WHITMAN-HANSON REGIONAL SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING. Minutes of September 15, 2010 Held at the Whitman-Hanson Regional School High School

Transcription

1 WHITMAN-HANSON REGIONAL SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING Minutes of September 15, 2010 Held at the Whitman-Hanson Regional School High School Meeting convened: Meeting adjourned: Members present: Members absent: Administrators present: 7:02 p.m. 6:06 p.m. Mrs. McSweeney, Dowd, Rich Messrs. Hayes, Tuffo, Evans, Trotta, Kryzanek, Powers, Egan None Dr. Ruth Gilbert-Whitner, Superintendent of Schools Ms. Michelle Roy, Assistant Superintendent Mrs. Mildred O Callaghan, Administrator for Special Education Mrs. Sharon Andrew, Director of Business Services Chair Hayes brought the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. Mr. Hayes led the Pledge of Allegiance and held a Moment of Silence in remembrance of former staff member, John Pierce. OPEN DISCUSSION There was no one for open discussion. STUDENT ADVISORY Student Council President and School Committee Student Representative, Nicole Flemming, reported on high school student life and activities. Freshmen First Night was held on August 19 th, many incoming freshmen attended. Fall SAT s are scheduled for October 9 and November 6, Many senior class members are working on the college application process. On September 13 th, the Massachusetts Aggression Reduction Center (MARC) Program from Bridgewater State University presented Anti-Bullying and Cyber-bulling information for parents in the High School PAC. In student clubs, the Drama Club will present Alice in Wonderland this year. Student Council is sponsoring the first homecoming week and dance in several years. Fall sports have begun. A comedy night fundraiser for WHP Girls Hockey is planned for November 13th at the Whitman VFW. Chair Hayes added that with the opening season for football, it is important to note this is the 100 th year anniversary of the Abington vs. Whitman-Hanson Thanksgiving Day football game and many celebratory events are planned for that week.

2 APPROVAL OF MINUTES Minutes of the June 9, 2010 Meeting Mrs. Dowd requested the minutes of the June 9, 2010 school committee meeting be amended to reflect the vote regarding a fee for the indoor high school walking track ID cards corrected to and that Mrs. Dowd opposed the $5.00 ID badge fee. Mrs. Rich motioned; Mrs. Dowd seconded; voted to approve the minutes of the June 9, 2010 school committee meeting as amended to reflect a vote regarding the High School Indoor Walking Track ID card fee. The motion carried Mr. Powers abstained. Minutes of the August 18, 2010 Meeting Mr. Tuffo motioned; Mrs. McSweeney seconded; voted to approve the minutes of the August 18, 2010 school committee meeting as amended. The motion carried Mr. Powers Mr. Trotta, Mr. Kryzanek, Mrs. Dowd, and Mrs. Rich abstained. SUPERINTENDENT S REPORT Facilities Update Ernie Sandland reported on summer maintenance projects and areas of concerns in the buildings. Typical summer cleaning and maintenance in all of the buildings were performed over the summer. At the Maquan School, corrections were made after identifying a failure to the water heater. Slate roof tile repair issues continue at Indian Head School. The Facilities Manager plans to submit a Statement of Interest to the MSBA for a Green Repair Grant that may help with the cost of the roof replacement at Indian Head and Duval Elementary Schools. At Hanson Middle School a water bubbler failed over the summer which caused some wall water damage to several classrooms. The repair work was covered under insurance less the $5,000 deductible. The library carpet at the Conley School, which was rippling, was re-done. The existing carpeting was removed and the existing wood flooring was refinished. The Whitman Middle School won the Pepsi Grant and is in the midst of completing the technology lab project. Asphalt roads leading to the high school have been re-done. Plans for fall projects include a district-wide roof survey. Mr. Sandland commended his staff on the quality of work they are providing to the district. After a question regarding security checks at schools on weekends when the buildings are closed, Mr. Sandland informed the Committee that building spot checks are done on the weekend during the school year and not during summer break, but that year round checks are something worthy of discussion. Also, the district complies with state and federal bid laws for outside contract work. Dr. Whitner announced that she met with town fire officials and the building inspector regarding building checks for school opening day and they that also commended the facilities department on the job done for the opening of school. WHEF ~ Whitman-Hanson Education Foundation Mrs. Laura Kemmett and Mrs. Lisa Stevens, representatives of the Whitman-Hanson Education Foundation, presented information about WHEF and the fundraising plans for the school year and building community support. WHEF has existed since 2004 fundraising and funding mini-grants primarily used for professional development for staff. The focus this year is to raise funds to support the technological needs of the district. The following fundraisers are planned to date: Kids Fitness Festival- September 25th 11-3pm

3 Spelling Bee November 20th 3-6 pm Saturday WHRHS PAC 3-6 pm Jimmy Buffet Tribute TBD spring 2011 Mrs. Kemmet commented on specifics of the events. Interested participants for the Spelling Bee can visit the website at wheducationfoundation.org for more information. The Superintendent will contact the WHRSD Website Coordinator to install a direct link from the District website to WHEF, Whitman-Hanson Education Foundation. Mrs. Kemmett noted how people can help WHEF and even become a member. Become a Friend on FaceBook Assist in staffing fundraising events Attend our fundraising events Put together a team for our Spelling Bee Help us get the word out!!! Opening of School Dr. Whitner provided a brief overview of the opening of school as she had done in the August meeting. She also discussed the importance of the Strategic Plan and the district will focus on Action Plans development and follow through. The Superintendent announced her theme for the Strategic Plan is Every Child, Every Day. The New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) will be evaluating the Regional High School March 11-14, 2012 for the decennial evaluation visit for accreditation purposes. The high school staff has formed a committee chaired by Amy Hill and David Floeck for the self study in preparation for the NEASC visit. The Superintendent reported that she will be participating as an assistant chair in a NEASC visit in Gilford, Connecticut in October. MCAS and AYP Preliminary Reports Michelle Roy reported on AYP preliminary reports which were received on September 14, The district will begin a complete data review and have a full report for the Committee at the in November. Bullying Prevention Dr. Whitner announced the District plans to have the second reading of the Bullying Policy available at the next meeting. The Committee reviewed a policy last spring; however, the district is waiting for more information and additional guidelines from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Michelle Roy formed a committee which meets regularly to discuss requirements under the current legislation, bullying policy, staff awareness, and prevention methods. Ms. Roy reported that the committee held two student presentations. Also a joint presentation on Anti-Bullying and Cyber-bullying with MARC, out of Bridgewater State University on September 13, 2010 at the Regional High School Performing Arts Center for parents. Ms. Roy will continue to work with the committee and Mr. Sweeney to establish requirements and standards in the District. The committee is considering expanding to include parents and students. Ms. Roy reported that the District is required to have a plan in place by

4 December 31, Administrators have met to discuss the plan and what is needed and components and definitions of the policy and reporting. Beginning in October, staff at the high school and middle schools will receive training. At the elementary level, the committee will be trained and will then train elementary staff. Committee members commented on the MARC presentation and advised the parents also need to be part of the communication process and education for anti-bullying. Mr. Egan would like to see more education at the middle schools. Ms. Roy mentioned part of the training involves student leaders at high school visit and train the middle school students. The State has developed a model plan which the committee is reviewing to align with our current plan. Mr. Evans commented that technology is a big part of how we communicate but can be dangerous and to educate parents on that aspect as well. Dr. Whitner added that the plan developed by Whitman-Hanson be open for public comment and then a public hearing will be held. This will all happen before December 31 st. Dr. Whitner gave additional information on the Responsive Classroom program at the elementary level to help with bullying prevention. The curriculum focuses on interpersonal relationships and trustbuilding which helps students with interaction with others. Budget Update Line Item Transfer Sharon Andrew reported on the budget and advised the committee votes are needed for line item transfers in order to balance the budget for fiscal year We were able to put money back into reserves. The committee must vote to re-certify the 2011FY Budget. Mrs. Rich motioned; Mr. Powers seconded; voted unanimously to approve the line item transfers for FY2010 District Budget as presented. The motion carried Re-Certify 2011FY Budget Mrs. Andrew explained the budget re-certification is necessary due to the Hanson Schools Bond payments reduction of approximately $1,556,000 million taking the budget from $46,414,985 to $44,848,345. She also explained how the Massachusetts School Building Authority authorized early payment (calling in of) the bonds if a district is eligible and the savings to Hanson taxpayers. Bonds are callable after 10 years, and Whitman may be able to call their bonds in June of Another change to the budget is the reduction in crossing guard salaries as the Town of Whitman did not increase the salaries for the year. Mr. Evans motioned; Mrs. Rich seconded; voted unanimously to re-certify the 2011FY District Operating Budget at $44,848,345. The motion carried The district will send updated assessment letters to the towns regarding the vote and recertification of the District Operating Budget. Additional discussion focused on the new Jobs Education Bill, ARRA Grant funding, and positions that could be brought back to the district. Net difference in funding for the District is nearly $418,000 to be used over a two year period. The Superintendent reported that after meeting with principals and administrators, the Superintendent reported the District was able to restore a variety of lost positions (8.2 positions restored), including a social studies position at the Whitman Middle School, a non-instructional security aide at the high school, a part time library aide at the high school in order to open the library to students after school, an part-time

5 elementary developmentally delayed program teacher, a custodial position and a part-time adjustment counselor at the Conley School. Furthermore, instructional aides whose hours were reduced to save money were restored. MAQUAN FEASIBILITY STUDY Mrs. Andrew announced there were two additional votes needed by the Committee in regard to the Maquan School Building Project. The Committee vote would be for the purpose of paying costs of a feasibility study to understand the best options to address the physical and educational deficiencies at the Maquan Elementary School, located at 38 School Street, Hanson, Massachusetts. Mrs. Andrew informed the Committee the cost of the Feasibility Study is also reimbursable rate at a minimum of 56% by the MSBA. The District would only borrow for one year, and the Town of Hanson would only be assessed about $220,000. The vote must be done prior to putting the study out to bid. Furthermore, the determination of how the project will move forward will be made by the MSBA, whether to renovate the current structure, rebuild a new structure or even add on to another building in the District. The next vote will be for the regulation to notify the Board of Selectmen in each town as the amount and general purpose of the debt. Mr. Trotta motioned; Mrs. Rich seconded; voted unanimously that for the purpose of paying costs of a feasibility study to understand the best options to address the physical and educational deficiencies at the Maquan Elementary School, located at 38 School Street, Hanson, Massachusetts, which options shall include, but not be limited to renovating, reconstructing, expanding, remodeling and adding to the Maquan Elementary School, or any combination of the foregoing, there is hereby appropriated the sum of $500,000, said sum to be expended at the direction of the School Building Committee. The District may be eligible for a grant from the Massachusetts School Building Authority ( MSBA ) on account of this feasibility study. The MSBA s grant program is a non-entitlement, discretionary program based on need as determined by the MSBA, and which provides that any costs the District incurs in connection with the feasibility study in excess of any grant approved by and received from the MSBA is the sole responsibility of the District; that to meet this appropriation, there be and hereby is authorized the borrowing of said amount, under and pursuant to Chapter 71, Section 16(d), of the General Laws and the District Agreement, as amended, or pursuant to any other enabling authority. The amount of borrowing authorized pursuant to this vote shall be reduced by any grant amount set forth in the Feasibility Study Agreement that may be executed between the District and the MSBA. No sums shall be borrowed or expended hereunder unless and until the Town of Hanson shall have voted to exclude from the limitations of Proposition 2½, so-called, the amounts required to repay its allocable share of the principal of and interest on any bonds or notes issued pursuant to this vote. The motion carried Mr. Powers motioned; Mr. Tuffo seconded; voted unanimously that within seven (7) days from the date on which this vote is adopted the Secretary be and hereby is instructed to notify the Board of Selectmen of each of the member towns of this District as to the amount and general purposes of the debt herein authorized, as required by Chapter 71, Section 16(d), of the General Laws, and by the District Agreement. The motion carried

6 Mrs. Andrew announced that although both towns need to be notified, the Town of Whitman does not need to tack any action. Going back to the budget and amount taken out of the reserves, Mrs. Andrew explained the $880,000 line item transfer at the request and benefit of the Committee. Surplus was $460,000. $66,000 deposited in for revenue and $91,000 in obsolete accounts, leaving a balance $1,474, With regard to the Education Jobs Bill, the Superintendent reported that the funding must be spent on restoring lost positions and informational technology, classroom positions, custodial maintenance, but the main restriction was the funding could not be used in Central Office. All principals and many department heads participated in the decision-making process by vote during an administrative meeting. The Committee requested that the Superintendent provide an updated Class Enrollment Report along with a list of positions that were not restored back to the District due to recent budget restraints and Federal Jobs Bill resolution. Chair Hayes stated that the early bonds savings goes directly to the Hanson taxpayers as a reduction in taxes and does not go into the school district budget. Superintendent s Goals The Superintendent presented her goals for the school year. In putting them together, recent changes in open meeting law were considered. Discussion among fellow superintendents at a recent Lighthouse meeting confirmed uncertainty with the way goals are to be presented to and assessed by school boards. Dr. Whitner would like to present her set of goals during the public meetings at the start of the school year and provide updates as the year progresses (midyear in January) and then a final evaluation of goals at the conclusion of the school year. The superintendent reported the goals must always be discussed in open meeting and only contract, salary, and behavior issues are to be discussed in executive session. Dr. Whitner then explained her choices for goals this year with consideration of the MASC guidelines. The main goal this year is to move forward with the Strategic Plan and the objectives therein focusing on Every Child, Every Day. Dr. Whitner distributed a written copy of her goals and explained each objective of the Strategic Plan with the Committee. Teaching and Learning as the main objective promotes effective instructional practices and student engagement issues. Climate and Culture is the safe and secure environment students will learn in. This includes the widely current topic of bullying prevention and internet safety. School Organization will be focused on insuring the district policies are brought up to date and are legally sound. Under Finance, challenges with funding and identifying sources the priority as well as keeping the community educated on how public school funding works. Operations ensure the buildings and grounds are properly maintained and preserved. The Superintendent will maintain the Strategic Plan Objectives in the forefront of her goals for the next five years. A committee member suggested adding the Maquan Building Project as a goal or sub-goal due to the enormity of the project. Some members were unsure how the evaluation process would work over the course of the year and asked questions. What tool will be used to respond and to identify whether the Superintendent has met her goals? Do they use a matrix or verbal feedback? How are the goals measured? The Superintendent suggested that verbal responses in open meeting in reply to the progress of the goals. She would provide the progress and status of her goals in a narrative form with evidence if the goal has been achieved or not to the Committee in a written document. Chair Hayes reported that MASS and MASC may be providing guidelines for superintendent s goal presentations to school committees at the

7 Joint Conference and is awaiting additional information on that initiative. The Committee discussed the former point system done in the past with former superintendents at Whitman- Hanson. After further discussion on various options, the Committee agreed mid-year goals status report would be appropriate but that more time during the meeting should be spent on goal evaluation and comment. It was the consensus of the Committee to have the Superintendent submit a mid-year goals report in January and to include constructive feedback from school committee members into the recorded minutes. Student/Faculty Handbook Changes Minor changes to the handbooks were made to update staff information for the school year and include any new language in existing policies. Mr. Tuffo motioned; Mrs. McSweeney seconded; voted to approve the handbook changes as presented. The motion carried Mrs. Dowd abstained. Building Use Policy Scott Cabral presented an updated Building Use Policy. The updated policy will supersede all other policies identified in various writings throughout the District policies. A new rate schedule was also presented for consideration. The biggest differences are reflected in fees for Class 4 groups to recoup actual costs and fees covering custodial charges for Class 1 groups. Mrs. Rich motioned; Mr. Powers seconded; voted unanimously to accept the revised Building Use Policy and Fee Schedule as well as replace the outdated building use policies and information with the materials presented The motion carried OLD BUSINESS Chair Hayes asked the committee to table discussion of the staff recognition request form the Athletic Director of naming school property ways for Kevin Black and Bob Bancroft until the next meeting. Mr. Trotta motioned; Mrs. Rich seconded; voted unanimously to table the discussion regarding naming of school property ways at the high school for staff recognition until the next meeting. The motion carried NEW BUSINESS The next school committee meeting will be held on October 6, 2010 as originally scheduled. A possible public event in the Performing Arts Center did not transpire. Job Descriptions Director of Alternative Programs A description for a coordinator to assist with alternative programs within the District for Special

8 Education was created for future use, if necessary. However, currently, there is no funding for this position. Mrs. McSweeney motioned; Mrs. Rich seconded; voted unanimously to accept the job description for the Director of Alternative Programs as presented. The motion carried Elementary Assistant Principal The description for the elementary Assistant Principal needed to be updated to be in alignment with the current roles and responsibilities of the assistant principals in the District. Mr. Kryzanek motioned; Mrs. Rich seconded; voted unanimously to accept the job description for the Elementary Assistant Principal as presented. The motion carried Community and Adult Education Director The job description was developed to cover the scope of the work currently being done by Cheryl Wyndham and her roles and responsibilities in her position. Mrs. Rich motioned; Mr. Egan seconded; voted unanimously to accept the job description for the Community and Adult Education Director as presented. The motion carried Annually, the Costco retailer generously donates 100 backpacks to be distributed to elementary students that may need them. Mr. Evans motioned; Mr. Powers seconded; voted unanimously accept the donation of backpacks from the Costco Backpack Program. The motion carried SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS Facilities Subcommittee The next facilities subcommittee meeting will be held on October 6, 2010 at 6:00 p.m. in the Office of the Superintendent. Maquan Building Project Committee Mr. Tuffo reported that at the last meeting, the primary discussion focused on preparations for the Maquan Building Project Information night being held at the Maquan School on September 21 at 6:00 p.m. It was also reported that the Superintendent and Chair Hayes attended a Pre-K parent night at Maquan to field questions about the project. The committee appreciates all of the time committee members and administrators are putting into the time on work for the project. Legislative Subcommittee Mr. Evans reported the first Regional Committee meeting is being held September 16 and will report back. Mr. Evans commented it is likely some of the recent funding through grant funding may not have been possible without the involvement of parents, community, and legislators.

9 North River Collaborative Mrs. McSweeney reported that North River Collaborative has sent a professional development schedule to districts. The clinical evaluation center opened, and psychologists have been hired for two days per week to perform personality and behavioral assessments as needed. The Collaborative is moving forward with developing a recovery high school. There are three recovery high schools in the state at this time. The goal is to provide an environment for recovering addicts committed to sobriety to attend and finish high school while supporting their needs. Phoenix Project Mr. Trotta reported the project in currently on hold and no meeting is scheduled at this time. Insurance Subcommittee Mrs. Rich indicated that at this point in time, discussion may not be able to move forward and has received various feedback about discussing health insurance plan options. Mrs. Andrew reported new health laws that will affect insurance programs and costs. As a result of the change in coverage for children under 26 years of age, the district could experience a slight increase (.05%) in insurance costs. Other changes may not increase premiums as they promote wellness. Feedback was received from the WHEA about discussing co-pays during the subcommittee meetings. It was suggested to invite the Association to the next meeting for information purposes is being considered. Mrs. Rich will produce various health insurance plan options at the next meeting, which is currently not scheduled.

10 Policy Subcommittee Mr. Kryzanek reported that he and the Superintendent recently met. They have invited MASC Representative, Jim Hardy, to present and explain the MASC Policy Program. Mr. Hardy will answer questions and provide guidance with regard to the program and associated costs. This is an exploratory meting and comprehensive review of re-structuring the current District Policies. The meeting is scheduled for October 7, 2010 at 6:00 p.m. in the Central Office Conference Room. Mr. Powers motioned; Mrs. McSweeney seconded; voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 9:28 p.m. The motion carried Minutes by Michelle K. Kelley Secretary/Clerk