Minutes 2014-12-16.pdf - Laserfiche WebLink

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ACTION 2014#141 Moved(Banks)and seconded(Gillespie) To approve the Admissions Policy Revision,related to Intermunicipal Agreements,as presented Vote: 11 in favor, 1 opposed f. Principal Search Process The Superintendent noted that Principal Houle's last day will be close to February 1,and he explained that he has been engaged in appointing an Interim,with the help of an Advisory Committee. He noted that there were 6 internal candidates who applied,and that interviews for 4 finalists are underway.He explained that he anticipates appointing the Interim by this Friday,and that this person will serve through Julyl,when the permanent position is filled. He noted other changes in his office,offering congratulations to Brendan Dutch who will be moving on to work at the State House as a Legislative Aide to Plymouth Representative Vinny de Macedo,and that both Rose Cappucci,and Donna Heisler and her husband Bill will be retiring by the end of the year. g. Review of Proposed School Calendar 2015-16 The Superintendent addressed concerns raised in the draft calendar. He noted that the Union will be looking at the draft,that there are discussions about the school year beginning earlier,and that a second draft will be presented in January for a vote. h. Update on NEASC Report The Superintendent called attention to the NEASC report cover letter included in the packet,and noted that the full report is available upon request. He pointed out that in the letter,there is acknowledgement for efforts made to date,as well as highlighted recommendations. He also noted that Minuteman still is in danger of losing accreditation,given the facility issues. 6. SCHOOL BUILDING COMMITTEE REPORT,Ford Spalding The Chair of the School Building Committee gave a brief report,noting that he is anticipating numbers prior to the February 6 Legislative meeting. These numbers,which will not be final,will outline options for a new building,a renovation,a new/renovation,and for a non-MSBA project. He pointed out that Minuteman has not yet gone out to the communities to present and discuss these options, and that this is of concern to him,given the tight timeline. He explained that the Joint Communications Subcommittee will develop a communication strategy to facilitate these discussions,as the communities need to hear the information and give feedback. He expressed his opinion that the issues are all about cost. [At 9:40 PM,Mr. Spalding and Ms.Taylor left the meeting; there were then 10 members present.] 7. ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT FOR FINANCE'S REPORT,Kevin Mahoney a. Review of FY 15 Q1 Expenditure Report and Revolving Fund Report 9.30.14 The Assistant Superintendent called attention to the Q1 Expenditure Report and Revolving Fund Report included in the packet, and noted that in his opinion,there were no surprise concerns. He highlighted and clarified detail about a few specific line items,and explained corrective actions anticipated for the Revolving Accounts.He explained that the Q2 updates will be forthcoming,and at this time,all is tracking well. [At 9:50 PM,Ms. Castagno left the meeting; there were then 9 members present.] b. Governor's 9c Cuts The Assistant Superintendent called attention again to the reduction in Regional Transportation anticipated by the Governor's 9c Cuts. He noted that the 93-75%reimbursement will be reduced to 62%,and that Minuteman has budgeted this at 55%. The Superintendent added that MAVA and MARS are pulling together a fund,with between $500-1000 from member districts to hire a legal firm to challenge the cuts,and that Minuteman may make a contribution to that fund out of the legal expense line item. There was some discussion about the history of these cuts,and a pause while two members looked up the actual law for wording a motion. The following vote was then taken: