HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-01-10-MMHS-minTuesday, January 10, 2012 - 5 p.m.,
Minuteman High School
Meeting Minutes for School Council Meeting
i
1. Ernie Houle, Principal Present
2. DeAnne Dupont, Parent Absent
3. Monica Foley, Parent Present
4. Dottie Vacca, Parent Present
5. Richard Parsons, Alumni Present
6. Jim Nole, Business Absent
7. Eileen Roddy, Teacher Absent
8. Anthony Wilbur, Teacher Present
9. Margaret Eickstedt, Teacher Absent
10. Nick Lee, Student Absent
11. Anthony Senesi, Student Absent
12. Donna Heisler, Recorder Present
Subject:
Meeting called to order
Approval of December 6, 2011
Meeting Minutes
Action /Who /When:
By Ernie Houle at 5:06 PM.
Dottie Vacca made a motion to approve the minutes from the last meeting, Richard Parsons
seconded the motion. Motion passed with an abstention from Anthony Wilbur.
Subject: New Business
Action /Who /When:
The 3:30 buses have been reinstated for the three Thursdays at the end of 2nd Term;
Updates on:
January 5, 12, and 19. We are hoping that the budget will support adding the 3:30 buses for
3:30 Buses
the last three Thursdays at the end of 3rd and 4th Terms as well. Monica Foley inquired as
Freshman Career Day —Jan.3
to whether the school has ever entertained the idea of 3:30 buses in place of 2:30 buses on
Student Directories
Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout the year. Ernie Houle explained that two years ago the
Leadership Team did discuss it. Potential pitfalls were the collective bargaining with the
teachers association; students that do drive may be tempted to carpool with other students
that do not have permission; and liability issues. The Leadership Team considered the idea
of surveying parents to determine interest in extending the school day to 3:30 to
accommodate extra help, clubs and sports. The idea was tabled as the CPR Audit and
building project became the focal points. Fuel escalation costs continue to deter the
possibility of a dedicated 3:30 extra help bus.
Student Directories— Ernie reported that Joyce Cusack delivered the remaining Student
Directories to students a day or two after the last School Council meeting, December 7 or 8.
Freshman Career Day— January 3 saw seventeen business /industry representatives
participate. This was the first year that Ernie took part. The day started with the Harrington
O'Shea test in the cafeteria and then the freshman took part in a speed event in the Library
whereby they had six minutes to visit a table representing each career major. The students
were awarded a stamp in a passport book for answering a question correctly and the winner
was given an iPod Nano donated by Michelle Roche, Director of Career and Technical
Education. The event concluded in the cafeteria where the freshmen were informed
individually of their career major choice. Richard Parsons suggested that next year
Minuteman consider listing all the students accepted in a career major instead of calling
them individually as the cafeteria is loud and the students are engaged in talking with one -
another.
Subject: New Business
Action /Who /When:
Review of the 2013 Budget
Ernie gave out the Proposed Budget Summary and explained that the FY 2013 Budget is a
Attached
4.97% increase over the FY 2012 Budget of $16,435,473. Ernie explained that Minuteman's
budget may seem high if an individual is comparing it to their local budget but one should
factor in that Minuteman's budget must include snow plowing, utilities, employee health
care costs and maintenance staff. Local municipalities pay these expenses not the local
school department.
Subject: Q & As
Action /Who /When:
Monica Foley asked if there is a waiting list for incoming freshmen? And is there a limit to
the number of students we could accept? Ernie explained that last year Minuteman had 310
— 330 applicants of which we accepted 240. After interviewing and testing the students that
number settled at 201. Minuteman recently completed a NESDEC Enrollment Study; it was
determined that the ideal size for Minuteman would be 800 students. Ernie further
explained that Minuteman is looking for ways to engage the prospective new freshman
once we have accepted them. For this Fall's incoming freshmen, in addition to the
Orientation Barbecue in May they are considering a June freshmen social (either a pool
party or movie night) as well as a two or three day teambuilding social activity event in
August. Monica and Dottie both enthusiastically approved these ideas.
Dottie asked how the negotiations were going with Waltham. Ernie explained that Dr.
Bouquillon has met with the Superintendents of Waltham, Watertown and Medford. We are
currently applying for a State Community Innovation Grant of up to $500K. The grant would
regionalize comprehensive school districts that do not offer particular career majors with
vocational schools that do. The grant application is due January 17 and will be awarded in
February. Monies must be encumbered by December 31, 2012.
Dottie asked how out -of- district 3:30 busing is handled. Ernie stated that students are
dropped off as close as possible to their morning stop. But that in some cases parents are
responsible for transportation.
Dottie asked if using upper classmen as mentors for the incoming freshman has ever been a
consideration. Ernie stated that we use to have an ASAP program. The Accepted Student
Advisors Program where staff and students mentored incoming freshmen.
Tony Wilbur commented how much he enjoys the strong sense of community that
Minuteman students have. That there is a family environment within the student body.
Adjournment:
Motion to adjourn by Dottie Vacca at 6:00pm, motion seconded by Richard Parsons
Meeting adjourned at 6:00pm.
NEXT SCHOOL COUNCIL
Tuesday, March 27, 2012 1 Training Room 2N11
MEETING:
Name of Recorder: Donna Heisler/ January 10. 2012