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HomeMy Public PortalAboutNauset Schools -- 2019-06-13 Minutes Nauset Regional School Committee June 13 , 2019, 2019 Brewster Town Hall I I I Present for the Committee : Robert Jacobus, John O ' Reilly (left the meeting at 6 : 33 p .m .) , Amy Handel, Ed ; Brookshire, Josh Stewart, Ian Mack (arrived at 6 : 24 p .m . ), Chris Easley, Judith Schumacher, Jim O ' Leary and Richard Stewart Present for the Administration : Thomas Conrad, Keith Gauley, Giovanna Venditti , Principal Minkoff and Principal Ellsasser Call to Order/Reorganization Superintendent Conrad called the meeting to order at 6 : 00 p . m . and asked for nominations for chair of the Nauset Regional School Committee , Ed Brookshire nominated Chris Easley and Amy Handel seconded that nomination . It was voted unanimously to appoint Chris Easley as chair of the Nauset Regional School Committee , Chris Easley asked for nominations for vice chair. Jim O ' Leary nominated Judy Schumacher and John O ' Reilly seconded that nomination . It was voted unanimously to appoint Judy Schumacher as Vice Chair of the Nauset Regional School Committee , Ann Tefft was appointed as secretary to the Nauset Regional School Committee . (Chris Easley, seconded by Robert Jacobus, and voted unanimously) Constance Boulos was appointed Treasurer for the Nauset Regional School District. (Judy Schumacher, seconded by John O ' Reilly and voted unanimously) Appointed as Assistant Treasurers : John O ' Reilly and Jim O ' Leary Appointed as Warrant Authorizers : Richard Stewart, John O ' Reilly, and Jim O ' Leary Appointed as Warrant Authorizer alternate : Robert Jacobus Central Office Budget Subcommittee — Chris Easley and Amy Handel Negotiations Subcommittee — John O ' Reilly and Jim O ' Leary Budget & Finance Subcommittee (includes Capital) Ed Brookshire, Judy Schumacher, Amy Handel , Richard Stewart and Robert Jacobus Cape Cod Collaborative Representative — Robert Jacobus Middle School Council Liaison — Judy Schumacher High School Council Liaison — Richard Stewart Truro and Provincetown Agreement — John O ' Reilly and Chris Easley Policy Subcommittee — Josh Stewart and Ian Mack Nauset Regional School Committee, June 13, 2019 1 P a g e Citizens Speak — None Priority Business Building Committee Update Greg Levasseur informed the committee that if Nauset needs portable classrooms during construction, they will try to get them from the town of Lincoln and not Lexington as stated previously. Lincoln is presently using 38 portable classrooms during their building construction . He reported that the Communication Subcommittee met with the consultant and they are working on building a robust website . He also informed the committee that the Building Committee has voted the preferred schematic design . (Option 4A, major renovation with some additions) The Cafeteria and E Building will be demolished. The committee will work on the Educational Plan that must be refined to go with that option . The Building Committee will submit the Preferred Schematic Report (PSR) for July 1 . MSBA will have 60 days to review. In the fall the committee will get MSBA approval to move forward . In the meantime, they are working on a refined schematic design . He also indicated that Lower Cape Cable TV is an integral part of the program moving forward and the Building Committee is looking for a space to keep them on the campus . He also informed the committee that on June 26th there will be an informational meeting at the Eastham Town Hall to update member town officials on the project and to discuss design bid build or CMR (construction management at risk), as well as, prequalifying and picking the General Contractor. It is the thought that the General Contractor will help the design team and project manager making the project more streamlined. The project will take approximately 30 months and that is why they feel the need for the portable classrooms . The Superintendent indicated that they will look at what will be the least impact on learning over that time . He reminded everyone that they did all the roofs and windows on the campus in one summer. He indicated they will try to do as much as possible during the summer. Josh Stewart suggested making the portables as less portable as possible . He would like to see us making Nauset still very attractive for our students and school choice students . Greg Levasseur indicated that security has been discussed . All public spaces will be located in the right triangle and the rest can be easily secured . The security people will work with the Building committee . John O ' Reilly mentioned the information flow to the public . He suggested that some citizens want to build new and it is important to explain why the committee chose option 4A . Mr. Levasseur indicated the state reimburses less for new construction . At this time the Chair introduced and welcomed Josh Stewart from Orleans to the Nauset Regional School Committee , Administrators ' Reports Administrative reports were included in the packet. Principal Minkoff indicated that many classes are on field trips . (Gr. 8 , Washington, Spanish students to New York and French students to Quebec) Other students just returned from New Hampshire, White Mountains . She also reported that the Middle School Education Endowment provided $ 10, 000 to help students on these trips . Grade 8 students attended a dinner dance and had a great time . The parents did a wonderful job decorating and organizing the event. She also reported that Awards Night was held for 200 Sixth and Seventh Grade students and was very well attended . They are presently giving tours of the school to school choice students . Step up day is coming for 6th and 7th graders . Principal Minkoff indicated that approximately 39 students have applied for school choice seats and 28 have registered . Principal Ellsasser ' s report was included in the packet. He shared that he talked to the staff about student learning and homework. He asked the faculty to limit summer homework unless it is IB and AP coursework. They are thinking about wellness and being re-energized to come back to school in September and learn . He shared all the events from senior week and was struck by the number of students who came to sit with the faculty at the prom . He Nauset Regional School Committee, June 13, 2019 2 1 P a g e indicated that adults and students are talking together and that is an example of healthy relationships between Administrators and kids in the school . He reported that the new student government officers were elected . They met with him and had a conversation about shifting their energy away from fundraising and toward governance . He reported that he was happy to shake the hands of 240 students graduating. He recognized the energy as it was infectious . He reflected on the amount of energy it takes to be a teacher and appreciates the faculty and all the time they put into helping students . Robert Jacobus inquired if the question that was brought up a couple of months ago by a parent regarding attendance had been addressed . The Superintendent indicated that the Principal and Superintendent had numerous conversations about this and the Superintendent spoke with the Dad and thanked him for his input. The Dad was very pleased with Administrations ' response . Judy Schumacher reported that she attended the last Substance Abuse Task Force meeting and was concerned about the low response on the survey from High School students . Principal Ellsasser attended that meeting as well and acknowledged the low response rate, . Principal Ellsasser indicated that the survey will be taken again in October and he will use the Advisory Program for assisting with this . He indicated that the low response rate was due to the process and was a strategy error on his part. He will administer the survey in the fall when the time is right. Principal Ellsasser stated that in talking with Ann Caretti , in terms of caring for the students, we should have them fill it out in school in the event that someone is impacted by the questions . Prom, prom activities , faculty, staff and student interactions relative to the prom and the mock car accident were discussed . Eastham Police and Fire assisted with the mock crash and discussion with students included driving while under the influence and driving while distracted . The Administration talked about the use of the cell phone while driving the car and how dangerous that can be . They told students to put their cell phones away while in the car. Summer reading was mentioned and students need for some down time in the summer. Richard Stewart was concerned that some courses requiring more work than the calendar allows . For example AP, there might be some summer preparatory reading in a course of that type , which is valid . Principal Ellsasser indicated there are exceptions, as there are some courses that they do not design. IB , AP, there is a certain amount of content that needs to be covered and an exam that they are accountable for. Graduation ceremony was mentioned and if the Chair of the School Committee should be included in the shaking of hands on stage . It was indicated that it had been offered but declined . The Principal indicated it is the kid ' s day and the more we can do to have graduation be a community event the better . Principal Ellsasser invited members of the school committee to visit campus and talk with students . (Ian Mack shared that he received an invitation to sit in on presentation in Andrew Clark ' s classroom .) Ed Brookshire stated it is good to see how relaxed graduation has become and everyone really enjoys the process . The Superintendent indicated he is excited to watch Principal Ellsasser with the work that is being done on the Advisor/Advisee program . Maybe one day the Advisor can give the diploma at graduation . Superintendent' s Report The Superintendent shared that he was moved by the music and the speeches by the students at graduation . He also reported that he continues to work with the Police Chiefs to sign an MOU between our schools and the police . He meets regularly with the Police Chiefs . Right now they are working on cars passing buses . The buses have the capability of taking a photo when a car passes and they can send it to Police Departments , Nauset Regional School Committee, lune 13, 2019 3 P a g e Concerts , award programs and graduations have been enjoyed throughout the district. It is with a heavy heart that the Superintendent informed the Board about the retirement of Principal Maxine Minkoff. He could not thank her enough for her passion for all students and equal opportunities for everything at the Middle School . He announced he was appointing Julie Kobold as Principal at Nauset Middle School effective July 1 , 2019 . He is forming a search committee that will be headed by Carol Forgione, HR Coordinator for the District, for an Assistant Principal . It was suggested by Mr. O ' Leary that testing be on the agenda for a summer initiative . FY19 Budget Giovanna Venditti reviewed the Dashboard report with the Committee . She indicated that the projected certified E & D balance as f 6/30/2019 will be $ 1 , 352, 642 . She also indicated that there will be a projected year-end balance in the Region Only budget of $635 , 000 . There is no end of year balance at the Middle School or in ,the Region Shared budget. The High School has a negative balance of slightly less than $ 100, 000 . Revenue sources = $650,243 . Chair Easley indicated that there was a late payment from Truro and Province-town for tuition this year and they also received the rebate from the Health Insurance that was added to E & D . Gifts and Grants On a motion by Robert Jacobus, seconded by Richard Stewart, it was voted unanimously to accept the gifts and grants as submitted . (Batting Machine - $ 190) On a motion by Robert Jacobus, seconded by Ed Brookshire, it was voted unanimously to accept the gift of Chromebooks . Jim O ' Leary asked Administration to consider tweaking the process for receiving gifts and grants so that the School Committee is aware of money that students are able to benefit from . (HRMS Endowment Fund) Let the School Committee know and endorse or approve so that the school committee could do a better job of commendation . The support of all these groups is making a significant difference . The Superintendent indicated that he would like to have the board meet all the 5013C groups . He would like to recognize them by bringing them before the Board in the future . Policy — Homework — First Reading The Superintendent gave a brief history of the policy and acknowledged data about social emotional health of students . He indicated that academic pressure is driving anxiety and depression . The goal is to look at the research relative to homework. He looked at a variety of bodies of work and reported findings . He would like to move forward with all the Boards creating some type of homework policy. The Policy Subcommittee has reviewed the policy at great length and made revisions . All parent groups and faculties have given input into the policy. Judy Schumacher, Policy Subcommittee representative for the Region, indicated the subcommittee has had three meetings on this policy. There will be questions from parents and teachers but this is an attempt to set some guidelines . The Superintendent stated there are two opportunities for the reading of this policy. If you have any suggestions or comments , please forward them to the Superintendent. He indicated they are trying to have some control over how much homework students should do . There will be no homework given over vacation periods in the hope that students and staff will re-energize . He also hopes that independent reading by students occurs, as research shows it pays off good dividends in learners . Reading independently at all grade levels is encouraged . Robert Jacobus Nauset Regional School Committee, June 13, 2019 4 P a g e inquired about semester projects and how students balance the longer term projects . The Superintendent thought a software program may help in coordination of homework. Some homework can be shortened, like in Math for instance, as a few problems will show the mastery of the concept . Dialog between teachers and students is encouraged . The Superintendent suggested this is an attack on the Industrial Age model in Public Education. When you look at Math homework, it should be between 5 and 7 questions and not 50 problems . If a teacher is checking for understanding, it is frustrating for a student to have to complete so many problems . This will be a shift for a number of staff members . He is hopeful that we will have a strong academic program with a more responsible look at time . He would like to look at the data telling us that we can make adjustments for the learners . Principal Ellsasser has already had conversations with his staff about homework over the summer. Principal Minkoff stated that you must put a limit on the time spent on homework. If you spend 20 minutes on it and you don ' t understand, don' t spend an hour and a half trying to figure it out. Principal Ellsassser stated that teachers should provide assignments that students can differentiate themselves . For example, tonight read for no more than 30 minutes and identify a choice that a character made in your reading that impacted their life . He indicated this is a big shift in pedagogy . He indicated we need to change the type of work that you give and make thoughtful choices . Do you understand the concept? Put time limits on it. It is ok not to finish . This has to be collaborative . Jim O ' Leary stated his first reaction is that the policy is significant in the need for extensive feedback as it is very important to the students . He would like for teachers to give feedback to homework each and every time it is assigned. It was suggested by Judy Schumacher that under the 3rd bullet, homework should always be reviewed by the teacher and appropriate instruction should follow. Principal Ellsasser indicated that whatever homework is given, it is the next thing that happens in class . Judy Schumacher stated that homework should be meaningful . Amy Handel thought this was a good policy. She asked if this is something they would incorporate into Nauset Time . This would give kids more opportunity if they are not progressing as well as others . Motion : On a motion by Robert Jacobus , seconded by Ed Brookshire, it was voted unanimously to approve the Homework Policy for a first reading. NEASC Report Principal Ellsasser reviewed the NEASC report with the Committee highlighting the commendations and recommendations . He reviewed the standards for accreditation, Teaching and Learning Standards and Support Standards . He indicated that in the NEASC Report you get recommendations and get two years for the school to respond to the recommendations . This is what we heard from you and this is what we have done and where it is we are going. They are looking for progress . Principal Ellsasser stated this can be a really productive reflection . Richard Stewart questioned many of the recommendations and feedback. Principal Ellsasser indicated they are looking for consistency and that there are no gaps . He also indicated that the school was prepared for the visit . The Superintendent indicated they had ample time with the Chair off-campus . He does not see any indication that they weren ' t prepared for it . He also indicated that the committee should not weigh heavily on this document. He applauded Principal Ellsasser approach to this report. The vast majority of people who visit the campus struggle with the layout. Nauset is unique to itself. The Superintendent gave the committee the history of NEASC in the state of Massachusetts . Some members felt some of the report was written before the visit and somewhat of a template . Jim O ' Leary stated after reading the report he felt Nauset is a great school . He also asked if this will impact the workloads of Department Heads and faculty. Principal Ellsasser will look at the resources we have and ask for help if he needs it . He will try to keep the School Committee updated through his monthly Principal ' s report. Nauset Regional School Committee, June 13, 2019 S P a g e i Principal Ellsasser indicated he will go back to his colleagues and create a plan. He thanked the School Committee for all their support. July Meeting Members discussed using July for a planning meeting. It was suggested that the list of future agenda items be reviewed . Judy Schumacher suggested members review the online policy manual , section B , School Committee responsibilities . July meeting is July 11 t" . This is a good time to discuss things other than budget and policy. MASC Conference Members were asked to let the Superintendent know who would like to register for the conference. There is also a Summer Institute that members can take advantage of on July 12 and 13 . Reports and Information Cape Cod Collaborative — Robert Jacobus reported that the Collaborative is continuing with buses . They are getting price quotes for propane tanks to be installed at the Middle School . Any concerns, let him know. Josh Stewart voiced his concern that the parking lot is the bus parking lot and that the parking lot is very difficult to pass through. He indicated at Awards Night for the Middle School, there was no parking because of all the buses . He encouraged the Cape Cod Collaborative to look at small satellite lots and use the Middle School parking lot less . Capital Asset — Chair Easely reported that they did not receive any information on the stairs for the Middle School . They also have been looking at a job description for a facilities manager. High School Council — Richard Stewart reported that they are completing a detailed questionnaire for all students . At some point, Jim O ' Leary would like to look at the teaching workload and class size . Approval of Minutes Motion : On a motion by Judy Schumacher seconded by Ed Brookshire, it was voted 8 -2 abstentions, to approve the minutes of May 9 , 2019 . (Ed Brookshire and Robert Jacobus abstained) Adjournment On a motion by Judy Schumacher, seconded by Ed Brookshire, it was voted to adjourn the meeting at 9 : 12 p . m . Submitted by, Ann M . Tefft Included in packet: Principals ' Reports, Dashboard, Gifts, Homework Policy, NEASC report and minutes . Nauset Regional School Committee, June 13, 2019 6 P a g e