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Home My Public Portal AboutNauset Schools -- 2018-05-24 Minutes Joint School Committee Meeting Thursday, May 24, 2018 ; i ` , rr' ,.; t ? r 5 ' 7 1 : t Y•kF 4d r � $ � Nauset Middle School, Auditorium ° �$ Present for the Committees : Region : James O ' Leary, Richard Stewart, John O ' Reilly, Judy Schumacher and Chris Easley Brewster : David Telman, Jessica Larsen, Claire Gradone, Marie Enochty, and Robert Miller Eastham : Joanne Irish, Moira Noonan-Kerry, Ann Crozier, Judy Lindahl and Mary Lou Sette Orleans : Gail Briere, Sasandra Roche, Josh Stewart, and Hank Schumacher Wellfleet : Jan Plaue, Jill Putnam, Martha Gordon, and Betsy Pontius ERE(dSTER Tftffi CLERK Present for the Administration : Thomas Conrad, Keith Gauley, Giovanna Venditti, Ann Caretti ' '1 ��OU3�! OP�I REORGANIZATION Superintendent Conrad called the meeting to order at 7 : 00 p . m. and asked for nominations for chair of the Joint School Committee . On a motion by Joanne Irish, seconded by Gail Briere, it was voted unanimously to elect Judy Lindahl as Chair of the Joint School Committee , Chair Lindahl then asked for nominations for vice chair of the Joint School Committee . On a motion by Ann Crozier, seconded by John O ' Reilly, it was voted 21 yeas and 1 nay (Jessica Larsen) to elect Dave Telman as Vice Chair of the Joint School Committee , Chair Lindahl then asked for nominations for chair of Union 54 . On a motion by Jan Plaue, seconded by Jill Putnam, it was voted unanimously to elect Gail Briere as Chair of Union 54 . Chair then Lindahl Lin k d asked for nominations for vice chair of Union 54 . On a motion by Hank Schumacher, seconded by Ann Crozier, it was voted unanimously to elect Josh Stewart as Vice Chair of Union 54 . Citizens Sneak None PRIORITY BUSINESS Presentation — Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Dr. Ann Caretti and Mr. Keith Gauley presented information on the District ' s work relative to social and emotional learning. Dr. Caretti defined social emotional learning and updated the committee on the work of the Substance Abuse Task Force . She informed the committee about the various ways the District is educating staff, students and the community about social emotional learning. The list included : Responsive Classroom, Suicide/Suicide Prevention, SBIRT, Trauma Courses , Ted Talks "Childhood Trauma,", community outreach 11Page Joint SC Meeting , May 24 , 2018 activities for parent team groups, Creative Outlets, "Generation Found," " Screenagers," sexual abuse, Parent information nights from the Independence House at Wellflect Elementary and Nauset Middle School and work with the Children' s Cove at Brewster Elementary School , Second Step and Botvin. Assistant Superintendent Gauley reviewed the curriculum of Second Step and Botvin indicating the date of implementation of fall 2018 . He also reported that Second Step is a program used from Preschool through Middle School and Botvin {Life Skills Training} will be taught at the Middle School and High School . He highlighted areas in the scope % and sequence for Second Step and the grade levels in which it will be taught. He also highlighted areas from the scope and sequence for Botvin Life Skills training. He reported there is a bullying prevention unit and a child protection unit in Second Step . He indicated that grade levels will be sharing kits and this will be implemented at the morning meeting time . It was suggested the District purchase certain support materials . Marie Enochty shared her concerns about support for families on the Lower Cape . She would like to see comprehensive services in place on the Lower Cape and would like to have these services located in our schools . Jill Putnam suggested that teachers use "teachable moments" to teach the curriculum and not just talk about this at morning meeting time . Dr. Caretti assured her that will be the case and the reason why they switched the delivery of the program to classroom teachers . They are going to use the "teachable moments . " Josh Stewart suggested the District look inward at the schools and see where we might be contributing to anxiety in children. He suggested recess at the Middle School and what would be the impact of open cell phones policy at the High School . He suggested not all anxiety is corning from homes and that schools are a part of this too . Jim O ' Leary asked what roles the parents have played to put the program together. He also suggested that grandparents are a wonderful resource and there are volunteer opportunities for grandparents to utilize their skill sets . He asked members to think about what can be done in the High School to prepare the kids for college . Superintendent' s Evaluation Gail Briere, Chair of Union 54 summarized responses for the Superintendent' s evaluation . Standard I — Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment 2 Exemplary, 15 Proficient Comments : Advocate for innovation, visits schools, observing teachers in the classroom with building involved educational leader who sets high expectations for himself and those around him. principals, Suggestions : Consistency amount the district towns elementary curriculum as the students enter into the Middle and High School, be cautious about taking on too many "new" things at the same time, go further on diverse learning styles , and ways of showing what they know. Standard II — Management and Operations 10 Exemplary, 8 Proficient 2Page Joint SC Meeting , May 24 ), 2018 w Comments : Budget preparation is thorough and his presentation in both an informal and formal manner to the towns ' administrators and accountants has further smoothed the whole process, responds to demands of all constituents in the district and works to have open collaboration and transparency with each town ' s boards , work completed by the Transportation Subcommittee has benefited all communities in the district with a decrease in the cost of bus transportation, ability to delegate and oversee this task demonstrates his ability to lead, manage and supervise . Suggestions : work to do around safety and hope we are transparent in this work, more in-depth look into how we can change our hiring and background check process . Standard 3 — Family and Community Engagement Exemplary 14, Proficient 4 Comments : Leadership and open door policy have created a culture of positivity and good faith among the constituents across the regional district, liked the video, continues to set a high bar for participation in school events and community engagement and somehow manages to meet or exceed his goals , takes time to talk with students, teachers , parents and community members , steps taken after the incident in Brewster are commendable, supports families and the community in well-organized, thoughtful and compassionate ways . Suggestions : Superintendent ' s Spotlight — is there value in exploring more delivery methods, include in weekly announcements, get out to a wider audience, worry about the open door policy and the tremendous time going to school events , healthy limits , avoid burnout. Standard 4 — Professional Culture Standard Exemplary 9 , Proficient — 9 Comments : Work ethic envied by all, don ' t know how he manages all facets of his position without being exhausted, encouraged Nauset educators to expand their imaginations with innovative practices to educate every student in the district, leads by example in fostering a culture of professional practice, high expectations and continuous learning for staff, espouses embracing change for the purpose of meeting the evolving demands of the world that our students will encounter after they leave our educational environment. Suggestions : I still wish reports to the School Committees were in writing and distributed ahead of time in order for reading and reflection before the meeting. Goal 1 — Professional Practice Goal - Homework Exceeded 2, Met 7, Significant Progress 7, Some Progress 2 Comments : Homework teaks up a great deal of time for our students and it is important to analyze it and see if the benefit can be achieved in a more effective way, data collected was gathered from a wide range of resources to determine best practices that support diverse student needs , clear that this research will result in leadership on the Superintendent ' s part to work with appropriate individuals to develop a long overdue District-wide Homework Policy . Suggestions : conclusions and action plan for the three levels has yet to be implemented, look forward to hearing summary of the concepts document, and your next steps for the District. Goal 2 — Student Learning Goal (Social/Emotional Program) Exceeded 4 , Met 8 , Significant Progress 4, Some Progress 2 31Page Joint SC Meeting , May 24 , 2018 Comments : Has taken some key steps to develop a year-long timetable for the implementation of a District- wide social emotional program, student surveys go a long way to "taking the temperature" of our students in an effort to support their social and emotional lives, which in turn supports their academic achievements, looking forward to more information on this goal . Suggestions : timetable for program implementation, how will staff be trained and how will we measure the success of these programs . Goal 3 — District Strategic Plan (MSBA) Exceeded 3 , Met 8 , Significant Progress 6, Some Progress 1 Comments : on clear path with regard to developing a deeper understanding of the MSBA, financially critical for the Superintendent of a District to understand the complexities of the MSBA Core Program. Suggestion : Where have you written down wat you have learned from those consulted in the process . Overall Rating Exemplary 10, Proficient 8 Comments : fortunate to have Mr. Conrad at the helm of our Districts as he exhibits a variety of effective and successful leadership characteristics . He is a visionary who anticipates paradigm shifts in society and continuously reinforces the need for reflection, analysis and implementation of best practices to meet those future changes . His energy, optimism and openness to new ideas support that visionary attitude . He fosters team cohesiveness, is resilient in the face of adversity and recognizes that more can be accomplished by empowering others than top down management. In spite of challenges, projects and other possible distractions in the course of his professional life, he gives his total attention to the tasks or group at hand demonstrating an emotional stability that promotes confidence in his ability to lead . Suggestions : Brewster School Committee member, going forward, hope to see increased communication with the parents and community regarding schools consolidation . Hope to see better communication with the Select Board, Finance Committee and Town Administrator in regard to this issue . Hoping to see some movement from exploratory and research around homework and Spanish immersion, for example, next steps are in order. Chair Chris Easley, Nauset Regional School Committee summarized responses from the evaluations . (5 evaluations received) Standard I — Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment 2 Exemplary, 1 Proficient Standard II — Management and Operations 5 Exemplary Comments : Environment Indicator : fosters every student matters . Executive session on security impressive, all legal responsibilities met, seeks legal counsel appropriately on diversity of issues, highly ethical in all judgement areas, FY19 budget completed on time and met towns ' target of 2 . 5 % increase, started budget process early 21 / 1 , continues to sustain all programs and services, positioned district for significant savings in Transportation and Solar panels, audit indicated all accounting standards met, Building Committee in place for High School renovation project. 4Page Joint SC Meeting , May 24 , 2018 Standard 3 — Family and Community Engagement Exemplary 3 , Proficient 2 Comments : Participates and is very visible at many school and community events, excellent communication skills Suggestions : organization of responsibilities could be spread & shared to a greater extent, which could relieve some of the pressures of the Superintendent ' s job function. Standard 4 — Professional Culture Standard Exemplary 2 , Proficient 3 Comments : Emphasizes the high standards expected of faculty and staff every time he meets with them . If the message is not expressly stated it is always implied. The high school is aware of the standards because they often speak of the "culture" of the school . This usage seems more pronounced at Nauset than at other school I have known. Goal 1 — Professional Practice Goal - Homework Exceeded 2 , Met 3 Goal 2 — Student Learning Goal — Social Emotional Program Exceeded 1 , Met 4 Goal 3 — District Strategic Plan (MSBA) Exceeded 2, Met 1 , Significant Progress 1 Overall Rating : 3 Exemplary l + Proficient, 1 Proficient Comments : hoping we can get past the negative vibes from the regional committee and become a well- functioning committee allowing Tom to use us to the fullest extent possible . Has shown a high degree of professionalism and insight throughout the year dealing with often sensitive issues and a contentious school committee . He has always kept his focus on the well-being and learning of all students . The time and tasks required to perform the Superintendent' s job are excessive . Effectively addressing each task is an impossibility. Tom Conrad does an excellent job of assessing the priorities and effectively performing the job function of the Superintendent of the Nauset Regional Schools . Superintendent Conrad thanked the committee and his administrative team. He stated he will do his best to move the District forward . Members indicated Tom Conrad deserves all the accolades and is one of the best in the business . It was suggested to develop a few data driven methods that would measure educational data, inform the community, And develop meaningful benchmarks that are measureable . It was stated that Nauset ' s success if measured by the number of students who graduate from college, come back to the community, teach our children, and open businesses . Gail Briere stated that when she and Chris Easley met with the Superintendent they discussed the salary of the Superintendent. She indicated that 23 people evaluated him and his overall rating is : 13 Exemplary, 1 Proficient Plus and 9 Proficient which is very impressive . They would like to recommend a percentage increase 51Page Joint SC Meeting , May 24 , 2018 and look at this increase over 2 year ' s basis . His contract is through 2020 . They recommended that the Superintendent receive a 3 % increase in 201849 and a 3 % increase in 2019-2020 . Motion : On a motion by Judy Lindahl, seconded by Martha Gordon it was voted unanimously to approve a 3 % increase in 201849 and a 3 % increase in 2019-2020 . (Region 5 yes, Brewster 5 yeas, Eastham 5 yeas , Orleans, 4 yeas and Wellfleet 4 yeas) Approval of Minutes On a motion by David Telman seconded by John O ' Reilly, it was voted to approve the minutes of January 25 , 2018 as amended. (Abstentions : Judy Schumacher, Hank Schumacher, Marie Enochty, Bob Miller ADJOURNMENT On a motion by John O ' Reilly, seconded by Moira Noonan-Kerry, it was voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 8 : 15 p .m. Submitted by, Ann M . Tefft 6Page Joint SC Meeting , May 24 , 2018