HomeMy Public PortalAboutBrewster School Committee -- 2011-06-16 Minutes AIN E]ovED
Brewster School Committee
June 16, 2011
Brewster Town Hall
Present for the Committee: Marie Enochty, Donna Kalinick, Dave Telman and Chair Rabold
Present for the Administration: Richard Hoffmann, Bonny Gifford, Ann Caretti,
Hans Baumhauer, Denise Fronius and Keith Gauley
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Rabold called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m.
CITIZENS SPEAK
None
RECOGNITIONS
Principals will give recognitions in their reports.
PRIORITY BUSINESS
Administrators Reports
Principal Fronius gave a brief summary of how they are meeting their goals in the first year
of the School Improvement Plan including the academic accomplishments and their focused
interventions in grades 1 and 2,as well as continued improvement of the school climate.
Principal Fronius reviewed the Dibels Scores and the Writing Benchmarks stating that
students in grade 2 are on grade level when moving into grade 3. The PTO received just under
$400 for their fundraiser with Stop and Shop. Field day was a great day with the White Caps
players very involved with each station and attended the BBQ. The end of the year
classrooms are having many celebrations. At this time she recognized the retirees from Stony
Brook: Paul Fagan and Beth Biathrow.
Kindergarten enrollment is at 75 with approximately 3 registration packets still not returned.
Families are moving to Brewster because of the wonderful schools. Principal Fronius as well
as Principal Gauley thanked everyone for supporting the Proposition 2 1 Override.
Principal Gauley reviewed the reading,writing benchmarks. He also indicated that grade 2 to
3 transitions went very well. He recognized the BUGS Award Winners: Delanie Manner,
Manuela Rios, Angela Bornstien, and Amber Bailey. These students were recognized by the
Lower Cape Kiwanis Club of Orleans for bringing up their grades successfully. He is working
with Dr. Caretti on staffing and programs. At this point he feels that all needs can be met
within the present budget. Principal Gauley gave a brief update on the School Improvement
Plan. He distributed a School Council Survey for the Committee's review indicating that next
year's updated targets will be adjusted according to the feedback from the surveys.
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Chair Rabold stated that budget cuts made the budget very tight this year at Eddy. She
indicated she does not want to be in that position next year. If there is a situation, she urged
Administration to keep the Committee informed.
Ann Caretti, Director of Student Services reported on the purchase of a new software program
called Kurzweil. A demonstration will be presented by staff at a future meeting noting that
this program is not just for Special Needs students but for all students. This program is also
available to students during MCAS testing which eliminates having someone read tests to
students and helps them feel more independent. The teachers are very excited about this new
program.
Dr. Gifford,Assistant Superintendent reported the Literacy Action Plan is finished and will be
presented at the Joint School Committee meeting. The District Math Team is beginning an in-
depth exploration of the new Framework which will require changes in practice.
Dr. Gifford is preparing a Race To The Top narrative detailing how our project selections align
with the district improvements plans and RTTT goals as well as brief narratives and budgets
for each selected project. Projects include: implement statewide educator evaluation
framework, align curriculum to MA Frameworks,strengthen climate, conditions and school
culture,implement schools interoperability framework (SIF), develop and implement a plan
to increase the percentage of high school graduates completing MassCore and implement
elements of the statewide teaching and learning system.
Dr. Hoffmann reported that a new principal for Eastham Elementary School has been hired,
Joanne"Scottie" Finnegan. There is a reception for her on June 21st at Eastham Elementary
School and all are invited to attend. A new Technology Coordinator has been hired, Barbara
Lavoine and she will begin on August 1St. Dr. Gifford and Dr. Hoffmann will be working with
all Principals on August 1, 2, and 3 focusing on the new teacher administrator evaluation
system which is a top priority for the district. Dr. Hoffmann also indicated that he will be
recommending that the Wellness Policy go back to the subcommittee as some information
may be inaccurate regarding flavored milk. Dr. Liebling wrote some revisions for the policy
hoping to clarify some points. The Chair of the Wellness Committee, Sarah Blackwell would
like to hold a forum to explain the policy and the ideas behind the policy for parents.
Dr. Hoffmann noted that Commissioner Chester visited Eddy school this past month.
He also thanked Committee members for attending the Celebration of Excellence.
FY11 Budget Update
Mr. Baumahuer stated that the schools were tracking toward the end of the year and closing
the books. The Principals are putting together priority lists to spend down balances as
budgets have been frozen since February.
Capital Plan Update
Hans Baumhauer reviewed the Capital Improvement Plan and thanked the Town of Brewster
for the capital money. He also recognized Barry Schofield for doing a fantastic job
assisting with these capital projects.
Chair Rabold asked about the HVAC system, as at one point they were planning to replace the
entire system. She asked if they need to consider putting it on the Capital Plan 2012.
Mr. Baumhauer indicated that conversations with Mr. Sumner need to take place.
Ms. Kalinick noted that$50,000 has been spent on the system for repairs and that there will
be no money left in the fall in that account. She questioned what would happen if the system
broke down and asked if it would come out of the regular budget. Principal Gauley indicated
that Mr. Sumner was aware of the situation. Mr. Baumhauer indicated that if it broke down
they would have to ask for supplemental appropriations or transfer capital funds from
another project. The HVAC system is included in the five-year capital plan.
Mr. Baumhauer informed the Committee that an RFP was sent out for the Food Service
Department. He let the Committee know that all cafeteria personnel met so that they know
what is happening with the RFP. Proposals will be coming in and he will keep the Committee
updated. Presently the Brewster cafeteria is running in a$30,000 deficit.
He noted that Principal Fronius and Chair Rabold are on the RFP Committee. He also noted
that proposals are not binding but concluded that the cafeterias must run in a more efficient
manner.
Superintendent's Evaluation
Committee members evaluated the Superintendent in five areas: Leadership, Management,
Community Relations, Professional Behavior, and Communication with School Committee
members. According to the Open Meeting Law,all written documents that are a part of the
evaluation will become public documents at the Joint Meeting.
Dr. Hoffmann appreciated all the time and effort committee members put into the evaluations
as it is a growth process for the Superintendent
Bus Transportation
Dr. Hoffmann reported that the bus company has released a draft of the bus schedules and
they are posted on the Nauset website. Dr. Hoffmann plans on sending an email blast to
parents so that they can take a look at the stops and send their thoughts or concerns to
Mr. Baumhauer, in the Business Office. Chair Rabold indicated that parents really need to look
at the bus routes and stops. Ms. Enochty reminded everyone that the first couple of weeks of
school will be tough, as with anything new, and that people need to be patient.
Ms. Kalinick asked if a discussion had taken place regarding parent drop off areas.
Principals Gauley and Fronius assured the Committee they have a plan ready for
implementation.
REPORTS AND INFORMATION
Cape Cod Collaborative - no report
Transportation- no report
Policy-reported previously
Ms. Kalinick asked if any progress has been made with the empty Stony Brook classrooms and
the renting of these rooms. Principal Fronius indicated that the PTO is using one room and a
couple of the rooms are filled with surplus materials. Principal Fronius indicated that no one
has approached her to rent the space. Chair Rabold suggested that they talk with Cape Cod
Community College and have some sort of partnership with their students working with kids
in the schools.
Chair Rabold asked the Committee about televising the self-assessment meeting in July.
Committee member consensus was to televise the meeting. Chair Rabold indicated that a
good outcome would be to set some goals.
Chair Rabold also mentioned that the Visioning Workshop will be in the fall and the possible
dates are Friday, September 16th or Friday, September 30th.
Ms. Kalinick asked that parents review the results of the PTO survey. It was interesting that
staff and parents ranked study habits and science/technology as priorities.
She also noted that the Stony Brook students were delighted to learn they will have Library at
the Eddy school each week. Ms. Kalinick also went on the Grade 4 field trip to Breakwater
Beach and noted the students helped pick pieces of parking lot off the beach and piled them in
the parking lot for the DPW to pick up.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
On a motion by Marie Enochty, seconded by Dave Telman, it was voted to approve the minutes
of May 19, 2011.
ADJOURNMENT
On a motion by Dave Telman, seconded by Marie Enochty, it was voted to adjourn the meeting
at 8:42 p.m., subject to payment of bills.
Respectfully submitted,
Ann M.Tefft,recording secretary