HomeMy WebLinkAboutFINAL SC Minutes 2022.0315.pdf FINAL
MINUTES
MINUTEMAN REGIONAL VOCATIONAL TECHNICAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING
MARCH 15, 2022, 6:30 PM
Present:
Pam Nourse, Chair(Acton) Jeff Stulin, Vice-Chair(Needham)
Alice DeLuca, Secretary (Stow) Michael Ruderman(Arlington)
Steve LeDoux (Concord) Ford Spalding (Dover)
Judith Crocker(Lexington) Dave O'Connor(Bolton)
Jennifer Leone (Lancaster)
Quorum: 5 members
Weighted Vote: Weighted Vote present at start of meeting: 92.85%
Others Present: Dr. Bouquillon, Dr. Perreault, George Clement,Nikki Andrade, Sandor Zapolin,
and Julia Pisegna
Note: References to Covid and COVID-19 are about the worldwide pandemic that was declared in
March 2020 and continues to affect school operations at many levels.
1. CALL TO ORDER: OPEN SESSION
The Chair called the meeting to order at 6:30 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Order is rescinded or the Commonwealth's State of Emergency as referenced in said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 2022 #28
Moved(Leone) and seconded(Ledoux)
To approve remote participation
VOTE: 8 members in room at time of vote
Weighted Vote present: 92.85%
Weight needed: >46.42%
Final percentage results of vote: 92.85%
Acton,Pam Nourse Yes Lancaster,Jennifer Leone Yes
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Arlington,Michael Ruderman Yes Lexington,Judy Crocker Yes
Bolton,Dave O'Connor ABSENT_ Needham,Jeff Stulin Yes
Concord, Steve Ledoux Yes Stow,Alice DeLuca Yes
Dover,Ford Spalding Yes Final status of the vote: Approved
unanimously
3. PUBLIC COMMENT
Dr. Bouquillon stated that no public comments have been received.
4. CHAIR'S REPORT—Pam Nourse
Ms.Nourse noted that as we prepare to move into a new stage with a new Superintendent, she would like
to create a transition subcommittee or transition taskforce to help ensure that as a School Committee,we
are thinking about working with our new Superintendent and doing what we need to do to make sure that
the transition is successful.
For continuity purposes, she would like to name to the taskforce the individuals involved with the
screening committee formed at the beginning of this process which includes Mr. Spalding, Ms. DeLuca,
Mr. Stulin, and Ms. Nourse, with the role to focus on what needs to be done to maintain a smooth
transition. The taskforce will report back to the full School Committee with updates.
Ms. Leone noted that this item was not included on the agenda for a formal vote, and it will be voted on
at the next scheduled meeting.
(Mr. O'Connor joined the meeting at 6:35 p.m.)
Mr. Spalding stated that it could be voted on twice, showing the intention now and voting a second time
at the next meeting.
ACTION 2022 #29
Moved(Leone) and seconded(Ledoux)
To approve the intent to form a transition taskforce to help with the transition of the
new Superintendent and the members to include Mr. Spalding, Mr. Stulin, Ms.
DeLuca, and Ms. Nourse
VOTE: 9 members in room at time of vote
Weighted Vote present: 100%
Weight needed: > 50%
Final percentage results of vote: 92.85%
Acton,Pam Nourse Yes Lancaster,Jennifer Leone Yes
Arlington,Michael Ruderman Yes Lexington,Judy Crocker Yes
Bolton,Dave O'Connor ABSTAIN Needham,Jeff Stulin Yes
Concord, Steve Ledoux Yes Stow,Alice DeLuca Yes
Dover,Ford Spalding Yes Final status of the vote: Approved
unanimously
Mr. Ledoux announced that he has been appointed the Interim Town Administrator in Carlisle. The position will
begin on March 30th. He shared that while he does not believe it will impact his ability to be on the School
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Committee, as their meetings are held on alternate Tuesdays,he wanted to make members aware of this
commitment which will be for several months.
Mr. Stulin congratulated Mr. Ledoux on his new position.
5. SCHOOL REPORT—George Clement and Katie Bouchard
a. Draft School Calendar for 2022-2023
Mr. Clement presented a draft School Calendar for the 2022-2023 year. He noted that it is a draft calendar which
has been reviewed by School Council and still requires approval of the Union. The final calendar will be presented
to the School Committee for approval.
Mr. Ruderman asked if Juneteenth was a state holiday and a no school day, and Mr. Clement replied that it was.
Ms. DeLuca added that the U.S. Senate voted to change the Daylight Savings Time rule, which is now moving to
the House for approval,which could potentially change everything for school calendars.
Ms. Crocked added that the change will impact students during the winter months when it will be dark until 8:00
a.m.,and this will affect students getting on the bus.
b. Student Professional Development
Mr. Clement stated that Minuteman will be participating at the 92' Annual Future Farmers of America State
Convention. There will be students from horticulture,biotech, environmental, and animal science participating in
individual and team demonstrations,workshops,and in the AgroSciences fair.
Mr. Clement added that we recently hosted a vaping workshop with the Middlesex Partnership for Youth, and it
was also a robust week for social/emotional learning events. He thanked Sarah Gahan, school psychologist, for a
tremendous job leading this effort and rallying the students and staff There was something every day for the
students to reflect upon and there were a number of resources added to our website. The librarian, Ms. Gleason,
curated numerous fiction and nonfiction books for students to review. He noted that they are also planning events
on screenings for the signs for suicide which will be held at the end of the year.
On Sunday, April 10th, student ambassadors and peer leaders will assist the Minuteman Parent Association meet-
and-greet event for parents to meet other parents whose children are in the same CTE program. He noted that this
is the first big event held for parents in the building since Covid and they are looking forward to it.
Mr. Clement presented the out-of-state field trip to the Heavy Construction Academy in Brentwood, New
Hampshire on April 27th, weather permitting. Twenty-two students from electrical, plumbing, carpentry, and
horticulture will be participating in the trip and experience, hands-on, eight different types of heavy equipment
including excavators, bulldozers, front end loaders, backhoes, and dump trucks and will learn some basic
operational techniques,preventive maintenance, and heavy equipment safety from industry professionals.
Mr. Stulin asked if it corresponds to all School Committee policies.
Dr. Bouquillon confirmed that it meets all School Committee policy requirements.
Ms. Leone asked if this is just an introduction or does this helps the student receive any type of certification for
machinery.
Mr. Clement responded that it is an introduction at this point.
c. Approval of the out-of-state field trip to the Heavy Construction Academy in Brentwood,
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New Hampshire on April 27th(weather permitting)
VOTE: To approve the out-of-state field trip to the Heavy Construction Academy in
Brentwood,New Hampshire on April 27th(weather permitting), as presented
ACTION 2022#30
Moved(Ledoux)and seconded(Crocker)
To approve the out-of-state field trip to the Heavy Construction Academy in
Brentwood,New Hampshire on April 27th(weather permitting), as presented
VOTE: 9 members in room at time of vote
Weighted Vote present: 100%
Weight needed: > 50%
Final percentage results of vote: 100%
Acton,Pam Nourse Yes Lancaster,Jennifer Leone Yes
Arlington,Michael Ruderman Yes Lexington,Judy Crocker Yes
Bolton,Dave O'Connor Yes Needham,Jeff Stulin Yes
Concord, Steve Ledoux Yes Stow,Alice DeLuca Yes
Dover,Ford Spalding Yes Final status of the vote: Approved
unanimously
d. Update on:
i. Off-site Projects
Ms. Bouchard reported that Al St. George has been appointed the off-site project lead, in addition to
being the trades and transportation pathway lead and electrical instructor. They are currently working
on two Habitat with Humanity projects, one in Acton and one in Concord. They plan to start the
electrical wiring on the Concord house this spring and begin the work in the Acton house in the fall.
We will be partnering with the Concord Historical Society to begin renovations as early as this fall
on an 1810 farmhouse. There will also be an opportunity for some cemetery restoration repairing a
stone wall which would include horticulture,as well as our traditional trades and academic integration
projects looking at the history of the area and the history of the house involved.
She added that in terms of the North Building expansion project,which is approximately 1,800 square
feet of the pre-engineered building, due to some supply chain delays that building will be scheduled
a little bit later instead of this spring. We are now looking at the fall which will mean our incoming
students can work on the building once it arrives,but the anticipated completion date will be over the
winter and not late spring/early fall as previously discussed.
Ms. Bouchard reported that the East campus expansion renovation of our existing 1,600 square foot
building for the animal science veterinary clinic is planned for half of the building to be used for the
veterinary clinic and the other half will be used for academic space.
There will still be ongoing meetings with strategic partners to discuss the design of the building and
what we want that to look like.
Mr. Stulin asked about the stone wall.
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Dr. Bouquillon replied that the architectural landscaping term is thrown wall. When we were bidding
out parts of this job, there was a 90-foot-long thrown stone wall that was priced at $300,000. The
horticultural landscaping students made a presentation to Gilbane and the architects that they could
do it for $20,000. He continued that if you spray it with goats' milk, in a year or two it will have a
green, mossy look and appear aged. There was continuing discussion.
ii. SkillsUSA
Ms. Bouchard reported that on Wednesday, March 2nd, 56 students participated in Skills USA
technical competitions with 13 different shops represented. Minuteman earned a total of 17 medals
— 14 gold and 3 silver and will now compete in the State competitions on Friday, April 29th. The
advisors were so excited to tell the students about winning their medals that they went around with
cameras and documented it telling each student they had won a medal! The photos were great and
really captured the excitement and shock factor of the students as this was all done remotely.
Ms. Leone asked if there was a drop off in participation due to Covid, and Ms. Bouchard shared that
there was more student interest in participating this year over last year which she credits to having
more students in the building full-time learning more about SkillsUSA. The leadership team is also
very strong, and they purposely went around to every single program to talk to the students about this
opportunity.
Ms. Leone shared that it was very impressive to see the number of students involved and winning
medals.
iii. 9th Annual Top Chef Competition—March 30th
Ms. Bouchard reported that the next Top Chef Competition is scheduled for March 30th. The event
is for senior projects and will include 12 seniors. There will be six teams where one member will
prepare the desert, and the other team members will prepare the entrée. All students will complete
the research to complete their dish and they will also have an allergy or dietary restriction to meet
when preparing their dish.
There will be three judges for the event, with Dr. Bouquillon serving as the longest-standing judge
on the panel. Students will be graded on the appearance, flavor and texture of the dish, as well as the
student's ability to answer questions about their dish.
Parents and families are also invited to attend this fun event.
iv. Capital Skills Grant FY22 Round 2 - $150,000 Awarded
Ms. Bouchard updated members on the Capital Skills grants. We were recently awarded the Capital
Skills grant for FY22,Round 2, and while we applied for$300,000,we were awarded$150,000 for the
purchase of Robotino which is a flexible robot that allows students to gain skill sets in mechatronics,
programming, sensory technology, motor and drive technology, control technology and image
processing. She explained it as an internal "door dash" for Minuteman where you tell the robot to go
get something and it will bring it back to you. We are also awaiting the arrival of the MPS (modular
production system) which is a miniaturized production line so the warehouse can be set up. It will be
equipped with sensors for learning how an assembly line works. We expect the delivery date around
the end of May/June timeframe.
i. Capital Skills Grant FY23 Round 1 —Up to $1.5M Requests
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Ms. Bouchard shared that the FY23 Capital Skills Gant, Round 1, application can be for $1.5M. We
are currently working on this grant for metal fabrication and animal science and working with our
instructors and industry partners to help us identify any additional equipment needs. This grant will
help expand capacity and provide industry recognized credentials in these programs, and the grant will
be submitted on March 24th. We expect to hear a reply on the awards on or about May 12tH
6. SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT-Dr. Edward Bouquillon
a. School Building Committee Report—Ford Spalding
o MSBA Project Update
Mr. Spalding shared that there has been no change in the status of MSBA project and campus
buildout since our last meeting.
He added that the roofing contractor will be on campus for repairs based on the initial installment
errors. The budget report for February 28th indicates a balance of$37,565.00 of uncommitted funds
remaining in the budget after a transfer of$600,000.00 to the north building project.
He added that he intends to start the MSBA close-out process in May after the field
project is completed. This will include the close-out with Gilbane.
Mr. Stulin commented that with any project, there are going to be errors that need to be corrected
and asked if the roof corrections is the only item that requires correction or are there others.
Mr. Spalding responded that everything has been pretty much taken care of and that is the last item.
Ms.Leone asked if the roof issue had anything to do with the addition of the solar panels on the roof,
and Mr. Spalding replied that it had nothing to do with it.
o Athletic Fields Update
Next,Mr. Spalding reported on the athletic fields. EverSource has completed its work and the power
is operational on the site. We have tentatively scheduled a field lighting ceremony tentatively on
Tuesday,May 3rd. The baseball field will be complete in the next few days. The softball and related
fields will be completed no later than April 1st. Grass seed will be put down. Baseball, softball, and
lacrosse hope to have home games on the field sometime in March, and rentals will be starting soon.
Mr. Stulin expressed his excitement at the progress being made and how close we are to completion!
Mr. Spalding agreed and reiterated that this is the icing on the cake for the students to be able to be
playing on their field, along with other children from neighboring communities.
Mr. Ruderman agreed that it is so important for equity and Minuteman should offer a full high
school experience, which includes being part of a team.
Mr. Spalding added that we have the no-cut policy so all students will be on that team!
o North Outbuilding Project Update
He continued with the north building project update. Seaver Construction is our project manager and
they were authorized to proceed with the project. They have started the process with Lincoln for the
building permit,insurance and performance bonds are in the process of being secured.Package Steel
System of Sutton will be providing the fabricated package steel building and construction with an
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anticipated start date of August and will be ready for the students to start their work in November.
The student work will include plumbing, electrical, internal finishings, and the installation of
machinery. Once that work is complete,we expect the north building project to be ready for students
in September 2023.
o East Campus Expansion Project Update
Dr. Bouquillon updated members that the Request for Information (RFI) was sent to interested
parties. We have received one very promising response from a potential partner who is very
committed to education. The other response was more curriculum-based. Dr Bouquillon continues
to have conversation with the Boston Veterinary Clinic which has 3 locations in Boston, Brookline
and they were looking into opening 3 additional clinic locations in the metro-west area. Two
principals of the company visited Minuteman and met with Dr. Bouquillon, Director of CTE Katie
Bouchard, and Animal Science Instructor Sasha Chapin.
He added that their clinics are designed in such a way that the pet parent is never really separated
from their pet, and they can watch the entire process. Boston Veterinary also works with
Northeastern University's co-op program where they typically have 10-15 co-op students, and the
company has really helped these students move on a career pathway towards becoming a
veterinarian. They have been in business about 10 years.
Dr. Bouquillon, Mr. Spalding, Mr. Ikonen, Mr. Joynt (KBA) had a meeting with two Boston
attorneys who assisted the district in 2015 when we first began crafting the framework for a public
private partnership. They are revising the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in light of the
legislation that was passed in 2018 that allows Minuteman to enter into long-term leases with
compatible partners. Greg Joynt knows their architect.
The attorneys are working on some key questions that we have, such as, do we lease them the entire
building and they manage the renovation of the veterinary area and the academic space, and then we
get to use those spaces? We are working on that as we want to ensure that the procurement
requirements under the law are being met. Dr. Bouquillon added that he is very excited about this
potential opportunity.
Ms. Crocker thanked Dr. Bouquillon for his vision and goal for this program.
b. COVID/Mask Options Update
Dr. Bouquillon reported that masks are now optional and noted that currently there are 10-15% of
staff and students continue to wear a mask and there have been no issues. It seems students still
need mask breaks, even though they are no longer wearing masks, and we are encouraging teachers
to take mask breaks, take a walk outside if needed, especially with the nicer weather coming.
Mr. Stulin added that is great, as long as it is understood that we may have to reverse course at some
point in the future.
c. FY23 Budget: Member Town Presentation Update
Dr. Bouquillon has recently given budget presentations in Concord, Arlington, Acton, Bolton,
Needham, Lexington, and Stow in addition to pre-meeting work. He noted that the focus is why
member town assessments are going up so much and it really is all about enrollment and people do
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seem to be understanding that. He added that Arlington Finance Committee, which is comprised of
almost 22 members, voted unanimously in favor of the budget and their assessment is close to $8M.
Bolton's enrollment was up 60%, but their assessment was only up 35%. There was also a good
meeting held in Concord.
Mr. Ledoux added that the Concord Finance Committee unanimously supported the budget.
Ms. Crocker mentioned that Lexington meeting starts in two weeks and the majority of Lexington
town meeting voted to go remote, but she feels that if the students can be in class, we should be
sitting in the halls also.
7. FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT—Rich Ikonen
a. Finance Subcommittee Update—Steve Ledoux
Mr. Ledoux noted that all items being presented for a vote were approved by the Finance Committee
to bring to the full School Committee for approval. He deferred to Rich Ikonen for the details.
Mr. Ikonen presented the 2nd Quarter Revolving Fund Accounts and provided members a copy of
same in their packet. He highlighted that there has not been much change since these numbers were
last presented and the negative numbers are still due to Covid.
He discussed the child development deficit of$56,969.07 and predicted that the final deficit will be
$30,701.00. The district has been given permission to use ESSER grant money to offset that cost
which was due to paying teachers and aides, and that should offset that entire deficit.
Next, he discussed food services which had a deficit of $106,623.00 and reported that we are
experiencing some good reimbursements with the free and reduced lunches, as well as federal aid
coming in, so he is predicting a minor positive number.
Next, Mr. Ikonen discussed the Minuteman Technical Institute (MTI). The district no longer has the
Community Education line item, and he proposed the approval of the reclassification of Adult
Education plumbing under Function Code 1100000 Community Education to Function Code
1600000 MTI post- secondary and added that this move makes sense seeing that we no longer have
Community Education programs.
ACTION 2022 #31
Moved(Leone) and seconded(Spalding)
To approve combining Fund 1100000 Community Education/Adult Education-
Plumbing with Fund 1600000 Minuteman Technical Institute (Post-Secondary)
VOTE: 9 members in room at time of vote
Weighted Vote present: 100%
Weight needed: > 50%
Final percentage results of vote: 100%
Acton,Pam Nourse Yes Lancaster,Jennifer Leone Yes
Arlington,Michael Ruderman Yes Lexington,Judy Crocker_ Yes
Bolton,Dave O'Connor Yes Needham,Jeff Stulin _ Yes
Concord, Steve Ledoux Yes Stow,Alice DeLuca Yes
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Dover,Ford Spalding Yes Final status of the vote: Approved
unanimously
b. 2nd Quarter Reports
Mr. Ikonen reviewed the General Fund Report, a copy of which was provided to members in their packet
and noted that these transfers are made as a clean-up based on some funds that were going in the negative
because of the reorganization of Human Resources, Business Office, long-term substitutes, and student
transportation.
He noted that the contract for student transportation is broken up into three different categories—regular
transportation, after school transportation,and athletics. We started the budget with transportation in one
group, and now we are moving athletic transportation into the athletics budget.
Mr. Stulin asked for clarification on the reduction in classroom teachers at $391,000.00 and the increase
in psychological services of$292,000.00. Mr. Ikonen responded that some of those items were mis-
classified and the transfer allows us to move that money to the proper classification.
Ms. Andrade shared that the three FTE's, two social workers and one adjustment counselor, that were
budgeted to special education teacher function codes. We are properly classifying those to function code
2800 to be able to properly report on our end-of-year report to the Department of Elementary and
Secondary Education. The other portion is our long-term substitutes line. She added that we = had a
military and maternity leave, so the portion of those salaries that was not going to be paid out was
reclassified to the long-term substitute required for those positions.
Mr. Stulin asked for confirmation that there was no reduction in teaching services, but rather placing
people into the correct category.
Ms. Andrade confirmed it is for reporting purposes.
ACTION 2022 #32
Moved(Ledoux) and seconded(Leone)
To approve the 2nd quarter FY22 transfers, as presented
VOTE: 9 members in room at time of vote
Weighted Vote present: 100%
Weight needed: > 50%
Final percentage results of vote: 100%
Acton,Pam Nourse Yes Lancaster,Jennifer Leone Yes
Arlington,Michael Ruderman Yes Lexington,Judy Crocker Yes
Bolton,Dave O'Connor Yes Needham,Jeff Stulin Yes
Concord, Steve Ledoux Yes Stow,Alice DeLuca Yes
Dover,Ford Spalding Yes Final status of the vote: Approved
unanimously
c. Middlesex Retirement Board—Local Options Acceptance Memorandum
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Mr. Ikonen provided members a copy of the Minuteman Retirement Board Local Option Acceptance
memorandum in their packet and introduced Sandor Zapolin as the representative from the Minuteman
Retirement Board.
Ms. Andrade explained that the local option acceptance memorandum provides parity between the
Minuteman Retirement Board System and other retirement board systems. She added that the Finance
Committee has reviewed this document and highlighted that the one important item that would have a
financial impact is the COLA base as it would affect our accrued liability.
Mr. Stulin asked if this is similar to the COLA adjustments we have made in the past and do we know
what the total impact on this will be to Minuteman in the future.
Ms. Andrade highlighted the actuary notes (located at the bottom of the memorandum), and it increases
from $13,000.00 to $14,000.00 and would change our accrued liabilities in total by $82,000.00, and we
are looking at the increase.
The Retirement Board voted to approve $14,000.00 as appropriate and it would be in line with other
member towns' retirement boards. She reviewed the PERAC retirement board funded ratio information,
a copy of which was included in their packet, which reflects that Minuteman is in the top five funder
ratios of other retirement boards, and fourth on the list at 94.2% funded, and this would extend the
liability that we owe to FY28 instead of FY27.
Mr. Stulin thanked Ms. Andrade for the details.
Mr. Zapolin added that there are two other options, and one is just a 10-year ordinary disability so if
someone became disabled, but not job related, they could retire with an ordinary disability at 10 years,
all but 2 of the 104 local retirement boards have adopted this provision.
The second point is the member survivor allowance which is just a minimum for someone who is
working and dies while employed to provide just a minimum allowance to the survivor higher than if it
was calculated normally.
ACTION 2022 #33
Moved(Ledoux) and seconded(Leone)
To approve the Minuteman Retirement Board Local Option Allowance
Memorandum, as presented
VOTE: 9 members in room at time of vote
Weighted Vote present: 100%
Weight needed: > 50%
Final percentage results of vote: 100%
Acton,Pam Nourse Yes Lancaster,Jennifer Leone Yes
Arlington,Michael Ruderman Yes Lexington,Judy Crocker Yes
Bolton,Dave O'Connor Yes Needham,Jeff Stulin Yes
Concord, Steve Ledoux Yes Stow,Alice DeLuca Yes
Dover,Ford Spalding Yes Final status of the vote: Approved
unanimously
d. List of Monthly Donations
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Mr. Ikonen presented the list of monthly donations which included a $1,000 donation from Robert Kelly
to the Resendes Scholarship and another donation of $2,500.00 from Allison Huntington for the
McLaughlin Scholarship.
ACTION 2022 #34
Moved(Ledoux) and seconded(Leone)
To approve the list of monthly donations, as presented
VOTE: 9 members in room at time of vote
Weighted Vote present: 100%
Weight needed: > 50%
Final percentage results of vote: 100%
Acton,Pam Nourse Yes Lancaster,Jennifer Leone Yes
Arlington,Michael Ruderman Yes Lexington,Judy Crocker Yes
Bolton,Dave O'Connor Yes Needham,Jeff Stulin Yes
Concord, Steve Ledoux Yes Stow,Alice DeLuca Yes
Dover,Ford Spalding Yes Final status of the vote: Approved
unanimously
8. COMMITTEE REPORTS
a. Communications, Access, and Admissions—Jeff Stulin
Mr. Chiariello reported that on February 18th the first set of offers of admissions were sent. The
deadline for those students to reply was March 8th. He added that we over-enroll intentionally
because we know that some students will decline their offer of admission.
He continued that on March 9th, 11 students were offered admission, and noted that we are still
waiting to hear back from two students. For students who apply to private schools, March 10th was
the day that they found out about the private school admission, so we typically hear from those
families also.
Our goal is for 175 students for the class of 2026. To date,we have received 272 qualified applicants,
which as noted in our Admissions Policy, means that we have received all their records and they
have completed their interview by the February 15th deadline. He noted that this a significant
increase from the class of 2024—2026 with an approximate increase of 25%.
Mr. Chiariello added that our total enrollment is going to go up to about 700,which is approximately
a 10% increase. He reviewed the overview class of 2026 admissions chart and highlighted the slot
allocation based on the design enrollment of the school and noted that we had 272 qualified
applicants between both the original offer and the more recent offer, and we have offered 214
students with 179 accepting. There were 33 students who declined their offer, and there are 58
students currently on the waiting list.
He reviewed the percentage of 8th graders who are applying to the school. He noted that Ms. DeLuca
had calculated that the school could be filled with 6% of each member town's 8th grade class. Mr.
Chiariello showed a slide that illustrating the number of qualified applicants in the classes of 2024-
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2026. He highlighted that in most towns, that number is increasing every year over the past three
years, with the most significant increase coming from Concord.
Next, over the next few months, we will begin to welcome the new families to the Minuteman
community and completing the diagnostic assessments, course recommendations, and scheduling.
Ms. DeLuca added that she is continually struck by the importance of what Minuteman does for so
many students and how many more students need services of this type in the State of Massachusetts.
She wishes that the rest of the school districts would learn more from what is being done here and
how important it is.
Mr. Ruderman asked that with such a large overage of applications in almost every town, how are
students with special needs fairing and will the composition of the incoming class be markedly
different given the intense competition between students getting in and the first students that are not
getting in.
Mr. Chiariello responded that at this point, all that information is voluntary on the application and
what we usually find is that a significantly larger population is on an IEP. That status is not held
against students. The percentage of students who applied and voluntarily indicated they are receiving
special education services is the same percentage as was accepted.
Dr. Bouquillon added that it is important to emphasize that the regulations require that we are blind
to the special education status of applicants, and we are not supposed to know that. If people
volunteer it, that's what they do. We do not figure special education status at all into the decision to
offer admission. That would be a violation of the regulations.
Ms. Nourse asked if there were additional questions and commented that it is very exciting to see
these numbers continue to grow year after year.
Mr. Stulin shared that we still have to deal with disappointed parents and students, and he added that
one of the Needham Finance committee members was most surprised and disappointed that we have
students who were not accepted admission, and who continued to bring ideas to allow for more
students to attend the school. Mr. Stulin looks forward to our ability to assist with these issues as
we go through the plans to expand.
b. Policy Subcommittee—Alice DeLuca
Ms. DeLuca presented the Use of Facilities Policy KF for second reading and provided members a
copy of the policy and the background documentation on how they will do the procedures associated
with the use of facilities in their packet.
Ms. Leone asked if the deposit % and timing issue on one of the previous documents has been
resolved, and Mr. Ikonen confirmed that it was corrected.
Ms.DeLuca thanked Dr.Perreault and Mr. Ikonen for all their hard work on this at the school district
level and noted that she and Ms. Crocker spent a lot of time reading them and going over all the little
details.
ACTION 2022 #35
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Moved(Stulin) and seconded(Crocker)
To approve the Use of Facilities Policy(KF) for second reading, as amended
VOTE: 9 members in room at time of vote
Weighted Vote present: 100%
Weight needed: > 50%
Final percentage results of vote: 100%
Acton,Pam Nourse Yes Lancaster,Jennifer Leone Yes
Arlington,Michael Ruderman Yes Lexington,Judy Crocker Yes
Bolton,Dave O'Connor Yes Needham,Jeff Stulin Yes
Concord, Steve Ledoux Yes Stow,Alice DeLuca Yes
Dover,Ford Spalding Yes Final status of the vote: Approved
unanimously
Long-term OPEB Funding Policy (DLCA)
Next, Ms. DeLuca presented the Long-Term OPEB Funding Policy for first reading. This policy
was developed based on the work of the OPEB subcommittee. She added that there was one piece
that they did not know how to word, and that an updated version will be coming back for second
reading. Mr. Gammill suggested that we add language in the second version that says , "The annual
review of the funding plan by the Finance Subcommittee will also include the calculations,based on
the most recent OPEB Actuarial Valuation, of (a) 50% of the Service Cost, and (b) 50% of the
Service Cost plus 2.5%of the Net OPEB Liability, and report these as aspirational funding goals for
the School Committee."This language will be added to the policy for second reading.
Ms. Leone noted that the policy states that it refers to each new employee that has been hired and
she feels that needs to be clarified-is it only for newly created positions or for every new employee
hired.
Mr. Ledoux clarified that the intent was for just new positions that were created, and Ms. Leone
stated she does not believe that language is clear, and that if we say new staff positions, we need to
reiterate that it is for each new staff employee, each new position created.
Mr. Stulin thanked the OPEB subcommittee for their hard work. He also expressed his concern that
our member towns are on the hook for this because eventually they are in charge, and he asked if we
have talked to their Finance Committees about us adopting this policy and if they think this is a good
way for us to do it.
Mr. Ledoux shared that in terms of Concord Finance Committee and Concord Select Board, it has
been presented and they were on board with it.
Mr. Ruderman added that Arlington totally appreciates it.
Ms. Leone added that she has had conversation with Lancaster Finance Director and she certainly
was appreciative of it.
Ms. Crocker commented that a member of the Lexington Finance Committee who has attended
several meetings in the audience and she loves what we are doing.
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Ms. DeLuca confirmed that the line Ms. Leone is referencing under new positions OPEB Factor,the
third line, 'when adding a new staff position,the school district administration will add an additional
10,000 for each new employee that has been hired' which needs to be clarified for each new position
that is being created.
Ms. DeLuca corrected the line to read- instead of each new employee that has been hired, it should
say each new position that has been created- and the motion was amended to change that wording.
ACTION 2022 #36
Moved(Crocker) and seconded(Ledoux)
Motion to amend:
To amend the Long-Term OPEB Funding Policy(DLCA)
VOTE: 9 members in room at time of vote
Weighted Vote present: 100%
Weight needed: > 50%
Final percentage results of vote: 100%
Acton,Pam Nourse Yes Lancaster,Jennifer Leone Yes
Arlington,Michael Ruderman Yes Lexington,Judy Crocker Yes
Bolton,Dave O'Connor Yes Needham,Jeff Stulin Yes
Concord, Steve Ledoux Yes Stow,Alice DeLuca Yes
Dover,Ford Spalding Yes Final status of the vote: Approved
unanimously
ACTION 2022 #37
Moved(Crocker) and seconded(Ledoux)
To approve the amended Long-Term OPEB Funding Policy(DLCA) for first reading, as
amended
VOTE: 9 members in room at time of vote
Weighted Vote present: 100%
Weight needed: > 50%
Final percentage results of vote: 100%
Acton,Pam Nourse Yes Lancaster,Jennifer Leone Yes
Arlington,Michael Ruderman Yes Lexington,Judy Crocker Yes
Bolton,Dave O'Connor Yes Needham,Jeff Stulin Yes
Concord, Steve Ledoux Yes Stow,Alice DeLuca Yes
Dover,Ford Spalding Yes Final status of the vote: Approved
unanimously
9. SECRETARY'S RPORT—Alice DeLuca
Ms. DeLuca noted that she has not received any comments on the minutes.
ACTION 2022 #38
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Moved(Leone) and seconded(Crocker)
To approve the Budget Hearing and the regular School Committee meeting minutes
of January 27, 20222, as presented
VOTE: 9 members in room at time of vote
Weighted Vote present: 100%
Weight needed: >43.76%
Final percentage results of vote: 87.53%
Acton,Pam Nourse Yes Lancaster,Jennifer Leone ABSTAIN
Arlington,Michael Ruderman Yes Lexington,Judy Crocker Yes
Bolton,Dave O'Connor Yes Needham,Jeff Stulin Yes
Concord, Steve Ledoux Yes Stow,Alice DeLuca Yes
Dover,Ford Spalding Yes Final status of the vote: Approved
unanimously
10. EXECUTIVE SESSION
ACTION 2022 #39
Moved(Leone) and seconded(Spalding)
To enter into Executive Session and not return to Open Session for the following
reasons:
1. Pursuant to M.G.L. c.30A, §20(a)(3) to discuss strategy with respect to likely litigation with
the Town of Lincoln regarding permit fees if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect
on the bargaining or litigating position of the public body and the chair so declares; and
2. To conduct strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with nonunion personnel or to
conduct collective bargaining sessions or contract negotiations with nonunion personnel,
namely the Superintendent-Director, Dr. Kathleen Dawson
Ms. Nourse noted that the Executive Session will include members of the School Committee, Dr.
Bouquillon, Julia Pisegna, Attorney Peter Sumners, and Attorney Michelle McNulty.
VOTE: 9 members in room at time of vote
Weighted Vote present: 100%
Weight needed: > 50%
Final percentage results of vote: 100%
Acton,Pam Nourse Yes Lancaster,Jennifer Leone Yes
Arlington,Michael Ruderman Yes Lexington,Judy Crocker Yes
Bolton,Dave O'Connor Yes Needham,Jeff Stulin Yes
Concord, Steve Ledoux Yes Stow,Alice DeLuca Yes
Dover,Ford Spalding Yes Final status of the vote: Approved
unanimously
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Respectfully submitted,
Julia Pisegna Alice Deluca
District Assistant Secretary
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