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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. Nauset Regional School Committee, March 4, 2020 1 P a g e 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 . Nauset Regional School Committee , March 4, 2020 2 P a g e 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 Nauset Regional School Committee, March 4, 2020 4 P a g e