HomeMy Public PortalAboutNauset Schools -- 2019-09-17 Minutes Nauset Regional School Committee
September 17 , 2019
Eastham Town Hall
Present for the Committee : Chris Easley, Judy Schumacher, Amy Handel, Robert Jacobus, Ian Mack, Jim O ' Leary,
John O ' Reilly, and Richard Stuart
Absent : Josh Stewart and Ed Brookshire
Present for the Administration : Thomas Conrad, Keith Gauley, Giovanna Venditti, Principals Elisasser and Kobold
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 6 : 00 p. m .
Citizens Speak
Sharon Moore addressed the committee regarding fundraising for the Girls Soccer Team . The Superintendent
clarified the Fundraising Policy that requires approval of the School Committee indicating that this is the second
year of the Fundraising policy. The Superintendent explained the purpose of the policy noting fundraising needed to
be documented and accountable . The purpose of the Fundraising Policy is to put safeguards in the process and
protect individuals . The Superintendent included the request from the Girls Soccer team in the packet for School
Committee approval .
Some committee members expressed concerns about equity in fundraising. Robert Jacobus felt if it was a safety
item, it should be included in the operating budget. The Superintendent stated helmets are a huge issue in the sport
of football . Every helmet worn by a player has to be certified each ear. The coach is looking to get a helmet that has
lessened concussion incidents . Richard Stewart asked that this be highlighted during the budget season so that
money can be included in the budget for the athletic programs . The Superintendent indicated that a great deal
conversation takes place between the Athletic Director, the Principal and the Boosters Club . At one point the
Booster Club was able to help with funding some of these items but are not be in a position to help us . Coaches are
working with parent groups to try to get approvals prior to the season .
The Superintendent indicated the District is in a much better place with this policy and going through the steps .
Everyone must realize the process .
Jim O ' Leary would like to get further information around equity and participation ensuring that all students have
equal access . He would like to see this reviewed again . This will be a future agenda item .
Introductions
Principal Kobold introduced Neal Boland, the School Resource Officer at Nauset Middle School . Officer Boland is
in his third year at the Middle School and is very involved with the staff and students . School safety is his priority.
He works on developing a positive relationship with students . He also coaches soccer for the school .
Principal Kobold introduced Stephanie Rae, new Assistant Principal at Nauset Middle School . Stephanie indicated
she is so happy to be at Nauset and hopes to help every student be successful .
Jim Nowack, Director of Finance and Operations introduced himself to new members and introduced the Treasurer,
Connie Boulas . Connie Boulas addressed the committee indicating it is a pleasure to work at Nauset . She has been
in local government for six years . She looks forward to bringing new ideas and procedures into this position .
Nauset Regional School Committee, September 17, 2019 1 P a g e
Principal Ellsasser introduced the new Student Resource Officer at the High School, Dan Burnham . Officer
Burnham thanked the Board for the opportunity. This is his first year as an SRO and he has been with the Eastham
Police Department for three and a half years . He looks forward to getting to know students and faculty. He hopes to
make a positive impact on as many lives as he can .
Priority Business
Summer Warrior Works Program
Superintendent Conrad gave a brief history of the partnership program with MIT that began about three years ago .
He introduced Ed Rohmer and Harry Terkanian who initiated the partnership with Nauset and MIT. Ed Rohmer
indicated in the first year students worked on a Race Car and the second year they worked on building a drone and
radar. Students were introduced and presented their experiences in the program . In the first year they worked with
teaching assistants from MIT. Students follow MIT courses with no instructions and also visited Hanscom Air Force
Base to gather further data. The students acquired coding language and could apply knowledge when making a car
that is able to drive itself. The students stated this is not an ordinary classroom but is based on students working
collaboratively, problem solving and learning so much through making mistakes and fixing them . Harry Terkanian
described the educational content and the goal for students to work together collaboratively and problem solve .
There are no requirements on who can participate and he is happy to work with students. The students have been to
MIT to participate in competitions and have even won some awards . Nauset students are competing with students
from across the country. Students work on problems that don ' t have clear cut solutions and learn about failures and
successes . He further stated that you need to have access to the people and resources that can provide this type of
educational experience .
Ed Rohmer talked about the Beaver Works Summer Program and the Lincoln Lab . He suggested school committee
members go on line to view the summer program video . Students built a drone and car. A parent spoke to the
committee about the positive impact the program has had on her son and thanked the school committee for making
this type of program happen .
Consent Agenda
Committee members discussed fundraisers and gifts and grants . Members expressed concerns about equity in . sports
fundraising. The Superintendent reviewed the process of requesting a fundraiser. John O ' Reilly indicated that the
system has come a long way . He also stated that businesses were being asked for donations all the time. This will be
a future agenda item, safety in High School sports .
Motion : On motion by John O ' Reilly, seconded by Amy Handel, it was voted unanimously to approve the consent
agenda with the addition of women ' s soccer warm ups .
Building Committee Update
Greg Levasseur, Harry Terkanian and Principal Ellsasser provided updates for the committee . MSBA had a meeting
for the feasibility subcommittee on August 7th . The committee presented a good plan that was well received by the
MSBA, noting MSBA commented they had never seen such a good presentation. August 28th Principal Ellsassser,
Greg Levasseur and Superintendent attended a meeting at MSBA where they moved the Nauset project to the
Schematic Design phase . In this phase the committee will refine the project from September — December. They will
look at space and how to organize, eliminate and refine systems . The facilities working group will meet with the
Architect. The committee will refine the program and refine the cost estimate. This must go back to MSBA for a
December 12 submission . The refined proposal will go to the MSBA board for a preliminary vote in February. At
spring town meetings, the committee will ask constituents to vote on the project.
Nauset Regional School Committee, September 17, 2019 2 P a g e
Greg Levasseur indicated that they have reduced the cost estimate by $ 1 . 1 million as there is less asbestos that needs
removal than originally thought. Giovanna Venditti and Jim Nowack are working on a proposal of the funding
criteria and scenarios so that people understand how it will be bonded and paid for. As the project is refined, the
costs will come dowm . Harry Terkanian gave examples of where money might be saved in the project that included,
adjusting flooring (high traffic areas vs . non-high traffic areas), windows, heavy duty/climate controlled. Prices are
highly regulated by the MSBA. The Committee will identify places where they can be more efficient. Principal
Ellsasser indicated the reason for writing the educational plan is to keep the integrity of the educational plan in the
design . Greg Levasseur indicated that the costs to the towns could be $97 , 000, 000, including MSBA portion. He
also indicated the CMR at Risk Project manager is in the cost estimate If Nauset does not do that, it will save
millions of dollars which will impact the bottom line . Technology is not included in a 30 year bond as it will be
obsolete in 3 - 5 years .
Greg Levasseur indicated that the public information subcommittee is working diligently to get information out to
the public . John O ' Reilly would like to hear a lot more about approach and garnering public support.
Greg Levasseur reviewed the timeline for the committee . The committee intends to take this to voters in the spring.
Voting starts with Wellfleet in March . It was suggested that people don ' t understand the number. The Building
Committee is doing good work and is endorsed by MSBA . The Superintendent indicated large posters have been
distributed to Libraries, Town Halls, and the Schools to make people aware of the project. Principal Ellsasser,
Kathleen Tringale and Supt. Conrad are developing a presentation for the public — "Why are we doing this, What is
it How will we do this?" Tours are being scheduled at the High School . The Superintendent indicated he has met
with various town Officials and Boards with many more presentations to follow. The Nauset Story is ready to go
public . Giovanna Venditti is meeting with Town Administrators and Accountants to review financials and bonding
issues .
Principal Ellsasser indicated that the slide show is 22 minutes and explains the philosophy and the link between
learning as well as the culture of the school . It will show current conditions of the school . They will explain the
process that has happened over the last two years . Jim O ' Leary indicated he would like to see a lot more emphasis
on this project as it is essential for a successful building campaign .
Greg Levasseur indicated that the website is full of information . The committee would like a concise well-managed
and a well-executed message to the four towns . Messages need to be complete and consistent .
Chair Easley asked the public to go the Nauset website and click on the Building Project Link. The website has an
extensive amount of information . Richard Stewart indicated that the school committee wants to give feedback to the
building committee after seeing the slideshow. The Superintendent indicated the slideshow will be presented to the
board . He also sees this being put on Channel 22 for our viewing audience . They are shifting the focus on how to
expand our opportunities to get the word out.
Administrative Reports
Principal Kobold thanked the committee for the privilege of working in the Nauset district. Her written report is
included in the packet. This year she is focusing on listening and looking at the data and changes the school might
need . She is looking at efficiency and how they can do things better, ease burden on families, students and staff.
She is looking at the "at risk" data as it pertains to school climate . She is working with Principal Ellsasser on the 6 -
12 model and how we can streamline that. The Middle School participated in Restorative Justice workshops and
staff members are already implementing the practice . At the first staff meeting they talked about why they became
educators . The staff also created community norms . She held student assemblies for each grade and Botvin Life
Nauset Regional School Committee, September 17, 2019 3 P a g e
Skills did some demonstrations . She created a school climate committee that will develop long and short term goals .
Teachers are looking to strengthen relationships with students . She mentioned that " Sunny Day" has retired but she
is working with Therapy Dog International to bring therapy dogs into the ILP program and multiage classrooms .
They have started a Best Buddies Club for students to think about other people and their impact on others . The
Green Club is recycling and she is looking at more community service for the students . The Gay Straight Alliance
club changed their name to Pride . They have a Wednesday Wellness Club, Counselor Lunch Groups, and a virtual
bathroom pass that was used by Asst. Principal Stephanie Rae in her previous job . She mentioned the video of the
drone and encouraged members to view it on the website . She indicated teachers are off to a good start. Students
are getting outside and a number of teachers have started project based learning. Kristen Callahan is doing a pilot
program with Gr. 6 teachers relative to tech integration. Grade 6 teachers have scheduled an Aspen Training session
with parents that will be videotaped and put on the website . They continue to strength relationships with community
partners .
The Superintendent indicated that the tech integration position is not a new position but is filling a vacancy created
when Brandy Jackson left the Middle School ,
Principal Ellsasser reported that he met with new students and parents on the first day and discussed what a culture
of learning is . He reported on opening day with 135 staff members sitting in a circle, talking about respect and trust
for each other. Each person said their name, title, and something about themselves that they would feel comfortable
sharing. They talked about relationship building as a classroom teacher. Administrators talked about the importance
of adult presence that helps students make better choices .
He also reported that he moved the Assistant Principals into different locations on campus, moved the Special
Education Department into the main office . Assistant Principal Fleming is in charge of student life . Assistant
Principal Keith Kenyon is in charge of day-to-day services and works on scheduling, events and attendance .
Assistant Principal Fleming is working on strengthening lines of communication . He is working with the Student
Council, Student Government Leadership Group, club leaders and writes to all the students on Friday to create a
dialog with them . Principal Ellsasser writes a note to families and faculty on Friday. Assistant Principal Kenyon
creates a to do list for upcoming events to share with families and parents . He also reported that through the
generosity of the Mason ' s they are sharing 25 bins of dry goods on Saturday mornings , 9 a .m . 42 noon, so that
families in need can come and get groceries and food supplies . He indicated that the Grs . 642 partnership is
incredibly important and that things should not change that much from Grade 8 to 9 . The Athletic Director and
Principal spoke with students, families and coaches . Each team will dedicate one practice to service and watch
another team play. He indicated that Athletes should give back and be role models . They are organizing runs
around Thanksgiving to support a cause .
He also indicated that they will be administering the risk survey in Advisory groups and will pick a date and time to
get this accomplished .
He indicated that NEASC is a two year report due in October of 2020 . He is working with Kathleen Tringale . They
reviewed the recommendations to Department Chairs . They will put together the group to address the
recommendations . NEASC needs to know the school is working on this . The writing group will publish this over
the summer.
Strategic Plan Presentation
Maxine Minkoff and Judy Schumacher presented the first draft of the Strategic Plan to members of the committee .
Nauset Regional School Committee, September 17, 2019 4 P a g e
The Stategic Plan is a vehicle which allows all stakeholders to work together to identify and set the course for its
desired future . The Strategic Plan is a tool to use in School Improvement Plans and even with teachers creating
goals . They want everyone to be able to know what the Strategic Plan . It will have five important focus areas .
Judith Schumacher and Maxine Minkoff shared information including: characteristics of a good plan, core
committee members, summary of each school in the Nauset District, the changing educational landscape from 20th
century teaching culture to 21St century learning culture, core values, mission statement, vision draft, strategic goals
draft, explained the process and next steps the subcommittee will take by getting more stakeholders involved. A
volunteer sheet was distributed if anyone was interested in being on a working group for one of the five goals . . They
are developing a website so that all the information can be easily accessible .
Jim O ' Leary indicated the timeline does not allow for sufficient dialog on the plan. He would like to be sure
constituents have time to provide feedback on what has been developed . He felt it needed further review with
leaders of the school committees . John O ' Reilly agreed , and would like to hear what the other committees think
about the plan . He indicated there is no harm to go into the fall .
The Superintendent indicated that he want this to be a process where everyone feels that they have had an
opportunity to discuss the plan . There is no deadline and no benefit in rushing this . He wants to make sure it is
viable for everyone and is anxious to get feedback.
John O ' Reilly thanked the subcommittee for their efforts . Ian Mack suggested at the next meeting that they receive a
list of feedback comments before this plan moves on to the other committees, schools and towns . Judith
Schumacher informed the committee that there will be a website with a lot data to review. She will include the
feedback on the website . She indicated there are so many different ways to develop a strategic plan . It is complex
because of the structure of the Nauset Public Schools . The Superintendent thanked Judith Schumacher, Maxine
Minkoff and the entire committee for all their hard work on the plan.
FY19 Budget — No report.
Middle School Solar Project
Jim Nowack introduced Liz Argo from Cape and Vineyard Electric Cooperative . She explained the proposal for
solar canopy where the buses park at the Middle School . She reviewed the benefit for the school . Jim Nowack
indicated that if Nauset submits its name for the initiative, Nauset can still get out if needed . It will cost $3 ,000 for
the development of the RFP and the contract cost is split among participants . Jim Nowack indicated that the panels
are not owned by Nauset but belong to the vendor . Nauset has third party ownership . Liz Argo indicated that
$ 3 , 000 is for the RFP and Contract and that there are no capital costs .
This was not reviewed by the capital asset subcommittee . John O ' Reilly asked if it has been reviewed by the Town
of Orleans? He stated it would be good to reach out to the Town to make sure someone doesn ' t have a problem with
Ito
Liz Argo reiterated that Nauset will be the third party vendor. There will be not capital costs and Nauset will get the
Federal Tax incentive . The developer will make sure it is a viable project. Someone else is responsible for the
maintenance . There is not enough power for electric vehicles . She indicated that if the town has a "view shed" issue,
she needs to know before Nauset is included in the project. Jim Nowack will reach out to John Kelly, Town
Administrator.
Nauset Regional School Committee, September 17, 2019 5 P a g e
Motion
On a motion by Robert Jacobus, seconded by Jim O ' Leary, it was voted unanimously to go forward with a plan for a
solar canopy on parking spaces where buses park at the Middle School, contingent upon the Town of Orleans
agreeing with the proposal .
Future Agenda Items
The Superintendent indicated there will be a report on School Choice in October. Other items : Review of sports and
safety of sports at the High School as well as equity funding, review of comments on Strategic Plan,
Adjournment
On a motion by Robert Jacobus, seconded by John O ' Reilly, it was voted to adjourn the meeting at 10 : 15 p . m .
Submitted by,
Ann M . Tefft
Included in packet : NRMS Prin. Report, Fundraising requests, Gifts and Grants, Minutes, PowerPoint Presentation on Strategic Plan
and information on Warrior Works Lab at NRHS . CVEC information was distributed at the meeting.
Nauset Regional School Committee, September 17, 2019 6 P a g e