Blackstone Valley Vocational Regional School District Committee Minutes of Regular Meeting November 17, 2016

Transcription

1 Blackstone Valley Vocational Regional School District Committee Minutes of Regular Meeting November 17, 2016 The regular meeting of the Blackstone Valley Vocational School District Committee was held in the Three Seasons Restaurant at the school. The following members, staff and others were present: Joseph M. Hall of Bellingham, Chairman Gerald M. Finn of Millville David R. Bartlett of Upton Dennis P. Braun of Mendon Joseph A. Broderick of Blackstone James H. Ebbeling of Uxbridge Mitchell A. Intinarelli of Hopedale Arrived at 7:41 p.m. John C. Lavin III of Douglas Julie H. Mitchell of Sutton Arthur E. Morin, Jr of Milford Anthony M. Yitts of Grafton Chester P. Hanratty, Jr of Millbury Jeff T. Koopman of Northbridge Director Anthony Steele, Asst. Supt./Principal Barbara Auger, Treasurer Kurtis Johnson, Asst. Supt. of Finance and Operations Thomas Belland, Voc. Curriculum Coordinator Cyra Hathaway, Voc. Curriculum Coordinator James Brochu, Director of Construction & Facilities Nicole Forman, Recording Secretary Judy Lavallee, Health Services Instructor Colin Mitchell, Student Representative Dr. Michael F. Fitzpatrick, Superintendent- Item 1. Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 6:01 p.m. by Chairman Hall. Chairman Hall reported that Dr. Fizpatrick, Mr. Steele, and Mr. Yitts would be delayed because of the National Honor Society Induction occurring simultaneously. Item 2. Secretary s Report A. Yitts On a motion by Ms. Mitchell seconded by Mr. Hanratty, it was unanimously voted to waive reading the minutes of the regular meeting of October 20, 2016 and to accept them as written. Item 3. Treasurer s Report B. Auger Treasurer Auger presented a report dated October 31, The report reflects a cash balance of $5,294, including $4,724, in local funds and $570, in project funds. Treasurer Auger reported that the report reflects a significant amount of grant money including the most recent MSBA reimbursement. On a motion by Mr. Hanratty, seconded by Mr. Lavin, it was voted to approve the Treasurer s report as presented. Item 4. WMRC Advertising Campaign Dr. Michael F. Fitzpatrick In Dr. Fitzpatrick s absence, Nicole Forman presented three newly completed 30 second radio promotions. The new promotions will be played on WMRC.

2 Regular Meeting Minutes Page 2 November 17, 2016 Item 5. Comments by Student Representative Grace Lemire & Colin Mitchell Student Council Officer Colin Mitchell informed the Committee that Grace Lemire would not be in attendance at the meeting because of a prior commitment. Colin reported on the Student Council's recent participation in the regional Student Council conference, CDMASC, at Tantasqua High School. The Student Council brought 32 students to the conference where three executive board members ran a workshop about communications. Colin also reported on the upcoming Turkey Run where the Student Council raises money to create Thanksgiving baskets for BVT families in need. This year, they are making 23 baskets, which is an increase from last year. The Student Council involved the National Honor Society to help with the drive. Item 7. Asst. Supt. For Finance/Operations K. Johnson Mr. Johnson requested his presentation to be held earlier than scheduled. 7.1 Mr. Johnson reported that he has not received the E&D Certification in time for the meeting as he had hoped. He informed the Committee that it will be available at the next meeting. Dr. Fitzpatrick mentioned the availability of E&D Certification is dependent upon the Massachusetts Department of Revenue processing and therefore out of Mr. Johnson s control, but the District is not expecting any problems. 7.2 Mr. Johnson presented the Current Status of Grants for FY17. The total amount of grants thus far is $1,283,627. Mr. Johnson reported he still is in the process of applying for the Skills Capital Grant. Finally, Mr. Johnson informed the Committee that there are still a few more grants slated for review and completion. time. 7.3 Mr. Johnson informed the Committee there were no to Line Item Transfers at this 7.4 Mr. Johnson reported that there were no Donation Approvals at this time. Item 8. Vocational Curriculum Coordinators Report Prepared by: Tom Belland and Cyra Hathaway In fairness to the students who were asked to present to the Committee, Dr. Fitzpatrick asked that their presentation time be moved to an earlier designation. 8.1 The Committee was given an opportunity to hear from students involved in a variety of projects throughout the District. Projects included the Alternative's project in Whitinsville, Civilian Conservation Camp project in Upton, Town Hall project in Millville, and Douglas Camp project in Douglas. Item 6. Vocational Department Presentation Judy Lavallee The Committee went to the Health Services area at 6:34 p.m. An extensive report on the Health Services program was provided by Health Services Team Leader Judy Lavallee. The Committee returned to the meeting room at 6:57 p.m. Item 9. Assistant Superintendent-Director s Report A. Steele

3 Regular Meeting Minutes Page 3 November 17, Mr. Steele reported on a presentation from Analog Devices Corporation to the Auto Collision students on November 2, The group from Analog Devices spoke to students about a variety of technology including sensors that work to prevent car crashes and self-driving cars. 9.2 Mr. Steele reported on the Police Chief's Breakfast held in the Three Seasons Restaurant on October 6, Mr. Steele also noted the District is working in conjunction with the Mendon and Upton police departments to install and utilize the CopSync 911 software. The new software would allow anyone with the app or software to use it as a mobile 911. The software opens communication in emergency situations. Finally, Mr. Steele informed the Committee about a drug awareness presentation occurring on November 22, 2016 in conjunction with the Worcester County Sheriff's Office. 9.3 Mr. Steele shared a request for an out-of-state field trip to Woonsocket, RI. On a motion by Mr. Hanratty, seconded by Mr. Finn, it was voted to approve the Writer s Voice Class field trip to the Stadium Theater in Woonsocket, RI. 9.4 Mr. Steele provided the Committee with a copy of the School Cancellation List. Item 10. Policy Subcommittee Report D. Braun 10.1 Mr. Braun reported that the Policy Subcommittee met last week on items 10.1a., Parental Notification Relative to Sex Education, and 10.1b., Health Education - IHAM-R. In accordance with the law, both documents have been made available to parents. 10.1a. On a motion by Mr. Lavin, seconded by Mrs. Mitchell, it was voted to approve the Parental Notification Relative to Sex Education policy. 10.1b. On a motion by Mrs. Mitchell, seconded by Mr. Lavin, it was voted to approve the Health Education - IHAM-R policy. Item 11. Budget Subcommittee Report J. Lavin Mr. Lavin reported that he had been elected to be the Chairman of the Budget Subcommittee. Mr. Finn will serve as the Vice Chair. Mr. Lavin informed the Committee the Subcommittee set meeting dates. The Subcommittee meetings are open to the public, and meeting dates can be found on the BVT website. Item 12. Superintendent-Director s Report M. Fitzpatrick 12.1 Dr. Fitzpatrick reported that the National Honor Society and National Technical Honor Society inducted 132 new members earlier in the evening. The event was well attended by parents, guardians, and families Dr. Fitzpatrick provided a report on the recent MAVA General Membership meeting in Marlborough. The BVT Leadership Team took advantage of the opportunity to learn new resources. Dr. Fitzpatrick also reported the District was recruited to assist the group with a number of research initiatives Dr. Fitzpatrick shared copies of the Parent Newsletter to the Committee.

4 Regular Meeting Minutes Page 4 November 17, Dr. Fitzpatrick provided an overview of a recent Worcester Business Journal report that focused on economic development. He reported that the WBJ's findings were very complimentary to Valley Tech and often referenced the fact that the District is particularly costeffective Dr. Fitzpatrick updated the Committee on negotiations with Milford Regional Hospital. Dr. Fitzpatrick recently negotiated a modified agreement to continue to provide valuable services to students with the School Based Health Center. Mr. Lavin asked about the time-span of the agreement and Dr. Fitzpatrick gave the Committee some history of the agreement to explain the one-year time frame Dr. Fitzpatrick provided an update on the Millbury Federal Credit Unit Van Support Donation. He also noted that he is pursuing the partnership for additional materials Dr. Fitzpatrick shared copies of the finalized 2016 Annual Report, which will be provided to each of the member towns for inclusion in their annual reports. He also noted that this document was generated, designed, and printed in-house. Members were asked to assist with dissemination to member towns. Item 13. Facilities Subcommittee Report J. Lavin Mr. Lavin reported the Subcommittee was unable to meet last night because of the Vocational Curriculum Night being hosted at the School. The Subcommittee was unable to tour the required areas with people in the building. The meeting was postponed until December 14, Item 14. Director of Construction/Facilities Report J. Brochu 14.1 Mr. Brochu provided the Committee with an update on the many campus enhancement/maintenance projects. Mr. Brochu is taking every opportunity available through the National Grid Incentive program and has ordered LED Light fixtures to upgrade the Automotive Technology and Machine Technology programs. Additional LED lighting was recently purchased to completely retrofit the dental and cosmetology areas. The dark room in Multimedia Communications is nearing completion. The ceiling is complete and the lighting has been installed. The floor tiles have been ordered and are set to be delivered and installed in December. After the flooring is complete, the trapeze lighting will be ordered. The cafeteria deli serving area is also getting improvements. A wall has been torn down to expand the serving area. The softball field will also see improvements. The field back wall will receive new fence and piping. The dugout fencing will be replaced, and the infield will be placed next week. The floor in the old gymnasium will be treated in preparation for basketball season.

5 Regular Meeting Minutes Page 5 November 17, 2016 Finally, preventative maintenance will be done on the roof over the 300 wing of the school in preparation for winter. Mr. Lavin asked if the phone system project has been completed. Mr. Brochu reported the project was complete, and he is awaiting confirmation from the insurance company. Mr. Finn asked about future projects and conversation ensued. Item 15. New Business Dr. Fitzpatrick asked the Committee to help with the Placemat Advertising Campaign by delivering placemats to area restaurants and senior centers. Dr. Fitzpatrick also invited the Committee to the Thanksgiving Day football game held at Nipmuc Regional High School. Item 16. Items for the Good of the Committee The monthly compilation of news articles and correspondence was made available for review. Item 17. Next Regularly Scheduled School Meeting J. Hall The next regularly scheduled School Committee meeting will be held December 15, 2016, at 6:00 p.m. in the Three Seasons Restaurant. Item 18. Executive Session Per MGL Chpt. 30A, 21(a) #3 On a motion by Mr. Hanratty, seconded by Mr. Lavin, a roll call vote was taken at 8:00 p.m. to go into executive session to approve executive session minutes and discuss collective bargaining per M.G.L Chapter 30A, 21(a) #3, as discussion in an open session would be detrimental to the district. The roll call was as follows: Mr. Bartlett - Yes, Mr. Braun - Yes, Mr. Broderick - Yes, Mr. Ebbeling - Yes, Mr. Finn - Yes, Mr. Hall - Yes, Mr. Hanratty - Yes, Mr. Intinarelli - Yes, Mr. Lavin - Yes, Mrs. Mitchell - Yes, Mr. Yitts - Yes. On a motion by Mr. Yitts, seconded by Mr. Hanratty, a roll call vote was taken to come out of executive session at 8:43 p.m. The roll call was as follows: Mr. Bartlett - Yes, Mr. Braun - Yes, Mr. Broderick - Yes, Mr. Ebbeling - Yes, Mr. Finn - Yes, Mr. Hall - Yes, Mr. Hanratty - Yes, Mr. Intinarelli - Yes, Mr. Lavin - Yes, Mrs. Mitchell - Yes, Mr. Yitts - Yes. Item 19. Decide: Release Status of Executive Session Minutes 9/15/16 On a motion by Mr. Ebbeling, seconded by Mrs. Mitchell, it was voted unanimously not to release the minutes of the executive session of September 15, 2016 at this time. Item 20. Meeting Closure 20.1 The meeting was declared closed by the Chair at 8:45 p.m On a motion by Mr. Yitts, seconded by Mr. Hanratty, it was voted to adjourn at 8:46 p.m.

6 Regular Meeting Minutes Page 6 November 17, 2016 Listing of Materials used in the meeting: Item 2. Regular meeting Minutes October 20, 2016 Item 3. Treasurer s Report October 31, 2016 Item 7.2 Fiscal Year 2017 Current Status of Grants Item 9.3 Request for Out-of-State Field Trip Item 9.4 School Cancellation List Item 10.1a Parent Notification Relative to Sex Education Item 10.1b Health Education Item 12.3 Winter Parent Newsletter Item 12.4 Worcester Business Journal Report Item 12.5 Signed Agreement VT School Based Health Center and Milford Regional Medical Center Item 12.6 Donation Acceptance, Millbury Federal Credit Union Item 12.7 Fiscal Year 2016 Annual Report Item 16 Items for the Good of the Committee Respectfully submitted by, Anthony M. Yitts, Secretary