HomeMy WebLinkAboutFINAL SC Minutes December 14 2021.pdf FINAL
MINUTES
MINUTEMAN REGIONAL VOCATIONAL TECHNICAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
REGULAR SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING
DECEMBER 14, 2021 6:30 P.M.
VIA REMOTE PARTICIPATION
Present:
Pam Nourse, Chair(Acton) Michael Ruderman(Arlington)
Steve LeDoux,Vice-Chair(Concord) Ford Spalding(Dover)
Jennifer Leone(Lancaster) Judy Crocker(Lexington)
Jeff Stulin, (Needham) Alice DeLuca, Secretary(Stow)
Dave O'Connor(Bolton)
Weighted Vote: Weighted Vote present at start of meeting: 100%
Others Present: Dr. Edward Bouquillon,Amy Perreault, Rich Ikonen,Anthony Chiariello, Katie
Bouchard,Nikki Andrade,and Julia Pisegna
1. CALL TO ORDER: OPEN SESSION
The Chair called the meeting to order at 6:03 p.m.
2. ADOPTION OF REMOTE PARTICIPATION
VOTE: To adopt remote participation by all members of the Minuteman School Committee
pursuant to and in accordance with Sections(2)and(3)of the Executive Order Suspending
Certain Provisions of the Open Meeting Law made by the Governor of Massachusetts on
March 12,2020, such adoption to be effective until said Executive Order is rescinded or the
Commonwealth's State of Emergency as referenced in said Executive Order,is terminated,
whichever happens first.
ACTION 2021 #204
Moved(Leone)and seconded(DeLuca)
To approve remote participation
VOTE: 9 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
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Roll Call:
Pam Nourse(Acton)(Yes)
Michael Ruderman(Arlington) (Yes)
Dave O'Connor(Bolton) (Yes)
Steve LeDoux(Concord)(Yes)
Ford Spalding(Dover) (Yes)
Jennifer Leone (Lancaster)(Yes)
Judy Crocker(Lexington) (Yes)
Jeff Stulin, (Needham) (Yes)
Alice DeLuca, Secretary(Stow) (Yes)
3. PUBLIC COMMENT
Dr. Bouquillon noted that while communications have been received regarding COVID, pooled
testing,and the Test and Stay Program at Minuteman which has been in place since October,there
was no request for public comment. He sent copies of his responses to the school committee.
There is a link on the Minuteman website showing all COVID reporting. He said that numbers
are good, but that the Commissioner has warned Superintendents of the expectation that the
numbers of COVID cases will continue to rise, and we will continue and even increase efforts on
masking and cleaning.
4. CHAIR'S REPORT-Pam Nourse
a. For the Good of the Organization
Committee Chair, Pam Nourse, shared her appreciation for the delicious baked goods that her
family enjoyed at Thanksgiving courtesy of the Culinary Program.
Ms. Nourse thanked everyone in the Minuteman community and recognized that this is a very
hard time for all educators, families, and students and she appreciates how the community has
come together to support each other.
5. PRINCIPAL'S REPORT
a. Community Service Activity
Mr. Clement shared that the students really shine this time of year with all the fundraisers and
community service projects taking place, including for the Bedford Veterans Association.
Students have been collecting winter gear for immigrants who have recently arrived in the area
and are working with the Open Table Organization in Maynard.
Students from many groups have also been making handmade holiday cards for the Winchester
Nursing Home. The National Honor Society is collecting a lot of toys for Toys for Tots.
b. Winter Athletics
127 students signed up for the 20-21 winter sports, a little bit more than in 19-20, including
girls' basketball, boys' basketball, ice hockey and swimming. Mr. Clement shared that the
athletes are very excited to begin.
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c. Safety and Security Training
We recently had safety and security training using A-L-I-C-E (Alert, Lockdown, Inform,
Counter, Evacuate) training. Mr. Clement shared that we are very fortunate to have Brian
Tildsley on our team who is an expert in the field. Mr. Clement has a hard time digesting
everything that comes through on tragedies at schools, but Mr. Tildsley studies this and it truly
shows in the presentations that he delivered to the faculty.
Given recent events, we chose to do a preview with the students last week, talked about some
issues, and it was a very productive discussion between the students and their teachers.
He noted that Mr. Spalding was in the building during Mr. Tildsley's presentation with the
students. The students were fabulous in their response and really understood the idea of working
together and how to keep each other safe. He complimented Mr. Tildsley for all his hard work
and keeping everyone safe.
Mr. Clement announced the students of the term:
Madison Bruno (freshman) from Lexington
Amy lender(sophomore) in Cosmetology from Arlington
Elias Bec (junior) in Environmental from Belmont
Ty Gorman(senior) in Culinary from Belmont
Mr. Clement noted that these students were nominated by their teachers as students who are just
doing great. This doesn't mean they're getting straight A's, it does not mean they are the best
athlete, it just means they are good people, doing good work, and part of the reason why we love
Minuteman. Some of the administrators also had a nice lunch with these students.
Mr. Ledoux shared that he recently read an article in the newspaper about basketball players not
wearing masks while playing, which is an MIAA requirement, but there have been a lot of
compliance issues and asked what we are doing about this with our basketball players.
Mr. Clement responded that we are doing our best to follow the rules but added that it is tough.
He noted that this rule is complied with in New Hampshire, and the kids did it last year without
the vaccines, so they can do it now. He noted it is a heavily aerobic sport and recognized
sometimes the mask is just going to move and we continue to try to be vigilant.
Ms. Nourse noted that there was a question in the chat asking where the swim team swims.
Mr. Clement replied that they swim at Hanscom.
Mr. Spalding shared that he was recently at Dover-Sherborn watching his granddaughter play
sports and everybody had masks on, all the players were wearing masks, and you were not
allowed entrance without a mask. He expects that Minuteman can do the same.
Mr. Spalding also added that he was at Minuteman the other day and had lunch with Dave Horton
and Dan Matthews. Mr. Horton sends his best and misses the school. He shared that Mr. Horton
and Mr. Matthews were given a tour and they were both very impressed. He added that Mr.
Matthews is stepping down after 25 years as a selectman, and he was just overjoyed because of
all the work that he put in over the years.
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He also mentioned that Mr. Tildsley did a great job. He also shared that he was impressed with
all the students who were absolutely riveted on the subject, very attentive to a very important
detail. While he knows Mr. Tildsley is a great speaker,the students deserve a lot of credit as they
really took it in, and he just wanted everyone to know that.
6. SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT-Dr.Edward Bouquillon
Dr. Bouquillon provided a letter to members in their packet (page 6 and 7) and identified it as
the closing comments from William Lucci, Assistant Director of the Stafford Technical Center
in Rutland, Vermont. They had been communicating last week and offered to supply his exit
comments. Dr. Bouquillon added that what happens next is a draft copy of the report will be sent
to us for review for any factual corrections,then the report goes back to Bruce Seavers,Executive
Director of NEASC, for his approval, then to the Board of NEASC sometime in March where it
will probably be on a consent agenda. Overall, they were impressed with the things they saw at
Minuteman, and he does not anticipate any issues at all.
a. School Building Committee Report—Ford Spalding
Mr. Spalding reported that the stadium field and the baseball field are complete. The softball
field will be done at the end of next week. The roadways and pathways binder will be going
down tomorrow, and the topsoil will be spread either next week or in the spring. Heimlich will
be back in the spring to get the grass growing and for some general cleanup, so the fields are
ready.
He added that we are starting the MSBA close-out process, so we are nearing the end.
b. Capacity Building Update
o North Building Out Bid Update
For the north building progress, we expect to begin next week with a review of the contractor
bids, and this project will be a combined process with the general contractor and students,
looking to a 2023 conclusion.
The School Building Committee will keep going for a little while longer to pay bills and
complete the close-out.
Dr. Bouquillon shared that the north outbuilding went out to bid. Bids were received Friday,
and the architects and engineers are currently reviewing those bids. We have a School Building
Committee meeting next week and we will have some more detail, but we are within budget for
that project. He noted that everyone's concern is about the supply chain and the deliverables of
things, but if all things work out, the building will go up in the spring and will be ready for
students to do some of the internal utility work such as plumbing, HVAC, and electrical. It will
be a great project for them and saves us some money, and the building will probably be
occupiable in about a year.
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o East Campus Development Project Update
Dr. Bouquillon provided an update on the east campus development project, formerly known as
the Tremont School building, which is approximately 16,000 square feet. We are hoping to
develop a partnership with a veterinary hospital to create a teaching hospital there. Blue Pearl,
which has been involved in our Program Advisory Committee for years, has been interested in
it. However, to properly procure this, this would have to be a public process and over the next
month we will be developing a Request for Proposals which will then be reviewed with the
Finance Committee and School Committee.
Dr. Bouquillon reminded members that we had special legislation passed in approximately 2018
which allows Minuteman to enter long-term ground leases with partners who are compatible to
our school mission.Any revenue generated by that partnership would go into a fund to offset the
capital costs of the building. We have everything in place, and it seems logical for us to exercise
what we have for tools and see what we can get out of it because that project is going to be more
expensive than he thought it was going to be, and we remain committed to not borrowing more
money.
Dr. Bouquillon awaits more information from Blue Pearl, and he will continue to keep members
up to date on new developments.
c. Fall 2022 Admissions Update—Anthony Chiariello
o Applications Received to Date
Mr. Chiariello shared an update on the admissions process and the status of applications and
added that we have just begun the interviews, which is time-consuming and exhausting, but his
favorite part of the process. He begins to meet our future students, hear about why Minuteman
is where they want to be, and about all their unique interests and hopes for the future. He noted
that this will go on for the next two months until the February 15th deadline in the applications
calendar.
He reported that as of this date last year, we are up about 6% in applications. In terms of any
given town there are no huge differences, except for Concord which has an almost 70%increase
from last year. Going back further,the increase is even more substantial,which he credits to how
the folks at the Concord Middle School talk about Minuteman. Looking at some of the other
member communities that are not necessarily taking full advantage of the programs,that's where
the biggest opportunity is. We can advertise and educate people. but the efforts of the folks at
the Concord Middle School are key.
Ms. Crocker thanked Mr. Chiariello for the very informative information and expressed her
kudos to Concord. She noted that Mr. Chiariello talked about the guidance counselors needing
to have the buy in and asked if we have suggested guidance counselors come in for a tour,
particularly with the new building, so they can really see what we offer.
Mr. Chiariello replied that normally the guidance counselors come to our Showcase Day. He
added that for Lexington, specifically, both Jenny Kim and Sharon May, the eighth-grade
guidance counselors, were here and got a chance to tour. While he doesn't want to give the
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impression that the guidance counselors specifically are not necessarily promoting the program,
the biggest advocates for us in the schools are oftentimes the guidance counselor, and yes, we
tour them. We also did a presentation for all the guidance counselors last week to go over
opportunities. One focus is to help them and their staff see the wide range of students for whom
Minuteman is a fantastic opportunity.
Ms. Nourse thanked Mr. Chiariello and added that it has not been easy recruiting during this
time, and it is very impressive that the numbers continue to be up.
7. FINANCE REPORT
a. FY23 Budget Update
Dr. Bouquillon noted that Mr. Ikonen had a family emergency. In his absence, Mr. Ledoux will
provide an update. Nikki Andrade is also on the call.
Mr. Ledoux reported on the FY23 budget update and that the Finance Subcommittee has looked
at two iterations of the Superintendent's budget and will be looking at the third iteration this
coming week and expects a recommendation to the full School Committee at the January
meeting.
b. Vote on Paying Prior Years Bills
VOTE: For authorization to use FY21 funds to pay the attached invoice from Balfour
Scholastic for graduation supplies (caps, gowns & tassels) in the amount of $2,698.00, as
presented
Mr. Ledoux noted that the Finance Committee reviewed this bill from Balfour Company who
apparently forgot to bill us for cap, gowns, and tassels. This outstanding balance of$2,698 was
discovered during an audit of their orders. The Finance Committee recommends approval to pay
this outstanding bill to Balfour Company in the amount of$2,698.
Ms. Crocker mentioned that Lexington seems to be the first out of the gate with their budget
every year and that they have already had multiple financial summits. She thanked everyone
involved in providing the preliminary budget assessments as it is extremely helpful to have that
number.
Mr. Ledoux commented that hopefully those numbers were the worst-case scenario.
VOTE: To authorize the use of FY21 funds to pay the attached invoice from Balfour
Scholastic for graduation supplies(caps,gowns&tassels) in the amount of$2,698.00, as
presented.
ACTION 2021 #205
Moved(Leone)and seconded(O'Connor)
To authorization to use FY21 funds to pay the attached invoice from Balfour Scholastic
for graduation supplies (caps, gowns&tassels)in the amount of$2,698.00, as
presented
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VOTE: 9 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
Roll Call:
Pam Nourse(Acton)(Yes)
Michael Ruderman(Arlington) (Yes)
Dave O'Connor(Bolton) (Yes)
Steve LeDoux(Concord)(Yes)
Ford Spalding(Dover) (Yes)
Jennifer Leone (Lancaster)(Yes)
Judy Crocker(Lexington) (Yes)
Dr. Bouquillon then continued discussing the budget and wanted all the members to be aware of
the decrease in out-of-district revenues and its impact on assessments. The other item that has an
impact on assessments is the changes that were made in the Chapter 70 formula. Some of the
implementation of the Student Opportunities Act weas postponed due to COVID. Basically, it
intensifies the minimum local contribution that wealthy towns need to make to their school
districts. Also, it was providing more money to the towns that were spending at or below
foundation. It became like a"perfect storm",with the implementation of SOA and out-of-district
tuition going to zero.
Mr. Mahoney has been working with us to do projections over the next three or four years and
after next year, it stabilizes. But this year with the implementation of SOA and going to zero out
of district revenues, there is going to be a lot of discussions with the towns. He shared that he
has already received four or five emails since the placeholder estimates were sent out and noted
that several of the town managers had requested placeholder estimates. He wanted to make sure
the School Committee knew what those placeholders were going to be. It is going to be an
educational process, especially for those towns that are not part of regions that have the
fluctuation, but the good messaging piece is we have a new Regional Agreement with a four-
year rolling average.
Ms. DeLuca shared that she was pretty stunned,because for her town, it was an increase of 42%
and she is going to need some serious education about how to talk about this because it is an
absolutely enormous change in one year.
Ms. Crocker agreed with Ms. DeLuca and suggested that it might be worthwhile for members to
have a summit session (Tracy Novick's MASC update on Ch. 70) to go over this information,
so all members are on the same page.
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Dr. Bouquillon agreed and noted that the Massachusetts Association of Regional Schools
(MARS)has also been doing that because it impacts regional schools without any logic or reason,
but he definitely agrees for the need to do that.
Ms. Nourse agreed.
Mr. Ruderman stated that one of the things discussed in the Finance Subcommittee meetings is
the need to have a strong and concise narrative of how we got from last year's budget numbers
to this year's budget numbers. He promises there will be a short, succinct, and pertinent
explanation. He added that Dr. Bouquillon keeps reassuring that there is one more iteration of
the budget to follow, so the numbers should get better. Things are going to be more expensive
next year, but we ought to be able to have a readily understandable explanation for why. Mr.
Ledoux agreed.
Ms. Leone reiterated what has to be very clear is what is out of our power as there is so much of
our budget, we should be able to control, but so much of it is about what else is happening this
year. We need to be very clear with the towns because it is a shocking number for some towns.
Our budget ballooned, because of what has happened with the state formulas and that is out of
our control. We need to be very clear as to which is our budget, and which is from the state
foundation numbers that are coming in.
Mr. Stulin added that we said that one of the consequences of no out-of-district students would
be those assessments are going to go up, and there was some disagreement about that. So, it is
totally out of our control, partly the state, and partly the fact that we have achieved the goal that
they have been wanting forever. That is part of the reason for the increase, and we saw this
coming over the last three or four years and we knew that it was going to build up. This is not a
surprise at all, the surprise is what the state has decided to do, which is never under our control.
Ms. Leone reiterated that we need to be very clear as to what is in our control and what is not.
Ms.Nourse agreed and shared that is all the more reason why School Committee members need
to feel comfortable explaining this and having these conversations with our towns.
Mr. Stulin suggested the need for backup documentation that we can refer to, created by the
administration so he can pass it around.
c. Approval of the Monthly List of Donations
Mr. Ledoux presented the list of donations for the month of November. (One case of paper).
VOTE: To approve the November List of Donations
ACTION 2021 #206
Moved(Leone)and seconded(O'Connor),
To approve the November List of Donations, as presented
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VOTE: 9 members in room at time of vote
Weighted Vote present: 100%
Weight needed: >50%
Names of towns opposing or abstaining:
Final percentage results of vote: 100%
Final status of the vote: Unanimous
Roll Call:
Pam Nourse, Chair(Acton) (Yes)
Michael Ruderman(Arlington) (Yes)
Steve LeDoux(Concord)(Yes)
Ford Spalding(Dover)Yes)
Jennifer Leone (Lancaster)(Yes)
Judy Crocker(Lexington) (Yes)
Jeff Stulin(Needham)(Yes)
Alice DeLuca(Stow) (Yes)
Mr. Ledoux updated committee members that the OPEB Advisory Group meetings were held.
Jim Gammill (the District's Grandpa OPEB) volunteered to be Chair of that group. The group
spent the first meeting with the actuary, who does the actual report every two years, and most of
the time was spent learning about the methodology and looking at the numbers.
Today we basically outlined what the group's work product is going to look like, as well as a
discussion about the investment policy. They will continue to get more into investment policy
at their next meeting. Their plan is to meet every week until they get a report to the School
Committee. He added that it is a good group of individuals, and they hope to come up with a
product that the School Committee can consider.
Ms. Nourse thanked Mr. Ledoux and the members of the Finance Committee for all their work.
8. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
d. Policy Subcommittee—Alice DeLuca
Policies for Review:
Ms. DeLuca noted that this review will require some time to go through and that the Admissions
Policy will then be submitted to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
Ms. DeLuca addressed nine questions that were submitted by Mr. Stulin.
Mr. Stulin's questions are in italics:
1. Under III Eligibility Nonresident students the word "ALL"looks like "A i 1" This
could just be my word processor but it looks odd.
This is a typographical error under the section 3 where the word 'all' is misspelled due
to right justifying of the text.
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2. Under IV Organization structure second paragraph., It talks about the SC
vote on slot allocation in June. I do not really understand this. Will we really
know in June how we will want to perform slot allocation for acceptances in
March? Furthermore, I know that this is silly, but if the time is really June
should it mention that this slot allocation portents to the upcoming school
year? That is obvious but some people...
Mr. Chiariello explained that as it is written, which is that it's a minimum slot allocation,
we are not allocating the total allocation.You would be voting on the formula on a yearly
basis.
Mr. Stulin shared that they still would have priority at that point over out-of-district
students until later in the process.
3. Next paragraph responsibilities of admission director part i) word should be data not
date.
There was a typo—date should be data.
4. Under V recruitment do we want to "hard wire"the phone number into the document?
Probably will not change but it might.
There was agreement that since the phone number has been the same for at least 25 years,
we would let that go.
S. Under VI Application Procedures on incomplete applications. What if an application
was started before Feb 15, was incomplete, but completed on Feb 16. Does this count
as on-time?It shouldn't but I can see an irate parent complaining that the application
was only incomplete because of some obscure reason and not their fault. Do we need
language to cover this or just deal with it when the situation arises. Which it will.
Mr. Chiariello explained that a qualified applicant must have completed all parts by Feb
15. He said they work with applicants to encourage them to complete their applications.
6. VII selection criteria, C school discipline/conduct This paragraph is very confusing. It
is unclear which suspensions are considered in assigning point values. Only ones for
more than 10 days? What is meant by cumulative? You refer here to the law for
explanations but I think that the paragraph is too confusing even with that referral.
Mr. Chiariello explained that one of the most significant changes made by the
Department of Education regarding admissions policies is this exact language. So,
instead of trying to simplify it and because it is legal in nature, and it is one of the things
that was emphasized most strongly by the advocacy groups,we thought we needed to put
the exact language in. Mr. Stulin asked for clarification on how the days are counted—
Mr. Chiariello noted that the suspension must be either at least ten days long or it can be
the sum of all the suspensions for a total of ten days. He referenced the statutes. 37, 37
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H1/2, and 37 H3/4 (suspendable offences as referenced in the handbook). He noted these
are the rules that DESE has put in place and we will follow them.
7. VIII selection process definition of qualified applicant. My understanding is that a
student who has been suspended multiple times still a qualified applicant but just loses
points in the ranking process. Is this true? Same for unexcused absences?I think this is
the intent but I am a bit worried especially for a student with multiple suspensions. Any
language about ":dangerousness?"I suspect there is nothing we can do about
this...Mr. Chiariello stated that you cannot disqualify an applicant for excessive
absences, They can lose points, but they cannot be disqualified.
8. Same section: "If a member town does not have enough qualified applicants" should we
add"fully completed by March 1" I know that the date is obvious by context but
perhaps the deadline date should be repeated. Mr. Stulin said he is trying to anticipate
the most extreme thing that a person could do; he believes that it is clear that it comes
under that section,but somebody was to take that out of context. Mr. Stulin referred to
the sentence 'if a member town does not have enough qualified applicants..."He was
interested in adding the date March 1. Dr. Bouquillon was concerned that adding back
another date besides Feb. 15 would confuse students. February 15 is the day. Ms.
Nourse stated that she felt it was clear what a qualified applicant is—they have
completed everything by Feb. 15. She felt that this lays out clearly what a qualified
applicant is. Ms. Leone talked about added if a member town did not have enough
applicants to fill their member town allocation by Feb 15, then those slots would go to
other member town applicants. Dr. Bouquillon pointed out that we will approve this
annually, and the policy must be filed every year. There is some trigger point where
they require we go to a lottery. This is meant to be reviewed, in the public eye, with
school committees and regional vocational schools being very thoughtful about it. We
are very thoughtful about it, we think this policy is good, and that it is fair. It is
dynamic and we can adjust it from year to year. Mr. Ruderman asked for clarification
that each time we have a chart with a criterion on it and several points next to it, is it
presumed that if the applicant meets that criterion, then that whole number of points is
assigned under that qualification. For example, if someone receives an excellent rating
on the interview, they are going to score 20 and the next gets a score of 15, and there is
nothing in between. Dr. Bouquillon agreed. Mr. Stulin indicated that they did that on
purpose to show lack of bias. Dr. Bouquillon noted that it must be as least subjective as
possible and as objective as possible.
9. Same section under item 2. "order of their application score" should be add "regardless
of origin town."Again,pretty obvious but...Mr. Stulin is concerned that the town
officials or people in the community will not understand that if you want guaranteed
slots, the application has to be received by this date and after this date, you no longer
have those guaranteed slots and they then go into the general pool and in that general
pool, everybody comes out of it by rank order and not by what member town they come
from. He is concerned if that idea is in this policy sufficiently, as well as the slot
allocation procedure. Ms. DeLuca read from page 24-25 in the packet `If the pool of
qualified member town applicants who met the February 15 deadline is exhausted and a
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seat becomes available, it will be offered to a qualified member town applicant who
completed the application process after February 15th based on the rank order of their
application score" and add the words "regardless of origin town."
Ms. DeLuca asked for the people who must administer this if that alters anything for them.
Mr. O'Connor suggested we rephrase it to say `It would be offered to all available qualified
member town applicants."
Ms. Leone suggested on the page above, there is a paragraph that says, if a member town does
not have enough qualified applicants to fill their slot allocation by the February 15th deadline,
(we could add)that their seats will be offered to the qualified member town applicants based on
the rank order of the pool remaining qualified applicants. She suggested that clarifies it and once
you have reached February 15th, it does not matter where you come from as long as you are in
district.
Mr. Stulin clarified that was the idea he wanted to make sure was included there. Dr. Bouquillon
agreed that it seems more straightforward.
Ms. Nourse confirmed that this would mean adding the date to that paragraph on Page 24.
Mr. Chiariello shared that he believes we developed that pool of qualified applicants remaining.
Mr. O'Connor agreed, suggesting "ranked on the order of the pool remaining qualified
applicants" and then add a date.
Ms. Leone suggested that applicants fill their slot allocation as of February 15th, their seats will
be offered to the qualified member town applicants.
Ms. Nourse and Mr. O'Connor agreed with the clarification.
Mr. Stulin stated that it works for him,and he just wanted to make sure that it didn't inadvertently
change any procedure that. Mr. Chiariello stated that it will not be an issue.
Ms. DeLuca stated that the Committee has now reviewed all the changes that were sent in and
asked if there were any other comments.
Mr. Stulin stated that when he saw how much care was put into this and the amount of time it
has taken, he felt it was very important and the people who wrote this deserved for it to be read
as carefully as he could. It was because of the quality of the work put into it and how clear it
was, taking into consideration how complicated this is, that made it possible for him to get
through it enough times to bring up the comments.
Ms. DeLuca praised the staff for their hard work on this policy.
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VOTE: To approve the Admissions Policy for second reading, as amended
ACTION 2021 #206
Moved(Leone)and seconded(O'Connor),
To approve the Admissions Policy for second reading, as amended
VOTE: 9 members in room at time of vote
Weighted Vote present: 100%
Weight needed: >50%
Names of towns opposing or abstaining:
Final percentage results of vote: 100%
Final status of the vote: Unanimous
Roll Call:
Pam Nourse, Chair(Acton) (Yes)
Michael Ruderman(Arlington) (Yes)
Dave O'Connor(Bolton) (Yes)
Steve LeDoux (Concord) (Yes)
Ford Spalding (Dover)Yes)
Jennifer Leone (Lancaster) (Yes)
Judy Crocker(Lexington) (Yes)
Jeff Stulin(Needham) (Yes)
Alice DeLuca(Stow) (Yes)
Ms. DeLuca thanked Amy Perreault, Anthony Chiariello, Dan O'Brien, Dr. Bouquillon, the
attorneys, everyone.
Policy Section B —second reading:
Ms. DeLuca continued to policy Section B, which requires an edit on Page 57. There is a typo,
caught by Jennifer Leone -there is no month of Mary, and it should read May.
Ms. Nourse thanked the Policy Subcommittee for all their hard work.
VOTE: To approve Section B of the Policy Manual for second read, as
amended
ACTION 2021 #207
Moved(Leone)and seconded(O'Connor),
To approve Section B of the Policy Manual, as amended
VOTE: 9 members in room at time of vote
Weighted Vote present: 100%
Weight needed: > 50%
Names of towns opposing or abstaining:
Final percentage results of vote: 100%
Final status of the vote: Unanimous
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Roll Call:
Pam Nourse, Chair(Acton) (Yes)
Michael Ruderman(Arlington) (Yes)
Dave O'Connor(Bolton) (Yes)
Steve LeDoux(Concord)(Yes)
Ford Spalding(Dover)Yes)
Jennifer Leone (Lancaster)(Yes)
Judy Crocker(Lexington) (Yes)
Jeff Stulin(Needham)(Yes)
Alice DeLuca(Stow) (Yes)
e. CAA Subcommittee—Jeff Stulin
Slot Allocation Formula
Mr. Stulin shared that he provided a draft document for members and made a few comments.
Ms. Nourse indicated that it was Page 111 of the packet.
Mr. Stulin made suggestions that since this is for a specific year,he suggested that it should have
a title that matches the particular year since we are going to update this every year.
Next,he suggested that the table did not include the last column and that the percentages should
be added in a final column.
Lastly, he suggested we should state that the above allocated slot reservations are only held for
qualified member towns' student applications received by. Should we say, "completed by
February 15, 2022, and for more data details regarding the minimum admission process, please
see the formal amendment Admission Policy document."
Ms. Crocker commented that she liked that idea, because it is a cross reference, but suggested
that when we mention the Admission Policy we include the MASC letter code JF as well.
Ms. Leone suggested including some mechanism for getting there; Mr. O'Connor suggested a
hyperlink, and Ms. Nourse suggested using a QR code.
Mr. Stulin noted that links always break, and we should reference the document. The slot
allocation is rewritten every year. Dr. Bouquillon suggested a hyperlink there where it says
Admissions Policy.
Mr. Stulin reiterated the three suggestions were
1) changing the title to make it specific to the particular year
2) add the percentage column in the enrollment for a year rolling average table, and
3) the disclaimer statement at the end of the document where you only get the privilege of
having those slots for qualified applicants that are completed by February 15tH
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Ms. Nourse asked Dr. Perreault and Mr. Chiariello if they foresee any problem with putting
particularly the date in here. Mr. Chiariello stated no, it is the same information and that it would
match the Admissions Policy.
Ms. DeLuca gave an example of the small community of Dover which sometimes has very few
students. By this methodology, there would be no seats reserved, there would only be one
applicant by February 15th and applicant No. 2 shows up later, they don't have their minimum
anymore, and she worries about that.
Mr. Stulin stated that if we're going to have the February 15th cutoff date,people must deal with
it,we're going to do everything we can to let you understand it,then we must have a cutoff date.
Ms. Nourse noted that the Admissions Police was just approved and that includes the February
15 date and that is really the key date before applicants go back to the member town pool.
Ms. DeLuca agreed and there is still a possibility that they could get in because they would be
in the member town pool. Ms. Nourse agreed.
Mr. Ruderman said the towns that exceed their allocations are just going to be waiting for those
slots to open.
Ms. Crocker clarified the applications must be completed by February 15, and suggested the
statement read `completed applications must be received by February 15. She gave the example
that one could complete the application, but if it is sitting in your inbox, then everything is to
Mr. Stulin's point.
Ms. Nourse added that it should mirror the language that we just approved.
Mr. Chiariello shared that he does not like the word `applications' to live by itself,because it's a
process where all the pieces need to be completed by that date,not just the informational portion
of the online or paper application.
Dr. Bouquillon edited the language of the slot allocation document to state "only qualified
applicants who have met the February 15, 2022 deadline will be considered".
Mr. Stulin added that he thought this revision of the document was well thought out and is quite
clear and fits on one page. Ms. Nourse agreed.
Dr. Bouquillon shared that for those of us who weren't around during the five years of revising
the Regional Agreement, the fact that we are referencing the Regional Agreement gives it
strength because everyone went through the process of discussing this allocation formula.
VOTE: To approve the slot allocation formula, as amended
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ACTION 2021 #208
Moved(Leone)and seconded(O'Connor),
To approve the slot allocation formula, as amended
VOTE: 9 members in room at time of vote
Weighted Vote present: 100%
Weight needed: > 50%
Names of towns opposing or abstaining:
Final percentage results of vote: 100%
Final status of the vote: Unanimous
Roll Call:
Pam Nourse, Chair(Acton) (Yes)
Michael Ruderman(Arlington) (Yes)
Dave O'Connor(Bolton) (Yes)
Steve LeDoux(Concord)(Yes)
Ford Spalding(Dover)Yes)
Jennifer Leone (Lancaster)(Yes)
Judy Crocker(Lexington) (Yes)
Jeff Stulin(Needham)(Yes)
Alice DeLuca(Stow) (Yes)
c. Superintendent Screening Committee—Ford Spalding
Mr. Spalding read a memorandum which he will be sending to the School Committee tomorrow
morning, and it will explain what this group has been doing over several weeks.
The Minuteman Superintendent Screening Committee met 5 times in person and
interviewed the six applicants who applied for the position of Superintendent-Director of
Minuteman. The six were the only applicants. The interviews lasted 75 minutes each
and the same questions were asked of all applicants.
Last evening the Screening Committee unanimously voted to recommend to you, the
Minuteman School Committee, three finalist candidates to enter the School Committee
selection process and they are:
Dr. Kathleen A. (Eun Kyoung) Dawson: She currently is Deputy Superintendent of
the Orange County Schools in North Carolina. Her previous positions are: Chief
Innovation Officer Guilford Country Schools,NC/Executive Director of School
Support& Improvement, Metro Nashville Public Schools, TN/Managing Director,
EduVest, Inc. Boston, MA/and before that she worked in 3 other schools in the Boston
area.
Kevin McCaskill: He is currently an Assistant Superintendent of the Boston School
System. He served 6 years as the Executive Director(a Superintendent position) of the
Madison Park Vocational School in Boston. For 5 years he was the Director of
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secondary schools in Hartford, CT/6 years as Principal of Putnam Vocational in
Springfield, MA.
Amy C. Perreault: She is currently the Assistant Superintendent at Minuteman. Her 7
years at Minuteman also included the positions of Director of Special Education and
Special Education Supervisor. She also had a couple of other roles in schools.
The current plan for the School Committee is to complete our selection process within
the month of January 2022. The process will include for each Finalist:
A day on the Minuteman campus for an in-person tour, in-person meetings with the
Executive Administrative Team, Faculty & staff, and Stakeholders (Parents, District
representatives, etc. This would be by Zoom.). Followed by a School Committee in-
person interview.
The tentative schedule is January 6, 13, 20 (all Thursdays)to have the applicants on
campus on individual separate dates to tour the school & campus, meet with staff, meet
with stakeholders and interview with the School Committee. Then on Wednesday,
January 26 the School Committee meets to make its recommendation as to the next
Superintendent-Director. So please save those dates to your calendar. All our
interviews and deliberations will be in-person. Tentatively these will be at 7 pm.
Glenn Koocher(MASC) and Ford will coordinate all reference checks.
Additional information, including their original applications, will be sent to you next
week. All meetings, deliberations and votes are to be held in public open meetings as
we move forward.
Finally, I wish to express my appreciation for the work of the Minuteman
Superintendent Screening Committee. The members worked exceptionally hard for this
assignment, and they deserve our praise and thanks. The members are Jimmy Cataldo
(Parent from Lexington), Adam Chapdelaine (Town Manager Arlington), Alice DeLuca
(School Committee),Niki Devereaux(Minuteman Faculty), Christine Higgins
(Parent/Acton), Amy Hutchings (Minuteman Faculty), Pam Nourse (School
Committee), Carmin Reiss (Moderator Concord), Ford Spalding (School Committee),
Al St. George (Minuteman Faculty), Jeff Stulin (School Committee), Brian Tildsley
(Minuteman Administration). And our consultant Glenn Koocher(MASC)."
Mr. Spalding added that as the Screening Committee knows,they heard from him frequently and
the School Committee will also hear from him frequently as we go through the process reminding
them of things, because this process needs to be very fair, very honest, and very helpful, so we
can make an informed decision as to who will be the next superintendent.
Mr. Stulin added that it is very important for everybody to understand that we do not talk about
these candidates, except during our deliberations, and asked if some of what we are going to
receive is public information or not.
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Mr. Spalding said that everything the committee receives will be public information. Everything
should go through him.
Mr. Koocher responded that the information is about professional conduct is a matter of public
record. The resumes are public. The rest of the information is considered personnel documents.
Mr. Spalding noted that the School Committee will receive documents,but that it is confidential
information.
Mr. Koocher reiterated that the School Committee should treat it as confidential information
until the process concludes.
Mr. Spalding added that to be safe everybody, keep their opinions and their discussions to
themselves and use those only in the deliberations with the Committee. The Screening
Committee did an excellent job, and he believes most people will attest to that, and while the
group was in Executive Session the entire time, they never discussed the candidates outside of
those meetings.
Ms. Crocker thanked all for their hard work and asked in terms of confidentiality, would it be
safer if they received documents via snail mail versus email.
Mr. Spalding shared that email is fine, if it goes to me; responding to all is very dangerous.
Mr. Spalding added that this is going to be a very busy January, but we are going to get the job
done. The job of the School Committee is to come up with one person out of the three candidates
who will move forward. If we cannot do that, then we go back out and start the search all over
again, and if that is the case, then there is nothing wrong with that.
Ms. Nourse thanked Mr. Spalding for his leadership on the Screening Committee. It was a
wonderful process that was very fair, and Mr. Spalding set a terrific tone for it. She also thanked
Glenn Koocher for all his leadership and guidance through this process.
Mr. Spalding added that we are only halfway done.
Mr. Koocher stated that everyone should understand that MASC does not get paid until we have
a signed contract with the superintendent whether it this year or the year after. They are
committed to the success of this process.
Mr. Spalding added that he believes members will find the candidates extremely interesting.
Ms.Nourse asked members to please hold those dates and if there is any reason that they have a
commitment which absolutely cannot be changed, please let Ms. Pisegna know.
Mr. Spalding asked that they let Ms. Pisegna know immediately if they have a conflict because
he is trying to schedule everybody,not only the candidates and School Committee members,but
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the school, the faculty, and everyone else. He asked that everyone make every effort to make it
work. He wished everyone a restful holiday.
9. SECRETARY'S REPORT,Alice DeLuca
a. Approval of Draft Minutes of November 14, 2021
Ms. DeLuca noted that she did not receive any comments on the minutes.
VOTE: To approve the draft minutes of November 14,2021, as presented
ACTION 2021 #209
Moved(Leone)and seconded(Spalding),
To approve the draft minutes of November 14,2021, as presented
VOTE: 9 members in room at time of vote
Weighted Vote present: 100%
Weight needed: >50%
Names of towns opposing or abstaining:
Final percentage results of vote: 100%
Final status of the vote: Unanimous
Roll Call:
Pam Nourse, Chair(Acton) (Yes)
Michael Ruderman(Arlington) (Yes)
David O'Connor(Bolton) (Yes)
Steve LeDoux(Concord)(Yes)
Ford Spalding(Dover)Yes)
Jennifer Leone (Lancaster)(Yes)
Judy Crocker(Lexington) (Yes)
Jeff Stulin(Needham)(Yes)
Alice DeLuca(Stow) (Yes)
9) EXECUTIVE SESSION:
Only one topic was to be discussed, although two had been proposed as possibilities on the
agenda.
ACTION 2021 #210
Moved(Leone) and seconded(O'Connor),
To enter Executive Session pursuant to M.G.L. c.30A, §20(a)(3) to discuss
strategy with respect to likely litigation with the Town of Lincoln if an open
meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining or litigating position of
the public body and the chair so declares. Dr. Bouquillon and Julia Pisegna will
join, and the committee will not return to Open Session.
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047
VOTE: 9 members in room at time of vote
Weighted Vote present: 100%
Weight needed: >50%
Names of towns opposing or abstaining: none
Final percentage results of vote: 100%
Final status of the vote: Unanimous
Roll Call:
Pam Nourse, Chair(Acton) (Yes)
Michael Ruderman(Arlington) (Yes)
Dave O'Connor(Bolton) (Yes)
Steve LeDoux(Concord)(Yes)
Ford Spalding(Dover)Yes)
Jennifer Leone (Lancaster)(Yes)
Judy Crocker(Lexington) (Yes)
Jeff Stulin(Needham)(Yes)
Alice DeLuca(Stow) (Yes)
Respectfully submitted,
Julia Pisegna Alice DeLuca
District Assistant Secretary
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