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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-07-18-MMTECH-min FINAL MINUTES MINUTEMAN REGIONAL VOCATIONAL TECHNICAL SCHOOL DISTRICT SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING JULY 18, 2023, 6:30 p.m. Present: Pam Nourse, Chair(Acton) Steve Ledoux,Vice-Chair(Concord) Alice DeLuca, Secretary (Stow) Jeff Stulin(Needham) Erika Elzey (Bolton) Judith Crocker(Lexington) Sarah Montague (Arlington) Charlene Cabral(Lancaster) Ford Spalding (Dover) Absent:none Weighted Vote: Weighted Vote present at start of the meeting: 100% Others Present: Kevin Mahoney and Julia Pisegna 1. CALL TO ORDER: OPEN SESSION The Chair called the meeting to order at 6:31 p.m. This hybrid meeting was held both in person and via Zoom. Ms.Nourse welcomed all those that joined the meeting and noted that this meeting is being audio and video recorded. 2. Adoption of Remote Participation VOTE: To approve remote participation by all members of this 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 Governor Baker on March 12, 2020, and pursuant to the Chapter 20 of the Acts of 2021, as amended most recently by Chapter 2 of the Acts of 2023 signed by Governor Healey allowing such remote participation until March 31, 2025, any or all members of this Minuteman School Committee are permitted to participate in this meeting via remote participation. ACTION 2023 957 9 members present at time of vote. Moved(DeLuca) and seconded(Cabral) Weighted Vote present: 100% To approve remote participation as written in the Weight needed: >50% agenda. Final percentage results of vote: 100% Vote: Acton,Pam Nourse Yes Lancaster, Charlene Cabral Yes Arlington, Sarah Montague Yes Lexington,Judith Crocker Yes Bolton,Erika Elzey Yes 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 Mr. Mahoney confirmed that no public comments were received via email. One parent in attendance made a public comment. 1 4. CHAIR'S REPORT,Pain Nourse a. For the Good of the Organization • Ms. Nourse reminded School Committee members to submit their biographies for the District website. • The Committee thanked Michael Ruderman for his three years of service on the Minuteman School Committee, notably on the Finance and Negotiation Subcommittees. He was also lauded for his many efforts over the years to support the new school building project,the students, and work as a liaison between the school and the Arlington Select Board. • Ms. DeLuca reported on her attendance at the MASC Summer Institute and her participation in policy,MIAA and legislative meetings. • Mr. Spaulding reported on his testimony given before the Education Committee regarding the admissions process and the debate over the possible implementation of a lottery system. Mr. Spalding shared with the Education Committee that Minuteman is at capacity, we would like to increase enrollment, and we need to find a way to accomplish this. Mr. Spalding also noted that he has watched the Selectmen meetings from both Arlington and Lexington and that he was disturbed that they referenced the Regional Agreement for guidance in making the Minuteman School Committee appointments. He noted that this information is located on our website, and includes information such as a job description, qualities of Committee members, Committee requirements and he encouraged all members to share this information with their town officials. • Ms. Crocker and the Committee shared our congratulations with Minuteman softball coach Mr. Skogstrom,named Division III Coach of the Year by the Boston Globe. 5. CONSENT AGENDA Approval of the following: a. Draft Minutes of May 25,2023 b. Draft Minutes of June 13, 2023 ACTION 2023 958 Moved(DeLuca) and seconded(Spalding) 9 members present at time of vote. To approve the draft minutes of May 25, 2023, Weighted Vote present: 100% as presented. Weight needed: >50% Final percentage results of vote: 56.10% Vote: Acton,Pam Nourse Yes Lancaster, Charlene Cabral Abstain Arlington, Sarah Montague Abstain Lexington,Judith Crocker Yes Bolton,Erika Elzey Yes Needham, Jeff Stulin Yes Concord, Steve Ledoux Abstain Stow, Alice DeLuca Yes Dover, Ford Spalding Yes Final status of the vote: Approved ACTION 2023 959 9 members present at time of vote. Moved(Cabral) and seconded(Crocker) Weighted Vote present: 100% To approve the draft minutes of June 13, 2023, Weight needed: >50% as amended. Final percentage results of vote: 63.17% 2 Vote: Acton,Pam Nourse Yes Lancaster, Charlene Cabral Yes Arlington, Sarah Montague Abstain Lexington,Judith Crocker Yes Bolton,Erika Elzey Abstain Needham, Jeff Stulin Yes Concord, Steve Ledoux Yes Stow, Alice DeLuca Yes Dover, Ford Spalding Abstain Final status of the vote: Approved CHAIR'S REPORT(continued),Pain Nourse b. Welcome Sarah Montague—New Arlington School Committee Representative Ms. Nourse welcomed Sarah Montague as the new representative from Arlington. Ms. Montague introduced herself and shared that she is very passionate about Minuteman and is happy to be part of the School Committee. c.Reappointments to the School Committee Ms. Nourse noted that Ms. Crocker is serving in an interim capacity as the School Committee member representing Lexington. Ms. Nourse (Acton), Ms. DeLuca (Stow), and Mr. Spalding (Dover) have been reappointed to the Minuteman School Committee for the 2023-2026 term. d. 2023-2024 Weighted Voting Chart Members received a copy of the 2023-2024 weighted voting chart in their packet. Ms. DeLuca added that while the weighted vote is for most votes taken,it is not used for all of them. She noted that on the website, under the Regional Agreement, there are sections that detail where the votes differ. Ms.Nourse added that each vote taken during the meeting is recorded. e.2023-2024 School Committee Meeting Schedule A copy of the 2023-2024 School Committee meeting schedule was provided to members in their packet. ACTION 2023 960 Moved(Stalin) and seconded(Spalding) To approve the 2023-2024 School Committee Meeting Calendar, as presented. 9 members present at time of vote. Weighted Vote present: 100% Weight needed: >50% Final percentage results of vote: 100% Vote: Acton,Pam Nourse Yes Lancaster, Charlene Cabral Yes Arlington, Sarah Montague Yes Lexington,Judith Crocker Yes Bolton,Erika Elzey Yes Needham, Jeff Stulin Yes Concord, Steve Ledoux Yes Stow, Alice DeLuca Yes Dover, Ford Spalding Yes Final status of the vote: Approved unanimously 3 6. ACTING SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT, Kevin Mahoney a. SkillsUSA National Leadership Skills Conference Update—Drew O'Connors: Mr. O'Connor shared highlights of the SkillsUSA National Leadership Skills Conference which was held June 18'—June 24'in Atlanta,Georgia. He attended the event as a chaperone. The Environmental Team, consisting of Dean O'Brien, Gavin O'Brien and John O'Brien from Arlington,won the gold medal. The Entrepreneurship team, which included students Abby Bayer (Acton), Rose Cohen (Watertown), Maddox Glazer(Concord) and Abby Cluett(Acton), earned 9'place. Two students, Felix Nelson(Arlington) and Kaytaki Pathak(Arlington), served as voting delegates. Students also experienced some highlights of Atlanta,including a visit to the World of Coca-Cola, Georgia Aquarium, and the Yard Milkshake Bar. Ms. Crocker thanked the chaperones for their hard work. Ms. Nourse commented on the impressive work of the students and thanked all those involved in making this such a successful event. b. Leadership Retreat The administrative 3-day retreat was held in June. The team worked on the administrative assignments, staff evaluations, the process and guiding principles for the development of school-wide goals, review of the organizational chart to ensure that all roles and responsibilities were defined, as well as creating the professional development agendas. Mr.Mahoney shared that it was a very productive three days with a lot of groundwork covered. c.Hiring Update Mr. Mahoney reported that there are currently 10 positions open. These include four teaching positions, one school psychologist position, two technical assistants, and within administration. The administration is in the process of posting and interviewing for these open positions. Mr. Mahoney added that he has put a hold on two administrative positions —Director of Facilities and Director of Human Resources. He has worked with the administrative team to identify the expectations for these positions and possibly consolidate some of these roles into one director position, rather than two positions as appropriate. Mr. Mahoney will make a recommendation to the full School Committee at their next scheduled meeting. d. Approved 2022 Summer Work Proposals Members received a copy of the approved summer work proposals which totaled an estimated cost of $51,000.00. The majority of these are funded with grant funds. Mr. Mahoney noted the importance of getting the grant funding to support this necessary work to prepare the school to move forward. e.Fall Opening of School Mr. Mahoney shared the upcoming schedule of events to include: • New Teacher Orientation from August 22-24th • Department Leads return on August 23rd and 24th • Professional Development on August 28' • The first day of school for all students on August 29' 4 f. Approval of 2023-2024 Student Handbook Mr. Mahoney presented proposed updates to the Student-Parent Handbook. He noted that most of these changes involved adding language to the existing handbook,but significant changes were made to Part 5— Discipline. This section has been rewritten to comply with Massachusetts General Law Chapter 71, Section 37(H and 3/4 B)which is relative to school suspension and focuses on safety-related items. Ms. Nourse asked for clarification on the process and whether further edits will be made, with the final version being added to the next meeting agenda. Mr. Mahoney explained that the administration would make the updates to the manual and asked for a vote of approval. Ms. Crocker commented that while she appreciates the process, she does not feel comfortable voting for this item without seeing the final product. Mr.Mahoney then reviewed each of the proposed changes. Committee members asked clarifying questions on these items. Mr. Mahoney deferred this item to the August meeting where the Principal and Assistant Principal will be in attendance to respond to all questions. Ms.Nourse requested that the Policy Subcommittee review the Student-Parent Handbook in advance of the next School Committee meeting. g. Approval of the Contract for Legal Services with Murphy,Lamere and Murphy,P.C. for the period of July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2026 Mr. Mahoney presented the contract for legal services with Murphy, Lamere and Murphy for approval. Mr. Stulin commented that his experience with Murphy, Lamere and Murphy has been quite good, and Ms.Nourse added that she has had extensive communication with them during her time serving as Chair and found them to be very,very responsive. ACTION 2023 961 Moved(Stalin) and seconded(Spalding) To approve the contract for legal services with Murphy, Lamere and Murphy,P.C.for the period of July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2026, as presented 9 members present at time of vote. Weighted Vote present: 100% Weight needed: >50% Final percentage results of vote: 100% Vote: Acton,Pam Nourse Yes Lancaster, Charlene Cabral Yes Arlington, Sarah Montague Yes Lexington,Judith Crocker Yes Bolton,Erika Elzey Yes Needham, Jeff Stulin Yes Concord, Steve Ledoux Yes Stow, Alice DeLuca Yes Dover, Ford Spalding Yes Final status of the vote: Approved unanimously 5 7. Finance Report a. Finance Subcommittee Report—Steve Ledoux Mr.Ledoux provided an update from the Finance Committee meetings held on June 26'and July 18'where members reviewed the warrants and the FY23 budget transfers. The Finance Committee unanimously recommends these budget transfers. He noted also that while the Finance Committee 2023-2024 meeting schedule was approved,it may need to be adjusted for new members. b. FY23 Year-End Budget Transfers Mr. Mahoney presented the FY23 budget transfers which primarily relate to deficits as a result of year-end purchases, particularly work being done at the pump station located by the Minuteman High School sign. He noted that there have been issues with that off and on for a number of years, and due to the system currently working only on one pump,we acted quickly for the work to be done at an approximate cost of $38,000.00. The second budget transfer reflects the purchase of new equipment for the maintenance department. Ms. Crocker confirmed that Cranberry Hill Office Park will share with the school the expense to fix the pump station as they are fellow users. Mr. Spalding reiterated that it has been an ongoing concern for some time. ACTION 2023 962 Moved(Ledoux) and seconded(Crocker) To approve the FY23 year-end budget transfers, as presented. 9 members present at time of vote. Weighted Vote present: 100% Weight needed: >50% Final percentage results of vote: 100% Vote: Acton,Pam Nourse Yes Lancaster, Charlene Cabral Yes Arlington, Sarah Montague Yes Lexington,Judith Crocker Yes Bolton,Erika Elzey Yes Needham, Jeff Stulin Yes Concord, Steve Ledoux Yes Stow, Alice DeLuca Yes Dover, Ford Spalding Yes Final status of the vote: Approved unanimously 13. Subcommittee Reports a. Announcement of determination of the School Committee regarding its June 13,2023,review of minutes from Executive Sessions held by the School Committee during meetings held from April 8, 202 through May 31, 2023 Ms.Nourse read the following announcement into the record: As required under the Open Meeting Law, we are announcing that, during an Executive Session on June 13, 2023, the School Committee reviewed the Executive Session minutes for its meetings held between April 8, 2023 and May 31, 2023, to determine whether the continued non-disclosure of those minutes is warranted and made the following determinations: 1) The purposes for which the following Executive Sessions were called have not been served and the following Executive Session minutes continue to be withheld in their entirety, as amended: 6 April 8, 2023 May 16, 2023 May 18, 2023 May 25, 2023 14. Reorganization/Election of Officers a. Process The School Committee took the following vote for the reorganization to occur: ACTION 2023 963 Moved(Stalin) and seconded(DeLuca) To allow the Acting Superintendent to preside temporarily 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 Vote: Acton,Pam Nourse Yes Lancaster, Charlene Cabral Yes Arlington, Sarah Montague Yes Lexington,Judith Crocker Yes Bolton,Erika Elzey Yes Needham, Jeff Stulin Yes Concord, Steve Ledoux Yes Stow, Alice DeLuca Yes Dover, Ford Spalding Yes Final status of the vote: Approved unanimously b. Nomination for Chair The temporary Chair opened the floor for nominations for the office of Chair for the 2023-2024 school year. Ms. DeLuca nominated Jeff Stulin for the position of Chair. No other nominations were presented. When asked if he would be willing to serve,Mr. Stulin responded in the affirmative. Mr. Stulin shared his background with Minuteman for the new members. He was the previous owner of a software company and has recently retired as a teacher at Newton South High School for the past 23 years. Mr. Stulin has been a member of the Minuteman School Committee for the past 25 years. He has served as both Chair and Vice Chair, has worked with four Superintendents, and spent over 15 years working on the new school building project. He added that he is grateful for the opportunity to serve again. Ms. DeLuca detailed the duties of the Chair as follows: o call the meeting to order at the appropriate time; o preside at all meetings,including: o announcing the order of business; o stating and putting to a vote all questions regularly moved; o appointing subcommittee chairs; o charge subcommittees with their duties; 7 o allow for adequate discussion and debate on all matters which properly come before the Committee; o enforce the observance of order and procedure; o announce the result of any vote taken;and subj ect to appeal,deciding all questions of order and procedure; o to represent and stand for the Committee, declaring the Committee's will and obeying its decisions; o to have final approval of items to be placed on the Committee agenda; o sign contracts and instruments, the execution of which has been authorized by the Committee; and o vote on all budgetary matters,but the Chair may choose to abstain on other matters, except to break a tie Mr. Stulin added that there are also Minuteman Rules of Order, which are far less formal than Roberts Rules of Order, and the Chair abides by those rules. Mr.Mahoney closed the nominations for Chair. The following vote was taken: ACTION 2023 964 Moved(DeLuca) and seconded(Spalding) To appoint Jeff Stulin as Chair for 2023-2024 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 Vote: Acton,Pam Nourse Yes Lancaster, Charlene Cabral Yes Arlington, Sarah Montague Yes Lexington,Judith Crocker Yes Bolton,Erika Elzey Yes Needham, Jeff Stulin Yes Concord, Steve Ledoux Yes Stow, Alice DeLuca Yes Dover, Ford Spalding Yes Final status of the vote: Approved unanimously Mr.Mahoney returned the power to the Chair. c. Nomination for Vice-Chair The newly appointed Chair then asked for nominations for the position of Vice-Chair. Mr. Stulin nominated Alice DeLuca. Ms. DeLuca affirmed her willingness to serve in this capacity. No other nominations were made and the nomination for Vice Chair was closed. Ms. DeLuca shared that her son is a graduate of Minuteman. She has been a member of the Minuteman School Committee since 2002. She has also been appointed to a number of state committees and has visited and toured every vocational school in the State of Massachusetts. She is also a metalsmith and appreciates 8 the trades very much. Ms. DeLuca is very dedicated to Minuteman and wants to see it continue to prosper and feels Minuteman is one of the best schools in the State. Mr. Spalding added that Ms.DeLuca is very well known across the state,both at the state level and beyond. She is very familiar with Massachusetts General Law and is very knowledgeable about Minuteman. He is very happy to have Ms. DeLuca continue to serve as a member of the Minuteman School Committee. The following vote was taken: ACTION 2023 965 Moved(Stalin) and seconded(Nourse) To appoint Alice DeLuca as Vice-Chair for 2023-2024 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 Vote: Acton,Pam Nourse Yes Lancaster, Charlene Cabral Yes Arlington, Sarah Montague Yes Lexington,Judith Crocker Yes Bolton,Erika Elzey 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. Nomination for Secretary The Chair asked for nominations for the position of Secretary. Ms. DeLuca nominated Judy Crocker. Ms. Crocker affirmed her willingness to serve in this capacity but noted that she is currently serving in an interim role on the School Committee based on the current process deliberation by the Lexington Select Board. She added that she had originally said no to this position when first asked, given the interim nature of her position on the Committee. Ms. DeLuca noted that she has served with Ms. Crocker on the Policy Subcommittee and believes that she is more than qualified to serve as Secretary. The following vote was taken: ACTION 2023 966 Moved(DeLuca) and seconded(Spalding) To appoint Judith Crocker was Secretary for 2023-2024 VOTE: 9 members in room at time of vote Weighted Vote present: 100% Weight needed: >50% Names of towns opposing or abstaining: Lexington Final percentage results of vote: 100% Final status of the vote: Unanimous 9 Vote: Acton,Pam Nourse Yes Lancaster, Charlene Cabral Yes Arlington, Sarah Montague Yes Lexington,Judith Crocker Yes Bolton,Erika Elzey Yes Needham, Jeff Stulin Yes Concord, Steve Ledoux Yes Stow, Alice DeLuca Yes Dover, Ford Spalding Yes Final status of the vote: Approved unanimously Mr. Stulin expressed his appreciation to Ms.Nourse for her years of service as Chair. Ms.Nourse added that it has been an honor to serve as Chair of the School Committee and that it is a great group of members. 10. Executive Session a. To enter Executive Session and return to Open Session, with Kevin Mahoney and Julia Pisegna attending,for the following reasons:pursuant to M.G.L.c.30A, Section 21(a)(2)to conduct strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with nonunion personnel or to conduct collective bargaining sessions or contract negotiations with nonunion personnel: the Interim Principal ACTION 2023 967 Moved(Cabral) and seconded(DeLuca) Pursuant to M.G.L.c.30A, Section 21(a)(2) to conduct strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with nonunion personnel or to conduct collective bargaining sessions or contract negotiations with nonunion personnel: the Interim Principal 9 members present at time of vote. Weighted Vote present: 100% Weight needed: >50% Final percentage results of vote: 100% Vote: Acton,Pam Nourse Yes Lancaster, Charlene Cabral Yes Arlington, Sarah Montague Yes Lexington,Judith Crocker Yes Bolton,Erika Elzey Yes Needham, Jeff Stulin Yes Concord, Steve Ledoux Yes Stow, Alice DeLuca Yes Dover, Ford Spalding Yes Final status of the vote: Approved unanimously 11. Return to Open Session: a.Approval of the Employment Contract for the Interim Principal ACTION 2023 968 Moved(Cabral) and seconded(Spalding) To allow the Acting Superintendent to enter into discussions on the contract for Interim Principal with Katie Bouchard 9 members present at time of vote. Weighted Vote present: 100% Weight needed: >50% Final percentage results of vote: 100% 10 Vote: Acton,Pam Nourse Yes Lancaster, Charlene Cabral Yes Arlington, Sarah Montague Yes Lexington,Judith Crocker Yes Bolton,Erika Elzey Yes Needham, Jeff Stulin Yes Concord, Steve Ledoux Yes Stow, Alice DeLuca Yes Dover, Ford Spalding Yes Final status of the vote: Approved unanimously 12. Return to Executive Session: ACTION 2023 969 Moved(Crocker) and seconded(Cabral) To enter into Executive Session and not return to Open Session,with Attorney Josh Coleman, Dr. Dawson, Attorney Michael Long and Julia Pisegna attending,to discuss the reputation, character,physical condition, or mental health,rather than professional competence, of the Superintendent-Director, or to discuss the discipline or dismissal of, or complaints or charges brought against, a public officer, employee, staff member or individual. 9 members present at time of vote Weighted Vote present: 100% Weight needed: >50% Final percentage results of vote: 100% Vote: Acton,Pam Nourse Yes Lancaster, Charlene Cabral Yes Arlington, Sarah Montague Yes Lexington,Judith Crocker Yes Bolton,Erika Elzey Yes Needham, Jeff Stulin Yes Concord, Steve Ledoux Yes Stow, Alice DeLuca Yes Dover, Ford Spalding Yes Final status of the vote: Approved unanimously Respectfully submitted, Julia Pisegna Judith Crocker District Assistant Secretary 11