HomeMy Public PortalAboutSupt. Search Subcommittee -- 12/11/2014 Minutes iflt,rgra'r�
Nauset Regional School Committee
December 11, 2014
Brewster Town Hall
Present for the Committee: Jayne Fowler, Ed Brookshire, Sarah Blackwell, Ed Lewis, John
O'Reilly, Ed Lewis, Kyle Wibby, Chris Galazzi and Chris Easely (7:24 p.m.)
Present for the Administration: Dr. Hoffmann, Superintendent, Mr. Gauley, Assistant
Superintendent, Ms. Venditti, Director of Finance and Operations, Dr. Caretti, Director of
Student Services, Principal Thomas Conrad and Principal Maxine Minkoff
Call to Order
Chair O'Reilly called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m.
Executive Session
On a motion by Sue Skidmore, seconded by Sarah Blackwell, it was voted, by roll call vote, to
go into Executive Session to discuss the deployment of security personnel or devices, or
strategies with respect thereto. On a roll call the vote was as follows: Jayne Fowler-yea, Ed
Brookshire-yea, Sarah Blackwell-yea, Ed Lewis-yea, John O'Reilly-yea, Ed Lewis-yea, Kyle
Wibby-yea, and Chris Galazzi-yea. The committee went into Executive Session at 7:02 p.m., to
return to open session.
The Committee reconvened in open session at 7:40 p.m.
Recognitions
Dr. Hoffmann recognized Ryan Birchall, Ginny Ogden and Nauset High School art students for
their collaboration and art presentation at the National Seashore Visitor Center.
Paul Richard, Head of Maintenance at Nauset Middle School, was recognized for volunteering
his personal time to install wiring for controls at the greenhouse as well as assisting and
supervising the installation of a walkway for the project. His dedication to the staff, students and
community is to be commended.
Mr. Lewis mentioned that he attended the Brewster Mens' Club Holiday luncheon and praised
Ms. Allison Beavan and the Honors Chorus for their phenomenal concert.
Agenda Changes
Chair O'Reilly indicated that the Food Service Update will take place at the January meeting.
Citizens Speak
None
Priority Business
Presentation on Bullying - Staff Members from the Guidance Office at Nauset Middle School,
Shelby Williams, Tony Cedeno, Bonnie Jackman and Barbara Dominic, along with students,
Cambria Parent, Maggie Bragdon, Brook Salvadore and Emily Boyle, gave a presentation on
Bullying Prevention and the program being offered at every grade level.
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Technology Presentation—Barbara Lavoine and Keith Gauley highlighted the changes in
teaching and learning that are taking place since the roll out of the 1-1 iPad initiative. The
Committee was shown a video of how technology is being used in the classroom. Lauren Wall,
Educational Assistant at Nauset High School shared her experience with"Notability"and the
benefits to staff and students. Keith Gauley summarized Professional Development that has
taken place and that will take place in the future. There are on-going workshops with B. Lavoine
and Maja Hammond, as well as daily workshops by Lisa Orendella. Principal Conrad invited
members of the committee to visit the high school anytime to see how the staff and students are
utilizing technology in the classroom. Phil Wright, Taji Tang, Noelle Smith, and Scott McGrath,
teachers at Nauset High School, shared their experiences using technology in the classroom.
Coleman Norton, a ninth grade student, expressed his enthusiasm and shared his perspective on
using technology and the benefits for students noting various programs he uses to enhance his
studies.
Principal Conrad indicated that this is just the beginning and teachers are working so very hard
for us.
Mr. Brookshire thanked the students and staff for the informative presentation noting that the
students are very articulate.
Mr. Wibby indicated that he was very impressed on how this initiative has been implemented at
Nauset High School, not only for the students but for the teachers as well. He also stated this
was the best presentation on why this program should be expanded and congratulated everyone
for their efforts. He is excited to see the progress.
Mr. French from Eastham Finance Committee also thanked everyone for the impressive
presentation and did not think that this could be developed fast enough. He asked that the school
committee find a way to expedite the expansion of this program.
Student Representative Report
Peter Kelsey, Student Representative, reported that the technology implementation has been
tremendous and students would like to see it at all grade levels. The senior class held a coffee
fundraiser to help with senior prom expenses that netted $400. Winter sports training has begun
and the recreation league has started at the Middle School. The High School holiday concert is
December 19th and December 20th at the Middle School auditorium.
Administrators' Reports
Administrators' reports were included in the packet.
Principal Conrad asked the committee to accept the most generous gift of a turf field from
various donors.
Motion: On a motion by Ed Lewis, seconded by Chris Easely, it was voted unanimously,to
accept the gift from various donators for the astro turf field valued at $750,000.
FY15 Budget Update
Ms. Venditti, Director of Finance and Operations, indicated that the subcommittee met last week
and reviewed the Dashboard Report. Ms. Venditti reviewed balances in various accounts. She
also indicated that she made adjustments within the revenue section reflecting the Govenor's 9C
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cuts including transportation. Dr. Hoffmann indicated that these cuts have not been voted by
Legislators but it is the Governor's recommendation. Ms. Venditti also indicated that the Capital
Asset Subcommittee and her staff have been working hard on capital projects.
Chair O'Reilly asked that Committee members contact their representatives regarding the 9C
cuts and referenced the Superintendent's email that was sent to members. Let them know they
have to find other cuts. Members discussed the regional transportation reimbursements and the
uncertainty of funding each year.
FY 16 Budget Update
Dr. Hoffmann reviewed the budget timeline and topics that would be discussed at each meeting.
At this meeting, principals would speak to expanding programs, additional staffing, and maintain
the present level of services. Dr. Hoffmann reviewed the budget assumptions:
➢ 2.5% increase is the towns' target (rate of inflation is 1.5%)
D January 14th there will be a draft of the revenue to the District
D Salary increases have been included
D Administrators reviewing current programs
➢ Finishing draft of enrollment projections not enrollment may decline at the Middle
School and High School (depends on school choice)
D Charter School Out—presently 85 students attending the two charter schools
➢ Grants are funded about the same
D Budgeting transportation—depends on new bid. Bid opening will be held in January
D Health Insurance—CCMHG has not set the rate (7% increase included)
Mr. Brookshire inquired if the number of students attending from Monomoy would go down.
Dr. Hoffmann indicated that this would be discussed at a later meeting but indicated there was a
very small change in the number. He also noted that Nauset is marketing itself better and
showcasing our programming.
Dr. Hoffmann reviewed the budget priorities with the Committee which included consideration
in accelerating the technology implementation plan from 3 years to 2 years, reviewing class size,
special needs programs, virtual school, continued professional development in aligning with the
curriculum, and academic support for students.
Dr. Minkoff presented her priority list to the Committee which included a .4 Mandarin Teacher,
a Grade 7/8 Science Teacher, .5 Educational Assistant for Special Education, International
Baccalaureate Coordinator Stipend, .2 Teacher of the Deaf, Technology (59,172), IB
Professional Development, materials and equipment for greenhouse lab, and crisis training. A
discussion of the iPad cycle will be reviewed in January. The Middle School is requesting
laptops in the back of the classrooms as some students need the full keyboard. It was noted that
these items would increase the budget by approximately 2%.
Principal Conrad presented his priority list which included the expansion of 1 10-month
secretarial position to a 12 month principal's secretary, Staff for Structured Study Program,
Academic Re-Teaching Program, full-time Computer Support Technician, part-time Testing
Coordinator, increase Athletic Trainer to full-time, after school Fitness Center staffing and
Technology iPad Distribution to Grades 9, 11, and 12.
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Dr. Hoffmann indicated that the other two components of the budget are Region Only and
Region Shared that are not included in the books yet. It was noted that one tech person who is
50%Middle School and High School has been moved into the Region Only budget. The Central
Office Subcommittee will meet to review the Central Office budget with an additional staff
request for an accounting position.
Dr. Hoffmann distributed a sheet of Potential Savings dated December 11, 2014 noting at this
point the total potential savings is $444,000. He indicated that on January 14th the committee
will look at revenue estimates and the Principals will review their budgets line-by-line.
Enrollment and School Choice
Dr. Hoffmann reviewed the school choice process with the committee. The School Committee
determines annually if the district will participate in school choice and at what level. He stated
that the base rate has not changed since 1974 and the district receives an average of about $5,500
and it is deposited into a School Choice Revolving fund. It is voted as part of the annual budget
to use to reduce assessments to towns. Dr. Hoffmann explained why school choice works for
Nauset as the majority of students are from the four member towns. Nauset will run a class with
13 students enrolled. The District is already paying for a teacher and utilities, so adding
students is at no cost to the member towns. The District received 1.5 million dollars from school
choice and it costs about $500,000 or six teachers to run our programs. This is in the best
interest of our students and the taxpayers. Nauset offers the most outstanding programming in
the state. Spending $500,000 to offer those courses is a tremendous benefit for students going to
Nauset High School. In conclusion, school choice is working for Nauset High School financially
and for the Program of Studies.
Mr. Brookshire indicated that there has to be a way to get this across to the public because they
think school choice costs the District money. Mr. Galazzi stated it seemed as if the state was
discouraging high performing schools and they are penalized for accepting school choice
students. He indicated we don't receive an average of what our neighboring towns are paying
for our students to attend their own school. It is an economic anomaly. Dr. Hoffmann indicated
that the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has not played a role in this and
that this is a legislative problem. It is a major issue in urban areas.
Mr. Lewis stated that 30%of our students come from out of District, 20% school choice students
and 10%from Truro and Provincetown. He suggested putting some of the school choice money
into capital projects that are fully funded by the member towns. Figure out how to take a
percentage of choice funds and apply to capital or technology. This would allow us to do some
of the capital projects or buy some of the iPads. Take 20% of the net.
Dr. Hoffmann indicated that the International Student Account is separate from the school choice
account and the Committee could look at those funds. He reminded the Committee that they did
use a little of the school choice money to pay for technology infrastructure. He also stated that
most of the school choice money goes to lower assessments.
Mr. Russ French agreed with Mr. Lewis and asked if the Committee could find out if it is
increasing the excellence of our schools and if so, how it could be enhanced.
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Chair O'Reilly suggested thinking about this next year and perhaps implementing a policy. It
was agreed the committee would continue this conversation on January 14th
Other Reports and Information
Policy Subcommittee— Sue Skidmore reported that the Policy Subcommittee is meeting to
review the Staff and School Committee Communication Policy. The subcommittee will also
review the Discipline Policy as well and the status of the Policy Manual Project.
Transportation Subcommittee—no report.
Capital Assest Subcommittee—Mr. Easely reported that they would like to go the towns to
request guidance on how to proceed on future capital plans. The subcommittee is thinking of a
debt exlusion for lighting, concrete and the second science lab. They will be presenting a SOI to
get into MSBA program for a renovation of the high school. Meetings are being scheduled with
the towns.
Cape Cod Collaborative —Mr. Easely reported that he is learning the Cape Cod Collaboratives
function. He reported their budget is in good shape and they are purchasing some buses.
Superintendent Search Subcommittee—Mr. O'Reilly reported the Supt. Search Subcommittee
met and developed a brochure for the website. The committee voted to add a teacher and parent
representative who will be non-voting members. The Cape Cod Collaborative is taking care of
the postings. Mr. Mathison indicated that he received notification relative to selecting a teacher
to be on the committee and will forward a name.
Future Agenda Items -None
Approval of Minutes
On a motion by Ed Lewis, seconded by Jayne Fowler, it was voted 8 yeas, 1 abstention, Kyle
Wibby, to approve the minutes of November 13, 2014. .
Adjournment
On a motion by Ed Lewis, seconded by Sue Skidmore, it was voted unanimously to adjourn the
meeting at 10:08 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Ann M. Tefft
Included in the packet: Administrators' reports,Dashboard Report, FY16 budget information,FY16 budget books,
priorities and assumptions,and minutes.
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