HomeMy Public PortalAboutBrewster School Committee -- 2011-01-20 Minutes AppArivED
Brewster School Committee
Minutes of Thursday, January 20, 2011
Held at Eddy Elementary School
Chair O'Reilly called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
For the Committee: David Telman, Jen Rabold, Marie Enochty, and Chair O'Reilly
Mara Liebling arrived at 7:10 p.m.
For the Administration: Richard Hoffmann, Bonny Gifford,Ann Caretti, Keith Gauley and Denise Fronius
Others: Town Officials and interested citizens
AGENDA CHANGES
Preliminary Report on Transportation Survey
Reports/Information from Mara Liebling
CITIZENS SPEAK—none
PRIORITY BUSINESS
Principal Fronius reported on a child with a serious illness at the Stony Brook School who will require
tutoring services for the next three months. Principal Gauley indicated that they have seen incredible
growth in Dibels scores and will report at the February meeting. He also recognized staff and families for
their involvement in the Reading Night on January 11 in. Interventions for students will begin at the Eddy
School next week with after school and in school tutoring taking place.
Surplus Inventory
A list of surplus inventory was distributed to School Committee members. The next step in the process
would be to contact Charlie Sumner,Town Administrator, regarding the surplus inventory.
MOTION: On a motion by Marie Enochty, seconded by Jen Rabold, it was voted unanimously to
declare surplus the items listed.
FY12 Budget Update
Dr. Hoffmann indicated that the budget would increase to 12%with ARRA, Restore, and Needs Based
included in the budget figure. Principal Gauley reviewed his budget line-by-line with the Committee
noting the need for adjustments in a couple of accounts. It was noted there is an out-of-district
placement cannot be educated at the Eddy School. Mr. Gauley indicated that the following positions
have been lost over the last three years: 1.6 Classroom Teachers, 1.6 Special Needs Teachers,4.7
Educational Assistants,50%Reading Teacher, 25%Technology Teacher,20% P.E. Teacher, 20%Art
Teacher and reduction in cafeteria staff by 6.25 hours.
Principal Fronius reviewed the Stony Brook School budget line-by-line. Priority lists were also
presented, reviewed, and discussed. A discussion was held regarding moving a special needs teacher
from Stony Brook to the Eddy School with the implication being an increased caseload for teachers at
Stony Brook. This position also assists with help before school,small instructional reading groups,
and works with teachers as a special needs consultant. Discussion included how many priorities are
driven by Individual Student Plans and if not having this position will cost more money in the long-run.
Dr.Caretti indicated that the special needs teachers at Stony Brook have done an excellent job
helping with interventions and that a portion of their salary should be moved to regular education.
Discussion regarding the reading specialist ensued with some members feeling it is a high priority and
others i :'in, that the position was not utilized enough and that there was not enough student contact
4 time.
The custodial account was discussed noting that the Eddy School has no coverage for two hours in the
i� morning and no custodian after 9:30 p.m. The educational assistant position is needed help keep the
science lab up and running. This position could be a split with special education.
It was suggested that, as in the past,the Committee look for a target percent and look at what is a
necessity and what is not. The need to find new ways to do things was discussed as well as using high
school students for some community service work.
Dr. Hoffmann felt the Committee should get to the point where they can define the real priorities
because if there is to be an override,the budget needs to be finalized and the community needs to be
educated as to why this is necessary. Dr. Liebling suggested that the Committee keep the principals'
priority lists and strongly look at each of those priorities.
Chair O'Reilly indicated that Mr.Sumner gave him the figure of 2.5%over last year's budget
Chair O'Reilly indicated that there is a meeting with Selectmen on February 28u1 and a meeting with
FinCom on March 2"d.
Transportation Survey
Dr.Hoffmann distributed the preliminary results of the Transportation Survey. This item was tabled
until the February 171h meeting. Dr. Hoffmann indicated that most people were supportive.
Approval of Minutes
On a.motion by Ms. Enochty,seconded by Mr.Telman,it was voted unanimously to approve the
minutes of the December 6, 2010 meeting with the following correction:
°The Club"should read Brewster Whitecaps
Other Information
Dr. Liebling distributed information from the Brewster Energy Commission indicating they are interested
` in helping the schools save energy and also would like to review the Capital Plan items for efficiency.
Dr.Liebling also distributed information from the Cape Cod Light Compact with incentives available for
the schools. They are trying to coordinate some sort of educational program where parents can sign up
and get energy audits. Principal Gauley indicated that the Eddy School had already been audited and
that the program raised$2,300 for the school.
Dr. Liebiing asked if the Committee would consider opening up the Whitecaps Agreement to look at a
piece of the contract concerning vendors. Dr. Liebling thought that other vendors should be allowed to
sell items at the games with a portion of the proceeds going back to the school. It was the consensus of
the Committee to have the PTO talk to the Whitecaps regarding this issue and to work with the
Whitecaps if they so desire.
Dr.Hoffmann distributed the Capital Plan to the Committee for future discussion and review at the next
meeting.
Executive Session
On a motion by Mr.Telman,seconded by Ms. Rabold it was voted by roll call vote, to go into Executive
Session for the purpose of discussing strategy with respect to collective bargaining with union and non
union employees.
On a roll call the vote was as follows: Dr. Liebling—aye, Mr.Telman-aye, Ms. Rabold-aye,
Ms. Enochty-aye,and Chair O'Reilly-aye.
The Committee went into Executive Session at 9:35 p.m.and announced they would not return to
public session.
Resp Hy submitted, Ann Tefft
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