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HomeMy Public PortalAboutBrewster School Committee -- 2012-02-09 Minutes .mow FF7H Brewster School Committee February 9, 2012 Brewster Town Hall Present for the Committee: Dave Telman, Donna Kalinick, Marie Enochty,Jennifer Rabold and Mara Liebling Present for Administration: Principals Keith Gauley and Denise Fronius,Ann Caretti, Hans Baumhauer, Bonny Gifford and Richard Hoffmann CALL TO ORDER Chair Rabold called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. The Eddy School Chorus performed a couple of songs under the direction of Stacey Faris, Choral Director. CITIZENS SPEAK None RECOGNITIONS Dr. Hoffmann recognized and thanked the Eddy School Chorus for their wonderful performance. Tom and Stacey Faris were also recognized for their hard work and dedication to students in the music programs throughout the district. Robert's Rules The Committee engaged in a brief review of Robert's Rules and Parliamentary Procedures. Marie Enochty led the committee through terminology and procedures taken from the MASC website and from Jim Hardy. Mr. Telman suggested that the Motion Guide be given to new committee members at the school committee orientation. Dr. Hoffmann agreed. Amendments, Main Motions, and Friendly Amendments were clarified, noting that a Chair can rule an amendment out of order if it is not germane to the motion. The Citizens Speak portion of the meeting was mentioned and it was suggested time limits be given to citizens. The role of the Chair, procedures and process was discussed. A question was raised by Donna Kalinick if Union 54 voting was by committee or by each individual member. After a lot of research on rescinding of votes, Dr. Hoffmann has requested a legal opinion from the attorney. According to Robert's Rules there are some votes that cannot be rescinded. Chair Rabold mentioned the ruling at the January 19th meeting,when a motion was made and she did not accept the motion because she felt it was out of order at that time and wanted members of the committee to have a chance for discussion. Going forward, particularly when discussing pretentious issues, everyone must go through the chair and be recognized to speak. Chair Rabold read her letter to Jim Hardy and his response. The process for building a proposed budget was reviewed. a Mara Liebling indicated that she was not feeling comfortable with the way members were speaking to one another and questioned how the committee would move forward noting members need to be civil to one another or work with a mediator in another forum. Donna Kalinick asked to move forward in the meeting, since Robert's Rules had been reviewed. If people have questions they can ask Dr. Hoffmann and/or get legal counsel to give an answer. The First T Program Ms. Su Salentine and Mr. Greg Levasseur reviewed the First T Program with the Committee. Ms. Salentine read the mission statement and reviewed some of the core values of the First T Program. They would like to explore getting this program for Brewster students. They don't want to miss the next opportunity to get a sponsor. Mr. Levasseur indicated this program was an opportunity to expand exposure for the golf course and reach out to the next generation of players. Training staff,utilizing vans, NYA, and after school recreation was discussed. Ms. Balentine suggested that the Committee not look at the logistics but let Judy Stout, who has already set up a program,help Brewster. The principals indicated they would have a conversation with their physical education teachers and review the standards. It was suggested that the principals be the liaisons and get back to the Committee on this program. It was suggested that Ellen Ojala be included in discussion as well. Administrators' Reports Principal Fronius distributed the most recent Dibels Scores and writing assessments noting students and teachers are doing a great job. In her report she noted that"Caring"was the February character trait and the school has been collecting non-perishable food items. Valentine's for our troops are being made and delivered to congressmen Keating's office. Kindergarten registration is March 8th and 9th. (46 packets have been distributed) Principal Fronius also distributed the monthly attendance reports. Parents of habitual tardy students are being contacted. A question was raised relating to parents driving students to school and if more students are being driven to school with the change in the bus system. The Principals indicated that it seems to be more but they do not have the number. The parent drops off times were discussed. Ms. Kalinick expressed concerns over the number of tardies. Principal Gauley thanked Stacey and Tom Faris as well as the Eddy School Chorus for all their efforts throughout the year. They make everyone so proud with their performance and the way the children conduct themselves. Dibels scores for Eddy School students have gone up significantly. Prinicipal Gauley updated the committee on data teams and student success plans. Three new students have enrolled at the Eddy School. March 9th is Community Reads Day including tours of the building. Principal Gauley reported on the winners of the school- wide challenge to find the square footage of the Eddy School. Donna Kalinick asked about students being tired or their learning being compromised as a result of the start time change. Principal Gauley indicated that he does not see tired children. The only real impact from the start time change is on programs that happen before and after school. The Transportation Subcommittee continues to meet and review current data. Dr. Caretti reported that she is making preparations for the Summer ESY Program. She also mentioned a forum coming up regarding Parental Rights and Special Education. Dr. Caretti indicated she would let the committee know as soon as possible if there are any changes in special needs student enrollment. Dr. Gifford highlighted the Educator Evaluation Tool that was adopted by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and the writing benchmark and assessment process to meet the expectations of the ELA Standards. Dr. Hoffmann announced the launching of the new Nauset Website and gave an update of the Green Repair Project. He also reported that the Sustainability Subcommittee has been meeting and have focused on the following topics: Communication,Technology and transparency in the budget process. February 16-19,he attended the national conferences of AASA. FY12 Budget Update It was noted that deficits are running in the same accounts. Dr. Hoffmann indicated there would be transfers in March. Dr. Caretti reported on an unanticipated special needs expense in the amount of approximately$29,389, due to a child who moved in about a month ago. (includes transportation) She also indicated the maximum cost could be $67,000. She will report further next month. She also reported on a Brewster child attending school in Orleans due to a programming issue. The cost to Brewster will be $12,600 and $8,000 will be covered by a grant which leaves $4,600. FY13 Budget Review The Principals reviewed the list of proposed budget reductions to meet the budget goal of less than 2.5%increase. Pros and Cons of the Point of Sale system for cafeterias were discussed. It was suggested that the middle school and high school pilot the Point of Sales system and that$7,200 would be spent more wisely in the budget. The Business Manager will see if removing Eddy and Stony Brook Schools from the proposal will affect the cost of the system. Dr. Hoffmann indicated that this system will help with efficiencies. This will save on the bookkeeper eventually. A•conversation regarding cafeteria personnel,hours, and duties ensued. It was suggested that$5,000 be kept in the cafeteria budget and a decision on the Point of Sale System come later. Committee members asked Mr. Baumhauer to look at the Natural Gas line item. Committee members discussed Preschool, using the Preschool Revolving Account to offset assessments,and increasing tuition rates for community friends. Marie Enochty made a motion that was seconded by David Telman and withdrawn, to vote the budget in the amount of$6,487,734. Chair Rabold urged committee members to keep the Point of Sale System in the budget as it will increase efficiencies and save money in the long run. A Motion: On a motion by Marie Enochty, seconded by David Telman, it was voted to approve the FY13 budget in the amount of$6,466,282.60. (4-0) It was noted that there will be discussion about bus transportation at the Joint School Committee meeting. Donna Kalinick stated that transportation needs to be reviewed again. It was the consensus of the committee to wait on budget reductions at this time. Reports and Information Cape Cod Collaborative - Marie Enochty reported on a Legislative breakfast that is being held on Friday, February 10th, Professional Development Day and the ASLP Program that takes place at Mass. Maritime each summer by application with financial scholarships to offset costs. Transportation Subcommittee- Chair Rabold indicated that the subcommittee is meeting on February 29th. Space Utilization Subcommittee - Principal Fronius indicated that the subcommittee has had several meetings and now they are giving organizations who want to utilize space an opportunity to come forward. She further indicated that she would have a presentation at the next meeting from organizations wanting to utilize space. This would bring Stony Brook to full capacity. Approval of Minutes On a motion by Marie Enochty, seconded by David Telman, it was voted unanimously to approve the minutes of January 19, 2012. On a motion by David Telman,seconded by Marie Enochty, it was voted unanimously to approve the minutes of January 31, 2012. ADJOURNMENT On a motion by David Telman, seconded by Mara Liebling, it was voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 9:26 p.m., subject to payment of bills. Respectfully submitted, Ann M.Tefft,recording secretary