HomeMy Public PortalAboutNauset Schools -- 2018-09-13 Minutes (2) Nauset Regional School Committee
September 13 , 2018 / ,_
Eastham Town Hall
Present for the Committee : Chris Easley, Jim O ' Leary, John O ' Reilly, Robert Jacobus, Robert Sinclair,
Amy Handel, Richard Stewart, and Judy Schumacher
Absent for the Committee : Emily Hilliar and Ed Brookshire
Present for the Administration : Thomas Conrad, Giovanna Venditti, Chris Ellsasser, Maxine Minkoff,
and Julie Kobold
Call to Order
Chair Easley called the meeting to order at 6 : 00 p . m .
Agenda Changes — none
8 NOVSLI I OPPi
Citizens Speak - none BFEIISTER TLYIN CLERK
Nauset Regional Middle School Summer Science Program
Brandi Jackson, Nauset Middle School teacher and students from the Middle School and High School
presented an informative overview of the Summer Science Program highlighting their work in the area of
science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM) in Grades 642 . Ms . Jackson explained that the
Summer Science Institute is a pilot for many of the science lessons introduced in the school year that help
students build new skills and confidence . Contributions from major contributors using Donor ' s Choose
enable this to happen , Students create a number of objects using coding, electrical engineering,
programming, design, circuitry and fabrication . She would like to see a cohesive K42 STEAM program
in the District.
Principals ' Reports
Sue Murray reported that the concession stand at the Orleans Firebirds Baseball Games raised $9, 000 this
year and over 4 years has brought the District $50, 000 in revenue that is used to purchase equipment for
the Middle School and High School cafeterias . She also reported that the concession stand for the
Whitecaps has raised $22,000 over two years for the Brewster schools . The Superintendent thanked Sue
Murray for this effort and indicated this is a perfect example of the District schools helping themselves
financially.
Principal Ellsasser reported on a number of initiatives he is implementing at Nauset High School and
explained the interesting way he is facilitating dialogue on campus and with parents about learning.
Through this effort he would like to create an educational vision . He shared ways he is improving
communication with staff by using a calendar and is creating a Parent Weekly Bulletin and To Do List to
remind families of events over a two week period . He highlighted a few of his summer projects that
included ; creation of the Student Support Group for students struggling in school, meeting of grade level
advisory leaders , redesign of administrative routine to include two blocks each day for observing and
supporting teachers, created International Student planning group committed to globalizing the school ,
redesign of department head duties , creation of a planning team to organize the schedule of events, and
creation of weekly safety meeting,
Nauset Regional School Committee, September 13, 2018 1 P a g e
Principal Minkoff remarked on the wonderful work that Brandi Jackson does for the District and the
Middle School . She reported that five of the students that participated in the Science Summer Science
Project traveled to MIT this summer . She reported a good start to the new year indicating that the Middle
School has a new assistant principal, new adjustment counselor, new health teacher and she is looking
forward to working with them to coordinate the SEL program . They will be introducing the Botvin
Program as well as the Second Step Program . They held a very successful Open House for sixth grade
students and new students . Sunny Day is being utilized more and more in classrooms and in counseling.
The NRMS Open House is scheduled for September 20ffi . This year they will have Grade 6 parents come
in and meet the team and learn about the work. Grade 7 and 8 parents will follow a typical day schedule
moving from classAo -class just as the students do . She reported that the 911 Ceremony was held and that
sports teams are beginning with the inclusion of Cross Country .
A conversation about iPads and how to measure if they are improving student learning took place . It was
suggested that if Nauset aligns with a school of education perhaps a doctoral student could study that
topic further.
Building-based professional development was also discussed .
Superintendent ' s Report
The Superintendent indicated that Nauset has professional educators that are capable of solving some of
these questions and problems . It could be a research project that we would engage staff and could give
some sort of stipend to them to do this work for us . He felt Nauset teachers are talented, good educators
and can find the answers for our District . The Superintendent also stated he is in his fourth year as
Superintendent and it is critical that we have the very best instructional leaders . He is pleased to be
working with such a strong team of administrators who will focus on teaching and learning and support
our educators . He visited every school on the first day noting the calmness , preparedness and focus . Bus
Transportation is going quite well with few problems . He looks forward to meeting with bus drivers . The
District saved $250, 000 in this move . He reviewed the enrollment figures and noted that October 1 is the
official enrollment.
He reported that Assistant Superintendent, Keith Gauley has been assigned to Stony Brook Elementary
School as a full -time interim principal for the entire 2018 - 19 school year. The Superintendent indicated he
needed to do this for the Stony Brook School to have some leadership, consistency and commitment to
the students, staff and parents . He informed the committee of how he came to this decision and is filling
some of Mr. Gauley' s duties with an experienced educational professional who will do some work for the
District. In February they will begin a Principal ' s search for Stony Brook Elementary School .
He also informed the committee that he has researched three possible students who would be excellent
student representatives for the board and he will be interviewing them . He hopes that the individual will
be at the next school committee meeting.
He updated the committee on the building project. He distributed a copy of the "charge" to the building
committee . He indicated that they are at a critical point in the process and will travel to the MSBA to
begin the process for the selection of a designer . He emphasized that they are following the regulations of
the MSBA and cannot deviate from the plan that was laid out for them by the MSBA . He distributed
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information from the Owner ' s Project Manager, for information only, with a synopsis of four firms that
are interested in the project. He explained the process of the MSBA Design Selection Panel and
anticipates two meetings with them . Greg Levasseur, Chair of the Building Committee, Principal
Ellsasser and the Superintendent will be involved in the process with the members of the MSBA Designer
Selection Team comprised of 13 members . He explained the designer selection process to the committee .
A member asked about the charge to the building committee . The Superintendent indicated that the
charge is in conflict with MSBA regulations but indicated the MSBA wants certain things at certain times
and in a very precise manner. The Superintendent indicated that a designer firm is not to be selected by
the District. They were instructed by the MSBA that there is to be no pre-conceived decisions made . The
Superintendent indicated that all four firms are being considered . Funding could be in jeopardy if the
District does not follow MSBA guidelines . Another committee member shared concerns that the local
taxpayer is not represented in this process .
Concerns were shared by a member that the Administration is without a Treasurer and Assistant
Superintendent. The Superintendent assured the committee that he is looking at professional educators
who have been in a number of educational roles with rich backgrounds to help out the District. The work
is not going to be added to present employees .
The Superintendent indicated that the District is in partnership with the Cape Cod Collaborative with
regard to Transportation . He will look into the question of a separate LLC .
End of Year Report
Giovanna Venditti reported that she reviewed the End of Year report with the Budget and Finance
Subcommittee . She reviewed pages 3 and 4 of the Dashboard Report dated 6-30-2018 . There was a
request for the projected E & D when the current budget was being prepared .
Capital Article Reclassification
Giovanna Venditti explained on April 9t' the subcommittee recommended these reclassifications and also
recommended that money be reclassified to purchase vans at the High School . The subcommittee felt that
other exterior lighting projects could be taken care of with the building project.
Motion : On a motion by John O ' Reilly, seconded by Judy Schumacher, it was voted unanimously to
reclassify capital as presented.
Declare Surplus
On a motion by John O ' Reilly, seconded by Judy Schumacher, it was voted to declare surplus the gas
grill , and 2 2006 Ford E350 vans .
Gifts and Donations
Giovanna Venditti explained that the gifts and donations were received after the close of school .
Motion : On a motion by John O ' Reilly, seconded by Robert Jacobus, it was voted unanimously to accept
the gifts and donations with gratitude .
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I
Ms . Venditti informed the committee that John O ' Reilly is acting as Treasurer for the District. Both Jim
O ' Leary and John O ' Reilly are Assistant Treasurers .
OPEB Update
Jim O ' Leary updated the Committee on OPEB . He gave a history of OPEB and reminded everyone that
there is a contractual agreement with retirees of the Nauset School District. The contractual agreement
for retirees is that the Region pay 50% of their health insurance premiums . This has been done for the last
40 years . In the FY19 budget there is an approved line item that covers the expense of that premium for
our retirees . OPEB for active employees is covered elsewhere in the budget. With changes in the
mandated accounting standards, the Region has to account for current premiums, sort of pay as you go
and auditors will be looking at future obligations . The Region has been meeting their obligation each
year. What the Region has not done is pay the obligations going forward . The Region will continue to
pay as you go and make headway into the $ 17-28 million obligation . The Actuary explained at the
subcommittee meeting that it is not only the $ 17-28 million but projected that out for another 30 years .
The subcommittee is hoping to bring a recommendation to the full committee at the next meeting.
Administration is arranging a meeting with the four Town Administrators and Town Accountants to get
input as to what is an appropriate contribution. The Region has been paying I % of the health insurance
amount. Accounting methodologies have changed . If we go forward with future bonding, the bank will
be looking at how we are doing on the OPEB account in order to insure a good interest rate . He indicated
we have a line item outside of the operating budget that increases 2 . 5 % each year . The subcommittee is
looking at doing something like the Region does with Capital . With input from the 4 towns, the
subcommittee can come back in October and have a recommendation for the boards ' consideration. Mr.
O ' Leary indicated the next step is to look at the warrant article process . The Subcommittee would like to
take the entire package to the four towns for spring meeting next year and is pushing very hard to come
up with a plan . It was requested that the plan be distributed prior to the next meeting so that members can
review it . Discussion could take place in October and a vote in November if need be .
Overview of Financial Situation
The Superintendent indicated that the Treasurer ' s job description has been revised . The Business Office
needed to enhance the responsibilities and time commitment to the position as well as the compensation .
Once the job description has been finalized, it will be brought back to the committee, the position
advertised and someone will be hired . Members shared concerns about letters received at their homes by
the Treasurer without the knowledge of the Superintendent. Chair Easley explained what has taken place
with the position to date . It was requested that the school committee attorney provide written clarification
according to MGL 71 , 66A to help the committee know who is responsible for hiring and non-renewal of
the Treasurer, what is the role of the Treasurer as determined by law, who does the Treasurer report to and
is it legal that the Assistant Treasurer takes over in the absence of an appointed Treasurer. Also, what was
the legal opinion of the attorney regarding the new job description . The Committee would like a clear
picture on how to proceed .
Judy Schumacher indicated that the law is very clear that the School Committee appoints the Treasurer on
an annual basis . At the reorganization meeting, the Treasurer was not reappointed . She indicated that the
law is very clear in Massachusetts School Administration that on a daily basis, the Treasurer receives
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supervision from the Superintendent . Discussion ensued about Executive Session to discuss Personnel .
A Point of Order was called .
John O ' Reilly indicated he was appointed the Assistant Treasurer and has been in to sign documents . Jim
O ' Leary is also Assistant Treasurer and has signed a document relative to bonding.
Chair Easley indicated that the goal is to make sure that the position of Treasurer functions for the
Region .
Motion ,
On a motion by Robert Sinclair, seconded by John O ' Reilly, it was voted unanimously that the board
request legal counsel to look into the MGL Chapter 71 section 16A, information that exist at the
Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and information from MASC relative to the role of
the Treasurer; who the Treasurer reports to, and who is responsible for appointing or not appointing the
Treasurer.
The Superintendent indicated he will contact the attorney.
REPORTS AND INFORMATION
Cape Cod Collaborative — Robert Jacobus reported that the Cape Cod Collaborative Board discussed the
new location for Way Point Academy, new personnel hired, trying to obtain a place in Dennis, school
choice, and upcoming workshops .
Safety and Security Subcommittee — Superintendent Conrad indicated he will bring information to the
October meeting.
Future Agenda Items - Number of partnerships with universities and other institutions, role of the school
committee document from MASC , statement from MASC about public information law for documents
used with the meeting, Athletic Director come to a meeting with report about number of coaches, money
spent and number of participants .
A request was made to see if the student representative gets a vote at school committee meetings . The
Superintendent will look into this .
Approval of Minutes
A motion by John O ' Reilly and seconded by Robert Jacobus was made to approve the minutes of August
9th. The minutes for August 9th were held for clarification for a member. The motion was withdrawn as
well as the second .
Adjournment
On a motion by Robert Jacobus, seconded by Richard Stewart, it was voted unanimously to adjourn the
meeting at 9 : 15 p . m .
Respectfully submitted,
Ann M. Tef included in packet: Capital Reclassification List, Principals ' Reports, Dashboard, Gifts and Donations, Minutes,
Policies, Fundraising Form (distributed at meeting).
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