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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFINALOS SC Minutes 6 17 14.pdf FINAL Approved 7 8 14 OPEN SESSION MINUTES MINUTEMAN REGIONAL VOCATIONAL TECHNICAL SCHOOL DISTRICT REGULAR SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING JUNE 17,2014 6 00 PM PAUL REVERE ROOM,MINUTEMAN HIGH SCHOOL Present: Alice DeLuca,Chair(Stow) Laura Morrissette(Arlington) Jeff Stulin,Vice-Chair(Needham) Jack Weis(Belmont)(arrived 6 15 PM) Came Flood, Secretary(Concord) Mary Ellen Castagno(Wayland)(left 7 50 PM) Ford Spalding(Dover)(arrived 6 18 PM) Dave Horton(Lexington) Cheryl Mahoney(Boxborough) Judy Taylor(Carlisle) Nancy Banks(Acton) David O'Connor(Bolton)(arrived 6 40 PM) Absent. David Manjarrez (Sudbury),Kemon Taschioglou(Lincoln), Daniel Mazzola(Lancaster),Doug Gillespie (Weston) Others Present Ed Bouquillon,Kevin Mahoney,Ernie Houle,Brendan Dutch,Elizabeth Rozan, Nancy Pierce, Dave Eisenstadter,reporters,John Pelletier,Al St George,Gene DiPaolo, Sheila Nagle,Diane Dempsey,Maryann Ham,Bill Blake,Marjorie Daggett,DeAnne Dupont,Bill Rubin 1. CALL TO ORDER. OPEN SESSION With a quorum present,the Chair called the meeting to order at 6 00 PM 2. DESIGN ENROLLMENT DISCUSSION,Ed Bouqudlon The Superintendent gave a presentation related to Final Design Enrollment,outlining proposed changes in a 628 student school He presented information on the final design enrollment process,recapped what we know,and outlined what we do not know today,given proposed DESE Ch 74 revisions He outlined assumptions of the process,reviewed Gr 8 actual vs projected enrollments(comparing NESDEC revisions vs DESE Actual vs MSBA projected enrollment numbers), highlighted before/after scenarios with the transition to a smaller school, specifically size of school and programs FY 15,with possible reorganized career clusters,estimated staffing reductions,reorganized administration, and reviewed financial projections,expenditures by state code,and proposed next steps (See Attachment A) Additionally,the Superintendent referred to a MetroWest article entitled "Despite STEM focus,program enrollment stagnant at vocational schools",which suggests the reason may be the number of available seats,rather than demand The article appears as Attachment B Details on the state code numbers,the sustainability of per pupil cost,the reasons behind the per pupil cost, assumptions due to community wealth and SPED costs were discussed The member from Belmont had prepared materials Highlights of his review of this material included his view that the school should serve member-town students,and planning should present a number fairly for consideration by the member towns, considering long- term historic enrollment data,and programming reviewed and approved by the Education Plan Task Force in October,2013 (See Attachment C) The need for a vote that allows forward movement,the need for 100% agreement among member communities,that there has been as yet no response to the Wayland Board of Selectmen's correspondence,the perceptions regarding non-member students,and the experts' opinion on the matter were raised The Supermtendent explained that the OPM and Design Team have basically suspended their work until the School Committee establishes a number within the range put forth by MSBA How the school will function in a regional economy 10 years from now,with the focus being less about size and more about the educational program and funding structure that addresses Work Force Development was noted,as was not being shortsighted, and the School Committee's role in publicizing the issues The importance of Work Force Development was acknowledged,and the opinion was raised that this can't be at the sole expense of communities,but that the State must step up on this matter The SPED population was also discussed The Finance Subcommittee Chair had also prepared materials in a draft form He reviewed this material, highlighting time frame and vision,student psychology and the risk of a"death spiral"if too small a school is built, building and operating costs,benefits and nsks of a larger(650 student)and smaller(550 student)school,planning for in-district students,and cost of additional space (See Attachment D) The administrative costs related to funding mandates were addressed,as was the idea that if Minuteman builds a state-of-the-art facility,students will be attracted to attend,supporting the idea that If you build it, they will come The unpredictability of enrollment was also raised,as sometimes a group of friends decide to come to Minuteman and there is an uptick in enrollment from that community A motion was made(Spalding)and seconded(Banks)to approve the Design Enrollment number of 628,as recommended The discussion continued,addressing the issue of living with ambiguity and taking the risk with the information already at hand,the need for additional cost/benefit analysis of various options, and the reasons not to support this proposed number(from costs,political uncertainties,the Regional Agreement decisions) A request was made that the Administration commit to doing an analysis comparing costs of the current school with a smaller school,and reviewing the demand for vocational education through total outside seats Doing the analysis first vs doing the analysis later,frustration with the continual dissection of the options, and the need to take the leap to move ahead in the process were issues raised The fight for Minuteman as an excellent school was noted,given the need to make the enrollment sustainable and to address the concerns of member towns,without making the school so small that the educational standards are lost The Superintendent addressed what a vote would mean he can reengage the design process so the experts can continue their work,the process will move forward with the support of the School Committee, he can begin to reach out to the School Committees of non-member towns as another layer of engagement, he can reach out to the MSBA with clear direction,and it sends a message to the students and the families that indicates a positive direction He confirmed that he and the Assistant Superintendent can address the requested analyses,and that NESDEC has also been reengaged It was pointed out that an"abstain"vote is a cop-out,that this is probably not the final number,and that no matter what the final number turns out to be,the communities will have a number of questions that will have to be addressed through the analyses With regard to reaching out to the School Committees of other communities,the member from Wayland inquired why a member of the Board of Selectmen from Needham has approached her town and has spoken on behalf of Minuteman She wanted to know who authorized him to do so,as the Minuteman School Committee had not,and that this is the job of the Superintendent She also voiced her opinion that the presentations are always"under the gun" Another member pointed out that her town has also been approached,so it is not unique to Wayland,and she urged the vote in support of students,as many of the discussions at the table are not about the students and should be A motion was made to move the question,and the following vote was taken ACTION 2014#63 Moved(Spalding)and seconded(Banks) To move the question Vote- 10 in favor,2 opposed The vote was then taken on the recommended Design Enrollment number as follows ACTION 2014#64 Moved(Spalding)and seconded(Banks) To approve the Design Enrollment Number of 628 as recommended Vote: 10 in favor,2 opposed [Ms Castagno left the meeting after the vote,at 7 50 PM] 3 PUBLIC COMMENT DeAnne Dupont(Arlington)gave Public Comment related to the TELL Mass Survey Information(shown in Attachment E) She voiced her surprise and disappointment in Minuteman's results,compared to Arlington High School,Assabet,and Greater Lowell Regional Tech She highlighted Managing Student Conduct and School Leadership as weak areas,suggesting that faculty are not receiving support needed where it comes to student conduct issues She urged the school leadership to take a look and figure out what needs to be done to improve the areas addressed in the survey, so that outstanding faculty members are not lost and that students attending Minuteman do not suffer Bill Rubin(Arlington)gave Public Comment urging the School Committee not to vote for the Superintendent's contract He expressed his opinion that there is a lack of school leadership,resulting in not attracting and keeping good teachers,not having a good marketing campaign,not focusing on project learning,and that kids are not being given opportunities to be more engaged in these projects He suggested that Minuteman is not in the ball park of a school such as Worcester Tech,and that it is not preparing workers for the future The member from Acton then raised a point of order related to the Sudbury member She noted that his recent sending of an email to a quorum of the Superintendent Negotiations and Evaluation Subcommittee containing his opinion about the Superintendent evaluation is a violation of the Open Meeting Law,and she suggested that his appointing authonty be notified 4. CHAIR'S REPORT a Assessment of Status of SC Goals 2013-14 The Chair reported that she had reviewed the votes from the 2013-14 school year,and noted that there was an alarming number of votes related to individual member issues and process,while not enough on school matters or efforts to make a better school She then referred to the goals and summarized action related to each b Proposed 2014-15 Meeting Dates(SC and Finance Subcommittee) The Chair called attention to the proposed School Committee and Finance Subcommittee meeting dates for the 2014-15 school year The following vote was then taken ACTION 2014#65 Moved(Spalding)and seconded(Flood) To approve proposed 2014-15 School Committee and Finance Subcommittee meeting dates Vote: Unanimous She also pointed out that the next meeting is the School Committee reorganization meeting, and suggested that anyone seeking an officer role be prepared to organize their life accordingly 5 SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT, Ed Bouquillon a Update on School Improvement Plan Principal Houle reviewed the draft School Improvement Plan and pointed out the changes in the draft from last year's,which is on the website He also that this needs to be approved by the School Council,and he will ask for a School Committee vote at the July meeting b Update on Tell Mass Survey and NEASC Report The Superintendent reported that he met with the MFA to begin discussions on the issues reflected in this survey They agreed to meet again in September to focus attention on the issues and set priorities to address them He also pointed out that the NEASC Report is not available to the public yet,as the NEASC Board needs to approve it first, and that it is anticipated for the Fall c Minuteman Distnct Participation in PAARC Test The Superintendent explained the details related to the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers(PAARC)test,specifically that a pilot is scheduled for 2015,and the actual for 2016 Due to accommodations needed for the large number of Special Education Students and the technical details necessary for administering the test,he is recommending that Minuteman opt out and administer the MCAS only The following vote was then taken ACTION 2014#66 Moved(Spalding)and seconded(Taylor) To approve the Superintendent's recommendation not to administer the SP 2015 PAARC test Vote: Unanimous d Update on Graduation The Chair asked for an update on the recent Minuteman graduation,although this was not on the agenda The Superintendent explained that it was a really good event He extended thanks to both Diane Dempsey and Donna Heisler for their efforts to make it a smooth running event for 145 graduates walking across the stage He pointed out that he felt close to the class because of his involvement with shaving his head and doing lunch duty, and he felt the speech by the valedictorian Annie Viegh(Boxborough)was great A member who had attended pointed out that Minuteman graduations are wonderful,particularly in showing how supportive the students are of each other He commended the students for the amazing things they are doing,and that the same spirit is here at Minuteman as is at Worcester Tech,where President Obama recently visited He highlighted the video presented (Look Up)and commended the Superintendent and staff as being the ones who make the good things happen at Minuteman Another member pointed out that video and comments are on the Minuteman Facebook page,and that there are pictures from the graduation at Wicked Local's on line site and on LexMedia 6 ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT FOR FINANCE REPORT,Kevin Mahoney a Renewed Bond Anticipation Feasibility Study Note The Assistant Superintendent explained the details on the renewal and responded to questions about how Unibank was selected The following vote was then taken ACTION 2014#67 Moved(Banks)and seconded(Stulin) To award the$180,000 Minuteman Regional Vocational Technical School District Bond Anticipation Feasibility Study Note, sold on June 11,2014 to be dated June 27,2014 and maturing June 26,2015,to UmBank for Savings at a net interest cost of 0 60% Vote. Unanimous b FY 14 Budget Transfers The Assistant Superintendent explained the details of these budget transfers and responded to questions about unanticipated costs and Special Education and staffing The following vote was then taken ACTION 2014#68 Moved(Spalding)and seconded(Momssette) To authorize the recommended line item budget transfers in the FY 14 budget Vote Unanimous c Sample Quarterly Report Q3 March 31,2014 As a follow-up to the last meeting,the Assistant Superintendent explained the details of the sample Quarterly Report included with the packet He clarified that he worked out the format with the Finance Subcommittee,and that the full School Committee could anticipate receiving this type of report regularly He responded to questions about it, and acknowledged the typo that was pointed out,and concerns about additional staffing not anticipated or budgeted for 7. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS Superintendent Negotiations and Evaluation Subcommittee,Dave Horton Update on Evaluation Compilation Summary The Chair of the Superintendent Negotiations and Evaluation Subcommittee suggested that this item could be discussed now or in July,that the Superintendent can respond,and that the summary is now a public document He also suggested that one can get a good analysis by reading through the individual comments The Superintendent responded,noting that the Subcommittee was helpful and that he thought the evaluation process was a good one, particularly because the instrument was simplified He noted that most of the information was helpful,and in the case of the outliers,it was valuable to hear the different perceptions,as there is always room for improvement It was suggested that if there are any comments related to improving the instrument to pass them on to Mr Horton The process for setting goals and the interplay between the School Committee's goals and the Superintendent's goals were discussed A process of setting goals in July,outlining clear measures using the SMART goal model for evidence,and scheduling updates twice a year was suggested,as the School Committee could then formulate opinions on progress It was agreed that ideas for goals should be forwarded to Ms Rozan,who will send a reminder,so that a draft could be circulated for the July 8 meeting 8 SECRETARY'S REPORT,Came Flood Approval of Past Open Session Minutes 5 20 14 The Secretary explained that Mr Horton had offered two minor corrections, with no additional amendments,the following vote was taken ACTION 2014#69 Moved(DeLuca)and seconded(Banks) To approve the past Open Session Minutes of 5 20 14,with two minor corrections offered by Mr Horton Vote• Unanimous A member expressed her suggestion that details included in the text concerning a specific vote could have been included instead as an attachment 9. POSSIBLE EXECUTIVE SESSION At approximately 8 45 PM,the Chair explained that there was a need for an Executive Session for the following purposes a Approval of Past Executive Session Minutes Pursuant to MG L c 30A,s 22(f)to review,amend,finalize,and approve Executive Session minutes of 5 20 14, and to determine whether continued non-disclosure of such minutes is appropriate b Negotiations Update Pursuant to Purpose 2(MGL Ch 30A, S 21 (a)(2))to discuss strategy in preparation for negotiations,including contract negotiations,with certain non-union personnel,namely,District Superintendent Dr Edward Bouquillon She noted that Ms Rozan would remain present,and that the School Committee intended to resume Open Session at the conclusion of Executive Session A roll call vote was then taken ACTION 2014#70 Moved(Stulin)and seconded(Banks) To enter Executive Session as described Horton yes Mahoney yes Weis yes Taylor yes Morrissette yes Banks yes Flood yes O'Connor yes Stulin yes DeLuca yes Spalding yes Vote. Unanimous(with 11 members present) 10. RESUME OPEN SESSION The Open Session was resumed at approximately 9 00 PM 11. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS, Continued Superintendent Negotiations and Evaluation Subcommittee,Dave Horton The Chair of the Superintendent Negotiations and Evaluation Subcommittee noted that the Subcommittee had met among themselves,met with Dr Bouquillon,and met with the School Committee in Executive Session to discuss the details of the proposed contract Appreciation was extended to the Subcommittee for their competence in completing this job,as well as to the Superintendent and his staff over the last few years The vote was taken as follows ACTION 2014#71 Moved(Horton)and seconded(Spalding) To approve the continuation 3 year employment contract for the Superintendent(July 1,2014-June 30, 2017)as presented Vote. 10 in favor, 1 opposed After a round of applause,the School Committee Chair explained that the Executive Session was short because the draft contract had been discussed at length in previous Executive Sessions,and there was nothing new in the final version 12. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 9 05 PM The contract was then signed at the end of the meeting by the Superintendent and members present Respectfully submitted, Elizabeth Rozan Carrie Flood District School Committee Assistant Secretary ATTACHMENTS TO THE MINUTES OF JUNE 17,2014 A Final Design Enrollment Power Point Proposed Changes in a 628 Student School B MetroWest Article on Program Enrollment at Vocational Schools C Preliminary Thoughts and Analysis on School Sizing,JWeis 6 17 14 D Draft Comments on the Minuteman Building Project,JStulin 6 17 14 E Public Comment,DDupont 6 17 14 F Draft School Improvement Plan,6 17 14 G FY 14 Budget Transfer Request,6 17 14 H 3 year Superintendent Employment Contract