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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFINAL SC Minutes 2019-01-15.pdf January 15,2019 OPEN SESSION MINUTES MINUTEMAN REGIONAL VOCATIONAL TECHNICAL SCHOOL DISTRICT REGULAR SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING JANUARY 15, 2019 6:30 PM PAUL REVERE ROOM, MINUTEMAN HIGH SCHOOL Present: Dave Horton,Chair(Lexington) Jim Gammill,Vice-Chair(Belmont) Sue Sheffler(Arlington) Carrie Flood,(Concord) Pam Nourse, Secretary(Acton) Ford Spalding(Dover) Jeff Stulin,(Needham) Jennifer Leone(Lancaster) Alice DeLuca(Stow) Absent: David O'Connor(Bolton) Weighted Vote: Weighted Vote present at start of meeting: 93.5 1 Others Present: Dr. Edward 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. Horton shared with members that the website has been updated and encouraged all to visit it. 4. SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT—Dr.Bouquillon a. Approval of Dr. Bouquillon's Trip to the Hannover Fair in Germany March 30-April 7, 2019 Dr. Bouquillon shared that while he recently attended the Annual NOCTI Conference in San Antonio, he received an invitation by an integration manufacturing and robotics company in Germany to attend the Hannover Conference. While in Germany, Dr. Bouquillon will also visit a vocational high school and technical institution. The company will cover the cost of lodging, conference reservation and meals, and that the only expense to the district will be the airfare. Dr. Bouquillon reached out to the State Ethics Board, described the trip to them. and their recommendation was to bring it before the School Committee for discussion and vote. ACTION 2018#94 Moved(DeLuca)and seconded(Flood) To approve Dr. Bouquillon's trip to the Hannover Fair in Germany March 30-April 7, 2019.as presented, VOTE:9 members in room at time of vote Weighted Vote present: 93.51% Weight needed: >46.75% Names of towns opposing or abstaining: None Final percentage results of vote: 100% 000049 Discussion ensued as Dr. Bouquillon answered questions by members on the cost of the trip to the District, which he estimated the cost of the airfare and train to be between $1,000 to$1,400, and the reasons he feels this trip is valuable to the District and how it relates to the new academy and programs. Goal#1: Superintendent will support the Minuteman Academy Model. Discussion of Chapter 74 Application Process for the Veterinary Assistant Pro.gram. Dr. Bouquillon updated that Committee that he had met with Blue Pearl and discussed the Veterinary Assistant Program and their need to fill the skills gap of nurses.technicians and assistants. Discussions were also had with the Department of Education and assessments were made relative to student's interest. The process for Chapter 74 application has been revised again,and a requirement is that each School Committee member sign a form stating that this application was discussed at their meeting. The form entitled Stakeholder Consultation Form-Animal Science Program-Secondary and Post-Secondary was distributed and signed by Committee members. Dr. Bouquillon also shared that Blue Pearl has expressed an interest in having a veterinary clinic on campus, location to be determined,and that having Blue Pearl and their resources is very compelling and exciting for Minuteman. Discussion ensued as members shared their enthusiasm for the potential Veterinary Assistant Program and clinic and the Chapter 74 process. Dr. Bouquillon will continue to update members on this matter. While no vote was necessary at this time, Committee members suggested a vote be taken to confirm their support for this program. ACTION 2018#95 Moved(DeLuca)and seconded(Sheffler) To approve that the Committee extend their support in pursuing the Veterinary Assistant Program,as presented, VOTE: 9 members in room at time of vote Weighted Vote present: 93.51% Weight needed:> 46.75% Names of towns opposing or abstaining: None Final percentage results of vote: 100% Goal#2: Superintendent will engage legislators,state workforce education advocates, local, municipal and business leaders in improving regulations to enhance the financial health of the district and expand student access, increase enrollment,and support a diverse student body. Discussion of Proposed Policy for Fixing Non-member Tuitions Mr.Gammill presented to Committee members the next step to the Section X(B)item,and that all comments from Committee members were taken into consideration and reworked into the proposal, and that the next step would be to go before DESE seeking to fix the tuition policy for non-member towns and ask them for a five-year blessing for a process that would gradually bring the tuitions for the non-members Type A towns from the current DESE cap rate up to what our Section X(B)average cost is. Mr.Gammill highlighted the updated proposal and draft letter to the Commissioner included in the packet. Mr. Horton opened the item up for discussion,and noted that after discussion,the item would be placed on the School Committee agenda for February 5th for vote. -2- 000050 Mr. Gammill added that before a vote on February 5th, he suggested the Superintendent and/or Committee members engage with both member towns and Type A towns that would be affected by this to make sure that we go into a possible vote on February 5'1'knowing that we have had the chance to hear from all parties. Discussion ensued with members,and Ms.DeLuca expressed concern over the politics involved. Mr. Stulin shared his thoughts and that he remains undecided at this point and welcomed comments from Dr. Bouquillon. Ms. Flood shared that after many conversations with the Finance Committee, her only concern remains the issue of fairness in terms of cost distribution relative to the benefit of the individual student or does this cause more barriers and more trouble to get students here if they have to pay more. Mr. Spalding shared that we need to work on increasing enrollment, invest in increasing this in the budget, and that while what we have done in the past is great. we need to do more to communicate to our members what kind of school this is,and that a town is either a member town or not. Ms. Leone shared that this is a huge part of the budget for Lancaster, and that in the end,they are subsidizing other towns and that is unacceptable,and that she remains unsure from the indications from DESE that this would work for one district and suggested waiting a year to see what happens. Ms. Sheffler shared that we should make the statement that tuition equity is important,and that Minuteman is worth it,and that she does not see the downside of submitting a memo to DESE. Mr. Gammill responded to member concerns,and assured members that he would de-risk the political side of this as much as possible,and he believes it is ready to see what DESE says. Ms.Nourse agrees with all the comments and realizes that while there is a political cost to doing something, there is also a political cost in not doing something and we need to figure out what is in the best interest of Minuteman. Dr. Bouquillon shared that the process Mr. Gammill had undertaken has been an honorable one and he appreciates all the work that has been done and that he sees this as a two-step issue: I)for the Committee to vote to submit this to the Commissioner, and then 2) based on the response from the Commissioner, a second vote be taken as to whether or not to implement this,and noted that how these steps are taken is more important right now for Minuteman. Dr. Bouquillon believes that the Commissioner can make a decision on this without escalating it to the Board level. He also noted that this vote would take some time,and that during that time,we would see about enrollment and the number of applications received,and suggested that we do a quiet submission to the Commissioner to get an answer,and then a second vote to implement it which allows this to move forward. Dr. Bouquillon suggested that between now and the February 5' meeting that he speak with the Commissioner to get his answer without this escalating into a big formal agenda with the Board. Mr.Gammill expressed his appreciation for the relationships that Dr.Bouquillon has with the Commissioner and his staff. Ms. Leone suggested that the Committee revisit this item in February,and in the meantime, Dr. Bouquillon reach out to the Commissioner. Mr.Horton stated that Dr.Bouquillon will speak to the Commissioner and will report back to the Committee. -3- 000051 Goal#3—Increasing Membership in the District Superintendent will communicate all appropriate information to Watertown school and city officials regarding membership in the Minuteman District and will secure a Memorandum of understanding. No update. Goal#4—Campus Development Superintendent will support and guide the expansion of a robust marketing, recruitment and visibility campaign to increase member town applications. Enrollment Task Force update. Ms. Nourse shared that the Enrollment Task Force meeting had been postponed and rescheduled to January 23r4 and noted that there is a robust agenda with a number of items to be discussed and there will be update to Committee members at the next scheduled School Committee meeting on February 50, Goal #5 and Possible Executive Session: Superintendent will develop a Memorandum of Understanding with the Town of Lexington to fully build out the Athletic Facilities, will implement a Phase II Campus Development Plan,and will keep the MSBA project on time and on budget. To be discussed in Executive Session. 5. PRINCIPAL'S REPORT—Jack Dillon a) 10"'and I I`h grade PSAT Scores Mr. Dillon shared good news regarding Minuteman students and the PSAT scores in English and Math with 10`h graders having an average score of 1006, while the state average was 958. The 11th graders had an average score of 1059, while the state average was 1023. b) Update on 2018-2019 Attendance Mr. Dillon reported to the Committee that due to the extra support for students and families put into place this year,to date, attendance is at roughly 96.2%,compared to an overall attendance rate last year of 94.3%. 6. School Building Committee Report— Ford Spalding a) Update on the School Building Project Mr. Spalding reported that the project continues to be on budget and on time,and commented on how impressed he is that the building is so clean. Mr. Spalding encouraged anyone interested in a tour to contact him. b)Approval on Change in Massachusetts School Building Authority Project Amendments to Project Funding Agreement Signatories Mr. Spalding noted that while the Committee has approved this item before,Mr. Horton was not the sitting Chair,and as required by the MSBA,a change in the Massachusetts School Building Authority project amendment to project funding agreement signatories requires a vote as follows: Voted: That Edward A. Bouquillon, as Superintendent, and the person who is then holding the office of Chairperson of the School Committee of the Minuteman Regional Vocational Technical School District(the "District"), currently David Horton,are hereby appointed and authorized by and on behalf of the District to execute and deliver any and all amendments to the Project Funding Agreement for the replacement of the existing Minuteman Technical Vocational High School with a new facility and related work at the Minuteman Regional Vocational Technical High School, located at 758 Marrett Road in the Town of Lexington, Massachusetts (the "Agreement") for the Minuteman Regional Vocational Technical High School Project -4- 000052 III (the "Project") between the District and the Massachusetts School Building Authority, on behalf of the District and to bind the District to its terms and conditions. Voted: To ratify and affirm,and to authorize retroactively,the action of David Horton,as Chairperson of the School Committee, in signing an Amendment to the Project Funding Agreement between the Massachusetts School Building Authority and the District dated, such Amendment having been signed by the Chairperson on January 15,2019. Voted: That the Recording Secretary for the School Committee,is hereby authorized to provide legal counsel for the Committee with a certification that such vote was taken by the Committee and such certification may be so provided prior to final approval of the minutes of this meeting. ACTION 2018#96 Moved(Spalding) and seconded(Leone) VOTE: 9 members in room at time of vote Weighted Vote present: 93.51% Weight needed: >46.75% Names of towns opposing or abstaining: none Final percentage results of vote: 100% Final status of the vote: Unanimous 7. ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT—Kevin Mahoney a. FY20 Budget Update Mr. Mahoney updated the Committee on the latest version of the FY20 estimated revenue plan and the FY20 budget assessments. The budget recommendation will be presented on February 5th and he highlighted some of the adjustments to Version 3 which included retirements,the additional positions of Assistant Director of Vocational Technical Education and Director of Facilities,the change in the health insurance account, impact on the debt service, new programs, the new building which requires additional logistics, warehouse management, the marketing campaign and rebranding, and Request for Proposals and procurements which continues to be discussed with members. Mr. Mahoney also noted that the information relative to the Request for Proposals will be shared with the Enrollment Task Force to ensure that it captures all of the components that the administration and subcommittee has been working on. Mr. Spalding thanked the Enrollment Task Force for their efforts and shared his belief that we need to do everything we can to fill the school. 8. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS Ms. Flood shared that the Finance Committees recommendation is that full enrollment benefits ail member communities and the committee continues to look at this item. Ms. Flood also shared that the group continues to discuss the marketing initiatives and ideas surrounding the most beneficial way to do things with the budget for this year and next year. Discussion ensued. -5- 000053 b. Approval for Request for the Disposal of Surplus Property Mr. Mahoney recommended approval of the request for the disposal of surplus property. { ACTION 2018#97 Moved(Stulin)and seconded(DeLuca) To authorize the disposal of surplus property,as presented. VOTE: 9 members in room at time of vote Weighted Vote present: 93.51% Weight needed: >46.75% Names of towns opposing or abstaining: none Final percentage results of vote: 100% Final status of the vote: Unanimous 9. SECRETARY'S REPORT,Pam Nourse a. Approval of draft minutes December 11,2018 VOTE: To approve the draft minutes of December 11,2018,as presented. ACTION 2018#98 Moved(Leone) and seconded(DeLuca) To approve the draft minutes of December 1 1.2018 VOTE: 9 members in room at time of vote Weighted Vote present: 93.51% Weight needed: >46.75% Names of towns opposing or abstaining: none Final percentage results of vote: 100% Final status of the vote: Unanimous 10. EXECUTIVE SESSION The Chair explained that there was a need for Executive Session related to the purchase,exchange, lease or value of real property if the Chair declares that an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the negotiating position of the public body. The following vote was then taken by roll call at 8:35 p.m.: ACTION 2018#99 Moved(Leone) and seconded(DeLuca) To enter into Executive Session VOTE: 9 members in room at time of vote Weighted Vote present: 93.51% Weight needed:>46.75% Names of towns opposing or abstaining: none Final percentage results of vote: 100% Final status of the vote: Unanimous To consider the purchase,exchange, lease or value of real property if the Chair declares that an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the negotiating position of the public body with certain non-union personnel,namely Kevin Mahoney,the Assistant Superintendent of Finance, with Dr. Bouquillon and Julia Pisegna remaining present,and that the Committee will not return to Open Session. Dave Horton(Lexington) Jim Gammill (Belmont) Sue Sheffler(Arlington) -6- 000054 Carrie Flood(Concord) Pam Nourse(Acton) Ford Spalding(Dover Jeff Stulin (Needham) Alice DeLuca(Stow) 9. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at the end of the Executive Session at 8:55 p.m. Julia Pisegna. Recorder Respectfully submitted, Julia Pisegna Pam Nourse District Assistant Secretary -7- 000055