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HomeMy Public PortalAboutBrewster School Committee -- 2016-08-18 Minutes Appfluw�lu Brewster School Committee August 18,2016 Brewster Town Hall Present for the Committee: Jessica Larsen,Dave Telman, Claire Gradone,Marie Enochty,Bob Miller Present for the Administration: Thomas Conrad, Superintendent,Giovanna Venditti Director of Finance& Operations,Principal Denise Fronius and Principal Joanna Hughes Call to Order/Agenda Chances: Chair Telman called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Citizens Speak: None PRIORITY BUSINESS: Discussion with Mike Embury on any Town projected use of the Eddy School Mike Embury,Town Administrator,addressed the committee regarding the use of the Eddy School. He indicated that in the process of designing the new fire station,and as part of the process,they are looking to move the Council on Aging out of their building during construction. The town was looking into three spaces for the temporary placement of the administrative offices for the Council on Aging,which included a space at the Eddy School. After further review,the town decided not to consider the Eddy School for temporary office space. The town is considering another option that might be available or implement a plan to keep the Council on Aging in place. He emphasized to the School Committee that at no time was an effort made to circumvent the Committee and realizes the tremendous amount of work the School Committee has to do. He also stated the care of the Eddy School is with the School Committee. He suggested there was an opinion in town that there is some way that the town could be responsible for that building. In the future,the building could house the Council on Aging but there is no timeline.At some point in the future the town could see if it is viable. If no,the town can look at other options for the Council on Aging. Tours Chair Telman indicated he would like to start a discussion with the Committee relative to the letter that was received from MSBA. He would like to schedule a meeting to tour both facilities so that the Committee completely familiarizes themselves with the buildings. Ms.Enochty suggested setting the date in September. The Superintendent indicated that this would be an in-depth look at all the spaces in the buildings with the Principals. The Superintendent will provide maps of both schools and the Principals will let the Committee know what programs are in each classroom/space. Ms.Enochty further suggested that the conversation of the Committee as they tour each building be to clarify information looking at the physical spaces and learn what the space is being used for now. She does not want to have a conversation about"what ifs." The Superintendent indicated that he has been through both buildings three times and feels comfortable understanding the buildings. He also stated that programming is always changing and indicated that the Committee may need to go into the buildings multiple times. Ms.Larsen mentioned the Headstart program and thought they could come and talk about that space specifically. Mr.Miller suggested touring one school at a time with the Principals to review the current programs. Ms.Enochty stated that this process would take the Committee a couple of years and entails looking at the educational program for Brewster, five, six and seven years down the road. This needs to be looked at carefully and meetings need to be held with Teachers,Principals,community members and then a timeline devised. This cannot be done without thinking about it strategically. Mr.Miller added that potentially closing a school is a big process and asked what the resources are to look for the pitfalls and the positives in the process. The Superintendent stated that every and all stakeholders must be involved in the process. It is a critical piece. The School Committee can brainstorm an action plan and create a timetable. Everyone must be part of the conversation and it should be an item on the next agenda. Ms.Enochty stated that many schools have done this on and off Cape. The Committee must be transparent, strategic and thoughtful. The Committee must make decisions based on what is in the best interest for the children in Brewster. The Committee decided to tour both schools on Saturday, September 10`"at 8:00 a.m.beginning at the Eddy School. 1jPage Brewster School committee 8 - 18 - 2016 The meeting will be posted and open to the public. Administrators' Reports Chair Telman indicated that the Principals' reports were included in the packet that included an update on enrollment, staffing and facilities. Enrollment in Kindergarten is presently 73 students, Grade 1 has three new students which brings that enrollment number to 75 —2 classes of 19 students and 2 classes of 18 students. Chair Telman indicated that Mr. Gauley's report was in the packet and if anyone needed clarification on anything they should email Mr. Gauley. Ms.Enochty indicated that the School Committee covered the Kindergarten Grant in the budget and suggested that the Committee add this to the upcoming budget. She also inquired, down the road,how this would impact some of the things we are asked to do by the state, such as the Mass.Kindergarten Entry Assessment. Superintendent's Report Superintendent Conrad reported that he has spent a lot of time looking at the buildings to become familiar with both schools. The Principals helped him with the programming and space utilization. The Superintendent reported that he is on the NEF Board(Nauset Endowment Foundation)and in their mission statement they are moving forward with initiatives from PreK-12. NEF funds can only be used for educational reasons and used for programs that the budgets cannot afford. They have a committee working on fundraising. He indicated that there have been numerous building projects over the summer. Orleans had a big window project with replacement of 130 windows,the High School had a concrete project,the Middle School had a drainage project, and the Brewster schools have had carpeting, painting and other capital projects. Superintendent Conrad indicated that the Administrators had an excellent retreat at the Central Office. Discussion around the evaluation process and the massive amounts of teacher evidence being submitted was reviewed. They will not be assigning any specific standard for teachers but are allowing teachers to make a choice so they can grow as an educator. The Administrators talked at length about reflection,not just compiling evidence. It will be a positive step going forward. He also informed the Committee that the well at the High School has been discussed. The Superintendent indicated that Eastham received an easement from the District for placement of the wells and the High School will receive water and monitoring at no cost. The town will be shutting down the present system and then re-pipe it to get the school onto the new system. The work will not be done until winter break. The Superintendent indicated that Jessica Larsen is on the negotiating team. They are reviewing contracts and will meet in a few weeks to talk about strategies and plans. The tentative date to begin negotiations is October 3rd. The strategic objective that has been chosen is to examine the effectiveness and of academic assistance for students who have fallen behind or need re-teaching of materials. The Superintendent stated he had an excellent meeting with the president of the Nauset Newcombers who have 1,400 volunteers and perhaps, some tutors. He will be working on this all year and gathering information. He will have an action plan and a recommendation. FY16 Budeet Review: Giovanna Venditti,Director of Finance and Operations,reviewed the current Eddy and Stony Brook Elementary School expenditure reports,highlighting balances. At the Eddy School the Principal followed the spending plan and the balance in the budget that has been returned to the town is $3,754. At the Stony Brook Elementary School the Principal followed the spending plan and a balance of$564 has been returned to the town. Transportation Ms.Venditti reported that bus routes have been posted to the District website. There have been 52 requests to date for changes. The Business Office staff is working with First Student to review requests. Ms.Venditti also indicated that drivers have their routes and have done or will be doing a trial run. She also indicated that in the first couple of weeks 2IPage Brewster School Committee 8 - 18 - 2016 delays can be expected because of new students and changes in routes. Chair Telman requested a follow-up at the next meeting on bus transportation and any major changes. Capital Proiect Update Ms.Venditti indicated that summertime was very busy at both schools. At Stony Brook Elementary School,the staff lounge was improved,mold remediated,and a new floor installed. There have also been painting projects, inside and out at both schools. At Eddy Elementary School they replaced carpeting in some areas. Technology Update Superintendent Conrad indicated that this is the second year at the High School of students having 1-1 devices. At the Middle School each student will have a 1-1 device. Sixth and seventh grade students will not take the device home but eighth graders will be able to bring their iPad home. He also noted that at the elementary level(Union 54)245 new iPads have been purchased and schools are moving right along with the K-5 Technology Plan. Every school has met the minimum target. Every teacher has an iPad. All seven schools,will have a Technology integration position in place to make sure we are using technology effectively and efficiently. Some of the integration people are working on curriculum over the summer in Atlas and on the website. Policy Updates Chair Telman reported that the Policy Subcommittee met,edited and reviewed current policies,MASC policies and in some cases,combined the language. He indicated that there weren't too many changes. Motion: On a motion by Marie Enochty, seconded by Claire Gradone, it was voted unanimously to approve for a first reading, policy JLCD,Administration of Medication to Students. Motion: On a motion by Claire Gradone, seconded by Marie Enochty, it was voted unanimously to approve for a first reading, policy GBEC, Drug Free Workplace. Motion: On a motion by Marie Enochty, seconded by Claire Gradone, it was voted unanimously to approve for a first reading, policy,IHAMB,Teaching About Drugs,Alcohol, and Tobacco. Motion" On a motion by Marie Enochty, seconded by Jessica Larsen, it was voted unanimously to approve for a first reading, policy JICH,Drug and Alcohol Use by Students. Meetings The next Brewster School Committee meeting is September 15t`and the building tours will take place on September 10''. Mr. Miller suggested the Committee create a goal in terms of the study of the two schools. He suggested the goal be something like,start investigating a feasibility study for the continuing education of our elementary school children. Ms. Enochty stated that there should be wording about the physical spaces and that Brewster has an educational goal for the students. She suggested perhaps it could be something like, investigate the feasibility of the use of two school buildings. Ms.Larsen asked once a building is relinquished,does it go to the town. She suggested a big part of the goal is to make sure that all the students have access to all of the services at both buildings. Chair Telman stated that the Committee can make a final goal on Saturday, September 10"'. They can come up with a charge to move the process forward. 3 IPage Brewster School committee 8 - 18 - 2016 Reports and Information Preschool Enrollment-none Cape Cod Collaborative—Jessica Larsen reported that the Amy Liplund accepted the position as business manager for the Collaborative and that the staff is very happy with that choice. PTO—No report. School Council—No report. Policy Subcommittee—No report. Transportation Subcommittee—Claire Gradone reported that next meeting is October 3rd at 4:00 p.m. at the Central Office. Substance Abuse Subcommittee— P4arie Enochty reported that meeting dates have been scheduled for next year. Meetings take place the third Monday of the month at 5:00 p.m. at the Central Office. Approval of Minutes On a motion by Claire Gradone, seconded by Jessica Larsen, it was voted unanimously to approve the minutes of June 16,2016. Adjournment On a motion by Jessica Larsen, seconded by Marie Enochty, it was voted to adjourn the meeting at 6:55 p.m., subject to payment of bills. Respectfully submitted, Ann M. Tefft, Recording Secretary Included in the packet: Administrators' reports, FYI Expense Report,policies and minutes 41Page Brewster school Committee 8 - 18 - 2016