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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFinal OS minutes 7.10.12.pdf Final Approved 9 18 12 MINUTES MINUTEMAN REGIONAL VOCATIONAL TECHNICAL SCHOOL DISTRICT SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING JULY 10,2012 6:00 PM PAUL REVERE ROOM,MINUTEMAN HIGH SCHOOL PRESENT Donald Rober Carlisle (left at 10 10 pm) School Committee Members Came Flood Concord Alice DeLuca Stow (Chair) Kemon Taschioglou Lincoln Ford Spalding Dover (Vice-Chair) Jeffrey Stulin Needham David Horton Lexington (Secretary) Mary Ellen Castagno Wayland Dore Hunter Acton (arrived 6 04 pm) John Blyzinskyj Weston (arrived 6 40 pm) Laura Morrissette Arlington Jack Weis Belmont (arrived 6 01 pm) Solomon Rubin Student (amved 6 15 pm) Cheryl Mahoney Boxborough Members Not Present (Vacancy) Bolton Dave Manjarrez Sudbury Peter Farmer Lancaster Staff Dr Edward Bouquillon Superintendent Ernie Houle Pnncipal Others. Camie Lamica Dir Business Manellen Perugini,Carlisle Michelle Roche Dir CTE Melody Orfei,Concord Ron Marino Dir WFD Matt Tobin,Attorney,Murphy,Lamere,&Murphy Elizabeth Rozan SC Asst A number of others who did not sign in John Pelletier IT Specialist Tracey Sierra Humanities/St Gov Co-Adv I. CALL TO ORDER Chair Alice DeLuca called the meeting to order at 6 00 pm II. CHAIR'S REPORT,Alice DeLuca a.Correspondence. It was noted that a reply is being drafted to the Town of Carlisle regarding the letter included in the packet b VTE Advisory Council The composition and purpose of the Vocational Technical Education Advisory Council(VTE)were explained,and reference was made to its recent draft report recommending review of funding mechanisms for regional vocational school construction projects and potential adjustments to the MSBA reimbursement formula c Quarterly Meeting with Municipal Representatives It was noted that the Quarterly Meetings of Municipal Representatives will resume in the fall,and a date is being worked out for the first meeting in September,where Jeff Wulfson,Deputy Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education will be the guest speaker d. Follow-up to discussion on Superintendent Evaluation It was noted that a workshop meeting with the School Committee and the district Leadership Team to review district student accomplishments FY 12, Priorities/Goals for FY 13,and decision-making data is under consideration As interest was expressed in such a workshop,this meeting will be scheduled for the early fall e. Follow-up to discussion on Building Issues: A motion was put forth to establish a Marginal Cost Exploration Task Force,focused on answering the following question What is the impact on member town assessments of full time, regular education, out-of-district high school students? It was noted that the Task Force will meet over the summer Members with expertise will be added,so that information can be reviewed in the context of regulations Support was expressed for this effort A suggestion was made to ask the School Building Committee representative from Wayland to participate The following vote was taken ACTION 2012#116 Moved(Stulin)and seconded(Flood) To form a Task Force,consisting of Jeff Stulm,Jack Weiss,John Blyzinskyj,Laura Mornssette,Camie Lamica,the Superintendent,possibly one member of the Building Committee recommended by Ford Spalding,and up to two additional members selected by the Superintendent,to provide support for the work of this Task Force The goal of this Task Force is to credibly answer the above question This will require the financial exploration of the average marginal cost of full time,regular education,out-of-district students The analysis will be as a whole,not on a program-by-program basis Meetings of this Task Force will be posted and open to the public This Task Force report will be reviewed by appropriate State authorities for validity The Task Force will attempt to complete its draft report prior to the September School Committee meeting The Task Force will dissolve following presentation of the draft report to the School Committee,and will have no responsibility or authority as a Task Force following the study Vote. Unanimous f Review of School Committee Accomplishments It was noted that despite many distractions,the School Committee has had many accomplishments over the year,and should be proud The list of accomplishments was read(Attachment A),and thanks were extended to various people for their efforts to make the accomplishments happen III. PUBLIC COMMENT Mariellen Perugini,former Carlisle representative and former Minuteman parent,read comments(Attachment B) supporting teachers and technology at Minuteman Melody Orfei,Concord parent,voiced concerns about perceived diminished quality of education at Minuteman since 2006 IV EXECUTIVE SESSION(Part I at approximately 6 25 PM) ACTION 2012#117 Moved(Spalding)and seconded(Weis) To enter into Executive Session for the purpose of conducting a Collective Bargaining Grievance Hearing, with Mr Tobin,Dr Bouquillon,Ms Roche,Mr Houle,and Ms Rozan to remain present,and to return to Open Session By roll call Flood yes Horton yes Rober yes Taschioglou yes Mahoney yes Mornssette yes Stulin yes Hunter yes DeLuca yes Weis yes Spalding yes Castagno no Vote. 11 for, 1 opposed(with 12 members present) V. OPEN SESSION The Open Session resumed after a roll call vote ending Executive Session at approximately 9 30 pm SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT,Ed Bouquillon a TELL Mass Survey An Executive Summary of the TELL Mass Survey findings(Teaching,Empowering, Leading&Learning)subtitled Observations,Recommendations,dated July 6,2012,from Bill Blake,Director of Curriculum,Instruction,and Assessment,was distributed(Attachment C) It was explained that leadership at the school has been looking at the data,and as a result of the observations,is recommending that a Teacher Task Force be formed to investigate ways to improve areas of concern identified by the findings It was emphasized that students are the most important factor,and a happy faculty is necessary to support them It was also noted that while the results indicate the need to do a better job in some areas,a great job is being done in others It was noted that the results of this survey were embargoed by DESE until July 1, and that while the Superintendent did have access to them,the chair did not It was suggested that comparisons with other communities would be helpful to look at,and it was noted that this information is readily available on the DESE website SECRETARY'S REPORT, Carrie Flood, Temporary Secretary for the 612 12 School Committee meeting a Approval of Past Minutes of 6 12 12 A motion was made(Rober)and seconded(Spalding)to accept the minutes as written One amendment was offered and the following vote was taken ACTION 2012#118 Moved(Mahoney)and seconded(Spalding) To add " and the Policy Subcommittee Chair noted that the policy was taken directly from the MGL "to the last paragraph under item X,pg 11 of the packet Vote- 12 for, 1 abstention(with 13 members present,Mr Blyzinskij having arrived during Executive Session) Another amendment was offered,and the following vote was taken ACTION 2012#119 Moved(Hunter)and seconded(Castagno) To add "It was suggested not to have a meeting in August, as these are public meetings, and the public is often not around in August "to the last line of item XII,pg 12 of the packet Vote:2 for,9 against,with 1 abstention(with Ms.Morrissette out of the room) The motion did not carry ACTION 2012#120 Moved(Rober)and seconded(Spalding) To approve the minutes of 6 12 12 as amended Vote: 10 for,1 against,with 1 abstention(with Ms.Morrissette out of the room) Appreciation was expressed for the clarity of these minutes, concern was expressed with the length A brief report was made on the June 27,2012 workshop on the Open Meeting Law(OML),held in Concord,and conducted by Kevin D Batt,of Anderson&Krieger,LLP Of note was that the OML is evolving Overall,it is important to be careful what one says in public,that there is a narrow interpretation for what is appropriate for Executive Session, and the meeting should be summarized as pro and con positions of the debate,without quotes A copy of the materials(Attachment D)will be sent electronically to the School Committee CONTINUING BEYOND 10.00 PM ACTION 2012#121 Moved(Stulin)and seconded(Weis) To continue the meeting beyond 10 00 PM Vote. 10 for,3 against VI SCHOOL BUILDING PROJECT REPORT,Ford Spalding Compliance with MSBA Requirements It was reported that the School Building Committee(SBC)met and unanimously approved the appointment of an Owner's Project Manager(OPM) Selection Committee consisting of Dana Ham,Director of Facilities Cambridge Public Schools Peter Sugar,Consulting Architect Simon Bunyard,Project Management Consultant Don Lowe,Town Administrator,Town of Bolton Ed Bouquillon Camie Lamica Ford Spalding,Ex Officio, and that the School Committee must approve this appointment,to comply with MSBA requirements The expertise of these people,known from numerous municipal projects,was noted,and the following vote was taken ACTION 2012#122 Moved(Spalding)and seconded(Stulm) To confirm the SBC's appointment of the OPM Selection Committee and authorize them to begin drafting the RFS(Request for Designer Services)and ad for the OPM Vote Unanimous It was also noted that the School Committee needs to approve a Procurement Admimstrator from the SBC membership who is a Massachusetts Certified Public Purchasing Official(MCPPO)to manage the OPM contract Camie Lamica is such a person The following vote was taken ACTION 2012#123 Moved(Spalding)and seconded(Stulm) To appoint Camie Lamica as Procurement Administrator to manage the OPM contract Vote- Unanimous It was noted that the RFS draft will cover a wide project range,from$3 5-60M,so that the roof can be done within the project context and be subject to the reimbursement rate It was then suggested that an additional vote is necessary to authorize the OPM Selection Committee to place the ad,and the following vote was taken ACTION 2012#124 Moved(Spalding)and seconded(Mahoney) To authorize the OPM Selection Committee to place the ad Vote: Unanimous VII. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORT Finance Subcommittee,Jeff Stulan and Cantle Lamica a. Revolving Funds FY 13 Due to the lateness of the hour and the additional business still to be covered,it was suggested that the discussion on the Revolving Accounts and the vote be postponed until September After considering that potential expenditures could be near$400,000 for summer school,adult education, supplies,pool facilities by September,a spending cap of 25%of the entire Revolving Accounts budget prior to the September vote was suggested,and the following vote was taken ACTION 2012#125 Moved(Stuhn)and seconded(Weis) To postpone the approval of proposed budget for the Revolving Funds for FY 13 until September,and to proceed with expenditures on these funds,with a cap of 25%of the entire budget Vote. Unanimous(with 12 members present,Mr.Rober having left the meeting at 10.10 pm) b.Disposal of Surplus Items An explanation of how surplus items are disposed of was given It was noted that sealed quotes will be obtained for each item and awarded to the highest bidder Monies received will be deposited into the appropriate shop revolving account Information about amounts that were brought back in from last year's disposal was also given The following vote was taken ACTION 2012#126 Moved(Spalding)and seconded(Mahoney) To approve the disposal of the following surplus unused items,according to current procurement laws Culinary Department -20 Qt Mixer -Small Sheeter Automotive Shop Private donations(to be sold at bid) -1996 Honda Accord s/n 090343 -1997 Pontiac Grand Prix s/n 336158 -1999 Subaru Outback s/n 658539 Manufacturer donations(to be demolished) -1999 Infiniti G20 s/n 000038 -1997 Chrysler Neon s/n 201911 -1996 Plymouth Grand Voyager s/n 418217 -1993 Dodge Intrepid s/n 500033 -1995 Dodge Dakota s/n 344866 Vote• Unanimous c Technology Expenditures It was explained that the Finance Subcommittee is concerned about technology expenditures There is a Technology Plan and no Technology Director It was explained that the Leadership Team is discussing this and a consultant has been hired to look at options,including getting technology services from an outside firm,sharing a position,or hiring a Technology Director Additionally,it was explained that receipt of E-rate money is proceeding,and will be applied to the purchase of network switches 50%of the work is being paid for from these federal funds It was noted that these funds come from the universal service fees charged on telecommunications bills,and that considerable paperwork is involved in applying for the funds, staff were commended for their efforts in getting the application in VIII. EXECUTIVE SESSION(Part II entered into at approximately 10:20 PM) ACTION 2012#127 Moved(Spalding)and seconded(Flood) To enter into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing the Superintendent contract negotiations,and to approve past Executive Session minutes,with Ms Rozan to remain present,and to return to Open Session By roll call Flood yes Taschioglou yes Mahoney yes Morrissette yes Stulm yes Hunter yes DeLuca yes Weis yes Spaldmg yes Blyzmskij yes Horton yes Castagno yes Vote. Unanimous IX. OPEN SESSION. REORGANIZATION AND ELECTION OF OFFICERS The Open Session resumed after a roll call vote was taken in the Executive Session at approximately 10 40 PM A motion was made to allow Dr Bouquillon to preside temporarily so that the reorganization could begin Concern was expressed that this was happening late in the meeting,and it was explained that this has been past practice The following vote was taken ACTION 2012#128 Moved(Stulin)and seconded(Mahoney) Vote To allow Dr Bouquillon to preside temporarily Vote. 9 for,3 opposed a. Election of Chair Dr Bouquillon took the gavel and presided over the annual reorganization and election of officers He opened the floor for nominations for chair,and Alice DeLuca was nominated(Spalding)and seconded(Flood) Length of terms of office and month that elections are held were raised It was noted that the attorney was consulted with the authorization of the Chair,based on a question that had been brought to the Policy Subcommittee about this,and an excerpt from the opinion on the matter was read(Attachment E),suggesting that the Bylaws are ambiguous,and that the intention should be clarified When this expense was questioned,it was noted that this had been requested by a member Recollections of the intention of the Bylaw were offered,and comments were given on the role of chair relating to the amount of time required to fulfill the requirements and demands made of the position Support for the current chair's accomplishments in the role was also expressed A motion to close the nominations for chair was made,and the following vote was taken ACTION 2012#129 Moved(Spalding)and seconded(Flood) To close the nominations for chair Vote 9 for,3 not voting The suggested motion of the Attorney to clarify whether electing the current chair for a second term as chair is consistent with the intention of the Bylaws,was read,and it was clarified that this was a temporary fix until the Policy Subcommittee can propose revisions to the Bylaws It was explained that a vote of"yes"would indicate that the voter agrees that the current chairperson could be re-elected for a second consecutive term A vote of"no" would indicate that the voter agrees that the current chairperson could not be re-elected for a second consecutive term The following vote was taken ACTION 2012#130 Moved(Mahoney)and seconded(Spalding) To consider whether the nomination and potential re-election of the current chairperson of the School Committee for a second consecutive term as chairperson is consistent with Section 2 of the School Committee Bylaws as revised on May 25,2010,given the fact that the current chairperson served a term as vice chairperson immediately prior to her term as chairperson Vote: 9 for,2 opposed,1 abstention Preference for the chair role as a leader of the School Committee and not as an adjunct or advocate for the Administration was raised It was noted that similar comments had been made about previous chairs,and that it seemed when taking an office,a cooperative member turns into an advocate The reality of having to work with the superintendent was raised,and that while anger and disagreements occur,they are not displayed in public in a professional working relationship It was also noted that until one sits in the seat,it is difficult to know what's required That the chair can disagree without being disagreeable,and that she has not been a rubber stamp was voiced Concern was raised that if someone expresses an opposing point of view,there seems to be a hit-back/counterattack Preference for operating as a committee was expressed,as well as disappointment and concern about activities occurring"under the table"and the appearance of things being avoided Concern was raised that the natural sequence of process seems to be avoided It was suggested that a School Committee self- evaluation would be beneficial to improve the decision-making process and the functioning of the Committee The vote for electing the chair was then taken ACTION 2012#131 Moved(Spalding)and seconded(Flood) To elect Alice DeLuca to serve as Chair for 2012-2013 Vote 9 for, 3 abstentions b Election of Vice-Chair Dr Bouquillon opened the floor for nominations,and Jeff Stulin was nominated(Mahoney)and seconded (Spalding) Hearing no other nominations,a vote was taken to close nominations for vice-chair ACTION 2012#132 Moved(Mahoney)and seconded(Spalding) To close nominations for Vice-Chair Vote. Unanimous Experience,skill in handling controversial topics,and knowledge of the position were offered as reasons for the nominee's interest in serving in this capacity The likelihood of running again for chair was raised,and interest in progress was expressed Appreciation for the willingness to do the work was expressed,and whether it was the intention of the candidate to remain in the role of chair of the Finance Subcommittee as well was raised It was explained that as these are two significant leadership roles,more thought would have to go into whether or not to serve in both capacities The vote for electing the vice-chair was then taken ACTION 2012#133 Moved(Spalding)and seconded(Flood) To elect Jeff Stulin to serve as Vice-Chair for 2012-2013 Vote 10 for,2 abstentions c Election of Secretary Dr Bouquillon opened the floor for nominations,and Carrie Flood was nominated(DeLuca)and seconded(Stulin) Dave Horton was nominated(Castagno)and he expressed appreciation,but declined Willingness to serve by the nominee was expressed as being contingent upon the current secretary's interest in stepping down in this capacity Hearing no other nominations,the vote to elect the secretary was then taken ACTION 2012#134 Moved(DeLuca)and seconded(Stulin) To elect Carrie Flood to serve as secretary for 2012-2013 Vote- 10 for,2 abstentions Another comment from the OML workshop was raised,namely about the need for caution in deliberating over serial mails,during site visits,and at social events,as the purpose of open meetings is that the public can observe the public body's actions X. ADJOURNMENT ACTION 2012#135 Moved(Stulin)and seconded(Taschioglou) To adjourn the meeting at 11 10 pm Vote: Unanimous Respectfully submitted, Elizabeth Rozan Carrie Flood Dave Horton School Committee Assistant Secretary Immediate Past Secretary ATTACHMENTS July 10,2012 SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING The following documents are included with the file copy and are listed here for reference A List of School Committee Accomplishments read during Chair's Report B Comments read during Public Comment C An Executive Summary of the TELL Mass findings-Observations,Recommendations-dated July 6,2012, from Bill Blake,Director of Curriculum,Instruction,and Assessment D OML Materials from Concord Workshop E Murphy,Lamere,&Murphy(MLM)Opinion Letter on School Committee Elections