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.
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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
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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.
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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
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