HomeMy Public PortalAboutBrewster School Committee -- 2013-11-21 Minutes Brewster School Committee rN D AS31 � 101 !P3�l8 November 21,2013
Brewster Town Hall
Present for the Committee: Donna Kalinick,Brenda Cazeault,Trish Hill, and Chair Dave Telman
Present for the Administration: Asst. Supt. Keith Gauley, Giovanna Venditti,Director of Finance and Operations,
Ann Caretti,Director of Student Services,Principal Denise Fronius,Principal Joanna Hughes
Call to Order—Chair Telman called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. and read the following statement:
Thanks to the citizens of Brewster for their continued support for the elementary schools in Brewster.
He also thanked the Selectmen and Finance Committee for their support of their projects.
He reported that a statement was made at town meeting regarding the fifth kindergarten teacher and that
we should look at how funds from the rental account from the YMCA is being used. Chair Telman
stated that the School Committee is not allowed to use rental money to fund a teacher and thanked the
citizens for voting the additional teacher. He also noted that the School Committee is dedicated and charged
with financial responsibility.
Agenda Changes—None
Citizens Speak—None
Approve Fundraisers
Chair Telman indicated it has been the policy of Nauset to approve fundraising activities from the PTO. Going
forward,any fundraisers will have to be approved by the Committee at the October meeting. This is the practice
throughout the District. Brewster needs to do this as well. Trish Hill disagreed with the interpretation of the policy
and indicated that the policy was not intended to give the School Committee the purview for oversight of other
organizations and that the School Committee cannot dictate how the PTO chooses to raise money.
Chair Telman deferred to the Assistant Superintendent to get clarification of the policy. It was also suggested that
this topic be discussed at the Joint Meeting in January. Assistant Superintendent Gauley indicated that the schools
and towns want to minimize conflict among groups. After hearing from Ms. Snyder and Ms.Dickenson from the
Brewster PTO regarding their upcoming fundraiser to sell Christmas Trees and Wreaths,the item was tabled.
Priority Business
Administrators' Reports—
Principal Hughes reported the Pasta Dinner was a huge success and thanked all the volunteers who helped make it so
successful. She also reported that Parent Conferences,Book Fair, and Family Friday Lunches were taking place.
Playground funding is also complete,thanks to citizens at town meeting. She also thanked Keith Gauley for staying
on this committee. A piano has been donated from Andy Herald. Principal Hughes submitted a list of surplus
equipment for a school committee vote to declare surplus.
On a motion by Trish Hill seconded by Donna Kalinick, it was voted unanimously to accept the gift of the piano,
with gratitude.
On a motion by Donna Kalinik, seconded by Brenda Cazeault, it was voted unanimously to allow the disposition of
surplus materials identified on the list.
Principal Fronius congratulated Cindy Fox who received a$300 grant from the Brewster Garden club and purchased
and planted 700 daffodil bulbs with her students at the Stony Brook School. She also reported that the cafeteria is
promoting"bring a guest"to lunch days, Walk to School Day which took place under the direction of the school
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nurse Colleen Lawless and the Physical Education Teacher,K.T. Stone. Donna Drown,cafeteria manager was
recognized by the state for increasing her breakfast sales. The church will be renting the space at Stony Brook
through next year. Principal Fronius indicated,after a conversation with Dick Bridgwood,that the church will
continue to shovel and the DPW will plow for snow removal. Bible Alliance has submitted their liability insurance.
The cost for repairs for the cut electrical wires is $3,498.50. Plans are also in the works to have the Boston Red Sox
World Series Championship Trophy visit the schools.
Assistant Superintendent Gauley's report included information regarding DDM assessments,Learning Habits of the
Mind,and RTTT Grant($9,769),Piloting FAST,and the Technology Forum that was held on October 24th.
The School Committee members thanked Mr. Gauley for his response to question asked previously regarding MCAS
testing but would like in the future for answers to be brought to the public meeting for the entire committee and the
audience to hear as well as the individual committee member asking the questions. Information benefits the public as
a whole.
Dr. Caretti stated that if members of the Committee have questions as they go through their packets, they could
forward the questions to Administration and Administration would provide answers at the meeting. She reviewed
the preschool community friends and tuition update indicating there is a balance in the Nauset Preschool account of
$118,464. She will check and see if the$50 fee is refundable. Preliminary projections for next year would be an
increase of 4 students. A discussion ensued as to how information is gathered on perspective students. Dr. Caretti
will clarify next month the out-of-district placement and noted another student is moving into the district that
requires an out-of-district placement with a projected cost of$28,537 for tuition and$19,840 for transportation. She
will have further information next month.
The Superintendent's report was in the packet as he was unable to attend the meeting due to a health issue.
Assistant Superintendent Gauley reported that they continue to work on a system-wide comprehensive crisis plan
with the Police Chiefs.
FY 14 Budget Update
Giovanna Venditti reviewed the expenditure reports with the Committee. Clarification was requested on savings
from hiring the automated sub caller, cost of repair to electrical wire that was cut at Stony Brook, identify additional
technology equipment#5008,breakdown of split for ELL teacher, cafeteria participation and projected net loss for
each school.
Capital
Giovanna Venditti reviewed the capital account balances and status of projects with the Committee.
She noted the replacement clock item is in process, ordering more screening for windows and will spend balance,
water heater repair complete and balance to Town's Free Cash, Stage Curtain project complete with a savings that 4
will be allocated back to appropriation to offset balance in the budget,table and chair project complete,Tech Project
ongoing, and Security is ongoing.
FY15 Budget
The FY15 Administrative Budget Calendar was distributed and it was noted that Administration is waiting for
direction from the Town. The Committee should submit feedback for goals and priorities. The format of the budget
is the same as last year and if you have any further suggestions please send them to Chair Telman.
Brewster School Committee Goals
Chair Telman thanked the Committee for their work and suggested they use what was compiled as a working
document going forward. Discussion ensued regarding adopting all the suggestions,creating action steps on how to
accomplish goals, develop a plan to meet goals, look at District Strategic Plan for format on how to proceed. It was
decided a working session of the School Committee will be scheduled to discuss and establish goals.
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Policy Update
Motion: On a motion by Trish Hill, seconded by Donna Kalinick, it was voted unanimously to approve"in form"
Section E of the policy manual for a second reading.
Motion: On a motion by Trish Hill, seconded by Donna Kalinick, it was voted unanimously to approve"in form
Section F of the policy manual for a second reading.
Other Reports and Information
A. Preschool—no report
B. Cape Cod Collaborative—Trish Hill reported that the Collaborative is expanding the ALSP Program.
The cost of the program is being reduced and students on Free and Reduced lunch will have the fee
waived. They are working hard to try and tighten the requests for the need for therapy and continue to
try and keep the cost under control being diligent about finances.
C. PTO Liaison—Donna Kalinick reported that the PTO had a very successful Pasta Dinner fundraiser and
are currently running the book fair and the light bulb sales.
D. Policy Subcommittee—no report
E. Building Needs Subcommittee—Chair Telman reported that the Capital budgets passed. Six vendors
responded to the RFP,three were chosen for interviewing and the committee chose Habeeb&Assoc.
They will be working on the feasibility study over the next couple of weeks.
Donna Kalinik reminded the Committee that the feasibility study will be present at a Joint Meeting
with School Committee and the Board of Selectmen in January and everyone is urged to attend.
Chair Telman thanked Bob Miller for his continued hard work on the project and he will keep the
Committee informed as they move forward.
F. Negotiations Subcommittee—Chair Telman indicated that the subcommittee has met with the
with the teachers and discussions are moving forward. More information will be available in
Executive Session.
G. MASC Conference—Brenda Cazeault reported that there were many School Committee members
from the District, very good sessions and speakers.
Approval of Minutes
On a motion by Donna Kalinick, seconded by Brenda Cazeault, it was unanimously to approve the minutes of
October 17, 2013.
Adjournment
On a motion by Donna Kalinick, seconded by Brenda Cazeault, it was voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at
9:29 p.m., subject to payment of bills.
Respectfully submitted,
Ann M. Tefft,Recording Secretary
Included in the packet: Fundraising Policy, Surplus Equipment List,Preschool Projected Enrollment Figures,
Administrators' reports, monthly expenditure reports,FY15 budget preparation outline,compilation of members'
goals,minutes.
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