputy Superintendent of Teaching and Learning in 2002, a role in which she served tremendously for twenty-one years; and

 WHEREAS: Dr. Carolyn L. Turk has led with integrity, and brought a wealth of experience from her many years working in the Cambridge Public Schools serving as Acting Superintendent twice in 2003 and 2007; and 

WHEREAS: Tens of thousands of Cambridge students have benefited from Dr. Turk's multiple roles as a CPSD educator and administrator including her positions as a teacher and assistant principal at the Tobin School, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum & Instruction, and Deputy Superintendent. Her impact is immeasurable; and

WHEREAS: Dr. Carolyn L. Turk's leadership, and her commitment to inclusive process and collaboration, was instrumental in spearheading the district's 2011 Innovation Agenda which restructured Cambridge's K-8 schools into elementary and upper schools; and

WHEREAS: Many CPSD educators and administrators have sought out Dr. Turk's sage advice, steadfast mentorship, and unwavering support during their careers; and

WHEREAS:  Dr. Carolyn L. Turk has consistently prioritized and centered the needs of CPSD students, exemplified through her voice and actions. Her support of CPSD students also extended well beyond the classroom including her enthusiastic participation in sporting events, plays, art openings, and other extracurricular activities; and

WHEREAS:  During an unprecedented time of a global pandemic, Dr. Turk led the district's COVID-19 response strategy with steady leadership, a collaborative spirit, and a calm demeanor.  She assisted the Chief Operating Officer and Facilities department by leading the district's COVID response efforts including leading the community-collaborated Health & Safety Working Group, stepping into the role of Interim Chief Operating Officer in 2021; and

WHEREAS: Always keeping Cambridge students at the forefront, she did not hesitate to return to the classroom substitute classroom teacher during that time; and

WHEREAS: A lifelong Girl Scout and educator, Dr. Carolyn L. Turk was recognized as a recipient of the Chamber of Commerce 2019 Inspire Award, which recognizes the commitment and contributions of outstanding women leaders in the Cambridge community;  and 

WHEREAS: Dr. Carolyn L. Turk’s heart envelops not only the Cambridge Public Schools, but also the many new Americans she has guided in citizenship classes; and

WHEREAS: Dr. Carolyn L. Turk has been a key contributor to the transformation of the district over the past four decades and will be greatly missed; now therefore, be it

RESOLVED: That the Cambridge School Committee go on record thanking Deputy Superintendent Dr. Carolyn L. Turk for her 46 years of service to the Cambridge Public Schools and lifelong dedication to the City of Cambridge, and for her wisdom, light, compassion, and dedication to the children, families, and educators of the Cambridge community; and be it further

RESOLVED: That the Cambridge School Committee wishes Dr. Carolyn L. Turk many years of Fair Winds and Following Seas; and be it further

RESOLVED: That a formal copy of this Resolution be prepared by the Executive Secretary to the School Committee to be presented to Dr. Carolyn L. Turk.

11. Announcements:
None

12. Late Orders:
None

13. Communications and Reports from City Officers:

Mayor Siddiqui: Memorandum re: Universal Preschool (UPK) Ad-hoc Communication

 

Updated on 10/13/2023