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HomeMy Public PortalAboutBrewster School Committee -- 2015-04-16 Minutes Brewster School Committee d A 0 ' k April 16, 2015 �l Brewster Town Hall Present for,the mittee: Claire Gradone, Dave Telman, Brenda Cazeault, Marie Enochty, and Laurie Gilmore Present for4he Administration: Mr,. Keith Gauley, Assistant Superintendent, Ms. Giovanna Venditti, Director of Finance and Operations, Susan Murray, Director of Nutrition and Food Service, Principal Joanna Hughes and Principal Denise Fronius Call to Order Chair Telman called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Agenda Change=Move the Food Service Update to B. Citizens Speak None Priority Business Administrators' Reports Administrators' reports were in the packet and would not be given orally at the meeting, In addition to her report, Principal Fronius thanked the Selectmen and Finance Committee for all their work in this difficult budget year. She also indicated that Kindergarten Orientation would be held on April 28th and 291h. Enrollment to date is 64 definite and 10 packets out that have not been returned. She also mentioned that Literacy Night was very successful. She informed the Committee that the 2,a Grade students and Mr. Keohoe will be singing at Town Meeting. In addition to her report, Principal Hughes reported that Eddy School had an outstanding spring concert run and thanked Stacey Faris and Leah Belliveau for all their efforts. She reported that Mr.Torres and Mrs. Dugas held the Energy Carnival where other districts were very complimentary of the Eddy students. A very successful Math night was held with 120 people in attendance. A STEM Night will be held on April 291h. Keith Gauley, Assistant Superintendent reviewed the new report cards for Kindergarten and Grade 4. to the Kindergarten report card the key was updated to content so that it is consistent with Grades 1-5 report cards. The specialist section was also updated. The Behavior Key—3,2, 1, creates continuity with other grades and the narrative comment section remains the same. The Grade 4 report card had some substantial changes that included; a change in the keys for academics and social skills with the goal being to allow teachers to separate out habits of learning and social behaviors. There is also a comment section for each content area and each specialist. He showed the committee a draft list of report card comments that report on language relating to the standards. He reported that there has been a lot of discussion about keeping the narrative portion of the report card in Grades 15. A survey was sent in January and February for parent comment and a Parent Forum will be Held April 27's at the Middle School to answer any questions. A question was asked regarding the drop down menu for comments and it was indicated that another separate form exists if needed. A concern was also raised regarding the"M"and "N" used in the key. Mr. Gauley indicated that the Committee was chaired by Tamsin Shaw and Lisa Norton comprised of a groups of teachers from Grades 1-5, The administrator on the committee was Principal Scotti Finnegan from Eastham Elementary School. The length of terms was reviewed and discussed. Food Service Update Ms.Venditti reviewed the financial reports for the cafeterias including year to date revenue and expenses as well as projections through June. Stony Brook's projected deficit is$9,447(encumbered$10,419) and Eddy's projected deficit is $7,636(encumbered$5,000). Breakfast participation is up but the lunch participation has decreased at Stony Brook. Breakfast participation is up and the lunch has increased at Eddy. The cost of food has increased because more fresh fruits and vegetables are being offered. Principal Hughes indicated that the cafeteria staff is doing a great job trying to boost Brewster School Committee 4-16-201.5 Page 1 participation. Ms. Murray explained how the Breakfast Program worked. Ms. Murray reported that the schools are really involving the students with Harvest of the Month, taste-testings, stickers, focus groups,theme days and parent lunches. It was also reported that money is being used for ice cream but gets put through the POS for tracking. Mr. Telman requested a 3-year comparison to get a better picture of how it is going. FY 15 Budget Update Ms. Venditti reviewed the Stony Brook expenditure report with the Committee. Stony Brook has a deficit of-$43,508. With reclassifications of expenses from the YMCA rental account, additional rentals from the church and money from the town which will total $62,749, it will leave Stony Brook with $19,479 to get through the rest of the year. Ms. Venditti reviewed the Eddy expenditure report with the Committee noting Eddy's balance of$50,905.90. Chair Telman asked to be notified if anything happens that will negatively impact Stony Brook's budget. FYI 6 Budget Chair Telman and other committee members thanked the Selectmen and Finance Committee members for supporting the budget. He also indicated that they are watching to see what will happen with the Kindergarten Grant as it was voted back into the budget by the House. Chair Telman indicated the Committee will keep a close watch on next year's budget and begin work on FYI budget as soon as possible. Principal Fronius also thanked the Finance Committee and Selectmen for supporting the budget and recognizing the need for the additional funding. After consulting with Principal Hughes and looking at class size,they would recommend the addition of a fifth 2"d Grade classroom Teacher. Ms. Enochty indicated that she visited Stony Brook with a colleague and was very proud to show off the school. She realized that Stony Brook has very large class sizes in Kindergarten. She stated that class size matters, especially in Kindergarten. She asked committee members to keep that in the forefront of their minds going forward. Ms. Cazeault thanked the Prncipals for doing such a good job on their budgets and also thanked the Selectmen and Finance Committee for realizing the needs of the students. She thanked the community,teachers and the parents for working together. She reiterated that class size in Grades K, 1 and 2 matters and that the committee should always be looking at the numbers. Chair Telman asked for an update on the lines items be forwarded to committee members. Policy pdate On a motion by Marie Enochty, seconded by Claire Gradone, it was voted unanimously to approve the Domestic Violence Leave Policy for a first reading Superintendent's Evaluation Mr. Gauley explained the information that was in the packet and reviewed the timeline with committee members for the submission of the Superintendent's evaluation. He indicated that the process has been streamlined and an electronic version will be sent to committee members. Reports and Information Preschool Enrollment—It was noted that preschool enrollment is increasing. Cape Cod Collaborative—No report. PTO—No report. Ms. Enochty reminded everyone that Town Meeting is Monday, May 4's at 7:00 p.m. at Stony Brook Elementary and requested that the community attend and support the schools. Policy—No report. Brewster School Committee 4-16-2015 page 2 Approval of Minutes On a motion by Ms. Enochty, seconded by Ms. Gradone, it was voted unanimously to approve the minutes of March 19, 2015. On a motion by Ms. Enochty, seconded by Ms. Gradone, it was voted unanimously to approve the minutes of April 2, 2015. On a motion by Ms. Enochty, seconded by Ms. Cazeault, it was voted unanimously to approve the minutes of April 6, 2015, Adjournment On a motion by Ms. Enochty, seconded by Ms. Gradone, it was voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 7:39 p.m., subject to payment of bills. Next meeting: June 181h at 6:30 p.m. at the Brewster Town Hall. Respectfully submitted, Ann M, Tefft Included in packet: Pesticide Sheet for fields, FY16 budget materials, Reduction Lists,Expenditure Reports, Administrators' Reports and minutes. Brewster School Committee 4-16-2015 page 3