Blackstone Valley Vocational Regional School District Committee Minutes of Regular Meeting January 26, 2017

Transcription

1 Blackstone Valley Vocational Regional School District Committee Minutes of Regular Meeting January 26, 2017 The regular meeting of the Blackstone Valley Vocational Regional School District 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 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 Dr. Michael F. Fitzpatrick, Superintendent- Director Anthony Steele, Asst. Supt./Principal Barbara Auger, Treasurer Kurtis Johnson, Asst. Supt. of Finance and Operations James Brochu, Director of Construction/Facilities Nicole Forman, Recording Secretary Grace Lemire, Student Representative Colin Mitchell, Student Representative Thomas Lamont, Painting and Design Technologies Instructor Item 1. Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 6:07 p.m. by Chairman Hall. Dr. Fitzpatrick informed the Committee that Messrs. Koopman and Intinarelli would not be able to attend. Dr. Fitzpatrick also asked the Committee to join him in a moment of silence for the loss of Laurie Ann Lavin, wife of School Committee member John Lavin, III. Item 2. Secretary s Report A. Yitts On a motion by Mr. Lavin, seconded by Mrs. Mitchell, it was unanimously voted to waive the reading of the minutes of the regular meeting of December 15, 2016 and to accept them as written. Item 3. Treasurer s Report B. Auger Treasurer Auger presented a report dated December 31, The report reflects a cash balance of $4,894, including $4,374, in local funds and $520, in project funds. Treasurer Auger noted the balance includes some one-time payments due in December for pensions, so that explains the higher amount in the "Payroll Warrants" category. She reported that about half of the towns have submitted their assessments and payments to the District at this point. On a motion by Mr. Bartlett, seconded by Mr. Hanratty, it was voted to approve the Treasurer s report as presented.

2 Regular Meeting Minutes Page 2 January 26, 2017 Treasurer Auger also reported that the District successfully submitted additional reimbursement for the MSBA roof repair project. The additional reimbursement was approved, and it has been submitted to the state for final review. Item 4. Sch. Com. Officers Election/Appointments for 2017 At Chairman Hall s request, the Superintendent-Director led the School Committee through the election/appointment process. Terms of service begin in January 2017 and end at the regular meeting held January On a motion by Mr. Finn, seconded by Mr. Lavin, it was voted to elect Mr. Joseph M. Hall as Blackstone Valley Vocational School District Committee Chair. 4.2 On a motion by Mr. Hanratty, seconded by Mrs. Mitchell, it was voted to elect Mr. Gerald M. Finn as Blackstone Valley Vocational School District Committee Vice Chair. 4.3 On a motion by Mr. Hall, seconded by Mr. Finn, it was voted to appoint Mr. Anthony M. Yitts as Blackstone Valley Vocational School District Committee Secretary. 4.4 On a motion by Mr. Bartlett, seconded by Mr. Lavin, it was voted to appoint Mr. Arthur E. Morin as the Blackstone Valley Vocational School District Committee Assistant Treasurer. 4.5(a)(b)(c) On a motion by Mr. Hanratty, seconded by Mr. Finn, it was voted to appoint Mrs. Julie H. Mitchell, Mr. Arthur E. Morin, and Mr. James H. Ebbeling as Payroll/AP Warrant Signers. 4.6 On a motion by Mrs. Mitchell, seconded by Mr. Lavin, it was voted to appoint Mr. David R. Bartlett as Alternate Payroll/AP Warrant Signer. Item 5. Chronicle WCVB TV 5 Boston Dr. Michael F. Fitzpatrick Due to technical difficulties, the viewing of the "Chronicle" feature on Blackstone Valley Tech was delayed, and the highlight was played at the conclusion of Item 6. Item 6. Comments by Student Representatives Grace Lemire & Colin Mitchell Student Council officers Grace Lemire and Colin Mitchell gave the Committee an update on the student events being held throughout the school. In November, the Student Council created a "Thankful Tree" in the lobby of the school and asked students to write things they were thankful for on paper leaves. To transition into the New Year, the Council created paper snowflakes with resolutions for 2017 to place around the tree. Members of the Student Council will be participating in the Special Olympics Polar Plunge at the upcoming Massachusetts Association of Student Council's state conference in Hyannis, MA. The Council is currently fundraising for the event. Finally, the members of the Student Council will be attending an event at Rockland High School to support the Special Olympics Bocce Tournament hosted by the Massachusetts

3 Regular Meeting Minutes Page 3 January 26, 2017 Association of Student Councils. The members will be "fans in the stands" and cheer on the Olympians. Item 5. Chronicle WCVB - TV 5 Boston - Dr. Michael F. Fitzpatrick The Committee viewed a recent segment of WCVB-TV 5 Boston's "Chronicle" that featured Blackstone Valley Tech students. The episode focused on the current state of Blue Collar America and the next generation of Blue Collar workers. Item 7. Asst. Supt. for Finance/Operations K. Johnson 7.1 Mr. Johnson reported that he has received the E&D Certification from the Department of Revenue. The E&D Certification came out to be $719,527. The maximum it was allowed to be was $1,097, Mr. Johnson reported there were no line item transfer requests. 7.3 Mr. Johnson provided the Committee with an updated Current Status of Grants for Fiscal Year Mr. Johnson told the Committee that he has heard back from the Mass Life Science grant, who told him that of the 105 applications they received, only 49 were approved and the District was not one of them. Dr. Fitzpatrick asked Mr. Johnson to reach out to the state for feedback on the grant application. Mr. Johnson also noted that the District has submitted the necessary paperwork for the second half of the Project Lead the Way grant, which will allow them to move forward to phase 2. The District must still get through the second phase to be approved for the grant. Mr. Johnson also informed the Committee that the District received a $4,000 grant from Fuel Up to Play 60 for a mobile breakfast cart and an Xbox Kinnect to use in conjunction with students who need low-impact exercise. He also noted that the District has applied for two additional school nutrition grants. 7.4 Mr. Johnson presented the Committee with a donation of a Facilities Golf Cart. 7.4 a. On a motion by Mr. Finn, seconded by Mr. Bartlett, it was voted to accept the donation of the Facilities Golf Cart a. Mr. Johnson presented the Committee with the Bid Summary for Student Bus Transportation. He noted that the District had 19 vendors request information. Every vendor that requested information received specifications, but the District only received one bid. The sole bid was from Vendetti Motors, which is the District's current company. On a motion by Mr. Bartlett, seconded by Mr. Broderick, it was voted to award the transportation bid to Vendetti Bus Company. Mr. Finn abstained from the vote. Item 8. Assistant Superintendent-Director s Report A. Steele

4 Regular Meeting Minutes Page 4 January 26, Mr. Steele noted that the hard copy of the proposed calendar would be available later in the meeting. The item was deferred to a later time during the meeting. 8.2 Mr. Steele informed the Committee that the NEASC five-year follow up visit will be held March The visiting team will consist of 3-5 individuals and will be led by Gilda Puccio, a Connecticut educator. Ms. Puccio will be at the school for a pre-visit in the coming week to speak with administrators about what she will see at the visit and what she would like to see. The faculty and staff have worked through the 10-year accreditation and two-year review recommendations. The steering committee has met several times as a whole to look at standards, and the entire school is prepared for the visit. 8.3 Mr. Steele reported on the Practical Nursing Graduation, which was held on January 25, The program graduated 24 students. The commencement ceremony included honorary guests such as Senator Michael Moore, State Representative Kevin Kuros, and State Representative David Muradian. State Representative Joseph McKenna sent his congratulations, and regretted that he was unable to attend. Mr. Steele noted that one of the highlights of the event was Secretary of Veterans' Services Francisco Ureña's presence. The graduating class included an Army veteran, and the Secretary gave his congratulatory message to her personally. Mr. Steele also forwarded his congratulations to Program Coordinator Joann Monks. 8.4 On a motion by Mr. Lavin, seconded by Mrs. Mitchell, it was unanimously voted to approve the Ski Club s request for an out-of-state field trip to Loon Mountain in Lincoln, New Hampshire on March 4, Item 9. Budget Subcommittee Report J. Lavin 9.1 Mr. Lavin reported that the Budget Subcommittee has gone through the series of 3000, 4000, 7000, and districtwide technology. The Subcommittee felt they were receiving informative materials and recommendations. Mr. Lavin noted it was the first time reading through the Budget, so the Subcommittee is still looking at ways to reduce costs. Dr. Fitzpatrick noted the Governor released his budget yesterday, which included a modest increase for education. The Governor's plan is built upon a projection of a 3.9 percent increase in state revenue. Item 10. Superintendent-Director s Report M. Fitzpatrick 10.1 Dr. Fitzpatrick informed the Committee that the District received an anonymous gift of $500 in honor of Mrs. Laurie Lavin Dr. Fitzpatrick reported the Admissions Status Report highlighted the admissions events for the year. The applications are due February 3, Dr. Fitzpatrick noted the District does its best to work cohesively and cooperatively with applicants and districts. He reminded the Committee that the District does not participate in school choice because the District is focused on serving its towns. Dr. Fitzpatrick also reminded the Committee that the admissions team works with applicants who need accommodations. He asked the Committee to suggest families who need accommodations speak with our admissions team, so that the team can make proper arrangements.

5 Regular Meeting Minutes Page 5 January 26, Dr. Fitzpatrick reported on the Worcester County Superintendents' Association's Annual Scholars Luncheon held at Clark University. Blackstone Valley Tech had two student representatives, Erik Martus and Max Mirageas. Max was unable to attend the luncheon, but was recognized at the luncheon. Dr. Fitzpatrick asked the Committee to bring any scholarship or award opportunities they hear of to his attention so that BVT students who are eligible can apply Dr. Fitzpatrick presented the Committee with a draft letter to MIAA Assistant Director James Peters. The MIAA has recommended moving football up two divisions and golf up one division. The District does not agree with the recommendations and has testified to that opposition. The preliminary feedback for the football appeal is favorable. Conversation ensued. Item 11. Facilities Subcommittee Report J. Lavin Mr. Lavin reported the Facilities Subcommittee met on January 18, 2017 to work on the sign project for the front of the building. The Subcommittee has agreed on a conceptual drawing and is now waiting for the plans to be drawn up to make a decision on its location in the front of the building based on the town's rules. Mr. Brochu added that the Subcommittee is working with Painting and Design Technologies and Drafting students on the project. The Subcommittee is still working on fine-tuning the sign and hopes to bring a drawing to the Committee shortly. The Subcommittee hopes to involve as many students as possible in the project. Item.8 Assistant Superintendent-Director's Report- A. Steele 8.1 Mr. Steele presented the Committee with a copy of the preliminary proposed School Year Calendar. The format is different than usual with the dates in the middle not on the sides. The proposed calendar fulfills contractual obligations, follows the traditional pattern of school vacations and observances, and begins with two service days on August The proposed calendar includes the 195 days with additional days noted for snow days. A graduation date is not included on the preliminary proposal because scheduling is not open yet at the venue. On a motion by Mr. Lavin, seconded by Mr. Bartlett, it was voted to accept the Proposed School Year Calendar. Item 12. New Business Mr. Johnson presented the Committee with the Governor's numbers. He noted the District will receive an additional $381,759 as minimums are viewed across the 13 towns. Dr. Fitzpatrick presented the Committee with copies of the view book. Mr. Lavin thanked the Committee for supporting him through the loss of his wife. He invited the Committee to a Celebration of Life being held on January 28, Mr. Lavin also spoke with the Committee about two alumni who have contacted him about creating an alumni association. The alumni are asking for the support of the Committee to activate the association. Chairman Hall requested more information on the association and a presentation to the committee. On a motion by Mr. Finn, seconded by Mrs. Mitchell, it was voted to allow the alumni to

6 Regular Meeting Minutes Page 6 January 26, 2017 explore an all year's alumni association. Dr. Fitzpatrick noted Mr. Lamont's presence in the audience. Mr. Lamont is an instructor in the Painting and Design Technologies program who has distinguished himself through his multiple community service activities including recycling. Mr. Lamont was joined by his son who is an Eagle Scout candidate working on a merit badge. Dr. Fitzpatrick offered his assistance to the younger Mr. Lamont. Item 13. Items for the Good of the Committee The monthly compilation of news clippings and correspondence was made available for the School Committee s review. Item 14. Next Regularly Scheduled School Committee Meeting The next regularly scheduled meeting will be held on March 9, 2017 at 6:00 p.m. in the Three Seasons Restaurant. Item 15. Meeting Closure 15.1 The meeting was declared closed by the Chair at 7:51 p.m On a motion by Mr. Hanratty, seconded by Mr. Lavin, it was voted to adjourn at 7:51 p.m. Listing of Materials used in the meeting: Item 2. Minutes of Regular Meeting of December 15, 2016 Item 3. Treasurer s Report December 31, 2016 Item 4.1 Suggested Motion BVVR District School Committee Chair Item 4.2 Suggested Motion BVVR District School Committee Vice Chair Item 4.3 Suggested Motion BVVR District School Committee Secretary Item 4.4 Suggested Motion BVVR District School Committee Assistant Treasurer Item 4.5a. Suggested Motion BVVR District School Committee Payroll/AP Warrant Signer #1 Item 4.5b. Suggested Motion BVVR District School Committee Payroll/AP Warrant Signer #2 Item 4.5c. Suggested Motion BVVR District School Committee Payroll/AP Warrant Signer #3 Item 4.6 Suggested Motion BVVR District School Comm. Alternate Payroll/AP Warrant Signer Item 7.1 E&D Certification Item 7.3 FY17 Current Status of Grants Item 7.4a. Donation Acceptance Facilities Golf Cart Item 7.5 Bid Summary Student Bus Transportation Item 8.4a. Out-Of-State Field Trip Request Ski Club, Loon Mountain, New Hampshire Item 8. Proposed School Year Calendar Item 10.2 Admissions Status Report Item 10.3 WCSA Annual Scholars Luncheon Program Item 10.4 Sample Letter Appeal of Football Realignment for Item 12.1 The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education FY18 Chapter 70 Item 12.2 FY2018 Local Aid Estimation Item 12.3 BVT View Book

7 Regular Meeting Minutes Page 7 January 26, 2017 Item 13 Items for the Good of the Committee Respectfully submitted by, Anthony M. Yitts, Secretary