HomeMy Public PortalAboutBrewster School Committee -- 2008-01-17 Minutes~Il~wtii0dl~~
Brewster School Committee ~ ~~ ~ $_ t~lU~
Minutes of January 17, 2008
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: Town officials, parents, interested citizens
AGENDA CHANGES
- There will be an executive session to discuss negotiations with union personnel.
CITIZENS SPEAK
- None
PRIORITY BUSINESS
- Administrators' Reports
Mr. Gauley acknowledged the terrific progress the fifth grade music students have made
over the last four months, their demonstration was great; the math league competition
begins for grade 6 students but anyone up to grade 6 can participate.
Mrs. Fronius reported on the professional development day plans; and Kelly Bamatchez
has been published.
Mr. Gradone updated the Committee on the meeting with the Planning Board regarding
the special permit for Eddy Elementary, Mr. Jones agreed to take the paperwork to the
Registry of Deeds.
Proposed FY 09 Budget
Since there is a conflict of Town Meetings, Mr. Gradone will cover Eastham and Ms.
Briere will address Brewster. Ms. Briere gave a quick overview of the budget. The FY
09 budget is up 3.95% over the current year; there is one fewer teacher as a result of not
replacing a retiring teacher; there is one fewer special education educational assistant
due to a student moving out of the district; and the budget does include the addition of
new library software to replace the outdated system.
Mrs. Fronius reviewed the Stony Brook budget line by line explaining that a lot of
accounts have been reconfigured. She addressed Committee member's questions
during the review. The new library software will enable all of the schools to share books.
Mrs. Fronius said that originally she has put fo}rI . u~s~ he~udget but has taken
three of them out and will include them in the C~'pitatt'Plan for fechnology.
Mr. Gauley went over the Eddy budget line by line. In preparing, the budget, he asked
teachers what they need to service the students we)I. `-'
Brewster School Committee Minutes - January 77. 2008 Pape 2
Mr. Gradone noted that the budget is up 3.9% over last year and this does not include
health insurance benefits (waiting for information from Town Hall).
Ms. Briere reviewed the Brewster Only budget.
The principals were asked if the budget being presented will keep the same quality
education for the children. Mr Gauley said yes and Mrs. Fronius said that if there were
any cuts to the budget then it would impact the students' programs. Mr. Gradone
pointed out that there is nothing new in the budget; the library software is a replacement.
When asked if the administration could come back with what cuts would need to be
made to bring the budget down to 3%, Mr. Gradone said that he could do that in general
terms. The Committee needs to decide if they are willing to fight for the programs
should an override be necessary. Superintendent Gradone reminded the Committee
that two years ago, we came in under the Town's target and last year were slightly over,
but lower than other town departments. Mr. Jones would like to see the community see
what the programs are at the Middle and High Schools so they can see the success our
students make as they move upward thanks to the education and opportunities they
receive at the elementary level. The Committee will wait to take action until the February
meeting when more information is available.
REPORTS AND INFORMATION
Cage Cod Collaborative
Ms. Enochty reported on the amazing schedule for the Professional Development Day;
the Board is looking at hiring a new Collaborative director.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
It was moved by Marie Enochty and seconded by Jennifer Rabold to approve the
minutes of December 20, 2007. Voted unanimously.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
It was moved by Steve Jones, seconded by Jennifer Rabold and voted unanimously to
move into executive session fo discuss negotiations with union personnel. Roll Ca11
Vote: Marie Enochty -yes, David Telman -yes, Jennifer Rabold -yes, Steve Jones -
yes, John O'Reilly -yes. The Chair announced that there would be no further business
conducted in open session.
RETURN TO OPEN SESSION
The Committee returned to open session at 9:15
ADJOURNMENT
- It was moved, seconded and voted unanimously to adjourn at 9:15 p.m., subject to
paying bills.
Respectfully submitted,
B.J. Newmier, Secretary
Brewster School Committee