HomeMy WebLinkAboutFINAL SC Mtg Minutes 2017-7-11.pdf FINAL
Approved 9.19.17
OPEN SESSION MINUTES
MINUTEMAN REGIONAL VOCATIONAL TECHNICAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
REGULAR SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING
JULY 11,2017 6:30 PM
PAUL REVERE ROOM, MINUTEMAN HIGH SCHOOL
Present: Absent:
Jeff Stulin, Chair(Needham) David O'Connor(Bolton)
Carrie Flood,Vice-Chair(Concord) Jennifer Leone (Lancaster)
Dave Horton, Secretary(Lexington)
Alice DeLuca(Stow)
Ford Spalding(Dover)
Pam Nourse(Acton)
Sue Sheffler(Arlington)
Jim Gammill(Belmont)
Weighted Vote: Weighted Vote present at start of meeting: 83.60%
Others Present: Ed Bouquillon,Kevin Mahoney, George Clement,Elizabeth Rozan
1. CALL TO ORDER: OPEN SESSION
The Chair called the meeting to order at 6:30 PM,with a quorum of members present.
2. CHAIR'S REPORT,Jeff Stulin
a. Revisions to the Weighted Voting Chart
The Chair noted that the revised Weighted Voting Chart was included in the packet.
b. Reappointments
The Chair acknowledged the reappointments of three members, from Lexington, Stow,and Arlington, and
extended thanks and congratulations to them.
3. PUBLIC COMMENT
There was no Public Comment.
4. SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT
a. Performance Review and FY 18 Salary Recommendation for Kevin Mahoney
The Superintendent referenced the materials included in the packet addressing Mr. Mahoney's performance.
He noted that this includes comments from members of the Finance Subcommittee. He expressed his
appreciation for Mr. Mahoney's exemplary performance, and commended his work to put the District in a
solid financial position,in spite of all the work that was never anticipated when he came on board. The
member from Stow added that her Town Manager and Board of Selectmen have great praise as well. The
following vote was then taken:
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ACTION 2017#46
Moved(DeLuca) and seconded(Flood)
Consistent with Section 7B of his contract,to approve the recommendation of
the Superintendent to increase Assistant Superintendent Kevin Mahoney's FY 18
salary by 2%, as presented
VOTE: 8 members in room at time of vote
Weighted Vote present: 83.60%
Weight needed: >41.80%
Names of towns opposing or abstaining: none
Final percentage results of vote: 83.60%
Final status of the vote: Unanimous
Mr.Mahoney expressed his appreciation.
b. Update on Academy Model Development: Summer Work Proposals
The Superintendent reported that he put out a request for Summer Work Proposals from staff related to the
Academy Model and school goals. He received back 20 proposals totaling$66,000, and was able to
approve 12 of them. He pointed out that staff are engaged, and 1/3 of them are working all summer on
many relevant and exciting projects. He expressed that he is pleased to see this going in the right direction.
The member from Dover noted that he was surprised to see so many faculty members on campus when he
was here earlier today, and without the students. The Chair offered his perspective as a public school
teacher that he has seen environments where there are many demands, and many projects that have no
merit, creating much frustration for teachers. Here he sees that the Academy Model is supported by all
parts of the organization,teachers are given planning time and conference time, and teachers are
volunteering to be engaged. He commended the reality that the building project is matching an educational
model,and expressed his opinion that this is evolution,not revolution.
5. PRINCIPAL'S REPORT, George Clement for Jack Dillon
a. Update on SkillsUSA Conference
Mr. Clement reported that 12 students were sent to the National Skills conference in St. Louis, and 6 came
home with medals. He explained that Minuteman students earned the second highest total medals for MA,
and the most gold,and that Minuteman became legendary at the conference,winning the most gold medals
of any similar size school in the country. He outlined participants and details on their projects as follows:
Community Action Project: Gold Medal,Brian Courtney and Colin Kelly,both seniors, from West Roxbury
and Sudbury respectively. Their project was about how to inform the public about invasive
species. Because they displayed great polish,they also ended up hosting an impromptu session fielding
questions from fans who wanted to know their process and presentation preparation.
Employment Application Process: Gold,Erin Noel, a junior from Medford. She prepared a resume,
portfolio,and cover letter and then completed a mock interview as if she were applying for job in
environmental science.
Related Technical Math: Gold, Sean Datar, senior from Acton. Students need to solve math word problems
that could occur in any career pathway. Last year,he took bronze and worked hard to get the Gold.
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Web Design: Bronze,Adam Powell and Ethan Francis-Wright both juniors from Arlington. Teams must
design a web page on the spot, and must overcome some surprise or handicap. This year's surprise task
required them to make the web page accessible to people with disabilities. They plan to get gold next year.
He also noted that the other two students competed in Career Pathways Project in Environmental Science
and Biotechnology finishing 8th, and 10th respectively.
Mr. Clement extended a special thanks to faculty Cliff Keirstead,Deb Eichhorst,Terry Regan,Pat Rafter,
and Larry Lambert for their tireless work supporting our kids through the Ski11sUSA journey.
The Superintendent added that these winners are the best in the USA and qualified for the international
competition,which occurs every other year.
6. SCHOOL BUILDING COMMITTEE REPORT,Ford Spalding
a. School Building Committee Update
Mr. Spalding called attention to the updated schedule of meetings at the table(Attachment A) and
summarized recent activities in permitting,ground breaking, and commencement of construction. He
noted that the 60%construction documents were submitted to MSBA earlier in the day, and with that the
costs are on target. He reported on the tree work being done, and acknowledged the enthusiasm of all
involved. He noted that the Town of Lincoln does not wish to be an impediment to the process. The Chair
inquired if there were any areas that were not going smoothly, and Mr. Spalding explained that they are not
yet sure that there will be sufficient funds for the fields. The Superintendent added that there is work
underway in the form of conversations with State Senator Jamie Eldridge and the law firm of Goulston and
Storrs relating to public-private partnerships,which would require that special legislation be filed on behalf
of the District. He anticipates that this will be discussed further with the School Committee in the late fall,
as the picture becomes clearer. He emphasized two criteria for partnership: mission compatibility and
campus centricity.
Mr. Spalding also urged that members visit the website(http://minuteman.org/domain/81)for updates,
announcements,neighborhood notifications,and photos of the process.
b. Update on School Building Committee Membership
Mr. Spalding explained that his goal has been to have representation from all member towns on the School
Building Committee (Attachment B). Toward that end,he requested that the Board of Selectmen from the
Town of Lancaster choose a nominee, and they nominated Town Manager Orlando Pacheco to serve. He
noted that he is familiar with Mr. Pacheco and welcomes his participation.
ACTION 2017#47
Moved(DeLuca) and seconded(Horton)
To approve the recommendation of the Town of Lancaster's Board of Selectmen to appoint Town
Administrator Orlando Pacheco as a member of the School Building Committee
VOTE: 8 members in room at time of vote
Weighted Vote present: 83.60%
Weight needed: >41.80%
Names of towns opposing or abstaining: none
Final percentage results of vote: 83.60%
Final status of the vote: Unanimous
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7. ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT,Kevin Mahoney
a. FY 18 Budget Update
Mr.Mahoney explained the details related to the need to amend the FY 18 Budget due to the lower than
projected prior year tuition. He reviewed the material in the packet,and noted that he was proposing
reducing the current budget(v. 3) from$19,449,466 to a revised amount of$18,999,479,representing a
reduction of 3.69%compared to the FY 17 budget. He emphasized that this amendment budget will not
change the FY 18 member assessments. He explained that on the revenue side,this budget will use an
additional $95,000 of certified E&D and reflects a slight increase in Ch. 70 state aid. He noted salary cost
reductions and other budget cuts as well. In response to questions,he noted that this has no impact for the
"Cherry Sheets"of the towns, and that he is planning for the trend of the slow decline in the out-of-district
tuition as enrollment of in-district students grows. He also noted that to amend the budget,a 2/3 weighted
vote is required. The following vote was then taken:
ACTION 2017#48
Moved(DeLuca) and seconded(Sheffler)
To amend the FY 18 Budget, from$19,449,466 to a revised total budget amount of$18,999,479, as
presented
VOTE: 8 members in room at time of vote
Weighted Vote present: 83.60%
Weight needed: >66.67%
Names of towns opposing or abstaining: none
Final percentage results of vote: 83.60%
Final status of the vote: Unanimous
b. Disposal of Surplus Property
Mr. Mahoney referenced materials at the table(Attachment C) listing furniture,equipment, and other
property owned by the District that is no longer used due to damage,obsolescence,or replacement. He also
noted that 3 vehicles received as corporate donations are also considered surplus. The following vote was
then taken:
ACTION 2017#49
Moved(DeLuca)and seconded(Spalding)
To authorize the disposal of surplus property, as presented
VOTE: 8 members in room at time of vote
Weighted Vote present: 83.60%
Weight needed: >41.80%
Names of towns opposing or abstaining: none
Final percentage results of vote: 83.60%
Final status of the vote: Unanimous
c.Bid Results
Mr.Mahoney also referred to material at the table(Attachment D)related to the RFP process for Financial
Advisory Services,needed for the construction phase of the building project. He explained the differences
between an RFP and an invitation to bid,the technical proposals received, and the price proposals of the
two qualified firms. He explained that based on conclusions of the technical review and price proposals,the
District will award the contract to UniBank Fiscal Advisory Services. He noted they are familiar with
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Minuteman, as they were engaged during the feasibility study stage of the building project. No vote was
necessary, as this was an informational item. Details can be found as Attachment D.
Items d,e,and f.
Mr.Mahoney explained that possible votes were listed on the agenda for an FY 17 Budget Transfer, an FY
18 Budget Transfer,and an Authorization to Transfer from the Stabilization Fund,but that no action is
needed,which in his opinion is a good thing.
8. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
a. Superintendent Negotiation and Evaluation Subcommittee(SN&ES),Dave Horton
1. Superintendent End of Cycle Evaluation and Recommendation
Mr. Horton explained that other members of the Subcommittee are Jennifer Leone and Dave O'Connor.
They met and reviewed the School Committee member comments, and recommended the following:
• that the Superintendent present a draft of his FY 18 goals to the School Committee at its meeting on
September 19,2017
• that the Superintendent continue the practice of identifying in School Committee agendas the goals
to which his updates and progress reports are related
• that the Superintendent continue the practice of providing the School Committee with an Executive
Summary of Progress towards Goals, as they found the one he provided to the School Committee in
this latest process to be extremely useful.
Additionally,he explained that as a result of the goals having been met or exceeded, and both the quality
and the range of the work,the Subcommittee is recommending the maximum allowable increase,per his
contract. The Vice Chair noted that as she read through the comments herself,it was clear that the goals
were met or exceeded, and that there was a sense of completion or a standard of performance that included
bringing in more people to gain a wider buy-in. She was very impressed,and thought it was good year.
The following vote was then taken:
ACTION 2017#50
Moved(Horton) and seconded(Spalding)
Consistent with Amendment A of his contract, dated 12.13.16,to approve
the recommendation of the SN&ES to increase the Superintendent's
salary by 2%for FY 18,representing an increase of$3,864.00,for a total salary
of$197,066.00
VOTE: 8 members in room at time of vote
Weighted Vote present: 83.60%
Weight needed: >41.80
Names of towns opposing or abstaining: none
Final percentage results of vote: 83.60%
Final status of the vote: Unanimous
The Superintendent expressed his appreciation.
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b. Special Policy Task Force: Review of Policies,Alice DeLuca
1.D policies 2"d reading
1. VOTE: To approve Draft New Policy DCB (Debt Management)for 2"dreading, as presented
2. VOTE: To approve Draft New Policy DFG(Investment Policy) for 2"d reading, as presented
3. VOTE: To approve Draft New Policy DFH(Cash Reserves) for 2nd reading, as presented
4. VOTE: To approve Draft Revision of Policy DIBB (Stabilization Fund) for 2'reading,
as presented
5. VOTE: To approve Draft Revision of Policy DJ(Purchasing)for 2nd reading, as presented
6. VOTE: To approve Draft Revision of Policy DJE(Bidding Requirements)for 2'reading, as
presented
7. VOTE: To approve Draft Revision of Policy DKAB (Warrant Signatures)for 2nd reading, as
presented
8. VOTE: To approve Draft Revision of Policy DN(School Properties Disposal) for 2"dreading,
as presented
It was suggested that having heard no comments on any of these policies, one vote be taken to approve them all for
2nd reading. There was no objection, and the following vote was taken:
ACTION 2017#51
Moved(DeLuca) and seconded(Spalding)
To approve D Policies listed as items 1-8 for 2nd reading, as presented
VOTE: 8 members in room at time of vote
Weighted Vote present: 83.60%
Weight needed: >41.80%
Names of towns opposing or abstaining: none
Final percentage results of vote: 83.60%
Final status of the vote: Unanimous
2.MASC Policy Review
Ms. DeLuca explained that she read the material thoroughly from the Massachusetts Association of School
Committees (MASC)and thought there was nothing major in the suggested changes, and that they are
mainly housekeeping word or legal reference changes. She encouraged expediting the process so that the
Policy Manual be kept up to date. All changes will be included in the packet as informational or to discuss
as necessary. With the agreement of the Committee,the following vote was taken:
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ACTION 2017#52
Moved(Spalding)and seconded(Sheffler)
To authorize the Policy Task Force to review the policies included in the MASC Policy Newsletter,
June 2017,make the recommended housekeeping changes, and to bring any that are
controversial to the School Committee for consideration
VOTE: 8 members in room at time of vote
Weighted Vote present: 83.60%
Weight needed: >41.80%
Names of towns opposing or abstaining: none
Final percentage results of vote: 83.60%
Final status of the vote: Unanimous
The Chair extended appreciation for Ms. DeLuca's efforts to keep this process focused and moving
forward.
9. SECRETARY'S REPORT,Dave Horton
Having heard no comments on the draft minutes,the following vote was taken:
ACTION 2017#53
Moved(Horton) and seconded(Spalding)
To approve the draft minutes of 6.13.17, as presented
VOTE: 8 members in room at time of vote
Weighted Vote present: 83.60%
Weight needed: >41.80%
Names of towns opposing or abstaining: 6 in favor,2 abstentions(Stow and Acton)
Final percentage results of vote: 66.83%
Final status of the vote: Passed
10. COMMENTS FROM THE OUTGOING CHAIR
Jeff Stulin offered comments in three areas,as he prepared to pass the reins to the next chair.
First,he noted that there are things he thinks about every week related to various emails he receives. He
knows it takes a lot to run the school,there are many ongoing tasks and issues that arise. He underscored
the need to maintain the good ground gained,particularly as the building project moves forward.
Particularly,he thinks about the building project, enrollment, and campus opportunities, and will continue
to raise concerns.
Second,he encouraged involvement of all the School Committee members. With fewer people at the table,
it is easier to reach consensus and get a quorum,but there are fewer people to do the work involved. The
workload of distraction has diminished,but there is still a lot of work to do. He shared his perspective that
it is always about the students.
Third,he took the opportunity to extend thanks to a number of people including:
• the staff and teachers who are not present at this meeting, for their fabulous work over the years,
and more recent work developing the Academy Model;
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• Alice DeLuca and Ford Spalding for their initial dedication to the MSBA project process, despite
the chaos of complicated deadlines,resistance, and outrageous strategies to stop the efforts. They
set the tone of professionalism and positive attitude,which helped to win the favor of MSBA;
• Kevin Mahoney for building solid foundations in transparent financial oversight and increased
credibility,moving the District out of the Stone Age into the modern era via his reputation,integrity
and code of conduct;
• Elizabeth Rozan for keeping him sane,taking care of the myriad details, and making sure he and
others do what they need to do to keep the flow moving in the right direction;
• Ed Bouquillon for his oversight and effectiveness,bearing up under what he had to go through,
which included hate mail and accusations,to keep the vision alive. There would be no project
without him, and for Ed's stubborn adherence to goals,he is grateful;
• Dave Horton and Carrie Flood,who have been pleasant,reliable, and delightful to share the
Officers table with, and
• all the School Committee members for their work over the last year to make the building project a
reality. He expressed that it took courage and that he appreciates all of their support.
11. REORGANIZATION/ELECTION OF OFFICERS
a. Process
The School Committee took the following vote for the reorganization to occur:
ACTION 2017#54
Moved(Flood) and seconded(DeLuca)
To allow the Superintendent to preside temporarily
VOTE: 8 members in room at time of vote
Weighted Vote present: 83.60%
Weight needed: >41.80%
Names of towns opposing or abstaining: none
Final percentage results of vote: 83.60%
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:
Jeff Stulin nominated Dave Horton,and this was seconded by Carrie Flood; Ford nominated Sue Sheffler,
and this was seconded by Jeff Stulin. Asked if they would be willing to serve,both Ms. Sheffler and Mr.
Horton responded in the affirmative.
Not expecting there to be two candidates for this Office,the Committee members asked a few specific
questions relating to the greatest interest of the District,the role of the School Committee representative vis-
a-vis the Chair's position, advocating for the school and for CTE,encouraging agreements with non-
member towns, and level of commitment if not voted into the Chair position. Each candidate answered
thoughtfully.
After discussion, Ms. Sheffler withdrew her name for the office of Chair and the following vote was taken:
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ACTION 2017#55
Moved(Stulin)and seconded(Flood)
To appoint Dave Horton as Chair for 2017-18
VOTE: 8 members in room at time of vote
Weighted Vote present: 83.60%
Weight needed: >41.80%
Names of towns opposing or abstaining: none
Final percentage results of vote: 83.60%
Final status of the vote: Unanimous
c. Nomination for Vice-Chair
The newly appointed Chair then asked for nominations for the position of Vice-Chair. Mr. Spalding
nominated Sue Sheffler, and this was seconded by Ms. Flood. Ms. Sheffler affirmed her willingness to
serve in this capacity. There were no questions, and the following vote was taken:
ACTION 2017#56
Moved(Spalding)and seconded(Flood)
To appoint Sue Sheffler as Vice-Chair for 2017-18
VOTE: 8 members in room at time of vote
Weighted Vote present: 83.60%
Weight needed: >41.80%
Names of towns opposing or abstaining: none
Final percentage results of vote: 83.60%
Final status of the vote: Unanimous
d. Nomination for Secretary
The Chair asked for nominations for the position of Secretary. Ms. DeLuca nominated Pam Nourse, and
this was seconded by Mr. Stulin. After an explanation of the duties and the time commitment,Ms.Nourse
expressed her willingness to serve, and the following vote was taken:
ACTION 2017#57
Moved(DeLuca) and seconded(Stulin)
To appoint Pam Nourse as Secretary for 2017-18
VOTE: 8 members in room at time of vote
Weighted Vote present: 83.60%
Weight needed: >41.80%
Names of towns opposing or abstaining: none
Final percentage results of vote: 83.60%
Final status of the vote: Unanimous
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12. ADJOURNMENT
ACTION 2017#58
Moved(Spalding)and seconded(DeLuca)
To adjourn the meeting at 8:20 PM
VOTE: 8 members in room at time of vote
Weighted Vote present: 83.60%
Weight needed: >41.80%
Names of towns opposing or abstaining: none
Final percentage results of vote: 83.60%
Final status of the vote: Unanimous
Respectfully submitted,
Elizabeth Rozan Dave Horton
District Assistant Secretary
Attachments to the Minutes of 7.11.17
A. Updated Schedule of Building Project Related Meetings
B. SBC Membership List
C. List of Surplus Property for Disposal
D. Contract Award: Financial Advisory Services
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