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HomeMy Public PortalAboutBrewster School Committee -- 2020-05-21 Minutes Brewster School Committee Thursday, May 21 , 2020 Brewster Town Hall Present for the Committee : David Telman, Marie Enochty, Nicole Camp and Laurel Labdon Absent for the Committee : Jessica Larsen Present for the Administration: Thomas Conrad, Giovanna Venditti, Keith Gauley, and Joanna Hughes Call to Order Chair Telman called the virtual meeting to order at 6 : 00 p .m. He explained the virtual meeting protocol and checked in with people in attendance to be sure they were without technical difficulty . Agenda Changes — None Citizens Speak — None Chair Telman announced that it was Marie Enochty ' s last meeting and how appreciative the Town is for all she has done and all the efforts on behalf of the Brewster Schools . He invited her to the next meeting and would like to recognize her. PRIORITY BUSINESS Administrators ' Reports Principal Joanna Hughes reported that she is pleased they are doing work with transitions for all current second grade students who are experiencing transition to Grade 3 . The Eddy School has mailed and informational packet to families with a welcoming letter. Principal Hughes is working with Leah Belliveau to do a virtual tour of the school . They might invite students in small groups to come to the actual classroom, as it is allowed . They are planning a Grade 5 virtual social event and recognition of some sort. A yearbook has been created, a T-shirt contest in the works, promotion plans are being made and certificates are being made for the 5 '' Grade students . Parents have been asked to pick up student belongings with that effort being carefully scheduled. She indicated that Stony Brook is serving meals . Principal Gauley indicated that guidelines for remote learning were given to staff on May 4t` and teachers and educational assistants are doing a phenomenal job . Educational Assistants are helping deliver meals to families who need it. He held a virtual Kindergarten Orientation that went well . A packet of information has been mailed to the parents . He reported that Amy Gilbert has been hired as a second grade teacher as second grade has gone from 3 to 4 sections . He is in the process of hiring a Speech Pathologist as Mary Berzinis is retiring in June. Eddy and Stony Brook are working with Custom Learning Company and Faber-Castell USA to provide optimal creative learning opportunities . Families can work on these projects together highlighting the joy of learning. Superintendent ' s Report Superintendent Conrad reported on his discussion with the Union relative to issues such as evaluations rolling into next year and stipends for individuals such as coaches, mentors, and club advisers . Families, staff and town officials are anxious to hear about learning for September. He is waiting for the Governor and Commissioner of Education for details about how and when to open. He indicated the District will be in a pause period until we get word . He will put together a Task Force to assist in the preparation for opening. He announced the retirement of Barbara Lavoine, Director of Technology. He stated she is an excellent employee and he wishes her every happiness in her retirement . He is working with colleagues on a robust review of what gone well and what needs improvement in remote learning. For summer professional development he would like to help staff in the technology area and is working with the Union on using Flex Days to take advantage of this opportunity. This has not been finalized . Fiscally, the District will wait to see what happens with the Federal government helping to support the state and how much money will come back into communities to support the educational programs . He is looking ahead to summer programs and working with the Recreation Departments to help students who have fallen behind or have a gap in learning. This could be a hybrid model with a teacher working with students for 45 minutes and then go back to the Recreation Program. He continued Brewster School Committee Minutes May 21, 2020 [ 1) to say there has been a great effort by the Brewster Teachers and great leadership by Principals Hughes and Gauley. He announced that Mary Buchanon will be the new Director of Student Services for the Nauset Public Schools , FY20 Budget Review Giovanna Venditti reported that the Stony Brook School balance is $ 70,677 . She reviewed line items with $ 1 , 000 changes since last month . She indicated there is a savings on the utilities that will be put back into the budget. . The Eddy School balance is $ 64,486 . She reviewed line items with $ 1 ,000 in changes since last month. After unencumbering different line items she anticipates a balance of $ 61 , 508 . There is $28 ,664 in Circuit Breaker money that must be spent in this fiscal year. Superintendent ' s Evaluation Superintendent ' s Evaluation The Superintendent reported that he met with Gail Briere and Chris Easley to discuss changing the evaluation goals . They suggested he add two goals that relates to remote learning and the District' s response . He will analyze remote learning and develop a remote learning plan for potential needs . The other goals will be moved to later on in the year . Nicole Camp stated there will be new members on the Committee and they will not be able to fairly evaluate the Superintendent. She stated she is in support of the Superintendent and everything that is being done . Chair Telman asked if a committee member is in not on the committee any longer, can they evaluate the Superintendent. The Superintendent indicated that the evaluation helps him and he welcomes their input . The Superintendent will produce some evidence to help members evaluate him . Reports and Information Cape Cod Collaborative — Marie Enochty reported they are working on getting the budget ready and anticipates new regulations on buses such as installation of hand sanitizer dispensers . There will be cleaning in between routes . They are moving forward with the town of Orleans in getting the propane tank ready. She indicated that other towns are already cutting their budget for next year . Paul Hilton is on top of the bus situation and making sure they are in good order. She also indicated that they are working on a new system where river can clock in easier . The Superintendent indicated that the Transportation Subcommittee will meet this summer to review the topic of seatbelts on buses. PTO — Meeting on June 4th at 7 : 00 p .m . School Council — no report Policy Subcommittee — no report Transportation Subcommittee — no report Substance Abuse/Mental Health Task Force — no report Building and Needs Assessment Committee — no report Approval of Minutes On a motion by Marie Enochty seconded by Nicole Camp, it was voted 4 yeas to approve the minutes of February 27 , 2020 . Adjournment On a motion by Marie Enochty, second by Laurel Labdon, it was voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 6 : 3 8 p .m . On a roll call the vote was as follows : Laurel Labdon- yes, Nicole Camp - yes, Marie Enochty — yes, and David Telman - yes Submitted by, Ann M. Tefft Brewster School Committee Minutes May 21, 2020 [2 ] Brewster School Committee Monday, June 22 , 2020 Brewster Town Hall (Virtual Meeting) Present for the Committee : David Telman, Marie Enochty, Nicole Camp, Jessica Larsen and Laurel Labdon Present for the Administration: Thomas Conrad, Giovanna Venditti, Keith Gauley, and Joanna Hughes Call to Order Chair Telman called the virtual meeting to order at 6 : 02 p .m . He explained the virtual meeting protocol and checked in with people in attendance to be sure access was without technical difficulty. Agenda Changes — None Citizens Speak — None PRIORITY BUSINESS Administrators ' Reports Principal Gauley thanked Marie Enochty for her service on the School Committee and to the students in Brewster. He thanked Laurel Labdon and Nicole Camp for their service on the Committee as well. He reported on the end of year virtual activities including the Grade 2 slide show and parade . All families picked up bags of materials and dropped off Wads . He indicated that he is working on summer tutoring, lining up staff and families . He is also working on the professional development plan for the summer. He reported there are two new staff members : Amy Gilbert, Grade 2 and Lauren McGown — Speech Language Pathologist . The school had a parade for Mary Berzinis who is retiring after 30 years of service . They are arranging books to go out to families for summer reading. Principal Hughes recognized the Fifth Grade students and the end of year parade. She recognized two Educational Assistants who are retiring : Wende O ' Brien and Deb Bergstrom. She also recognized Pat Ellis and Charlie McKendrie in their retirements . They are in the process of providing t-shirts to Fifth Grade students . Brewster Baptist Church donated $ 500 and money was used from Box Tops for Education for students to get a t-shirt and a yearbook. Motion : On a motion by Marie Enochty, seconded by Nicole Camp , it was voted unanimously to accept the donations from the Brewster Baptist Church and the Box Tops for Education. On a roll call the vote was as follows : Marie Enochty-yea, Nicole Camp-yea, Laurel Labdon-yea, Jessica Larsen-yea, and Chair Telman-yea. It was indicated that summer tutoring will be remote . Professional development, vast majority is remote as well . Superintendent' s Report Superintendent Conrad reported that he has not given up on a celebration for retirees , which will depend on the rules for the next phase . He is waiting for more details and guidance about what school will look like in the fall . He has created a Task Force that is working on this with Administrators and then he will enlist the help of parents . It was noted he has a Parent Letter on the website for School Committee members to view. At some point a survey will be sent to parents to see if they plan on sending their student to school, if they will use transportation, or if they will be transporting privately. They have not received guidelines on bussing yet. He indicated that summer will be like none they have seen before and he asked staff to stay in touch in the event input is needed on different topics . He is cautious about rolling out a plan with any detail until he has clear direction. Administrators are working more days this summer than in the past and are doing a great job for the District. He indicated that the main focus in talks with the Governor and Commission of Education is the safety of students and staff. Medical personnel will weigh in on this relative to suggestion of the plan. They no longer feel taking temperatures of every student and staff member beneficial with so many false readings . Brewster School Committee Minutes June 22, 2020 [ 1 ] Negotiations are moving forward with most groups back to the table . The Union is carrying over the language of the present contract and they will work on the financial issues . He reported he participated, along with other Administrators, in the protest march in Orleans that was led by Nauset students . He indicated that Keith Gauley has put together the framework relative to remote learning and professional days/flex days for staff this summer. He believes there will be some sort of blended learning in our District . He indicated that school committees are presenting spend down plans and they will be giving some money back to the town. He is concerned about the FY21 budget. He indicated that contracts were given to staff members with no assignment indicated so that Administration could have flexibility if they need to move kids around . This was agreed to by the Union leadership . Marie Enochty inquired about any need to hire more custodians for cleaning of buildings . Jessica Larsen strongly suggested consider using products that are non-toxic . She indicated that it is worth looking into as there are products that irritate skin as well as respiratory irritants . She indicated the buildings must be cleaned and then sanitized. FY20 Budget Review Giovanna Venditti reported that the Eddy School balance is $ 125 ,022 . . She reviewed line items with $ 1 , 000 in changes since last month. She reclassified expenses to Circuit Breaker out of SN Out of District Tuition totaling $ 90, 172 . She reported that Stony Brook has a balance of $ 75 , 938 and reviewed line items with $ 1 ,000 in changes since last month. Spending Plan Giovanna Venditti reported that the Principals and the Superintendent worked on the spending plan . The projected Eddy School balance as of June 30, 2020 is $40 , 022 . The projected Eddy School balance as of June 30, 2020 is $9 , 978 . The total combined projected balances to be returned to the Town of Brewster are $ 50, 000 . Motion : On a motion by Laurel Labdon, seconded by Jessica Larsen, it was voted unanimously to approve the spenddown plan as submitted . On a roll call the vote was as follows : On a roll call the vote was as follows : Marie Enochty-yea, Nicole Camp-yea, Laurel Labdon-yea, Jessica Larsen-yea, and Chair Telman-yea FY21 Budget Giovanna Venditti reported that due to the Town of Brewster not having their town meeting to vote the budget, they will be working with a 1 / 12 budget. She is working with the Finance Director and has received guidance as to what can be spent on a monthly basis . MASC Resolutions The Massachusetts Association of School Committees provided resolutions on Resolutions on COVID 19 Expenses and The Response to Social, Economic and Racial Justice in Our Communities . These resolutions were in the packet for members to review. Nicole Camps asked that the Committee vote on these resolutions as this is a large part of the work that is being done by School Committees across the state . She stated it is important, meaningful and as a School Committee she felt they should be speaking to the state to stop unfair unfunded mandates and stressed the need for social and racial justice . Motion: On a motion by Laurel Labdon, seconded by Jessica Larsen, it was voted to approve and accept the COVID 19 State Funding resolution. On a roll call the vote was as follows : On a roll call the vote was as follows : Marie Enochty-yea, Nicole Camp-yea, Laurel Labdon-yea, Jessica Larsen-yea, and Chair Telman-yea Motion: On a motion by Marie Enochty, seconded by Nicole Camp, it was voted to approve and accept the Anti- Racism Resolution. On a roll call the vote was as follows : Marie Enochty-yea, Nicole Camp -yea, Laurel Labdon-yea, Jessica Larsen-yea, and Chair Telman-yea Brewster School Committee Minutes June 22, 2020 [ 2 ] The Superintendent indicated he would like to record the votes at the state office. Summer Meeting Schedule Members received the meeting schedule for the summer and next year. All meeting will be held virtually until further notice. Reports and Information Cape Cod Collaborative — Marie Enochty reported they are moving forward and planning on how they will be able to support kids this summer. They are discussing face-to-face classes for students . They are also working on the buses and potential of how this will look, hand sanitizers on buses, etc . The Town of Orleans is moving forward with getting the propane station set up . PTO — Nicole Camp reported that they are planning all the events for the end of the year. PTO members had questions about next fall but were told it is still unknown what school will look like in the fall . Nicole Camp thanked the PTO for all their fundraising this year. She also thanked the Principals for all their support . School Council — no report Policy Subcommittee — no report Transportation Subcommittee — no report Substance Abuse/Mental Health Task Force — no report Building and Needs Assessment Committee — no report At this time Chair Telman recognized Marie, Laurel and Nicole and thanked them for all their insight and noting he would love to have them back on the committee in the future . He thanked Marie Enochty especially for her 20 years serving on the committee . He thanked her for her positive attitude and insight into so many topics . He indicated he will miss all the knowledge in education that she brought to the discussion and thanked her for all she has done for the committee . Approval of Minutes On a motion by Marie Enochty seconded by Nicole Camp, it was voted 4 yeas to approve the minutes of February 27, 2020 . Adjournment On a motion by Jessica Larsen, seconded by Laurel Labdon, it was voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 6 : 51 p . m . On a roll call the vote was as follows : Marie Enochty-yea, Nicole Camp-yea, Laurel Labdon-yea, Jessica Larsen-yea, and Chair Telman-yea Submitted by, Ann M. Tefft Included in packet : Spending plan, Expense reports, Resolutions from MASC and minutes . Brewster School Committee Minutes June 22, 2020 [3 ]