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HomeMy Public PortalAboutBrewster School Committee -- 2011-12-15 Minutes APPR OVED Brewster School Committee Brewster Town Hall December 15. 2011 Present for the Committee: Dave Telman, Donna Kalinick, Marie Enochty, and Jennifer Rabold Present for Administration: Principals Keith Gauley and Denise Fronius,Ann Caretti, Barbara Lavoine, Hans Baumhauer, Bonny Gifford and Richard Hoffmann CALL TO ORDER Chair Rabold called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. AGENDA CHANGES Request to waive residency policy. CITIZENS SPEAK Mr. Greg Baecker asked the committee's consideration in establishing a preschool program for all children who live in Brewster starting at 31/2 years old. RECOGNITION None Request Waiver- Residency Issue Principal Gauley addressed the Committee regarding a fifth grade student remaining at Eddy Elementary, even though the family just moved to Chatham. On a motion by Marie Enochty, seconded by Donna Kalinick, it was voted unanimously to waive the School Committee Residency Policy for fifth grade student, Katie Brisson. Principals Reports Denise Fronius invited the School Committee and Administration to the December 21st Sing-a- long at Stony Brook Elementary School at 12:30 p.m. Attendees were requested to bring a non-perishable food item for the Giving Tree located in the lobby. Donna Kalinick asked about the window situation in the first grade corridor. Principal Fronius indicated that she met with Barry Schofield and he is looking at the windows, the installation, and the gutters (were they properly installed). Air quality has been checked and everything is okay. The work will take place during April vacation. The windows are not included in the Capital Plan. Jillian Douglas indicated that the project may be eligible for a grant. Principal Fronius will update the Committee as she gets further information. Principal Gauley congratulated Principal Fronuius for her coordination of the MESPA event. The Cape Museum of Fine Art displayed artwork of Taylor Branch and Johnny McCarthy. He also congratulated Mrs. Faris and the Eddy School Chorus for their wonderful holiday performances with the Cape Cod Symphony. He thanked the Eddy School Service Club for all their hard work throughout the holiday season. (centerpieces were gifted to School Dr. Hoffmann attended the Cape Symphony and thought the Eddy Chorus was outstanding! He also visited the Brewster Council on Aging to see the Nauset High School Chorus Perform. Both younger and older artists were fabulous. Technology Update Barbara Lavoine, Director of Technology, introduced herself to the Committee and reviewed the Technology Plan for Eddy and Stony Brook Schools. Some of the items included: moving forward on a wireless solution, stabilizing the infrastructure, getting a more efficient cycle to replace equipment, and the substitute on line program. Chair Rabold inquired about the on line substitute system and it was indicated that subs will log in and book substitute days. Many Cape communities already use this technology for substitutes. FY12 Budget Update Hans Baumhauer indicated that monthly expense reports included transfers that were voted last month. Committee members questioned accounts: 5051 - extraordinary maintenance-overage due to lost freezer and alarm system, 5048- maintenance of building- overage due to HVAC. (now charging to Capital Warrant Article) Donna Kalinick asked that the committee have a report on the capital warrant article. Almost$140,000 has been spent to date. Meeting with Charlie Sumner for contingency plan, HVAC unit- 3 stage unit running on 1 stage. SN Instructional Materials - overage due to unique needs particular to student's needs. 7019-Contracted Services - Prof. Dev. -will make transfer (5 staff members going to Bridgewater State University) 7060-SN Salaries Ed. Asst. -this will continue to run in the negative. This was an out-of- district placement,brought back to Eddy, hired Educational Assistant. (savings in transportation will take care of deficit) It was noted that amounts are coded to accounts with no money because the Business Office has to report to the Department of Education for money spent in each area. Chair Rabold asked that Revolving Accounts and the Cafeteria Accounts be included in next month's report. Hans Baumhauer indicated that there was good information generated from the RFP process. He reviewed the profit and loss statements for the schools. Chair Rabold asked that the Committee receive a monthly report on the cafeteria accounts. Discussion ensued about the Wellness Policy and a la carte items. Dr. Hoffmann indicated that the Mass. Guidelines include fat and sugar content. Ice cream could be offered once or twice a week. Projected losses for Stony Brook- $10,000. Projected loss for Eddy- $1,500. Chair Rabold indicated she was not comfortable with the status quo and discussed meals per labor hour figures. She also indicated she was not willing to have a$30,000 transfer at the end of each year. The Breakfast Program was discussed and ways to increase participation. Marie Enochty felt Administration should educate people about Free and Reduced Lunch applications and conditions. Mr. Baumhauer indicated that a Free and Reduced Lunch application can be submitted any time of the year. Mr. Baumhauer indicated he would look at the cafeteria supply account in depth. It was noted that retirements were not included in budget yet. Account 5021 -new curriculum frameworks warrant new texts. (student's reading abilities going up significantly) Textbooks industry discussed and thoughts about more electronic devices ensued. It was suggested that all the Technology be in one place in the line item budget. Could some of the lines be consolidated? (hardware, software, instruction and non-instruction). Chair Rabold asked could some of the technology come from the Capital money? Transportation was discussed. Hans Baumhauer indicated he will have a history next month, Brewster went from 9 buses to 11 buses. Principal Gauley stated that the Cape Light Compact contract is running out. This was a 3 - year contract. Special Needs teacher at Eddy Elementary was discussed, up 100%, as it was not in the budget this year. 100%is in the line item budget for next year. Account 7060, Educational Assistant salaries increased as someone was hired for a student who came back from the Collaborative. There is a substantial savings in getting this child back in the district. The Special Needs Supply line has increased because a lot of special needs students benefit from an IPAD or a Netbook. Chair Rabold asked if grants were available for this type of purchase. Total increase for Eddy School = $121,974 (increase 4.05%) Total increase for Stony Brook School = $2,250 (increase 0.07) Total combined increase = 1.97 Note: benefits not included- Mr. Baumhauer will get these figures from the town. Donna Kalinick asked if there was any chance of bringing back a science teacher. The Committee asked that the percentages at the end of the columns be checked, consolidate lines for the public, and see enrollment history. Enrollment Included in the packet was October 1 enrollment for this year, projected 2012-13 enrollment, Principals' projections, and NESDEC projections. Chair Rabold requested a 10 year enrollment history. The Committee would also like to see special needs enrollment by grade and by school for 10 years. The Committee would also like a report of the Special Needs enrollments by school and by grade. Dibels scores and interventions were discussed. Dr. Caretti indicated she would pull together information on at risk students and the interventions. A question was raised as to whether students were being misidentified or over identified. Dr. Hoffmann asked that if the Committee had any other questions to email him or the Business Manager. Dr. Hoffmann stated the next meeting would be January 19th and the budget hearing January 31st. It was also noted February School committee meeting is February 9th.