HomeMy Public PortalAboutBrewster School Committee -- 2015-05-21 Minutes Brewster School Committee
May 21, 2015 APPROWED
1 Brewster Town Hall
Present for,the Committee: Claire Gradone, Dave Telman,Lori Gilmore(6:40 pan.)and Jessica Larsen
Present for the Administration: Dr. Richard Hoffmann, Superintendent,Mr.Keith Gauley, Assistant Superintendent, Ms.
Giovanna Venditti, Director of Finance and Operations, Principal Joanna Hughes and Principal Denise Fronius
Call to Order
Chair Telman called the meeting to order at 6:32 p.m.
Chair Tehran welcomed newly elected school committee inelnber Jessica Larscn and welcomed back school committee
membeI'Lori Gilmore.
Recognition
Principal Fronius introduced the First Grade students who won the Voices of Peace Poetry contest. Hundreds of entries
were submitted and five first grade students from Stony Brook Elementary were chosen as winners. Jason White, Willa
Leighton, and Garret Smith read their poems to the committee.
Citizens Speak
None
Priority Business
Administrators' Reports
In addition to her report, Principal Fronius announced that Christine Ednie, Special Needs Teacher at Stony Brook
Elementary School was selected as the Elementary Teacher of the Year. She will be recognized at the Joint School
Committee meeting on May 28th. She also reported that Mrs. Holcomb-Jones and students have planted the Pizza Garden,
Kindergarten screening took place on May 20th, thanked the PTO for refreshments for Teacher Appreciation Day, the
Volunteer Tea is May 22 at the Eddy School,and she attended a meeting with the Whitecaps to discuss netting on the
field. May 22nd is the Ail-School Meeting with the annual second grade performance choreographed by Mrs.Norton.
At the All-School meeting students will celebrate the Trait of Citizenship. Mr. Anduar will talk about the meaning of
Memorial Day There are 69 confirmed Kindergarten students registered and 4 registration packets outstanding. The
PTO is holding a Harry Potter Night oil Tuesday, May 26'h at 5:30 at the Brewster Ladies Library and the Read-A-Thou is
going on now. She also thanked Cape Cod Bible Alliance for their very significant donation of 200 gallons of oil which is
a$629 donation. The school is very grateful.
Motion: On a motion by Claire Gradone, seconded by Jessica Larsen, it was voted unanimously to accept the donation
with gratitude.
At this time, Chair Telman thanked the Board of Selectmen, Finance Committee and Brewster Town Residents for
supporting the school budget.
In addition to her report, Principal Hughes reported that the students are finishing MCAS testing. The Nauset Writing
Assessment will take place during the week of May 25th. She congratulated Mrs.Belliveau and the Eddy School Band
who marched in the Brewster in Bloom parade and were awarded `Best in Show." The Eddy School chorus has been
selected to perform at the Cape Cod Symphony Orchestra Holiday Pops Concerts in December. Staff and students are
preparing for Field Day that will take place on June I I°i. June 5th is the Grade Five Social and June 23"' is the Grade Five
Promotion Night. She also reported that Grade Two students will participate in Step Up Day.
Keith Gaulcy,Assistant Superintendent welcomed new school committee member, Jessica Larsen. He referred to his
written report included in the packet and highlighted the roll out of air extensive list of summer professional development
opportunities in the District. He also reported that the District applied for the NCLD Grant which would give the District
$140,000 and expects to hear within the next ten days if Nauset will receive this funding.
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Dr. Hoffinann thanked Mr. Gauley for all the work lie has done in developing and extending the professional development
plan. He has worked on a five year plan and has revitalized the professional development committee. Dr. Hoffinann
reported that lie h'as meet`with Mr, Conrad several times and is beginning the transitioning plan. He reminded the
Committee of the Joint School Committee on May 2$1h, Celebration of Excellence at 5:30 p.m. He indicated that Paul
Hilton,Executive Director for the Cape Cod Collaborative will be at the meeting to review the Cape Cod Collaborative
Articles of Agreement. There will also be an item to increase sub rates, review meetings, and an Executive Session to
review the Superintendent—Elect's contract.
FYI 5 Budget Update
Ms.Venditti reviewed the Stony Brook expenditure report with the Committee. Stony Brook has a $6,301 balance. Ms.
Venditti highlighted accounts with variances. Ms. Venditti reviewed the Eddy expenditure report with the Committee
noting Eddy's balance of$39,666. End of Year Spending Plans were reviewed. Chair Telman asked that Principals use
caution in spending until they are closer to the end of the year as the budgets are so tight.
Chair Telman asked how the Business Office determines how to unencumber funds. Ms.Venditti indicated they look at
last year's costs and what has been spent this year. Abby Fernandes,a Brewster resident, does a fantastic job in her
position in the Business Office monitoring the accounts payables. Chair Telman asked that the FY 16 budget be updated.
Policy Update
On a motion by Claire Gradone, seconded by Lori Gilmore, it was voted unanimously to approve the Domestic Violence
Leave Policy for a second reading. It was noted that the Superintendent approves the leave and usually the law is
involved when eminent danger is a factor. Ms. Larsen stated that just because there is no documented history,does not
mean there is no history.
Reports and Information
Preschool Enrollment—It was noted that preschool enrollment is increasing and is now at 72 students as compared to 59
students in October, Dr. Hoffmann indicated that there are more students with substantial needs and less community
friends. It is wonderful to be able to educate these students close to their home, It is an outstanding program.
Cape Cod Collaborative—No report.
PTO---Principal Fronius indicated that the PTO is in need of Board members! The Read-A-Thon is coming up and they
hope the Sock Hop is well attended. Students are asked to bring in their sponsor sheets. Harry Potter Night is coming up
as well. Field trips and hospitality funding were discussed at their meeting.
Policy—No report.
Chair Telman reported the third and final phase of the window project will begin this summer at Stony Brook Elementary
and thanked the residents of Brewster for supporting this project.
Approval of Minutes
On a motion by Claire Gradone, seconded by Lori Gilmore, it was voted 3 yeas and I abstention(Jessica Larsen)to
approve the minutes of May 21, 2015.
Ad'ournment
On a motion by Jessica Larsen, seconded by Lori Gilmore, it was voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 7:16 p.m.,
subject to payment of bills.
Respectfully submitted,
Ann M.
Included in packet: Administrators' Reports,Expenditure Reports, Spending Pians, Domestic Violence Policy,Preschool
Enrollment, and minutes
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