HomeMy Public PortalAboutBrewster School Committee -- 2014-02-27 Minutes I V
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Brewster School Committee •
February 27, 2014 L L
Eddy Elementary School
Present for the Committee: Donna Kalinick,Brenda Cazeault,Trish Hill,and Chair Dave Telman
Present for the Administration: Dr.Hoffmann,Keith Gauley, Denise Fronius and Joanna Hughes
Call to Order—Chair Telman called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.
Capital Plan Update
Mr.Richard Pomroy,Owners Project Manager for the Eddy Roof Project addressed the committee regarding the
Eddy Roof project. He indicated that the project was on the"fast track"and reviewed the project timeline,phasing
plans, locations,and site staging with the Committee. The completion date is extremely important and different
scenarios were reviewed,noting the worst case scenario that it would not be ready by September.He indicated how
he*ould deal with that scenario by working weekends and evenings.The Building Needs Assessment Committee is
in communication with NYA and will communicate with Recreation Department. He requested that the
Administration send him the policies for working at the school. He will hold a parent/teacher informational forum
regarding what to expect,materials,and the process.
Mr.Charles Sumner,Town Administrator, indicated that he could ask the Selectmen to call a special election on May
6 or May 7 to speed up the process which would cost approximately$6,000.The bid documents would go out right
after the election and the proposition 2 1/2 debt exclusion. Mr. Sumner also indicated that it is a 2.3 million dollar
project right now and if the Committee delayed another year the cost would be increased by$100,000 in escalation
costs. He asked that the Administration and the Committee investigate if the elementary schools have$6,000 in the
budget. Then he would go to the Finance Committee. This would save two weeks in the project and give more
flexibility. Perhaps he could get a Reserve Fund transfer to move up the date of the election.
Motion:
On a motion by Donna Kalinick,seconded by Brenda Cazeault,it was voted unanimously,4-0,that the School
Committee request the Board of Selectmen to hold a special town election to be held the day after town meeting and
ask the Finance committee for a reserve fund transfer in order to pay for the special election.
Update on Capital Plan
Dr.I-Ioffmann reviewed the various pieces of the Capital Plan that will be on the warrant at Town Meeting. He
reviewed a revised Capital Plan with the Committee noting items being removed from the original list and indicating
priority items.
1. General Maintenance and Repairs—balance in prior article to cover repairs from May—November.
2. Repair/Replace Windows—Stony Brook School -$150,000
3. Technology Project at Eddy and Stony Brook Schools-$30,000
4. Interior/Exterior Painting at Eddy and Stony Brook—postponed until a later date,possibly November
5. Carpet and Flooring Replacement—Eddy and Stony Brook$30,000—reduced by half and$15,000
worth of flooring be done at Stony Brook this summer
6. Replace Telephone System-$40,000—funded at November Town meeting.
In addition,$102,600 will be on the Special Town Meeting for design services for the Eddy Roof
and HVAC project.
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Motion:
On a motion by Donna Kalinick,seconded by Trish Hill,it was voted unanimously 4-0,to reorder the
numbers of the Capital Plan as discussed,with the understanding that the committee will get a firm number
for the telephone system.
1. Windows
2. Technology
3. Telephone
4. Carpeting
Public Hearing—FY 15Budget
Dr.Hoffmann reviewed his handout regarding the budget development process,budget priorities,maintaining
academic programs and student support services,maintaining reasonable class sizes,stimulating professional growth,
supporting students with special needs,providing for a safe and supportive climate,enhancing parent involvement,
budget needs,and major budget line items. The Budget is currently at$8,610,170 and the Town's allowance is
$8,418,751 that leaves the budget$191,419 over budget. There are a new special education costs for an out-of-
district placement of$69,668. The Superintendent indicated it will be extremely challenging to meet the budget.
He reviewed the rental account and the circuit breaker balance with the committee. It was also indicated that are
balances in the capital account for items that have been completed and perhaps the town would give the school
committee that money.
Principal Fronius reviewed the impact on directed reading groups if there was a reduction in staffing. Principal
Fronius noted no impact in Kindergarten and 1'and 2"d grade would go from a group of 3-4 students to a group this
year to 4-5 students in a group next year. Educational Assistants' moving to kindergarten and proper training in
Tools of the Mind was discussed.
Principal Fronius indicated that Kindergarten packets have been sent out or picked up and by the next meeting she
will have a better indication of how many students will be attending in the fall. She is confident there will be four
kindergarten classrooms next year.
Principal Hughes clarified that the 1-1 educational assistant that was helping the out-of-district placed student is not
going to be cut as there is a seniority list.
Dr.Ann Caretti indicated that this student is still part of our community and that the best plan has been figured out
for the particular student.
The Superintendent suggested asking the Selectmen to transfer$7,138 of unexpended balances in the capital project
account to the schools' operating budget. He also indicated that the Region budget came in under what the Town
expected by$20,000 and could that money go to the elementary schools budget. Chair Telman indicated that the
School Committee is meeting with Selectmen on March 10th and thought it might be appropriate to reduce the budget
tonight to show that the Committee is working toward the target number put forth by the Town but that the School
Committee is having a very difficult time getting to that figure. He also indicated that the Principals did a good job
in bringing the Committee the reduction lists and he would like to trust that the Principals know what they need for
students and programs. The Committee discussed reductions that could be made that did not impact the budget.
Committee members identified several accounts that they would be willing to reduce that totaled$40,990,not
including a transfer from capital. The consensus of the committee is that they will work to get to the target amount
set by the town.
Motion:
On a motion by Trish Hill,seconded by Donna Kalinick,it was voted unanimously,4-0,to make the cuts discussed
Totaling$40,990,with the understanding that it will be the goal of the School Committee to reach$230,087.
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Dr.Hoffmann and Ann Tefft had to leave the meeting at 6:35 p.m. to attend the Region School Committee meeting
in liastham.
FY 1 4 Budget Update
Gioovanna Venditti reviewed the expenditure reports noting a$4,965 balance in Stony Brook and a$96,487 balance at
Eddy School. Ms.Venditti noted that other sources of revenue for the budget include$30,000 in the rental account
and$20,160 in Circuit Breaker Funds that need to be spent in this fiscal year. FY15 Circuit Breaker money is in
reserve for FY15. Building Use Account money can be transferred year to year and Ms. Venditti will talk with the
town accountant.
Due to the unanticipated out-of-district placement in this fiscal year,a question was raised regarding staffing.
Ms.Hughes indicated that the educational assistant has been reassigned to other students with priority needs.
Donna Kalinick volunteered to read to students at the Community Read Day at the Eddy School.
Technology Plan
Keith Gauley,Assistant Superintendent,reviewed the technology plan with the Committee giving an overview of
technology at the elementary level,status and impact of the technology plan and goals for the district.
- Embed the use of technology to help meet students' individual learning styles
Provide added engagement and motivation with meaningful feedback
- Increase the opportunities for communication and collaboration with peers/teachers/others
Enhance the ability for students to problem solve and create learning products
- Provide an Instructional Integration Specialist,technical support, and professional development to all staff
PreK-Grade 12
Mr.Gauley reviewed the current technology in the schools,the purchase plans for years 1,2,and 3,and the
additional technicians that may be needed. Ms.Hill stated that the instructional integration specialist model is very
helpful for learning as well as for professional development. She stated concerns about how the budget is put
together and stated the district is not prepared for the technology now because the infrastructure is not sufficient to
achieve the goals. She also questioned the level of tech support. Mr.Gauley indicated that currently a Technology
Director and two technicians are employed that move throughout the district as needed. Ms. Hill thought the budget
wat;not thorough enough. The cost of professional development was addressed by Mr. Gauley indicating the
professional development will be funded the same way as it is now,but with a focus on technology. Ms.Hill would
like to see the K-12 technology document showing specific goals for technology at specific grade levels. Ms.
Kalinick asked about the technician and how the cost is allocated. Mr. Gauley indicated that there is another
technician in the Region budget. Principals noted there has been no problem with Smart boards.
Mr.Gauley indicated that technology is built into the Title I grant and they are using these funds to improve student
learning for Title I students. It was noted that Trish Hill would like to be the Brewster Elementary Schools
representative on the technology subcommittee going forward.
Reports and Information
Preschool enrollment—no report
Cape Cod Collaborative—no report
PTO Liaison—Trish Hill reported that the book fair is March 8— 12
Policy Subcommittee—no report
Building Needs Subcommittee—reported earlier
Negotiations Subcommittee—no report,Chair Telman indicated they are meeting on Saturday
Approval of Minutes
On a motion by Donna Kalinick,seconded by Trish Hill,it was voted unanimously 4-0,to approve the minutes of
December 30,2013.
Brewster School Committee 2-13-2014 Page 3
On a motion by DonnaKainick seconded by Brenda Caze u, itwas voted un animo sy 4-0,to app o erne
minutes of January 14,2014.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
On amoi!o by DonnaKainick, seconded by Brenda Cazeaul t,it was voted by Ilolclal,to go into Executive SsSio }
at 7:23 p.m. for the purpose of discussing strategy with respect mclelcivbargaining with union prsonnelnot to
return to open session. \
Rol! clalvote: Trish Hill—yea,Donna K inic—yea,Brenda Cazeu!! —yea,and CairlTlA.yea
Respectfully submitt d,
Ann M Tf
Included in the packet: Pomeroy LLC—roof and HVAC timeline,FY15 Capital Plan,Bud get Pr Setion Slides,
Reductions, Imp rc art,reduction lisltsP§nipas! report,Asst Su p report,ex penditure repo rts,status and impa ct
of technology plan report,minutes
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