HomeMy WebLinkAboutFINAL SC Mtg Minutes 2017-01-19.pdf FINAL
Approved 1.31.17
OPEN SESSION MINUTES
MINUTEMAN REGIONAL VOCATIONAL TECHNICAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
BUDGET HEARING 6:30 PM
REGULAR SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING 7:00 PM
RESCHEDULED JANUARY 19, 2017
PAUL REVERE ROOM,MINUTEMAN HIGH SCHOOL
Present:
Jeff Stulin, Chair(Needham) Pam Nourse(Acton)
Carrie Flood,Vice-Chair(Concord) Sharon Antia(Lincoln)
Dave Horton, Secretary(Lexington) Jim Gammill(Belmont)
Alice DeLuca(Stow)
Ford Spalding(Dover)
Vince Amoroso(Boxborough)
Christine Lear(Carlisle)
David O'Connor(Bolton)
Weighted Vote: 11 members present at the start of the meeting,with Weighted Vote: 59.03%
Absent: Jennifer Leone(Lancaster),Doug Gillespie(Weston), Sue Sheffler(Arlington),Mary Ellen
Castagno (Wayland),Dave Manjarrez(Sudbury)
Others Present: Mary Ann Williams,the Gilbane Team,William Blake, Connie Maynard, Bob Domnitz
of the Lincoln Planning Board
BUDGET HEARING ON PROPOSED FY 18 BUDGET
1. CALL TO ORDER: OPEN SESSION
a. Presentation on Proposed FY 18 Budget,Kevin Mahoney
The Chair called the Budget Hearing to order at 6:30 PM. Mr. Mahoney gave a presentation on the
Proposed FY 18 Budget,covering such topics as: Guiding Values, School Wide Goals,Overall FY 18
Budget/Assessments,Achievements, Spring 2016 MCAS Results,District Challenges,FY 18 Budget
Guidelines, 3 Yr. Budget History,Revenue Plan,FY 18 Budget Considerations, Staffing,Enrollment,and
Expenditures by Function Code. He noted that with the exiting of Lincoln,the Budget Hearing can be
moved to a few weeks later next year.
b. Public Comment on Proposed FY 18 Budget
There was no Public Comment. The floor was offered to School Committee members,who expressed
comments on who was included in the total number of visitors for showcase days,the noteworthy success
of 1st try MCAS passages,how grants relate to the budget,how state funds impact the budget,the
multiyear perspective necessary for planning, and per pupil cost. Mr. Mahoney was commended for an
excellent report,and he extended appreciation to the Superintendent's Executive Team, staff, and the
Finance Subcommittee. The Chair pointed out that the lack of controversy points to the effort that went
in to preparing the budget, and the Vice Chair noted to those staff in the audience that,while they weren't
able to get everything they requested, she feels their pain.
1
2. ADJOURNMENT
The Budget Hearing item being completed,the School Committee took the following vote:
ACTION 2017#1
Moved(Spalding)and seconded(O'Connor)
To adjourn the FY 18 Budget Hearing at 7:00 PM
VOTE:
Members in room at time of vote: 11 (Absent: Wayland,Lancaster,Weston,Arlington, Sudbury)
Weighted Vote present: 59.03%
Weight needed: 29.52%
Names of towns opposing or abstaining:None
Final percentage results of vote: 59.03%
Final status of the vote: Passed Unanimously
REGULAR MEETING
1. CALL TO ORDER: OPEN SESSION
The Chair called the Regular Meeting to order at 7:00 PM.
2. STUDENT REPORT
There was no Student Report.
3. SCHOOL BUILDING COMMITTEE REPORT
a. Update on Design Process,Ford Spalding
Mr. Spalding invited the guest speakers to sit at the front of the table, introducing MaryAnn Williams,
Skanska, and the Gilbane Team including Joanna Kripp,Walter Kincaid, and Tripp McElroy. He then
gave a summary on the status of the design process,referencing materials included in the packet on
meetings that have been held,the next round of renderings, and the budget estimates. He commended
staff who have been phenomenal as the process continues. He noted the involvement with the
Preservation Area Lab of Rhode Island,which will be looking at the site for artifacts, and commended the
Superintendent for his serious involvement with the National Parks to address this upfront, and he noted
the involvement with Lincoln,Lexington,and Hanscom with regard to permitting.
b. Update on Construction Manager at Risk Selection Process,MaryAnn Williams,Skanska
MaryAnn Williams gave a comprehensive overview of the Construction Manager at Risk Selection
process, from the Request for Qualifications to the interviews and selection of Gilbane Building
Company,that stood out as the most advantageous firm to recommend to the School Building Committee
in order to commence negotiations. She commended their capacity as a seasoned team with experience
both with a project of this scale and with Ch. 74 programming, and also commended their creative
thinking.
c. Presentation by Gilbane Building Company, Walter Kincaid and Joanna Kripp
Gilbane Team members then gave a presentation,highlighting the scope of work by the Gilbane Building
Company,the skills and experience of members who will be working on the project,and the anticipated
schedule from Spring,2017 through to occupation of the building in Fall,2019. They also described
anticipated demolition of the current site from the Fall,2019 to the Summer of 2020,when they will be
done. They emphasized that they like to build schools. They described their interest in supporting the
academics, supporting the students to get experience onsite in the real-time laboratory,they spoke of the
passion everyone on the team has for what they do, and they discussed the value of professional skills
development for girls in the trades and Gilbane's advancement efforts within their organization. They
also addressed that the learning happens organically and automatically in this kind of environment. The
project is the core curriculum, and it is a source of employment,given the need for good trades people.
The current intern at Kaestle Boos,who was a student at Minuteman,was cited as an example of this
collaboration.
2
They also discussed cost savings anticipated with the truncated schedule, as well as the realistic focus and
attention to contingencies. It was noted that meetings with the Lincoln Planning Board have been
underway since October,2016,and that there are some hurdles still to discuss. It was noted that the good
news of cost savings and a shortened scheduled was not foreseeable, given the delays and the
unpredictability of the approval process along the way. The Chair emphasized that there are many
unknowns in a building project such as this,and there are no guarantees. Good design, flexibility, and
competence of the team were noted as key ingredients. It was pointed out that some items came off the
design, and may be able to be added back in,with the cost savings,but real clarity won't be known until
the costs estimates are put out to bid. The extent of the risk will be known with early packages of two
independent estimates reviewed 3 times. Bob Domnitz, seated in the audience,offered some suggestions
based on his experience as a member of the Lincoln Planning Board. The member from Stow
commended the inclusion of facilities management in the curriculum, as it supports Minuteman's
standing as a cutting-edge school. She also hoped some of the virtual reality material can be brought to
the presentations,as this,too, is cutting-edge. The School Building Committee chair invited all to attend
their meetings, and noted that the next one is scheduled for Monday January 23, 2017 at 5:00 PM in the
Paul Revere Room. It was also noted that some of the details presented dovetail nicely with Admissions
efforts, and that this is very positive, as the major opportunities the project presents for students can be
used as active promotion of the education Minuteman offers its students.
d. Approval of Construction Manager at Risk Contract
Mr. Spalding noted that the School Building Committee has voted to recommend that the School
Committee approve the award of the contract to Gilbane, and that the contract has been reviewed by legal
counsel for both Gilbane and Minuteman. He then read the motion,and the following vote was then
taken:
ACTION 2017#2
Moved(Spalding) and seconded(DeLuca)
To approve the award of a contract with Gilbane Building Co.,Inc. ("Gilbane")to act as
Construction Manager At Risk in connection with the replacement of the existing high
school building through construction of a new high school facility and related work(the
"Project"), such contract to be in substantially the form presented to this meeting with
such revisions as may be approved by the Chair of the School Building Committee (the
"Contract")
VOTE:
Members in room at time of vote: 11 (Absent: Wayland,Lancaster,Weston,Arlington, Sudbury)
Weighted Vote present: 59.03%
Weight needed: 29.52%
Names of towns opposing or abstaining:None
Final percentage results of vote: 59.03%
Final status of the vote: Passed Unanimously
e. Authorization of School Building Committee Roles and Responsibilities
Mr. Spalding then explained that the next vote is a clarification, outlining the School Building
Committee's role and responsibilities. He confirmed that this was written by counsel, and that it is typical
for Building Committees. He noted that the School Committee has approved the three major contracts,
and because of their meeting schedule,this vote will expedite approval of future amendments to contracts
and payments. He explained the oversight currently in place with payment approvals. He then read the
motion, and the following vote was taken:
3
ACTION 2017#3
Moved(Spalding)and seconded(DeLuca)
To authorize the School Building Committee to act on behalf of the District and the
School Committee in connection with such Contract as follows: to make final and
binding decisions on behalf of the District with respect to such Contract and any
amendments thereto; to enter into,execute and deliver the Contract and any
amendments thereto at any time and from time to time and to bind the District
to its terms and conditions; in the discretion of the School Building Committee,to
designate one or more of the members of the School Building Committee to sign the
Contract and any amendments thereto on its behalf;to review and provide approval
recommendations to the Finance Subcommittee regarding invoices,requests for
payment and other disbursements with respect to the Project and/or pursuant to or
related to the Contract at any time and from time to time with the Finance Committee
to review and sign warrants related to the Project acting directly on the
recommendation of the School Building Committee and without further authorization
from the School Committee; to take all actions necessary or related to the
administration of the Contract and any amendments thereto; and to authorize the
School Building Committee, in its own discretion,to delegate one or more individuals
acceptable to the School Building Committee to represent the School Building
Committee and act as a contact person for the School Building Committee with respect
to the Contract
VOTE:
Members in room at time of vote: 11 (Absent: Wayland,Lancaster,Weston,Arlington, Sudbury)
Weighted Vote present: 59.03%
Weight needed: 29.52%
Names of towns opposing or abstaining:None
Final percentage results of vote: 59.03%
Final status of the vote: Passed Unanimously
With no objection,there was a brief recess at 8:00 PM to sign documents, so that the Gilbane Team could
leave with them for execution.
The meeting resumed at 8:10 PM.
4. CHAIR'S REPORT,Jeff Stulin
a. Amendment to Public Records Law: Effective January 1,2017
The Chair noted that explanatory materials had been included in the packet. It was explained that
preliminary details had been posted on the website at the first of the year, and that this vote ensures
compliance. The following vote was then taken:
ACTION 2017#4
Moved(Stulin)and seconded(Horton)
To designate Edward A. Bouquillon, Superintendent, and his designee, as Records Access
Officer(RAO) and post contact information conspicuously on website
VOTE:
Members in room at time of vote: 11 (Absent: Wayland, Lancaster,Weston,Arlington, Sudbury)
Weighted Vote present: 59.03%
Weight needed: 29.52%
Names of towns opposing or abstaining:None
Final percentage results of vote: 59.03%
Final status of the vote: Passed Unanimously
4
5. PUBLIC COMMENT
There was no Public Comment.
6. SUPERINTENDENT'S LEADERSHIP GOALS REPORT,Ed Bouquillon
Goal 1: (District Improvement,Module 6)
Update under School Building Committee Report
The Superintendent noted that this was covered previously.
Goal 2/4: (District Improvement/Professional Practice)
Update on District Targeted Review Report
The Superintendent reported that the District Targeted Review Report has been received and that key
concerns were addressed. He noted one of the main areas was the development of a more streamlined
School Improvement Plan,which is now in place,as reported earlier in the year by Principal Dillon. He
noted that he anticipates sharing the District Targeted Review Report with the School Committee and
posting it on the website soon.
Goal 3: (Student Learning)
a. Status of Anticipated Reports to the School Committee
The Superintendent reported that his Executive Team members are working on a variety of reports for the
School Committee. With the soft enrollment deadline of February 1,he anticipates that Mr. Clement will
have an Enrollment Report for the March meeting. Additionally,the Academy Development Team will
be ready to report on their activities in March, and the Team working with DESE on the SPED Task
Force will be reporting by April. He also noted that to address the students at risk issues,he will be
instituting an annual training in suicide prevention, and will be sending out letters to parents soon.
b.Intergovernmental Agreement with Acton-Boxborough
Dr. Bouquillon reported that he was informed that the Acton-Boxborough School Committee did approve
this agreement at its recent meeting. He reminded the Committee that this was for the Middle School
program. The Vice Chair noted that the Acton representative had stated her desire that the AB School
Committee consider and approve it before Minuteman, and that having been done, she (the Vice Chair)
was comfortable with taking the vote now. The following vote was then taken:
ACTION 2017#5
Moved(DeLuca)and seconded(Spalding)
To approve the Intergovernmental Agreement with Acton-Boxborough, as presented(v. 4
12.13.16)
VOTE:
Members in room at time of vote: 11 (Absent: Wayland, Lancaster,Weston,Arlington, Sudbury)
Weighted Vote present: 59.03%
Weight needed: 29.52%
Names of towns opposing or abstaining: None
Final percentage results of vote: 59.03%
Final status of the vote: Passed Unanimously
7.ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT,Kevin Mahoney
a. Approval of FY 18 Budget and Preliminary Assessments
To approve the FY 18 Budget, as presented
To approve the FY 18 Preliminary Assessments, as presented
The Vice Chair explained that the vote count in the room was 59.03%, falling short of the requirement of
66.7% of the weighted vote of the entire Committee, as stated in the Regional Agreement(excerpt,
5
Attachment B). The Chair noted that a special meeting will need to be scheduled to take the budget
votes, given the legal requirements for conducting the meeting. The member from Stow suggested that if
it is a problem getting a quorum and taking votes with required percentages of weighted votes,between
now and the end of June,the Depat latent of Education should be notified.
b. Approval of 2017-18 Post Grad Tuition
Mr. Mahoney explained that changes to the program are under consideration due to enrollment concerns,
and until those changes are finalized,he is proposing leaving the FY 18 rates the same as FY 17. He also
explained that member towns pay 50%of the tuition and the student pays 50%,while the student pays full
tuition if from a non-member town. The following vote was then taken:
ACTION 2017#6
Moved(Spalding)and seconded(DeLuca)
To approve the FY 18 (2017-18)Post Grad Tuition rate, at the same rate as FY 17 (2016-17), as
presented
VOTE:
Members in room at time of vote: 11 (Absent: Wayland, Lancaster,Weston,Arlington, Sudbury)
Weighted Vote present: 59.03%
Weight needed: 29.52%
Names of towns opposing or abstaining:None
Final percentage results of vote: 59.03%
Final status of vote: Passed Unanimously
c.MARS Legal Fund Contribution
Mr.Mahoney explained that addressing the FY 15 mid-budget cycle, 9C cuts to Ch. 71 Regional
Transportation Reimbursement became a priority. MARS challenged the 9C reduction and asked
members to contribute $500 to a legal fund. This was brought to the School Committee on 12.16.14, and
after the Baker Administration reviewed the 9C reduction, a smaller cut was made and it asked that
MARS not take legal action. The consensus from MARS members was that MARS should retain the
funds. They are requesting a formal School Committee vote,because there may be future considerations
of a 9C reduction, and they would like to remain transparent. The following vote was then taken:
ACTION 2017#7
Moved(DeLuca)and seconded(Spalding)
To affirm the contribution of$500 made to the MARS Legal Fund in FY 15,intended to support
a possible challenge to 9C funding reductions, and to notify MARS of this action by
February 1,2017,as requested
VOTE:
Members in room at time of vote: 11 (Absent: Wayland,Lancaster,Weston,Arlington, Sudbury)
Weighted Vote present: 59.03%
Weight needed: 29.52%
Names of towns opposing or abstaining:None
Final percentage results of vote: 59.03%
Final status of vote: Passed Unanimously
d. Acceptance of Grant Funds
Mr.Mahoney explained the details of these funds, specifically how they were split between equipment
and supplies, and the following vote was taken:
6
ACTION 2017#8
Moved(Spalding)and seconded(O'Connor)
To accept the Mass. Life Sciences Center grant of$108,172 for STEM Equipment and
Supplies
VOTE:
Members in room at time of vote: 11 (Absent: Wayland, Lancaster,Weston,Arlington, Sudbury)
Weighted Vote present: 59.03%
Weight needed: 29.52%
Names of towns opposing or abstaining:None
Final percentage results of vote: 59.03%
Final status of vote: Passed Unanimously
8. PRINCIPAL'S REPORT,Jack Dillon
a. Out of State,Overnight Field Trip: Community Service and Learning Group to New Orleans
Mr. Dillon confirmed that all the trips presented for approval meet the requirements as outlined in School
Committee policies. He corrected the dates for the New Orleans trip, and the following vote was taken:
ACTION 2017#9
Moved(Spalding) and seconded(O'Connor)
To approve the Out of State,Overnight Field Trip: Community Service and Learning Group to
New Orleans,April 9-15,2017,as presented,with dates corrected
VOTE:
Members in room at time of vote: 11 (Absent: Wayland,Lancaster,Weston,Arlington, Sudbury)
Weighted Vote present: 59.03%
Weight needed: 29.52%
Names of towns opposing or abstaining:None
Final percentage results of vote: 59.03%
Final status of vote: Passed Unanimously
b. Overnight Field Trip: SkillsUSA Leadership Conference
Mr. Dillon reviewed the details of this trip, and the following vote was taken:
ACTION 2017#10
Moved(Spalding)and seconded(O'Connor)
To approve the Overnight Field Trip to Marlboro and Upton,MA for State Leadership and
Skills Conference April 27-29,2017, as presented
VOTE:
Members in room at time of vote: 11 (Absent: Wayland,Lancaster,Weston,Arlington, Sudbury)
Weighted Vote present: 59.03%
Weight needed: 29.52%
Names of towns opposing or abstaining:None
Final percentage results of vote: 59.03%
Final status of vote: Passed Unanimously
c. Overnight Field Trip: FFA Convention
Mr. Dillon explained that this trip will involve 10-20 students,and that the start date of this trip was not
yet solid, and the following vote was then taken:
7
ACTION 2017#11
Moved(Spalding)and seconded(DeLuca)
To approve the Overnight Field Trip to Sturbridge,MA for the FFA State Convention March
14 or 15 through 17,2017,as presented,with dates to be determined closer to the date
VOTE:
Members in room at time of vote: 11 (Absent: Wayland, Lancaster,Weston,Arlington, Sudbury)
Weighted Vote present: 59.03%
Weight needed: 29.52%
Names of towns opposing or abstaining:None
Final percentage results of vote: 59.03%
Final status of vote: Passed Unanimously
9. SECRETARY'S REPORT,Dave Horton
Mr. Horton presented the minutes for consideration,noting that he received no amendments, and the
following vote was taken:
ACTION 2017#12
Moved(Horton)and seconded(Antia)
To approve the past minutes of 12.13.16, as presented
VOTE:
Members in room at time of vote: 11 (Absent: Wayland,Lancaster,Weston,Arlington, Sudbury)
Weighted Vote present: 59.03%
Weight needed: 29.52%
Names of towns opposing or abstaining:None
Final percentage results of vote: 59.03%
Final status of vote: Passed Unanimously
10. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
a. Teacher Negotiations Subcommittee,Ford Spalding
At approximately 8:30 PM,Mr. Spalding explained there was a need for an Executive Session, and the
following vote was taken:
ACTION 2017#13
Moved(Spalding)and seconded(DeLuca)
To enter Executive Session 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. Mr. Spalding asked that Dr. Bouquillon,Ms.Rozan,Mr. Dillon, and Mr.
Mahoney remain in the room, and that the Committee return to Open Session.
VOTE:
Members in room at time of vote: 11 (Absent: Wayland, Lancaster,Weston,Arlington, Sudbury)
Weighted Vote present: 59.03%
Weight needed: 29.52%
The vote was taken by roll call:
Acton yes Stow yes
Belmont yes Dover yes
Lincoln yes Boxborough yes
8
Lexington yes Carlisle yes
Concord yes Bolton yes
Needham yes
Names of towns opposing or abstaining:None
Final percentage results of vote: 59.03%
Final status of the vote: Passed Unanimously
Return to Open Session
The Committee reentered Open Session at 9:00 PM,and the following vote was taken:
ACTION 2017#14
Moved(Spalding)and seconded(Antia)
To ratify the December 9,2016 Memorandum of Agreement between the Minuteman School
Committee and the Minuteman Faculty Association for a successor Collective Bargaining
Agreement for the period of July 1,2017 to June 30, 2020
VOTE:
Members in room at time of vote: 11 (Absent: Wayland,Lancaster,Weston,Arlington, Sudbury)
Weighted Vote present: 59.03%
Weight needed: 29.52%
Names of towns opposing or abstaining: Belmont(Opposed)
Final percentage results of vote: 52.13%
Final status of the vote: Passed
Mr. Spalding requested that School Committee members remain after the meeting to sign copies of the
ratified document(Attachment C).
11.ADJOURNMENT
ACTION 2017#15
Moved(Antia) and seconded(O'Connor)
To adjourn the meeting at 9:02 PM
VOTE:
Members in room at time of vote: 11 (Absent: Wayland,Lancaster,Weston,Arlington, Sudbury)
Weighted Vote present: 59.03%
Weight needed: 29.52%
Names of towns opposing or abstaining: None
Final percentage results of vote: 59.03%
Final status of the vote: Passed Unanimously
Respectfully submitted,
Elizabeth Rozan David C. Horton
District Assistant Secretary
9
ATTACHMENTS TO THE MINUTES OF 1.19.17
A. FY 18 Budget Presentation
B. Regional Agreement Excerpt on Budget Vote
C. Fully Executed MoU
10