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Brewster School Committee
Minutes of December 20, 2007
Held at Eddy Elementary School
Chair O'Reilly called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
For the Committee: Steve Jones, Marie Enochty, John O'Reilly, Jennifer Rabold, David
Telman
For the Administration: Michael Gradone, Gail Briere, Denise Fronius, Keith Gauley
Others: Tom Wingard, Ryan Kinski, Scott Fronius
AGENDA CHANGES
- Mr. O'Reilly moved the Little League Field Request (IV.B) up on the agenda for
discussion following the administrators' reports.
CITIZENS SPEAK -None
PRIORITY BUSINESS
Administrators' Resorts
Mr. Gauley congratulated Stacey Faris and Leah Belliveau for the wonderful Winter
Concert. He announced that the MCAS Academies will begin with English/Language
Arts on January 7 and the Math Academy will begin February 25. He explained the work
being done with Differentiated Instruction and had samples of work completed clearly
showing the process students and teachers follow. The lockdown drill recently
conducted went very well. And, he reported on the deficit in the special education which
still is anticipated to be between $15,000 and $20,000 at year end. They were able to
save about $2,000 by reworking an educational assistant's schedule.
Mrs. Fronius reported that the concert that was held last week was terrific. She had an
example of the work done in Art (Toni Young) which not only has the students doing art
but other curriculum is incorporated in the work as well (math, science, etc.). She was
pleased to report the teachers using Differentiated Instruction in each of the classes she
observed. The process followed during the two Professional Development days in
November was also a part of her report.
REPORTS AND INFORMATION
Little Leaaue Field Request
Mr. Gradone received the request from the Brewster Regional Little League to place a
shed beyond the left/center field fence at the Eddy School. Inasmuch as this is budget
time, the principals and he did not have the time needed to carefully look at the request.
This is on the agenda for discussion only. After full review a recommendation will be
made. Mr. Wingard (BRLL) thanked the Committee for their support and participated in
the discussion which included the ownership of the shed once it is brought on to the
school property, liability, use of the field by the BRLL and other organizations, and how
Brewster School Committee Minutes -December 20 2007 Pa e 2
nice it is that the field has been improved so that it can be used by the students and
community. Communication between organizations is important to prevent conflicts.
PRIORITY BUSINESS (Cont.)
Consider Special Education Continaencv
Mr. Gradone reported that the Sustainable Budget Forum discussion led to the
recommendation of a Contingency Fund being established in each of the four towns to
support unanticipated Special Education costs which come after the budgets are set.
The possibility of using Medicaid receipts as a funding source would be considered. The
fund could be under the control of some agency other than the School Committee to
ensure the money would be used only for its intended purpose. It was moved by Steve
Jones, seconded by Marie Enochty and voted unanimously to authorize a warranf
article to establish a Contingency Fund for unanticipated Special Education costs.
REPORTS AND INFORMATION
Cape Cod Collaborative
Marie Enochty reported that Walter Healy will be retiring at the end of next year so they
are looking at the process they will follow to replace him. The Collaborative is also
planning the all-Cape professional development day in January.
Financial Reports
Questions were answered regarding various accounts in the monthly financial reports.
Once the budgets are produced and time allows transfers will be presented for the
Committee's approval to better indicate the real balances in the accounts in question.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
It was moved by Marie Enochty and seconded by Steve Jones to approve the minutes of
November 75, 2007. Voted unanimously.
ADJOURNMENT
- It was moved, seconded and voted unanimously to adjourn, subject to paying bills, at
7:55 p. m.
Respectfully submitted,
B.J. Newmier, Secretary
Brewster School Committee
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