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HomeMy Public PortalAboutBrewster School Committee -- 2009-03-12 Minutes Brewster School Committee AppENED Minutes of March 12, 2009 Held at Eddy Elementary School APR 15 Following the fabulous music performance of Mrs. Faris and Mrs. Hannon's first grade class, Chair O'Reilly called the meeting to order at 7:12 p.m. ROLL CALL: - For the Committee: Steve Jones, Marie Enochty, John O'Reilly, Jennifer Rabold, David Telman - For the Administration: Michael Gradone, Denise Fronius, Keith Gauley - Others: Town officials, parents, interested citizens AGENDA CHANGES - None CITIZENS SPEAK - Carolee Rusielewicz, Reading Specialist for the Brewster schools, read a letter she wrote to the Committee recognizing the difficult work the School Committee has to do with regards to the budget and the support for the students. PRIORITY BUSINESS - Administrators' Reports Denise Fronius reported that kindergarten enrollment is now at 60; she thanked the parent group for the successful Read-A-Thon which raised $6,000, 125 students participated; they had a great Multi-cultural Celebration; a book fair is being held the days of parent conferences. Keith Gauley reported that MCAS begin March 30; an on-line survey from the School Council has been developed; he thanked BESPIE for the Read-A-Thon; reported on Destination Imagination; Community Readers Day; and two donors came forward to help with the costs of Camp Lyndon. Michael Gradone reported that he, Denise, Keith and Gail toured Stony Brook with Charlie Sumner and Greg Levasseur to look at what additional space would be needed to consolidate the two schools; 6 full size classrooms and 6 smaller spaces. The next step is for an architect to estimate the cost of the addition. If affordable, the design costs will be on the Town Meeting Warrant. The School Committee may vote on endorsing the article at the April 16 meeting. He also reported that we received the Regionalization Planning Grant from the DESE. Representative Sarah Peake is setting a meeting for discussion with Lower Cape superintendents and representatives from the school committees. The Brewster School Committee should identify one member who could attend the meeting mid-day on April 13. Review FY 10 Budget Supt. Gradone explained that the administration looked at the budgets to consider all the possibilities to lower the budget. In order to close the gap from what the budget is now to the budget request from the Selectmen and Finance Committees, cutting one third grade teacher is the recommendation, bringing the class sizes to three classes of 22 and one of 21 which is within the School Committee's class size policy. Mr. O'Reilly permitted the audience to make statements and ask questions during the budget discussion. Many spoke in favor of keeping the third grade teacher; questioned special education needs; expressed concern over what happens if more students enroll in third grade; the use of volunteers; what happens at Town Meeting; questioned technology Brewster School Committee Minutes—March 12, 2009 Page 2 needs at the lower level; etc. It was clarified by administrators that the least impact on all of the students is the elimination of a third grade teacher; special needs students require very individual plans; should enrollment in the third grade go to 24, the administration would let the Committee know what the needs are and how to address that. School Committee members urged the parents to attend the meetings with the Selectmen and Finance Committee as well as Town Meeting. Mr. Jones and Mr. O'Reilly reviewed what happens at Town Meeting stressing the benefit of having the support of the Selectmen and/or Finance Committee so that the budget gets passed. Steve Jones moved that the Committee move forward with our budget of$5,901,068 with the understanding that we are prepared to reduce that by approximately$63,027 as long as the School Committee doesn't have to reduce it any more, and use the Federal Stimulus to make further reductions in the Town's appropriation. The motion was seconded by Marie Enochty. Voted: 4 Aye, 1 Opposed(J. Rabold). Consider Little League Field Request Tom Wingard of the Regional Little League thanked the Committee for their support. They once again are requesting use of the Robbins Field under the same guidelines as this year. They also asked for consideration of their using and constructing an infield on the existing soccer field at Eddy. Mr. Bassett from Brewster Recreation said that improvements to that field is on the Capital Plan for 2011. Mr. Gradone read a memorandum from Mr. Sumner asking for a delay in considering their request. There were questions and discussion. Supt. Gradone recommended that the Committee permit use of the field with the least modifications possible in the '09 season. It was moved by Marie Enochty, seconded by Jennifer Rabold and voted unanimously to permit the Regional Little League use of the additional field. as it is, and as schedule allows. Steve Jones moved, David Telman seconded and it was voted unanimously to allow the Regional Little League use of the Robbins field subject to coordination of the school schedule. REPORTS AND INFORMATION Cape Cod Collaborative Marie Enochty reported that they've selected their new director. Search Committee Update Marie reported that the Search Committee interviewed eight semi-finalists and narrowed it down to three. Tuesday and Wednesday members are doing site visits. The finalists will be interviewed at the Joint meeting on March 19 beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the Middle School. Other Jennifer Rabold asked if the Committee would consider changing the April meeting date. ADJOURNMENT - It was moved, seconded and voted unanimously to adjourn, subject to paying bills, at 10:40 p.m. Respectfully submitted, t:1 B.J. Newmier, Secretary Brewster School Committee