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.
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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