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of the pictures are posted on the website; these can not be enlarged from the website,however, as they can <br /> on a smart phone. <br /> b. Update from Superintendent Bouquillon re Seeking Relief on Permitting and Other Fees <br /> The Superintendent explained that he has spoken with the Lincoln Town Administrator regarding seeking <br /> relief on the permitting fees, and between these conversations and those with our attorney,he is continuing <br /> to get clarification. He explained some aspects of the existing permit fee structure, and Minuteman's <br /> position that the costs should not be over and above the fees described within the Town bylaws, and the <br /> expectations that a permit fee should cover the inspectional services. He noted that there are still some <br /> unresolved issues, and explained that Minuteman's attorney needs to speak with Lincoln's Town Counsel, <br /> but there has been a delay. He is focused on gaining clarity on the process and procedures before escalating <br /> strategies. <br /> 7. PRINCIPAL'S REPORT <br /> a. Presentation on MCAS <br /> Mr. Clement began his presentation with the good news that Minuteman will be receiving public <br /> commendation from the Commissioner's Office for being 1 of 7 schools across the state that has <br /> demonstrated the closing of performance gaps. He explained that Minuteman will continue with Level 1 <br /> rating, and explained some details related to"Next Generation"MCAS in 2019. (See Attachment A.) <br /> Although, as the Superintendent pointed out,the information is embargoed until Wednesday,Mr. Clement <br /> reviewed the MCAS Annual Comparison in ELA,Math, and Science from 2006-2017, and it was agreed <br /> that the improvement in numbers were significant and not just"noise". He explained some details <br /> regarding the 2019 test. How the tests will be scored and the potential impact were discussed. Mr. Dillon <br /> added that in a conference call with Jeff Wulfson on the subject,it was clear that many of the kinks are not <br /> yet worked out,and while data from grades 3-8 will be reviewed,the high school test will be different. He <br /> emphasized that things are changing and adjustments will be made,but at this point,there is a lot of <br /> uncertainty. How Minuteman addresses test anxiety was raised. Mr. Clement explained that in that area, <br /> nothing will change—there will still be test prep,practice,and support offered. Mr. Dillon explained that a <br /> big part of that support lies in feeding the students on MCAS days with breakfast and snacks. <br /> b. Presentation on Admissions and Enrollment <br /> Mr. Clement reviewed the current enrollment numbers as of October 1 (not yet certified),noting that of the <br /> 145 students for the class of 2021, 101 are in-district, and 44 are out-of-district. He explained that there is a <br /> 10.5%increase in freshmen enrollment, and that if ineligible out-of-district applications were deleted from <br /> the total applications,the acceptance percentage would be 74%, indicating that the effective yield has <br /> increased. <br /> The discussion on admissions and enrollment included whether sophomore,junior,or senior admissions are <br /> allowed, whether the work with Tools for Schools has continued,the advantages of the"Career Tree"tool, <br /> the building of relationships with Superintendents, ensuring quality presentations by providing faculty with <br /> professional development, and convincing parents of the educational benefits of Minuteman. The strength <br /> of the Minuteman Parents Association in this effort,work done in Needham with the PTAs, and the recent <br /> good press for Minuteman(including Cindy Stumpo's Tough as Nails program on WBZ [focused on girls <br /> in trades] and the world channel)were noted. The survey data and actual results of the recruitment efforts <br /> were discussed. How interest translates to actual enrollment,the role of parents in signing permission slips, <br /> parent impressions/understanding of vocational technical education, and the social needs of teens were <br /> cited as important factors in this translation. <br /> 4 <br />