Minutes 2014-11-18.pdf - Laserfiche WebLink

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To approve the out-of-state overnight field trip of the Minuteman Baseball Team to Double Day Field, Cooperstown,NY during April Vacation,2015,as described Vote: Unanimous e.Admissions Survey Results Dr.Bouquillon reviewed the two year results of the Minuteman High School Admissions Survey,covering 2012-13 and 2013-14,which was sent out to approximately 125 families(shown as Attachment G). He pointed out that there was a 24.3%response rate,and that 52%of the respondents were from in-district communities.He also pointed out that the reason cited most frequently was that students want to be with their friends. He noted that while Minuteman is in competition with district high schools, and students want to be with their friends,the effort is to engage a large percentage of the visiting 8th graders to enroll at Minuteman. As confirmation,the member from Boxborough shared an anecdote about her son's desire to be with friends,while deciding to stay at Minuteman. f. Update on Passing the Revised Regional Agreement The Superintendent reminded members that there are 6 communities that have not passed the revised Regional Agreement. He explained that Town Managers have been meeting,and have developed a proposal to establish a committee to provide information to these communities and to advocate for the passage of the Regional Agreement. He noted that they would like the blessing of the School Committee in order to move forward,to be available to meet to explain details and to understand their needs as warrants are being developed for the upcoming Town Meeting.He explained how this committee would work with the Joint Communications Subcommittee,and expressed his opinion that there will be no building project without the passage of the Regional Agreement.It was pointed out that the MSBA wanted evidence that the School Committee can move forward together.It was also noted that the group would meet with towns by invitation, and that there would be no amendments to the proposed Regional Agreement. How communications to date have been beneficial was also noted. The following votes were then taken: ACTION 2014#124 Moved(Spalding)and seconded(Horton) To establish a committee,consisting of 4-6 members appointed by the School Committee,to represent the District in providing information and advocacy in support of approval of the revised Regional Agreement Vote: 11 in favor, 1 abstention(with 1 member out of the room) ACTION 2014#125 Moved(Spalding)and seconded(Banks) To appoint the following people to serve on this committee: Carrie Flood Dan Matthews Carl Valente and a representative from Arlington,to be determined Vote: 11 in favor, 1 opposed,and 1 abstention [At 9:10 PM,Ms.Castagno left the meeting.] g. Discussion on Intermunicipal Agreement and Related Admissions Policy Revisions The Superintendent called attention to the draft IMA documents and related revision to the Admissions Policy circulated at the table. He noted that this has been discussed by the Town Managers and drafted by Attorney Ed Lenox,and because they have been fully vetted,he was presenting them to begin discussions(shown as Attachment H.) He pointed out that the Department of Education insisted that any Intermunicipal Agreement be between the Minuteman District School Committee and of the School Committee of the municipality,not the Board of Selectmen. Negotiation with each town that includes such things as number of slots,length of time,renewal clause, must be approved by the School Committees involved.It was pointed out that it may be more economical to come to Minuteman as a non-member. The Chair noted that the documents are too complex to be approved tonight,but that this item can be added to the December agenda for a discussion. Some members asked for the documents electronically, so they can review and share,and the Superintendent agreed to send them out next day. He also noted a related issue of the capital fees and circulated a document entitled Proposed Amendments to Regulations for Vocational Technical Education 603 CMR 4.00(shown as Attachment I). He pointed out that just before the meeting began,he received notice that the DESE lifted the embargo on distributing these proposed