HomeMy Public PortalAboutBrewster School Committee -- 2013-01-17 Minutes ff
NINE)Brewster School Committee
January 17, 2013
Brewster Town Hall
Present for the Committee: Chair Telman, Donna Kalinick,Brenda Cazeault,and Jennifer Rabold
Present for the Administration: Dr. Hoffmann,Dr. Gifford, Dr. Caretti,Ms.Venditti,and Principal Fronius
Call to Order
Chair Telman called the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m. at which time he addressed the audience regarding security in
the Brewster Schools assuring everyone that the Town Departments,along with Chief Koch, are working hard to
make sure all schools are safe for our children. As changes happen,the school committee will be as forthcoming as
they can be without giving out to much information about the plan.
Citizens Speak
None
FY13 Budget Update
Giovanna Venditti reviewed the monthly expenditure and variance reports with the committee.
Over the next month,a spending plan will be developed for FY13 which will include Central office cost as part of the
end of year plan.
Questions were raised regarding account#7064, Instructional Hardware. Balances in utilities accounts will be
reviewed and brought to the next meeting. With savings from these accounts,pre-purchasing supplies for next year
might be a possibility to help with the FY14 budget. Special Needs Transportation account#5091 was discussed,
which is an unanticipated expense with a cost of$31,917 from November—June. The committee would like to know
if the operating budget is able to absorb this expense and would also like to know if the child rides a bus alone or
with other children. Balances in Revolving Accounts were reviewed and discussed.
FY14 Budget Update
Dr.Hoffmann reviewed the funding gap with the committee, as well as the Brewster Elementary Schools combined
budget. The town's budget is$8,108,738. Fringe costs are$1,524,324 leaving$6,584,414 for the combined
operating budget. This represents a$148,480 or 2.3%increase. However,the current proposed budget is$6,759,883
leaving a budget gap of$175,469. Unanticipated special needs costs were discussed and it was asked what is being
cut in the regular day budget to pay for the unanticipated expense within the operating budget. The Committee
reviewed the possible reduction list for Eddy Elementary School. A decision was made NOT to eliminate the science
tutor position from the reduction list. Curriculum leaders and support positions were discussed and a question was
raised as to whether or not there was an overlap in some areas. It was the consensus of the committee to table the
discussion relative to possible reductions at the Eddy School until Principal Gauley could be in attendance.
Ms Rabold noted the increase in substitute lines,supplies,textbooks,and hardware. She suggested hardware be
placed in the capital plan. It was also noted he cafeteria director's salary was taken out of the revolving account and
placed in the Central Office budget which made the Central Office budget increase significantly.
Prinipal Fronius reviewed her possible reduction list. The rental agreement with the YMCA was discussed. It was
suggested utilities be reviewed and reduce the supplies for next year if some pre-purchasing can be accomplished. It
was noted there are no costs in FY14 for Tools of the Mind. A question relative to training in Tools of the Mind was
asked regarding a new teacher, mentoring and the cost. Smart boards were discussed. Principal Fronius indicated
Stony Brook has 9 Smart boards and would like to have them in the kindergarten,art and music classes. She also
indicated she would like to purchase additional supplies in the area of science.
Out of District transportation was discussed and Dr. Caretti indicated that the mileage was analyzed between the
program and where the student resides. Dr. Caretti will review the invoices. Dr. Caretti also mentioned that they are
researching bringing this student back into the district but does not want the student to attend a program by
his/herself. She thinks she can create a program for three students. Dr. Caretti indicated it is difficult to put a
Kindergarten student in the"I Can"program as there would be no peers for the child.
Motion: On a motion by Jennifer Rabold,seconded by Donnak Kalinick it was voted unanimously to reduce the
Stony Brook Elementary School budget by$31,860.
FY14 Central Office Budget
Dr.Hoffmann reviewed the Central Office budget with the committee noting the increase in costs by 16%is due to
corrections in entries for staff and addition of several positions into the Central Office budget that included: Nurse
Coordinator,ELL Coordinator Travel Stipend, Computer Repair Technician,Computer Repair Technician Travel
Stipend, Salary for Food Service Director,Travel for Food Service Director and the salary for Facilities Coordinator.
These costs are being paid through other accounts this year so these are not new costs to Brewster. Dr. Hoffmann
indicated on January 9th the subcommittee voted to support the Central Office budget with a 4-2 vote. Wellfleet and
Brewster voted against as they did not want to have the new part time facilities coordinator in the budget. Ms.
Rabold indicated she would like to see reductions in the foodservice bookkeeper position. Legal fees and postage
were discussed. It was suggested that the Central Office continue to work to reduce their paper and postage usage.
Dr.Hoffmann indicated he and Ms. Venditti went through each line item and made reductions before it was brought
to the committee.
Chair Telman asked if the computer repairs and the use of the technician was based on population or numbers of
computers. The Superintendent indicated the time log could be checked to see where most of the time is spent but
right now the breakdown is based on enrollment. (Brewster-18%,Eastham-8%,Orleans- 8.4%, Wellfleet-5.4%,
Region-60%) School budgets in the other member towns were mentioned as to where they stand and what they are
facing in FY14. It was stated that Brewster's percentage in the regional budget was going down.
Dr.Hoffmann indicated that Ms. Venditti has made changes in the way the salaries and longevity are recorded as a
total in the line items, which was suggested by the auditor,and makes it appear that there are big increases when
there are not. Some of the employees have step changes and everyone has the contractual 2.5%. Ms.Rabold would
like Dr. Hoffman to show what was reduced in the Central Office budget before the December subcommittee
meeting. The amount in the telephone line item was mentioned. Dr.Hoffmann indicated the increase was because
the account was under budgeted this year.
FY14 Capital Plan
Dr.Hoffmann reviewed the capital plan with the committee. Discussion ensued regarding HVAC systems at both
schools,submitting a Statement of Interest to the Massachusetts Building Authority,the telephone system,
playground and security. Dr. Hoffmann indicated that he has made initial contact for electronic access to the MSBA
and is waiting for a response. It was also noted that Mr. Sumner may put the security expenses on a separate warrant
article.
Motion:
On a motion by Jennifer Rabold, seconded by Donna Kalinick, it was voted unanimously to approve the FY14
Capital Plan as amended
1. Move $50,000 to feasibility study for the Eddy roof/HVAC
2. Move Telephone System replacement at Stony Brook to FY15
3. Security System—approve with the proviso that we have a separate warrant
Article, and if it is not voted at Town Meeting, put it back in the Capital Plan.
4. Clarification that the$260,000 is from other sources and$100,000 would come from Town Meeting
Total request for Capital Plan in FY14=$320,000
Update on the Superintendent's Evaluation
Dr Hoffmann reviewed the procedures for the mid-cycle review of the Superintendent and answered questions
concerning the forms and documents. At the Joint School Committee meeting on January 31,2013 members will
provide verbal and written feedback using the approved forms to the Superintendent with regard to his professional
practice and progress towards meeting the approved 2012-13 goals.
Policy Manual Section AA,First Reading
On a motion by Jennifer Rabold, seconded by Donna Kalinck, it was voted unanimously to approve Section A of the
policy manual, "in form"for a first reading.
Food Service Update
Due to the late hour,it was decided to Table this item until the next meetng.
Reports and Information
Cape Cod Collaborative—Chair Telman reported the Collaborative is looking to purchase a couple of new buses.
Transportation—Donna Kalinick reported that the next meeting of the subcommittee is
January 22nd at 4:00 p.m. and she cannot attend the meeting. Jennifer Rabold volunteered to attend.
Playground—Jennifer Rabold reported that the application has been completed for CPC funding and they gave
suggestions for revisions. They are meeting on Feb. 28 to vote on that provision and meeting with Recreation
Department on February 4`h.
Policy—no report
First Tee Program—Chair Telman reported that both teachers have started training. The manuals and equipment
should be distributed shortly. They needed two separate laptop computers to start the training.
Approval of Minutes
on a motion by Donna Kalinick, seconded by Brenda Cazeault, it was voted to approve the minutes of December 20,
2013 with the following correction: (1 Abstention:Jennifer Rabold)
On a motion by Donna Kalinick, seconded by Brenda Cazeault,it was voted unanimously to turn authority for
security of the schools to Chief Koch to work in conjunction with Administration on security measures and security
plans.
ADJOURNMENT
On a motion by Jennifer Rabold, seconded by Donna Kalinick,it was voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at
10:29 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Ann M.Tefft
BREWS R CLERK
'13 MAR22 12:12