GROTON-DUNSTABLE REGIONAL SCHOOL COMMITTEE Groton-Dunstable Regional High School Library 703 Chicopee Row, Groton, MA October 25, 2016

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1 APPROVED GROTON-DUNSTABLE REGIONAL SCHOOL COMMITTEE Groton-Dunstable Regional High School Library 703 Chicopee Row, Groton, MA October 25, 2016 PRESENT: Mr. Jeff Kubick, Chair Ms. Marlena Gilbert Ms. Angela Donahue Ms. Jennifer McKenzie Mr. Peter Cronin Ms. Alison Manugian Ms. Stephanie Cronin ADMINISTRATION: Dr. Kristan Rodriguez Mr. Frank Antonelli STAFF, PRESS, OTHERS: Michael Knight, Pete Myerson, Marisa Brisson I. Call to Order: The GDRSC Meeting was called to order at 7:11 PM by Jeff Kubick, Chair. II. Pledge of Allegiance Swallow Union Jack Hickey and Eliana Lothrop 4 th grade. Elaina is in Mrs. Dobson s class. Her favorite subject is Social Studies and has been working on special projects. This year they learned about the National Parks. Jack is also in Mrs. Dobson s class and his favorite subject is writing. He has found it to be more challenging this year.. III. Questions and Comments from the Public Leslie Lathrop spoke to the Committee asking for support to the resolution against lifting the cap on Commonwealth Charter Schools. Groton-Dunstable Regional School District is losing nearly $500,000 to Commonwealth Charter Schools and public school districts across the state are losing more than $450 million this year alone. A loss of funds that is undermining the ability of districts to provide all students with the educational services to which they are entitled. Charter schools often fail to serve the same proportion of special needs students, low-income students and English language learners as the districts from which they receive students and often use high suspension rates to drive out students they don t want to serve. The funding follows the student to the Charter school. This could cause reducing staff, higher class sizes, and preventing advancement. IV. Announcements High School Rep Bryan Bonnett Bryan stated it has been a great month. Pink week was a huge success. They have decided to continue to raise money through activities held throughout the year. They will also be contributing to research and awareness of prostate cancer. Fall sports are finishing up. Last week s football game was postponed due to weather and was held on Sunday. Attendance was high with all the students from other sports supporting them. There will be announcements of more overseas trips. In 2018 they have some great trip going to be offered. Bryan stated it is the amazing the opportunities the students have to participate in these trips at such a young age. Groton-Dunstable is presently hosting students from Germany and Groton-Dunstable students will go to Germany later in the year. V. Presentations German Exchange Students (GAPP) Marisa Evonsion works with the program and introduced Britta Roper who is a community member, parent, and substitute for Groton-Dunstable. She speaks fluent German and Marisa Evonsion is grateful to have her, would be impossible to run the program without her. The GAPP stands for German American Partnership Program has been a yearlong planning process. The program brings in German students for a 16 day stay and Groton-Dunstable students will go to Germany in February. Marisa Evonsion expressed her gratitude to the School Committee and the community for hosting the students.

2 GDRSC Page - 2 The students have been to places like New York City and Plymouth Plantation. Marisa Evonsion introduced the two chaperones. Christina Waltz stated they so much appreciate being here and their principal sent a hello and excited where this has been able to happen. Antje Janich also spoke and also expresses gratitude for the exchange program being able to happen. The hospitality has been great to the students and chaperones. Each one of the students introduced themselves. They all shared their experience and who their host family was. They all agreed they are having a wonderful experience and were very thankful. Marisa Evonsion stated she has receive from Groton-Dunstable teachers on how the students have been so respectful and kind. This has been such a positive experience the number of students who will travel to Germany has increased. Stephanie Cronin also thanked Marisa Evonsion, she is hosting a student and it has been a wonderful experience. She encourages others to host a student. VI. Reports A. Subcommittees a. Policy There will be another meeting prior to the next Committee meeting. By December the subcommittee hopes to have five to six revised policies to bring to the Committee. b. Personnel and Negotiation Peter Cronin stated the subcommittee has met and they are getting prepared for negotiations. The purpose to be grounded and prepared to give preliminary thoughts to our legal council. Early discussions around frame of reference to the negotiations. P&N will be meeting again before the next Committee meeting. P&N also reviewed the permanent Superintendent search firms. At the time of the meeting they only had received one submission. NESDEC had submitted and the subcommittee gave positive recommendations. They were flexible and met our timing needs. They felt the other two firms submitted late, were not responsive. The subcommittee is recommending NESDEC to do the search. c. B&F Alison Manugian stated the subcommittee had recently met and revised the budget guidelines to be given to the administration at tonight s meeting. d. GD at Play Peter Cronin stated he included in the Committee s packet showing a proposal and technical specifications from the town of Wellesley for the Committee to review. He stated it is very comprehensive with FAQ s. GD at Play is planning to hold an info night to present to the community around the first week of November. B. Superintendent 1. Core Values Dr. Rodriguez stated a small group met to review the core values, the work that was done at the Future Search. The task was to make sure all the words were capturing an accurate description of what was meant. They also wanted to make sure there was an alignment with the core values and the adopted vision statement. They wanted to come up with a one sentence descriptor. Dr. Rodriguez recommended to the Committee to take the notes from the meeting earlier and meet with the small group again to refine and then present to the Committee for a vote. The Committee was comfortable with Dr. Rodriguez s recommendation. 2. District Improvement Plan Dr. Rodriguez presented the DIP for a vote from the Committee. JEFF KUBICK ENTERTAINED A MOTION TO APPROVE THE DISTRICT IMPROVEMENT PLAN AS PRESENTED. SO MOVED BY MARLENA GILBERT. SECONDED BY ALISON MANUGIAN. C. Director of Business and Finance 1. Bid award Florence Roche School Boiler Frank Antonelli stated they had sent out eleven (11) bids, only two (2) firms responded to replace the Florence Roche Boiler. Frank Antonelli is asking for the Committee to award the bid to Performance Plumbing and Heating, Inc. who had the lowest bid and a responsible company. Their price was $52,428. Frank

3 GDRSC Page - 3 Antonelli checked their references which included four (4) different school districts. ALISON MANUGIAN MADE A MOTION TO AWARD THE BID FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THE FLORENCE ROCHE SCHOOL BOILER TO PERFORMANCE PLUMBING AND HEATING COMPANY WITH THEIR RECENT QUOTE. SECONDED BY STEPHANIE CRONIN. Stephanie Cronin asked if this was a capital item. Frank Antonelli stated it is an item that the Town Manager agreed to pay for and the money was appropriated at their recent meeting. ROLL CALL VOTE: P. CRONIN, YES; A. MANUGIAN, YES; J. KUBICK, YES; J. MCKENZIE, YES; M. GILBER, YES; A. DONAHUE, YES; S. CRONIN, YES. D. Chair 1. Interim Superintendent Finalist Interview Jeff Kubick introduced Bill Ryan, candidate for Interim Superintendent, to the Committee. He has spent 34 years in Acton-Boxborough and retired in He was interim Superintendent in Billerica until they hired a permanent Superintendent. He has dealt with all aspects of educational leadership including budget and finance, program development, professional development, community relations, operations and facilities, personnel matters, legal issues and team building and collaboration. Bill Ryan introduced himself, lives in Maynard with his wife, and has 4 grown children. Having worked at Acton-Boxborough he has been there through building new schools and overrides. He feels Groton-Dunstable is similar to Acton-Boxborough and has the experience. He is currently severing on non-profit boards, one being the Discovery Museum in Acton. The Committee had the opportunity to ask Bill Ryan questions. Peter Cronin asked Bill Ryan what was the positive and productive Superintendent/School Committee relationships. Bill Ryan responded mutual respect is very important. He would always share anything important with the Committee Chair. It is important to be transparent about issues, to be open, and to be respectful. The Superintendent has the job to run the District, the Committee should be setting policy and looking at the bigger picture. Alison Manugian asked for him to describe how employee contracts can be structured to take into account District sustainability and employee satisfaction. Bill Ryan responded you first need to have a handle on the financial situation. He also believes there is nothing more important than you teachers and support staff. Teachers should be well paid, they do important work. It is important the professional staff and the support staff feel supported. It is important to talk to staff, especially in difficult financial years. Jeff Kubick stated it is important that the District works closely with the two towns and asked how Bill Ryan worked successfully with town boards in previous positions and what you would do here to develop. Bill Ryan stated he would want to meet with town managers in both Groton and Dunstable and also with the Board of Selectmen and Finance Committee members. Bill Ryan stated in previous towns they were able to develop a financial model and put everything into it. This committee included two members of the Board of Selectmen, 2 members from the Finance Committee, Business Manager, Superintendent, and members of the Committee. They went out for two years which was helpful seeing what was available. Jennifer McKenzie asked Bill Ryan if he could give examples of his strength as a leader made a significant difference in you past districts. Bill Ryan stated in one of his past districts they needed an override. They were able to get it passed. He was also there when trying to build a new high school and two elementary schools and was able to get it passed, communication with the public is key. Marlena Gilbert asked what decisions would you make on your own and what decisions would you involve others in? Bill Ryan stated is would depend on what the decision was, it is important to listen to others especially if it would affect them. He does feel if there is time available to make the decision, it is best to think it out, talk with others. Angela Donahue

4 GDRSC Page - 4 wanted to know how does he collaborate with parents and how do you deal with parents who may pressure you for changes you don t think are in the best interest of the District? He feels it is very important to listen to parents, it is their children. He has always had an open door policy, he does like it to start at the school with the teacher and the principal. He may not always be in agreement with parents, but it is good to talk and be respectful. Stephanie Cronin asked how you resolve parent, teacher and student complaints. He would meet with all and try to figure out what is the truth and the best way to solve the problem. Bill Ryan asked the Committee s plans for a permanent Superintendent. Jeff Kubick stated they would be contracting a firm to conduct the search. The Committee is hoping to have a permanent Superintendent named by March or April Bill Ryan state he is willing to stay on as long as needed it the Committee were unable to find a match for Groton-Dunstable right away. JEFF KUBICK ENTERTAINED A MOTION TO APPOINT WILLIAM RYAN AS INTERIM SUPERINTENDENT. SO MOVED BY MARLENA GILBERT. SECONDED BY ANGELA DONAHUE. Alison Manugian feels comfortable with the candidate, he has insight to a regional district. He has an understanding of the budget. He has energy and enthusiasm and a solid foundation of experience. Peter Cronin liked that he had a lot of experience in Budget and Finance and that will be helpful to us. He has a grasp of subject material and is able to make decisions and open to feedback in the decision process. Jeff Kubick feels he gets the big picture on how to get things done. Stephanie Cronin felt with the experience he has it will install confidence to the District. ROLL CALL VOTE: S. CRONIN, YES; A. DONAHUE, YES; M. GILBERT, YES; J. MCKENZIE, YES; J. KUBICK, YES; A. MANUGIAN, YES; P. CRONIN, YES. 2. Permanent Superintendent Search Search Firm Jeff Kubick stated the P&N as stated earlier is recommending the Committee approve NESDEC to be the search firm for the permanent Superintendent. MARLENA GILBERT MADE A MOTION FOR THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE APPROVE THE HIRING OF NESDEC AS THE CONSULTANT FOR THE PERMANENT SUPERINTENDENT SEARCH. SECONDED BY JENNIFER MCKENZIE. Stephanie Cronin asked the reason MASC was not brought forward. Marlena Gilbert explained they were late more than once for a proposal. Marlena Gilbert also found calling for references to five (5) or six (6) districts found NESDEC had great remarks and worth the money. Peter Cronin stated other towns aligned with Groton-Dunstable to appoint NESDEC. Peter Cronin stated they had also heard through reference checks the other firms tend to focus on candidates that did not have Superintendent experience. Jeff Kubick was concerned that NESDEC has the option to do the community forums and candidate profiling at an extra cost. He asked if the subcommittee could go back and negotiate including that. Peter Cronin will have the discussion with NESDEC. Alison Manugian stated the Committee has worked with NESDEC in the past and they did a very good job. NESDEC is very easy to work with and they stay on schedule. ROLL CALL VOTE: S. CRONIN, YES; A. DONAHUE, YES; M. GILBERT, YES; J. MCKENZIE, YES; J. KUBICK, YES; A. MANUGIAN, YES; P. CRONIN, YES.

5 GDRSC Page Positions on MASC Resolutions Jeff Kubick went through the Report of Resolutions that were up for consideration at the MASS/MASC conference. The Committee wants to provide guidance to the delegate, Marlena Gilbert on how to represent the District. There may also be a debate at the conference and they could be amended and to use their judgment. 1. Foundation Budget Alison Manugian felt there could be a lot of downside to fixing the foundation budget without identifying where the additional revenue is coming from. Seven (7) opposed. 2. Tax Reform Ballot Jeff Kubick felt this was outside of the Committee. Two (2) in favor, five (5) opposed. 3. Charter School Reform Jeff Kubick doesn t have an issue with having equity between what public schools has to do accepting all students. Five (5) in favor, two (2) opposed. 4. Social Emotional of Students Peter Cronin likes they are taking a stance on social emotional health and well-being of students. Seven (7) in favor. 4. Budget Priority Guidance to the Superintendent Alison Manugian stated B&F met and the goal was to be able to turn the recommendations into numbers so the Committee could begin to have discussions with the Advisory Board and Finance Committee about what our needs are at a preliminary level. Before giving to the Superintendent to do the budget, to have numbers of what would be available. This would begin with maintaining FY 2017 programs and staffing required. The Committee would like explanation for sections outside the range of students, they would like to know why. To also be aware of negotiations of fair employment contracts (5). There is also the Technology Plan that is spelled out by cost per year. The Needs Assessment identified priorities for spending in the coming years. This would come out to $1.6 M to $1.8 M. This would maintain programing, add some technology, and begin to implement more of the Needs Assessment. Jennifer McKenzie stated at the last meeting we had agreed to stay within level funding, was surprised the Needs Assessment was taken a divided up into a 5 year plan and putting that in the guidance draft for this year. The community has asked for a 5 year plan. Jennifer McKenzie feels it is premature to put in the budget without doing the work. Jeff Kubick stated it was discussed at the B&F meeting and the level funding was the baseline but still want to address more of the needs and the capital items. The Committee continued discussion and felt it is best to go in with numbers and negotiate from there. The Committee needs to show the towns what the District needs to fund in order to move forward. Due to time restraints the Committee needs to give the Superintendent guidelines. After meetings with the towns we may have to go back and make changes before the budget is voting on. Jennifer McKenzie feels she can t support going to the towns with a large amount. PETER CRONIN MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE BUDGET GUIDANCE THAT WAS BROUGHT FORWARD FROM THE B&F SUBCOMMITTEE TO BE GIVEN TO THE SUPERINTENDENT TO BEGIN THE BUDGETING PROCESS. SECONDED BY ALISON MANUGIAN. 6:1:0 (YES;NO;ABSTAIN) MOTION PASSED

6 GDRSC Page - 6 VII. VIII. Discussion None. Approval of Minutes MARLENA GILBERT MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES DATED OCTOBER 11, 2016 AND SPECIAL B&F MINUTES DATED OCTOBER 18, 2016 AS PRESENTED IN THE COMMITTEE PACKET. SECONDED BY ALISON MANUGIAN. IX. Vote to Accept Warrant Article ALISON MANUGIAN MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THE WARRANT SUMMARY INCLUDING ONE PAYROLL WARRANT IN THE AMOUNT OF $928, AND SIX AP WARRANTS TOTALING $1,038, FOR A GRAND TOTAL OF $1,967, SECONDED BY STEPHANIE CRONIN. X. New Business - None XI. Adjournment JEFF KUBICK ENTERTAINED A MOTION TO ADJOURN AT 10:00 PM. SO MOVED BY MARLENA GILBERT. SECONDED BY ANGELA DONAHUE. Respectfully submitted, Aine Bellofatto Recording Secretary