HomeMy Public PortalAboutBrewster School Committee -- 2017-11-16 Minutes r7' ::;
Brewster School Committee
Thursday, November 16 2017 '
Brewster Town Hall
Present for' fhe Committee : David Telman, Robert Miller, Jessica Larsen, and Claire Gradone
Absent for the Committee : Marie Enochty
Present for the Administration: Thomas Conrad, Keith Gauley, Giovanna Venditti, and Joanna Hughes
Call to Order
Chair Telman called the meeting to order at 7 : 00 p .m .
Citizens Sueak
None
PRIORITY BUSINESS
Fundraising Activities
Principal Hughes invited the Committee to an event on Friday, November 17" , Hoops & Heroes, Brewster Fire and
Police will play basketball with the proceeds going to the PTO .
Motion : On a motion by Claire Gradone, seconded by Robert Miller, it was voted unanimously to approve the
fundraising list as presented .
Administrators ' Reports
Principal ' s Report
Principal Hughes informed the committee of a foreign exchange opportunity that will take place the week of February
4"' — 12`". She is working with Taije Tang, former Mandarin Teacher in Nauset, to have 12 Chinese 5 "' students visit,
live in host family homes and attend Eddy Elementary School . She anticipates this will be a wonderful experience for
all students involved . She indicated that she shared it with the teachers and they are very excited as well . The
Superintendent applauded her efforts and thinks this is a fantastic opportunity to have a rich experience on both sides.
Superintendent's Report
The Superintendent shared a copy of the survey that the Substance Abuse Task Force and Dr. Caretti have been
working on for students in Grades 3 -5 . The survey will be posted on the website for parents to read and they have the
opportunity to have their child opt out, if they so choose . The district is looking at social emotional learning from a
District standpoint. He indicated he will be at Eddy School working on evaluations and goals with Principal Hughes .
He attended the MASC Conference and attended 5 or 6 sessions . Gail Briere, Chaire of Union 54, would like
members to review sessions attended at the next Union 54 meeting in December. He reported that the FYI budget
season is well underway and on track for School Committee review in December.
FY18 Budget
Giovanna Venditti, Director of Finance and Operations, reviewed the expenditure report for Stony Brook Elementary
School indicating a balance of $251 , 823 . She reviewed the reclassifications in accounts and various line items with the
Committee . She also reviewed the expenditure report for Eddy Elementary indicating a balance of $31 , 599 . She
reviewed the various line items noting variances . It was noted that the playground fence needs replacing as it poses a
safety issue .
MCAS Presentation
Principal Hughes reviewed the WAS presentation with the Committee . She indicated that the Next-Generation
MCAS replaces Legacy MCAS and is a much more rigorous assessment, the results cannot be compared to prior years
and participation is important as it impacts the scores . She reviewed the definition of the new achievement levels and
Brewster School Committee — Regular Session Minutes - November 17, 2017
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reviewed scores in Grades 3 -5 ELA and Math comparing them to the state average . She explained how to interpret the
results, shared the materials that parents receive and what the school will be doing moving forward.
Ms . Larsen asked if there was a way to give the state feedback on the test as on the computer, students can only see a
small portion of their essay. Principal Hughes indicated that teachers from across the state are bringing back feedback
and hopefully the state will continue to tweak the test. Chair Telman asked that the Eddy School make sure we
maintain the technology and infrastructure needed so that students can take the test electronically. Keith Gauley
explained the scoring of the test to the Committee .
Policy Updates
On a motion by Jessica Larsen, seconded by Claire Gradone, it was voted unanimously to approve the policy changes
for a second reading and adoption .
Enrollment
The Superintendent distributed an Enrollment Report from the MSBA that was prepared for modular 1 for the potential
renovation project. He indicated that the enrollment for the High School is set at 905 students . The summation is
there is no dip in enrollment coming but a small downward movement over the years . He also indicated that the
MSBA is aware of the school choice umber and that the school is moving to IB which will increase enrollment,
however the MSBA has a policy that they cannot speculate on enrollment figures .
Transportation Update
The Superintendent reported that the Joint School Committee presentation on bus transportation was very well
received and all the boards voted in favor of the proposal to move to the Cape Cod Collaborative for bus
transportation . Brewster did not have a quorum, so a vote is needed.
Motion: On a motion by Jessica Larsen, seconded by Claire Gradone, it was voted unanimously yeas to authorize
the Superintendent or his designee to apply for and pursue us service through the Cape Cod Collaborative for
201 $-2019 and subsequent school years . Members thanked the Transportation Subcommittee and Claire
Gradone for all their efforts .
Reports and Information
Preschool Enrollment — Included in the packet.
Cape Cod Collaborative — Jessica Larsen reported that they have osted the position for Executive Director of Way
Point.
School Councils No meeting s .
PTO — Next meeting November 30`'' at 5 : 30 p .m .
Policy Subcommittee — No report
Transportation Subcommittee — Reported previously
Substance Abuse Subcommittee — Jessica Larsen reported the subcommittee is working on a survey for elementary
school students .
Approval of Minutes
On a motion by Jessica Larsen seconded by Claire Gradone, it was voted 3 yeas and 1 abstention, Robert Miller, to
approve the minutes of October 19, 2017 .
Executive Session
Chair Telman indicated that Marie Enochty will be joining the committee remotely via cellphone, as she is out of
town . The Committee will not return to open session.
Motion :
A motion was made and seconded to go into executive session for the purpose of discussing the discipline or dismissal
of, or complaints or charges brought against, a public officer, employee, staff member or individual and to discuss
Brewster School Committee — Regular Session Minutes - November 17, 2017
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strategy with respect to contract negotiations with non-union personnel, Mary Patricia Allen . On a roll call the vote
was as follows : Claire Gradone — aye, Jessica Larsen — aye, Robert Miller — aye and David Telman — aye
The Committee went into Executive Session at 7 : 47 p .m .
Included in the packet : Administrators ' reports, expenditure report, , enrollment report, MCAS Presentation Policy changes and Minutes.
Brewster School Committee — Regular Session Minutes - November 17, 2017
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