HomeMy Public PortalAboutBrewster School Committee -- 2015-09-22 Minutes h FED
Brewster School Committee RIC
September 22,2015
Brewster Town Hall
resent for the Committee: Claire Gradone,Dave Telman, Marie Enoch Jessica Larsen,Lori Gilmore
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Present for the Administration: Thomas Conrad, Superintendent, Mr. Keith Gauley,Assistant Superintendent,
Ms.Giovanna Venditti,Director of Finance and Operations, Principal Denise Fronius, Dr.Ann Caretti,Director of
Student Services,Jim Nowack, Assistant Director of Finance and Operations,and Barry Schofield, Head of Maintenance
Call to der
Chair Te man called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
Citizens Speak
None
Priority Business
Chair Telman reviewed the time designation for each agenda item with the committee members.
Administjrators' Reports
Principals' reports were included in the packet. Principal Hughes was ill and could not attend the meeting.
Principal Fronius reported that everyone is excited about the new year and they are off to a wonderful start. Open House
was very well attended. She gave a special thanks to Colleen Lawless, School Nurse, for an amazing job with the
Wellness Expo with 24 exhibitors. She reported there has been one new position,26.5, Holly Everson,who spends the
morning supporting students and then moves into direct reading group. (1 hr. 45 min. each day) Principal Fronius
indicated she would like to increase that position and add another hour to her day. She reported that Heather Holcom-
Tones and Jennifer Rogers are doing a fantastic job in their new assignments.
‘Stveith Gauley,Assistant Superintendent, indicated his report was in the acket and if there were any questions,please let
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him know.
Superintendent Conrad recognized Barry Schofield for the outstanding work he has done for the town relative to the
window Project. He indicated he is checking on the project every day, including weekends and works closely with the
Superintendent,the Architect and Mr. Sumner. He also let the committee know that they have done everything possible
not to disrupt student learning.
Mr.Conrad indicated that construction on 6A has been holding up buses for the Middle School and High School. The
elementary routes have been on time.
Mr. Conrad thanked the staff for giving up their time in the summer to come into their classrooms to get them ready for
new families and students. He greatly appreciated their efforts on behalf of students and parents to make them feel
comfortable in a new grade level or new classroom setting. He also reported that staffs reported to their buildings on the
first day and he visited all schools briefly addressing each staff. He encouraged staffs to be calm about the evaluation
process as he is very familiar with goal setting and trying to get better. He suggested trying to eliminate so much
evidence. He also indicated there will be no new initiatives and that they will continue working on DDM's,Atlas,
assessments. He continues to work on his Superintendent's Entry Plan and will have a handout next month detailing some
of his wok and his six focus areas. Administration is in the process of analyzing MCAS scores.
The Administrative Team is meeting after school. This week they are meeting at 3:00 p.m. at Nauset High School to see
the TV studio. Mr. Conrad indicated he is interested in video work to showcase what is happening in our schools. The
Superintendent's Spotlight will have Dr.Ann Caretti for the first guest.
Brewster!School Committee 9-22-2015 Page 1
FY 15 Budget Update.
Ms.Venditti indicated that they are still encumbering salaries and will have a financial report next month.
Capital Update
Jim Nowack and Barry Schofield reviewed this year's capital plan and a spreadsheet for projects through 2021.
It was noted that Mr. Sumner would like the Repairs HVAC/Electrical in appropriations, so they will make that happen
over a period of a few years. Stony Brook HVAC replacement was discussed. $40,000 has been put into the plan for a
study with replacement in 2020. It was noted that the school spends about$40,000 a year fixing this. (water heater, uni-
ventilators) They will wait and see the results of the study. The long term plans was running a gas line. Presently there is
a moratorium on gas for five years. Discussion about the roofs ensued. The flat roof is 12 years old and the seams need
to be redone. They have re-seamed 1/3 of the roof. It was also noted that they are losing asphalt shingles off the roof in
some areas. Mr. Schofield indicated he would like to get more money from the manufacturer.
Mr. Conrad indicated they are looking at painting costs for all seven buildings.He will look into having one painter for all
the buildings to see if it saves money. If not,we will continue the program we have now.
MOTION:
On a motion by Marie Enochty, seconded by Claire Gradone, it was voted unanimously, 5-0, to accept the capital plan as
submitted.
Tuition Update
Dr.Ann Caretti updated the Committee on an out of district placement for two students and the costs. ($119,816
unbudgeted tuition amount—line item 5095) Transportation for the two students could be$38,000 for one student and
$18,000 for the other. She will update the Committee in October. She also indicated that the cost for a 1-1 educational
assistant is$22,407 which could come from the kindergarten funds that have been restored. Superintendent Conrad
indicated he has had conversations with the Chairs of the Selectmen and Finance Committee and will keep them informed.
Marie Enochty questioned using the Kindergarten Grant money as the committee voted previously to return this money to
the town if the grant was reinstated. She indicated that this position was not part of it and that they should run a deficit in
SN EA account. The Superintendent indicated this will be discussed again with the Boards as it was voted the schools Sior
would not use that money.
REPORTS AND INFORMATION
Preschool—no report
Cape Cod Collaborative—no report
PTO Liaison—no report
School Council Liaison—no report
Policy Subcommittee—remove
MASC—Jessica Larsen and Claire Gradone attending
Mr.Telman invited the Committee to a celebration for Charlie Sumner on Sunday, September 27th from 2-5 p.m. at the
Crosby Mansion. He wished Mr. Sumner the very best as he did a great job for the Town of Brewster.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
On a motion by Marie Enochty, seconded by Claire Gradone, it was voted unanimously to approve the minutes of August
20,2015.
On a motion by Claire Gradone, seconded by Marie Enochty, it was voted unanimously to approve the executive session
minutes as written on the agenda.
ADJOURNMENT
On a motion by Marie Enochty, seconded by Jessica Larsen, it was voted to adjourn the meeting at 7:12 p.m., subject to
payment of bills.
Brewster School Committee 9-22-2015 Page 2
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