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Home My WebLink AboutFINAL SC Minutes 2020-01-14.pdf APPROVED January 14,2020 MINUTES MINUTEMAN REGIONAL VOCATIONAL TECHNICAL SCHOOL DISTRICT REGULAR SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING JANUARY 14, 2020 6 30 PM MINUTEMAN HIGH SCHOOL Present. Pam Nourse, Chair(Acton) Alice DeLuca(Stow) Jeff Stuhn,Vice-Chair(Needham) Steven Ledoux(Concord) Dave Horton, Secretary(Lexington) Ford Spalding(Dover) Jim Gammill(Belmont) Jennifer Leone (Lancaster) Sue Sheffler(Arlington) David O'Connor(Bolton) Absent None Weighted Vote. Weighted Vote present at start of meeting 100% 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 Len Kardon of Arlington spoke to the Committee,both as a parent of a potential 8th grade student and as Chair of the Arlington School Committee,to express the concerns of fellow Arlington residents relative to the transition of Minuteman to a selective school and the competitive admissions process He stated that he believes that the transition is an issue that deserves the School Committee's attention Committee Chair Pam Nourse thanked Mr Kardon for his comments and for attending the meeting 3 CHAIR'S REPORT,Pam Nourse a. Comments for the Good of the Organization a For the Good of the Or2amzation Mr Stulin shared that he has spoken to students and asked them for their thoughts on the new building, and each student responded with a big grin that they love its 4. SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT,Dr.Edward Bouqudlon a Staffing Update i Introduction of Dan O'Brien, Communications Director ii Introduction of Anthony Chianello,Assistant Principal for Admissions in Announcement of Kara Gleason, Libranan Dr Bouquillon introduced Dan O'Brien as the new Communications Director Mr O'Brien shared that he is excited to be joining the Minuteman staff Mr Clement introduced Anthony Chianello as the new Assistant Principal for Admissions Mr Chianello will begin his position next week, and looks forward to joining Minuteman Ms Gleason will begin her role as the new librarian on January 27th Dr Bouquillon noted that the open position of chemistry teacher is due to an early retirement b Skills Canital Grant Dr Bouquillon announced that Minuteman was not awarded the grant at this time However, we were encouraged to apply again at the end of January c Vetennary Assistant Program Update The Veterinary Assistant Program will begin in September Dr Bouquillon noted that Part A of the process has been approved by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, and the 5 position for an instructor has been funded in the FY21 budget The next Advisory Committee meeting is scheduled for January 30th d ACTE Meeting Undate(Association for Career and Technical Education) Ms Bouchard shared the highlights of the group that attended the ACTE Conference and some of the discussions and sessions they attended Next year,the group would like to be presenters at this conference e Recommendation to Annoint Kevin Mahoney as Distnct Assistant Treasurer Dr Bouquillon shared that the Finance Subcommittee has expressed an interest in restoring the position of District Assistant Treasurer and recommended Kevin Mahoney Mr Gammill noted that there was a brief conversation about restoring that position, but feels it would be premature for it to be voted on at this time Mr Spalding shared that Mr Mahoney is a perfect candidate due to his history in the district and his expenence After further discussion and comment,the item was tabled to a future date to allow for the Finance Committee to have additional discussion on the position f Access and Chanter 74 Re2ulatory Revisions Dr Bouquillon discussed the regulatory revisions to Chapter 74 proposed by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and the letter Ms DeLuca and he drafted regarding issues raised by the department They included the lack of standardization in admissions policies relative to attendance, grades, interviews,and written recommendations Discussion ensued relative to the draft of the letter that would be sent on behalf of the School Committee related to the proposed regulatory revisions and the timing of when the letter should be sent to DESE Commissioner Jeff Riley The School Committee recommended that the letter to be sent to the Commissioner as soon as it is ready ACTION 2020#1 Moved(Leone)and seconded(O'Connor) To approve Ms DeLuca and Dr Bouquillon work to finalize the letter to be sent to Commissioner Riley of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education on behalf of the Minuteman School Committee,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 None -2- Final percentage results of vote 100% Final status of the vote Unanimous Committee members thanked Ms DeLuca for all her work regarding Chapter 74 issues g New Regional Agreement Dr Bouquillon shared a copy of the letter received from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education related to the amended Regional Agreement, which was provided to all members in their packet The amended Regional Agreement reflects the change in membership effectuated by the withdrawal of the Towns of Carlisle, Sudbury, Wayland, Lincoln, Boxborough and Weston, effective on July 1, 2017, and reflecting the withdrawal of the Town of Belmont,which will be effective on July 1,2020 7. PRINCIPAL'S REPORT—Dr Amy Perreault a Approval of the Field Trip to the Massachusetts Music Educators Association(MMEA)All State Music Festival on March 5-7 2020 at the Seaport Hotel and Conference Center in Boston Mr Clement recommended approval of the field trip to the Massachusetts Music Educators Association (MMEA)All State Music Festival on March 5-7,2020 at the Seaport Hotel and Conference Center in Boston The following vote was then taken ACTION 2020#2 Moved(Leone)and seconded(Ledoux) To approve the field tnp to the Massachusetts Music Educators Association(MMEA)All State Music Festival on March 5-7 2020 at the Seaport Hotel and Conference Center in Boston, as presented (Mr Stalin was not present in the room at the time of the vote) VOTE: 9 members in room at time of vote Weighted Vote present. 91 82% Weight needed. >45 91% Names of towns opposing or abstaining None Final percentage results of vote 91 82% Final status of the vote Unanimous 8. DIRECTOR OF FINANCE'S REPORT,Dr. Robert Gerardi a Updated Budget Calendar Dr Gerardi updated Committee members on date changes reflected in the new budget calendar,noting that the calendar was amended due to the dates for meetings changed to allow for participation in the process, a snowstorm, and the fact that the auditors were not ready to present The auditor's and treasurer's report is scheduled for March 1061 b Preliminary FY21 Budget Requests Mr Gerardi explained the status of the budget process to date and updated the Committee on the FY21 budget requests submitted by staff and department chairs and also noted that this information includes recommendations from the Finance Committee He said that to date,the operating budget has been reduced from an 8 25% increase to a 7 6% increase, and the recommendations of the Superintendent protect the academic integrity of the budget The budget does include a 5 animal science teacher and an additional special education position Mr Gerardi further explained the building debt service and member town assessments,and that with the bond coming in at a lower rate, the numbers did come down slightly He noted the debt exclusion override voted on in Acton,Arlington,Bolton,Concord,Dover,Lancaster and Stow(Lexington and Needham will pay their -3- assessments from their General Funds), the capital fee that was billed in FY20 to nonmember towns with revenue applied in FY21, the annual ESCO Lease assessments, and also that there will continue to be adjustments due to the numbers from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and Chapter 70 funds and Chapter 71 funds Mr Gammill shared comments on the budget and the impact of Belmont leaving and no longer paying an assessment and options for the stabilization fund, and the recommendation of the Finance Committee to increase current year tuition contributions from$400,00 to $600,000 as a way to decrease the overall burden on member distracts Mr Gerardi shared that work continues on the budget book which will further explain the impact of Belmont's departure, and announced that the Budget Hearing is scheduled for February 4th and that the Finance Committee has endorsed the budget Ms DeLuca shared that members would like to be notified when information is sent to their towns c Approval for the $12M 30-year general obligation bond for the school building prosect Dr Gerardi noted that the district originally projected the rate to be 3 8% and due to intense competition, we received the rate of 2.5%. Dr Gerard'recommended approval for the $12M 30-year general obligation bond for the school building project ACTION 2020#3 Moved(Leone)and seconded(Sheffler) To approve for the $12M 30-year general obligation bond for the school building project, 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 d Approval for Donation for the Auto Tech Program Dr Gerardi recommended approval of the donation for the auto tech program ACTION 2020#4 Moved(Leone)and seconded(Spalding) To approve the donation for the auto tech program, 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 -4- e Approval for the Monthly Informational List of Donations Dr Gerardi recommended approval of the monthly informational list of donations ACTION 2020#5 Moved(Leone)and seconded(DeLuca) To approve the monthly informational list of donations,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 reported that 203 punch list items remain open,and the total number of 4,244 items now closed The work on the theater continues with the building inspector, and net wills be installed as requested by the inspector Additional updates included • Training for the greenhouse will take place on January 22' • Disconnecting the electricity by EverSource in the old building is scheduled to be completed by January 24th Meeting held with SunPower relative to erecting PV(photovoltaic) solar panels Mr Spalding will continue to update the Committee on new developments Mr Spalding noted that demolition of the old building is scheduled to resume in approximately ten days 8. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS a Finance Subcommittee Update-Jim Gammill Mr Gammill shared that work continues on the budget, and that the Finance Committee continues to get updated information Mr Stulin noted the importance of getting detailed information so members are able to talk to their towns b Enrollment Task Force Update—Jeff Stulin Mr Clement updated members on the current enrollment numbers, reportmg that 62 applications are complete To date, 50 interviews are scheduled, and 75 interviews are in the process of being scheduled Showcase Day had a record number of attendees, and the need to plan differently for Showcase Day next year Mr Clement noted the importance of managing our success correctly Mr Stulin noted the importance of being mindful of the new Admissions Policy and the goal of attracting interest from district students and spreading the word what a great experience it is at Mmuteman -5- c Strategic Task Force—Sue Sheffler Ms Sheffler reminded the group that the School Committee Retreat is scheduled for Saturday,January 25th from 9 00 a m to noon More information will be forthcoming to the group d Policy Subcommittee—Alice DeLuca Ms DeLuca shared that the Policy Subcommittee seeks approval for the following 1 ADDA. Background Checks Policy(revision) ACTION 2020#6 Moved(Leone)and seconded(Spalding) To approve the ADDA Background Checks Policy for Second Reading, 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 None Final percentage results of vote 100% Final status of the vote Unanimous 2 ADDA-R DCJIS Model CORI Policy(revision) ACTION 2020#7 Moved(Leone)and seconded(Spalding) To approve the ADDA-R DCJIS Model CORI Policy for Second 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 0 R I Requirements Policy ACTION 2020#8 Moved(Leone)and seconded(Spalding) To approve the ADF-A C 0 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 -6- 4 ADF-B -C O R I Requirements—Sample Questions Policy ACTION 2020#9 Moved(Leone)and seconded(Spalding) To approve the ADF-B C 0 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 abstaimng None Final percentage results of vote 100% Final status of the vote Unanimous Mr Horton thanked Ms DeLuca and Dr Perreault for all their time and dedication to this policy work 11. SECRETARY'S REPORT,Dave Horton a Atrproval of Draft Minutes Mr Horton recommended approval of the draft minutes of October 29th and November 19th,2019, and the following vote was taken ACTION 2020#10 Moved(Horton)and seconded(Leone) To approve the draft minutes of October 29,2019, 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 Needham,Lexington, Bolton and Dover Final percentage results of vote 67 44% Final status of the vote Approved ACTION 2020#11 Moved(Horton)and seconded(Leone) To approve the draft minutes of November 19th,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 94 85 % Final status of the vote Approved -7- 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 (f)to review,amend,finalize and approve minutes from Executive Session of the Committee held on October 29th and November 19th, 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 2020#12 Moved(Leone)and seconded(Spalding) 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 October 29th and November 19th, 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 Stuhn(Needham)Yes Horton(Lexington)Yes Sheffler(Arlington)Yes O'Connor(Bolton)Yes Final status of the vote Unanimous -8- 13 ADJOURNMENT There being no further business,the School Committee took the following vote ACTION 2020#13 Moved(Leone)and seconded(Spalding) To adjourn the meeting at 8 25 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 None Final percentage results of vote 100% Final status of the vote Unanimous Respectfully submitted, Dave Horton Julia Pisegna Secretary District Assistant -9-