Mr. Morley called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M. He began the meeting with the pledge of allegiance.

Transcription

1 WHITTIER REGIONAL VOCATIONAL TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL A regular meeting of the Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School Committee was held on Wednesday,, at 115 Amesbury Line Road, Haverhill, Massachusetts. Members Present: Charlie LaBella Rich Ryan Paul Tucker Tony LeSage Brett Murphy Nelson Burns Dave Mansfield Richard Early Alana Gilbert Jo-Ann Testaverde (7:15) Dave Irving Shaun Toohey Ray Morley Members Absent: Dan Nihan Others Present: William DeRosa, Superintendent Maureen Lynch, Principal Kevin Mahoney, Business Manager Kelly Fay, Coordinator of Curriculum & Staff Development Kevin Williams, Director of Technology & Information Systems Nathan Frongillo, Student Representative Mr. Morley called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M. He began the meeting with the pledge of allegiance. Ms. Lynch introduced new personnel for the school year. Mr. Morley welcomed them on behalf of the School Committee. PUBLIC COMMENT There was no public comment. By motion of Mr. Tucker, seconded by Ms. Gilbert to approve the Minutes of the Regular School Committee meeting for October 10, 2012 as presented. Unanimous By motion of Mr. Tucker, seconded by Ms. Gilbert to approve the Minutes of Executive Session for October 10, 2012 as presented. Approved 1 Abstained (S.T.) By motion of Mr. Murphy, seconded by Ms. Gilbert to accept the Treasurer s Report for October 2012 as presented. Unanimous

2 Page 2 OLD BUSINESS There was no old business. STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE S REPORT Nathan Frongillo provided a sports update. He reported that the Boys Varsity football team needs to win their last two football games to clinch a chance to play in the Vocational Bowl. On November 10 th they played in Lynn and on November 22 nd they will play at home against Greater Lawrence Technical School. Both the boys and girls cross country teams had successful seasons and both have a number of athletes competing in the States in Wrentham. The boys and girls varsity soccer teams both qualified for the State tournament. The boys team won the Commonwealth Athletic Conference, while the girls team made it to the State tournament as a second year team. The girls varsity volleyball team ended their season on a good note. Girls varsity cheerleading is preparing for the State Regional Competition. Their squad is considered one of the top teams in the State. They won a competition at Lynn Classical High School and came in third at Ipswich High School s competition. Nathan reported on the activities of the different clubs. Student Government had a successful Spirit Week with the help of students and staff members. During Spirit Week, pink bracelets were sold to help support Breast Cancer Awareness. They are also planning freshman class elections and will donate a collection of canned foods brought in by the whole school. Drama Club had their first auditions for the spring play. The winter concert is scheduled for Thursday, December 13 th at 7 p.m. The chorus had a successful showing at the Open House. GSA is getting input from everyone in the school for t-shirt designs that will be put into a contest. This is for promoting positive, open-mindness to help with the school climate. The United Nations visited the State House. Key Club finished Trick or Treat for UNICEF. All proceeds went to Project Eliminate, which is a program that helps out with tetanus shots. Also, many members were tour guides at Open House. Peer to Peer students are participating in community service outside of Whittier and promoted Breast Cancer Awareness at Open House. The Environmental Club has spent time cleaning up the West Terrace of the school and sidewalk of the football field. They have also placed recycle bins in all the classrooms. SUPERINTENDENT S REPORT Personnel Action The Superintendent, William DeRosa reported on the hiring of a route bus driver, tutors, evening school instructors and coaches.

3 Page 3 Budget Update Mr. DeRosa reported that there is no budget update. MCAS Update Mr. DeRosa reported that on November 1 and 2, fourteen (14) students took the MCAS math retest and on November 7, 8 and 9 two (2) students took the ELA MCAS retest. The results should be available in January. Superintendent s Update Mr. DeRosa reported that on October 15-17, 2012, Whittier had their five-year NEAS&C focused visit. The visit went well. He stated that they have received the preliminary report to correct for factual information. On Wednesday, October 17, 2012, he was a guest speaker on Spotlight on Georgetown Cable. He thanked Beverly Enos, the moderator for the invitation. It was an opportunity to provide information for Whittier s Open House as well as general information concerning Whittier and Whittier s programs. On Tuesday, October 23, 2012, he hosted his Superintendent s Advisory Board breakfast at Whittier. He thanked members of his advisory board for taking the time to attend. The meeting was informative and helpful for future planning. On Thursday, October 25, 2012, he attended the Rotary luncheon at the Haverhill Country Club. On Wednesday, October 31, 2012, he attended the Merrimack Valley Workforce Investment Board Annual meeting in North Andover. At that meeting, he received a Certificate of Recognition for Whittier s outstanding achievements in preparing youth to enter college or the workforce. He thanked the Merrimack Valley Workforce Investment Board for the honor. On Friday, November 2, 2012, he attended a breakfast with Massachusetts State Treasurer Steve Grossman hosted by the Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce. At that breakfast he had an opportunity to meet with the Treasurer and discuss issues relevant to vocational technical education in terms of building and equipment needs for Whittier. On Sunday, November 4, 2012, was Whittier s open house. Mr. DeRosa thanked staff, students and the administration and in particular, Beverly DeSalvo, the Vocational/Technical Coordinator for a successful open house. The open house was well attended and he has received positive feedback from members of the community. On November 7-10, 2012, Mr. DeRosa attended the MASC/MASS joint conference in Hyannis. The conference was very informative with a variety of workshops. In particular, the workshops concerning the new evaluation requirements were informative and helpful. Mr. DeRosa reported on the outside projects. Whittier students are working on the Christmas set for Haverhill TV as well as a new desk. Culinary is making 400 gingerbread cookies for the Christmas Stroll for the Haverhill Chamber of Commerce and graphics is printing envelopes for the Town of Merrimac. He reported that he has requests for the acceptance of two donations. One is for hydraulic chairs, hair steamers and color trays for the Cosmetology Department

4 Page 4 from Robert Caggiano of Robert Jason Salon in Andover. The second is for $25.00 to the metal fabrication department from Leona Caruso. Motion by Ms. Gilbert, seconded by Mr. Toohey to accept the donation of hydraulic chairs, hair steamers and color trays for the Cosmetology Department from Robert Caggiano of Robert Jason Salon as presented. Unanimous Motion by Mr. Toohey, seconded by Ms. Gilbert to accept the $25.00 donation to the Metal Fabrication Department from Leona Caruso as presented. Unanimous Mr. DeRosa requested that the School Committee vote to grant him authority to hire an interim Business Manager subject to their approval at the December meeting. There was discussion on this matter. Motion by Mr. LaBella, seconded by Mr. Ryan to grant the Superintendent authority to hire an interim Business Manager subject to approval of the School Committee at the December meeting. Unanimously approved by roll call vote Kelly Fay, Coordinator of Curriculum and Staff Development provided an academic update through a PowerPoint presentation. She reported that the core curriculum in English, science and mathematics were updated over the summer. Ms. Fay reported that in an effort to ensure that all students are college and career ready, the math department changed their course sequence for all seniors. The new math sequence provides students with the opportunity to expand their mathematical capabilities through the option of taking either a year-long math course or two half-year courses. Ms. Fay provided information on the math courses that are offered both year-long and half-year to seniors. She also reported that the physical education/health curriculum was updated over the summer. Ms. Fay provided information on the DESE common core state standards transition plan. She went over the timelines that the DESE has established. She reported that Whittier is right on target for implementation. Ms. Fay reported on Race to the Top, Pre-AP programs at Whittier and Pre-AP professional development. There was a brief question and answer period following her presentation. Mr. DeRosa commended Ms. Fay for her work and stated that she also does the grant writing for Whittier. Mr. DeRosa introduced Erin Holmes and Matt Hayes. They are both teachers at Whittier and were present at the meeting as part of one of their courses for their Master s program. Kevin Williams, Director of Technology and Information Systems provided a technology update through a PowerPoint presentation. Mr. Williams reported on technology initiatives that were accomplished last year and over the summer. Mr. Williams reported that he worked on replacing and upgrading the computing infrastructure. He spoke about the directory services. He created a new domain to organize users, computers, printers, and the rules that control those items. Mr. Williams reported on the physical network infrastructure. In regards to the wired network, he replaced every physical

5 Page 5 switch, the core switch and reprogrammed the rules that control the flow of data. Mr. Williams reported on the installation of the wireless network. He also stated that 20 ipads are being tested in the Title I reading and math programs and 60 more in the general population. Mr. Williams reported on the telephone replacement project. The new phone system is scheduled to be installed this month. He reported on other projects such as replacement of the library systems and upgrades to many of the shop systems. He also provided a Google Apps update. There was a brief question and answer period following his presentation. Mr. DeRosa stated that Mr. Williams accomplished many things over the summer and commended him for his work. He stated that Mr. Williams has been creative in his approach to meet the needs of the school which has resulted in a cost-savings for the District.. PRINCIPAL S REPORT Ms. Maureen Lynch, Principal provided a principal s update. Spirit week was the week of October 22 nd. They did class and Whittier spirit days, sports team day and costume day. There was a friendly competition with a food drive and they collected over 850 cans of food to donate to a local service organization. The week ended with a spirited pep rally. Ms. Lynch thanked staff and students for their participation. November 4 th was open house. There were many interactive activities, staff presentations and a choral presentation to highlight the many accomplishments of Whittier. There was also a Flash mob where some of the teachers and students broke out into a dance in the cafeteria. Parent s night is November 15th from 6 8 p.m. Parents will be able to have brief meetings with their child s academic teachers and visit their vocational programs. Ms. Lynch thanked the Booster s Club for their ongoing efforts to raise funds for student athletes. They have worked hard to help the student athletes of Whittier Tech. Ms. Lynch reported that Teri Bragg was named October employee of the month and Greg Withers was named November employee of the month. BUSINESS MANAGER S REPORT The Business Manager, Kevin Mahoney provided the proposed FY14 Budget Calendar. In accordance with the calendar, an Executive Subcommittee meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 16, 2012 and Wednesday, February 6, Motion by Mr. Tucker, seconded by Ms. Gilbert to accept the proposed FY14 Budget Calendar as presented. Unanimous Mr. Mahoney provided the school bus lease agreement for review and approval. There was discussion on the lease agreement. Motion by Mr. Irving, seconded by Mr. Murphy to adopt the Resolution of the Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School Committee for the leasing with the option to purchase ten 77 passenger school busses and authorize the

6 Page 6 execution and delivery of a Master Lease Agreement, Equipment Schedule No. 01 and related instruments and determining other matters in connection therewith, including but not limited to the Dattco Contract. This Lease is between the Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School and Suntrust Equipment Leasing and Finance Corporation and is dated February 1, The Committee hereby adopts the Resolution referenced as Exhibit C of the Master Lease Agreement as presented to the Committee, which, among other matters, authorizes the Business Manager to sign the above referenced documents on behalf of the Committee with the correction to the Tax Agreement and Arbitrage Certificate in 4.3 (c) (i) striking the following language with general tax powers. Unanimous COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSON The Committee Chairperson, Raymond Morley went over the annual agenda items. Mr. DeRosa discussed moving the School Improvement Plan to August or September in the future in order to be in line with the new evaluation process. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS The Executive Subcommittee has not met. The Instructional Subcommittee has not met. The Plant Operations Subcommittee has not met. The Salary & Negotiations Subcommittee met on October 30, Motion by Ms. Gilbert, seconded by Mr. Murphy to accept the minutes of October 30, 2012 as presented. Unanimous The Policy Subcommittee has not met. Mr. Irving stated they will meet again in January. The School Building committee met on October 10, 2012 and again on November 14, Mr. DeRosa provided an update on the wastewater treatment plant. The minutes of October 10, 2012 were provided for informational purposes. MEETING DATES The next Regular School Committee meeting is December 12, 2012 at 7 P.M.

7 Page 7 NEW BUSINESS Mr. Irving and Mr. Ryan provided an update on the MASC/MASS conference. Mr. Morley stated that there is a need to enter into Executive Session under Chapter 30A, Section 21, 2 & 3 to consider the following collective bargaining agreements: Teachers, Support Staff, and Administrators and other non-union contracts and upon completion of Executive session will return to open session. Motion by Mr. Ryan, seconded by Mr. Burns to enter into Executive Session. Unanimously approved by roll call vote. The Committee went into Executive Session at 8:40 P.M. The Committee returned to Open Session at 9:34 P.M. Motion by Mr. LaBella, seconded by Mr. Irving to approve the following contracts: Teachers, Support Staff, Administrators and all other employees not covered by the aforementioned contracts pursuant to the terms as presented. Approved by roll call vote 1 Opposed (S.T.) Motion by Mr. LaBella, seconded by Mr. Ryan to approve the amendment to the health insurance premiums paid by the Whittier retirees for HMO plans, including but not limited to, individual plus one and all other HMO Plans to 22.5% commencing in the school year and, for Indemnity Plans, including but not limited to, individual plus one Plans to 30% commencing in the school year. Retirees beginning with the school year shall pay 25% rates for all HMO Plans, including but not limited to, individual plus one Plans and, shall continue to pay 30% for Indemnity Plans, including but not limited to individual plus one Plans. Approved by roll call vote 2 Opposed (N.B., S.T.) 1 Abstained (D.I.) Motion by Mr. LaBella, seconded by Mr. LeSage to adjourn at 9:37 P.M. Unanimously approved. Respectfully submitted, Lisa Rand Recording Secretary

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