HomeMy Public PortalAboutNauset Schools -- 2019-10-10 Minutes Nauset Regional School Committee
October 10 , 2019 �.' 4' ~ g
Eastham Town Hall
Present for the Committee : Chris Easley, Judy Schumacher, Amy Handel, Robert Jacobus , Ian 14ck, Josh Stewart,
and Richard Stewart
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Absent : Ed Brookshire, Jim O ' Leary, John O ' Reilly
Present for the Administration : Thomas Conrad, Giovanna Venditti, Principals Ellsasser and Kobold
Call to Order
Chair Easley called the meeting to order at 6 : 04 p .m .
Citizens Speak
None
Consent Agenda
Motion : On motion by Judy Schumacher, seconded by Josh Stewart, it was voted unanimously to approve the
consent agenda . (Minutes of 9/ 17/2019 , MOU for SRO Officer at MS , Fundraising and Gifts and Grants)
Priority Business
Building Committee Update
Greg Levasseur and Principal Ellsasser provided updates for the committee . Mr. Levasseur reported that two public
information sessions were held that went very well . He mentioned the extensive schedule of meetings with Town
Boards and Committees . He reported the Building Committee is refining the schematic design and have held several
meetings to review spaces for educational purposes . They need to refine the spaces because the committee would
like to submit the preliminary report to the MSBA in December. They will review it and get back to the Committee
in January. February 121h the MSBA will take a preliminary vote on the Nauset High School Building Renovation
project. At that time the District will learn what the MSBA will be contributing to fund the project . The Facilities
and Maintenance Committee are working with the engineers and starting that process looking at new systems . The
Committee needs to make a decision on the Construction Management at Risk (CMR) issue vs . design, bid, and
build process . The CMR cost is in the budget for $6, 000 , 000 . The Committee needs to decide which way to go .
Mr. Levasseur is trying to schedule a meeting with Jack McCarthy, Executive Director of MSBA . The Town
Administrators and Town Accountants are meeting at the Central office to review bonding for the project.
Principal Ellsasser indicated that a leadership group is looking at the spaces . The strategy is to reduce the size of
non= educational spaces . They do not want to reduce anything that will impact the educational program .
Superintendent Conrad indicated that he met with the Wellfleet Select Board that went very well . He also indicated
that he met with Jacque Beebe, Eastham Town Administrator to schedule a date to present to the Select Board and
Finance Committee in Eastham . He reported that there are many presentations on the project scheduled . He thanked
everyone for the time and effort on the project.
Mr. Levasseur indicated that the state has its own formula for reimbursement for spaces it supports . For example the
MSBA does not pay anything for Administrative areas . They divide it for allowable costs vs . what we pay for
locally . The MSBA pays nothing for the Construction Management at Risk.
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He also indicated that all meetings with Town Boards are being videotaped . Check the Nauset Building Committee
website .
Mr. Levassuer indicated that in the existing buildings the wall will be taken out and they will add space to those
classrooms . He explained they must be code compliant and the square footage in some classrooms needs to be
adjusted. Principal Ellsasser indicated they will look at the # of rooms, office spaces, conference rooms and take a
little away from those spaces . Mr. Stewart indicated that educational trends are moving to larger educational spaces
and he hopes we are getting what we want and need .
Chair Easley reminded people that the Nauset District has information available on the website regarding the
building project.
Administrative Reports
Principal Kobold reported a fabulous opening to the school year, noting it is great to go into classrooms and see
everyone thoroughly engaged . She indicated students in Grade 8 are looking at poverty and making connections to
the local community through a food drive . The students in Grade 6 rode the Cape Cod Central Railroad for their
coastal ecology class . Student sin Grade 7 traveled to the Wellfleet Audubon to learn about birds . She indicated that
connections are being made between science and technology . Parents were instructed how to go on Aspen to see
how their child is doing and teachers will create a how to video for parents who could not attend the workshop . The
Grade Eight Team is piloting "Infinity Flex Time" to foster a positive eighth grade experience and strengthen
relations between students and staff. Students participate in activities and also receive academic support . The Sixth
Grade created a version of flex Friday. The students receive academic support and can go outside to read or play
games with their teachers . Students are participating in the SOS Signs of Suicide Prevention Program . Grade level
counselors will teach the program during the Health classes . More than 30 staff members volunteered to be matched
with a student as a mentor. Mentors will check in with their student at least once per week. She also reported that
Therapy Dogs International visits the school each Wednesday morning when students and staff sign up for a visit
with them in the reading room . Principal Kobold indicated that there is still a "no cut" policy for sports teams and
that she and Principal Ellsasser are looking at an intramural program hoping to meet the needs of as many students as
they can . She also indicated that Ed Pavlu is doing a great job setting up games and playing games within our own
District.
Principal Ellsasser report was included in the packet . He shared stories of students supporting other students in a
very genuine and caring way at school events . Students are witnessing adult staff helping one another and seeing
how they should interact with one another. The Restorative Practice was discussed and he indicated that this is
happening throughout the campus . On the January Professional Development Day, he would like to provide some
training for everyone across both the Middle School and High School . He notices a different feeling in the
classrooms . He reported that teachers are getting to know their students even better. He also indicated that a full
day has been set aside for Parents to conference with teachers . Parents will schedule an appointment. He is in the
process of creating four or five 30 minute presentations that will repeat throughout the day. (Building Project,
Learning and the Brain, etc . He wants parents to feel comfortable in the building talking with teachers . He has
scheduled the Health Risk Survey to be administered during Advisory .
The Superintendent indicated that Principal Ellsasser and Dr . Ann Caretti will be working on the results . He hopes
to get a report as soon as next month .
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October 1 Enrollment
The Superintendent reviewed the October 1 Enrollment for the District including tuition and choice students .
He indicated that he and Principal Ellsasser are looking to create new partnerships in the International Student
Program .
School Choice Program
The Superintendent reviewed the school choice program and enrollment figures with the committee . He indicated
that some students choice out of Nauset and go to neighboring towns but return to Nauset in Grade 9 . State
reimbursement for school choice students remains at $ 5 , 000 per student across the state . That figure has not changed
since the program started . All high schools across Cape Cod participate in school choice to try and provide students
with a robust academic program . He also indicated that at some point there is no doubt that it costs money. Last
year the school choice program brought $ 1 , 100, 000 to the District.
He explained that the committee must understand that school choice is tied in with the program we offer Nauset
students and that Nauset has a rigorous program . He explained the history of study halls and Ed Reform that did
away with them . Directed study halls were allowed which meant the student was going to an elective which could
be Arts, Jewelry Making, Guitar Building, Culinary Arts etc . He reported that the High School gives between 7400
AP exams with the concept being that every student should be able to chase their dream . To make their dreams
come true, the Region must offer the program that is challenging for the students . All students are challenged
whether it is in a high honors program, college prep program or B level program . He explained the master schedule
and how choice students fill seats . He explained the master schedule is built on what students are taking for courses .
He gave an example of students taking French I and that perhaps only 7 students decide to take French II . Should it
not be offered for those 7 students , what happens? He also indicated that without choice you would have part time
teachers and that you cannot have a robust program with part time teachers . Part time teachers cannot afford to live
in the community and probably would not stay on Cape Cod.
He also indicated that Nauset offers an IB Program as well for students to have a choice . He noted the differences
between AP and IB . He further explained that you need a certain size section of a student body to have a robust
program and to continually challenge every student in the program . He indicated that Nauset is a Vanguard School,
a Blue Ribbon School, and is always in the top of the US News and World Report and Newsweek as being one of the
top schools in the country. He indicated that Nauset has a lot to be proud about and we are proud of the support we
have been given in our communities . "If not education for our children, what will it be?" Having the best education
gives students an opportunity to move forward .
He shared that Nauset works closely with the Cape Tech School and encourages students to visit the Tech School if
that is their dream . Presently Nauset and the Tech are looking to partner and work together on the Robotics
Program .
He indicated the cost to educate a student at Nauset is $21 , 000 . That figure is given to Nauset from the state . He
also indicated that Principal Ellsasser and the Superintendent discussed only opening seats in Grade 9 so that
children have a four year high school experience . At the Middle School this past year, they only opened seats in
Grade 6 . Once in the school choice program , families and students remain in the program until graduation.
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FY20 Budget
Superintendent Conrad indicated that the Business Manager could not be in attendance . Judy Schumacher reported
that the Budget and Finance Subcommittee reviewed the Dashboard Report thoroughly. She reported that the state
certified E & D balance is $ 1 ,400, 000 . A negative - $ 193 ,000 was shown on page four for Truro and Provincetown
tuition . There are fewer Provincetown and Truro students than anticipated .
Strategic Plan Feedback and Comments
Judy Schumacher reported that members of the Strategic Plan Subcommittee presented the plan to all five school
committees as well as 3 of the 7 faculties . As far as feedback, everything went well and there were no issues raised .
A Summit was held to give people an opportunity for additional comments but very few people attended. She
indicated that Union 54 is holding a meeting on October 24th to further discuss the Strategic Plan . They have had a
good response so far for people volunteering to serve on working groups . She indicated they have started their
outreach program and the website is up and running. They are reaching out to parents and flyers are going home
with elementary students in backpack mail . They are also using the Friday email to parents through Parent Square .
Flyers are up in town spaces for community members and they are reaching out to parent groups .
Budget Timeline
The Superintendent reviewed the budget timeline and indicated he anticipates guidance from the towns . He will
have multiple meetings with the Administrative Team talking about programs we need to support. The Central
Office budget is reviewed early in the process .
MASC Conference/Delegate
On a motion by Robert Jacobus, seconded by Amy Handell, it was voted unanimously for Richard Stewart to be the
Delegate for the Nauset Regional School Committee at the MASC Conference .
Vote on Resolutions —
1 . Banning Polystyrene from Schools - On a motion by Robert Jacobus , seconded by Chris Easley, it was voted
unanimously to support the resolution as written.
2 . Pertaining to Educator Diversity and Professional Licensure — On a motion by Robert Jacobus, seconded by Judy
Schumacher, it was voted to abstain from voting on this resolution . (It was also suggested that the Delegate use
his good judgment.)
3 . School Transportation — On a motion by Robert Jacobus, seconded by Richard Stewart, it was voted to support
the resolution.
4 . Climate change -On a motion by Josh Stewart, seconded by Ian Mack, it was voted unanimously to support the
resolution.
5 . Full Funding of Transportation Costs for Students in Foster Care and State Care -On a motion by Josh Stewart,
seconded by Robert Jacobus , it was voted to support the resolution .
6 . Universal Quality Pre-Kindergarten Access in Massachusetts - On a motion by Robert Jacobus, seconded by Ian
Mack, it was voted to unanimously support the resolution.
7 . Poverty and Children - On a motion by Ian Mack, seconded by Judy Schumacher, it was voted unanimously to
support the resolution .
8 . Resolution for Access to Menstrual Supplies — On a motion by Robert Jacobus, seconded by Josh Stewart, it was
voted unanimously to support the resolution .
9 . Charter School Reform — On a motion by Robert Jacobus, seconded by Josh Stewart it was voted 4 yeas, 1
opposed and 1 abstention to support the resolution .
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Amend MASC bylaws — On a motion by Ian Mack, seconded by Judy Schumacher, it was voted unanimously to
accept the proposed MASC by- laws .
REPORTS AND INFORMATION
Cape Cod Collaborative as Robert Jacobus reported that they are looking at satellite parking for buses . He also
indicated that they have hired an operations manager. They shared some concerns about propane tank near public
school .
Budget and Finance Subcommittee — Chris Easley reported that the stairs to the Middle School continue to be a
work in progress .
Future Agenda Items
Athletic Funding and discussion around athletics
Update on IB Program
ADJOURNMENT — On a motion by Robert Jacobus seconded by Ian Mack, it was voted unanimously to adjourn
the meeting at 8 : 30 p . m .
Submitted by
Ann M. Tefft
Included in the packet : Principals ' Reports , Fundraising Requests, Dashboard, Resolutions and Minutes .
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