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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFINAL SC Minutes 2019-11-19.pdf FINAL November 19,2019 MINUTES MINUTEMAN REGIONAL VOCATIONAL TECHNICAL SCHOOL DISTRICT REGULAR SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING NOVEMBER 19, 2019 6:30 PM MINUTEMAN HIGH SCHOOL Present: Pam Nourse, Chair(Acton) Alice DeLuca(Stow) Jeff Stulin,Vice-Chair(Needham) Steven Ledoux(Concord) Dave Horton, Secretary(Lexington) Ford Spalding(Dover) (arrived 7:10p.m) Jim Gammill, (Belmont) Jennifer Leone (Lancaster) Sue Sheffler(Arlington) David O'Connor(Bolton) Absent: None Weighted Vote: Weighted Vote present at start of meeting: 94.85% Others Present: Dr. Edward Bouquillon,Dr. Amy Perreault, Dr. Robert Gerardi and Julia Pisegna 1. CALL TO ORDER: OPEN SESSION The Chair called the regular meeting to order at 6:32 p.m. 2. PUBLIC COMMENT There was no Public Comment. 3. CHAIR'S REPORT,Pam Nourse a. Comments for the Good of the Organization a. For the Good of the Organization Mr.Gammill attended the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Board Meeting which focused on Phase 1 of the Chapter 74 regulations, licensure and program hours and plans for Phase 2 on admission and access with a timeline of March,2020. 4. SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT,Dr.Edward Bouquillon a. Skills Capital Grant Application Update Dr. Bouquillon shared that,to date,there is no update on the Skills Capital Grant application. b. Belmont Update Mr. Gammill reported that the vote for Belmont to rescind their Notice of Withdrawal was defeated by a count of 95-140. Mr. Gammill noted that the no vote was due to many factors,including the following: • School enrollment; • Potential savings to Town for non-membership status; • Diversion of funds from local school budget,library and other projects to Minuteman; • Minuteman High School as an appropriate high school option with comments from Senator William Brownsberger. Mr. Gammill noted that conversations regarding Belmont were taken to a new level days before the meeting, and that a new debate has started relative to Belmont's responsibility to families. Dr. Bouquillon and Committee members thanked Mr. Gammill for his dedication and effort on this matter. Discussion continued as members discussed the Belmont vote and their strong disagreement with the statements by Senator Brownsberger and other Belmont officials. Ms.Leone expressed her dismay at the comment made during the meeting that Belmont could always reapply next year and save the town its cumulative capital assessment of$472,000 for the new school, if it did not rescind its decision to withdraw from the District. Mr. Stulin noted that Belmont departure from the district will be discussed at the next Enrollment Task Force meeting. Mr. Gammill thanked Committee members for making the Belmont vote even possible. 7. PRINCIPAL'S REPORT—Dr.Amy Perreault a. Admissions and Enrollment Update Dr. Perreault reported on enrollment numbers as of November 19th: • 115 in-district applications; • 60 out-of-district applications; • Total of 175 applications Dr. Perreault noted that these applications are much higher than at this point in time last year. To date, approximately 450 students are registered for the Showcase Day on November 21St,which includes 83 students from Belmont. The Parent Information Night for 8th grade students was standing room only with approximately 200 parents in attendance. The next event scheduled will be Dinner with the Teacher Night for accepted students. Dr. Bouquillon reported that he received a survey from the Depailment of Elementary and Secondary Education asking districts to identify towns which are not allowing students access and the Department and Secondary Education will be targeting those towns. Ms. Deluca suggested that a letter be sent the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to inform them of the level of interest in students, that the school as sized is small, and the demand for this type of education is high. b. 2020 Community Service Trip to Puerto Rico Erin Bordeau, Visual Art/Photography Instructor,presented highlights of the 2020 Community Service Trip to Puerto Rico and shared fundraising efforts. Dr. Perreault recommended approval of the 2020 Community Service Trip to Puerto Rico on March 28t'' to April 4',2020. The following vote was then taken: ACTION 2019#69 Moved(Leone)and seconded(O'Connor) To approve the 2020 Community Service trip to Puerto Rico on March 28th to April 4th, 2020, as presented VOTE: 9 members in room at time of vote Weighted Vote present: 94.85% Weight needed: >47.42% -2- Names of towns opposing or abstaining: none Final percentage results of vote: 94.85% Final status of the vote: Unanimous c. Approval of the Out-of-State Field Trip for the Dual Enrollment U.S.History Program to the Gilded Age Mansions in Newport, Rhode Island on December 12,2019 Dr. Perreault recommended approval. The following vote was then taken: ACTION 2019#69 Moved(Leone)and seconded(Ledoux) To approve the out-of-state field trip for the Dual Enrollment U.S. History Program to the Gilded Age Mansions in Newport,Rhode Island on December 12,2019, as presented VOTE: 9 members in room at time of vote Weighted Vote present: 94.85% Weight needed: >47.42% Names of towns opposing or abstaining: none Final percentage results of vote: 94.85% Final status of the vote: Unanimous 8. DIRECTOR OF FINANCE'S REPORT,Dr.Robert Gerardi a. Authorization of Prior FY19 Bills to be Paid This Year Dr. Gerardi shared that the following three bills were not submitted in a timely manner in FY19 and are now outstanding in FY20: New England Medical Billing(Medicaid Processing) $957.37 Woburn Public Schools(Athletic Custodial Fee) 450.00 Teacher PD Travel Reimbursement(MAVA) 48.72 Total $1,456.09 Two of the bills were from vendors that provided a service, but the invoicing was delayed. The third reimbursement was for a workshop that a teacher attended on June 26,2019 but did not get the paperwork in before July. Dr. Gerardi noted that MGL Chapter 44 requires a 7/8ths vote of approval to authorize a regional school district to pay prior year billing in the current fiscal year. Mr. Gammill added that the Finance Subcommittee is in full support of this, and would like the Policy Subcommittee to look into a policy for employees regarding submission of bills for reimbursement. Dr. Gerardi recommended approval. The following vote was then taken: ACTION 2019#72 Moved(Leone)and seconded(Ledoux) To authorize the administration to pay prior FY19 bills, as presented VOTE: 9 members in room at time of vote Weighted Vote present: 94.85% Weight needed: >47.42% Names of towns opposing or abstaining: none Final percentage results of vote: 94.85% Final status of the vote: Unanimous -3- b. FY20 First Quarter Report Mr. Gerardi presented to the Committee the Quarter 1 Financial Reports and highlighted the FY20 Budget Expenditure Report summary sheet, FY19 actuals expenses and the FY20 budgeted encumbered balances, the comparison of which helps to identify any areas trending towards a deficit or surplus. He also presented the Statement of Student Activity Funds. Mr. Stulin suggested that future spreadsheets be sent to Committee members as a separate pdf. document for easy viewing. Dr. Gerardi discussed some additional large expense items, such as technology and the new security system contract,that were expected with the new building. He also noted that these documents have been reviewed by the Finance Subcommittee. Mr. Gammill shared some of the comments from subcommittee members and noted that he will continue to work with Dr.Gerardi regarding the Community Education and Summer School items. (Mr. Spalding arrived at 7:10 p.m.) c. Approval for Request for the Disposal of Surplus Property Dr. Gerardi recommended approval of the request for the disposal of surplus property. ACTION 2019#32 Moved(Leone)and seconded(DeLuca) To authorize the disposal of surplus property, as presented VOTE: 10 members in room at time of vote Weighted Vote present: 100% Weight needed: > 50.00% Names of towns opposing or abstaining: None Final percentage results of vote: 100% Final status of the vote: Unanimous 7. SCHOOL BUILDING COMMITTEE REPORT—Ford Spalding Mr. Spalding presented the School Building Committee PowerPoint presentation and reported on the continued work on the main entrance on Marrett Road, landscaping, status of the demolition of old building, and the punch list summary of items on the new building. The three major items coming to final completion include the theater,playground and the greenhouse. Mr. Spalding noted that demolition of the old building is scheduled to begin in approximately ten days. 8. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS a. Finance Subcommittee Update-Jim Gammill Mr. Gammill reported that budget hearings are scheduled for December 5th and noted this is an unusual budget year, and noted that with Belmont leaving the district, it removes their assessment out and poses a potential gap in non-member tuitions that will need to be bridged. Mr. Gammill also noted other budget factors include the debt service that will be determined when bonds are issued in January which bring a projected 3.1 to 4.5%increase,the importance of the School Committee works into a policy of setting aside reserve for expenses for the maintenance schedule of the new building, OPEB liabilities and Section X(b) with the possibility of asking the Commissioner for an extra fee targeted for OPEB contribution from non- member towns. Mr. Gammill invited members to send him any feedback so that the Finance Committee can discuss it at their next meeting. -4- b. Enrollment Task Force Update—Jeff Stulin Mr. Stulin shared that the Enrollment Task Force has not met, so there is no formal report, but shared that these are interesting times with new enrollment, Belmont leaving, and the arrival of the Communication Director. The director will meet with the Task Force, have an impact on its discussions, and work with it collaboratively to create a long-term plan relative to enrollment. c. Policy Subcommittee—Alice DeLuca Ms. DeLuca shared that the Policy Subcommittee seeks approval for the following: 1. ADDA: Background Checks Policy(revision) ACTION 2019#74 Moved(Leone)and seconded(Spalding) To approve the ADDA: Background Checks Policy for First Reading, as presented VOTE: 10 members in room at time of vote Weighted Vote present: 100% Weight needed: > 50.00% Names of towns opposing or abstaining: None Final percentage results of vote: 100% Final status of the vote: Unanimous 2. ADDA-R: DCJIS Model CORI Policy(revision) ACTION 2019#74 Moved(Leone)and seconded(Spalding) To approve the ADDA-R: DCJIS Model CORI Policy for First Reading,as presented VOTE: 10 members in room at time of vote Weighted Vote present: 100% Weight needed: > 50.00% Names of towns opposing or abstaining: None Final percentage results of vote: 100% Final status of the vote: Unanimous 3. ADF-A C.O.R.I Requirements Policy ACTION 2019#74 Moved(Ledoux)and seconded(Leone) To approve the ADF-A C.O.R.I Requirements Policy be removed from the Policy Manual,as presented VOTE: 10 members in room at time of vote Weighted Vote present: 100% Weight needed: > 50.00% Names of towns opposing or abstaining: None Final percentage results of vote: 100% Final status of the vote: Unanimous -5- 4. ADF-B -C.O.R.I Requirements—Sample Questions Policy ACTION 2019#74 Moved(Leone)and seconded(Sheffler) To approve the ADF-B C.O.R.I Requirements—Sample Questions Policy be removed from the Policy Manual, as presented VOTE: 10 members in room at time of vote Weighted Vote present: 100% Weight needed: > 50.00% Names of towns opposing or abstaining: None Final percentage results of vote: 100% Final status of the vote: Unanimous 11. SECRETARY'S REPORT,Dave Horton a. Approval of Draft Minutes Mr. Horton recommended approval of the draft minutes of October 22,2019, and the following vote was taken: ACTION 2019#75 Moved(Horton)and seconded(Leone) To approve the draft minutes of October 22,2019, as amended VOTE: 10 members in room at time of vote Weighted Vote present: 100% Weight needed: > 50.00% Names of towns opposing or abstaining: Dover Final percentage results of vote: 100% Final status of the vote: Approved 12. EXECUTIVE SESSION The Chair explained that there was a need to enter into Executive Session,pursuant to MGL Ch. 30A, Sec. 21(a) 6, for the following reasons: 1. 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. 2. Pursuant to Purpose 3 (MGL Ch. 30A, Sec. 21 (a) (3)) to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining with the Minuteman Faculty Association,as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the School Committee, and the Chair so declares. 3. Pursuant to MGL Ch. 30A, S. 22 (0 to review,amend,finalize and approve minutes from Executive Session of the Committee held on September 17, 2019 and October 22, 2019 and to determine whether continued non-disclosure of such minutes is appropriate and she so declared,noting that the School committee would not return to Open Session, and that Dr. Amy Perrault, Dr. Robert Gerardi and Ms. Pisegna would remain present. The following vote was then taken. ACTION 2019#76 Moved(Horton)and seconded(Leone) To enter into Executive Session,pursuant to MGL Ch. 30A, Sec. 21(a) 6, for the following reasons: -6- 1. 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. 2. Pursuant to Purpose 3 (MGL Ch. 30A, Sec. 21 (a) (3)) to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining with the Minuteman Faculty Association, as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the School Committee, and the Chair so declares. 3. Pursuant to MGL Ch. 30A, S. 22 (f)to review, amend,finalize and approve minutes from Executive Session of the Committee held on September 17, 2019 and October 22, 2019 and to determine whether continued non-disclosure of such minutes is appropriate VOTE: 10 members in room at time of vote Weighted Vote present: 100% Weight needed: > 50.00% Names of towns opposing or abstaining: none Final percentage results of vote: 100%by roll call: Gammill(Belmont)Yes Spalding(Dover)Yes Leone(Lancaster)Yes Nourse(Acton)Yes DeLuca(Stow) Yes Ledoux(Concord)Yes Stulin(Needham)Yes Horton(Lexington)Yes Sheffler(Arlington)Yes O'Connor(Bolton)Yes Final status of the vote: Unanimous 13. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business,the School Committee took the following vote: ACTION 2019#77 Moved(Leone)and seconded(Spalding) To adjourn the meeting at 7:35 p.m. VOTE: 10 members in room at time of vote Weighted Vote present: 100% Weight needed: >50.00% Names of towns opposing or abstaining: Final percentage results of vote: 100% Final status of the vote: Unanimous Respectfully submitted, Dave Horton Julia Pisegna Secretary District Assistant -7-