HomeMy Public PortalAboutBrewster School Committee -- 2013-10-17 Minutes - .,.
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Brewster School Committee e f,, C`
October 17, 2013 "` r"":�
q Brewster Town Hall v !/�'
Present for the Committee: Donna Kalinick,Brenda Cazeault, Trish Hill, Marie Enochty and Dave Telmer I
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F Present for the Administration: Supt. Richard Hoffmann,Asst. Supt.Keith Gauley, Giovanna Venditti,Director of
Finance and Operations,Ann Caretti, Director of Student Services,Principal Denise Fronius, and
Principal Joanna Hughes
Call to Order—Chair Telman called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Agenda Changes—Reports and Information—Add: Negotiations Subcommittee
Recognitions—Principal Fronius recognized the Stony Brook Kindergarten Teachers and Educational Assistants who
created an amazing and informative Kindergarten Curriculum night.
Citizens Speak—None
Capital Plan
Super!intendent Hoffmann reviewed the Capital Plan with the Committee identifying the items that will be on the
warr t for the November Town Meeting which includes the Stony Brook Kindergarten costs and HVAC Plumbing
and electrical Maintenance and Replace Eddy School Roof/HVAC Units Engineering&Design has been combined
into dine line, Stony Brook Window Replacement Project Design Expense and Service Expenses for Bleachers,Back
Boards and Folding Wall and Clock Replacement/PA System Repairs. Item F. Testing for Ahera Compliance—The
Finance Committee suggested to broaden the wording to any kind of testing and abatement. Article#1.—wording
will come from Mr. Sumner. Dr. Hoffmann suggested the Committee work on a longer range plan as we proceed.
Committee members stressed we need to show the Board where we have spent the money for Capital projects and
requested that Giovanna Venditti prepare a report showing the balances in the Capital Accounts and the status of the
projects.
Barry Schofield, Head of Building and Maintenance, reported that the insurance company did an inspection and
indicated that there could be a possible problem in the maintenance garage and boiler room with the floor drains.
The iisurance company was concerned that if a line ruptured it would create an environmental problem so it was
suggested that drain closure was necessary. During the repair process, electrical wires were accidentally cut. The
electrician was called in to do repairs. The work might be $2,000 or more. The drain work is last year's money.
Mr. Schofield also indicated that the boilers at Stony Brook Elementary are in good shape having been re-gasketed
10 years ago. Preventative maintenance is done on the boilers every year. The problem last winter was the strainer
was plugged,water valve not functioning and the low water indicator shut the boiler down. Other than that,there has
not been a problem with the boiler failing that he can recall. He also indicated there was no gas on the site at Eddy.
He lodked at converting from oil to gas a few years ago and the cost for removing the water heater alone was cost
prohinitive. To replace univents would cost$6,000 per unit. They have maintenance twice a year and as long as
they are maintained they run fine.
Priority Business
Administrators' Reports—MCAS Presentation, written reports in packets
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Dr. Caretti followed up with the committee regarding a request about Head Start families on the Preschool wait list
indicating that these were not Head Start Families on the wait list. She also indicated that Preschool enrollment has
stayed the same in Brewster.
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Brewster School Committee 10-17-2013 Page 1
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Assistant Superintendent Gauley gave a follow-up report on the cost of Galileo which is$8,000 per student and$4.00
for FAST which includes DIBELS NEXT. He also reported on grant funding which included Title I and Title II and
the breakdown in salaries. He indicated the kindergarten grant was just approved. Dr.Hoffmann reported that there
may be effects from the sequestration on some grants and that Dr.Caretti received a memo to anticipate an 8%cut.
Superintendent Hoffmann reported on the Citizens' Technology Forum that will take place on October 246 at 5:30
p.m. at the Nauset Middle School,Auditorium. A press release has been printed in the Cape Cod Times and the
Cape Codder. He enjoyed a wonderful lunch with third and fourth graders and indicated there was a lot of fresh
fruits and vegetables to select on the menu. Two former Eddy School students,Kate Elliot Grunes and Jessica
Williams,were honored at the Doris Kearnes Goodwin Event for their essays. He also indicated there will be a short
presentation about Calmer Choice,which is self-regulation,Transportation, Superintendent's Evaluation and
Policies.
MCAS Presentation
Assistant Superintendent Keith Gauley and Principal Joanna Hughes gave a presentation on the results of the 2013
MCAS administration. Principal Hughes indicated that overall they are very pleased and thanked all teachers in
grades K-5. She indicated that there are two ways to look at MCAS results: Student Achievement and Student
Growth Percentile. She went on to highlight the key points in Math, Science and ELA scores. Assistant
Superintendent Gauley explained what the Student Growth Percentile represents noting it is the most important piece
of information for individual students. He explained the school report card,CPI, PPI, SGP and what the acronyms
mean, sub groups,and narrowing the performance gaps. He explained the next steps in analyzing the student data.
Most importantly he stated that every student has strengths in different areas and we offer art,music , science,
robotics etc. He reminded the committee that you never want to lose that balance and wants kids to have a passion
for learning. He indicated we will continue to challenge students and put in the interventions that we know are
effective. School Committee members asked for further reports. Noted also was Eddy is an outstanding school
district because of interventions,tiered instruction, approaches to learning,team teaching, collaboration and
professional development across the district.
FY 14 Budget Update
Giovanna Venditti,Director of Finance and Operations,reviewed the expenditure reports noting salaries and
transportation costs have been encumbered. Ms.Venditti reviewed the additional revenue resources such as savings
in transportation, $51,473 from the Fall Town Meeting, $20,000 in Circuit Breaker money and money from the
building use rental account. The bills will be paid on the 1S`Monday of the month and made available for signature
the night of the Selectmen's meeting so that members can get into the building and at the regular Brewster School
Committee meeting.
A question was raised regarding the projected negative balance in the cafeteria accounts. Ms.Venditti noted that the
federal reimbursement for May and June was not posted until July. School Committee members asked for
clarification on the numbers. It was suggested that parent lunches be included in plans with a curriculum connection.
Superintendent's Evaluation Update
Dr.Hoffmann presented a summary of action that will be taken on the four goals and what other kinds of evidence
that will be collected. He also indicated he is about to launch a survey for parents from the National Center for
School Leadership which covers topics like academics, communication,responsiveness, school climate,to name a
few. The survey will provide the district with excellent information and feedback. He noted that the Superintendent
never sees the answers on the survey and that it is very confidential. Ms. Kalinick noted that the Eddy survey results
were sent to school committee members and provide valuable information and also stressed that students want more
hand on and collaborative learning.
Brewster School Committee Goals
After discussion regarding school committee member personal goals or school committee goals as a group,members
read their individual goals. Ms. Enochty suggested that the goals relate to the Smart Goals and that the school
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Brewster School Committee 10-17-2013 Page 2
committee's goals be goals within their jurisdiction. Ms. Enochty collected the goals and will organize them in
groups to see how closely, or not,they relate to one another. This will be taken up again at the next meeting
MASC Conference
On a motion by Donna Kalinick, seconded by Trish Hill, it was voted unanimously to appoint Brenda Cazeault as the
delegate for the MASC Conference. It was also voted that Marie Enochty would be the alternate.
Policy Update
Motion: On a motion by Marie Enochty, seconded by Brenda Cazeault, it was voted unanimously to reaffirm the
concussion policy, add the middle school and use a similar format at the elementary schools.
Motion: On a motion by Donna Kalinick, seconded by Marie Enochty, it was voted unanimously to approve the
policy on bullying with the change in definitions and the adding of the wording for staff.
Motion: On a motion by Marie Enochty, seconded by Brenda Cazeault, it was voted unanimously to approve Section
G of the Policy Manual for a first reading.
Motion: On a motion by Marie Enochty, seconded by Brenda Cazeault, it was voted unanimously to approve Section
H of the Policy Manual for a first reading.
Other Reports and Information
A. Preschool—Dr. Caretti reported earlier in the meeting
B. cape Cod Collaborative—Trish Hill reported the main topic of discussion was language changes
regarding attendance at meetings.
C. PTO Liaison—Donna Kalinick reminded everyone of the Annual Eddy School Pasta Dinner on
Friday,November 1st
D. Policy Subcommittee—no report
E. Building Needs Subcommittee—Chair Telman reported that John Porter and the committee got up
on the Eddy School roof and were shocked at their findings. Chair Telman indicated that he will
push to get the whole roof done next summer. The RFS is on the street and will be advertised in
the Central Register and in the Cape Codder with the bid opening on November 1St. He suggested
the Building Needs subcommittee prepare a video so that people can actually see what is happening
with the roof.
Ms. Kalinick requested information from Principal Fronius regarding the church rental and the
approximate timeframe that they will be using the building including what they do when it snows.
Principal Fronius will try to get more information for the next meeting.
F. Negotiations Subcommittee —Marie Enochty cannot be the representative due to her heavy work
sbhedule Off-Cape and Chair Telman agreed to represent Brewster.
Approval of Minutes
On a motion by Trish Hill, seconded by Marie Enochty, it was voted 4 yeas and 1 abstention, to approve
the minutes of September 23, 2013.
Adjournment
On a motion by Marie Enochty, seconded by Donna Kalinick, it was voted unanimously to adjourn the
meeting at 9:57 p.m., subject to payment of bills.
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