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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFINAL SC Minutes March 10 2020 _1_.pdf FINAL March 10, 2020 MINUTES MINUTEMAN REGIONAL VOCATIONAL TECHNICAL SCHOOL DISTRICT REGULAR SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING MARCH 10, 2020 6:30 PM PAUL REVERE ROOM, MINUTEMAN HIGH SCHOOL Present: Pam Nourse, Chair(Acton) Jeff Stulin, Vice-Chair(Needham) Dave Horton, Secretary(Lexington) Alice DeLuca(Stow) Steve LeDoux (Concord) An. 6:50 pm Ford Spalding(Dover) David O'Connor(Bolton) Jennifer Leone (Lancaster) Absent: Sue Sheffler(Arlington) Jim Gammill (Belmont) Weighted Vote: Weighted Vote present at start of meeting: 61.03% (7 members) Others Present: Dr. Bob Gerardi, Dr. Amy Perreault, George Clement, Michelle Shepard, and Julia Pisegna 1. CALL TO ORDER: OPEN SESSION The Chair called the meeting to order at 6:32 p.m. 2. PUBLIC COMMENT None. 3. CHAIR'S REPORT,Pam Nourse a. Comments for the Good of the Organization The Minuteman School Committee members held a moment of silence in memory of student Andrea Martocchia of Watertown who was killed in a motorcycle accident. Ms. Leone thanked the administration and the staff for the wonderful support provided to students during this time. Ms. DeLuca reported that she attended the final meeting of the year for the Massachusetts High Quality College Career Pathways (HQCCP) Group to continue work on the final draft of the Perkins Grant. The 30-day comment period has passed, and it has now been taken to the Governor for signature. Mr. Spalding shared that he attended the championship basketball game. The gym was packed with families, staff, students, and alumni, and even though the team lost, it was a terrific game. 1 (Mr. Ledoux entered the meeting at 6::50 p.m.) 4. EXECUTIVE SESSION To enter into Executive Session as follows and will return to Open Session: 1. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30 A, section 21 (a) (3) for the purpose of discussing strategy as it relates to negotiations with the Minuteman Faculty Association, as an open session may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the Minuteman School Committee, as declared by the Chair. VOTE: 8 members in room at time of vote Weighted Vote present: 68.84% Weight needed: > 34.42% Names of towns opposing or abstaining: none Final percentage results of vote: 68.84% Final status of the vote: Unanimous Pam Nourse, Chair(Acton) Jeff Stulin, Vice-Chair(Needham) Dave Horton, Secretary(Lexington) Alice DeLuca(Stow) Steve LeDoux (Concord) Ford Spalding(Dover) David O'Connor(Bolton) Jennifer Leone (Lancaster) 5. CALL TO ORDER: OPEN SESSION The Chair called the regular meeting to order at 7:01 p.m., following adjournment of the Executive Session. 6. SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT, Dr.Edward Bouquillon a. Approval of the Ratification of a Memorandum of Agreement with the Minuteman Faculty Association for a Collective Bargaining Agreement for the period of July 1, 2020 thru June 30, 2023 ACTION 2020 # Moved(Leone) and seconded(DeLuca) To ratify the Memorandum of Agreement with the Minuteman Faculty Association for a Collective Bargaining Agreement for the period of July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2023 VOTE: 8 members in room at time of vote Weighted Vote present: 68.84% Weight needed: > 34.42% Names of towns opposing or abstaining: none Final percentage results of vote: 68.84% Final status of the vote: Unanimous 2 Mr. LeDoux noted that the Minuteman Faculty Association Negotiations Subcommittee suggested that an addendum be added to this contract in the form of a cover letter stating that the first year of the COLA at 3%was in recognition of the extra effort put forth by faculty in regards to the move and transition into the new building. Diane Dempsey, President of the Minuteman Faculty Association thanked Dr. Bouquillon, Ms. Leone and Mr. LeDoux for their positive and collaborative work in reaching this agreement, and noted that this was one of the best and most comprehensive bargaining processes that she has been involved in. A meeting with teachers is scheduled for Monday, March 16th, to ratify the contract. Dr. Bouquillon thanked the members of the Minuteman Faculty Association and the School Committee Negotiations Subcommittee for a great bargaining process with an agreement that benefits both the students and the teachers. The School Committee Chair thanked the Minuteman Faculty Association for their collaborative work in reaching this agreement. b. Chapter 74 Regulations /Access Issues/Cambridge Update Dr. Bouquillon reported on the following events: • Advocacy Day for Career& Technical Education at the State House on March 10th • Legislative Breakfast to be held on Friday, March 20th c. Approval of the Minuteman Member Town Slot Allocation Procedure Dr. Bouquillon reported that the District Admissions Policy requires that, annually, the Admissions Committee is to make a recommendation to the School Committee regarding the number of seats available for new students for the coming school year, and minimum number of seats reserved for each member town. He highlighted the example of the allocation procedure provided to members in their packet. Anthony Chiarello, Assistant Principal for Admissions, presented to Committee members the criteria and procedures for the Minuteman member Town slot allocations and highlighted the Towns' minimum share total seats, slots based on a 4-year average enrollment— a percentage of a 4-year average enrollment and the total overall percentage of slot allocations. Mr. Chiarello noted that members towns are guaranteed slot allotments based on two factors: each town's percentage of the total enrollment based on the average enrollment of the previous four years average and an equal minimum share. The equal minimum share is calculated by taking 50 percent of the available seats divided equally among each member town. Mr. Chiarello shared that once all member slot allotments are filled by qualified applicants, any unused slots are then pooled and awarded to member district applicants in rank order regardless of the town. Nonmember applications for slots unfilled by member towns will be considered based upon the ranking of the applicants. 3 Ms. Leone shared that on behalf of Lancaster, she would like to see some way to start to even out the percentages for the communities. Ms. DeLuca shared a suggestion of using a percentage of the 8th grade class or a slot allocation procedure using a percentage of a rolling average, whatever is greater. Mr. Stulin stated that while this is irrelevant for this year, next year it may be relevant and asked members to write their suggestions down for review and consideration for next year. Committee Chair, Pam Nourse, noted that the vote being taken on the member town slot allocation is for this year, and that member suggestions would be reviewed for next year. VOTE: To approve the Minuteman member town slot allocation procedure, as presented ACTION 2020# Moved (Stulin) and seconded(Spalding) To approve the Minuteman member Town slot allocation procedure, as presented VOTE: 8 members in room at time of vote Weighted Vote present: 68.84% Weight needed: > 34.42% Names of towns opposing or abstaining: none Final percentage results of vote: 68.84% Final status of the vote: Unanimous d. Admissions Report and Enrollment Taskforce—Jeff Stulin Mr. Stulin shared with the group that the District is in a very different position than it was two years ago and that some communities do not take full advantage of this school as much as other communities and reiterated the importance of communication with member towns. The Enrollment Taskforce group continues to work with the administration on the suggestions made by School Committee members. e. Approval for Dr. Bouquillon's presentation at the 6th Annual Western Pathways Conference, June 10-12, 2020 in Kansas City Dr. Bouquillon shared with Committee members that he has been invited to participate in the 6th Annual Western Pathways Conference to be held in Kansas City on June 10-12, 2020. VOTE: To approve Dr. Bouquillon's travel to the 6th Annual Western Pathways Conference, June 10-12, 2020 in Kansas City ACTION 2020# Moved(Leone) and seconded(DeLuca) To approve Dr. Bouquillon's travel to the 6th Annual Western Pathways Conference, June 10-12, 2020 in Kansas City 4 VOTE: 8 members in room at time of vote Weighted Vote present: 68.84% Weight needed: > 34.42% Names of towns opposing or abstaining: none Final percentage results of vote: 68.84% Final status of the vote: Unanimous 7. PRINCIPAL'S REPORT, George Clement a. Proposed Calendar Version 1.0 for 2020-2021 Mr. Clement shared the calendar for 2020-2021 with Committee members and detailed the new design and events listed on the calendar. ACTION 2020# Moved (Spalding) and seconded(Leone) To approve the 2020-2021 school calendar, version 1, as presented, VOTE: 8 members in room at time of vote Weighted Vote present: 68.84% Weight needed: >34.42 % Names of towns opposing or abstaining: none Final percentage results of vote: 68.84% Final status of the vote: Unanimous b. Ski11sUSA District Results Mr. Clement congratulated 44 students, including 3 MTI post-secondary students, who won 24 medals and will continue onto the State level competition scheduled to be held in April at Blackstone Technical High School. c.Update on Coronavirus Mr. Clement reported that a letter was sent out to families last week stating the Minuteman administration is aware of the virus and that the cleaning services are following all recommendations made by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Meetings are scheduled with administration, teachers and the IT department to discuss platforms we have in the event that remote learning becomes an issue, as well as what meetings previously scheduled are essential and nonessential in light of the Governor's press conference. We will continue updates to families as needed. d. Update on the Community Service Trip to Puerto Rico Mr. Clement reported that due to the ongoing concerns with the coronavirus and the numerous earthquakes which have taken place in Puerto Rico, the scheduled community service trip has been cancelled. 5 The district will work with students and families for refunding as much as possible of the money paid towards the trip. Erin Bordeau, Visual Art/Photography Instructor, explained the procedures they are undertaking to get as much of the monies paid back from vendors and the airlines. 8. DIRECTOR OF FINANCE'S REPORT,Dr. Robert Gerardi a. FY21 Budget Process Update Dr. Gerardi reviewed with members the listing of the meeting dates for Town Finance Committees and Town Meetings, and shared that he has had some very positive feedback and remains cautiously optimistic that the proposed budget will be approved by member towns. b. Approval of the Special Education Increment Fee-Nonresident Students for FY2020-2021 Dr. Gerardi presented an analysis identifying the special education costs in conformance with the reporting requirements on the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education end of year financial report and summarized the FY19 actual costs to calculate both the total costs and per student costs of special education services, and that the recommended increment has been reviewed and approved by the Finance Committee. ACTION 2020 # Moved(Leone) and seconded(DeLuca) To approve to establish the Special Education increment fee-nonresident students for FY21 to $7,400.00 VOTE: 8 members in room at time of vote Weighted Vote present: 68.84% Weight needed: > 34.42% Names of towns opposing or abstaining: none Final percentage results of vote: 68.84% Final status of the vote: Unanimous c. Approval for the Monthly Informational List of Donations, as presented VOTE: To approve the March List of Donations ACTION 2020 # Moved(DeLuca) and seconded(Leone) To approve the March List of Donations VOTE: 8 members in room at time of vote Weighted Vote present: 68.84% Weight needed: > 34.42% Names of towns opposing or abstaining: none Final percentage results of vote: 68.84% Final status of the vote: Unanimous 6 d. Informational: Notification of Retirement Board COLA Consideration Dr. Gerardi shared the Notification of Retirement Board COLA Consideration and noted that this item is for informational purposes and does not require a vote of the School Committee. 9. SCHOOL BUILDING REPORT, Ford Spalding a. Project Update Mr. Spalding provided a building project update and noted that to date, there are 333 punch list open items, 58 have not been approved, and 196 items are ready to inspect noting that the majority of the open items will be completed during April breaks. Mr. Spalding also shared with Committee members that we have received the final Certificate of Occupancy, except for the theater. As requested by the building inspector, we are waiting for the installation of netting for safety purposes, which will be completed on March 27th. Mr. Spalding noted that the demolition of the old building is well underway and hopes to have the building down within the next couple of weeks. The next phase will be closing out the building project with the Massachusetts School Building Authority. As reported to the School Building Committee, a budget surplus of approximately $1.9 million is anticipated. d. Athletic Fields Update Dr. Bouquillon presented an update to Committee members on the facts of the current status of the athletic fields and phased completion opportunities and highlighted the history of the athletic fields planning, what is included in the base project, the Alternate 1 (MSBA) project, full building project and the phasing of the full build, as well as the options for phase 1 and options for phase 2 and beyond. Dr. Bouquillon also discussed the full build funding assumptions, some of the unanticipated costs associated with the building, potential revenue in support of funding, and possible other funding opportunities. Dr. Bouquillon noted that the presentation was shared with the School Building Committee at their last meeting. This presentation was for informational purposes, and no vote was necessary. Committee members suggested the need for a proposal to begin the process, the need to educate our member towns on the facts, and to continue to keep this item on future agendas for further updates, as well as further discussion at the Officers meeting. 10. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS a. Finance Subcommittee—Jim Gammill In Mr. Gammill's absence, Mr. LeDoux shared that most of the items discussed at the last Finance Committee meeting have been discussed and voted on in this school committee 7 meeting, but noted that Mr. Gammill suspected that the calculation for Chapter 70 funding was too low for the District. Dr. Gerardi shared that he has had follow up discussions with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and that the case here is that a town is leaving our district, affecting our foundation enrollment, and this was the same process that DESE followed when we had six towns leave the district which resulted in the same impact to our Chapter 70 funding. b. Strategic Planning Task Force Update—Sue Sheffler In Ms. Sheffler's absence, Mr. Ford updated Committee members that the group has completed the goal of succession planning, as well as completed the School Committee workshop. Dr. Perreault distributed to members the result of the information gathered from that workshop. Ms. Sheffler will provide an update at a future meeting. e. Policy Subcommittee—Alice DeLuca Ms. DeLuca updated Committee members on the procedures for possible remote participation due to the virus, and noted that she had spoken to the Attorney General's office and also contacted her State Representative regarding the quorum present requirement in General Laws, Part 1, Title 3, Chapter 38, Section 20 and encouraged members to do the same. 1. DBACM: Annual Capital Maintenance Policy VOTE: To approve DBACM: Annual Capital Maintenance Policy for First Reading, as presented ACTION 2020# Moved(Leone) and seconded(Horton) To approve DBACM: Annual Capital Maintenance Policy for First Reading, as presented VOTE: 8 members in room at time of vote Weighted Vote present: 68.84% Weight needed: > 34.42% Names of towns opposing or abstaining: none Final percentage results of vote: 68.84% Final status of the vote: Unanimous 10. SECRETARY'S REPORT,Dave Horton a. Approval of Draft Minutes of February 4, 2020 and the following vote was taken: ACTION 2020# Moved(Horton) and seconded(Leone) To approve the draft minutes of February 4, 2020, as amended VOTE: 8 members in room at time of vote Weighted Vote present: 68.84% 8 Weight needed: > 34.42% Names of towns opposing or abstaining: Needham Final percentage results of vote: 60.66% Final status of the vote: Passed 11. EXECUTIVE SESSION Dr. Bouquillon shared that there was no need for Executive Session. 12. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the School Committee took the following vote: ACTION 2020# Moved(Leone) and seconded(Sheffler) To adjourn the meeting at 7:55 PM VOTE: 8 members in room at time of vote Weighted Vote present: 68.84% Weight needed: > 34.42% Names of towns opposing or abstaining: none Final percentage results of vote: 68.84% Final status of the vote: Unanimous Respectfully submitted, Julia Pisegna Dave Horton District Assistant Secretary 9