HomeMy WebLinkAboutFinal SC Minutes 2019-07-16.pdf FINAL
July 16,2019
MINUTES
MINUTEMAN REGIONAL VOCATIONAL TECHNICAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
REGULAR SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING
JULY 16,2019 6:30 PM
PAUL REVERE ROOM, MINUTEMAN HIGH SCHOOL
Present:
Dave Horton,Chair(Lexington) Alice DeLuca(Stow)
Jim Gammill,Vice-Chair(Belmont) Pam Nourse, Secretary(Acton)
Ford Spalding(Dover) David O'Connor(Bolton)
Jeff Stulin, (Needham)
Absent: Sue Sheffler(Arlington)
Jennifer Leone(Lancaster)
Steven Ledoux(Concord)
Weighted Vote: Weighted Vote present at start of meeting: 58.48 %
Others Present: Dr. Edward Bouquillon,Kevin Mahoney and Julia Pisegna
1. CALL TO ORDER: OPEN SESSION
The Chair called the regular meeting to order at 6:33 p.m.
2. PUBLIC COMMENT
There was no Public Comment.
3. CHAIR'S REPORT,Dave Horton
a. Comments for the Good of the Organization
a. For the Good of the Organization
Mr.Horton announced to Committee members the appointment/reappointment of the following members and
congratulated them:
Ford Spalding—Dover
Jim Gammill—Belmont
Dave O'Connor—Bolton
Steve Ledoux-Concord
Mr. Horton directed Committee members to the draft Superintendent's Goals which were included in the
packet.
Dr.Bouquillon shared that he provided the Superintendent's Negotiations and Evaluation Subcommittee with
a leadership competency model in an effort to begin the process earlier and to look at a variety of methods
which capture leadership qualities that the School Committee looks for in a Superintendent, as well as the
Superintendent's goals from 10 years ago which reflect on how far the District has come.
Discussion ensued as Committee members reviewed and commented on the draft goals.
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Mr. Stulin expressed the need to add a goal which includes the overseeing of the successful transition into the
new building and recommended that such a goal be added to the list.
Mr. Horton instructed members to email any additional comments to Dr. Bouquillon and Ms. Pisegna.
4. SCHOOL BUILDING COMMITTEE,Ford Spalding
Mr. Spalding introduced Tripp McElroy of Gilbane, Greg Joynt of KBA Architects and Maryanne Williams
of Skanska.
Mr. Joynt provided a PowerPoint presentation of the new building and highlighted the following:
• Area A and B—Upper Level-Classrooms floor protection,washing and waxing completed;
• Area A and B—Lower Level—Electrical lab space cleaned and concrete floors sealed;
• Furniture delivery is ongoing;
• Area D—Upper Level—Floors washing and waxing completed for furniture;
• Area D—Lower Level- Ceiling grid,MEP devices and epoxy floor complete;
• Area D — Gymnasium — Bleacher construction in progress; preparation for locker installation and
scoreboard installation; gymnasium floor striped and sealing completed;
• Area E—Lower Level—Main entrance corridor ceramic flooring and tile setting in progress;
• Area E and F—Cafeteria—Ceramic wall tile and vinyl floor complete;
• Area F—Lower Level—Millwork installation substantially complete;plumbing fixtures installation
completed,and final connections of kitchen equipment in progress;
• Area C—Theater-Audience Side—Lighting, electrical power and audio visual rough-in complete at
the tension grid;
• Area C—Theater- Stage Side—Installation of counter weight rigging complete, stage right;
• Area E—Courtyard—Landscape pavers complete;plantings substantially complete;
• Area E—Main entrance—landscape pavers and granite bollards complete;
• Faculty parking lot—Landscape pavers in progress,prepping and placing of concrete speed tables in
progress;
• Student parking lot — Subgrade prep substantially complete; rain garden drainage assemblies
excavated and prepared to system
Mr.Joynt also reviewed the project turn-over schedule for the remainder of the month of July,August and up
to the beginning of school.
Mr. Joynt responded to Committee members questions regarding day-to-day issues and potential building
challenges.
Mr. Mahoney responded to questions relative to contingency fund balances and allowance issues and noted
that within the scope of the unfinished work,there are allowances in those line items that in some cases can
pick up items over what we originally anticipated,as well as the CM contingency and the owner's contingency
with a projected$4.5 million contingency balance upon completion.
Dr. Bouquillon noted that it is important to remember this is a very complex building and that it will not be
cheaper to maintain, from the standpoint of investing on a regular basis in a capital stabilization fund so that
we can stay ahead of the care and maintenance of the environmental structure, as required by Order of
Conditions from the Town of Lincoln and Town of Lexington. The Order includes the documentation of
training,energy efficiency,and removal of snow. It also recommends the need for policies to be in place that
are robust, descriptive, very specific and include a prescribed amount of investment relative to the
maintenance of this new building.
Mr. Joynt noted that they will turnover a very comprehensive electronic packet of information to the school
which will include manuals,warranties,maintenance schedules and contact lists.
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Mr. Spalding noted that this is the last meeting before we move into the new building, and thanked the team
for the tremendous work and the phenomenal building. Mr. Spalding also thanked Dr. Bouquillon and Mr.
Mahoney for all their work and shared that Minuteman is lucky to have them.
Mr. Horton acknowledged Mr. Spalding as Chair of the School Building Committee and thanked him for all
his time and dedication to the new building.
5. SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT,Dr.Edward Bouquillon
a. Hiring Updates
Dr. Bouquillon updated Committee members on new staff hiring as follows:
Advanced Manufacturing teacher
Early education care instructor
Electrical teacher
Special Education teacher
Dr. Bouquillon then introduced the new Director of Finance,Robert Gerardi.
Mr.Gerardi shared that he is excited to be joining the Minuteman team and shared that he has always admired
Dr. Bouquillon's leadership,and described himself as fiscally prudent and looks through that lens in order to
get the most efficient use of our educational resources.
Dr. Bouquillon then introduced Rich Ikonen as the new Director of Facilities. He brings 16 years of
educational/vocational facilities experience and is very excited to begin work in the new building.
Committee members welcomed Mr. Gerardi and Mr. Ikonen.
Dr.Bouquillon provided an update on the position of Communications Director.The position has been offered
to candidate Andrew Whittacker, and Dr. Bouquillon expects to hear back from him by the end of the week.
b. Approved 2019 Summer Work Proposals
Dr. Bouquillon provided a listing of the summer projects in the packet, discussed the selection process, and
noted that the team has reviewed all proposals to ensure that they continue to align with our work, and
commented that many of these teachers have been accepted into graduate, master's and doctorate programs
and their projects align with the career development work needed at the school.
c. Belmont Town Meeting Discussion
Mr. Gammill reminded the Committee members that if Belmont voted to rescind its letter of withdrawal from
the District, its acceptance by the District would require the unanimous consent of the members of the
Minuteman School Committee.
At this time, Belmont is considering rejoining the District and is looking at all options. Mr. Gammill is
serving as a liaison between Belmont and the School Committee, and shared with Committee members the
calculation of the debt service payments equal to $472,667 prepared by Mr. Mahoney for the three years
following Belmont's decision to withdraw as a member town of the District.
Mr. Gammill asked members to begin thinking about this so that his message to Belmont at its Town meeting
this fall is clear: that a positive vote to accept its letter to rescind withdrawal, in addition to making the
required payment for the three years of capital charges, seems likely. If it does not seem likely, to please
advise him of that.
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Mr. Spalding shared that it is important to do what is right for the students,welcome back Belmont and pay
back what is owed.
Mr. O'Connor inquired as to whether Mr. Mahoney's calculations represented legal fees or other additional
fees that were incurred associated with the withdrawal.
Mr.Mahoney responded that this particular analysis did not,that it is strictly debt service,but to keep in mind
that Belmont is a member now and has been assessed for those operating costs incurred as part of that issue.
It is Belmont's portion of the debt service for which it would have been responsible,had the town not voted
to withdraw from the District,that we would seek to recover.
Mr. Stulin and Mr. Horton shared that if Belmont pays their capital charges,they would welcome them back
and give an opportunity to the students.
Ms. DeLuca added that the member towns also paid for the extra election.
Mr.Gammill asked for clarity,and that$472,000 is a number that resonates with Belmont and that they would
recognize as their obligation,but expressed that adding extra things would be looking backwards,rather than
forward.
Mr. Stulin reiterated—if Belmont wants to come back,pay the money and we would be delighted to give this
opportunity to the children.
Mr. Gammill will continue to update Committee members on this matter.
d. Approval of Contract for Legal Services with Murphy,Lamere &Murphy
Dr. Bouquillon recommended approval of the contract for legal services with Murphy, Lamere & Murphy
and noted that they have done a terrific job with many complex issues within the District.
ACTION 2018#48
Moved(Stulin)and seconded(Nourse)
To approve the contract for legal services for the three(3)year period commencing July 1,2019
with Murphy,Lamere&Murphy,P.C.,as amended
VOTE: 7 members in room at time of vote
Weighted Vote present: 58.48%
Weight needed: >29.24%
Names of towns opposing or abstaining: none
Final percentage results of vote: 58.48%
Final status of the vote: Unanimous
FY19 Goal#1: Superintendent will support the Minuteman Academy Model.
No update.
FY19 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.
a. Non-Resident Tuition Proposal Update
Mr. Gammill shared that after the meeting with Deputy Commissioner Wulfson and Senior Associate
Commissioner Cliff Chuang of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, questions were
raised, which Mr. Gammill answered, and the item has now taken on a new direction and opened the doors
to the possibility of a State-wide policy in that Type A towns pay tuitions based on average costs, and that
the Board may include it in the next set of Chapter 74 Regulations for a vote in December. He suggested we
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get support in our member towns, as well as MAVA and other groups for a sense of whether they would
support that kind of change as well.
Ms. DeLuca responded that she is very surprised to hear that and she does not believe we should encourage
them to put more of this language into their regulations, noting that the Type A town model is not a good
model, and would encourage the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to abandon that.
Mr. Gammill stated that looking at the financial incentives for the declarants of Watertown and Belmont and
trying to find a path,it is clear that the path of success goes through the staff at the Department of Elementary
and Secondary Education. Mr. Gammill is trying to implement what is in the Regional Agreement about
trying to get the most non-member towns to pay the average costs, and while he understands access, he
believes that is a separate policy question,noting that the goal here is average cost pricing.
Mr. Stulin asked for Dr. Bouquillon's thoughts.
Dr. Bouquillon stated that his comments are a process:
1) He works for the School Committee,for him to endorse it,he would need to be given a charge by the
School Committee;
2) He would be putting himself at risk and would not pursue a state-wide policy change that he does not
have School Committee authority and endorsement for;
3) It would be an appropriate request of the Superintendent to ask the School
Committee for when this kind of an effort is being discussed;
4) There has been good discussion with Mr. Gammill and the Depattinent of Elementary of Secondary
Education;
5) The process is a disconnect for him at this time going to MAVA
Mr. Gammill agreed with Dr. Bouquillon on the process.
Ms. Nourse stated that there is a concern for the role that Dr. Bouquillon plays and needs to ensure we are
moving as one body or it could be problematic.
Mr. Stulin asked Dr. Bouquillon how he feels about moving forward with this and his opinion on whether
this approach is one that is in the best interest of the District.
Dr. Bouquillon stated that there are components of the approach and solution that would be helpful to the
District, but there are unintended consequences to this solution that he does not support, namely something
which restricts and makes it more difficult for students to have access to Minuteman and waiting lists to
Minuteman, and that he is fearful that the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education does not
understand the consequences of their regulations relative to restricting access and waiting lists,and suggested
that the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education would invoke their own solution,not ours,which
would have state-wide consequences for students and Districts and would be a much bigger problem than just
Minuteman's. He also stated that he speaks for Minuteman and all students,and that he feels differently than
other Superintendents.
Mr. Stulin acknowledged Dr. Bouquillon's concerns about these regulations and the possibility of restricted
access for students. He suggested preparing a statement with language stating the School Committee's
primary concern of these new regulations is that they would possibly restrict access to the school, signed by
the School Committee members, so that their voice is focused, clear and unified.
Dr.Bouquillon stated it is completely appropriate for the School Committee to have that discussion and noted
that the School Committee approved his goals, and access was included in those goals.
Mr. Gammill shared that he welcomes the School Committee to be actively engaged in conversations for 1)
access and 2)average costs, as two separate issues.
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Mr. Spalding recommended Mr. Stulin's action plan and shared that access was his biggest issue and students
should have access to come here,and that this should be a School Committee decision.
Mr. Stulin shared that both issues, average cost and access, have merit, and would like to ensure that even
with politics involved, one issue is not leveraged along with the other issue, and he believes that after all the
time he has spent on these issues,the access issue is more important. He suggested that Dr. Bouquillon come
up with a draft resolution for the Committee to be discussed at a future meeting and for the Committee to
have one unified voice.
Ms. DeLuca recommended that Dr. Bouquillon also address the Chapter 74 vocational/technical programs.
Mr. Horton suggested getting information from DESE relative to what they are considering to propose and
provide further information to the School Committee. Mr. Horton also stated that be believes both issues,
access and average costs, are very important.
FY19 Goal#3: 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.
FY Goal #4: Superintendent will support and guide the expansion of a robust marketing, recruitment and
visibility campaign to increase member town applications.
a. Enrollment Update
Dr. Bouquillon provided an updated application and confirmed enrollment summary to members.
Ms.Nourse commented on how exciting this enrollment information is.
FY19 Goal#5: Superintendent will develop an Inter-Municipal Agreement 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.
a) Update on Request for Proposal(RFP)Process
Dr. Bouquillon shared that the Request for Proposal was submitted nationally through the UMass Donohue
Institute and the Athletic Business Association and has generated more interest from companies outside of
Massachusetts. Review of the proposals will begin on August 1st
Dr. Bouquillon also mentioned that on Phase III, Blue Pearl Veterinary Hospital toured the Tremont School
for the possibility of opening a veterinary tech program,and possibly looking to move their Waltham hospital
out of Waltham.
Dr. Bouquillon will continue to update Committee members with any new information.
6. ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT,Kevin Mahoney
a. FY20 Amended Budget
Mr. Mahoney explained the details of the proposed budget transfers,noting that information reflects the
reorganization, enrollment numbers and that this information has been reviewed by the Finance
Subcommittee. The following vote was then taken:
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ACTION 2018#48
Moved(Stulin)and seconded(Spalding)
To move to transfer the sum of$35,885 from function code 2000, $16,500 from function code
3000, and$30,000 from function code 4000 for a total of$82,385; and transfer$61,019 to function
1000, and$21,366 from function code 5000,as presented
(Ms. Nourse was not present at the time of vote.)
VOTE: 6 members in room at time of vote
Weighted Vote present: 48.68%
Weight needed: >24.34%
Names of towns opposing or abstaining: none
Final percentage results of vote: 48.68%
Final status of the vote: Unanimous
b.Use of Stabilization Fund—Authorization to Purchase Technology Equipment
Mr.Mahoney recommended approval for the authorization expenditures from the Stabilization Fund for the
purpose of technology equipment for the incoming freshman.
ACTION 2019#29
Moved(DeLuca)and seconded(Nourse)
To authorize expenditures not to exceed$75,000 from the Stabilization Fund for the purpose of
technology equipment, as presented
VOTE: 7 members in room at time of vote
Weighted Vote present: 58.48%
Weight needed: >29.24%
Names of towns opposing or abstaining:
Final percentage results of vote: 58.48%
Final status of the vote: Unanimous
7. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
a. Policy Subcommittee—Alice DeLuca
Ms. DeLuca shared that the Policy Subcommittee met and has completed the first draft of the Admissions
Policy,and continues its work on the archiving system for the policy manual,review of the Naming Policy,
Fingerprinting Policy and Building Maintenance Policy.
b. Strategic Planning Task Force
Ms. DeLuca noted that the team has completed work on goal No. 1, and continues work on Goal No. 2 —
strategic planning goals for leadership in the future,review of Superintendent job descriptions, and that the
group will be meeting again in the next month.
8. SECRETARY'S REPORT,Pam Nourse
a. Approval of Draft Minutes of June 11,2019,and the following vote was taken:
ACTION 2019#33
Moved(Nourse) and seconded(Spalding)
To approve the draft minutes of June 11,2019, as amended
VOTE: 7 members in room at time of vote
Weighted Vote present: 58.48%
Weight needed: >29.24%
Names of towns opposing or abstaining: None
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Final percentage results of vote: 58.48%
Final status of the vote: Unanimous
Mr. Gammill asked for a moment to thank Mr. Mahoney for the terrific job he has done at Minuteman and
presented him with a book. Committee members shared that it was a pleasure working with him and wished
him well on his retirement.
Mr. Mahoney shared that he has enjoyed his time here at Minuteman and wished the District continued
success in the future.
Mr. Stulin commented on a historical level that when Mr.Mahoney took over this position,one of the biggest
challenges from a financial point of view was that Minuteman did not have a good reputation within the
community. In very short order,Mr.Mahoney changed that perception,and that while there have been many
accomplishments,he believes this was Mr. Mahoney's biggest accomplishment.
9. REORGANIZATION/ELECTION OF OFFICERS
a. Process
The School Committee took the following vote for the reorganization to occur:
ACTION 2017#54
Moved(Nourse) and seconded(DeLuca)
To allow the Superintendent to preside temporarily
VOTE: 7 members in room at time of vote
Weighted Vote present: 58.48%
Weight needed: >29.24%
Names of towns opposing or abstaining: none
Final percentage results of vote: 58.48%
Final status of the vote: Unanimous
b. Nomination for Chair
The temporary Chair opened the floor for nominations for the office of Chair. There were two nominations:
Ms. DeLuca nominated Pam Nourse noting that given the transitions of the District in the near future, she
believes that the leadership of the School Committee should be with someone who will be with the District
moving forward. Mr. Gammill nominated Dave Horton.
Mr. Stulin asked if Mr.Horton would be entering his fifth year of consecutive serving. Mr.Horton responded
that he has been serving four years and two months.
When asked if they would be willing to serve,both Ms.Nourse and Mr. Horton responded in the affirmative.
After discussion,the following vote was taken:
ACTION 2017#55
Moved(DeLuca) and seconded(Spalding)
To appoint Pam Nourse as Chair for 2019-2020
VOTE: 7 members in room at time of vote
Weighted Vote present: 58.48%
Weight needed: >29.24%
Names of towns opposing or abstaining: none
Final percentage results of vote: 58.48%
Final status of the vote: Unanimous
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Dr. Bouquillon thanked Mr. Horton for his service as an officer and his time and dedication as Chair of the
Minuteman School Committee.
c. Nomination for Vice-Chair
The newly appointed Chair then asked for nominations for the position of Vice-Chair. Mr. Spalding
nominated Jennifer Leone. Ms. DeLuca nominated Jeff Stulin noting the experience he brings and that he is
planning on staying with the Committee.
Dr. Bouquillon noted that the By-Laws state that officers would be voted on during the month of July, and
that past practice has been that we confirm with the nominee that they would be willing to serve.
After discussion regarding the nomination of one who is not present at the time of the vote, Mr. Spalding
withdrew his nomination.
Mr. Stulin affirmed his willingness to serve in this capacity, and the following vote was taken:
ACTION 2017#56
Moved(Gammill)and seconded(Horton)
To appoint Jeff Stulin as Vice-Chair for 2019-2020
VOTE: 7 members in room at time of vote
Weighted Vote present: 58.48%
Weight needed: >29.24%
Names of towns opposing or abstaining: none
Final percentage results of vote: 58.48%
Final status of the vote: Unanimous
d. Nomination for Secretary
The Chair asked for nominations for the position of Secretary. Mr. Spalding nominated Dave O'Connor.
Mr. O'Connor expressed his concern as his current job requires him to travel and there is a potential for him
to miss meeting dates and withdrew his name from consideration.
Ms. Nourse then nominated Dave Horton. Mr. Horton nominated Jim Gammill. Mr. Horton expressed his
willingness to serve. Mr. Gammill expressed his concern relative to continuity and that he may not be here
for more than one year, and while he is willing to serve, he recognizes that as a consideration to vote for
someone else.
The following vote was taken:
ACTION 2017#57
Moved(Nourse) and seconded(Stulin)
To appoint Dave Horton as Secretary for 2019-2020
VOTE: 6 members in room at time of vote
Weighted Vote present: 45.76%
Weight needed: >22.88%
Names of towns opposing or abstaining: Lexington
Final percentage results of vote: 45.76%
Final status of the vote: Unanimous
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9. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business,the School Committee took the following vote:
ACTION 2019#34
Moved(Spalding)and seconded(O'Connor)
To adjourn the meeting at 8:28 p.m.
VOTE: 7 members in room at time of vote
Weighted Vote present: 58.48%
Weight needed: >29.24%
Names of towns opposing or abstaining:
Final percentage results of vote: 58.48%
Final status of the vote: Unanimous
Respectfully submitted,
Julia Pisegna Dave Horton
District Assistant Secretary
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