HomeMy Public PortalAboutNauset Schools -- 2018-10-11 Minutes Nauset Regional School Committee
October 11 , 2018
Eastham Town Hall
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Present for the Committee : Chris Easley, Jim O ' Leary, Robert Sinclair (arrived at 6 : lup . m . ), Amy Handel, Richard
Stewart, and Judy Schumacher
Absent for the Committee : Emily Hilliar, Ed Brookshire, John O ' Reilly, Robert Jacobus
Present for the Administration : Thomas Conrad, Giovanna Venditti, Chris Ellsasser, Maxine Minkoff
Call to Order
Chair Easley called the meeting to order at 6 : 00 p .m .
Agenda Changes — New Student Representative - November
Citizens Speak — none
Nauset High School — Marine Science Program
Kathleen Tringale, Luke Simpson, Nauset High School Science Teachers and students from the High School
presented information on the Marine Science Program including the partnership with UMass Boston, visit to Eugene
Ashley High School in Wilmington, North Carolina, and the program at Nauset High School . There are 30 students
in the college level course that gives them a foundation in understanding oceanography with many hands -on
experiences . A syllabus is shared with UMass Boston and exams will be the same ones that the college students are
given . This is a year- long partnership with UMass Boston to ensure the program ' s success .
Principals ' Reports
'rincipal Minkoff reviewed her Principal ' s report that was included in the packet. She highlighted the new Grade 6
CS Discoveries where students are constructing floating craft. Students used their problem- solving and team
building skills to achieve success . Grade 7 and 8 students are learning the fundamentals of JavaScript. The clubs
and activities are numbering around 30 . There is a new TV News Report Club as well as a Global Kids Club . She
reported that all Grade 7 students, teachers and educational assistants came together for a team - building day at the
Mass Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary in Wellfleet . The cafeteria has made some changes in their offerings and has
removed Doritos and Ice Cream from the options available for sale . They will research healthier snacks . Students
are also enjoying a short recess after lunch . Teachers are providing computer training for parents in X2 in the
morning and afterschool on various dates . There is an Active Parenting of Teens Course taking place beginning
October 9th . The Middle School provided a space for the showing of the movie, "Angst. " Principal Minkoff
announced the upcoming Craft Fair with proceeds going into the students activity account.
Approve fundraising events . The Committee asked questions about the fundraising events . Principal Minkoff
indicated that monies go to the Washington DC trip and to a scholarship fund for those who need to raise additional
funds for the trip . It was noted that everything on the trip is related to year- long learning and they want all 8th
Graders to participate . The Middle School accounts for student fundraising money and once recorded at the Middle
School it goes to the Central office into the student activity account .
Motion :
On a motion by Robert Sinclair, seconded by Amy Handel, it was voted unanimously to approve the fundraising
events as submitted . (Wreaths, House of Bricks Wrestling Co . , Craft Fair)
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Principal Ellsasser reviewed his Principal ' s report that was included in the packet. Highlights included an
explanation of a revised drop/add period with other efforts being made not to disrupt classes . The Restorative
;ustice framework for discipline at the school was explained . The Principal is also holding open lunch meetings
weekly to talk with students about school related topics . He reported the Open House was successful and he talked
with parents about partnering with them in teaching students to ask for support. Families were invited to join the
school improvement council . Communications through the website, calendar and weekly communications are being
fine-tuned . The Student Support Group meets weekly relative to students who need support. The Advisory has been
included in the schedule for Open House to emphasize the importance of advising . The revised evaluation system is
on track. A team is working on globalizing the school by meeting with recent immigrants to share best practices for
learning. Department Heads, Planning teams and the safety committee are meeting weekly. Members asked
questions about the various initiatives .
A member asked how the Principal would respond to teachers doing systematic research with the school committee
providing funds to help them do this . Principal Ellsasser indicated that it would expand and refine the role of the
teacher in the school . He indicated that teachers as researchers are an important part of the profession . It was also
noted that Department Head meeting agendas are published in advance and teachers may attend .
Building Project Update
Greg Levasseur, Chair of the Building Committee updated the committee on the status of the project . He informed
the committee that a designer has been chosen for the project and explained the process for the selection with the
MSBA designer selection panel . Flansburg Associates was chosen as the design architectural firm by a unanimous
vote . They are working on a contract with the MSBA, OPM and District. Once negotiations with Flansburg
Associates is completed, the MSBA will have a kick- off meeting at the High School to set the tone for the project,
iutline MSBA expectations and discuss the project schedule . Mr. Levasseur indicated they are getting the
educational plan ready with the help of professionals which is due April 22°d . He indicated that the Building
Committee is going to take the time they need to get this done right .
Superintendent Conrad indicated that he met with the OPM public relations person and they will be getting the
websites up and running . All the elementary schools will have information on their website regarding the project.
They will link all the websites to their webpage that will have the most upAo- date information . He indicated he met
with the town officials and they would like him to come before the Select Board on q quarterly basis to keep them
updated on the project.
The Superintendent indicated that they will seek feedback on the project. They want to know how students, staff and
parents learn . The majority of building projects are a simple building configuration . Nauset is unique to itself.
Superintendent ' s Report
The Superintendent distributed October 1 enrollment figures to the committee . He explained the Truro number with
Grade 6 students attending NRMS as choice students and Grade 7 & 8 students attending NRMS under the tuition
agreement. He is beginning negotiations with Truro and Provincetown .
The Superintendent distributed a handout regarding the role of the School Committee.
Approve Policies for a First Reading
1 . EFD — Meal Charging Policy — Judith Schumacher, representative from the region school committee on the
Policy Subcommittee walked the committee through the revisions that were made to the policy.
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A motion was made by Judy Schumacher, seconded by Amy Handel and voted unanimously to approve the policy
- for a first reading.
2 . JICH Alcohol, Tobacco, and Drug Use by Students Prohibited
JICH- 1 — Alcohol, Tobacco, and Drug Use by Students Prohibited (Screening Tool)
Judy Schumacher explained that the Policy Subcommittee split the policies as suggested by the Region School
Committee .
A motion was made by Judy Schumacher, seconded by Amy Handel and voted unanimously to approve JICH,
Alcohol, Tobacco, and Drug Use by Students Prohibited for a first reading.
3 . A motion was made by Judy Schumacher, seconded by James O ' Leary and voted unanimously to approve
JICH- 1 , Alcohol, Tobacco and Drug Use by Students Prohibited ( Screening Tool) for a first reading.
It was explained that the state mandated screening is conducted by a nurse or counselor. Information explaining
SBIRT was in the packet.
4 . GBEBD — Crowdfunding
On a motion by Robert Sinclair, seconded by Judy Schumacher, it was voted unanimously to approve the
Crowdfunding Policy for a first reading .
It was noted that you cannot solicit funds for things that are already in the operating budget .
5 . IJND — Technology — Staff Responsible Use Policy
The Superintendent indicated that he is fully aware that he needs to have a conversation with union representatives .
He suggested members read the first page to realize the importance of the policy .
Judy Schumacher reviewed the changes in the document.
Mark Mathison addressed the committee indicating that what was proposed by Barbara Lavoine five years ago was
unacceptable, not legal and unenforceable . The proposed policy document is not something the Association would
sign off on . He suggested putting this policy of the shelf. He would like to put together a Responsible Use Policy
with staff and Administration to protect staff and students .
Judy Schumacher suggested that Mark Mathison attend the Policy Subcommittee meeting. If there are things that
need to be discussed, he should speak with the Policy Subcommittee . James O ' Leary suggested that the District
come up with a policy that meets the needs of all parties involved . Chair Easely indicated that this should not be put
on a shelf and that it is important to get it done . The District should not be without a policy when technology plays a
big role in everyone ' s lives .
On a motion by Robert Sinclair, seconded by Judy Schumacher, it was voted unanimously to request the
Superintendent to arrange a meeting to review the document and come back to the School Committee for
consideration .
MCAS Results
Principal Minkoff, Principal Ellsasser and Assistant Superintendent Keith Gauley reviewed a PowerPoint
_'resentation highlighting the Next General MCAS results and new accountability system . Math, ELA and Science
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scores were reviewed and compared to average state scores . It was noted the High School is still taking legacy
_ MCAS . Nauset outperformed the state ' s scaled scores in all grade levels in ELA and Math and in Grade 8 Science,
Technology and Engineering. Nauset High School has High scores and 100% met expectations in English . 94% met
expectation in Math and 87% met expectations in Physicis . Principal Ellsasser is using data to create teacher study
groups who will review the data to make recommendations for learning improvement.
Ann McConchie explained how the MCAS/Next Generation test is developed, tested and vetted . Scores,
accountability, ratings, and difference between compliance and helping students learn were discussed . It was also
noted that private schools in Massachusetts do not take the test and parents have a right to opt out except in Grade
10 . Robert Sinclair asked if the school committee wanted to provide leadership on this issue . He also indicated that
the MTA has voted against this test.
The Superintendent indicated that this will be discussed in depth at the Joint School Committee meeting.
Dashboard Review
Giovanna Venditti reported that the Budget and Finance Subcommittee reviewed the Dashboard in detail . She
reviewed funding sources with the committee that included state based aid, charter school aid, transportation aid,
Truro and Provincetown tuitions and district receipts .
OPEB
Judy Schumacher provided highlights from the Town Administrators ' and Finance Directors ' meeting. All towns
agreed that the Region needs to do something this year with regard to OPEB . The Region looked to the towns for
guidance on the level of funding, what would be appropriate and what would be supported by the towns . The
committee must come up with a funding level that would not downgrade the bond rating. They advised
'administration to talk to bond rating agencies and the Business Office will follow-up . They emphasized the need to
do this as it impacts the Region ' s bond rating . They strongly encouraged the Region to contribute something out of
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James O ' Leary indicated that he would like to have something ready for the next region meeting for members to
review relative to the funding level . Funding will be outside the operating budget and the subcommittee will prepare
a warrant article for town meetings in the spring. He would like the committee to decide at the next meeting whether
we need another month to review information or if a vote could be taken at that meeting. The warrant article will be
prepared by December and reviewed with Board of Selectmen and Finance Committees relative to plans going
forward .
Judy Schumacher indicated that each town will decide separately how it will fund its share of the Region ' s OPEB
contribution . Some towns may choose a special warrant article and some may take it out of free cash . It will be
outside the regional operating budget .
James O ' Leary asked that Administration have the attorney review the Regional Agreement relative to creation of an
irrevocable trust . Jim O 'Leary asked that discussion regarding OPEB from the last two meeting be forwarded to
him .
Review Letter from Attorney Regarding Role of the Treasurer
The Superintendent referred the committee to two legal opinions from Attorney Nancy Campany of Murphy, Lamere
and Murphy. Giovanna Venditti indicated that the committee posed three questions to legal counsel . She read
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1
questions 1 , 2 and 3 and the brief answers . Changes in the job description were explained . (Added : subject to the
direction of the District School Committee on the first page of the job description under DUTIES )
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The process was explained as to how the job description was written, revised and reviewed by legal counsel . It was
noted that the job description was reviewed twice, before and after revisions made by the subcommittee .
Clarification was requested relative to reference to previous legal opinions . Ms . Venditti indicated that the attorney
has had prior legal opinions for the District over the years relating to the position of treasurer.
Robert Sinclair reviewed the motion that was voted at the last meeting with the questions : what is the role of the
treasurer, to whom does the treasurer report and who is responsible for hiring and firing the treasurer. Mr. Sinclair
shared concerns that the questions were not answered . He did not believe what the District is currently doing is
right. Mr. Easely indicated that John O ' Reilly was appointed the Assistant Treasurer along with Jim O ' Leary. He
indicated that presently John O ' Reilly is the acting Treasurer.
Chair Easely explained that at the Reorganization meeting in June, the position of treasurer was not appointed as
they were revising the job description at the subcommittee level to answer needs of the Region . This was voted by
the committee not to appoint a treasurer . Discussion ensued regarding not reappointing someone and firing
someone . Chair Easely indicated that the treasurer is appointed and was appointed under the previous job
description . The job description needed to be changed and updated . He also indicated that the previous treasurer
may apply . The treasurer is appointed on a yearly basis by the school committee at the Reorganization meeting .
Jim O ' Leary indicated that the videotape will confirm the action of the committee and his recollection was that the
job description was being rewritten, updated and there was a vote to not appoint the treasurer that evening.
Chair Easley indicated that the subcommittee addressed this issue because the business office wanted to develop a
job description that will serve this committee and the system . The Superintendent stated there is a one year contract
for this positon . In the job description it indicates to whom the treasure reports . Mr. O ' Leary asked that part of a
motion include that the daily supervision of the treasure is under the Superintendent.
Motion :
On a motion by Judy Schumacher, seconded by Richard Stewart, it was voted 5 yeas and 1 abstention (Robert
Sinclair) to accept the job description of district treasurer part time as written and amended with three changes from
the attorney in the letter dated October 10th . (Page 1 insert under DUTIES : subject to the direction of the District
School Committee and Lines 7 & 8 on page 2 . #7 . Such other duties as may be prescribed by applicable statute
and/or regulation for treasurers of regional school districts . # 8 . Subject to policies, procedures and protocols as
established by School committee fi•om time to time to the extent that the same do not conflict with applicable law .
Chair Easley indicated that the job description will be posted and candidates can apply. He would like to form a
selection committee .
Motion : On a motion by Chris Easley, seconded by Judy Schumacher it was voted unanimously to post the job
immediately.
Motion : On a motion by Judy Schumacher, seconded by Jim O ' Leary it was voted unanimously to set up a selection
committee for the position of treasurer comprised of 3 school committee members, 2 business office members and
town treasurers to serve .
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MASC Resolutions
, Resolution 1 — Rejecting the Arming of Educators - On a motion by Jim O ' Leary, seconded by Judy Schumacher, it
vas voted unanimously to reject the notion of providing firearms to any educators .
Resolution 2 — Small and Rural Districts — On a motion by Jim O ' Leary, seconded by Judy Schumacher it was voted
unanimously to oppose legislation or unlegislated regulations that would attempt to undermine the right of any city,
town or regional district to have imposed upon it a mandate to restructure, expand, regionalize, or dissolve its school
district without its consent.
Resolution 3 — Elimination of the Federal Department of Education — On a motion by Richard Stewart, seconded by
Judy Schumacher, it was voted unanimously to reject any notion of combining the U . S . Department of Education
with other government departments .
Resolution 4 — Regional School Transportation - On a motion by Richard Stewart, seconded by Jim O ' Leary, it was
voted 5 yeas and 1 abstention (Richard Stewart) to promote greater competition for bus service contracts, the
Legislature should eliminate M. G . L. c . 71 & 7C , and authorize a deeper analysis of the lack of bidders on school
transportation contracts .
Resolution 5 — Reporting and Accountability Standards — On a motion by Jim O ' Leary, seconded by Judy
Schumacher, it was voted unanimously to support that the Massachusetts Association of School Committees works
with the legislature and Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to ensure that all students or persons in
schools that receive public funds under the authority of the MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
or a local public school district are held to the same standards and requirements in the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts .
Aesolution 6 — Reproductive Health Education — On a motion by Judy Schumacher, seconded by Richard Stewart, it
was voted unanimously to support evidence-based reproductive health curricula. Further, we call upon the U . S .
Department of Education and the Executive Branch to stop their support of abstinence-only education .
Resolution 7 — Gender Identity Inclusive Athletic Participation Policy — On a motion by Richard Stewart, seconded
by Judy Schumacher, it was voted unanimously that MASC help file legislation which would have the effect of
protecting LGBTZ students from discrimination, harassment and bullying by that school should treat students based
on their gender identify, protecting their privacy, providing access to gender-neutral restrooms , locker rooms and
private stall sowers, using their preferred pronouns, embedding sensitivity training in professional development and
providing uniform accommodations .
Resolution 8 — Sports Wagering — On a motion by Richard Stewart, seconded by Jim O ' Leary, it was voted
unanimously to requests that, should the General Court enact legislation to legalize wagering on sporting events, the
General Court, shall commit a portion of the revenues generated from sports wagering to public education .
Resolution 9 — Access to Information for Parents and Students Who Are clients of Special Education - On a motion
by Richard Stewart, seconded by Jim O ' Leary it was voted unanimously that MASC urge the legislature to amend
state law to require that parents and students be provided with a copy via email or mail of all the assessments that are
performed for students in the families ' preferred language, at least five days prior to any meeting at which parents
and students will review a proposed individual Education Plan .
On a motion by Judy Schumacher seconded by Jim O ' Leary, it was voted unanimously to amend the MASC by- law
;hanging the July 1 date to no later than June 1 .
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On a motion by Robert Sinclair, seconded by Chris Easley, it was voted unanimously to approve Judy Schumacher
as delegate to the MASC conference . It was noted that John O ' Reilly signed up but is unable to attend if anyone else
:would like to attend the meeting .
REPORTS AND INFORMATION — held
Future Agenda Items — Partnerships with universities and other higher education agencies, Teacher Research,
School Safety, Central Office Reorganization and Central Office job descriptions and Presentation from Athletic
Director
Approval of Minutes
On a motion by Jim O ' Leary, seconded by Judy Schumacher it was voted 5 yeas and 1 abstention to approve the
minutes of august 9 , 2018 .
On a motion by Judy Schumacher, seconded by Jim O ' Leary it was voted 5 yeas and 1 abstention (Robert Sinclair)
to approve the minutes of September 13 , 2018 as amended to include Richard Stewart as present at the meeting.
Executive Session — On a motion by Judy Schumacher, seconded by Richard Stewart, it was voted by roll call vote
to go into Executive Session for the purpose to discuss strategy with respect to negotiations with Truro and
Provincetown . The committee will not return to Open Session .
On a roll call the vote was as follows :
Jim O ' Leary — nay, Robert Sinclair — aye, Richard Stewart — aye, Amy Handel — aye, Judy Schumacher — aye, Chris
Easley — aye
The committee went into Executive Session at 10 : 15 p . m .
Submitted by :
Ann M. Tefft
Included in the packet: Administrators ' Reports, Enrollment, Policies, Dashboard, Budget Timeline, Capital Article
Reclassification, Letter from Attorney, MASC resolutions and minutes .
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