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HomeMy Public PortalAboutSupt. Search Subcommittee -- 1/8/2015 Minutes Nauset Regional School Committee M" January 8, 2015 Brewster Town Hall Present for the Committee: Sue Skidmore, Ed Brookshire, Sarah Blackwell,John O'Reilly, Chris Easely, Kyle Wibby, Ed Lewis, Chris Galazzi arrived at 7:15 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, Barbara Lavoine,Director of Technology, Principal Thomas Conrad and Principal Maxine Minkoff Others Present: Harry Terkanian,Tom Rhinehart, Russ French and David Dunford Call to Order Chair O'Reilly called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. Recognitions Dr. Hoffmann read a letter from the Brewster Council on Aging thanking the Nauset Honors Chorus and Mrs. Allison Beavan for the wonderful holiday program. Chair O'Reilly congratulated the Music Department for a phenomenal show on December 21 and 22. Agenda Changes Chair O'Reilly indicated that there would be no Student Representative report. Citizens Speak -None Priority Business Orleans Pond Coalition Dr. Minkoff introduced Chris Ramsey, Director of the Orleans Conservation Trust and Dan Connolly, Tree Warden, who proposed a plan for restoring water quality in Boland Pond and the creation of a walking trail system behind the schools. They hoped the emphasis on restoring the quality of Boland Pond and the trails would expand on educational opportunities for Middle School and Orleans Elementary School students. They indicted they must file an administrative review to the conservation commission. Motion: On a motion by Ed Brookshire, seconded by Chris Easely, it was voted unanimously to support the plans for trail improvements and suggested Mr. Connolly and Mr. Ramsey act on the behalf of the Nauset Regional School District to complete the trails. Greenhouse Learning Laboratory Dr. Minkoff introduced Ann Mahoney, President of 501 3C that was created for the greenhouse. Ms. Mahoney indicated that she was presenting the committee with a gift of a Greenhouse Learning Laboratory which cost $160,000 to build and was a gift from the entire community. Members of the Greenhouse Committee included: Lisa Goodrich, Kathleen Larsen, Paul Richard, Maxine Minkoff, Robin Percy and Emily O'Reilly. It is their hope that this will enhance learning opportunities for all students in the Nauset District. 1 � � Motion: On a motion by Ed Lewis, seconded by Ed Brookshire, it was voted unanimously to accept the gift of a Greenhouse Learning Laboratory, with utmost gratitude. Administrators' Reports -Administrators' reports were included in the packet. Food Service Update Ms. Susan Murray,Director of Nutrition and Food Services,updated the Committee on the Food Service Program and highlighted new initiatives that are taking place at the Middle School and High School to promote participation in the program. Smart Snack Rules and the USDA's regulations for competitive foods were mentioned. Mr. Brookshire voiced concerns regarding the price of school lunch, especially for families with more than one student. Ms. Murray indicated that the price of school lunch will go up again due to the federal equity law but indicated she will keep prices as low as she can. Members of the committee asked questions about participation and complimented the program's increased participation compared to December 2013. Dr. Hoffmann indicated that there are two new managers at both schools and that they are exceptional. FY 15 Budget Update Ms. Venditti, Director of Finance and Operations, reviewed the Dashboard Report noting the Budget and Finance Subcommittee did not have a chance to meet but she and Chair O'Reilly met to review the report. She highlighted various parts of the report noting a projected balance in E & D of$685,721, estimates of Year End Balances, estimated Revenues, and town assessments. Mr. Lewis asked for an explanation of why the $444,000 figure had dropped to $175,000. Ms. Venditti indicated that expenses came through, in health insurance, school choice and charter school tuition reimbursement. The cafeteria deficit was mentioned. Chair O'Reilly indicated if there are any questions, the committee could bring them up at the next meeting. FY16 Budget Update Dr. Hoffmann reviewed the Regional Agreement and the town assessments. Brewster's assessment went down to .26%, Eastham's assessment increased to .8%, Orleans assessment declined to 1.6% and Wellfleet's assessment increased to 1.02%. He indicated that they use the same formula for capital assessments. Principal Conrad reviewed his line item budget highlighting line items that have increased 5%or more. Mr. Lewis asked Principal Conrad for the "back of the house" costs for technology. Principal Conrad indicated that he may have five retirements this year but does not know for sure until he receives a letter from the teachers. Mr. Lewis indicated that the High School budget was up 2.68% and would like to see a priority list from Mr. Conrad to get this to 2.5%. Mr. Galazzi inquired about the E & D funds offsetting some of the budget and Chair O'Reilly indicated that he envisioned having that conversation again this year. Principal Conrad reviewed his new item list with the Committee. He would like a year round secretary, staff for a structured Study Program, Saturday Academic Program, Computer Support 21 _ Technologist, a Part-time Testing Coordinator, increase time for Athletic Trainer, after school Fitness Center Staffing and iPad distribution in grades 9, 11, and 12. Questions were raised regarding the testing coordinator and who handles it presently. Principal Conrad indicated that with the amount of testing that is being done, it takes time from all people. Principal Minkoff reviewed her line item budget and highlighted increases over 5% section by section. She stated in another year they will need to look at purchasing science textbooks. It was noted that the Middle School has gas, not oil. Chair O'Reilly asked that utility accounts be reviewed again to make sure the committee is comfortable with the forecasts going forward. Chair O'Reilly asked if the Middle School pumps their septic tank every year. Mr. Lewis asked if Contracted Services increase 2.5% each year. Dr. Minkoff reviewed her new items and removed the .2 teacher of the deaf from the list to be included in the regular budget. The new list included: .4 Mandarin Teacher, Grade 7/8 Science Teacher, .5 Educational Assistant, 1 International Baccalaureate Coordinator Stipend, .5 Technology Integration Specialist, technology items, IB Professional Development, Materials and equipment for the greenhouse lab and crisis training. Discussion regarding class size in science, social studies and AP classes ensued. Dr. Minkoff indicated that there are 27-29 students in the science classes and she would like smaller class sizes. Chair O'Reilly asked if thought had been given to limiting the candidates eligible for the advanced program. Dr. Minkoff indicated that she is doing what they do at the high school and letting anyone who wants to be in the program participate. She also indicated that they do not change the curriculum to meet the needs of kids coming in who don't meet criteria but indicated that students are doing well. Mr. Lewis indicated that a decision needs to be made on the IB Program. Chair O'Reilly would like to hear more about the IB program, what is involved, the goals and where we are in the process. Discussion about the 15 student laps for Special Needs took place. Mr. Lewis felt students should keep their technology as they move through the system and reflect the cost in a region budget through an accounting method. Chair O'Reilly asked that the number of iPads be checked again. Dr. Caretti indicated that she is very careful not to have items cross over from towns to the region as it is an accounting nightmare. Chair O'Reilly indicated that the .5 Educational Assistant should be removed from the list and placed in the budget. Technology Barbara Lavoine, Director of Technology, and Keith Gauley, Assistant Superintendent,presented to the Committee the iPad Implementation Plan for year two of the plan. Ms. Lavoine indicated that the roll out has been very successful. Mr. Gauley distributed a plan on estimated ongoing lease costs and the five year projected cost of a lease if the committee moves forward with the plan. Mr. Lewis requested a total cost of technology on a year to year basis including"back office" costs. The Committee discussed what grades should be included in the plan. Mr. Galazzi 3 � inquired what the other schools on Cape Cod in grades 6, 7, and 8 have for technology, as he was concerned about the School Choice Program. He asked that Administration look into what the other schools are providing in the Middle School and High School because technology will play a larger role in the long term. Mr. Gauley noted that Monomoy High School is becoming a grade 7-12 school. Ms. Skidmore asked about the leasing options and disposal of units. Ms. Lavoine indicated that the district has options with the leasing. There is an option to return toward a down payment on a new lease. Mr. Rhinehart, Finance Committee in Wellfleet, asked how much is being added to our school budgets each year for technology. He asked about the benefits of the program and Chair O'Reilly indicated that Mr. Rhinehart just missed a very informative presentation on December 1 lth from staff and students regarding technology and how it is being used in the classrooms. Dr. Hoffmann reviewed the Proposed Budget Draft Prior to Reductions with the Committee. Presently the budget is at an 8.30%increase with the change being $1,675,601. He also reviewed a hypothetical example if the Region's FY16 Net Budget was to increase by just 2.50% with the change being approximately$500,000. The Superintendent asked the committee members to think about these reports. Capital Plan Mr. Easely reviewed the FY16 Capital Plan. He indicated the Capital Asset Subcommittee met with Principals to review their priorities. The High School capital list included: Technology infrastructure, General Repairs,new furniture to replace the 40 year old furniture,paving next to the tennis courts, a kiln, and art sinks which totaled $288,043. It was noted that Amy Kandall offered Adult Education courses and raised $10,00o to offset the cost of the kiln. The Middle School requested Computer replacement,replacement of furniture, general repairs, playfield irrigation, baseball field resurface infield, repair main entrance stairs and walks to street and replace cabinets and countertops in art room. Ms. Skidmore posed the question if technology should be part of the capital budget. She thinks it should be its own line item as it is an important part of the educational process. Mr. Galazzi indicated that the Board of Selectmen in Orleans would like to see the school committee build capital expenses into a long term solution. Mr. Easely indicated that a lot of the capital projects have been pushed out and that the Habeeb Report is two years old. He continued to say that many projects have been accomplished this year but other important projects are not going to go away. The High School will have to address issues at some point in time Mr. Easely indicated that if we wait to do projects, costs increase. The committee should prioritize items and work on them. Mr. Wibby asked if the long term plan would have more definite numbers. Mr. Easely indicated that the nature of the projects requires a lot of money and it can't be done with the $480,000 that is given each year for capital maintenance. Mr. Lewis stated that the Brewster Selectmen are looking for a long range plan for financing these things. Mr. Lewis reviewed the history of the capital plan allotment with the committee noting it was never meant to do major projects but meant to do maintenance jobs on a yearly basis. The School Committee needs to come up with a method,how we use the money,how we finance capital and how we finance technology. Mr. Lewis stated there is money available that we have to earmark for technology and Capital. 20% of the population of the schools is school 4I choice students. Take 20%of the School Choice money and earmark it for capital and technology. 10% of tuition money could be used for capital and technology. He suggested figuring out how we can do that and then approach the towns indicating the need for additional money,but not ask for a debt exclusion. Chair O'Reilly reviewed the dates of the next meetings and indicated this would be on the January 12th agenda. He also noted that the idea of a debt exclusion was not warmly received in Brewster. The town of Wellfleet has to know what the region is planning by the end of the month. Mr. Lewis asked Ms. Venditti to find out if the Region could bond 1.75 million and what the principle and interest would be on a yearly basis. Chair O'Reilly indicated that the subcommittee will have a meeting and decide how to present this. Ms. Skidmore felt the technology, $80,000, should be taken out of the capital budget. She felt this is important enough and has outgrown this way of budgeting. She also indicated that the capital maintenance account needs every dollar. She does not agree with sacrificing legitimate capital projects for technology. Members of the committee were in agreement that technology should have its own line item. Chair O'Reilly will have focused conversations at the next meeting on these topics. 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 meeting was held. Bus Bid opening 1/30. Cape Cod Collaborative—Mr. Easely reported that no meeting was held. Superintendent Search Subcommittee—Mr. O'Reilly reported the Supt. Search Subcommittee will meet on January 12th to bring on a staff representative and parent representative. The search is open and ongoing Future Agenda Items -None Approval of Minutes On a motion by Ed Lewis, seconded by Sue Skidmore, it was voted unanimously to approve the minutes of December 11, 2014. . Adjournment On a motion by Ed Lewis, seconded by Sue Skidmore, it was voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 10:36 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Ann M. Tefft Included in the packet: Administrators' reports,Dashboard Report,FY 16 budget information, budget priorities,assumptions and forecasts,capital plan and minutes. 4