Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutFINAL MINUTES 10.18.11as amended.pdf MINUTEMAN A REVOLUTION IN LEARNING FINAL Approved November 1,2011 MINUTES MINUTEMAN REGIONAL VOCATIONAL TECHNICAL SCHOOL DISTRICT SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING OCTOBER 18,2011 TRAINING ROOM 7.00 PM PRESENT School Committee Members Alice DeLuca Stow (Chair) Ford Spalding Dover (Vice Chair) David Horton Lexington (Secretary) Dore Hunter Acton Laura Mornssette Arlington Jack Weis Belmont (arrived at 7 15 pm) Cheryl Mahoney Boxborough Donald Rober Carlisle John McGarity Lancaster Kemon Taschioglou Lincoln Jeffrey Stuhn Needham David Manjarrez Sudbury Mary Ellen Castagno Wayland John Blyzinskyj Weston Absent Hannes Klein Bolton David Bearg Concord Staff Dr Edward Bouquillon Superintendent Camie Lamica Director of Business &Operations Ernest F Houle Pnncipal/Director of Community Education Elizabeth Rozan School Committee Administrative Assistant Others Edward DeLuca Monica Foley DeAnne Dupont Dennis Berg Kris Luoto Marjorie Daggett Sheila Nagle Connie Maynard Carl Valente Melody Orfei Representatives from the Minuteman Faculty Association,including Dana Farrell,John Fusco,Chris Danielson,Pat Rafter,Gary Sypteras,and Rick Repucci 758 Marrett Road, Lexington, MA 02421 T 781 861 6500 F 781 863 1747 TDD 781 861 2922 minuteman org Serving Acton Arlington Belmont Bolton Boxborough Carlisle Concord Dover Lancaster Lexington Lincoln Needham Stow Sudbury, Wayland and Weston I CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 7 00 PM II PUBLIC COMMENT There was no Public Comment III CHAIR'S REPORT The Chair extended a welcome to a new member from Carlisle,Don Rober,and thanked Mariellen Perugmi for her service She extended thanks to Dr Bouquillon,Mr Houle,and Ms Roache for their informative publications She extended thanks to the Subcommittee chairs and for their efforts to develop and post a schedule of meetings Additionally,she thanked all who worked to make the October 7 Legislative Breakfast a success The Chair explained the need to appoint a Voting Delegate to the Massachusetts Association of School Committees' (MASC)Business Meeting,and listed those members attending Ms Momssette,Ms Mahoney,and herself Ms Castagano nominated Cheryl Mahoney ACTION 11-12 #30 On a motion of Ms Castagno,and seconded by Mr Spalding,the School Committee VOTED(13 for,with 1 abstention)to appoint Cheryl Mahoney as Voting Delegate to the annual business meeting of MASC to be held on Friday,November 11,2011 at 3 00 PM The Chair explained that the Retirement Board has requested that she and Dr Bouquillon appoint a second member to the Minuteman Regional Vocational Technical School District(MRVTSD)Retirement Board to serve three years,as the current second member's term expires November 16,2011 No one expressed interest,and Dr Bouquillon did not have a suggestion at this time They agreed to continue to seek someone to fill this role IV. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORT 1 Negotiations The Chair explained that this was an opportunity to sign the previously ratified Collective Bargaining Agreement (2011- 2014)and the 3 Side Letters of Agreement(Extra Work,Retiree Health Insurance,and Salary Review)negotiated between the Minuteman RVT School District Committee and the Minuteman Faculty Association(MFA) The Vice Chair extended commendations and expressions of appreciation to the members of the Faculty Association John Fusco explained that while it was an arduous process,the collaboration was a meaningful learning process School Committee members and representatives from the MFA then signed the Collective Bargaining Agreement V. FIELD TRIP REQUESTS The Chair explained that the School Committee has a policy in place for overnight field trips,and the Superintendent affirmed compliance 1 Discussion for the World Language Department-sponsored field trip followed a motion to approve it by Mr Spalding and seconded by Mr McGarity Mr Houle described the details of the trip,and explained that the trip is financed by the students themselves ACTION 11-12#31 On a motion of Mr Spaldling and seconded by Mr McGarity,the School Committee VOTED UNANIMOUSLY to approve the World Language Department sponsored 9 day student supported International Field Trip to France and Spain,leaving Thursday April 12,2012,two days before the start of school vacation Page 2 of 8 2 Discussion for the Environmental Technology Program's field trip request followed a motion to approve it by Mr Spalding and seconded by Ms Morrissette Mr Houle described the details of the trip ACTION 11-12#32 On a motion of Mr Spalding and seconded by Ms Morrissette,the School Committee VOTED UNANIMOUSLY to approve the Environmental Technology Program's request for an overnight field trip to the NEED Building operated by the National Park Service, Cape Cod National Seashore in Eastham, MA,scheduled for Tuesday December 6-Friday,December 9,2011 3 Discussion for approval of Skills USA's request for an overnight trip followed a motion made by Mr Spalding and seconded by Ms Mahoney Mr Houle described the details of the trip and called attention to the fall,2011 Skills USA Champions publication ACTION 11-12#33 On a motion of Mr Spalding and seconded by Ms Mahoney,the School Committee VOTED UNANIMOUSLY to approve Skills USA's request for an overnight field trip to Marlborough,MA November 20-22,2011 for Fall Leadership Conference Details on all of these trips can be found as Attachment A VI. SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT 1 Update Town Manager's Working Group The Chair welcomed Carl Valente,Town Manager of Lexington,and expressed appreciation to him for his work on behalf of Minuteman,including teacher contract negotiations The Superintendent introduced Mr Valente,explaining that the presentation's focus is the Capital Apportionment model Mr Valente distributed a 2-page document titled Summary of Findings by Town Manager's Workmg Group,found as Attachment B He explained that while the group found they could not recommend the proposed Model B to the Selectmen and Town Managers,they were unanimously in agreement that the renovation project needs to be done and want to work towards developing a model that can be presented and passed by the member towns The non-member communities not contributing to the capital costs of the renovation project was highlighted as the key issue,a"deal breaker,"and the Town Manager's group is willing to work to get legislative change in place to address this concern He explained that at the October Town Manager's meeting,a Model E was developed He explained the details of Model E,and noted that the aim is to get unanimous support The Town Managers will meet with Selectmen and FinComs in their communities to discuss the issues and forward feedback to Dr Bouquillon and Ms DeLuca as the process continues Appreciation for his efforts and for his presentation was expressed The engaged presentation in Needham the night before was mentioned as indicative of solutions forthcoming Enrollment potential,wealth of the community,equity, Ch 70 aid,benefits from the size of the student body,and percentage of total enrollment of out of district tuition students were touched upon The movement to the legislative level was discussed as well,with the notation that Minuteman is the first regional vocational school to go through the MSBA process for a building project The Chair thanked Mr Valente for his presentation,and commended his demeanor as an asset in the negotiation process 2 MSBA Design Enrollment Certification The Superintendent referred to the October 11,2011 letter from MSBA(shown as Attachment C)regarding Enrollment Certification at a maximum of 800 students Discussion related to executing this certification followed a motion of Mr Stulm and seconded by Mr Spalding Comfort with the number,clarification of the MSBA Preliminary Reimbursement Rate Summary,and the consequences of not going forward with the given number were raised,as was going forward with the number and pursuing the legislative change process Page 3 of 8 Mr Weis offered an amendment to the main motion,which was seconded by Mr Blyzmsku,as follows WEIS AMENDMENT TO MAIN MOTION Moved,that the administration be directed to execute the Design Enrollment Certification,affirmed by the Massachusetts School Building Authority(MSBA)with the following provision The question regarding the extent to which the facility should be designed and constructed to accommodate a significant percentage of students from non-member towns is very much an unresolved issue within both the School Committee and the member towns Consequently,the District's acceptance of the MSBA's enrollment certification is done with the explicit understanding the 800 student enrollment number is a"not to exceed"number,and that the District may subsequently elect to propose a smaller facility m the future,if the District members cannot achieve a financially acceptable resolution for financing a project designed to accommodate a significant number of out-of-district students Mr Weis explained his rationale,namely not being locked into building a school for 800 students Redundancy,losing the 40%grandfathered reimbursement rate,looking toward the future,MSBA's wording were discussed Mr Weis clarified that his intention was not to amend the Design Enrollment Certification document,but to express concerns in a cover letter Whether this was a good strategy or not was discussed,as was in some detail on how the enrollment number was determined by the NESDEC study and the MSBA study Additionally,members with some previous experience in building projects shared their perspective on the process relative to determining the final enrollment number,i e,size of the school Some members expressed a desire to have a focused discussion on the number The main issue of funding for students from non-member towns and the series of steps set out by the funding agency(MSBA)were also raised ACTION 11-12#34 On a motion of Mr Hunter and seconded by Mr Stulm,the School Committee VOTED(9 in favor,4 opposed,and 1 abstention)to move the question on the Weis Amendment ACTION 11-12#35 On a motion of Mr Weis and seconded by Mr Blyzmskyj,the School Committee VOTED(3 in favor,9 opposed,with 2 abstentions)on the Weis Amendment,as noted above The motion did not pass. Discussion continued on the original motion Project costs,incentive points,and additional input were raised,as was the actual reimbursement formula and the practical limits The point was made that while the process may extend over a 2-year period,the design certification allows the process to begin ACTION 11-12#35 On a motion of Mr Stulm and seconded by Mr Hunter,the School Committee Voted(10 in favor,3 opposed,with 1 abstention)to move the question ACTION 11-12#36 On a motion of Mr Stulm and seconded by Mr Spalding,the School Committee VOTED UNANIMOUSLY that the Minuteman Regional School District authorize the Chair and Superintendent of Schools to execute the design enrollment certification offered by the Massachusetts School Building Authority(MSBA) [Attachment C] 3 Contract Votes Discussion to approve the Superintendent's recommendation on the SPED Director's contract and compensation followed a motion of Mr Stuhn and seconded by Mr Spalding The Superintendent called attention to the evaluation data,pointing out that Mr Lynn received high satisfaction levels from parents and staff He explained that there are 78 questions on the survey that fall within 7-12 behaviors In response to a request for a legible copy of the model,the questions,and the raw data,Dr Bouquillon explained that he could provide the questions and the number of respondents,but not the raw data He also explained the lower CTE ratings,the gap between current scores and need scores,and how this tool targets development over time Mr Lynn's previous salary,the standard vacation allotment,his level of responsibility for the volume of students on IEPs,bringing him up to equity,the Page 4 of 8 length of his contract,and the desire to encourage him to stay were discussed Concern was raised that this recommendation represents a 20%increase in salary while the teachers have received no raise ACTION 11-12#37 On a motion of Mr Stulm and seconded by Mr Spaulding,the School Committee VOTED(10 for,2 opposed and 2 abstentions)to approve the Superintendent's recommendation for a 3-year contract and compensation for the SPED Director [Attachment D] Discussion to approve the Superintendent's recommendation on the Director of Business/Operations compensation adjustment followed a motion of Mr Stalin and seconded by Mr Spalding Dr Bouquillon pointed out the value of her expertise and counsel in addressing financial concerns for the District Concern was raised due to points made in Ms Lamica's letter to the Finance Subcommittee dated October 10,2011,over her ability to keep up with the work load,the number of days she works at home,and the large salary increase The tracking of her time worked at home,her availability and responsiveness,her overtime work in the evenings on behalf of the school,were also raised Her efforts to improve the financial systems were commended,as was her never using the words"can't"and"it's not possible" Delayed response to request for public records was raised,as was her doing a great job overall Her ability to elucidate issues at a deep and clear level and that she has made an impression with her knowledge of and talent in business sense and strategy were mentioned That the salary recommendation brings her up to an average level of compensation of directors of business/operations in other career and technical schools was raised,as was the desire for more detailed information in comparison data,e g,the number of years in the position Dr Bouquillon clarified that Ms Lamica worked for 2 years without a raise,and teachers continue to have step and level increases in their salary guide He also explained that the term of her contract would bring it into alignment with other 3-year contracts ACTION 11-12#38 On a motion of Mr Stulm and seconded by Mr Spalding,the School Committee VOTED(12 for, 1 opposed,and 1 abstention)to approve the Superintendent's recommended compensation adjustment for the Director of Business/Operations [Attachment E] VII. BUILDING COMMITTEE REPORT Mr Spalding,as Chair of the Building Committee,reported on the information session held for current members on October 17,noting that the attendees were a great group who understand the job and the commitment,and have a passion for the project,and have expertise to offer Discussion to approve his recommendation to nominate 5 more people to the Building Committee followed a motion of Mr Stulm and seconded by Mr McGarity The rationale for selection was discussed expertise,the ability of members to attend meetings and continue over the two year process,experience with other building projects,broad understanding of a building project's impact,MSBA requirements for Building Committee membership Mr Spalding further clarified that the next meeting is scheduled for Monday,November 21 He also noted that he is not interested in putting a cap on membership,that a project Manager will be hired,and that MSBA will be represented,as will a town official ACTION#11-12-39 On a motion of Mr Stulm and seconded by Mr McGarity,the School Committee VOTED UNANIMOUSLY to nominate and add 5 more people to the Building Committee as follows Alice DeLuca Donald Grose Simon Bunyard John Doherty Dana Ham Page 5 of 8 VIII SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS(Continued) 1 Finance Subcommittee Mr Stulin reported on the recent meeting of the Finance Subcommittee,noting that the following issues were discussed the increased estimated cost of the Trades Hall renovation, establishing a stabilization fund,examining feasibility of applying for Statements of Interest,post-graduate tuition,retirement fund payments,and a recommendation for Ms Lamica to pursue hiring experienced help in her office Ms Lamica explained in further detail some of the issues of the retirement fund payment process,called attention to the amount of time involved in unraveling the inefficiencies ACTION 11-12#40 On a motion of Mr Stulm and seconded by Mr Horton,the School Committee VOTED(11 for,3 opposed)to go beyond 10 00 pm A request was made that subcommittee materials be made available to School Committee members The Chair agreed that the School Committee officers will discuss the best way for this to happen 2 Policy Subcommittee Chair Cheryl Mahoney expressed appreciation to Ms DeLuca,Ms Brueckner,and Ms Rozan as she prepared for the first meeting of the Policy Subcommittee held on October 18 She reported on the meeting,noting that the members reviewed the charge of the subcommittee,and considered long term goals,such as developing a simple searchable function on the website(perhaps as a computer shop project),as well as more immediate goals,such as creating a tracking sheet for approval status and getting a policy notebook for the Administration Office The Subcommittee reviewed the policy indexes and a tracking template,and discussed policies reviewed at the earlier meeting related to minutes and video taping of meetings IX. SECRETARY'S REPORT Mr Horton presented minutes from the two most recent past meetings for approval(September 13 and 27) He moved, and Mr Spalding seconded that the minutes of the 9/27/11 School Committee meeting be accepted,with an amendment that the actual names be included in the roll call vote,and that the time of entrance into and adjournment from Executive Session be added ACTION 11-12#41 On a motion of Mr Horton and seconded by Mr Spalding,the School Committee VOTED(8 for,2 opposed,with 4 abstentions)to approve the minutes of the 9/27/11 School Committee meeting,as amended above He then explained the process of long form vs short form on the 9/13/11 meeting minutes,and moved,with Mr Spalding seconding,that the short form redrafted minutes of 9/13/11 be approved,with an amendment to remove the bracketed statement Related to the concern expressed that it was unfair to switch from the long to the short form after members had spent some time with the long form amendments,without appnsmg the full committee,Mr Horton accepted the criticism ACTION 11-12#42 On a motion of Mr Horton and seconded by Mr Spalding,the School Committee VOTED(9 for,2 opposed,with 3 abstentions)to accept the short form redrafted minutes of 9/13/11,with the one amendment as noted Mr Manjarrez made a motion,which was seconded by Mr Weis,as follows MANJARREZ MOTION To establish an ad hoc task force that includes Mr Horton,Ms Rozan,and others who would look at the minutes policy and procedures and report back to the School Committee,with the intention to have minutes provide an accurate and balanced view of School Committee meetings Page 6 of 8 Ms Mahoney explained that in their discussion of the minutes policy currently in process,the Subcommittee had decided to approach the Officers to get input from the School Committee on the minutes policy The Chair affirmed that the long form vs the short form and following the open meeting law are guidelines in preparing the minutes of meetings, and that the Policy Subcommittee is working to address the expressed concerns ACTION 11-12#43 On a motion of Mr Manjarrez and seconded by Mr Weis,the School Committee VOTED(2 for, 11 against,with 1 abstention)on Mr Manjarrez's motion,as noted above The motion did not pass. X ADJOURNMENT ACTION 11-12#44 On a motion of Mr Stulm and seconded by Mr Horton,the School Committee VOTED UNANIMOUSLY to adjourn the meeting at 10 15 PM Respectfully submitted, Elizabeth Rozan David Horton, School Committee Administrative Assistant Secretary Page 7 of 8 MINUTEMAN REGIONAL VOCATIONAL TECHNICAL SCHOOL DISTRICT SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING OCTOBER 18,2011 ATTACHMENTS TO THE MINUTES A Field Trip Details B Summary of Findings by Town Manager's Working Group C MSBA Oct 11,2011 letter and Design Enrollment Certification document D Mr Lynn's Contract E Ms Lamica's Contract and Letter Page 8 of 8