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HomeMy Public PortalAboutBrewster School Committee -- 2018-12-20 Minutes IJ Brewster School Committee 1 .1 Thursday , December 20 , 2018 Brewster Town Hall Present ftir the Committee : David Telman, Jessica Larsen, Claire Gradone, Marie Enochty, Kristen Callahan Present for the Administration: Thomas Conrad, Giovanna Venditti, Keith Gauley and Joanna Hughes Call to Order Chair Telman called the meeting to order at 6 : 00 p . m. A moment of Silence was held in memory of Damien Larsen, a Second Grade student at Stony Brook Elementary School who passed away in a tragic accident. Citizens Speak None The Chair took a moment to introduce the new member, Kristen Callahan, to the school committee. Kristen was appointed by the Select Board to fulfil the term that has been vacated by Robert Miller who resigned. PRIORITY BUSINESS Administrators' Reports Chairman Telman stated the Principals ' reports were included in the packet . If members had any questions, he asked them to email the Principals . Superintendent Conrad recognized Keith Gauley and the Staff at Stony Brook who have worked tirelessly to assist the family of Damien Larsen as well as the students at the Stony Brook Elementary School . The Eddy School Staff also supported the staff and students at Stony Brook. A tremendous effort was made to bring the community together at a very difficult time. He reported that he is finishing up his homework discussion in Wellfleet by meeting with the staff in the afternoon and parents in the evening. He will be focusing his attention on homework at the Middle and High School in the upcoming weeks . He recognized Giovanna Venditti and the Principals for their efforts in creating the budgets . He also reported that the Administrative Team is doing some work with Crisis Go, updating the program and is always focused on security needs in the schools . FY19 Budget Giovanna Venditti reviewed the Stony Brook Elementary School expenditure report with the committee highlighting significant variances and showing a balance of .$34,029 . She indicated that outside psychological services is determined by student need. Eddy Elementary School expenditure report had a balance of 47,484 . Ms . Venditti highlighted the variances in the line items . She indicated that reclassifications have not been made. She will be applying for Extraordinary Relief and anticipates receiving $90,000 or more . She indicated the budget should be fine with reclassifications from Circuit Breaker and Extraordinary Relief Funds . Jessica Larsen asked about the new adjustment counselor and how many hours she is with the students ? Principal Hughes indicated that the adjustment counselor is at school four days per week and works 20, hours per week. She works with the teachers, and the counselor. Central Office Budget Chair Telman reviewed the Central Office Budget. He indicated that this was reviewed in detail at the Joint School Committee meeting by Gail Briere, Chair of the Central Office Budget Subcommittee. The Superintendent indicated that committees did not have quorums, so a vote is being taken at the regular meeting. Brewster School Committee Minutes December 20, 2018 [ 1 ] Motion: On a motion by Clair Gradone, seconded by Jessica Larsen, it was voted 4 yeas and 1 abstention (Kristen Callahan), to approve the Central Office Budget as recommended by the Subcommittee in the amount of $ 1 ,773 ,050, a 2 . 5 % increase. FY20 Budget The Superintendent gave the committee some background information for the current and upcoming budget for next year. He is reviewing this very closely with the Town Administrator. At the Department Head meetings in the town, it was suggested that departments have between a 0 and 2% increase across the board. The Town is not sure how much free cash they have until it is certified. The Brewster Schools have financial needs relative to special needs situations in the amount of $284,000 . Ms . Venditti is looking at Circuit Breaker Funds and Extraordinary Relief for these unanticipated costs . He indicated that the budget is very tight but was developed for both schools at 2 . 5 % . The budget books will be distributed in January. Principal Gauley and Principal Hughes have been working very hard analyzing their budgets to maintain the programs at the present level . Fringe benefit figures are also anticipated. Planning for Educational Vision Forum The Superintendent indicated that the NHS Building Committee is holding forums in each town relative to the educational vision for the Nauset High School Building Project. He indicated that he is anxious to get the Brewster Planning moving forward but does not want to confuse the two forums . All School Committee members are invited to the NHS Building Committee visioning forums that are being run by the HS Building Committee . He indicated that six teachers are participating on the Committee for the first time and it has been extremely helpful . Marie Enochty asked about the timeline for advertising the Principal Position at Stony Brook Elementary. The Superintendent indicated that he is fully aware that there is a committee that is in place from one year ago and he is respectful of their work. He indicated he will have more conversation about this in January. REPORTS AND INFORMATION Preschool enrollment — Report in packet Cape Cod Collaborative — No report PTO — No report (It was suggested that Kristen Callahan be liaison to the PTO) School Council — No report (It was suggested Kristen Callahan be liaison to the Stony Brook School Council) Policy — No report Substance Abuse Task Force — The Superintendent indicated the subcommittee is looking at the survey and revising some of the questions . Building Needs Assessment Subcommittee — Chair Telman indicated that the committee will meet after the first of the year when they will receive a charge from the Select Board. Approval of Minutes Motion: On a motion by Jessica Larsen, seconded by Claire Gradone, it was voted 3 yeas , 2 Abstentions (Kristen Callahan and Marie Enochty) to approve the minutes of November 16, 2018 . Adjournment On a motion by Jessica Larsen seconded by Claire Gradone, it was voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 6 : 30 p . m . Submitted by, Ann M. Tefft Included in the packet: Principals ' reports, expenditure reports, and minutes . Brewster School Committee Minutes December 20, 2018 [2 ]