HomeMy Public PortalAboutBrewster School Committee -- 2018-02-15 Minutes Brewster School Committee
".i Thursday, February 15 , 2018
Brewster Town Hall
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Present for the Committee : David Telman, Jessica Larsen, Claire Gradone, Marie Enochty
Present for the Administration ; Thomas Conrad, Giovanna Venditti, Joanna Hughes, Patty Allen
Call to Order
Chair Telman called the meeting to order at 6 : 09 p . m. and asked for a moment of silence to remember the students and
staff that passed away in the horrific incident in Florida.
Citizens Sueak
None
PRIORITY BUSINESS
Administrators ' Reports
Principal ' s Report
Principals ' reports were included in the packet. Principal Allen explained the Peer Leadership program .
Mr. Gauley' s report was included in the packet. If members have questions, send him an email .
Superintendent's Report
Superintendent Conrad distributed the District Technology Inventory. At a future meeting, he would like the
opportunity to discuss it with the Committee . Marie Enochty suggested that Barbara Lavoine do a presentation at a
Joint School Committee meeting. She would like the schools to look at things creatively and as a District regarding
technology purchasing in a more cost-effective manner.
The Superintendent informed the Committee that the Central Office had a lightning strike that damaged 7-9
computers, server and copy machines .
2018-2019 School Calendar
Motion:
On a motion by Marie Enochty, seconded by Claire Gradone, it was voted unanimously to approve the 201 &2019
school calendar as presented .
The Superintendent indicated that 67% of the staff is open to starting school before Labor Day but the NEA did not
wish to re-open the contract in this first year of the new contract.
FY18 Budget
Giovanna Venditti, Director of Finance and Operations, reviewed the expenditure report for Stony Brook Elementary
School indicating a balance of $ 167, 624 . She indicated that funds have not been encumbered for the school
psychologist in the amount of $ 18, 092 which would leave a balance of $ 149, 532 . The balance in the Eddy School
budget is -$32, 000 . The District will be applying for extraordinary relief for Eddy School for the two special needs
students ' tuition . She explained the school psychologist breakdown between part time staff and outside consultant.
FY19 Budget
Version 3 of the budget — Stony Brook Elementary $3 , 879, 124, a decrease of $44, 802 or 4 .4% . Eddy School Budget
is $3 , 766, 863 with a $266, 537 increase or 7 . 61 % . The Superintendent distributed the combined budgets for Stony
Brook Elementary and Eddy Elementary that totaled $9, 748, 546 or a 2 . 5 % increase .
Brewster School Committee Minutes - February 15, 2018 [ 1 ]
Marie Enochty stated that Chapter 70 needs to change to meet the needs of the Districts . Nauset does a really good job
with their special needs students. When students are out-placed, they are still our kids and we have an obligation to get
the best education for them .
Public Hearing on FY19 Budget
Chair Telman called the Public Hearing meeting of the FY 19 budget at 6 . 50 p .m.
The Superintendent gave a presentation that included the budget process, where every dollar goes, initiatives to save
money, health care costs, transportation costs, accomplishments, enrollment, quality programming, professional
development and the school climate . He reviewed the Stony Brook and Eddy School budget with updates which left a
total combined budget of $7,645 ,987 . Total combined Budgets & Benefits = $9,7481546 .
Motion:
On a motion by Marie Enochty, second by Claire Gradone, it was voted unanimously to approve the FYI Budget at
$7,6459987 .
Chair Telman announced the committee would end the Public Hearing of the FY 19 budget at 7 : 12 p .m .
Marie Enochty asked the committee and Administration to be mindful of changes happening in Massachusetts relative
to ELL students . She indicated that school systems must submit a plan next year and asked that Administration keep
this in the forefront as the state moves forward .
Use of Building
Marie Enochty framed the conversation for the committee indicating that they should listen, ask clarifying questions
and speak to Mr. Embury' s letter. She would like the committee to brainstorm a list and find ways to come up with a
timeframe to move forward with any kind of discussion in the near future.
Mike Embury, Town Administrator, addressed the committee relative to discussion regarding the potential
consolidation of Brewster Elementary School operations into the Stony Brook School .
Jessica Larsen asked about an expansion for Stony Brook? Claire Gradone indicated that the 2012 plan included an 8
room addition for Stony Brook. Marie Enochty indicated that the School Committee must let the town know if an
addition is needed .
Mr. Embury shared the vision that some community members thought about in town relative to the schools, Council on
Aging and a community center. He also explained the financing option to the committee . Mr. Embury indicated that
he set an aggressive schedule understanding that it may take longer and the town will adapt to what the conditions are
at that time. He also indicated that the control of the building is under the purview of the committee.
Claire Gradone indicated that the main goal for the School Committee is to maintain the program . It would be helpful
to know how much space people are looking to use at Eddy. It was suggested the subcommittee figure out a timeline
and that this be an agenda item next month .
Jessica Larsen asked if the committee could agree that Eddy does not fit into Stony Brook, Marie Enochty stated that
it is not just about next year and the committee must look at projected enrollments . The committee must think
strategically, look at it and go through the steps . This must be placed on the agenda for monthly discussion, request
the square footage of the space others need Rec . , COA Preschool), and look at the number of empty rooms. Marie
Enochty stated the school committee must have the conversation, look at all the data, get community and parent input
and have a very careful discussion . This must be done in an intentional, thoughtful manner. Chair Telman asked the
Superintendent to meet with the subcommittee.
Reports and Information
Preschool Enrollment _ Included in packet.
Cape Cod Collaborative — Jessica Larsen reported the Board approved a 2 . 3 million dollar purchase for propane
buses, Legislative Breakfast was held and they learned about a new accountability system from the state .
Brewster School Committee Minutes - February 15, 2018 [2 ]
School Councils — Claire Gradone reported that the Eddy School Council continues work on the School Improvement
Plan and Mission statement
PTO — Claire Gradone reported on the upcoming Pasta Dinner on March Wh from 5 : 30-7 : 00 p . m .
Policy Subcommittee — No report
Transportation Subcommittee — No report
Substance Abuse Subcommittee — No report
Approval of Minutes
On a motion by Marie Enochty seconded by Claire Gradone, it was voted unanimously to approve the minutes of
January 18, 2018 as amended .
Adjournment
On a motion by Jessica Larsen, seconded by Claire Gradone, it was voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 7 : 50
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n M . Tefft
Included in the packet: Administrators ' reports, expenditure report, budget documents, school calendar and minutes.
Brewster School Committee Minutes - February 15 , 2018 [3 ]