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Home My WebLink AboutFINAL OS Minutes 2018-10-16.pdf FINAL October 16,2018 OPEN SESSION MINUTES MINUTEMAN REGIONAL VOCATIONAL TECHNICAL SCHOOL DISTRICT REGULAR SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING OCTOBER 16,2018 6:35 PM PAUL REVERE ROOM,MINUTEMAN HIGH SCHOOL Present: Dave Horton, Chair(Lexington) Jim Gammill,Vice-Chair(Belmont) Jennifer Leone (Lancaster) Carrie Flood, (Concord) Pam Nourse, Secretary(Acton) Ford Spalding(Dover) Jeff Stulin, (Needham) Alice DeLuca(Stow) Absent: David O'Connor(Bolton) and Sue Sheffler(Arlington) Weighted Vote: Weighted Vote present at start of meeting: 69.99% Others Present: Ed Bouquillon,Kevin Mahoney, Jack Dillon and Julia Pisegna 1. CALL TO ORDER: OPEN SESSION The Chair called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. 2. PUBLIC COMMENT There was no Public Comment. 3. CHAIR'S REPORT,Dave Horton a. For the Good of the Organization Mr. Ford shared with Committee members the memorandum he sent to the Town of Dover announcing Minuteman as a 2018 National Blue Ribbon School and noted that it has received very positive feedback in Dover.Mr. Spalding invited other Committee members to use the memorandum. Ms. DeLuca reported that she is currently participating in a high quality college and career pathways stakeholder group. The group is sponsored by the Secretary of Education and will look at expanding student access to high quality college and career pathways, Chapter 74 college programs, and participate in the development of the Perkins plan. Discussion ensued. Ms. Flood shared that she attended the Concord Finance Committee meeting, along with Mr. Mahoney and staff members. They received very positive feedback,great questions, and the group was very excited about the progress of the building. Ms. Flood shared that she was happy to be there. b. School Committee Goals and Actions for 2018-2019 Mr.Horton reviewed the list of School Committee Goals and Actions for 2018-2019,provided in the packet, which included the additional Goal No. 6 proposed by Mr. Gammill. Mr. Gammill described the proposed Goal No. 6 and updated the Committee on the changes, noting the addition of the target date of February 2019. Discussion ensued relative to the goals,the order of priority of each goal,and the variety of work being done in each subcommittee and task force towards these goals and how they each support the Superintendent's goals. ACTION 2018#71 Moved(Stulin)and seconded(Leone) To approve the request to table the list of School Committee Goals and Actions for 2018-2019 to the next scheduled School Committee meeting, VOTE: 8 members in room at time of vote Weighted Vote present: 69.99% Weight needed: >34.99% Names of towns opposing or abstaining: none Final percentage results of vote: 69.99% Final status of the vote: Unanimous c. Subcommittee Assignments for 2018-2019 Ms. Flood stated that the Finance Committee is still in need of a new member. ACTION 2018#72 Moved(Stulin)and seconded(Leone) To approve the Subcommittee Assignments for 2018-2019, as presented, VOTE: 8 members in room at time of vote Weighted Vote present: 69.99% Weight needed: >34.99% Names of towns opposing or abstaining: none Final percentage results of vote: 69.99% Final status of the vote: Unanimous Mr.Horton announced that the Agenda would be taken out of order for the presentation by Ms. Lynne Foster Welch of Unibank. 4. ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT,Kevin Mahoney a. General Obligation Bond The Assistant Superintendent for Finance introduced Lynne Foster Welch of UniBank Fiscal Advisors. Ms. Foster explained that in the next phase of financing,a second bond rating needed to be secured. She referenced the AA Long Term Bond rating received from Standard&Poor, included in the packet,noting the efforts of Mr. Mahoney to establish policies that would be looked upon favorably in the assessment. Ms. Foster Welch explained this is the 30-year $46M General Obligation School Bond sale to finance the second of three bond offerings for the school building project. Ms.Foster Welch also noted that in addition to an impressive eight syndicates bidding,as well as the structure being a level debt, she explained that with the recent uptick in interest rates and the yield curve coming in quite flat, the rate of 3.85%was not a bad rate in today's market. She also noted that of the $99.7M that is the District's share, we have already locked in to $82M worth of bonds and $1M plus in net premium. The net premium will be applied to the project costs. She also explained that Bond No. 3 will be issued after receipt of the MSBA audit at the end of the project. She discussed the change in interest rates and the positive timing of the District to lock this in. She confirmed the District's credit rating of"AA"with Standard&Poor. Ms.Foster Welch addressed questions related to interest rates,level debt,the criteria for credit rating,as well as some caution arising from the recent history of the new Regional Agreement, towns leaving, and enrollment uncertainty. -2- ACTION 2018#73 Moved(DeLuca) and seconded(Leone) To authorize the issuance of$46M in general obligation bonds,as presented VOTE: 8 members in room at time of vote Weighted Vote present: 69.99% Weight needed: >34.99% Names of towns opposing or abstaining: none Final percentage results of vote: 69.99% Final status of the vote: Unanimous (There was a brief recess in the meeting for the execution of documents.) Mr. Horton and Committee members thanked Ms. Foster Welch for her presentation and look forward to future updates. 5. SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT,Dr.Edward Bouquillon a. 2018 National Blue Ribbon School Dr.Bouquillon shared that Minuteman was named a 2018 Blue Ribbon School,the incredible honor it is for the District, and how proud of the staff and students he is. Principal Dillon, along with long-time teachers John Fusco and Greg Donovan,will be in Washington,D.C. in November to accept this award. b. Campus Development Dr. Bouquillon updated the Committee on meetings held with various stakeholders in Lexington, as well as a meeting with the Town Managers of the district updating them on the progress of the building. Feedback from the towns has been very positive. Mr. Horton commented on how important it is for the towns to know what is being planned. Discussion ensued. c. Update—Watertown Discussion Dr. Bouquillon shared that he made a presentation to the Watertown Budget Subcommittee and the Curriculum Subcommittee, which included Watertown School Committee members, two town council members, Town Auditor,Watertown Superintendent,Assistant Superintendent of Finance and parents, and highlighted the academic model, new school building project, campus development opportunities, construction project, enrollment and access window, the Regional Agreement and reasons for joining the District. Dr. Bouquillon shared that it was a great discussion and the Superintendent has been positive and invited Dr. Bouquillon to have further discussions with the School Committee regarding the middle school, technology programs, post-graduate programs, post-secondary adult and community education and the District's community involvement. Discussion ensued regarding Watertown enrollment and access issues. Dr. Bouquillon will continue to update the Committee with any further developments. d. Superintendent Leadership Goals and Educator Annual Plan for 2018-2019 Dr. Bouquillon shared the final draft of the Superintendent's Leadership Goals and Educator Annual Plan with Committee members and noted that the goals have been revised from the previous School Committee meeting and a total of five goals were presented. Discussion ensued. -3- ACTION 2018#74 Moved(Leone)and seconded(Nourse) To authorize the Superintendent's Leadership Goals and Educator Annual Plan for 2018-2019, as presented VOTE: 8 members in room at time of vote Weighted Vote present: 69.99% Weight needed: >34.99% Names of towns opposing or abstaining: none Final percentage results of vote: 69.99% Final status of the vote: Unanimous 6. SCHOOL BUILDING COMMITTEE REPORT,Ford Spalding Mr. Spalding presented the School Building Committee update and reported that the project continues to be on budget, on time, with 44.3% of the funds expended, and updated the progress of the building site and highlighted the following: • Installation of Curtin Wall and glazing of Area A and B • Window Frames,metal panel framing and insulation—Area A and B • Installation of metal panel—Area A and B • Installation of in-wall blocking—Area A and B • Upper level window frames and masonry veneer—Area G • Installation of curtain wall frames—Area E • Exterior framing and sheathing—Area E • Installation of bituminous roofing assembly—Area E • Rough in of overhead MEP's in mechanical room—Area D • Masonry veneer work—Area D • Slab on grade placement for cafeteria and kitchen—Area E and F • Underground utilities for culinary kitchen—Area F • CMU wall construction—Area C • Exterior CMU walls—Area C Mr. Spalding also described the major project milestones that will take us to the end of the project as follows: • Place asphalt binder at look road around building in November 2018; • Building weather tight in December 2018; • Permanent power for the building in January 2019; • Begin Start-up & Testing of Major Equipment in February 2019; • Certificate of Occupancy for July 25, 2019; • Open School for Students on September 1, 2019; and • Project Substantial Completion Date of September 25, 2019 Discussion ensued. Mr. Spalding shared that the building is incredible. There are roughly 170 workers on site, which includes 50 masonry workers,and they continue to work to close up the building for the colder weather. Mr. Spalding then showed the latest film by Andrew Mudge. Discussion ensued relative to permits for staff and students for visits to the site. -4- 7. Principals Report,Jack Dillon a. 2018 MCAS Data Review Mr. Dillon shared with Committee members the very good 2018 MCAS data and highlighted the following: • "Marked Improvement" on the English Language Arts exam; • Positive shift from the number of students scoring "Advanced" on the math exam; • Small decline in "Advanced" students in biology and an equal shift into the "Proficient" category; • Chemistry—74% of students scored"Advanced"; and • Chemistry-21%scoring"Proficiency"rating making the"Advanced+Proficient"rating of 95% Discussion ensued relative to MCAS data and preparation for the new MCAS test this year. Mr. Dillon stated they were very confident in their preparations for the next MCAS test. Mr. Stulin commended Mr. Dillon on his preparation efforts, and noted that many districts have expressed concern over the new MCAS test. b. Approval of the Out-of-State Field Trip to the Next Level Hair Show Hair Show at the Providence Convention Center in Providence,Rhode Island on October 22,2018 Mr. Dillion presented the request for approval of the out-of-state field trip to the Next Level Hair Show Hair Show at the Providence Convention Center in Providence, Rhode Island on October 22, 2018. ACTION 2018#75 Moved(Leone) and seconded(Spalding) To approve the out-of-state field trip to the Next Level Hair Show Hair Show at the Providence Convention Center in Providence,Rhode Island on October 22,2018,as presented, VOTE: 8 members in room at time of vote Weighted Vote present: 69.99% Weight needed: >34.99% Names of towns opposing or abstaining: none Final percentage results of vote: 69.99% Final status of the vote: Unanimous Discussion ensued relative to the cost to the school. c. Approval Out-of-State Field Trip for the Minuteman Design and Visual Communications Group to Visit the Museum of Modern Art in New York City on Friday,April 12,2019 Mr. Dillion presented the request for approval of the out-of-state field trip for the Minuteman Design and Visual Communications Group to visit the Museum of Modern Art in New York City on Friday, April 12, 2019. -5- ACTION 2018#76 Moved(Leone)and seconded(Spalding) To approve the out-of-state field trip for the Minuteman Design and Visual Communications Group to visit the Museum of Modern Art in New York City on Friday,April 12,2019,as presented, VOTE: 8 members in room at time of vote Weighted Vote present: 69.99% Weight needed: >34.99% Names of towns opposing or abstaining: none Final percentage results of vote: 69.99% Final status of the vote: Unanimous Discussion ensued relative to the vehicle students will travel in and student's reaction from their trip experience. d. Approval Overnight Field Trip to the Annual SkillsUSA Fall State Leadership Conference in Marlborough,Massachusetts on November 25-27, 2018 Mr. Dillon presented the request for approval of the overnight field trip to the Annual SkillsUSA Fall State Leadership Conference in Marlborough,Massachusetts on November 25-27, 2018. ACTION 2018#77 Moved(Leone)and seconded(Spalding) To approve the overnight field trip to the Annual SkillsUSA Fall State Leadership Conference in Marlborough,Massachusetts on November 25-27,2018,as presented, VOTE: 8 members in room at time of vote Weighted Vote present: 69.99% Weight needed: >34.99% Names of towns opposing or abstaining: none Final percentage results of vote: 69.99% Final status of the vote: Unanimous Discussion ensued relative to the cost of this trip. Mr. Horton noted that the students have taken these trips before and confirmed this is compliance with requirements and policies. 7. ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT,Kevin Mahoney(continued) b. FY20 Budget Process Calendar Mr. Mahoney reviewed the FY20 Budget Process Calendar that we will be following and noted that this calendar was for informational purposes only. c. Update on Bid Results for Gas and Utility Contracts Mr. Mahoney reported that the natural gas and electricity supplier contracts expired on November 1st, after a three-year term, and that new contracts were issued. Mr. Mahoney noted the increase in natural gas prices of$4.96 per therm, which is down from the current rate of$5.63 per therm, and new electricity price of$0.1213 per kilowatt-hour,which is higher than the previous cost of$0.0822 per kilowatt-hour and the impact for the budget on this. -6- Subcommittee Reports Ms. Nourse updated the Committee that the Enrollment Task Force met and continues focus on support efforts to increase enrollment of member towns, and shared that Maggie Miller has begun her role as Assistant Director of Admissions. Ms. Nourse noted that Dr. Bouquillon is recruiting for the parent liaison positions, developing an internal task force to review the District website, exploring ways to increase visibility through support of the Minuteman's Advisory Committee, as well as interest for Professional Development for Guidance Counselors. Continued discussion ensued relative to enrollment efforts and Professional Development for Guidance Counselors. Mr. Spalding shared that there are so many success stories for Minuteman students that are very important and they should be shared. Mr. Spalding also reported that on Wednesday,November 7th, he will be speaking at the Annual Advisory Committee Appreciation Dinner and highlighting the new building and programs at Minuteman. 11. SECRETARY'S REPORT,Pam Nourse a. Approval of Draft Minutes September 25,2018 Comments and suggestions were heard, and amendments to this set of draft minutes,the Secretary made the following motion: ACTION 2018#78 Moved(Nourse) and seconded(Leone) To approve the draft minutes of September 25,2018,as amended, VOTE: 8 members in room at time of vote Weighted Vote present: 69.99% Weight needed: >34.99% Names of towns opposing or abstaining: Spalding(Dover)DeLuca(Stow) Final percentage results of vote: 57.45% 12. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned 8:45 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Julia Pisegna Pam Nourse District Assistant Secretary -7-