HomeMy Public PortalAboutBrewster School Committee -- 2012-03-15 Minutes Pht-'Brewster School Committee
March 15, 2012
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Brewster Town Hall
ent for the Committee: Dave Telman,Donna Kalinick,Jennifer Rabold and Mara Liebling
Present for Administration: Principal Denise Fronius,Ann Caretti, Hans Baumhauer, Bonny Gifford and Richard
Hoffmann
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Rabold called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m.
CITIZENS SPEAK
None
RECOGNITIONS
Dr.Hoffmann recognized the 1st Place winning Destination Imagination Team of Sam Liebling,Arielle 011agnon,Maya
011agnon,Jordan Miner, Marina Brooks,Bennett Hartley,and Quinn Liebling who demonstrated their creativity and skill
in the long-term challenge entitled,"Hold It"as well as with the instant challenge. This team led by Mara Liebling and
Julie Brooks, will compete at the state-wide competition on March 31'in Worcester.
Principal Fronius recognized Paul Mullen,Physical Education Teacher,for leading Circus Smirkus which was a very
successful event with over 400 people in attendance. K.T. Stone was also recognized for assisting Mr. Mullen and the
PTO for supporting the endeavor.
Brewster Whitecaps
Peter Blatz and Claire Gradone presented Stony Brook Elementary School with a donation
o_f$10,000,which was obtained through a grant from the Eddy Foundation. This donation will improve drainage and
ace wood chips. Claire Gradone was recognized for securing the grant.
MOTION: On a motion by Dave Telman, seconded by Donna Kalinick, it was voted
unanimously to accept this most generous gift with gratitude.
Peter Blatz also addressed the Committee regarding the annual treatment of the fields with pre-emergent weed killer.
Principal Fronius indicated a letter will be sent to all parents notifying them of the date of treatment and flags will be
placed on,the fields. It is the wish of the Committee that this takes place the Friday afternoon before the April vacation.
MOTION: On a motion by Dave Telman, seconded by Donna Kalinick, it was voted unanimously to allow Brewster
Whitecaps to treat the fields with pre-emergent weed killer at the Stony Brook Elementary School.
YMCA Space Use Proposal
Stacie Peugh,President and CEO from the YMCA gave a PowerPoint Presentation on the history,purpose and mission of
the YMCA highlighting the core values of caring,honesty, respect and responsibility. Their focus area is for youth
development,healthy living,and social responsibility. Their Strategic Plan noted strengths such as; commitment to
quality standards, strong staff and volunteer leadership, YMCA brand and promise and dedication to life-long learning.
Their motivation for requesting space at the Stony Brook School is an opportunity for the YMCA to expand and serve
unmet needs in the Lower Cape area. Presently 40 children are on a waiting list to get into the program.
Jamie Hikes, Senior Program Director for Childcare,outlined a day in the preschool program at the Barnstable YMCA.
She also noted that preschoolers are very well prepared for kindergarten after attending their program.
1,,sh Hill addressed the committee with concerns regarding enrollment and hoped that Brewster families would have
preferential enrollment. She also suggested preferential enrollment be given to school and town employees. It was
indicated by Ms.Peugh that it would be difficult and present a challenge to give preferential treatment as children come
from all`'over the Cape.
Ms.Peugh also noted that classrooms would need to be modified as they need an infant space,different sinks for bottle
iaration, and changing tables to name a few. They could be up and running within six months,new staff trained and
licensing completed. It was noted the drop off time could be an issue with buses and Principal Fronius indicated that this
could be worked out. Questions regarding students purchasing lunch in the cafeteria,the number of children that could be
served(35 sq. ft.needed per child),the program is a year round program, custodial services,and the number of
classrooms(5). The consensus of the committee was that this was a wonderful program and everyone was in favor of this
as it fits with the early childhood climate at Stony Brook Elementary School. Chair Rabold thanked the Space Utilization
Subcommittee for all their hard work.
Administrators' Reports
Principal Fronius shared highlights from her written report which included the mural in the gymnasium by artist in
resident, Greg John depicting two Right Whales on the wall as you enter the gym. She also recognized Mr.J.P. Ludwig
who videotaped an all school meeting regarding caring character traits. February was"caring"month and the students
participated in the Pennies for Patients Program, spearheaded by the school nurse,Mrs. Lawless which raised$717.74 for
the cause. Barbara Lavoine,Director of Technology, is helping teachers in creating their own webpage for their
classroom. The PTO was thanked for their generosity
in providing a wonderful dinner to the staff during parent conferences. To date,there are 64 students who have taken out
packets for kindergarten. Pat Lindquist and Jen Lyon were recognized for all their efforts regarding kindergarten
registration. (It was noted that the enrollment has been stable the last 5-6 years.) Principal Fronius also announced the
upcoming retirement of Carolee Rusielewicz who has taught in the district for 33 years.
Dr.Ann Caretti is presently working on the Extended School Year Program. Counselors are trying to schedule meetings
with parents of students on I.E.P.'s 3-4 weeks ahead of time, which seems to be working well. Dr.Caretti also reported
that they are advertising every day in the Cape Cod Times and have posted Preschool information on the website. An
additional mailing to doctor's offices as also been completed. It was suggested that School Reach be used as well.
unair Rabold indicated that she has spoken to members of the Finance Committee regarding
an unanticipated special needs students' expense. (maximum$86,462,Circuit Breaker Money will cover$27,000—
leaving$58,720 to fund) There will be a warrant article for the amount needed. Dr. Caretti assured the Chair she would
keep her informed.
Dr.Bonny Gifford highlighted the elementary ELA mappers, led by Karen O'Connor. Aligning with the ELA
Framework will be challenging. The ELA Standards demand that instruction in reading,writing, speaking, listening and
language be a shared responsibility within the school and across content areas. They have determined that the best
approach will be theme based. There is a new focus on explanatory writing and using multiple sources.
Chair Rabold suggested looking into"Seeds of Science/Roots of Reading,an integrated science and literature program by
David Pearson.
Dr.Hoffmann attended the Pops Concert at Nauset High School which was outstanding!
He also had the pleasure of reading at the Eddy School on Community Read Day. He is presently working on the new
teacher evaluations and will present to school committees at a later date. The MTA will make a presentation to teachers
on March 28th. This will highlight information that teachers need to know. After that Administration will go into
negotiations with the teachers union. He reported the Green Repair Project roof bids are due on March 28th. The
windows bids have been opened and awarded at a very advantageious price. The Food and Nutrition Service Director
position has been advertised. He is meeting with the cafeteria staff next week after school to go through the food service
report by consultant,Lisa Beaudin.
Chair Rabold thanked Dr.Hoffmann for his cafeteria report and stated that marketing is a weakness. The schools need to
•-e meals more attractive and appealing.
FY 12 Budget
Mr. Baumhauer indicated utilities will be unencumbered next month. He also indicated that the Principals have provided
line item transfers for the committee to approve. He also indicated that the schools may not be able to pay for all of the
unanticipated special needs expenses. He will cover a portion of this cost with Circuit Breaker Funds. ($27,700)
Caretti and Mr. Baumhauer will continue to discuss this up to town meeting.
Capital funds were discussed and it was indicated that 80%of the funding has been used to this point. Both schools have
been charging plumbing and heating repairs to the capital article. Mr. Baumhauer indicated he would email Donna
• Kalinick regarding the window issue at Stony Brook.
There are 149 windows that can potentially fail. 20%have failed. All windows are not leaking. There is a small capital
• articles for these windows scheduled for FY13. Mr.Baumhauer also indicated when 100%of the capital money has been
used they will have to use appropriated money.
Dr. Hoffmann indicated he spoke with the Town Administrator about splitting some money for capital repairs and the
• Eddy School roof. He indicated that$50,000 will be considered in May and$25,000 in the fall,depending on free cash.
Money for a feasibility study will be requested at the fall meeting.
Mr.Baumhauer stated he thought the schools would make it to the end of the year with no funds remaining.
Unencumbering the utility accounts will help. He also indicated they will fill the oil tank at Stony Brook at the lower rate
this year. Dr.Hoffmann stated at the next meeting they will have projected end of year figures. He also indicated that the
Town Administrator asked that they look at the Eddy budget to see if some funds could be used for the specialized costs.
The cafeteria deficit was not included in the transfers. Presently there is an$8,000 deficit combined in both schools.
(Stony Brook-$6,500, Eddy$1,400) Principal Fronius will look into"Y"children qualifying for free lunch.
MOTION: On a motion by Dave Telman, seconded by Marie Enochty it was voted unanimously to accept the transfers
for the Stony Brook and Eddy Schools.
t113Bulget
The Chair and Dr. Hoffmann met with Selectmen and the Town Administrator where they were told the budget is
increased by$46,471,which is the schools portion of the mitigation funds that will be paid back to Brewster employees
for health',care reform. The school committee was asked to vote the reduction of$51,800. Noted as well was the official
retirement letters from 3 staff members.
Point of Sales System was discussed and it was suggested that this be put off for another year. The downsides and
benefits of the POS system were discussed. The number of families without computers was discussed. It was asked if
there was an escape clause in the contract if it did not work out. Other accounts were reviewed and it was noted that some
accounts were increased that were overspent in the previous year.
MOTION: On a motion by Mara Liebling, seconded by Donna Kalinick, it was voted unanimously to reduce the FY13
budget as outlined in the amount of$51,800. ($30,349 of that number was additional cuts)
$6,466,2$3 Original Budget
- 51,800
$6,435,934 Final FY13 Budget
Preschool Update
Donna Kalinick read a letter from some members of the school committee to the selectmen,which will be attached to the
minutes.
MOTION: On a motion by Dave Telman, seconded by Mara Liebling, it was voted to approve the letter and send it to the
<<'7 selectmen. The vote was 3-0, 1 not voting. (J. Rabold)
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Reports and Information
Cape Cod Collaborative—Dave Telman reported on issues from the Cape Cod Collaborative meeting including School
Choice. At the meeting people felt the Charter Schools are stealing high performing students from our schools. There is
another meeting April 9th at DY High School regarding the School Choice issue. A report is being done about doing a
ly on kids choosing to go to Sturgis and Charter schools. Mr.,Telman indicated that is an issue in Mashpee.
Dr. Hoffmann indicated it is an issue at Nauset High School. Sturgis Charter School receives about$18,000 per student
and will have an additional 200 seats next year.
Chair Rabold indicated at the MASC meeting there was discussion about school Choice. She indicated they felt the Cape
needed to do some marketing rather than steal students from each other. Discussion regarding Orleans voting in favor of
School Choice in a couple of grades ensued. Ms.Kalinick felt other school committees should have been consulted.
Chair Rabold felt school choice was a discussion the committees should have as a district as well as regionalization,with
Provincetown and Truro coming to our schools. It was suggested that this be discussed at the summer retreat for school
committee members. Advanced classes at the Middle School and students choosing the Lighthouse Charter School was
mentioned.
Dr.Hoffmann indicated that school choice at the elementary schools has been discussed in past years and the former
Superintendent,as well as Dr. Hoffmann,does not support school choice at the elementary schools in Nauset.
Transportation Subcommittee—Chair Rabold indicated that a survey was sent out and that a ridership study is being done.
They are looking at expenses, school choice buses and middle school and high school start times. They are looking at lots
of possibilities to minimize the impact on elementary schools. The impact on high school students has been so positive.
The Transportation Subcommittee is meeting next week when Mr. Conrad will present more data.
Playground Subcommittee—Four different playground companies have been invited to the next meeting. They will see
the diagrams of our"dream"playgrounds and will take that information back with them and develop a proposal.
D onna Kalincik presented an idea that the rental of rooms fees go toward the playground. Please keep that in mind as we
(" ve forward.
Space Utilization Subcommittee—Meeting on March 22nd. Mr. Telman indicated they were waiting for figures. Donna
Kalinick asked if this happens, and we rent the classrooms(a)can we return money to the town,(b)voting a budget
slightly over 2.5%cap
Chair Rabold indicated whatever money is left at the end of the year goes to the town.
Dr.Hoffmann indicated that this is a revolving account and needs to be spent on building types of things. The school
committee controls revolving accounts.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
On a motion by Dave Telman, seconded by Donna Kalinick it was voted unanimously to approve the minutes of February
9,2012.
ADJOURNMENT
On a motion by Dave Telman, seconded by Donna Kalinick, it was voted unanimously to adjourn at 9:26 p.m., subject to
payment of bills.
Respectfully submitted,
Ann M. Tefft,Recording Secretary
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