HomeMy Public PortalAboutBrewster School Committee -- 2007-04-26 Minuteseooo~
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Brewster School Committee
Minutes of April 26, 2007 ~vi~'~ ~ ~ ~'CJOI
Held at Eddy Elementary School
Chair O'Reilly called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
For the Committee: Steve Jones, Marie Enochty, Steve Leibowitz, John O'Reilly,
Jennifer Rabold
For the Administration: Linda Medeiros, Susan Hyland, Denise Fronius, Paul Bradstreet,
Gail Briere
AGENDA CHANGES -None
CITIZENS SPEAK -None
PRIORITY BUSINESS
Administrators' Reports
Denise Fronius reported that 216 parents came to the Parent Conferences; grade 2
students crafted "vests" from paper bags as part of their book reports; each student will
have a writing folder which will move with them through the grades, tracking their
progress; Elisa Bucci is moving to first grade next year (she volunteered) and Martha
Dunford passed her Reading MTEL test.
Paul Bradstreet reported on the fantastic performance the whole school attended at the
Cape Cod Symphony, 4th and 5th grade students came up with the story and the High
School created the music and he commended Chuck Hollander-Essig for his
participation; students made a nice showing at Destination Imagination; the 5th grade
Talent Show was a great event; the community service group continues their fund
raising efforts; Area Princi will be teaching 5th grade next year; the fencing is coming for
the baseball field; he and Denise recommend that the summer activities continue to be
held at Eddy; and he and Denise met with the new principal, Keith Gauley.
Linda Medeiros introduced her successor, Gail Briere.
Denise Fronius also reported that they (she, Paul and Mike) will be making a
recommendation at the May meeting to have 3 full-time educational assistants next year
in the best interests of the children (they had considered six .5 positions).
Town Meeting Preparation
It is expected that Town Meeting should go smoothly in that the Finance Committee and
the Selectmen have voted to support the budget. Mr. O'Reilly indicated that the updated
Capital Plan will be on the May agenda.
Consider Transfers
Bi:rsiness Manager Susan Hyland reported that this has been a difficult year with
unexpected expenses for a child with severe disabilities in an out-of-district program
which requires us to pay the transportation ($65,000). Something in the child's program
Brewster School Committee Minutes - A ril 26 2007 Pa e 2
changed meaning that the earlier anticipated additional expense was $48,000 and has
now increased to $80,000. There was discussion about how to proceed inasmuch as
the $48,000 is on the warrant for Town Meeting. Mrs. Hyland explained the process she
follows in making recommendations for transfers to help the principals in dealing with
year-end needs. It was moved by Marie Enochty and seconded by Steve Leibowitz to
approve FY2007 budget transfers as requested. Following more discussion, the motion
was approved unanimously.
Mrs. Hyland distributed a report to show two scenarios of how funds could be spent.
Concern was expressed that the cost of the special ed student's transportation was not
in the 2008 budget; Mrs. Fronius indicated that this child will be at Stony Brook next year
so the transportation cost won't be an issue. There was discussion regarding changing
the figure on Town Meeting floor and going to the Finance Committee to ask for funding
out of Reserve funds to cover deficits in contracted services (unexpected expenses).
The principals will hold any purchasing until after Town Meeting.
Consider School Choice
It was moved by Steve Jones, seconded by Jennifer Rabold and voted unanimously
not to participate in School Choice for 2007-08.
Consider Policy at Second Reading
It was moved by Steve Jones, seconded by Marie Enochty and voted unanimously to
approve Policy 3961-Textbook and Curriculum Modules Selection and Adoption at
second reading.
REPORTS AND INFORMATION
Cape Cod Collaborative
Jennifer Rabold brought the Committee up-to-date on the various programs and
initiatives at the Cape Cod Collaborative.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
It was moved by Marie Enochty and seconded by Steve Leibowitz to approve the
minutes of March 15, 2007. Voted unanimously.
ADJOURNMENT
- It was moved, seconded and voted unanimously to adjourn , subject to paying bills
at
8:23 p.m. ,
Respectfully submitted, ° ~'
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B.J. Newmier, Secretary ?;
Brewster School Committee r' -
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