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HomeMy Public PortalAboutBrewster School Committee -- 2016-01-21 Minutes „. • Brewster School Y Committee u hJJJIIIII Janu 21, 2016 CsA Brewster Town Hall Present for Committee: Claire Gradone,Dave Telman,Jessica Larsen, Marie Enochty and Lori Gilmore Present for the Administration: Thomas Conrad, Superintendent, Giovanna Venditti,Director of Finance and Operations, and Principal Joanna Hughes Call to Order Chair Telman called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Citizens Speak None Administrators'Reports Principal's reports were included in the packet. There were no comments or questions for the Principals. Keith Gauley,Assistant Superintendent, report was in the packet. There were no comments or questions for the Assistant Superintendent. Superintendent Conrad reported that the floor at the Stony Brook School,Large Group Instruction Area(LGI) is wet. Barry Schofield met with the Business Manager and the Superintendent to show them that some of the plywood is rotted. Staff usage of that area has been moved to another part of the building and the room has been locked. It was noted the project was done in 1989. At the suggestion of Mr. Schofield they will remove 18 sheets of plywood,re-plywood the area and carpet. He will have contractors look at the project. He consulted with the Building Inspector and the rafters are in excellent shape with no signs of mold. The Committee will be updated as soon as there are specifications,cost estimates and options. FY16 Budget Update Ms.Venditti reported the balance in the Stony Brook budget, -70,155.85,noting that she has not applied Circuit Breaker funds and has not made entries from the rental account yet. FY15/16 Circuit Breaker=$22,552,Rental Account= $22,248, Electrical Savings= 12,356 at this point. She will be applying for extraordinary relief in February. The balance at the Eddy School is 82,749. She projected savings in the electric account in the amount of$12,356. There will also be some savings in the gas account which may result in an additional$21,000. Accept Gifts On a motion by Marie Enochty, seconded by Jessica Larsen, it was voted unanimously 5-0,to accept the gift of$500 from the Garden Club of Brewster in the amount of$500,with gratitude. On a motion by Claire Gradone, seconded by Jessica Larsen, it was voted unanimously 5-0,to accept the gift of$2,600 from the Cape Cod Five,with gratitude. On a motion by Clair Gradone, seconded by Jessica Larsen, it was voted unanimously 5-0,to accept the gift of$400 from the Cape Cod Symphony Orchestra,with gratitude. FY17 Budget Superintendent Conrad indicated that the Committee received version 2 of the budget with the changes noted in reduction of Librarian to 80%,electrical reductions and natural gas reductions at Stony Brook which brings that budget to 2.33%. There were also changes noted in retirement savings, electrical reductions and natural gas reductions at the Eddy School which brings that budget to 1.73%. She reported the combined increase is 1.82%. Brewster School Committee 1-21-2016 Page 1 Chair Telman noted that the budget is well below the town target of 2.5%. Ms.Venditti indicated how she determined the electrical line item which is based on a 3 year average with a small increase. The consultant came back with current trends and usage. A discussion regarding the use of the Librarian took place. Eddy will have a 20% Librarian and Stony Brook will have an 80%Librarian. (same person,full time equivalent) The Chair also indicated that the retirements are from topnotch teachers and savings like this haven't been seen in quite some time. The Superintendent assured the Committee that we will get the best possible candidates to fill any vacancy and are being aggressive about recruiting great teachers as soon as possible. The Committee discussed getting young teachers to come to the Cape and stay on the Cape. Principal Hughes walked the Committee through the Version 3 line item budget highlighting accounts that have increased more than 5%. Superintendent Conrad indicated that retirements and savings in energy are the difference. There are no staff reductions in this budget. When you look at these lines, you see there is no more"wiggle room"and nothing else can come out of them. Chair Telman indicated that the Public Hearing on the budget is February 25t. The Committee is scheduled to present to the Selectmen on February 22"d at 7:00 p.m. and to the Finance Committee on February 24th at 6:00 p.m. Policy Updates Motion: On a motion by Claire Gradone, seconded by Jessica Larsen, it was voted unanimously to approve the Physical Restraint of Students Policy(JKAA)for a first reading. The fundraising policy was discussed and Ms. Enochty questioned the sale of fudge. She suggested students think about healthy snacks. In the future she would like to think of ways to be more consistent with the Wellness Policy. Superintendent Conrad indicated that the Wellness Committee is meeting and will be bringing a policy change forward. Motion: On a motion by Marie Enochty, seconded by Jessica Larsen, it was voted unanimously,to approve the Fundraising Policy (JJE)for a first reading. Motion: On a motion by Claire Gradone, seconded by Marie Enochty, it was voted unanimously to approve the Security Cameras in Schools Policy(ECAF)for a first reading. REPORTS AND INFORMATION Preschool—Enrollment report in packet. Cape Cod Collaborative—Ms. Larsen reported they discussed the Student Restraint Policy. They are also seeking a replacement for their Business Manager and discussing the evaluation of the Director. PTO Liaison—no report. School Council Liaison—Eddy-Ms. Larsen indicated the meeting is later in the month. School Council Liaison—Stony Brook—Ms.Gilmore reported the new physical education teacher,Mr.Kirk, attended the meeting. They discussed Crisis Go,the Wellness Day 4/28,and talked about school celebrations, baked goods and healthy alternatives. Policy Subcommittee—No report. Transportation Subcommittee—Claire Gradone reported the committee met with Paul Hilton from the Cape Cod Collaborative who gave an overview of what the Collaborative could do for Nauset. They will attend the next Transportation Subcommittee with further information. Substance Abuse Task Force—Marie Enochty reported that the committee has met and will meet on the last Monday of each month from 4:30—6:30 p.m. at the Central Office. They are thinking about things they can do now,things they can do for the future and planning 3-5 years out. They are gathering data and will see what is manageable and what is doable. Brewster School Committee 1-21-2016 Page 2 APPROVAL OF MINUTES On a motion by Jessica Larsen, seconded by Claire Gradone, it was voted unanimously to approve the minutes of December 17, 2016. ADJOURNMENT On a motion by Jessica Larsen, seconded by Claire Gradone, it was voted to adjourn the meeting at 7:00 p.m., subject to payment of bills. Respectfully submitted, Ann M.Tefft Included in the packet: Principals'Reports,Assistant Superintendent's Report,Expenditure Report,Policies,Minutes. Handouts included version 3 of the FY 17 budget. Brewster School Committee 1-21-2016 Page 3 • I