HomeMy Public PortalAboutBrewster School Committee -- 2013-03-21 Minutes 1 11
Brewster School Committee 80
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March 21, 2013 iftp
r Brewster Town Hall
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Present' r ft Committee: Chair Telman, Donna Kalinick, Brenda Cazeault,and Jennifer Rabold
Present, or the Administration: Dr.Hoffmann,Dr. Gifford,Ms. Venditti, and Principal Fronius and Principal Gauley
Call to Order
Chair Telman called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m.
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Agenda Changes
Add: Under FY 14 Budget—Capital Plan
Citizens Speak
None
PRIORITY BUSINESS
Principals Reports
Principal Gauley reported that MCAS testing has begun and that the long composition test was postponed state-wide
and rescheduled due to the blizzard. He also reported that the Community Read Day was very successful and the
Read-A-Thon made a profit of$2,500 for the PTO. The Destination Imagination Team earned a spot in the State
level competition. Congratulations went out to members of the team.
Principal Fronius reported that she attended the Cotuit Center for the Arts and viewed the wonderful art displayed by
students McKenzie Ellis and Rebecca Ukavitch. She also indicated the Read-A-Thon was a successful event for
PTO, earning$2,500. The Book fair was also successful raising approximately$6,200. Principal Fronius thanked
the PTO for all their support. She thanked Jen Smith or organizing the Read-A-Thon, Alyssa Miner for making the
Ihe Principals' costumes, Michelle Grey for organizing the Book Fair,Karen Whitney and Donna Drown for organizing
the Breakfast Pizza breakfast,and Tiffany Holleck for organizing the pot luck dinner for teacher on the evening of
Parent/Teacher conferences. She also indicated that Gr.2 had a Destination Imagination Team,Rising Stars,
did a great job at the event.
She reported that the kindergarten numbers are increasing with 83 packets picked up, 66 official registered, 17
expected to come back and the potential for another 10 students registering over the summer months.
Class size and School Committee Guidelines for class size were discussed. Principal Fronius indicated that she will
bring further information to the Committee at the next meeting relative to the kindergarten enrollment number and
the potential need for another kindergarten classroom. Giovanna Venditti will provide a cost estimate for another
kindergarten classroom.
Principal Fronius distributed a list of surplus inventory dated October,2012.
Motion:
On a motion by Jennifer Rabold, seconded by Mara Liebling, it was voted unanimously to approve the surplus
inventory listed as submitted for distribution or disposal.
Dr. Gifford was congratulated for her appointment to Superintendent in Falmouth by the Committee.
Dr. Gifford reported on Tools of the Mind,the half day curriculum meetings and K-5 Common Assessment roll-out,
the Rubicon Atlas System, ELL Program,Mentoring Program, and the District Writing assessment. Martha Jenkins,
Karen O'Connor,Tonia Donovan, and Lorraine Jonson were thanked for teaming up to collaboratively lead these
it sessions. Donna Kalinick expressed her appreciation for the presentation by Mr. Roger Faucher and Ms. Maggie
rown at the Joint School Committee meeting indicating she felt very enthusiastic about the Nauset District.
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Disc sidn regarding the Common Core implementation ensued. Dr. Gifford indicated that teachers are very
cognizant of similarities and gaps in grade levels especially because of high stakes MCAS testing. Beginning next *0
year,entire grade levels will meet to talk about it. Assessments are in place and lesson plans are being developed
district-wide. Dr.Gifford and Dr. Hoffmann indicated that the half day curriculum development days are vital and
that there is still much work to be done. A joint memo will be sent to all staff from the Asst. Supt. and the Supt.
indicating what has been accomplished,what they would like to accomplish over the summer and what will happen
next year. Dr. Gifford reminded the Committee that the state still has not adopted the new science curriculum but is
confident,when they do,Nauset schools will be ready to go.
Dr.Gifford provided a sample of forms used for Teacher Evaluations. Dr. Hoffmann and Dr. Gifford just attend a
conference on Educator Evaluation and are looking at the second phase of the process. They will be meeting with
leadership team and teachers, as well as the Union, on District Determined Measures. This is how to measure the
teacher's impact on student learning. The team will need to identify measures and inventory our own measures. The
team will also determine how measures will be weighted. There will be consistency across grades and subjects.
FY13 Budget Update
Giovanna Venditti reviewed the monthly expenditure and variance reports with the committee.
The Committee asked why the cafeteria salaries were not encumbered. It was suggested that rental income be saved
for the playground project. Jennifer Rabold reported that if the$200,000 is voted from the Community Preservation
Committee Fund at May Town Meeting the playground company is ready to begin. She noted that$200,000 does
not cover the entire amount and any money they can use before this summer will be helpful. Giovanna indicated that
some of the rental money was used as part of end of year spending and used to cover variances in accounts that were
adjusted. Giovanna Venditti reviewed the spending plans for Eddy and Stony Brook. The committee asked that the
building rental money in the amount of$15,000 not be expended but possibly saved for the playground project.
After further discussion, it was the consensus of the committee to not reclassify$15,000 and show a larger balance in
the Revolving Account.
FY14 Budget Update
Dr. Hoffmann suggested further discussion on the FY14 budget as they would be presenting the elementary budget to
the Selectmen on March 25th He also reminded the committee that last month they wanted to maintain the budget
after the two reductions were made. Chair Telman felt that cutting$51,000 would negatively impact students.
Ms.Kalinick wondered if cuts may have to be revisited if the committee is looking at another Kindergarten teacher.
A discussion regarding class size ensued. It was noted that once a class size in that grade level is over 20 students,
learning in the classroom is compromised. The budget was built on 19 students per classroom and Dr. Hoffmann
asked the Principal to let him know as soon as they reach 76 registration packets returned. It was suggested that a
contingency plan be made with the town in the event the third kindergarten teacher/classroom is needed. Principal
Fronius will bring further information to the April meeting. Chair Telman noted the budget is set and that this is a
separate issue.
Selectmen Peter Norton told the committee a memorandum of understanding was exchanged by the Board of
Selectmen and the School committee when this happened in the past and it was funded on a November warrant.
He indicated he would check with Mr. Sumner and Mr. Stephen Jones.
Principal Gauley stated the Eddy budget could be cut by$51,000 indicating it would be tight but it could be done.
He also thought he could make it all work by adjusting schedules of the students that need the support of the
educational assistant. He suggested that the committee not be focused on what has already been reduced and
indicated that it is hard to see the whole budget picture. Ms. Cazeault asked Principal Gauley if he had enough
books, software,media,readers,and core classics at every grade level and he indicated that he does. Dr. Liebling
suggested they wait and hear from the Selectmen and then the committee will know how to proceed. °
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Dr. Hoffmann stated after the last meeting,he sent the Town Administrator a memo indicating the committee cut the
budget as much as possible and that the gap between the town guidance figure was now about$33,000. Now the gap
could go up another$80,000 for a third Kindergarten.
Motion:
On a motion by Jennifer Rabold, seconded by Donna Kalinick, it was voted unanimously to approve the budget in
the amount of$6,690,250,with a proviso that there is an agreement with the Board of Selectmen should an additional
Kindergarten classroom be needed, the Committee can go to them and they will put it on the November Town
Meeting warrant.
Chair Telman requested Ms. Venditti prepare a new budget, including the reduction and correct dollar amounts for
FY14.
FY14,Capital Budget
Superintendent Hoffmann updated the committee on the FY14 Capital Plan and the timeline for Town Meeting
approval. Dr. Hoffmann also sent a memo to Mr. Sumner relative to including technology requests on the May town
warrant. It was noted Chief Koch will speak to the security expenses at town meeting.
Ms. Rabold reported on status of the Playground Project. She indicated that Phase I was replacing the playground
and fencing in the amount of$243,000. She indicated that the Playground Committee is seeking donations to help
defer costs and are selling dedicated bricks to raise funds and are also requesting donations for benches,and picnic
tables. Nauset Youth Alliance has donated $1,000 for the community garden.
School Choice
Motion:
On a motion by Jennifer Rabold, seconded by Mara Liebling it was voted unanimously NOT to participate in School
Choice for the FY13-14 school year.
Make;Up Day at Stony Brook Elementary
Dr. Hoffmann stated he has been in touch with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education regarding the
make-up day and felt it was very plausible that the make-up day will be a half day.
Principal Fronius told the Committee that the staff and the students are eager to know when they have to make up the
day and are looking at options. One option is a Saturday morning with a theme which they will relate to math
writing and reading. Parents will bring their child to school and make it a community event. Principal Fronius stated
the staff would like to do this on April 6th. Giovanna Venditti will research the cost of bussing that day.
Motion:
On a notion by Mara Liebling, seconded by Jennifer Rabold, it was voted unanimously to approve a Saturday school
day for Stony Brook Elementary School make-up day. (3 1/4 hrs.)=1/2 day)
Ms. Kalinick asked if insurance covered the costs of the plumbing problem from February. Principal Fronius
indicated she submitted the paperwork and has not heard back from the company but noted there is a$1,000
dedugtible. It was requested that radio station WQRC be included in the emergency notification system. Dr.
Hoffmann reported to the committee what had been done during the blizzard to communicate with parents.
Signs at Stony Brook Elementary School
It was the consensus of the committee to authorize Chief Koch to place signs at Stony Brook Elementary as
proposed.
4400,0THER REPORTS AND INFORMATION
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A. Cape Cod Collaborative—Chair Telman reported he attended the meeting at the Cape Cod Collaborative and they
continue to talk about enrollments and budget. They also suggested that next year each committee appoint an
alternative to the Cape Cod Collaborative for voting right purposes.
B. Transportation—Ms. Kalinick indicated there are no meetings planned. Brewster representatives would like to
see small ridership on a few overcrowded buses for the Middle School and High School.
C. Playground Subcommittee- Jennifer Rabold reported previously in the meeting.
D. Policy Subcommitttee—no report
E. Preschool Enrollment -Dr. Hoffmann reported that Ann Caretti is looking at potential relocation of a
Preschool program to Eastham Elementary School.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
On a motion by Jennifer Rabold, seconded by Donna Kalinick, it was voted unanimously to approve the minutes of
February 28,2013.
ADJOURNMENT
On a motion by Jennifer Rabold, seconded by Brenda Cazeault, it was voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at
9:46 p.m., subject to payment of bills.
Respectfully submitted,
Ann M.Tefft ■
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Included in the handouts: agenda,Principals'reports,Stony Brook Elementary Surplus Inventory,Assistant Superintendent's
report,Director of Student Services Report,Monthly expenditure reports,end of year spending plans,update on capital plans and
projects,Time on Learning,DESE regulations regarding missed days and make-up days,preschool enrollment,and minutes from
February 28,2013.
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