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HomeMy Public PortalAboutNauset Schools -- 2019-05-09 Agenda it Nauset Regional School Committee PROP May 9, 2019 °; Brewster Town Hall ti Present for fhll Cotmittee : Amy Handel, Chris Easley, Jim O ' Leary, Judy Schumacher, Ian Mack, and E . f Richard Stewart Absent: Ed Brookshire, John O ' Reilly, Robert Jacobus, and Robert Sinclair Present for the Administration : Thomas Conrad and Giovanna Venditti, Cali to Order Chair Easley called the meeting to order at 6 : 02 p .m . Agenda Change — No Student Representative Report Citizens Speak — None Priority Business Building Committee Update Greg Levasseur reported he just received notice that the Educational Plan had been received by the MSBA and was returned to the committee with questions . Principal Ellsasser and Greg Levasseur worked on answering the questions and will meet at the High School after vacation with the Architect, Project Manager, Superintendent and Kathleen Tringale to get this done . Today the fourth revision of the plan was filed with the MSBA . Principal Ellsasser explained that the school created an educational program vision with all staff having input. Nauset has a lot more programming than other school and details were provided . The committee on the other end had clarifying questions . Each Department communicated on how they would use a number of different spaces in the school . He indicated that the Outermost High School/Nauset High School (title of the report) is an executive summary version and the original document has all the details . Principal Ellsasser indicated that there was talk of a raised track and they are trying to have the space across the school be as flexible and adaptable as possible. A master plan has been developed with courses, classrooms and teachers to show how they will use all the spaces . Mr. Levasseur indicated that Nauset is presenting a customized plan for a customized High School . The programs Nauset offers are unique . The Committee wants those space supported . He anticipates in a week or so the plan will be accepted by the MSBA . NRHS Building Committee will miss the MSBA July meeting which bumps the timeline into the future . When he has a timeline, he will send it to the school committee . The project will take a breath but they will use the time carefully. They will come to town meetings in 2020 . The Committee voted on two proposals, 4A and 4B . 4A is renovations of most of the property and demolition of cafeteria and E Building. 4B is demotion of cafeteria and N Building. 4A is the favored plan . They are looking at the second floor and the corridor that ties the campus together indoors . They will be adding 40, 000 sq . fl . of new space (N building is 30, 000 sq . ft. ) because locker rooms and shower rooms must be abandoned as they are not accessible and the air quality is poor. They are looking a new locker rooms and showers . Mr. Levasseur also reported that they may get portable classrooms during the project. This will keep students safe during the construction project. Presently there is a major building project at Lexington Schools . When they have finished with the portables, Nauset might use them . The Building Committee voted a preliminary budget of $ 140, 000, 000 . As the project is refined, they will be working on that number and bring a refined number to the school committee . Energy efficiency is included in that figure . Net zero energy efficiency has a cost and they will Nauset Regional School Committee, May 9, 2019 1 P a g e figure out how much that will increase construction costs . A small group of the committee is working with the architect throughout the summer to look at the facility. They are looking at other systems that will add efficiency and better visibility . All the refinements and cost estimates will be brought to the school committee . Mr. Levasseur indicated that over the next three months the Building Committee members will be reaching out to school committee, town administrators, select boards and finance committees so they can have a large group presentation . He also indicated that after you have the money from the Town approved, you prequalify and hire your contractor. The contractor works with the architect and project manager as they build the project. The cost to do that is 5 % of the number. They will have to have this conversation upfront and explain reasons why and potential savings . Tours of the campus are taking place on Wednesdays from 4 : 00- 5 : 00 p . m . Call for an appointment. Letters have been sent to board members to invite them to tour the High School . The tour is also on the website . It is suggested that Nauset have a dedicated facilities director on board . This would be someone who is trained for "smart buildings . " We need someone who understands the very complex systems . They are urging strongly that this is what the District needs moving forward . Mr. Levasseur indicated that there is enough money to get to the schematic design phase and then they will go to towns for final funding . The school committee thanked Mr. Levasseur and Principal Ellsasser for the informative report. Administrators ' Reports Administrative reports were included in the packet. Principal Minkoff gave highlights from her report that included : Congratulating Ella Woods who made the Eastern National Championships for gymnastics, Field of Flags, Wizard of Oz production, Computer Science Institute, Winners of Peace Poetry Contest, Teacher Scholarships and upcoming concerts . Principal Minkoff indicated that the Middle School is looking at an Advisory Program for next year or the year after. Principal Ellsasser ' s report was included in the packet. He shared stories about students and how they are trying to create something at school that does not exist, i . e. , global effort — school-wide celebration to share cultures, passions, interests in a Club Fair setting; Rescue animals and Adoption of Animals, Sharks on Cape Cod . He indicated the students are trying to make change and that is the kind of citizens they are . Richard Stewart reported that he attended the High School Council and asked Principal Ellsasser to explain some of what they are trying to do with the Advisory Program . Principal Elssasser shared how he created his master board to develop a schedule . He also indicated that they held an Open House for new students that was a great experience . Superintendent' s Report The Superintendent thanked the citizens of Wellfleet, Eastham, Orleans and Brewster for supporting the budgets and for the trust the taxpayer has about the work that is taking place in our school each day. He recognized Julie Kobold for bring the Vaping Presentation to the Middle School , which was very educational . He shared the District Retirement party at Wequassett was a wonderful evening recognizing educators who have given many year of service to the children . He also reported that he attended a budget discussion at Barnstable High School with other Superintendents from across the Cape, Senator Lewis, Chair of Education Budget Committee, and Senator Julian Cyr. Discussions included the foundation budget, MCAS testing and the cost of testing which is around $28 , 000, 000 in Massachusetts . The Superintendent ' s raised concerns about the disruptions that occur in buildings when trying to administer MCAS testing. They asked if there was another way to measure student progress with Project-based Nauset Regional School Committee, May 9, 2019 2 P a g e learning. He also indicated that the Senators and House are looking to tweak the MCAS test going forward . This could be linked with Mass . Health and one of the Senators is willing to make an amendment to his bill with the District ' s plan . Testing could be a future agenda item . Superintendent Conrad also reported that Dr. Ann Caretti is working on a grant for counseling for our students on Saturday. Nauset Regional Middle School Improvement Plan Principal Minkoff reviewed the 2019-2020 School Improvement Plan with the Committee . She reviewed the goals and data supporting the goals . Effective and Balanced Use of Technology - She reviewed the data on the Use of Technology with the Committee . She shared that 45 % of the students are on screen for 3 or more hours of non- educational screen time each day. They would like kids to build relationships beyond the screen . She explained how Smart Boards and iPads are used by teachers and students in the classroom . Improve Students ' Health, Wellness and Safety - She shared concerns about the social emotional well-being of students and is trying to do what they can to connect students with people at school to help them cope with issues they are dealing with at home and at school . She reported the survey that was taken shows that vaping is on the rise . She indicated how they are dealing with this situation that included; professional development for staff, instituting social emotional programs for students, and increase in more physical activity. The committee asked about the anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts of students and the data that indicated this may be due to academic stress . Principal Minkoff indicated that they will have focus groups on what causes academic stress . Homework was also a stressor and Superintendent Conrad indicated that he is working on the Homework Policy that has been given to the Policy Subcommittee for review . Academic stressors are huge and different in students in 6th and 8th grade. In grade 8 students are preparing to move to the high school and take academics more seriously. It was suggested Administration look at expectations . The Superintendent suggested that extra- curricular activities and travel cause stress because of the amount of time spent playing a sport, traveling to the game and returning home that might take 5 hours in a day. Upon returning home, students must do their homework . Improving School Culture - Principal Minkoff indicated that she is trying to make opportunities for kids to know one person at school and ways the faculty can work together more collaboratively. She would like more opportunities for students to know one another and would like more staff/student games to build relationships . She stated they have a lot more work to do . The Committee thanked Principal Minkoff and the School Council for the very good School Improvement Plan , Motion : On a motion by Judy Schumacher, seconded by Jim O ' Leary, it was voted unanimously to approve the School Improvement Plan 2019-2020 . FY19 Budget Giovanna Venditti reviewed the Dashboard report with the Committee, noting $425 , 000 in budget savings which will be returned to E & D . Funding Source Savings equals $675 ,365 and the Projected E & D is $ 1 ,246 , 227 . She also reported that there is a projected balance in the Region Only budget of $ 525 , 000 . She indicated that her office continues to move forward with capital projects and are currently working on FY20 capital plans with bids out and some have been awarded . Jim O ' Leary indicated that all monies that have been authorized in the last years have been spent. The remaining balance is $ 67, 000 . He recognized Giovanna Venditti and Jim Nowack for doing a great job with the capital projects . Nauset Regional School Committee, May 9, 2019 3 P a g e Gifts and Grants On a motion by Judy Schumacher, seconded by Richard Stewart it was voted unanimously (6 - 0) to accept the gifts and grants as listed. Insurance Refund Chair Easley explained that the Region received a $333 ,000 rebate from money that was paid in past years to County Insurance and that all member towns received a refund as well . These funds need to be certified by the state and are not funds that can be expended at this time. Superintendent Conrad indicated that this is a windfall that was not anticipated . He also did not anticipate a 0% increase in health insurance and in forecasting for next year' s budget he will continue the practice of bringing in a budget at 2 . 5 % . He indicated at town meetings the Region will be asking for funding for the High School project. Placing this money in E & D is his recommendation at this point. Members asked about giving money to the towns to offset the cost to taxpayers , James O ' Leary suggested the committee look at setting aside money for special needs (state authorized) and that way the money will go back to the towns . He would like further information about this . The Superintendent indicated that he would have to have conversations with Town Administrators about a Special Needs Fund . He suggested the Committee give him and Ms . Venditti some time, make this an agenda item — what is the responsibility of the school district and the towns moving forward with this possibility . Chair Easley also mentioned that there is a possibility to put that money as a Region contribution into the OPEB account. Wellness Policy Judy Schumacher indicated that there were no changes made to these policies . Motion : On a motion by Jim O ' Leary, seconded by Amy Handel, it was voted 6 yeas, to approve the Wellness Policy as written for a second reading and adoption . Tobacco Use by Students and Staff Motion : On a motion by Richard Stewart, seconded by Amy Handel, it was voted unanimously 6- 0 to approve the policies on Tobacco Use by Students JICG for a second reading and adoption . Motion : On a motion by Richard Stewart, seconded by Amy Handel , it was voted unanimously &0 to approve the policy on Tobacco Use by Staff GBED for a second reading and adoption . Reports and Information Cape Cod Collaborative — No report High School Council — Richard Stewart reported that the school council is working on the Advisory Program . He indicated that the Principal feels the Advisory Program is a valuable program especially around wellness and well- being . Capital Asset Subcommittee — Chair Easley reported that the facilities manager concept for the Region was discussed . They continue to review the remodeling of the steps at NRMS to be ADA compliant. The architect ' s report will be brought to the full committee in the near future . Nauset Regional School Committee, May 9, 2019 4 I P a g e Jim O ' Leary requested a list of subcommittees, times and days meet prior to the re-organization meeting in June . New school committee members indicated that they cannot attend meetings before 5 : 30 p .m . but can attend 7 : 00 a.m . meetings prior to working. Approval of Minutes Motion : On a motion by James O ' Leary seconded by Judy Schumacher, it was voted unanimously, 6 -0, approve the minutes of April 11 , 2019 . Adjournment On a motion by Judy Schumacher, seconded by Ian Mack, it was to adjourn the meeting at 8 : 25 p .m . Submitted by, Ann M. Tefft Included in packet: Principals ' Reports, Dashboard , NRMS School Improvement Plan, Wellness Policy, Tobacco Policy for Staff and Students, and minutes . Nauset Regional School Committee, May 9, 2019 5 P a g e