HomeMy Public PortalAboutBrewster School Committee -- 2015-04-02 Minutes 7df
Brewster School Committee li
April 2,2015
Brewster Town Hall
Present for the Committee: Claire Gradone, Dave Telman,Brenda Cazeault, Marie Enochty, and Laurie Gilmore
Present for the Administration: Superintendent Richard Hoffmann, Principals Fronius and Hughes
Other: John Dickenson,Board of Selectmen
Call to Order
Chair Telman called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m.
Citizens Speak
None
PRIORITY BUSINESS
FY16 Budget
Chair Telman thanked Dr. Hoffmann, Ms.Venditti, Principal Fronius and Principal Hughes for all the hard work on the
budget, especially the last few days,to get the budget to 2.5%based on the reductions that were talked about at the last
meeting plus additional reductions with one add back.
Dr. Hoffmann stated that this is a very difficult budget. He thanked the Principals for working collaboratively to come up
with some thoughtful and difficult reductions. He stated that most items that were previously reduced are not cuts to
existing programs. He also noted on the reduction sheet that(C), SN Salary Ed.Assistant was reduced as the position is
no longer necessary. He reviewed section(D)of the reduction list noting these reductions were under discussion and that
no vote had been taken. The new position for a Grade 2 teacher to keep class size down was proposed to be put on the
reduction list and does not affect people currently employed. He stated that no one wants to make reductions and people
will be laid off as a result of these cuts. With reductions in(D),that would reduce the budget by another$109,807, or a
total reduction of$365,380. The existing FYI budget is $6,881,299 and the original FYI budget is$7,411,633, up 7%.
With the $365,380 in potential reductions(A, B, C,D), savings incurred by health benefits(16,806),plus $40,496 for the
Kindergarten Ed. Assistants the budget,is 2.74% or$7,069,943. The town target is $6,943,383 which makes the budget
over$126,560. Dr.Hoffmann indicated that the base for FYI was a bit higher. The school committee asked the
Principals to look at the priority lists. The new priority list is 1) Stony Brook—Reading Specialist$17,174; 2) Stony
Brook—Librarian -$12,869, and 3)Eddy—reinstated P.T. evening custodian($13,197). With those reductions of
$16,846,the budget increase is 2.5%or$6,943,383. To get to the town target,the School Committee must reduce another
$109,714.
Discussion ensued regarding the four items (D. Accts. 5010, 5015,and 7060), Grade 2 teacher,2 Educational Assistants,
and Special Needs Educational Assistant.
Ms. Enochty asked that Principal Fronius explain the reconfiguration of the Library. Principal Fronius indicated that the
Library will have the same services and that instead of a person currently running directive reading groups for enrichment,
there will be a change in this role. The person will be 33% in the Library, 50% Computer Lab, 7% in the Library= 1
FTE. Time will be built into the schedule for Title I reporting. The person in this position has all three certifications. It
was noted the directed reading for enrichment will be picked up by someone else.
Principal Hughes indicated that the Library position at Eddy School will not be the same and that remains her top priority.
In the Library, an Educational Assistant will man the check in and check out of books. Principal Hughes stated the
Brewster kids won't be skilled in Library lessons that she feels are critical. She indicated that the Title I Reading
Specialist sees students and reduces need to refer student to Special Needs. Without a Reading Specialist,they will not be
able to take in all the kids that need extra support. If she had a Reading Specialist part time, she could have the person
Brewster School Committee 4-2-2015 Page 1
come in the morning and feels confident that during that time she will get a lot accomplished. Principal Hughes priorities
have remained the same.
Free and Reduced lunch applications were discussed and how schools reach out to families that could qualify. The
Principals receive a monthly participation report from Susan Murray.
Motion:
On a motion by Marie Enochty,seconded by Claire Gradone, it was voted 3—2 nays(Brenda Cazeault and Lori
Gilmore)to reduce the budget by$109,807 (Item D—Salaries Teachers$48,698,Salaries Educational Assistant—
$25,174,Salaries Educational Assistant$23,742,and SN Salaries Ed.Assistant$12,193).
Ms. Cazeault spoke in favor of keeping the teaching position in the budget and felt strongly that Brewster should fight for
the position so that class sizes can be smaller and would not exceed the School Committee recommendation. It was
suggested that second grade classes be supported in a meaningful way. Dr. Hoffmann indicated that if we go forward
with increasing enrollment,he would like to empower Principal Fronius to make a determination. Ms. Cazeault would
like to have a conversation about class size and enrollment looking toward the future. Ms. Enochty agreed that a
philosophical discussion about class size, not based on necessity, should take place at a summer meeting.
Dawn Steber, citizen from Brewster addressed the committee regarding the class size. She was also upset that this
information had not gotten out to parents. She indicated that a lot of research has been done in education regarding class
size and stated that Brewster students will be at a huge disadvantage as this is when students learn to read and become
students. She also indicated that teachers volunteer their own time after school to help students when there are no
educational assistants in the building. She stated that sometimes you have to stop and support students more by indicating
to Selectmen and Finance Committee members that this is the budget we have but this is the budget we need, even if it is
not what they want.
Megan Hemp,parent, indicated she was completely unaware about the budget and what was happening. She stated that
Brewster Schools are amazing! She sees what the impact will be on the budget but would like to know how this will
impact the outcomes for Brewster students. She stated she is willing to fight for the teaching position and wants the best
for the children because they are worth it.
Motion:
On a motion by Marie Enochty, seconded by Clair Gradone, it was voted unanimously to reduce the budget by$30,043,
($17,174 for the Reading Specialist position and$12,869 Salaries Librarian).
Principal Hughes asked that the part time evening custodian be reinstated due to the heavy building use at night by the
community. Chair Telman asked if fees were charged to the Recreation Department and other groups using the facility
and indicated he would bring this up with town officials.
Motion:
On a motion by Marie Enochty, seconded by Brenda Cazeault,it was voted unanimously to reinstate the position of part
time evening custodian, account#7071 at the Eddy School. ($13,197)
Chair Telman scheduled a meeting for the Brewster School Committee on Monday in the event that a re-vote can take
place if the budget figure increases.
Chair Telman started a discussion about the reduction of the Kindergarten Grant money that has been cut from the
Governor's budget and is funded in the Brewster budget. In the event that money comes from the state,he would like to
give that moneyback to the town. Ms. Enochty stated that it may be put back into the Governor's budget as many towns
are in a panic about not receiving this money. Mr. Telman indicated that it is in the budget right now and is included in
the$7,053,097.
Brewster School Committee 4-2-2015 Page 2
Motion:
On a motion by Marie Enochty, seconded by Claire Gradone, it was voted unanimously to approve the FYI 6 budget in the
amount of$7,053,097.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion:
On a motion by Marie Enochty, seconded by Claire Gradone, it was voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 7:06
p.m., subject to payment of bills.
Respectfully submitted,
Ann M. Tefft
Include in the packet: Stony Brook&Eddy Schools FYI Budget Reductions from Version 2 dated 4-1-2015 and letter
from Dr.Hoffmann dated April 2, 2015.
Brewster School Committee 4-2-2015 Page 3