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HomeMy Public PortalAboutBrewster School Committee -- 2016-04-28 Minutes Brewster School Committee n 11-ill AprROUVED April 28,2016 Brewster Town Hall Present for the Committee: Jessica Larsen, Dave Telman, Claire Gradone, Lori Gilmore, Marie Enochty Present for the Administration: Thomas Conrad; Superintendent, Keith Gauley, Assistant Superintendent, Giovanna Venditti; Director of Finance & Operations, Principal Denise Fronius and Principal Joanna Hughes Call to Order/Aunda Changes: Chair Telman called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Citizens Speak: None PRIORITY BUSINESS: Voices of Peace Poetry Contest Winners Voices of Peace Poetry contest winners Sophia Quinton, Eudelia Torti, and Claire Proctor read their poems to the audience and the viewing audience. Their teacher, Mr. Campbell-Halley read Javion Cordeiro's poem as he could not be in attendance. Brewster Whitecaps Mike Gradone updated the Committee. The applicant, Trackman, has agreed to pay $2,200 for use of the field. The Cape League Executive Board also endorsed moving ahead. Ms. Larsen thanked the Committee for tabling this item until she could research it further. She thanked the Brewster Whitecaps for bringing this to the Committee. Chair Telman also thanked the League. Motion: On a motion by Marie Enochty, seconded by Jessica Larsen, it was voted 4 yeas to accept the $2,200 fee from Trackman. (Claire Gradone recused herself from the room) It was noted the $2,200 is based on 22 home games. Trackman will contact Principal Fronius. Mr. Gradone indicated there may be an opportunity before the end of the school year to show Brewster students how the pitching machine registers on a laptop computer. It was also noted that the vendor did not have to be CORI checked as they will not have access to children. Administrators' Reports Chair Tehran indicated the Principals' reports were included in the packet. Principal Fronius indicated that the Kindergarten class enrollment is presently 66 students. Superintendent Conrad let the Committee know that the iPads for use at meetings are in place. He would like to introduce the use of iPads at the next meeting. FY16 Budget Review: Giovanna Venditti, Director of Finance and Operations, reviewed the current Eddy and Stony Brook Elementary School expenditure reports, highlighting variances from last month. Eddy balance is currently $111,780.86. The balance at Stony Brook is currently $-21,412,69. Principal Hughes indicated that McKinney-Vento is handled like long term substitutes and the money is taken from the line items with balances. - I Page Brewster School Committee 4 - 28 - 2016 Ms. Venditti explained the mileage and the reductions based on variances in the routes. The invoice is built on actual mileage. Principal Fronius indicated that the oil tank will be checked in June. Ms. Venditti indicated that the Spending Plans will be submitted for review next month. Town Meeting The Superintendent indicated Dave Telman would read the Brewster Warrant Article and he would be at the Brewster Meeting to answer any questions. Chair Telman indicated that the Committee was approached by the Selectmen to reduce the Capital request by $30,000. Chair Telman had a conversation with the Superintendent regarding the replacement of carpet and abatement costs. It was suggested that the carpet and abatement be done next year. Chair Telman felt the Committee could take these items off the Capital Plan and help the town out. The Superintendent indicated that Brewster is carrying $10,000 for abatement and it will cost more than that figure. The Superintendent took a moment to thank the Town of Brewster, especially with the fringe benefits this year. Superintendent Evaluation The Superintendent reviewed the timeline for the Committee for submitting the evaluation. May 9th, Union 54 will meet at 5:00 p.m. at the Central Office to submit evaluations to Ann Crozier, Chair of Union 54. The Chairs of Union 54 and the Region will review documents and meet with the Superintendent to discuss the evaluation on May 16th. At the Joint School Committee, the evaluation will be made public. Superintendent Entry Plan The Superintendent distributed and reviewed his entry plan. This plan came from the Institute for Superintendents and he has chosen to keep the verbiage to a minimum. He reviewed six strategic objectives that include: 1. Examine the effectiveness and success of the academic assistance provided to students who have fallen behind,missed school work or need re-teaching of learning material. 2. Research the assignment of homework in the learning process. 3. Examine and develop a thematic global education program. 4. Examine the current length of the school day and school year. 5. Examine the role and purpose electives(specials)represent in a student academic program. 6. Examine the involvement and knowledge community members have regarding their schools. The Superintendent gave this report to the Administrative Team and asked them to list their l" 2nd and 3rd choices. The results were as follow: #1. =10,#2. =7,#3. =7,#4.= 6,#5.=3,#6. =3 He indicated that when changes are made all stakeholders will be involved in the process at some level. Superintendent Conrad stated that these goals will take time. At the next meeting he would like to revisit this topic and see how the Board prioritizes the list. The Superintendent shared that in the past the elementary schools had "visioning"events that included all stakeholders to see what was important to their community. The Superintendent stated that everything about this is how do we improve student learning. We will focus on one thing at a time, involve everyone in the process and good things can happen. Chair Telman asked that the Visioning be kept on the agenda. The Superintendent also suggested that before another survey is taken the Committee and Administration know the critical piece,how do we follow up with it. Ms. Enochty suggested that the Committee be aware of class sizes, foreign language, science and science labs. She would like to see collaboration with the High School and Elementary School students. She noted that the Nauset elementary schools are unique and special but the committees need to think of ways that everyone can benefit. 2JPage Brewster School CGmr—nittee 4 - 28 - 2 ,716 Reports and Information Preschool Enrollment was included in the packet. Cape Cod Collaborative—Jessica Larsen reported that the Collaborative is hiring a business manager and three potential candidates have been selected. PTO—Lori Gilmore was unable to attend the meeting. School Council—Jessica Larsen reported that the Council had a discussion about the report card and EngageNY, both very informative. Policy Subcommittee—no report Transportation Subcommittee—Claire Gradone reported that the subcommittee is working hard and needs to gather more information. They will meet with the Cape Cod Collaborative again in June. Substance Abuse Subcommittee—Jessica Larsen reported they had a good meeting but many members could not be in attendance. She liked the suggestion that Nauset be mindful of graduates as the High School is a safe place for many students. She informed members about the District website and the help button. The next meeting is May 23rd at 5:00 p.m. at the Central Office. The Barnstable Task Force is coming to the next meeting because they are so impressed with the Nauset Task Force and their community collaboration. Approval of Minutes On a motion by Marie Enochty, seconded by Jessica Larsen, it was voted unanimously to approve the minutes of March 17, 2016. Adjournment On a motion by Marie Enochty, seconded by Claire Gradone, it was voted to adjourn the meeting at 7:16 p.m., subject to payment of bills. Respectfully submitted, Ann M. Tefft Recording Secretary Included in the packet: Administrators' reports, FYI Expense Report, Supt. Evaluation, Supt. Entry Plan, and Visioning Project report. 3 !Pa ge Brewster School Corn, rnittee 4 - 28 - 2016