HomeMy Public PortalAboutNauset Schools -- 2020-09-10 Minutes (3) Nauset Regional School Committee
September 10 , 2020
Virtual meeting, live streamed at Eastham Town Hall
Present for the Committee : Ian Mack, Judith Schumacher, Chris Easley, Richard Stewart, Robert Jacobus, Josh
Stewart, Ed Brookshire, Amy Handel and Tom Fitzgibbons
Present for the Administration : Thomas Conrad, Giovanna Venditti, Principal Julie Kobold and Principal Chris
Ellsasser
Call to Order
Chair Easley called the meeting to order at 6 : 00 p . m . noting the Zoom invitation # 83306645141 and the pass code of
554791 .
Agenda Changes — None
Citizens Speak
Michelle Grey addressed the committee noting that parents want their children to get back to in -person learning and
would like to hear more about the timeline for getting students back into the high school .
Amy Woods addressed the committee asking thein to think about out of the box solutions to get kids back together in
these unconventional times with unconventional methods .
Paul Starobin addressed the committee echoing what other parents voiced . Does not feel he has heard a significant
explanation with planning.
Lisa Mayu asked the committee for some sort of time line for getting students back into school . She hoped for more
viable answers for the students .
Adrienne Cormier addressed the committee stating she realizes this is a balancing act between doing repairs and a
looming construction project. She asked if the district would be spending a lot of money on a building that needs a
lot of work .
Consent Agenda
Approval of Minutes
On a motion by Robert Jacobus, seconded by Josh Stewart, it was voted 7 yeas and 1 abstention, to approve the
minutes of August 31 , 2020 . On a roll call the vote was as follows : Ian Mack — yea, Judy Schumacher — yea,
Richard Stewart — yea, Robert Jacobus — yea, Josh Stewart — yea, Amy Handel — Abstain, Tom Fitzgibbons — yea,
Chris Easley - yea
PRIORITY BUSINESS
Administrators ' Reports
Principal Julie Kobold reported that the staff has been busy at work trying to prepare for an unusual year . The
middle school unexpectedly switched to hybrid that has brought challenges to the schedule . She thanked the Middle
School Staff who have worked endless hours to make this opening work . There are 595 students registered and
scheduled, with 41 cohorts of students . The hybrid schedule is 2 days in person for each studentand fully remote .
There are 501 students in , person model and 94 students in the remote model . Students with complex needs will be
in the building 3 , 4 or 5 days . There will be 250 students in school on 4 days . She indicated the cohorts are 13 - 17
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and students are placed in a cohort based on many variables . She indicated that furniture and spaces have been re -
imagined to fit cohort spaces . Transitioning to remote will be seamless in the event that is necessary . She shared
what a typical Wednesday would look with. SEL check- in, calendar, choices that kids want like world language ,
band, chorus, math classes . She is trying to get more experiential collaborative things like Ukulele , green house, and
sustainability. The teachers are offering different things that kids can sign up for that allows for an opportunity for
kids to be off screen . They will be able to work with other people as well . There are designated places outside the
school for mask breaks . She explained what mask breaks will look like and the protocol for putting a mask on,
taking it off as well as storing masks . Principal Kobold reported that teachers had many professional development
opportunities including, "Engaging Students Remotely, SEL, and district technology classes . She explained the
challenges of after school activities with busing being one of them running only at 1 /3 capacity. They will look at
this again in a few weeks .
Principal Chris Ellsasser reported that professional development is in full swing . He explained remote and hybrid
learning and that it would look the same where students will have access all the time . He explained how student
check- ins would be personal and each teacher will know their students . He explained how teachers can also check
for knowledge and understanding of what is being taught and the new programs to assist teachers in doing that .
Students will be able to answer questions in real time . He indicated that teachers are looking at the design of google
classroom and are working on interactive lessons . He reiterated that this will be personalized learning with checks
for understanding . It will be an interactive experience where every student can answer each question . There is a full
teacher presence and students will have access to the teacher for the entirety of each class . Parts of lessons can be
recorded and stored in google classroom . It creates an opportunity for kids to go back and review the work.
Teachers have been working on simulation and seeing how it works in real time . Tech Integration Coordinator, Lisa
Orlandella has been working with staff.
He also reported students created a 91h grade new student buddy program . They have established a weekly routine to
have Administrators meet with student leaders . A student newsletter is being created . He explained the Book Store
and iPad distribution process . He reported he has organized opening days to be introductory with orientation taking
place on A & B schedule . They are researching clubs and looking at where students live to . see if a club can happen
in towns and are not at the High School . He explained the sports schedule and transportation issues . One sports
session will begin at 4 p . m . and a second session of practice will start at 5 : 30 p .m . He reported he is working with
the Technology Director, Eileen Belastock, on programs for attendance that looks like a dashboard with away to get
reports that is manageable . Principal Ellsasser indicated there are 67 circles outdoors with a capacity for 13 chairs
and 1 teacher with 6 ' around each circle . He identified a space for each classroom where they will have mask breaks
or a lesson . He indicated there is no WiFi capacity outside . He reported that 850 desks and chairs were moved out
of the classroom and are being stored in the gym .
Principal Ellsasser reported that they will be running soccer, field hockey, cross country and football training .
Football and Volleyball will take place in a Fall 2 session . Clubs can be exercise related . He and the Athletic
Director are trying to do everything they can do to provide kids an opportunity to get together and be outside . He
also indicated that students who are taking jewelry, photography and fine arts classes will have an arts kit to pick up .
Principal Ellsasser explained what is in place for assisting students with social emotional needs/mental health . The
teachers, counselors, adjustment counselors and family get involved to assist the student . Concerns were shared by
members about students getting the support they need and would like to see a clear and easy path to get services .
They continually discuss more resources for students who could provide more services . Principal Ellsasser
mentioned the Advisor/Advisee program that is being revamped . He indicated one adult connecting with one
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student, makes all the difference . When asked about systematic checks on what is working and what is not working,
Principal Ellsasser indicated this was designed by teachers from all different departments that read through the
feedback from spring . There is a need to have on- going professional development and the revised calendar allows
for that time . Teachers can also go see the Technology Integration specialist during their prep blocks . He indicated
they will loop back on a regular bases and makes improvements in delivery of instruction from parents teachers and
students .
The importance of teachers ' eyes on kids and in-person learning was mentioned . Principal Ellsasser indicated that
everyone went into education to spend time with kids . They are taking care of academics and remote learning. He is
open to suggestions for getting students together . He indicated that bussing is a problem but people are working on
all of this and it is very complicated . They are figuring out how to get kids in clubs and sports as much as possible .
He also reported how students can get tech support and have identified faculty and students who have technology
experience who could be available to assist . He would like to have 3 - 5 people who are available during each block
of school should someone need support . They are seeing what that will look like after school hours as well . The
Superintendent will invite the new Technology Director to the next school committee meeting . She has been looking
at the tech support across the entire district . They are working very hard to refine the systems to give kids the best
education possible . Parents also want to have a creative method of getting the kids together one way or another . He
indicated getting school open and things working is the first priority.
Superintendent ' s Report
Superintendent Conrad reported on staffing and the need going forward . He reported that Paul Richard, Facilities
Manager at the Middle School has retired . . He shared his thoughts that Paul is one of the finest people he has met
and qualified beyond belief. He has been with the Middle School for many years . Paul has been thinking about
retiring for quite a while now . He talked with the Superintendent about having Rick Peters, who he highly regards
and who has been working with him to get comfortable with the operations , as the new Head of Facilities and
Maintenance . The Superintendent announced that Rick Peters will step into the role and will be an excellent leader .
He also indicated that he has been working closely with Union Leadership and they continue to work through issues .
He thanked Principal Ellsasser for his work on the hybrid model at the High School and hopes we can find ways to
get back to that model of learning .
He indicated he wants the staff and students back on the campus in a safe environment . He indicated they are
making positive steps in that direction . He has a technician working on the air quality, ventilation and air flow in all
the schools .
He stated that the High School ended up in this situation because they are on a list of school districts that Mechanical
Air Control works with and the company is very busy . The District has been using Mechanical Air Control for 13
years . The Middle School has been given the green light from Mechanical Air Control, noting everything is working
at its full capacity as designed . They are checking air flow in classrooms . He is patiently awaiting the reports .
Elementary Schools are in good shape across the District.
The plan for the High School going forward is to have Mechanical Air work on N Building . They will look at N
building and A building where most classroom spaces are to get those up and running .
A building —identified a number of motors that should be replaced . That building will be ready to be back in service .
B & C buildings - Life Skills Program - if they can get them back on line they will not have to move OT & PT
equipment . They are very hopeful and could have it ready by the first day of school . Shops - they spent a lot of
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time in woodworking and jewelry making where there are huge fans in each room . They did not test those today.
They feel these will be in good shape and won ' t be a long term project . The auditorium has 3 classes being taught in
that space . They will have an analysis and report on E building soon . The time table was shared on the
Superintendent ' s Spotlight show about the switch to remote learning and the hopes to be in hybrid learning on
October 15th The Superintendent indicated he is pleased so far with the cost. Motors are $ 800 each . He indicated
that the Business Manager is comfortable with investing at this point, noting these buildings need to carry the school
out a couple of years as we get to the building project . E building is the most concern in terms of cost and they will
get cost estimates . Approximately $ 15 , 000 has been spent at this point. $40 , 000 is earmarked for HVAC in the
Capital Plan . The Superintendent indicated that Mechanical Air Control will be back through the buildings and do
analysis of other areas . This will be a conversation in the budget process . The owner of Mechanical Air Control
indicated he will help the District on this . The Superintendent instructed the Principal to send a letter to parents
apprising them of the status of the high school and timeline that is anticipated going forward .
The Superintendent indicated that because transportation is so structured, seats are assigned and pick up and drop off
is in the same location . They continue to look for volunteer bus monitors for the first two weeks of school for the
elementary schools .
It was also indicated that there is enough bandwidth at the school . The Superintendent indicated that Principal
Ellsasser and the Director of Technology, Eileen Belastock are working hand -in-hand on this . They have the
bandwidth to run the program .
The topic of students ' mental health was mentioned as well as the grant funded Saturday program . The
Superintendent indicated that they were at capacity for the program and he would like to expand that program .
Telehealth was mentioned to access a mental health professional instantly . The Superintendent indicated he will talk
to the new Director of Student Services, Mary Buchanan about this .,
Chair Easley shared that Channel 22 local station has a website to get up to date information and they have
developed an app for the phone . It is an important way to share community information .
The Chair also shared that most Administrators and educators did not have a summer . He indicated these people
have been working non- stop to develop plans, protocols, and procedures to get school open . Peoples stress levels are
high but he asks that everyone keep calm and appreciate efforts that have been put out .
Capital Asset Reclassification- held until next meeting .
FY21 Budget
Giovanna Venditti reported that there will be a Dashboard next month with salaries encumbered .
Policies for a Second Reading
On a motion by Ian Mack, seconded by Ed Brookshire it was voted unanimously to approve the policies,
EBC Supplemental for the Pandemic , IHBHE Remote Learning and EBCFA Face Coverings for a second reading .
On a roll call the vote was as follows : Robert Jacobus — yea, Ian Mack — yea, Judy Schumacher — yea, Richard
Stewart — yea, Josh Stewart — yea, Amy Handel — yea, Tom Fitzgibbons - yea, Ed Brookshire — yea, Chris Easley —
yea
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Set Retreat Date
Members discussed the format and date of a retreat for school committee members . The Chair will send out further
information .
Reports and Information
Cape Cod Collaborative — Robert Jacobus reported that there were a lot of updates with Covid information and
dealing with staffing issues . Students are back in person .
Chair Easley stated that the Region School Committee cannot meet in person yet as they do not have video/TV
access unless they use the town halls that are not open yet for public meetings . It was suggested we look into the TV
Studio at the High School for taping.
Tom Fitzgibbons indicated there is an Ad Hoc Committee in Brewster that is formulating a response for the. Nauset
Building Project. There is a rough draft on line . They will edit it on the 16th . They will put together a document and
put pros and cons of the project . He will keep the committee informed .
Adjournment
On a motion by Josh Stewart, seconded Ian Mack, it was voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 8 : 39 p . m . .
On a roll call the vote was as follows : Robert Jacobus — yea, Ian Mack — yea, Judy Schumacher — yea, Richard
Stewart — yea, Josh Stewart — yea, Amy Handel — yea, Tom Fitzgibbons - yea, Ed Brookshire — yea, Chris Easley —
yea
Submitted by,
Ann M . Tefft
Included in packet : Policies, minutes,
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