HomeMy Public PortalAboutNauset Schools -- 2020-02-13 Minutes Nauset Regional School Committee
February 13 , 2020
Brewster Town Hall
Present for the Committee : Ian Mack, Judith Schumacher, Amy Handel, John O ' Reilly, Chris Easley, Richard
Stewart, Robert Jacobus , Josh Stewart, Ed Brookshire and Jim O ' Leary (left at 8 : 15 p .m .)
Present for the Administration : Keith Gauley and Giovanna Venditti
Call to Order
Chair Easley called the meeting to order at 6 : 01 p .m .
Agenda Changes — The Chair asked that FY21 budget be moved up in the agenda after the Principal ' s Report and
Parent Square presentation . He welcomed Jim O ' Leary back.
Citizens Speak
Christine Peterson from Brewster addressed the committee and thanked them for their dedication and work on the
Nauset Regional High School Building Project. She stated she supports the project, especially after touring the
facility. She listed facts about the inaccessibility, air quality and need for repairs . She talked about the voting
options and the ramifications if the project was not done at this time . She asked that voters approve the project at
spring town meeting so there will be a healthy and safe school for our kids .
Greg O ' Brien addressed the committee and thanked them for all their hard work. He indicated he is in strong
support of the project. He took the tour and was stunned at the condition of the High School . He indicated there is
no easy fix. He talked about what types of things would trigger the state code and how the towns would have to
upgrade the facility without state funding. He mentioned the 600 - 700 student school and how the District would
have to start the process with MSBA all over again with no guarantees of getting funding. He talked about what
would happen if school choice was not a part of the school including decimation of programming, reduction of about
25 teachers and students leaving the District to attend other schools . He stated that the MSBA has chosen this
project as the best option . He indicated if the towns wait, it could cost $ 31 , 000, 000 more than what it will be paying
for it now.
Consent Agenda
On a motion by John O ' Reilly, seconded by Ed Brookshire, it was voted 9 yeas and 1 abstention, (Jim O ' Leary) to
approve the consent agenda as presented .
Judith Schumacher requested that the fundraising requests be signed by the Principals .
Channel 22
Teresa Martin, Executive Director of Channel 22 addressed the Committee highlighting the new app, the live TV,
and the Public Service Announcement date . She informed them that they can access Channel 22 on line and can see
school committee meetings as well as educational reporting. She wants the Committee to communicate with the
community and can provide a wonderful resource for the schools .
Priority Business
Building Committee Update
Greg Levasseur reported that the building committee has been focusing on getting submittals to MSBA . He reported
that the District was awarded $ 36 , 065 , 000 that includes $ 1 , 000, 000 for contingencies . Becca Whidden reviewed the
figures and found an additional $ 16 , 000 in the District ' s favor. The Committee is working on an updated brochure
that will be coming out soon . He indicated that Jim Nowack, Assistant Director of Finance and Operations, is
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preparing a letter for Town Administrators about bonding costs . Mr. Tait, Office of Campaign Finance will be
visiting the District March 11th to provide the rules for selling advertising. He will explain political fundraising laws
for proponents of the project . On February 27th the Brewster Community Network is holding a forum at the
Brewster Ladies Library at 7 : 00 p .m . He also announced there are forums in all four towns in March . (Wellfleet,
March 25th at 6 p .m. at the Council on Aging, Brewster — March 26 at 6 p .m . at the Brewster Town Hall, Orleans —
March 30 at 6 : 00 p .m . at the Orleans Town Hall, and Eastham — March 31 at 6 p .m . at the Eastham Town Hall . He
reported on the pending issue with the property and how that is being resolved with the help of Attorney Ben
Zehender .
Jim O ' Leary took a moment to congratulate the Building Committee and Administrative leadership on this . He
realized the work that is involved in this and the countless hours of work that brought them to today. He publicly
thanked Greg Levasseur and acknowledged his contributions . Richard Stewart and Chris Easley also thanked Greg
Levasseur for all his efforts on behalf of the district. Ed Brookshire shared some history with the committee about
the last project at the High School that was turned down three times before it finally passed . It was noted that the
project ended up less than what was needed and cost more money because they waited .
Greg Levasseur stated there are 17 people on the Building Committee, including John O 'Reilly and Chris Easley.
He stated that everyone puts in lots of time . He thanked everyone for all their hard work.
Bonding Method
Chair Easley indicated that the bonding method is being tabled . This will be taken up at a later date . Bond Counsel
will be at the meeting to give the Committee insight into the process .
Administrators ' Reports
Principal Julie Kobold ' s report was included in the packet . She highlighted the following : Restorative Practices
Professional Development, MTSS Professional Development, Mindfulness Session, Project Month, Transitions for
Grade 5 and 8 , and Student Voice/Principal ' s Advisory Council . She also indicated that this month the focus is
being emotionally well . They are trying to have a no digital data day . She wants to show students that the can make
it through the day without phones and technology . She explained the flex opportunity — WIN Block, What I Need .
She explained this program helps teach kids how to do school better. The High School is looking at that sort of
block as well . She indicated that the Middle School piloted a Friday Free day to work on enrichment beyond the
curriculum . DESE indicated this is what schools want to do with all interventions .
Richard Stewart asked about the Curriculum Night that was held last year and if it was going to be held again .
Principal Kobold indicated that this was a lot of work for not such a good turnout from parents and community.
They will be looking at something different and might even use Channel 22 . She also reported that Gr . 8 students
met with Counselors fi•om the High School to pick their program of study . She indicated that Dr . Ellsasser talked
with students and there is a link to the program of studies given to parents . Gr. 8 teachers are making
recommendations on what courses students should take and parents will discuss with the teachers at parent
conference . Parents are well informed and must sign off on the program of studies for their child .
Parent Square
Barbara Lavoine gave a presentation on the District ' s communication system, Parent Square . She explained how
they know everyone in the District is receiving the communications and a wonderful feature is they can receive the
information in a different language by clicking a button . Parents also like the option of receiving information as a
text message and choose how they would like to receive information .
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Judy Schumacher asked if teachers and parents have given any feedback on the program . Barbara Lavoine stated she
has not asked for feedback at this time . Keith Gauley indicated that the Administration made the decision that this
be piloted at the Administrative level this year. Some teachers that are tech savvy and some that are not tech savvy
are piloting the program as well . The District did not roll this out to everyone this year . They will get to the point
where everyone will use it.
FY21 Budget
Chris Easley and Judy Schumacher publicly apologized to Giovanna Venditti and stated they appreciate all that she
does for the District. Giovanna reviewed the Operating Budget with the Committee, E & D History; Operating
Expenses budgeted from Revolving Funds . She reviewed health insurance benefits , actual tuition to non-public
schools , Barnstable County Retirement assessment, and insurances .
She explained how the format of the operating budget has changed as she moved the capital and OPEB . She added
figures to the Middle School and High School line item budgets as suggested by the Committee . She reviewed the
income as well as expenses in the revolving funds that include School Choice, Circuit Breaker, International
Students, HS Building Use, MS Building Use, Firebirds Concession and Cape Tech. She indicated that revenues are
down in School Choice, Provincetown and Truro tuition . The transfer from E & D is $ 946, 760 which is $356 , 760
more than last year and a 60 . 47% increase . She reviewed the debt with the committee and indicated the new
Auditor made an adjustment. The total assessment to towns is $24 , 690 , 214, an increase of $ 602 , 226 or 2 . 5 %
increase from prior year budget . She reviewed assessments to the towns .
Total Operating Budget is $23 , 889 ,253 , increase of $ 596, 801 or 2 . 56 % .
Total Assessment is $24 , 690, 214, increase of $602 ,226 or 2 . 50 %
Nauset Regional Schools FY21 Operating Budget, Debt and Capital Budget is $24 , 690 ,214 or an increase of
$ 602 ,226 or 2 . 5 % .
Jim O ' Leary thanked Giovanna Venditti for all the information especially information on the revolving funds . He
indicated an important point is that the Circuit Breaker numbers that the committee sees is used for special needs .
Ms . Venditti also explained that Extraordinary Relief must be used in the current fiscal year. She anticipates
$243 , 000 coming in as extraordinary relief. This frees up money in the Region Only budget and then goes into E &
D . Mr . O ' Leary indicated that if $243 , 000 comes into the budget, E & d could be reimbursed this year .
Ms . Venditti reviewed the school choice enrollments and costs with the committee . This year she is using the
present enrollment of school choice students, 283 @ $ 5 , 500 or $ 1 , 556, 500 . She noted that in the prior two years the
budget utilized that fund balance but that pool of funds has been reduced substantially. Mr. O ' Leary indicated that
those who object to school choice need to know the Region uses that money for pensions and health insurance . He
stated that they are using school choice funds to offset fixed costs .
Ms . Venditti indicated that based upon what they have applied for in the past, the District has always received what
was requested under Extraordinary Relief. She is confident that those funds will be available . She will check to see
if the District can bid out insurance this year as we are part of MIIA . She indicated that rates would increase because
property was undervalued . The District increased their deductibles .
John O ' Reilly asked question regarding the increase of $ 380 , 000 in line item 8735 , Out of District Placement . He
requested that Dr. Canetti explain the Special Needs costs at the next meeting. He would like to know the number
of students or if it is one student. He would like to know if the students are Middle School or High School students .
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He indicated that reason he is asking these questions is that the Committee will be asked to weigh in on the E & D
transfer of $ 946 , 760 .
John O ' Reilly asked if the Region School budget carries the $ 140 ,000 for professional development for the staff in
the entire District. Ms . Venditti answered that is correct . He asked why the costs are not shared . He wants to
understand that the money taken out of E & D is due to the increase in Special Needs and that the Region is taking
care of special need costs within the budget. He indicated that the Region is doing its job and absorbing the funding
because the revenue is not there. The District is not going back to the towns but absorbing the costs . He asked if the
Special Needs costs did not take a big jump, would this budget season be easier to process . Ms . Venditti indicated
the amount of Special Needs costs is only 1 .46 % of the Region Only budget. John O ' Reilly asked if Dr . Caretti
could attend the next meeting. Jim O ' Leary reminded the committee that last year when they were informed of the
health insurance rebate they had an option to set up a reserve fund for Special Needs . However, even if the rebate
was classified as special needs, the end result would be the same .
Judy Schumacher stated that drawing down revolving funds by $ 300 ,000 , end of FY21 , E & D will still be around
$700 , 000 .
The Middle School and High School have a deficit of $ 150 , 000 . The Budget and Finance Committee has invited the
Principals to the next meeting to better understand the deficit.
Ian Mack stated that he appreciates the extraordinary effort to bring this budget in at 2 . 5 % It is mostly level funded
with retirements and using $ 900 , 000 from E & D . The Committee did the same sort of thing last year to bring the
budget in at 2 . 5 % . He stated that the Committee can' t keep dipping to E & D for $ 900 , 000 . He stated next year the
budget won ' t get to 2 . 5 % . Giovanna Venditti stated that they won ' t have this amount of money in E & D next year.
Chair Easley stated that Administration worked hard this year to bring this budget in at 2 . 5 % . As an institution, it is
hard to keep your budget at 2 . 5 % when contracts are 2 . 5 % plus COLAS . He stated at some point in time, there will
need to be an override . Ian Mack stated that mathematically, this will not happen again . He also indicated the needs
in the District are more than 2 . 5 % each year . He does not want people to think that is where the Region can be all
the time .
Dashboard Review
Giovanna Venditti reviewed the dashboard noting a projected E & D balance of $ 1 ,234 , 103 . She also reviewed the
various line items and projected balances . Region Only has a $ 350 , 000 balance . The Middle School has a deficit of
$ 50 , 000 and the High School has a deficit of $ 150 , 000 . She indicated they will be getting receipts and money from
SREX . She will re-allocate some repairs done to the building to capital . She reviewed the revolving funds and
balances , the capital and debt. John O ' Reilly asked about the $200 , 000 debt at the Middle School and High School .
Ms . Venditti informed the committee that they are in a spending freeze and can only purchase necessities .
Professional Development
Keith Gauley, Assistant Superintendent, presented his reports on Professional Development throughout the District
using $ 140 , 000 in the Region Only Budget as well as grants for funding . He explained how the money is distributed
to staff members and which accounts are used . He indicated that over the past 4 years the amount of money spent on
professional development ranges from $ 155 , 000 to 222 , 000 . He stated there are mentoring costs , consultants for PD ,
Staff PD , Flexible PD Days , and Special Needs grants . There is also a line item in each school ' s operating budget
for professional development. He distributed a report with funding sources and amounts to the Committee . He
indicated that the money for Restorative Practices came out of the $ 140 , 000 in the Region Only budget . He
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indicated the total amount spent on PD from 7/ 1 /2019 - 1 /24/2020 is $ 183 ,000 . He indicated PD is a mix of all five
Districts and a mix of funding as well . Chair Easley asked that they see this information annually in the budget
process . They asked if Mr . Gauley could identify which PD is for the Region . Mr. Gauley indicated this is difficult
as some PD is for elementary and Middle School staff.
Homeless Students : Enrollment Rights and Services
On a motion by Ed Brookshire, seconded by Ian Mack, it was voted unanimously to approve the policy for a second
reading and adoption .
Policy Review for a First Reading
JFABF — Educational Opportunities for Children in Foster Care
JFABE — Educational Opportunities for Military children
JBB — Equal Education Opportunities
Motion : On a motion by John O ' Reilly, seconded by Robert Jacobus, it was voted unanimously, 8 -0 , to approve
policies JFABF, JFABE, and JBB for a first reading .
Reports and Information
Cape Cod Collaborative
Robert Jacobus reported that the Collaborative is in the process of replacing old buses . He also informed the
committee that Way Point Academy is trying to find a new location for the school .
Strategic Plan
Judy Schumacher reported that the working groups finished up their work and the Steering Committee is bringing all
the information together. She indicated committees will see a draft in April .
Policy Subcommittee
Josh Stewart indicated that they are working on new language for the fundraising policies .
High School Council
Richard Stewart reported that Principal Ellsasser is very eager for the Council to work on ideas to improve
relationships between the families and the school . He wants to provide information about curriculum and classes to
all families . He also reported that Principal Ellsasser changed the Advisory Program providing students with a
smaller group of students (8 ) working with one adult. It appears that this is an overwhelming positive change . He
indicated the Advisor is taking more of a role of overseeing each student group in the school .
Substance Abuse/Mental Health Subcommittee — No report
Budget and Finance Subcommittee
Chair Easley indicated they will be meeting with the Principal regarding their budget deficits .
Future Agenda Items
Transportation Report
Adjournment
On a motion by Ed Brookshire, seconded by Robert Jacobus , it was voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at
8 : 33 p .m .
Submitted by, Ann M. Tefft
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