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HomeMy Public PortalAboutBrewster School Committee -- 2011-07-26 Minutes Thir � DDDO � Brewster School Committee D July 26, 2011 Brewster Town Hall Present for the Committee: Dave Telman, Donna Kalinick, Mara Liebling, Marie Enochty, and Jennifer Rabold Present for Administration: Principals Keith Gauley and Denise Fronius CALL TO ORDER Chair Rabold called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. AGENDA CHANGES Set Visioning date. CITIZENS SPEAK Chair Rabold welcomed Cameron Vandetti who is trying to earn his Citizneship in Community badge for Scouts. Visioning Date The possible dates suggested for the Visioning Event are Friday October 14 and Friday, October 21, 2011. Ms. Kalinick indicated the PTO is trying to get in touch with people who were involved in the Orleans visioning event,which was very successful and well attended. They would like to get information to parents at Open House in September. Principals Reports Denise Fronius reported that Craig Perrier would like to donate a bench to the Whitecap Field in memory of his father,Jim Perrier (accept gift at next meeting), First Parish Church of Brewster is extending their lease until their project is complete and surplus materials have been cleaned out of rooms. The Kindergarten enrollment number is at 78 and the census indicated it would be 53 children. They are getting close to the suggested maximum, but not there yet. Principal Fronius is concerned about the Kindergarten numbers and will increase time for an educational assistant in Kindergarten 45 minutes per day along with Kindergarten grant personnel. Principal Fronius will keep the Superintendent informed about the Kindergarten enrollment figure. Principal Gauley reported that the Eddy Elementary School is getting a lot of use this summer and the custodial services are on schedule. The Brewster Energy Committee did a roof walk looking at HVAC units. Last year between $40,000-$50,000 was spent on those units. The Energy Committee thinks they should be replaced sooner than later and suggested talking with Charlie Sumner. Eddy Elementary is transitioning another student back into the district into the "I Can"program. All before school programs will be held in the afternoon. Nauset Youth Alliance and the Recreation Department have planned for earlier dismissal times. Christine Seger has set up a prorated program from 2-3:00 p.m. (5 days a week- $6.00 per day) Brewster Recreation will begin at 3:00 p.m. Principal Gauley also indicated that Charlie Sumner was approached regarding having the Council on Aging at the Eddy School. A preliminary meeting was held to see what makes the most sense. Mr.Telman suggested if the Council on Aging is using the facility,perhaps they could use capital funding for the HVAC. Dave Telman indicated that he would attend any meetings regarding the Council on Aging using the Eddy School. Principal Gauley also indicated that the oil tanks have been topped off at the lower price rates. SCHOOL COMMITTEE SELF-EVALUATION Chair Rabold indicated that they would go through each item and make comments. Budget- "Review and understand the annual system budget, current and projected needs, and available resources in concordance with strategic plan objectives and initiatives." Most members felt they understand the process much more and that it gets better each year. Communication of Committee members and personal relations could be better. Budgets on the website available to the public helped this year. It was suggested that debates start earlier and that everyone should know where each member stands especially if it comes to a compromise vote. The Committee should pay more attention to the monthly expense reports. The Committee would like to know more about gift accounts and revolving accounts. Include the cafeteria in the budget. It was noted that each year the school transfers money into the cafeteria account so it will not run in a deficit. The cafeteria is taking money from the operating budget. It was also suggested that the Strategic Plan be kept in mind during the budget process. Some members were upset that there was no budget packet with this agenda and that no one from the Central Office was in attendance. Kindergarten numbers were discussed as well as the cohort projections. The Committee felt the cohort information was not accurate. The Chair indicated she would have the Business Manager email the end of year budget balances and transfers to the Committee. Developing Policy- "We review and revise existing policy and develop new policy as mandated by law or as the need arises to ensure quality education." Ms. Enochty indicated that the developing of policy was a joint Meeting decision and that there has been a lot of confusion in the voting process. The subcommittees work has been admirable. Dr. Liebling was a little disappointed in the process especially as it pertained to the Wellness Policy. At the first reading of a policy it should be discussed at each school level. It was indicated that first readings of policies were for discussion and second readings were for adoption. It was suggested that there should be more time to discuss and debate at the first reading. Policy adoption should not occur during the budget season. It was indicated that the policy book was updated about five years ago. At the School Committee Orientation Dr. Hoffmann indicated that he is going to recommend that an outside person, MASC, go through the policy manual and update. Evaluation of the Superintendent- "We ensure that the laws and policies of the system are developed and adhered to,the guiding documents of the district are upheld, and the strategic plan is followed and renewed through the annual performance evaluation process." It was the first year that this was recorded for television and the Committee felt they were honest with Dr. Hoffmann. It was suggested that the Committee have direct and honest communication with the Superintendent. Modeling Behavior- "We conduct ourselves in a professional manner in all settings in order to build support and appreciation for the school district." It was felt that everyone has always been professional and conducts himself or herself appropriately. Different opinions were welcomed as it challenges the status quo. Everyone wants the best school system for our children. The new Open Meeting Laws have made it difficult to have conversations outside of the meetings. It is important for people to note both sides of an issue. The bottom line is that it should always be about kids. Communication issues within the Committee were mentioned. Perhaps the way the School Committee is seated at meetings is awkward and people don't look at each other when they are talking. Dr. Liebling did not feel she was respected at meetings and at the final budget vote,some facial expressions were not respectful. Communication within the Committee can be improved. Ms. Enochty felt that at meetings the Committee should agree, not debate. She has learned to temper comments and does not always wish to respond. There is not always the need for back and forth discussion. Dr. Liebling felt that tone, look and side comments should be considered. If the group does not agree, come to an understanding as a group. Whatever the vote is,be respectful of it. Respect should be paramount between Committee members. Ms. Kalinick was disappointed that the budget was not pushed forward last year because they thought people would have supported an override. Chair Rabold felt televising the meetings is positive but behavior has changed. Comments are prefaced, television audience makes for a little posturing, political and less educational. She suggested that the Committee be aware of their constituents but encourage each other to express an opinion. Look each other in the eye when speaking. Working with Other Boards- "We build trust,support and understanding by establishing cooperative working relationships with town boards and agencies." Members felt that John O'Reilly and Steve Jones built a wonderful relationship with town boards and that the new Chair will too. It was also felt that Dr. Hoffmann did an incredibly )101r, good job. Information in the Town should be shared with School Committee. It was felt that the Committee had worked through a difficult time in a good way. Knowing the facts also helps in answering questions when asked by the public. This year a lot of people worked together to come to a successful conclusion. It was felt that there is non-respect and distrust with Selectmen and Finance Committee. Committees need to share needs and priorities. Committee chairs need to force civility on their Committees. There needs to be more communication and the budget process should be respectful. Ms. Enochty thought the process is very transparent and the budget process has come a long way. The Committee has worked very hard to improve relationships year to year. Dr. Liebling felt that people criticized the School Committee but the leaders, Dr. Hoffmann and John O'Reilly rose above all of it. Ambassadors to the Public- "We promote and support the school district through effective interaction with the community." It was felt that all members are wonderful ambassadors for the schools. They try to answer questions,attend functions, represent the Committee at region meetings, never lose site of the children/education and care about what happens to the schools. The Joint School Committee meeting voting was discussed. It was indicated that everyone has to vote as an individual at the Joint Meetings. Chair Rabold suggested that they check Roberts Rules and will check with Chair Guzzeau about talking about the vote before the Joint Meeting. It was also suggested that new members get training with MASC. GOALS 1. Spend time on issues other than budget like wellness, science curriculum and how to make education better. 2. Look at the two buildings again, examine the numbers, look at consolidation. Be financially responsible to the town. 3. Discuss Council on Aging moving into one of the schools. Talk about Cape Cod Community College using space for a program. Explore possibilities. 4. Get accurate cohort numbers. 5. Have consolidation discussions, cohorts, and enrollment on every agenda. 6. School Committee should be consistent. It is detrimental to keep cutting programs. 7. Need for long-term planning. 8. Schools need more science and technology. 9. Need accurate information. 10. Look at facility use. Would like specifics on the building use account. 11. Make the visioning event a valuable process. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Minutes were held until the next meeting. ADJOURNMENT Respectfully submitted, Ann Tefft,recording secretary