Loading...
HomeMy Public PortalAboutNauset Schools -- 2018-11-08 Minutes K: [TI Nauset Regional School Committee r; r COD +tZ November 8 , 2018 . . Eastham Town Hall toI Imp, Le_4 t resent for"the CWrimittee : Chris Easley, Robert Sinclair, Amy Handel , Richard Stewart, Judy Schumacher, John I„J 9 1,161 O ' Reilly, ax'd Rd'W'ert Jacobus Absent for the Committee : Ed Brookshire, James O ' Leary Present for the Administration : Thomas Conrad, Giovanna Venditti, Chris Ellsasser, and Maxine Minkoff Call to Order Chair Easley called the meeting to order at 6 : 00 p . m. New Student Representative — Christina Reid was introduced as the new student representative to the Committee . Chistina lives in Truro, lived in New York before coming to Cape Cod and was born in Jamaica . She is interested in theatre, music and is a member of the Treble Chorus , Citizens Speak — none Building Committee Update Greg Levasseur, Chair of the Nauset Building Committee, updated the Committee on the building project. He indicated that the design team of Flansburgh Associates will be looking at the physical plant and will attend the upcoming building committee meeting. A website is being developed to keep everyone informed about what is happening with the building project. Flansburgh will begin the process of working on the educational plan with several groups . These meetings will be posted and are open to the public . 'rhe Superintendent informed the Committee that the Select Boards and Finance Committees would like quarterly dates on the project. He has also established a partnership with the TV studio at the High School . They will be doing a video tour of the High School which will be a ane-hour program that is narrated . (the same tour that was given to MSBA) They will also be creating a video of the life of a student and a video for someone visiting the campus for the first time . He also indicated that 25 community groups have been identified that will be contacted to elicit feedback. Greg Levasseur indicated that all of this information is geared toward the target date of April 22, 2019 when the draft of the educational plan and an overview of the physical plant with recommendations from the engineers will be presented to the MSBA . He indicated that those two pieces will set the project goal and budget. Athletic Director Ed Pavlu, Athletic Director at Nauset Middle School and Principal Minkoff gave an overview of the athletic program at Nauset Middle School . He emphasized their "no cut" policy that was instituted in 2017 . The Middle School added Cross Country this year and has seven runners . He suggested that the coach will boost the numbers next year. He reviewed the number of coaches per sport, indicated he would like to add Lacrosse and indicated that there is a limited amount of field space available . He informed the committee that coaches must have concussion training and AED training . He also indicated that 27 varsity sports are offered at the High School . Ed Pavlu also informed the committee that there is a statement of philosophy of athletics that he and Mary Stack created at the Middle school that needs some updating. He distributed a list of fall , winter and spring sports showing participation since 2415 . Nauset Regional School Committee, November 8, 2018 1 P a g e Principals ' Reports In addition to her written report, Principal Minkoff reported on the guest artist, Master woodcarver Ventura Fabian and his son, Norberto , who visited the Middle School art classes from Mexico . She also indicated that the Washington DC trip costs $ 775 per student that includes 4 buses, guides , hotel , food, boat trip, dinner dance, museums, memorials , as well as visits to the Capitol , the Supreme Court and the National Archives . Everything is tied to the curriculum . Principal Ellsasser shared how he would like more student involvement in the structure of the policies and rules with more of a voice at the school . He started the conversation about homework with the faculty and asked the question of "balance between academic excellence and wellness ." He indicated the School Improvement Council will focus on the Advisory program . He indicated that the globalization effort continues with current international students sharing their experiences . They are having conversations about students and faculty going to other countries in an exchange . A conversation is also happening about the daily schedule and "Nauset" time . (time for students to improve their academics) An incident that took place at a fundraising event was discussed and the Principal indicated how he addressed the situation . Approval of Fundraising Requests On a motion by John O ' Reilly, seconded by Judy Schumacher, it was voted unanimously to approve the fundraising requests as presented . (HRMS — Model UN Club — Beanstock Coffee, NRHS — Class of 2021 , selling flowers, Class of 2020 — selling homemade crafts, selling water at the Turnip Festival) Superintendent' s Report The Superintendent reported that he met with the staff of the Eastham Elementary School and had a robust conversation relative to making a district-wide policy on homework. He also reported that he had a visit from the Safety Committee from the Town of Orleans who would like to cut some brush and trees to help with the sight lines coming out of the Orleans Fire Department driveway and coming onto Eldredge Park Way. They also are looking at a guardrail system to prevent a vehicle from going down the hill and onto the field at Eldredge Field . They are researching this further and will get back to the Superintendent. He also reported that he and the Business Manager are working through 7 budgets meeting with all principals . He is waiting for a narrative directive from the towns relative to the budgets . It was also mentioned that the Town of Eastham has been clearing brush at the High School for better visibility . The town has provided big equipment and it should be finished by holiday break. The Superintendent expressed his gratitude for all their efforts . Approve Policies for a Second Reading and Adoption 1 . EFD — Meal Charging Policy A motion was made by John O ' Reilly, seconded by Robert Jacobus and voted unanimously to approve the policy for a second reading and adoption . 2 . JICH Alcohol, Tobacco, and Drug Use by Students Prohibited — On a motion by Robert Sinclair, seconded by Amy Handel it was voted 6 yeas and 1 abstention (Richard Stewart) to approve the policy for a second reading and adoption . 3 . JICH- 1 — Alcohol , Tobacco, and Drug Use by Students Prohibited (Screening Tool) — On a motion by John O ' Reilly, seconded by Robert Jacobus it was voted, 5 yeas and 2 abstentions (Robert Sinclair and Richard Stewart) to approve JICH- I for a second reading and adoption with the removal of the word "prohibited" from the title . Nauset Regional School Committee, November 8, 2018 2 1 P a g e 4 . GBEBD — Online Fundraising and Solicitations — Crowdfunding — On a motion by John O ' Reilly, seconded by Robert Jacobus, it was voted 7 yeas to approve the policy for a second reading and adoption , - (It was noted that you cannot solicit funds for things that are already in the operating budget.) Dashboard Review Giovanna Venditti reported that the Budget and Finance Subcommittee reviewed the Dashboard in detail . She highlighted some items in the Dashboard report and indicated that E & D has been certified for $716,625 . Ms . Venditti explained how money is placed in E & D from various line items that were unexpended . She also indicated that at times the Committee votes to use E & D funds to reduce assessments to the four towns . It was noted that the Region is allowed to have E & D up to 5% of the budget and right now the figure is 2 . 9% . She indicated that in the Region Only budget there is a $435 ,289 balance that is due to the fact that a student going to out of district placement was budgeted but did not come to fruition. She will continue to monitor the balance moving forward . She indicated that there is a deficit in the transportation account of $71 , 000 and explained how the state utilizes active expenses to calculate this revenue source . Since Nauset has been proactive in reducing transportation costs, that is reflected in state funding. Ms . Vendittl will look at the transportation very carefully at budget time. Re-vote Acceptance of Chapter 32 Section 20 of the MGL The motion was read by Ms . Venditti, moved by Judy Schumacher and seconded by Amy Handel to clarify that the vote made and passed at the June 12 , 2014 meeting of the School Committee was intended to, and does, constitute an acceptance by the District of Chapter 32B Section 20, as it may be amended . The motion was approved with a vote of 7 yeas . Gifts and Grants On a motion by Robert Jacobus, seconded by John O ' Reilly, it was voted unanimously to approve the gifts and ants as submitted . (Masonic Angel Foundation - $300, Pleasant Bay - $3 ,600, Nauset Garden Club - $ 500, Annie Garden Grant $ 3 ,000 for the NRMS) Superintendent's Evaluation The Superintendent reviewed his evaluation documents indicating his three goals as : Development of a District Technology Plan 2019-2022, Develop a new five-year Strategic Plan for the Nauset School District, and to expand his knowledge of project-based learning. He also reminded the committee that the Standards are mandated by the state . OPEB Update Judy Schumacher indicated that the Budget and Finance Subcommittee met and is working on their recommendation for an amount of money to be placed into OPEB . The subcommittee will have a recommendation and reasons for their recommendation at the December meeting. Once voted by the Regional School Committee, this will go to the four towns and they will address the issue . Some towns might pay for OPEB using free cash while others might place it in a warrant article for spring town meeting. The Budget and Finance Subcommittee met with Town Administrators and Finance Managers and they urged the committee to use an amount that would not adversely impact the bond rating in anticipation of school construction. Nauset Regional School Committee, November 8, 2018 3 ( P a g e REPORTS AND INFORMATION Capital Asset Subcommittee — Chris Easley reported that the subcommittee is looking at the five year capital plan . They are also currently researching maintenance software . Global and International Student Group — Robert Sinclair reported that the group is trying to figure out ways to recruit students . There is a possibility of teachers and administrators helping with this and perhaps going to other countries with an exchange . Approval of Minutes The Chair announced that amendments or changes to the minutes are done during the meeting. The minutes must be voted as amended by the committee . Robert Sinclair inquired about the issue of Treasurer and reiterated that the motion was to ask the attorney three questions : the role of the Treasurer, to whom does the Treasurer report and who is responsible for hiring and firing the Treasurer. He indicated that the attorney ' s opinion addressed different issues and wondered where the question came from . He indicated the motion should be followed through as voted by the committee . He voiced concerns about the process stating the motion should be implemented and not changed . The Chair suggested that in the future if members have a motion, it should be written down and given to the Chair. The Chair mentioned the "motion" form that was discussed last year . On a motion by Judy Schumacher, seconded by Richard Stewart it was voted 5 yeas and 1 nay, Robert Sinclair, 1 abstention, Richard Stewart, to approve the minutes of October 11 , 2018 . On a motion by John O ' Reilly, seconded by Judy Schumacher, it was voted 7 yeas to table the minutes of the Executive Session until tuition agreement negotiations are completed . Future Agenda Items - Revisit Reorganization meeting — High School School Council representative position Begin meetings with minutes a couple of times Get list of "future agenda items" AECOM — Interaction with students — follow up Adjournment On a motion by Judy Schumacher seconded by John O ' Reilly, it was voted unanimously to -adjourn the meeting at 8 : 17 p .m . Submitted by Ann M. Tefft Included in packet : Administrators ' Reports , Policies, Dashboard , Supt. Evaluation, gifts and grants and minutes . Distributed at meeting : Middle School sports participation . Nauset Regional School Committee, November 8, 2018 4 P a g e