HomeMy WebLinkAboutFINAL SC Minutes July 14 2020.pdf FINAL
MINUTES
MINUTEMAN REGIONAL VOCATIONAL TECHNICAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
REGULAR SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING
JULY 14,2020 6:30 P.M.
VIA REMOTE PARTICIPATION
Present.
Pam Nourse, Chair(Acton) Jeff Stuhn, Vice-Chair(Needham)
Judith Crocker(Lexington) Dave O'Connor(Bolton)
Steve LeDoux(Concord) Ford Spalding(Dover)
Michael Ruderman(Arlington) Jennifer Leone(Lancaster)
Absent. Alice DeLuca(Stow)
Weighted Vote• Weighted Vote present at start of meeting 91 28%
Others Present. Dr Edward Bouquillon,Dr. Robert Gerard',Dr. Amy Perreault,Kevin
Mahoney,George Clement and Julia Pisegna
1 CALL TO ORDER. OPEN SESSION
The Chair called the meeting to order at 6.35 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said Executive Order is rescinded or the Commonwealth's State of Emergency as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 2020#64
Moved (Leone)and seconded(Stuhn)
To approve remote participation
VOTE• 8 members in room at time of vote
Weighted Vote present: 91.28%
Weight needed: >45 64%
Names of towns opposing or abstaining. none
Final percentage results of vote. 91.28%
Final status of the vote. Unanimous
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Roll Call
Pam Nourse, Chair(Acton)
Michael Ruderman(Arlington)
Dave O'Connor(Bolton)
Steve LeDoux (Concord)
Ford Spalding(Dover)
Jennifer Leone (Lancaster)
Judith Crocker(Lexington)
Jeff Stulin, Vice-Chair(Needham)
3 CHAIR'S REPORT, Pam Nourse
a For the Good of the Oruanization
Committee Chair, Pam Nourse, welcomed two new Committee members, Judith Crocker
(Lexington) and Michael Ruderman (Arlington),to the Minuteman School Committee
Mr Ruderman shared that he was very impressed with the news coverage of the
graduation ceremony for the Class of 2020.
Ms Nourse (Acton) recognized that she and Alice DeLuca (Stow) have been re-appointed
as members of the School Committee She reflected on the accomplishments of the past
year as we moved into the new building and the recent vote made to move forward with
the athletic fields. Subcommittee members then provided an update on the work
accomplished dunng the past year.
Steve Ledoux reported that the Finance Subcommittee focused on identifying financial
implications of the new building, and increased enrollment of the school. The Finance
Subcommittee needs two additional members Jeff Stulin reported that the Erollment
Taskforce had completed extensive work on increasing enrollment,but that they had
suspended work due to the pandemic They will continue to work on how to maintain
momentum for enrollment dunng difficult times In Alice DeLuca's absence, Pam Nourse
read the Policy Taskforce report. The Policy Taskforce had expanded to three members.
The major work was updating and shortening the admissions policy, revising/updating the
CORI/SORI policies, and coming up with a demonstration version of a GitHub-based
archiving system Ford Spalding reviewed prior work of the Strategic Planning
Subcommittee, including recruiting and resource matenals for new members,which are
available at
httos //minuteman ore/eons/Pages/index isr uREC ID=449860&tvice=d&termREC ID=&oREC I
D=849570 This year the subcommittee worked on Minuteman succession planning and
held a retreat to pnontize leadership traits.
Ms. Nourse also recommended the need for an August School Committee meeting, and a
meeting was scheduled for August 11, 2020
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Dr. Bouquillon shared that the Executive Team will be meeting for their annual retreat
next week where they will discuss the Superintendent's Goal and school-wide goals
4. SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT,Dr. Edward Bouquillon
a. Hiring Undate
Dr.Bouquillon announced the following new hires:
Chemistry Physics Teacher—Carla Serkm
Social Studies Teacher—John Bakopolous
Robotics and Automation Technology Teacher—Tina Collins
Multi-Media Teacher—Jack Lilbum
Guidance Counselor/Co-Op Coordinator—Jaclyn Tomaszewski
Registered Nurse—Annie Quill
Dr Bouquillon reported that the Engineering position has been re-posted All interviews
have been conducted via Zoom.
b. Capital Skills Grant
Dr. Bouquillon shared that while the official announcement remains embargoed, the
District was awarded a Capital Skills Grant for the robotics automation and logistics
engineering program.
c. Summer/Weekend/Vacation Learning Grant Applications
Dr. Bouquillon provided Committee members with a listing, in their packets, of the grants
which the District has applied for He noted that students will be assessed for math,reading
and CTE competency
d. Fall Re-Openinr7 of School. Status of Planning
Dr Bouquillon shared with Committee members information from Commissioner Riley of
the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education which provides additional
guidance on fall re-opening plans, noting that all Districts will receive a template to be
submitted to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education with three re-opening
models: in person, hybrid, and a remote learning model. The District must provide three
sets of plans by July 31 These plans will inform the Commissioner about potential needs
and costs related to reopening school under the constraints of the pandemic. The
Commissioner has also requested that Districts hold off announcing any final decisions
about what re-opening will look like in the fall until early August
Dr. Bouquillon responded to questions by Committee members relative to teachers and
shared that he is going to try to accommodate medical and/or special needs relative to in
person and remote learning instruction He also provided an update on the technology in
place for students and confirmed that all incoming freshman have Internet access in place
and provided an update on the work done in planning for CTE exploratory.
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Dr. Bouquillon shared that his team has been working diligently on our re-opening plan and
will continue to update Committee members with new developments.
Committee members asked numerous questions.
Ms. Leone asked how the District would deal with a surge in COVID cases, and Dr.
Bouquillon responded that the District is aware of this potential, and that Minuteman's
model has the kids staying together in cohorts to facilitate contact tracing.
Mr. Stulin expressed concerns about older teachers or those who live with immune-
compromised individuals. Dr. Bouquillon said the District will try to accommodate
concerns. He noted that there are discussions at the state level and among unions and
orgamzations.
Ms. Leone asked if there is discussion about early retirement incentives. Dr Bouquillon
stated that the District had offered this incentive and agreed to waive the early notification
requirement.Two staff members took advantage of this opportunity
Ms Nourse asked about special needs students Dr Bouquillon noted that the District may
need additional staff,and they are reviewing this next week.
Mr O'Connor asked about technology for remote learning Dr. Bouquillon responded that
the District has provided a number of families with access via Comcast Laptops for
freshmen were ordered early Both training and assessment of Internet access will move
forward
Ms. Leone asked how remote learning works for Exploratory and whether there are
budgetary implications Dr Bouquillon stated that freshmen will be in CTE every other
week The District has also purchased online modules He says that this is definitely not
budgeted,but that he had cut eight positions and is adjusting as needed.
Ms Nourse thanked the administration and teachers for all their hard work as they prepare
and finalize a plan for re-opemng in fall
e MSBA School Building Project—Ford Spalding
Mr. Spalding provided an update from the weekly meeting of the School Building
Committee. He reported that the punch list included 36 open items and noted that the
final Certificate of Occupancy is expected in the first week of August. Mr Spalding
also noted that due to the athletic fields being an add alternate, there will not be a
formal MSBA close-out of the building until after the athletic fields have been
completed. Skanska and KBA are working on the athletic fields project.
f. MRVSD Athletic Fields Prosect—Ford Snaldm,g
Mr Spalding provided an update on the timeline for the athletic fields noting that he
anticipates the District going out to bid for a general contractor m mid-August,
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followed by a review of final construction drawings and bid documents, and an
expected completion of the project in late September,2021.
Dr. Bouquillon remarked that there have been some issues with contaminated soil. Mr
Spalding noted that 29 tons of this soil had already been removed offsite The costs of
the athletic fields project will be known after the bidding process The School
Committee will subsequently decide on authorizing the expense.
Mr. O'Connor asked if the theater permitting is complete, and Mr. Spalding responded
that it is
5 DIRECTOR OF FINANCE'S REPORT,Dr Robert Gerard'
a An oroval of FY20 Transfers
Dr Gerardi recommended approval of the FY20 transfers. He reported the purpose of the transfers is
to close out with net surplus in all accounts $380,700.84 will remain, and will go to Excess and
Deficiency(E&D)
Mr. Stulin asked about the line for Build Multi Business Office Mr. Gerardi reported this relates to
an uptick in insurance costs because the new building is of greater value
VOTE: To approve the FY20 transfers, as presented
ACTION 2020#65
Moved (Leone)and seconded(O'Connor)
To approve the FY20 transfers,as presented
VOTE: 8 members in room at time of vote
Weighted Vote present: 91.28%
Weight needed. >45 64%
Names of towns opposing or abstaining none
Final percentage results of vote: 91 28%
Final status of the vote. Unanimous
Roll Call.
Pam Nourse, Chair(Acton)
Michael Ruderman(Arlington)
Dave O'Connor(Bolton)
Steve LeDoux(Concord)
Ford Spalding(Dover)
Jennifer Leone(Lancaster)
Judith Crocker(Lexington)
Jeff Stulin,Vice-Chair(Needham)
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b Aooroval to Use FY20 Funds to Pav Invoice No. 19-194 from Concord Police
Dr. Gerardi recommended approval to use FY20 funds to pay Invoice No. 19-194 in the amount of
$928.49 from the Concord Police Department He stated this invoice for coverage during a hockey
game was not submitted timely in 2019. M G L Chapter 44 requires a 7/8 vote of the Committee to
pay a prior year bill. Mr Ruderman asked if these are usual and customary charges, and Dr.
Gerardi affirmed.
VOTE. To approve the use of FY20 funds to pay Invoice No 19-194 in the amount of
$928 49 from the Concord Police Department,as presented
ACTION 2020#66
Moved(Leone) and seconded(LeDoux)
To approve the use of FY20 funds to pay Invoice No. 19-194 in the amount of
$928.49 from the Concord Police Department, as presented
VOTE. 8 members m room at time of vote
Weighted Vote present. 91.28%
Weight needed: >45 64%
Names of towns opposing or abstaining: none
Final percentage results of vote: 91.28%
Final status of the vote• Unanimous
Roll Call:
Pam Nourse, Chair(Acton)
Michael Ruderman(Arlington)
Dave O'Connor(Bolton)
Steve LeDoux(Concord)
Ford Spalding(Dover)
Jennifer Leone(Lancaster)
Judith Crocker(Lexington)
Jeff Stulin, Vice-Chair(Needham)
c Approval of Surplus Items
Dr. Gerardi recommended approval for disposal of surplus items and responded to questions by
Committee members relative to the process and sale of these items. School Committee Policy DN
requires a majority vote to determine that items are surplus.
In response to a question from Ms Crocker, Dr Gerardi reported that once declared surplus. the
items will be offered for sale, out of responsibility to the taxpayers. A notice then generally goes to
other schools that may be interested. There is some financial value for the materials, which are the
last of the items from the old building.
VOTE: To approve the disposal of surplus items, as presented
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ACTION 2020#67
Moved(Leone)and seconded(Spalding)
To approve the disposal of surplus items,as presented
VOTE 8 members in room at time of vote
Weighted Vote present. 91 28%
Weight needed. >45.64%
Names of towns opposing or abstaining. none
Final percentage results of vote. 91.28%
Final status of the vote. Unammous
Roll Call:
Pam Nourse, Chair(Acton)
Michael Ruderman(Arlington)
Dave O'Connor(Bolton)
Steve LeDoux (Concord)
Ford Spalding(Dover)
Jennifer Leone(Lancaster)
Judith Crocker(Lexington)
Jeff Stulm,Vice-Chair(Needham)
d. Approval to Accept the List of Monthly Donations
Dr. Gerardi recommended approval of the list of monthly donations,as presented There was one
donation.
VOTE. To approve the list of monthly donations,as presented
ACTION 2020#68
Moved(Leone)and seconded(LeDoux)
To approve the list of monthly donations, as presented
VOTE. 8 members in room at time of vote
Weighted Vote present 91.28%
Weight needed: >45.64%
Names of towns opposing or abstaining: none
Final percentage results of vote. 91.28%
Final status of the vote- Unanimous
Roll Call.
Pam Nourse, Chair(Acton)
Michael Ruderman(Arlington)
Dave O'Connor(Bolton)
Steve LeDoux (Concord)
Ford Spalding(Dover)
Jennifer Leone(Lancaster)
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Judith Crocker(Lexington)
Jeff Stulin,Vice-Chair(Needham)
6. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
a Policy Subcommittee Update—Alice DeLuca
Policies for Review:
1. Advisory Subcommittee and Taskforce
VOTE:To approve the Advisory Subcommittee and Taskforce Policy for Second
Reading, as presented
In Ms DeLuca's absence, Ms. Nourse shared that this new policy was discussed and approved
for 1g reading at the previous School Committee meeting and allows the School Committee to
appoint non-voting advisory members to subcommittees and taskforces, to provide expertise in
certain areas.
Committee members asked about the title of the policy and the policy code,and agreed to table
the item for vote to the next scheduled School Committee meeting to allow Ms DeLuca an
opportunity to respond
b Chances to the Student Handbook
Dr. Bouquillon shared that this item was added as a placeholder pending the release of
information and recommendations from the Department of Elementary and Secondary
Education and the possible need for policy change, such as for face masks and social
distancing.
7. SECRETARY'S REPORT,Alice DeLuca
a Approval of Draft Minutes of June 9. 2020
VOTE: To approve the draft minutes of June 9,2020,as presented
ACTION 2020#69
Moved (Leone) and seconded(Spalding)
To approve the draft minutes of June 9,2020, as presented
VOTE. 8 members in room at time of vote
Weighted Vote present: 91.28%
Weight needed: >45.64%
Names of towns opposing or abstaining. Arlington and Lexington(abstained)
Final percentage results of vote. 53.59%
Final status of the vote: Passed
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Roll Call-
Pam Nourse,Chair(Acton)
Michael Ruderman(Arlington)(abstained)
Dave O'Connor(Bolton)
Steve LeDoux (Concord)
Ford Spalding(Dover)
Jennifer Leone(Lancaster)
Judith Crocker(Lexington)(abstained)
Jeff Stulin,Vice-Chair(Needham)
VOTE. To approve the draft minutes of June 23,2020,as presented
ACTION 2020#70
Moved(Leone)and seconded (Spalding)
To approve the draft minutes of June 23,2020,as presented
VOTE: 8 members in room at time of vote
Weighted Vote present: 91 28%
Weight needed. >45.64%
Names of towns opposing or abstaining. Arlington and Lexington(abstained)
Final percentage results of vote. 53.59%
Final status of the vote: Passed
Roll Call.
Pam Nourse,Chair(Acton)
Michael Ruderman(Arlington) (abstained)
Dave O'Connor(Bolton)
Steve LeDoux(Concord)
Ford Spalding(Dover)
Jennifer Leone(Lancaster)
Judith Crocker(Lexington)(abstained)
Jeff Stuhn, Vice-Chair(Needham)
8. REORGANIZATION/ELECTION OF OFFICERS
a. Process
The School Committee took the following vote for the reorganization to occur:
ACTION 2020#71
Moved(Nourse)and seconded (Spalding)
To allow the Superintendent to preside temporarily
VOTE- 8 members in room at time of vote
Weighted Vote present: 91 28%
Weight needed. >45.64%
Names of towns opposing or abstaining- none
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Final percentage results of vote- 91 28%
Final status of the vote• Unanimous
Roll Call.
Pam Nourse, Chair(Acton)
Michael Ruderman(Arlington)
Dave O'Connor(Bolton)
Steve LeDoux(Concord)
Ford Spalding(Dover)
Jennifer Leone(Lancaster)
Judith Crocker(Lexington)
Jeff Stulin,Vice-Chair(Needham)
b. Nomination for Chair
The temporary Chair opened the floor for nominations for the office of Chair There was one
nomination for Chair: Mr. Stulin nominated Pam Nourse.
When asked if she would be willing to serve, Ms Nourse responded in the affirmative. The
following vote was taken:
ACTION 2020#72
Moved(Stuhn)and seconded(Leone)
To appoint Pam Nourse as Chair for 2020-2021
VOTE: 8 members in room at time of vote
Weighted Vote present: 91.28%
Weight needed. >45.64%
Names of towns opposing or abstaining: none
Final percentage results of vote: 91.28%
Final status of the vote. Unanimous
Roll Call:
Pam Nourse,Chair(Acton)
Michael Ruderman(Arlington)
Dave O'Connor(Bolton)
Steve LeDoux(Concord)
Ford Spalding(Dover)
Jennifer Leone(Lancaster)
Judith Crocker(Lexington)
Jeff Stulin,Vice-Chair(Needham)
c. Nomination for Vice-Chair
The newly re-appointed Chair then asked for nominations for the position of Vice-Chair. Mr.
Spalding nominated Jeff Stalin
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Mr. Stulin affirmed his willingness to serve in this capacity, but noted that this will be his last
year on the School Committee The following vote was taken.
ACTION 20#73
Moved(Spalding)and seconded(Leone)
To appoint Jeff Stulin as Vice-Chair for 2020-2021
VOTE: 8 members in room at time of vote
Weighted Vote present. 91.28%
Weight needed: >45.64%
Names of towns opposmg or abstaining none
Final percentage results of vote. 91.28%
Final status of the vote: Unanimous
d. Nomination for Secretary
The Chair asked for nominations for the position of Secretary. Mr. Stulin nominated Ms.
DeLuca as Secretary Ms. Nourse noted that in her absence, Ms DeLuca confirmed that if
nominated,she would accept. The following vote was taken.
ACTION 2017#74
Moved(Nourse)and seconded (Leone)
To appoint Alice DeLuca as Secretary for 2020-2021
VOTE 8 members in room at time of vote
Weighted Vote present- 91 28%
Weight needed. >45.64%
Names of towns opposing or abstaining None
Final percentage results of vote- 91 28%
Final status of the vote: Unanimous
Mr Stulin then thanked Ms. Nourse for her service and willingness to continue as Chair for
another year
Ms Nourse reminded Committee members to think about the subcommittees they would be
interested in serving on Mr LeDoux noted that the Finance Subcommittee will need
additional members to sign warrants Ms Leone replied that she is willing to serve on that
subcommittee.
9. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business,the School Committee took the following vote.
ACTION 2020#74
Moved(Stulin)and seconded(Leone)
To adjourn the meeting at 7:52 p.m.
VOTE. 8 members in room at time of vote
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Weighted Vote present: 91.28%
Weight needed. >45.64%
Names of towns opposing or abstaining:
Final percentage results of vote: 91.28%
Final status of the vote- Unanimous
Respectfully submitted,
Julia Pisegna Alice DeLuca
District Assistant Secretary
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