HomeMy Public PortalAboutBrewster School Committee -- 2010-11-18 Minutes Brewster School Committee
Minutes of Thursday, November 18,2010 FREE
Held at Eddy Elementary School
Chair O'Reilly called the meeting to order at 7:06 p.m.
ROLL CALL
For the Committee: Mara Liebling,John O'Reilly,Jen Rabold
For the Administration: Richard Hoffinann,Keith Gauley, and Hans Baumhauer
Others: Parents, and interested citizens
AGENDA CHANGES—Parental request for fifth grade student
CITIZENS SPEAK
Trish Hill,President of the Brewster PTO submitted a letter to the School Committee questioning the relocation of
the PTO closet at the Stony Brook Elementary School.
Greg Baecker distributed a handout to School Committee members regarding concessions and building
use fees.
RECOGNITIONS
Dr.Hoffmann recognized the following individuals who helped with the clean up as a result of a plumbing problem
at Eddy School that occurred on October 30`11: Anne Moore, Stacey Vendetti,Lynne McGrath,Frank Smith,Marni
Maintainis,Tiffany Nicely-Holleck,Amy Daley,Pam Griffen,Louise Dancause, Chris Ladde,Barry Schofeild and
Sean Pitta.
Martha Dunford, was recognized for being the recipient of a Paul Harris Fellowship Award from the Orleans Rotary
Club.
PRIORITY BUSINESS
Review Parental Request
Ms. Shasharma Dibble addressed the committee regarding a residency issue involving a fifth grade student.Chair
O'Reilly reminded the Committee that the residency requirements have been waived in the past under certain
circumstances and in the best interest of individual students.
On a motion by Ms.Rabold,seconded by Dr. Liebling, it was voted unanimously,to suspend the Residency
Policy and allow a fifth grader to remain at Eddy School for the remainder of the 2010-2011 school year.
Two Tier Bus Transportation System
Dion Dugan,Chair of the Region Transportation Subcommittee addressed the Brewster School Committee
regarding the possibility of moving from a three tier bus system to a two tier system,noting the potential benefits
and issues. After a lengthy discussion it was the consensus of the Committee that it is imperative to compile a
carefully worded survey for parents to hear their concerns or voice their support about the proposed two-tier bus
system. Dr.Hoffmann indicated that an"email blast"could be sent to all the parents informing them of the survey
monkey and their invaluable input.
Administrators' Reports
Principal Gauley reported on the Writing and Dibel Scores for Stony Brook Elementary,in Principal Fronius'
absence. He also informed the Committee of the"flood update"at Elementary School indicating that everything is
in great shape. It was noted that the cause of the"flood"was a plastic nut that cracked and broke. They will be
checking connections and checking on other plastic nuts to see if they need replacement.
A list of unserviceable computer equipment was distributed and the School Committee was asked to vote to declare
the items listed as unserviceable and scheduled for recycling.
On a motion by Ms. Rabold, seconded by Dr.Liebling,it was voted unanimously to have the items
listed recycled.
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Brewster School Committee Minutes—November 18, 2010 Page 2 i
Brewster Whitecaps Agreement
Hans Baumhauer,Business Manager,reviewed the revised Brewster Whitecap Agreement with changes highlighted.
The Committee will review the document and this will be placed on the December agenda. It was noted that the
Whitecaps will be paying for interchanging the netting,herbicides for the field,and maintenance of the sprinkler
system,formerly items paid for by the school.
In the absence of Dr.Bonny Gifford,Dr.Hoffmann distributed her report which highlighted Bullying Prevention
and Intervention, Literacy Plan Development,Math Literacy,and Grant updates.
The Superintendent reported that he requested the High School to find a way to make sure School Committee
members receive an invitation to all the different events. Dr. Hoffmann attended an outstanding concert at the High
School on October 28th with the choruses and bands. A Winter Festival is coming up on Saturday,December 4th
from 9:00 a.m.— 12:00 p.m. All are invited. The chorus and band will be performing throughout the morning.
Dr.Hoffmann indicated he recently met with the police chiefs from all four towns to discuss a Bullying Intervention
Plan. Eastham Police Chief, Ed Kulawik spoke to the Region School Committee on November 17` regarding the
inclusion of a School Resource Officer in the budget,along with the rationale behind the request which is supported
by all Chiefs and Dr.Hoffmann.
FY 11 Budget
Hans Baumhauer reviewed the budget transfers and answered questions from the Committee.On a motion by Ms.
Rabold,seconded by Dr.Liebling,it was voted unanimously to move the transfers as submitted.
Hans Baumhauer reviewed the enrollment projections with the Committee. The Committee asked
Mr.Baumhauer go back five years and see if the projections were accurate. This item was tabled until December,
when the Committee will review with the additional information.
FY12 Budget
Dr.Hoffmann reviewed the budget format with the Committee column by column. The Committee would like
to see one more column with totals. The Committee would like to present to the Town exactly what is needed to run
the schools. Dr.Hoffmann indicated the preliminary budgets would be in the mail on or about December 6h.
A parent voiced concerns about the programs eroding in Brewster,the age of the computer labs,and the need for
people to step up and support their schools.
Policies
Dr.Hoffmann reviewed the Bullying Policy with the Committee and indicated that the Superintendent has created a
model Prevention and Intervention Plan due to the Dept.of Education no later than December 31,2010.
On a motion by Ms.Rabold,seconded by Dr.Liebling,it was voted unanimously to accept the Bullying Prevention
Policy 5147 for a first reading. (2nd reading and adoption will be at the Joint School Committee meeting
on December 9h.) Tuesday,November 23rd Nauset will be holding District-wide Professional Development on the
topic of Bullying Prevention.
On a motion by Ms.Rabold, seconded by Dr. Liebling, it was voted unanimously to approve the amended
Harassment Policy for a first reading.
The Facebook Policy was tabled at this time as the Massachusetts Teachers Association and the Massachusetts
Association of School Committees is collaborating on this and will reissue a policy.
Building Use Fees
Dr.Hoffmann suggested that the Committee look at the samples that Hans Baumhauer provided from various
districts on the Cape. Eastham,Wellfleet and Orleans are looking at building use fees as well and this will be an
agenda item at the Joint meeting in January. It was suggested that the Middle School building use policy be
reviewed. The Committee discussed the need to have some policies in place for example: non-profit,profit,
who approves the use of the space etc. A discussion was held regarding closet space at the Stony Brook School.
This will be on item on the December agenda. The PTO can keep their space until the issues are resolved.
The School Committee requested Hans Baumhauer give them a proposal with fees for building use.
Brewster School Committee Minutes—November 18, 2010 Page 3
Visioning
The facilitator,Skye Freys-Cole,could not attend the November meeting but Dr.Hoffmann will ask her to be at the
December meeting. (need to get a funding source for the fee$1,600) Orleans having a Visioning Event on Jan. 7'
2011.
REPORTS AND INFORMATION
Cape Cod Collaborative—no report
Transportation Subcommittee—discussed earlier in the meeting
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
On a motion by Ms. Rabold,seconded by Dr.Liebling, it was voted unanimously to approve the minutes of the
meeting of October 21,2010.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
On a motion by Ms.Rabold,seconded by.Dr.Liebling,it was voted to go into Executive Session at 9:35 p.m. for the
purpose of discussing strategy with respect to collective bargaining with union employees. The Committee
announced they would not return to public session.
On a roll call the vote was as follows: Dr. Liebling—aye,Ms. Rabold—aye, and Chair O'Reilly—aye
ADJOURNMENT
The Committee,by a roll call vote,came out of Executive Session and adjourned at 10:00 p.m.,subject to payment
of bills.
On a roll call the vote was as follows:
Ms.Rabold—aye,Dr.Liebling—aye,and Chair O'Reilly-aye
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Recording Secretary
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