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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFINAL OS Minutes 6.18.13.pdf FINAL Approved 7 9 13 OPEN SESSION MINUTES MINUTEMAN REGIONAL VOCATIONAL TECHNICAL SCHOOL DISTRICT SPECIAL MEETING OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING JUNE 18,2013 6 00 PM PAUL REVERE ROOM,MINUTEMAN HIGH SCHOOL Present: Alice DeLuca,Chair, Stow Kemon Taschioglou(Lincoln) Jeff Stulin,Vice-Chair(Needham) Laura Morrissette(Arlington Carrie Flood, Secretary(Concord) Jack Weis(Belmont)(armed 6 19 PM) Ford Spalding(Dover) Mary Ellen Castagno(Wayland)(left 10 15 PM) Cheryl Mahoney(Boxborough) Daniel Mazzola(Lancaster) Don Rober(Carlisle)(arrived 6 08 PM) Bella Wong(Weston)(arrived 6 09 PM) David O'Connor(Bolton) Absent.Dave Manjarrez(Sudbury),David Horton(Lexington) Others Present. Solomon Rubin,Ed Bouquillon,Elizabeth Rozan,Ernie Houle,Kevin Mahoney,John Donato, Michelle Resendes,Kris Luoto,Ron Marino,John Pelletier,Bill Blake,Michelle Roche,Lisa Bardo-Barnes, DeAnne Dupont, Shannon Cain,Julia Raskind,Elisabeth Nardone,Rachel Gammian,Michaela Gunman,Tracey Sierra,Diane Hunter,Dana Ham,Maryanne Ham,Al St George,Jill Asser,David Harmon,Diane Dempsey, Sheila Nagle,Carrie Bernstein,Elissa Grad,John Skogstrom,Connie Maynard,Bill Rubin,Nancy Pierce,Lois Madison, Eugene DiPaolo,Michelle McNulty 1. CALL TO ORDER. OPEN SESSION The meeting was called to order at 6 00 PM 2. STUDENT REPORT Solomon Rubin gave his report,highlighting the graduation,the election of class officers,the upcoming tnp to 6 Flags being sponsored by the Minuteman Parent Association,and the upcoming Ski11sUSA event in Kansas He confirmed that he will continue as representative next year 3 PUBLIC COMMENT Twenty individuals came to the table to give Public Comment Dana Ham,member of School Building Committee,urged supporting the leader who was hired Sheila Nagle,recently elected president of Minuteman Faculty Association for next school year,cited voting statistics to support her view that the faculty is vesting in the work of the MFA,and that the Executive Board represents and speaks for the majority of staff,some of whom are reluctant to speak She noted that the MFA stands by the results of the Mass Tell survey,is concerned about staff turnover and rate of student departures,and expressed that contrary to the idea of quitting if unsatisfied with Minuteman,the MFA wants Minuteman be an environment where people can work,learn,and thrive Connie Maynard Minuteman teacher,expressed concern about staff turnover,specifically that a staff member recently decided to leave, not because a fob was closer to home or because salary was better,but because of the circumstances in the building David Harmon Weston resident,indicated that the State Ethics Commission holds an extensive file,and he urged people to call them He also noted that Weston is encouraging a collaboration with other towns to improve conditions at Minuteman,to examine finances, to consider the impact on small and large member towns,and that Weston is urging the next member representative to advocate certain policies Shawn Caples Lexington resident,active in MPA,urged not renewing the Superintendent's contract and stated 4 reasons for this position DeAnne Dupont stressing deep caring for Minuteman High School and the current and future students,and with the help of Sharon Autia Russell Barnes and Julie Raskin read a statement that urged not renewing the Superintendent's contract The 60 names of those who had signed on to this position were read Tracey Sierra,Minuteman teacher,read a statement on behalf of Joe Pitta,retiring teacher,in support of Dr Bouquillon Cynthia DeMaio Minuteman teacher,spoke in support of Dr Bouquillon,highlighting his hardworking,caring qualities,his efforts to hold people accountable,and his focus on doing the best for the students Bill Rubin Arlington parent,emphasized that those sharing opinions all want what is best for Minuteman,and stressed that many have serious concerns about the quality of Dr Bouquillon's leadership Lois Madison Needham parent,shared a personal story relating to anxieties about whether funds raised by the students would actually be used for the Boston Strong charity,and noted that it is detrimental to students to function without high standards Al St George Minuteman teacher,spoke in favor of Dr Bouquillon's support for the electrical shop,and urged that the School Committee renew his contract Anthony Perugini Minuteman graduate,explained that while laid up with two broken legs during his senior year,he did not gain permission to Skype into classes,and was found ineligible for a 504 He explained that while he did pass,and did graduate on time,it was a negative final year that required catch-up John Donato Minuteman teacher,commended Dr Bouquillon for his professionalism in the face of what he called a "witchhunt" He expressed that he felt this was a personal vendetta against the Superintendent perpetrated by the former Business Manager and some School Committee members He urged that people utilize the Superintendent's open-door policy and communicate directly,and urged the School Committee to vote in support of renewal Lisa Barnes Acton parent,expressed concern for low staff morale that she felt was a demotivating factor that discouraged students MarvEllen Perugmi with the help of Shannon Cain,offered comment on her reasons for serving on the School Committee, and her view of the methods used to circumvent her efforts She also circulated a letter from an unnamed "Concerned Minuteman Mom",as well as a graph plotting 15 year data relative to member town enrollment Rachel Gann-man requested that the vote to be taken later be conducted as a roll call vote Comments submitted in writing can be found as Attachment A At 6 55 PM,the Public Comment period concluded 4. CHAIR'S REPORT,Alice DeLuca a. School Committee Accomplishments 2012-13 The Chair highlighted School Committee accomplishments over the course of the year,noting progress in a number of areas In the area of Negotiations, she highlighted that the Educator Evaluation System Agreements were negotiated and ratified with the MFA as required by DESE and that the School Committee conducted ongoing negotiations with the Superintendent In the area of Grants,she highlighted approval for the Superintendent to apply for the Community Innovation Grant and the Regionalization Study Grant She explained that the latter was awarded in January,2013 and resulted in the formation of the Regional Agreement Amendment Subcommittee (RAAS),in partnership with a consultant from the Massachusetts Association of Regional Schools(MARS) She noted that members appointed to this Subcommittee included imhally individuals from 3 non-member communities With regard to Building,highlights included approval of the MSBA study enrollment recommendation and authorization of the execution of the Study Enrollment Certification,authorization of an Owners Project Manager Selection Committee and approval of an RFS for an Owners Project Manager for the Building Project,per the MSBA process Members were appointed to the Building Committee,and the Building Committee hired a Designer She also noted that the Feasibility Study is on track with the MSBA and is coordinating with the new Regional Agreement Amendment grant process Related to this,she noted that several items were brought forward by Belmont and are being addressed In the area of Finance/Budget, she noted that an Assistant Superintendent was hired,the audit process was improved,a Marginal Cost Exploration Task Force was formed,and post-graduate tuition rate set by DESE was approved Additionally,the Finance Subcommittee began a search for a new Treasurer,is reviewing the process for warrant approval,and is developing more dependable financial reporting She pointed out that progress is being made to resolve difficulties with revolving accounts to eliminate historic deficits and oversight issues within those accounts Finally,the FY14 budget was accepted in all 16 member towns, including capital items to address areas of immediate concern,such as roof repair b. Proposed Meeting Dates for 2013-14 The Committee discussed the proposed meeting dates for both the School Committee and the Finance Subcommittee (shown as Attachment B) This prompted a short discussion on the monthly regularity and frequency of the meetings,the time management of the meetings,and the length of the agenda,and the School Committee voted as follows ACTION 2013#77 Moved(Stulm)and seconded(Taschioglou) To approve the list of School Committee meetings and Finance Subcommittee meetings as presented Vote: 10 in favor, 3 opposed(with 13 members present) 5. SUPERINTENDENT REPORT,Ed Bouquallon a. DESE Related Updates The Superintendent gave an update on DESE related activities,including Mass Common Core, license renewals, and the PAARC assessments,noting that there are many mandates that have cost implications,with no funding from DESE He also noted that Lisa Sandler resigned from the Career and Technical Education position at DESE to take on a different position there,and that MAVA will have a role in her replacement b. Retirement Board Appointment The Superintendent noted that given the resignation of Kris Luoto,who has served on the Minuteman Retirement Board for the last year and a half,a replacement is needed The following vote was taken ACTION 2013#78 Moved(Stulin)and seconded(Spalding) To approve the recommended appointment of Kevin Mahoney to the MRVTSD Retirement Board to fill the remainder of the three year term(June 18,2013-November 16,2014)vacated by Kris Luoto Vote. Unanimous c School Improvement Plan The Principal gave an update on the key components of the School Improvement Plan He noted details related to the school wide Executive Functioning initiative,the AP course offerings,and efforts in reading consultation He noted that 100%of the students took mid-year assessments,and mentioned planning time for teachers and the Physical Education requirement for graduation Continuous improvement,completeness,new initiatives,career pathways were commented upon In response to a question,teacher Carrie Bernstein gave a brief outline of how IPads are being integrated into instruction,and commented on better engagement A member expressed that he found the format of the Executive Summary difficult to follow,and offered suggestions for improvement Another member commended staff for the clear and concise action plan that will aid in moving forward The following vote was then taken ACTION 2013#79 Moved(Spalding)and seconded(Mahoney) To approve the 2012-14 School Improvement Plan Executive Summary Updated May,2013 as presented Vote- Unanimous (with 1 member out of the room) With no objection,the order of the agenda was changed to accommodate visiting presenters 6 SCHOOL BUILDING UPDATE,Ford Spalding a. Educational Program Plan Development and Enrollment Design Process The Chair of the School Building Committee noted that with the OPM and Designer in place, Module 3 (Feasibility Study)and Module 4(Schematic Design)are the next steps He noted that the OPM and the Designer were present to report on progress with the Program Plan Development and the Enrollment Design Process He introduced Mary Ann Williams,Skanska(OPM),who then introduced representatives from Kaestle Boos(Designer) Joe Milani gave a bnef presentation of existing conditions,covering exterior shell,roof,accessibility issues,egress issues,mechanical/electrical/plumbing issues,and cost triggers Frank Locker reviewed progress on the Education Program vis-a-vis the enrollment options Student interest,access by out-of-district students,restrictions to renovating while school is in session,input for teachers,specific programs,obvious passion and educational philosophy were topics raised during discussion The origin of the 6 indicators was discussed,as was the need for School Committee discussion on the Education Plan,DESE approval of programs,avoiding redundancy with other vocational technical school programs,and the possibility of anoint meeting between the School Building Committee and the School Committee A member stated his concerns about the enrollment design numbers(435 in-district and 800 combined in-district and out-of-district) He noted that given the mix of in-district and out-of-distnct students currently enrolled(360 in-district),he is concerned that the lowest design number is higher than current in-district enrollment He also noted his concern that the Education Plan reviewed last year was a draft,and not the final decision He was concerned about the number of students projected for each category and the cost involved He emphasized his position that this is not an administrative decision,but rather one that requires input,as it involves policy and strategy that will shape Minuteman,and that the School Committee must be involved in thinking it through He noted that the school is a resource for communities,and that there should be public hearings and meetings along the way to get parent and community input He noted that he has heard it said that the School Committee is not capable or interested enough to be involved,and that he believes the School Committee needs to be involved Another member mentioned the need for advisory boards in every shop Mary Ann Williams referred to the Module 3 and 4 Process Flow chart(Attachment C),emphasizing that MSBA has a prescribed process,and that along the flow chart,Minuteman is at the very beginning She noted that many questions need to be answered,including how many out of district students will be allowed, and whether the school be repaired,renovated,or built anew She emphasized that it not possible to answer the questions without moving through the Feasibility Study process She further explained that the preliminary design program will be submitted by October 3,2013 The Chair of the School Building Committee noted that the School Committee must get focused on this project and work as School Committee In response to a member who asked how to provide input,he suggested calling him, or arranging a meeting with him,Dr Bouquillon,and MaryAnn Williams He pointed out that there will be a meeting on June 28 at 12 30 PM between MSBA and the Town Managers and Boards of Selectmen It was suggested that the notification of the meeting be sent to the School Committee members so they can be informed and urge their town officials to attend 7 POSSIBLE EXECUTIVE SESSION At 8 40 PM,the Chair noted that there was a need for an Executive Session for the purposes described below,with Ms Rozan,Attorney McNulty,and Dr Bouquillon to remain present as needed,and with the School Committee returning to Open Session a Follow-up on Public Records Request for release of Executive Session Minutes Pursuant to MGL c 30A,s 22(f)to review minutes from all Executive Sessions of the Committee held from 8 1 12—3 31 13 to determine whether continued non-disclosure of such minutes is appropriate,and b Superintendent Contract Negotiations Pursuant to Purpose 2(M G L c 30A,s 21 (a)(2))to conduct strategy sessions in preparation for contract negotiations with certain nonunion personnel,namely,Dr Edward Bouquillon,the District Superintendent,and to conduct contract negotiations with Dr Bouquillon,and pursuant to Purpose 7 (M G L c 30A,s 21(a)(7))to comply with or act under the authority of a Massachusetts General Law by receiving legal advice from counsel protected from disclosure under Massachusetts with the relevant citations of law being MGL c 4,s 7,clause twenty-sixth,MGL c 30A,s 21 (a)(2),and MGL c 30A,s 22(1) The School Committee will return to Open Session The following vote was taken ACTION 2013#80 Moved(Stulin)and seconded(Spalding) To enter into Executive Session as described Mazzola yes Stulin yes Castagno yes DeLuca yes Weis yes Spalding yes Morrissette yes Mahoney yes Taschioglou yes Rober yes Flood yes Wong yes O'Connor yes Vote. Unanimous At 9 24 PM,the School Committee returned to Open Session after adjourning the Executive Session 8. RETURN TO OPEN SESSION. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS a. Superintendent Contract Negotiations Subcommittee,Alice DeLuca In the absence of the Chair of the Negotiations Subcommittee,the School Committee Chair noted that she would entertain a motion related to the Superintendent's contract A motion was made(Stulin)and seconded(Spalding)to accept and approve the one year contract,July 1,2013-June 30,2014,as presented Some members took the opportunity to express their opinions on this decision,describing why they would vote m favor or against Voting what is best for the district, positive qualities balanced with a style that raises concerns with parents and others, the amount and quality of time and effort that the School Committee has put into this consideration of renewal, the weight of the likelihood of getting the school building project underway, disappointment with interactions, the likelihood of finding an interim,the measure of town support for a construction project,and the need to look forward were points raised That the School Committee itself needs be more introspective in order to change for the good of Minuteman,particularly given the discord,and the general struggle to come to a vote of conscience were also mentioned for consideration The member from Weston,noting that this was her last meeting,expressed great pride in having served on the Minuteman School Committee She noted that her goal has been to look at the data and remain objective,and that she respects member votes The importance of doing what is best for the students in the community was underscored The Chair noted that a few emails were circulated by School Committee members and that these will become part of the minutes,although not read(found as Attachment D) The Chair pointed out that historically,Minuteman has been a trendsetter and has drawn attention to itself by being good She noted that with the economic recovery underway,there is general unrest which has contributed,in her opinion to the drama and pressure Compounded with the DESE's educator evaluation,and the potential for a building project,a high profile environment has been created that would put any superintendent in an impossible situation She noted that difficult decisions have kept Minuteman afloat At 9 55,the following vote was taken ACTION 2013#81 Moved(Stuhn)and seconded(Mahoney) To continue the meeting past 10 00 PM Vote. 12 in favor,1 abstention The following vote was taken on the Superintendent's Contract ACTION 2013#82 Moved(Stulin)and seconded(Spalding) To accept and approve the one year proposed contract(July 1,2013-June 30,2014)as presented Mazzola no DeLuca yes Castagno no Spalding yes Weis no Mahoney yes Morrissette yes Rober no Taschioglou yes Wong abstain Flood yes O'Connor yes Stulin yes Vote• 8 in favor,4 opposed,with 1 abstention(13 members present) It was confirmed that since the contract has now been approved,it is a public document The approved contract can be found as Attachment E A copy was circulated around the table for signatures As he was not present during the preceding Executive Session,Dr Bouquillon requested and was granted time to review the document before signing to ensure final language was consistent with terms and conditions he had previously agreed to b Policy Subcommittee,Cheryl Mahoney 1 Reconsideration of Article V Bylaws. Terms of Office Amendments The Chair of the Policy Subcommittee explained again the history of this item,and noted that the request to the School Committee members was to reconsider the proposed amendments as presented,because the vote taken on 5 21 13 was not a supermajority She pointed out that members were notified again at least 5 days in advance of this meeting It was explained that it was necessary to have a 2/3 vote of the full School Committee (i e, 11 votes in favor)for any change to the Bylaws She referred to Ms Castagno's augmented comments,and it was clarified that the term would be not more than 5 consecutive years It was moved(Spalding)and seconded(Flood)to approve the recommended changes to the Bylaws as presented(shown in Attachment F,Policy BBA,School Committee Bylaws) ACTION 2013#83 Moved(Spalding)and seconded(Flood) To approve the recommended changes to the Bylaws as presented Vote: 11 in favor,1 abstention(with 12 members present,one member out of the room) Other policy items were deferred [At 10 15 PM,Ms Castagno left the meeting] 9. ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT FOR FINANCE REPORT,Kevin Mahoney a. Authorization for Feasibility Study Borrowing The Assistant Superintendent explained the details of this item,noting that the funds would see the Feasibility through until the end of September/early October It was moved(Spalding)and seconded(Stulin)to award the notes as described The member from Belmont noted that this is what Belmont has been asking for,and while he agrees with his town that the conditions of the June 2010 vote have not been met,this item does represent a good faith effort The member from Carlisle concurred,and the following vote was taken ACTION 2013#84 Moved(Spalding)and seconded(Stulin) To award the$180,000 Minuteman Regional Vocational Technical School District Bond Anticipation Feasibility Study Notes sold on June 14,2013 to be dated June 27,2013 and maturing June 27,2014 to People's United Bank at a net interest cost of 0 58% Vote: 10 in favor,2 abstentions(with 12 members present) b. Update on Treasurer Position The Assistant Superintendent noted that of the 4 candidates, 3 withdrew,and after interviewing the remaining candidate,the Search Committee agreed to expand the search He noted that he anticipates a preliminary screening of applicants in July c. Bid Results: Natural Gas The Assistant Superintendent advised the School Committee that the natural gas contract with Hess Corporation as supplier expires on June 30,2013 He explained that Beacon Integrated Solutions solicited proposals on behalf of the District for a successor contract on June 13,2013,and that pricing was solicited for 12, 17,and 24 month contract periods He provided information on the bid results,as shown in Attachment G,and noted that the District awarded a contract for a term of 24 months to Spark Energy for$7 26/decatherm He further explained that under the expiring contract with Hess Corp , the contractual rate is$7 54,so there will be a savings realized in the rate of 28 cents,or an estimated annual savings of approximately$3,300 He noted that there was no vote needed,and that this was informational After some discussion,the School Committee agreed to postpone discussion on item d (Budget Transfers FY 13) and item e (Revolving Fund Transfer)until the July,9,2013 meeting 10. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS(Continued) a. Regional Agreement Amendment Subcommittee Report,Carrie Flood The Chair of the Regional Agreement Amendment Subcommittee(RAAS)reported that the group had agreed in principal on several points,including capital apportionment, School Committee weighted voting,community right to withdraw,and that the details are still to be worked out She noted while the group came up with what they wanted to make the district sustainable and attractive,legislative action may be necessary to make it happen The Superintendent concurred with her summary,and noted progress with regard to intermunicipal agreements, which in addition to Senate Bill 228 and the amendment which would be addressed in late fall,could work to Minuteman's advantage b. Superintendent Evaluation,Alice DeLuca The Chair called attention to the summary evaluations distributed at the table She noted that the Superintendent can respond at a future time if he so chooses c. Finance Subcommittee,Alice DeLuca and Jeff Stuhn 1. Follow-up on OML Complaint#6(5.16.13). Deliberation via email The School Committee Chair noted that the Attorney General's office has advised that if a complaint is not properly filed,it requires no action This complaint was not properly filed,and therefore requires no action by the School Committee 2. Summary of Activities The Finance Subcommittee Chair noting that he was pleased with Mr Mahoney's bold proposal related to revolving funds,which the Committee will hear more about,and though displeased that he was unable to review all the financial policies that Ms Mahoney had requested,and would like to investigate per pupil cost The following vote was then taken ACTION 2013#85 Moved (Flood)and seconded(DeLuca) That the School Committee assign the Finance Subcommittee the task of investigating the components of the Minuteman per pupil cost Vote: Unanimous Ms Flood offered good wishes to Mr Luoto,thanked him for stepping in and doing a great job at a difficult time 11. SECRETARY'S REPORT,Carrie Flood a. Review of Minutes The Secretary asked that the 4 9 13 Open Session minutes be considered for approval A motion was made(Stulin) and seconded(O'Connor)to approve the minutes of 4 9 13 as written It was noted that one amendment to these minutes had been received from Ms Mahoney,under the section related to the Regional Agreement Amendment Subcommittee Report After consideration, a motion was made(Mahoney)and seconded(Stulin) to amend the minutes as suggested The following votes were then taken ACTION 2013#86 Moved(Mahoney)and seconded(Stulin) To amend the Open Session minutes of 4 9 13 as suggested Vote. 9 in favor,with 3 abstentions ACTION 2013#87 Moved(Stulin)and seconded(O'Connor) To approve the Open Session minutes of 4 9 13 as amended Vote. 9 in favor,with 3 abstentions The Secretary suggested postponing review of the 5 21 13 minutes until Mr Horton's return It was also determined that given the hour,the possible Executive Session to review Executive Session minutes of 4 8 13,4 9 13,and 5 21 13 would be postponed 12 ADJOURNMENT The following vote was taken at 10 55 PM ACTION 2013#88 Moved(Stulin)and seconded(Flood) To adjourn the meeting at 10 55 PM Vote. Unanimous Respectfully submitted, Elizabeth Rozan Carrie Flood District School Committee Assistant Secretary ATTACHMENTS TO THE MINUTES OF 6 18 13 A Public Comment submitted in writing B List of School Committee and Finance Subcommittee Meeting Dates 2013-14 C Skanska Module 3 and 4 Flow Chart D Letters circulated by School Committee members E Approved 1 year Superintendent Contract(July 1,2013-June 30,2014) F Approved Amendments to Policy BBA, School Committee Bylaws G Bid Results Natural Gas Supplier