HomeMy Public PortalAboutNauset Schools -- 2020-03-04 Minutes Nauset Regional School Committee
March 4 , 2020
Brewster Town Hall
Present for the Committee : Ian Mack, Judith Schumacher, Amy Handel, John O ' Reilly, Chris Easley, Richard
Stewart, Robert Jacobus (arrived at 5 : 15 p .m . ) , Josh Stewart, and Ed Brookshire
Absent for the Committee : Jim O ' Leary
Present for the Administration : Thomas Conrad, Ann Caretti and Giovanna Venditti
Call to Order - . . , . .
Chair Easley called the meeting to order at 5 : 03 p .m .
Agenda Changes — None
Citizens Speak - None
Priority Business
Chair Easley explained that the committee had to take the following votes for the project according to MSBA
guidelines :
Motion : On a motion by Ed Brookshire, seconded by Amy Handel , it was voted 8 yeas , that the Superintendent for
the Nauset Regional School District (the "District") is hereby appointed and authorized by and on behalf of the
District to execute and deliver the Project Scope and Budget Agreement between the District and the Massachusetts
School Building Authority and any and all exhibits and amendments thereto (the "Agreement") on behalf of the
District and to bind the District to the terms and conditions of such Agreement for or relating to a project for
construction of repairs and renovations of the Nauset Regional High School located at 100 Cable Road in the Town
of Eastham, Massachusetts (the "Project") .
Motion : On a motion by Ed Brookshire , seconded by John O ' Reilly, it was voted 8 yeas, that the Superintendent,
the Chair of the School committee the Chair of the Building Committee and all other District officers, officials and
personnel required by the MSBA to execute the Exhibits to the Agreement on behalf of the District are authorized to
execute the Exhibits by and on behalf of the District as necessary to provide completed and fully signed
documentation to the MSBA for the Project .
Motion : On a motion by Ed Brookshire, seconded by John O ' Reilly, it was voted 8 yeas that the Superintendent for
the District, is hereby appointed and authorized by and on behalf of the District to make final, binding decisions with
respect to the Project described in the project Scope and Budget Agreement, and any amendments thereto, on behalf
of the District.
Motion : On a motion by Ed Brookshire , seconded by Richard Stewart, it was voted 8 yeas that Ann Tefft, as
Clerk/Secretary for the School committee , is hereby authorized to provide legal counsel for the Committee with a
certification that such votes were taken by the Committee and such certification may be so provided prior to final
approval of the minutes of this meeting.
Update on Special Education
The Superintendent recognized Dr. Ann Caretti and the outstanding job she has done for the district. He announced
her retirement at the end of this year. He thanked Dr. Caretti for everything she has done for the district and the
students of the district.
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Dr . Ann Caretti addressed the committee and explained the reason for out-of- district placements . She expressed that
she is very concerned about mental health of students indicating the high school has hospitalized 23 students and the
Middle School five students this year. She stated that this is what is driving out-of-district placements . She
informed the committee that she just hired a social worker who will be working on Saturdays to see students and
families . She could not find a psychiatric nurse . The social worker will fill a gap for families where they are on a
waiting list for 64 week to see a therapist. She indicated that academic stress is driving this and is something kids
have identified . Kids put a lot of pressure on themselves . She is especially concerned about the "high flyers and AP
kids . " She asked what is the message that is being sent to kids today and is it coming from parents, staff or
themselves .
She indicated that there is an adjustment counselor at the High School who was hired last year . She felt the District
needs a program somewhat like the BYRT Program. Students go to this program when they come back from
hospitalization . The High School doesn 't have an alternative to special education . The School psychologist takes a
lot of time doing evaluations and a lot of students don' t qualify for special education.
She would like to see a strategy skills class teaching kids how to handle the material and how to approach a task . She
stressed the need to have strategies . She further stated that the Strategic Plan is almost complete and it should show
the district how to approach and implement some of these things . Members of the committee agreed giving our kids
tools to cope is critical .
She indicated the elementary teachers are using Second Step curriculum and are doing a great job . However, in the
Region, this falls to the Health Teachers to implement this . The Advisor/Advisee program was mentioned and how
it is being changed to have fewer students in a group . A member asked if she and the Principal have talked about
trying to implement some evaluation of what we are currently doing.
The Superintendent indicated that this is not easily solved . He attended the Superintendents ' National Conference
and this is a problem across the United States . He attended sessions at the conference that stressed the need to
personalize the learning experience for all kids . He talked about the students connecting with an adult several times
during the day . He also reported that a few years ago over 500 Universities were going to change their standards of
admissions . They were going to tell students that they don ' t need so many AP classes or so many community
service hours/activities . He felt it was an outstanding recommendation but it never changed . Incoming freshmen
have dreams of where they want to go onto school and find out what they need to do to get there . That is where the
stress begins . He indicated this is a very complicated issue . He shared stories of hospitalizations and what clinicians
witnessed was the problem . Number one problem is social media and the other is cell phones . He stated that the
Professor from Stanford shared some things that districts can be doing that included Restorative Practices and the
Advisor/Advisee Programs . He emphasized personalizing the learning experience for kids .
Dr . Caretti indicated that the grant she obtained cannot be carried-over the summer and she will apply for another
one for next year. She stated this program will not replace agencies but will fill in a gap while a family is waiting to
be seen by a therapist. She is trying to hire another social worker.
Members asked how they could give kids a better perspective . She stated that one intervention that started this year,
Project-Based Learning is a great in that it fosters collaboration, problem -solving and is social for kids . Kids are
working together and interacting. The Superintendent stated that parents need to help with the social media aspect
of this . They need to get their children to leave their phones off and out of site at night . Parents should hold the line
on this as it is in the best interest of their sons and daughters . No one thing can solve this .
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Ed Brookshire shared a story about when he was a teacher and how he made a connection with a student that lasted
throughout high school . He stated teachers can connect with students and be the go4o person for them. Josh
Stewart wanted to start looking at what the committee can do to start tackling this and what personnel needs to be in
place . He suggested giving a therapist space at the high school to help students . He would favor a 2 . 5 % override to
put mental health workers in place to help kids . Dr. Caretti indicated that most therapists don ' t want to work after
school and kids don ' t want to miss their academic courses . Members stressed the importance of putting money and
energy into this . Richard Stewart stated that the teachers are the Advisors . He did not feel a separate group of
people is needed. All faculty have a role to connect with students . He asked about Nauset time, a point in the day
when things ease up. He suggested kids need to have time to interact with each other as that is where they learn
social behavior. He indicated that the Principal is trying to create a mechanism to communicate with parents and
foster family relationships . He agreed that 2 . 5 % in a budget is unstainable . He agreed that more people should be
available to consult with kids . He indicated the committee needs to provide more support for the students .
The committee would like to see the social work program continued through the summer and inquired about the cost.
Dr. Caretti indicated that they will need about $ 8 , 000 for two social workers . The Chair asked Dr . Caretti to provide
them with a summation of what we are doing in the Region for social emotional health and where we need
improvement .
Dr. Caretti thanked the committee stating that Nauset is a very supportive District.
Review Capital Plan
Chair Easley indicated that the Capital Plan has been vetted by the Budget/Finance Subcommittee . Ed Brookshire
urged the Administration to follow the plan as everything that is put off only costs more in the future . Richard
Stewart indicated this was reviewed with Paul Richard at the Middle School and he is extremely knowledgeable
about the building and everything that was listed in the plan . There were no questions from committee members .
FY21 Budget
The Chair asked if members had any questions pertaining to the budget . Ian Mack suggested adding something to
the budget to support the social worker through the summer. The cost is $ 8 , 000 . The Superintendent stated the
system has to make sure it has checks and balances . Schools have initiatives along this line . He would bring
forward more staff if needed in this area. The funding would have to come out of E & D . Ian Mack suggested
adding the money as it is hard to find someone who will come part time . The Superintendent stated that they always
apply for a grant looking to be able at some point to keep the funding going . Chair Easley stated the Strategic Plan
will address some of these issues .
The Chair indicated he would need a motion to provide $ 8 , 000 from E & D and put it into an account for the
summer. This would add continuity of employment for someone . Ed Brookshire asked about the legality of that.
The Superintendent indicated he will come back with information at the next meeting . The Superintendent indicated
that no new retirements have come forward . Josh Stewart asked about the recharge of E & D . Giovanna Venditti
explained how money goes to E & D from Truro and Provincetown tuitions, saving in Special Education, savings
from Health Insurance and that balances from revenues will vary. She indicated the School Committee does not
have a policy about an E & D with a specific balance . The Chair indicated that this year there is the potential of
receiving approximately $ 300 , 000 that will go back into E & D . The Chair indicated at some point, the Region has to
get past 2 . 5 % and ask for more money. Having less money in all revolving accounts is something the committee
needs to address in the future .
Ian Mack left at 6 : 20 p .m .
Nauset Regional School Committee, March 4, 2020 3 ( P a g e
Coronavirus
The Superintendent advised the committee of the coronavirus issue and the Governor' s guideline relative to school
trips out of the country. He also indicated that the Region had students in Italy over February vacation. The school
nurses are involved in gathering information . The students had the green light to come back in to school . Students
came back to school . Today, they were told by the CDC that the general rule is that students stay out for 14 days .
The Administration asked that these students go out for two more days . These are new guidelines . There is a letter
going to parents . He will follow up with Principal Ellsasser and, students and chaperones regarding travel . The
Governor has moved forward advising no international travel . The High School has trips to Germany, Haiti and
Ireland . He will meet with leadership of these programs . He stated that they want student to be safe and want to
follow the guidelines . He also stated that there is a sizeable amount of money involved in these trips . The
Administrative Team met and crafted a letter for all students and parents about the situation . The Administration is
taking guidance form the state and CDC .
Chair Easley indicated that no one has tested positive for the virus .
Robert Jacobus inquired about helping kids missing school . The Superintendent indicated that they are looking to
use technology. He also indicated there is no way students will be held accountable for academics . The
Superintendent indicated that the schools are being more aggressive with cleaning. It was suggested that
Administration project what the plan would be if there was to be a 3 week closure . The Superintendent indicated
that he is taking a regionalized approach with this and that everything is coming through the Central Office .
Adjournment
On a motion by Robert Jacobus, seconded by Ed Brookshire , it was voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at
6 : 34 p .m .
Submitted by
Ann M . Tefft
Included in packet . 5 year capital plan
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