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HomeMy Public PortalAboutSupt. Search Subcommittee -- 2/6/2014 Minutes Nauset Regional School Committee L February 6, 2014 Eastham Town Hall Present for the Committee: Chris Easely, Ed Lewis, Cheryl Codair, Sara Blackewell, Sue Skidmore, Ed Brookshire Brian Kavanaugh, Jayne Fowler, Chris Galazzi and John O'Reilly Present for the Administration: Principal Maxine Minkoff, Dr. Ann Caretti, Keith Gauley, Giovanna Venditti, Barbara Lavoine and Dr. Richard Hoffmann Chair O'Reilly called the meeting to order at 7:07 p.m. Agenda Changes—none Citizens Speak—none Chair O'Reilly welcomed Chris Easely who is the new member from Wellfleet, taking the position of Jon Porteus. PRIORITY BUSINESS Technology Presentation Members of the Technology Subcommittee gave a presentation on the use of Technology in the Nauset Schools. Members of the subcommittee presented a review of the last meeting noting various plan options for consideration, data on the number of schools in the country using this technology, data on the number of schools in Massachusetts using this technology, and data on the schools on Cape using devices, and a very informative, hands on demonstration on the use of technology presently being used in the schools. Another highlight was a video presentation on how other schools and students are using technology to enhance their learning experience. The Subcommittee explained how various districts rolled out their technology plans and were very excited that Nauset has started purchasing IPAD carts, and interactive whiteboards at the Middle School and High School. They also indicated that some labs are being upgraded in the Capital budget. The subcommittee members; Tom Faris, Kathleen Tringale, Brandy Jackson, Majen Hammond, Barbara Lavoine, and Keith Gauley would like the School Committee to make a commitment to support a long term plan. Their goal is to make strides in technology so that students K-12 will have access to technology whether it takes on year, two years or three years. Keith Gauley, Assistant Superintendent, reviewed the recommended budget for FY 15, FY 16, and FY 17 with the Committee. The proposals included upgrading infrastructure, upgrading labs at the high school, providing teachers with a tablet device, continuing the purchase of interactive whiteboards and tablet carts, implementing 1-1 devices for all 9th graders, continuing staff development, and continuing to look at the leasing options. A specific plan of the roll out in Years 1- 3 and which grades would be included was presented. Mr. Gauley explained that in doing it this way it becomes part of the operating budget moving forward and that numbers will vary year-to-year once they get the full implementation. Ms. Codair voiced concerns that the students presently at the high school will not be included in the roll out but it was stated that there will be the 1-1 option with carts and various courses will be offered for students in the coming years. Mr. Kavanaugh thanked the teachers for the responsive presentation which exceeded his expectations. Mr. Galazzi also indicated that he was impressed with the scope of the presentation and Nauset Regional School Committee minutes February 6, 2014 Page 1 asked if there were other options to include more grade levels. Mr. Gauley indicated that a grade level can be added but the benefit of the plan is to have a comfort level with the teachers. He also indicated that if things were moving along well with upgraded infrastructure, bandwidth,teacher training,that perhaps the plan could be expedited to include additional classes, which would be a responsive approach. Barbara Lavoine, Director of Technology, indicated that Nauset is moving to Open Cape and that Open Cape may supply the schools with free bandwidth for the next five months. Mr. Galazzi inquired about fast-tracking the completion of interactive whiteboards into the classrooms at the Middle School and High School. Mr. Lewis clarified that in Year 1, incoming freshmen would receive 1-1 tablet. In the second year, 8th grade students would receive the 1-1 tablets and in the third year, students in grades 7 and 8 would receive the tablets. He inquired about the responsibility of the students receiving tablets. Barbara Lavoine listed some of the options that will be researched. There would be an agreement with the parents, a service fee for repairs could be charged, the purchase of a warranty with the device and/or parents could purchase insurance. She also indicated that there are ways to configure the tablets that will limit them from becoming entertainment devices. Mr. Lewis also questioned whether teachers would have enough Professional Development before students received the tablets. Barbara Lavoine indicated that the devices could be in the hands of the teachers before the summer begins. Students would not receive a tablet until after a parent meeting had occurred. Dr. Hoffmann thanked the Subcommittee and all the other teachers involved in the presentation. He indicated that the staffs, including K-5 teachers, have been involved. He hoped that the School Committee recognizes that this is a powerful tool that puts students at the center of their own learning. It is a great tool for collaboration and creativity. The Superintendent indicated that this was a must have, not a frill and that this plan needs to move forward in some way or another. It will engage and excite teachers and students about learning. It will benefit Nauset. He also stated that the Plan might be able to be funded through FY14 money which would be a very good advantage for the summer work on professional development. Chair O'Reilly stated the Committee would like to know how much it would cost to complete the purchasing of interactive whiteboards for the high school and middle school and insurance options for the devices. The Committee would also like to know where the money would come from in FY14 or in the future. The Committee might also want to know the measureable successes in Burlington. He requested that this item be on the agenda for the next meeting and thanked the Subcommittee for their presentation. FY14 Budget Giovanna Venditti, Director of Finance and Operations, reviewed the Dashboard Report with the Committee that included projections for end of year balances, funding source budget status, projected E& D, revolving accounts and grants. Dr. Caretti stated that the IDEA funds will be spent and are used for the extended school year transportation. The cafeteria deficits were discussed and it was noted that salaries have been encumbered but income has not been projected. If you project this based on the income in the last two months,those deficits are projected to be between$40,000 - $50,000 for the Middle School and High School. Chair O'Reilly indicated that the Budget and Finance Subcommittee reviewed the Dashboard reports and asked members to forward any questions to Ms. Venditti. Nauset Regional School Committee minutes February 6, 2014 Page 2 Spending Plans for the High School and Middle School Ms. Venditti reviewed the spending plans noting an ending balance of$343,084 at the High School and $161,400 at the Middle School. Dr. Hoffmann clarified that principals were asked to reduce their budgets and prepare a spending plan that does not impact programs or students. He also stated that the School Committee may not want to cut those funds. Ms. Venditti reviewed the available cash and it was suggested that the Technology Plan B be funded this year because if funds are not spent,they will close to E & D. E &D and percentages related to overall budgets were discussed. Ms. Venditti indicated that anything over 5%has to be returned to the towns. Mr. Kavanaugh reviewed E& D and suggested it is in line with where we have been for the last three years which is substantially better than in the preceding 10 years. He stated we are positioned very well. Chair O'Reilly stated that this gives the committee a lot of information going forward, especially in contemplating funding technology options. He is very interested in the reductions to the budget. FY15 Budget Dr. Hoffmann indicated that the Principals submitted their budgets according to what they think they will need to run their buildings. The Superintendent asked the Principals, if they had to reduce something, what would they identify in their budgets. For the most part,the Superintendent did not see reductions as having a major negative impact on budgets next year. The High School would like to fund a technology teacher to help with staff-training. Principal Conrad would also put tutor funds back into his budget. Mr. Kavanaugh clarified that these are not really cuts to the budget, but changes in forecasting. Mr. Lewis felt the Principals are well aware of what they can do with their budgets and has complete confidence that they can transfer funds from line items to other line items. Chair O'Reilly stated that money is put into the budget to improve programs. He is concerned that the School Committee is given a target by the town to reach 2.5%and it is done using E & D and reductions to the budget. He would like the Committee to hear about the additional cuts and this should come before the School Committee for further discussion. Mr. Galazzi inquired as to whether or not the cuts are substantial or impact the vision for the schools and would like an opportunity to understand why we are reducing the budget in certain cases. Ms. Fowler indicated that she would like to have some sort of involvement and would like to know what the principals go through when proposing the reductions. Dr. Hoffmann explained that the reductions were proposed for the Committee so they could have an option. No reductions have been made yet. Both Principals agreed that this reductions could be made without impacting students and programs. Ms. Venditti reviewed the Projected Revenue Report with the Committee. Dr. Hoffmann indicated that enrollment and school choice will be discussed at the next meeting The Governor's budget was discussed and it was noted that Nauset's increase of Chapter 70 is about$32,525. Truro and Provincetown Tuition—Dr. Hoffmann indicated that an agreement has been forwarded to Provincetown, following the guidelines from the Committee at the last meeting. The Superintendent and Ms. Blackwell had a very productive meeting with Truro. A draft of the Summary Sheet of the Operating and Capital Budgets dated 2/6/2014 was distributed and Dr. Hoffmann explained that this reflected what it would look like if we did what we wanted to do with the Technology Plan as presented tonight. He also noted that the Cape Cod Municipal Health Group's increase was 1.8%and not the 6%carried in the budget. The Superintendent suggested Nauset Regional School Committee minutes February 6, 2014 Page 3 using excess form FY14 to fund the Technology Plan and then the purchase of materials could be accomplished in June. Mr. Lewis noted that this was the last year of the SBA reimbursement and the Superintendent indicated that the Town Administrators were made aware of that fact last year. International Student Program Dr. Hoffmann requested that the School Committee authorize a trip to China for him through the Cambridge Institute of International Education. He would like to travel to China in April and develop a partnership between Nauset and schools in China, a sister school relationship. Principal Conrad will visit China next year. This would promote short term trips for Chinese students to Nauset as well as Nauset students to China. It will also offer short term trips for faculty members. The cost for the Superintendent will be $2,000 which will be funded through the International Student Account. The trip is scheduled from April 13`"—April 27`". A requirement of the program is that Nauset host Chinese educators for two weeks in the fall. Motion: On a motion by Chris Galazzi, seconded by Jayne Fowler, it was voted unanimously, 10-0,to send the Superintendent to China as proposed, and authorize him to use$2,000 from the International Student Account. House Doctor Ms. Venditti explained the position of House Doctor to the Committee. On a motion by Ed Brookshire, seconded by Chris Galazzi, it was voted 8 yeas and 2 Abstentions (Mr. Kavanaugh and Mr. Lewis)to appoint Habeeb and Associates as the House Doctor. Capital Projects Dr. Hoffmann explained how capital articles are submitted to the town and how each town prints capital articles in their warrants. Mr. Lewis suggested that the Committee use some of the unexpended money in the present capital plan to offset the Middle School roof. Mr. Lewis suggested instead of receiving$470,000 per year, the Region receive $350,000 per year. The Region would use a portion of the annual $470,000 to fund the 2.4 million dollar project and not ask the towns for a debt exclusion. He suggested taking $120,000 for the next number of years and pay for the roof. Capital will be reduced by$120,000 going forward. Chair O'Reilly questioned the use of capital funds being used for something other than what they have been voted in the capital plan. Mr. Galazzi questioned not doing projects that need to be done and the implications of not doing projects, not having the funds and having a problem. It was suggested the School Committee go through the list that remains and decide whether to approve or delay work. Chair O'Reilly stated the Committee must decide if the roof project is something they want to do and move forward. Mr. Kavanaugh indicated that he had a meeting with Paul Richard, Head of Maintenance at the Nauset Middle School. Mr. Richard gave him a history of the roof and explained that there has been a consistent effort to maintain the roof. The roof was put on in 1991 and had a 15 Nauset Regional School Committee minutes February 6, 2014 Page 4 year warranty. We are 50%beyond the warranty period. Mr. Kavanaugh felt the project was absolutely worthwhile and the committee should support it. Motion: On a.motion by Ed Lewis, seconded by Chris Galazzi, it was voted unanimously, 10-0,to approve the Middle School roof project for 2.4 million dollars and expend $110,191 for the design phase. Approval of Minutes On a motion by Ed Brookshire, seconded by Sue Skidmore, it was voted unanimously, 9-0, with 1 absention, (Brian Kavanaugh) to approve the minutes of January 9, 2014. Adjournment On a motion by Ed Brookshire, seconded by Sarah Blackwell, it was voted unanimously, 10-0,to adjourn the meeting at 10:20 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Ann M. Tefft Included in the packet: Technology Presentation, Choice and Circuit Breaker Funding,School Choice Wait List History, Certified E&D History,NRMS Roof Project letter from MSBA,Budget for Technology Plan,Technology Staffing,Projected Cash Available,Region Revenue for FY15 Budget,Nauset High School Budget Reductions,Nauset Middle School Budget Reductions, Draft of the Operating and Capital Budgets version 2. Nauset Regional School Committee minutes February 6, 2014 Page 5