Pentucket Regional
School Committee |
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School Committee Minutes 2004 |
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| January 6, 2004 | January 20, 2004 | February 3, 2004 |
| February 10, 2004 | February 24, 2004 | |
| March 9, 2004 | ||
| May 11, 2004 | ||
| June 15, 2004 | ||
| August 3, 2004 | ||
| September 21, 2004 | ||
| November 17, 2004 | ||
January
6, 2004
PENTUCKET REGIONAL SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Middle School January 6, 2004 Members present: Chairman Castiglione, Mrs. Andrews, Mr. Young, Dr. Littlefield, Mrs. Nelson, Mrs. Darke, Ms. Blades, Mr. Buell, Mr. O’Keefe, Mr. Cronin, Mrs. Grazio, and Mrs. Muench Also present: Dr. MacLean, Dr. McGinn, Mr. Gibson, Principal Mrs. Townes, Student Representative Miss Burns, Spectators and Press Call to Order Chairman Castiglione called the meeting to order at 7:33 p.m. Majority Vote The majority vote was 5.5. Agenda It was moved by Mrs. Nelson and seconded by Mr. O’Keefe to accept the agenda as amended. The agenda was amended to add a discussion on the packets. Motion carried. (unanimous approval) Consent Agenda It was moved by Mr. O’Keefe and seconded by Mr. Young to accept the consent agenda as amended. The amendments were to remove the minutes from December 2, 2003, the Bagnall PTA letter, and the Finance Reports. Motion carried. (for: Castiglione, O’Keefe, Nelson, Muench, Darke, Blades, Cronin, Andrews, Young, Littlefield)(abstained: Grazio)(for: 9.8)(abstained: 1.1) Delegation Coaches Blane Goguen and Pamela Endyke introduced the student members of the high school’s science team. The team competes in the North Shore Science League.The league is comprised of 26 North Shore public and private high schools. Currently, the team ranks 4th among the 26 team leagues. Motion/Vote It was moved by Mr. O’Keefe and seconded by Mr. Young to approve the minutes of December 2, 2003, as amended. The first amendment was to correct the spelling of tuitioning on the second page. The second amendment was to change the word squad to SWOT on the third page. The first paragraph on the fourth page was edited to say that Mrs. Darke said that school choice at the Bagnall was the preferable option rather than cutting a teacher. Motion carried. (for: Castiglione, Nelson, O’Keefe, Muench, Blades, Grazio, Darke, Cronin, Young, Littlefield, Andrews)(abstained: Buell)(for: 10.9)(abstained: 1.1) Mr. Buell arrived at 7:50. The majority vote changed to 6.1 Bagnall PTA Letter Mrs. Grazio asked how the District was handling the winter months regarding transportation. Dr. MacLean said that winter schedule is in effect from December 15th through April 15th. He said buses have been added in all three towns. He said that people that did not buy a pass in the fall could purchase a winter pass for $72. Finance Minutes Mrs. Grazio questioned the quorum on December 17th at the Finance Subcommittee. She said that there were only two members of the subcommittee present, although there were other School Committee members there. She said she is concerned because this deals with the signing and the approval of the warrants. Chairman Castiglione said that the full Committee votes the approval of the warrants. Mrs. Grazio said that the law allows the full Committee to have a subcommittee consisting of at least three members. Mr. Castiglione said that the motion that was made at the time of the Committee reorganization stated that any active member could be an active participant in any subcommittee. Mrs. Grazio said that this conflicts with the law. Members would like to review the minutes on that vote. Motion/Vote It was moved by Mrs. Grazio and seconded by Mrs. Muench to direct the Superintendent to get in writing from the Department of Revenue the procedure that would satisfy all requirements to review and approve warrants and to release checks. This would include answering the following questions: Do we require signatures? If so, how many? If the Finance Subcommittee does not meet, what are the requirements? If there were no Finance Subcommittee, would the warrant number and amount meet the requirements? Motion carried. (for: Castiglione, Buell, O’Keefe, Darke, Blades, Muench, Grazio)(opposed: Nelson, Young, Cronin, Andrews, Littlefield)(for: 7.7)(opposed: 4.3) Dr. Littlefield said that she is not interested in discussing this motion, and she is not interested in getting a written opinion. She said she would like to move on, and she would like this in the record. Executive Session, Chapter 39, Section 23, B.3. Motion/Vote It was moved by Mrs. Nelson and seconded by Mrs. Darke to enter into Executive Session, Chapter 39, Section 23, B.3. for the purposes of discussing negotiations, and a grievance. Motion carried by roll call vote. (unanimous approval) Administrative Reports Groveland Water and Sewer Agreement Members received a copy of the agreement as drafted by the Groveland Water and Sewer. Mr. Gibson made the following comments:
4.1.4 This paragraph is worrisome.
Mrs. Grazio would like the School Committee to discuss this issue before it goes to legal counsel. Members would like Mr. Gibson’s concerns and suggestions in writing. Motion/Vote It was moved by Mrs. Grazio and seconded by Mrs. Muench to add the Groveland Water and Sewer Agreement to the next executive session agenda. Motion carried. (for: Castiglione, Nelson, Buell, O’Keefe, Muench, Grazio, Blades, Cronin, Andrews, Littlefield, Young)(abstained: Darke)(for: 10.9)(abstained: 1.1) District Personnel Classification System Dr. MacLean said that on November 26th members received a status report on the Districts’ job descriptions. Since then several job descriptions in the central office have been revised. Dr. McGinn has also added a draft of the CORI procedures. Chairman Castiglione commented that the District already has a CORI policy. Dr. MacLean said that this would accompany the policy. It would be used as the regulations to follow MASC’s format. The administration would then use these CORI regulations when conducting CORI checks. Dr. MacLean recommends these regulations be added, as this involves extensive research on the records of individuals. Motion/Vote It was moved by Mrs. Grazio and seconded by Ms. Blades to add wording to the CORI policy that the District already has in place, and that this policy be enforced in accordance with the attached procedure. Motion carried. (unanimous approval) Mentoring Program Update Dr. MacLean met with the Mentoring Program Committee on January 6th. He is pleased with the progress. They had a discussion on skill sets and the evaluation process. He mentioned at the time of the global overview to the Committee that he would like the mentoring committee to come in and update the School Committee. Discussion followed:
they anticipate nominating elements of a mentoring program from their individual research. Motion/Vote It was moved by Mr. O’Keefe and seconded by Mr. Cronin to direct the Superintendent and the Assistant Superintendent to present the mentoring program to the School Committee at the first business meeting in March. Motion carried. (for: Castiglione, Nelson, O’Keefe, Darke, Blades, Muench, Grazio, Cronin, Littlefield)(opposed: Buell, Young, Andrews) (for: 9.3)(opposed: 2.7) Budget Format There was a brief discussion:
Motion/Vote It was moved by Mr. Cronin and seconded by Mr. Buell to accept the Business Manager’s format for the budget and to have all questions regarding the budget be put in writing to the administration. Questions and answers will be listed in a separate section of the business meeting’s agenda. There was a friendly amendment to have the subtotals put at the bottom of the page. Motion carried. (for: Castiglione, Nelson, Buell, O’Keefe, Darke, Muench, Young, Cronin, Andrews, Littlefield)(opposed: Blades, Grazio)(for: 9.8)(opposed: 2.2) Central Office Reorganization There was a brief discussion:
Motion/Vote It was moved by Mr. O’Keefe and seconded by Mrs. Darke to continue the meeting past 10:00 p.m. Motion failed. (for: Castiglione, Nelson, O’Keefe, Darke, Cronin, Andrews)(opposed: Buell, Blades, Muench, Grazio, Young, Littlefield)(for: 6.0) (opposed: 6.0) Motion/Vote It was moved by Mrs. Darke and seconded by Mr. Buell to meet on January 13th to finish the agenda. Motion carried. (for: Nelson, Buell, O’Keefe, Darke, Blades, Muench, Grazio, Cronin, Andrews, Littlefield)(opposed: Castiglione)(abstained: Young) (for: 10.1)(opposed: 1.1)(abstained: .8) The meeting was recessed at 10:08 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Marianne Naffah Recording Secretary |
PENTUCKET REGIONAL SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Middle School January 20, 2004 Members present: Chairman Castiglione, Mrs. Andrews, Mr. Young, Mrs. Nelson, Mrs. Darke, Ms. Blades, Mr. Buell, Mr. Cronin, Mrs. Grazio, and Mrs. Muench Also present: Dr. MacLean, Dr. McGinn, Mr. Gibson, Student Representative Miss Burns, Spectators Delegation Dr. MacLean introduced Jeff Rooney and the Freshman Class Officers. They received special recognition from the School Committee for the community service project that they did. They collected toys and books for the Salisbury Boys and Girls Club. The Club is a place for children to go between the hours of 2:00 and 7:00 to play games, sports, read or do their homework. Call to Order Chairman Castiglione called the meeting to order at 7:58 p.m. Majority Vote The majority vote was 4.6 Agenda It was moved by Mrs. Nelson and seconded by Mrs. Darke to accept the agenda. Motion carried. (for: Castiglione, Nelson, Darke, Blades, Muench, Grazio, Young, Cronin, Andrews)(opposed: Buell)(for: 9.0)(opposed: 1.1) Consent Agenda It was moved by Mrs. Darke and seconded by Mrs. Nelson to accept the consent agenda as amended. The amendments were to remove the minutes from January 6, 2004. (for: Castiglione, Nelson, Buell, Darke, Blades, Muench, Andrews, Young, Cronin)(opposed: Grazio)(for: 9.0)(opposed: 1.1) The minutes of January 6, 2004 were corrected as followings: The first amendment was to correct the spelling of SWOT on the first page. The second amendment was to correct the Motion/Vote on page 2: It was moved by Mrs. Grazio and seconded by Mrs. Muench to direct the Superintendent to get in writing from the Department of Revenue the procedure that would satisfy all requirements to review and approve warrants and to release checks. This would include answering the following questions: Do we require signatures? If so, how many? If the Finance Subcommittee does not meet, what are the requirements? If there were no Finance Subcommittee, would the warrant number and amount meet the requirements? Motion carried. (for: Castiglione, Buell, O’Keefe, Darke, Blades, Muench, Grazio)(opposed: Nelson, Young, Cronin, Andrews, Littlefield)(for: 7.7)(opposed: 4.3) Members wanted the following comment added to page 4: Dr. Littlefield said that she was surprised that the District did not have a mentoring program since it was mandated by Ed Reform which passed in 1994. Ms. Blades arrived at 8:08 p.m. The majority vote changed to 5.1. Executive Session, Chapter 39, Section 23, B.3. Motion/Vote It was moved by Mr. Young and seconded by Mrs. Andrews to enter into Executive Session, Chapter 39, Section 23, B.3. for the purposes of discussing negotiations and a grievance. Motion carried by roll call vote. (for: Castiglione, Nelson, Muench, Darke, Blades, Grazio, Cronin, Young, Andrews)(opposed: Buell)(for: 9.0)(opposed: 1.1) Administrative Reports Motion/Vote It was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mrs. Darke to remove the NEASC report from the agenda. Motion carried. (unanimous approval) Monthly Financial Report Mr. Gibson gave members a Monthly Budget Report dated January 6, 2004. There was a brief discussion:
FY05 Budget
Motion/Vote It was moved by Mr. Cronin and seconded by Mrs. Andrews to direct the administration to have, in the next packet for the next meeting, their recommendations for school choice, the number of students, where the students would go, what impact it would have on class size, enterprising funds on fees, the amount of those fees, and all of the revolving accounts. There was a friendly amendment to include how many choice students would be graduating. Motion carried. (for: Castiglione, Nelson, Buell, Darke, Blades, Young, Cronin, Andrews)(present: Muench)(abstained: Grazio)(for: 7.9)(present: 1.1)(abstained: 1.1)
Personnel Job Description Update Dr. McGinn informed the Committee that he would present them with a draft of the District’s recruitment/retention strategic plan during the first week in February. The plan will include a vision and mission statement, goals and objectives, strategies and tasks, timelines, and the individuals responsible for the plan’s various tasks. Dr. McGinn plans to announce the 2004/05 anticipated vacancies by mid February. These openings are for the 16 people that are retiring.
Policy Members received the PRSD Policy Manual. It is the Superintendent’s recommendation to approve this as a first reading. Motion/Vote It was moved by Mr. Young and seconded by Mrs. Darke to accept the Policy Manual as a first reading as presented. Motion failed. (for: Young, Cronin)(opposed: Castiglione, Nelson, Buell, Darke, Blades, Muench, Grazio, Andrews)(for: 1.6)(opposed: 8.5)
Motion/Vote It was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mr. Cronin to adopt only the policies that members did not have any objections to. Motion was not voted on.
Motion/Vote It was moved by Mrs. Nelson and seconded by Mrs. Darke to continue the meeting past 10:00 p.m. Motion failed. (for: Castiglione, Nelson, Darke, Andrews, Cronin)(opposed: Buell, Blades, Muench, Grazio, Young)(for: 4.9)(opposed: 5.2) Adjournment Motion/Vote It was moved by Mr. Young and seconded by Mrs. Andrews to adjourn the meeting at 10:05 p.m. Motion carried. (unanimous approval) Respectfully submitted, Marianne Naffah Recording Secretary |
PENTUCKET REGIONAL SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Middle School February 3, 2004 Members present: Chairman Castiglione, Mrs. Andrews, Mr. Young, Mrs. Nelson, Mrs. Darke, Ms. Blades, Mr. Buell, Mr. Cronin, Mrs. Grazio, O’Keefe and Dr. Littlefield Also present: Dr. MacLean, Dr. McGinn, Mr. Gibson, Principals, Mrs. Townes, Mrs. Kline, Mrs. Jervey, Mr. Harrison, Mrs. Perry, Assistant Principal, Mrs. Wilson, Director of Pupil Services, Kathleen O’Brien, Student Representative, Miss Burns, Spectators and Press Delegation Caitlyn Burns gave the Committee an update on the Student Council activities at the high school. There will be a "Parents Night Out" on February 13th. The annual Blood Drive will be on March 4th. The Battle of the Bands is scheduled for March 20th. March Madness is a week dedicated to Pentucket students. The Senior Sendoff is scheduled for late May. There is a group of 50 Pentucket students dedicated to spreading peace around the high school. They are called Pentucket Project Peace. Call to Order Chairman Castiglione called the meeting to order at 7:38 p.m. Majority Vote The majority vote was 5.1. Agenda It was moved by Mrs. Darke and seconded by Mrs. Nelson to accept the agenda as amended. The amendments were as follows: 1) to add a letter of condolence, 2) to add the GAP program to administrative reports, and 3) to add a discussion on budget meeting dates and the January 23rd FYI. Motion carried. (unanimous approval) Consent Agenda It was moved by Mr. O’Keefe and seconded by Mrs. Nelson to accept the consent agenda as amended. The amendments were to remove the minutes from January 13, 2004. (for: Castiglione, Nelson, Buell, O’Keefe, Darke, Blades, Andrews, Littlefield, Cronin)(opposed: Grazio)(abstained: Young)(for: 9.0)(opposed: 1.1)(abstained: .8) Mrs. Grazio asked for clarification on the consent agenda. Chairman Castiglione said that the committee is accepting and filing the items that need to be accepted and filed. He said that they are approving the items that need approval. Minutes Motion/Vote It was moved by Mr. Cronin and seconded by Mr. Buell to accept the minutes of January 13, 2004 as amended. The amendments were as follows: On the first page the first sentence was rewritten to read, "Ms. Blades questioned the Director of Special Education assuming the role of Director of Pupil Services." Ms. Blades also questioned that the Director of Pupil Services would be taking on the enrichment role, guidance department, and working on special education appeals. Ms. Blades wanted it added that Dr. MacLean said that the Director of Pupil Services would be willing to take on these additional services without additional pay. Mrs. Grazio wanted it added that she questioned that once a position has been eliminated, how can the savings be carried year to year? Mrs. Grazio also wanted it added that Ms. Blades was concerned over the special education legal issues and questioned how the appeals would be handled. Mrs. Grazio wanted it added that she asked for the rationale and costs on all outsource tasks. She also wanted comparisons of positions and costs as to what is in the FY04 budget and what is in the FY05 budget regarding the reorganization plan. Mrs. Grazio mentioned that the Chair ended the debate on the central office reorganization. He was challenged by Mrs. Grazio and no vote was taken. On the third page under School Improvement Plans, Mrs. Grazio wanted the comment added that the Committee had the plans for more than thirty days and that they were already approved. Motion carried. (for: Castiglione, Nelson, O’Keefe, Buell, Blades, Darke, Grazio, Young, Cronin, Andrews)(abstained: Littlefield)(for: 10.1)(abstained: .8) Mrs. Grazio suggested that the Committee put their requests in the form of a motion as a directive to the administration. Mr. Young arrived at 7:42 p.m. The majority vote changed to 5.5 Ms. Blades asked how to address the administration with regard to when the Committee asks for something to be in the next packet, and it’s not there? She gave an example of the vote taken on January 20th requesting information on choice, enterprising funds, and revolving accounts. Dr. MacLean said that some of that information was in the budget that the Committee received at this business meeting. Ms. Blades requested a copy of Mr. Gibson’s contract. Chairman Castiglione asked the Superintendent to respond in the next packet. Dr. MacLean said that he would review the minutes and give members copies of the minutes. Mr. Buell requested the District to send a letter to the Grabowski Family with condolences on the death of their son. Motion/Vote It was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mr. O’Keefe to direct the District to send a letter to the Grabowski Family in West Newbury extending condolences on the death of their son. Motion carried. (unanimous approval) Administrative Reports Budget Dr. MacLean gave the Committee an overview of the FY05 Budget. He discussed the following topics:
Dr. MacLean suggested each principal give a brief overview of their budget. Mrs. Kline gave an overview on categories one, two and three. Chairman Castiglione said that his expectations were to have any changes in the budget noted in a narrative. Mr. Cronin agreed. Chairman Castiglione wanted to hear from the elementary principals regarding per pupil spending at each school. He also wanted to hear from principals if there is a relationship between the educational background on our teachers and student performance. Mr. Cronin said that the expectations were to have the FY04 budget with a narrative on all changes. He said this would give all necessary information. Mr. Buell asked if the actual working documents based on object were available. Dr. MacLean said that this information would not be put into the computer until the budget process was completed. Chairman Castiglione said that all questions should be sent to the Superintendent. Everyone would share in the responses. They will be added to the agenda by way of a question and answer section. Mrs. Grazio said she would like to see the same level of detail on the central office. She said that the budget did not have a narrative on the central office. Dr. MacLean responded that it is in the central office reorganization plan. Dr. Littlefield was concerned with what had to be done by the principals for Thursday’s packet. Mr. Buell wanted it in the record that he did not want any additional work created by the principals. He said that their job is to be in the buildings not doing paperwork. Dr. MacLean said that the principals would have to give him the information. Motion/Vote It was moved by Mrs. Andrews and seconded by Mr. O’Keefe to have the packet sent out on Friday, February 6, 2004. Motion carried. (unanimous approval) Mr. O’Keefe asked Mrs. Townes how the high school cuts would effect the school. Mrs. Townes said the choices made had to be effective choices. One example she gave was in English, their goal was to keep class sizes the same. They also wanted to continue to offer the writing lab in the ninth and twelfth grade level and to offer the same rigor in terms of the AP courses so that students would continue to do as well on MCAS scores. Dr. MacLean said that from a philosophical standpoint, it is essential to preserve kinds of programs that are rigorous. You can compress others so that you maintain the highest level of offerings, while dropping other offerings that are lower at the college prep courses. While at the same time, maintaining a comprehensive high school moving towards meeting the NEASC recommendations. Dr. MacLean said there is more opportunity for reductions at the high school. He said at the elementary level class sizes would increase. Mr. Buell questioned the .6 reduction in foreign language and how it would effect class size. Mrs. Townes said that it is just an estimate at this time. Mr. Buell is concerned about the class sizes in foreign language. Mrs. Nelson asked Ms. O’Brien for her insight with the changes in her position. Ms. O’Brien said that it will not have an inpact on special educational programs, and she is willing to try. Mr. O’Keefe asked principals how the cuts in last year’s budget effected the educational experience in each building. Mrs. Wilson responded by saying that the foreign language classes have 34 students in them. She is anticipating 31 in each class next year. Mrs. Jervey said that the PTO has been very supportive by buying computers. They lost aides in the building and the ESP’s have taken on cafeteria and recess duty. The biggest impact has been the reduction in the kindergarten class. There is no aide and they are relying on parent volunteers. Mrs. Wilson is concerned about the core facility. The roof is leaking and there are problems with the heating system. Mrs. Townes said that there has been an additional burden placed on the office in collecting fees for athletics and parking. Mrs. Perry said that she has relied heavily on her revolving accounts. She said that she is concerned with the repairs that the building needs. Mrs. Kline said the elimination of the 6th grade position has increased class sizes. She also lost her ESP’s in kindergarten level. She was not able to order the Scott Foresman for the 2nd grade. The bus fees have increased traffic to the school. Mrs. Grazio is concerned that the District is facing a deficit and she is not sure if the general public realizes this deficit. Chairman Castiglione would like added to next week’s packet the non-general fund resources that are being used to meet the basic programming needs as well as the outside sources. Mr. Cronin asked Dr. MacLean if there was any sense from the finance directors on what they could contribute. Dr. MacLean said a general sense would be a couple hundred thousand per town. German American Partnership Ms. Buerger gave a brief overview on the German American Partnership program. It is a non profit organization. A group of German students come to our District in the fall and the Pentucket students go to Germany in June. This program has been extremely successful for students. Motion/Vote It was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mrs. Grazio to approve the German American Partnership program for 2004. Motion carried. (unanimous approval) Chairman Castiglione said that he would like to take the balance of the items on the agenda and have them put first on the next meeting. Members agreed to meet on February 10th. Mrs. Nelson suggested an additional meeting. Mr. Buell agreed. Chairman Castiglione said it would be decided on the 10th. Executive Session, Chapter 39, Section 23, B.3. Motion/Vote It was moved by Mr. Cronin and seconded by Mrs. Andrews to enter into Executive Session, Chapter 39, Section 23, B.3. for the purposes of discussing negotiations and a grievance. Motion carried by roll call vote. (for: Castiglione, Nelson, O’Keefe, Darke, Blades, Cronin, Young, Andrews, Littlefield)(opposed: Grazio, Buell)(for: 8.7)(opposed: 2.2)
Motion/Vote It was moved by Mrs. Nelson and seconded by Mrs. Darke to accept the language recommendations from the Insurance Advisory Council regarding the second insurance plan to replace the master medical plan. Motion carried. (for: Castiglione, Nelson, O’Keefe, Darke, Blades, Grazio, Young, Cronin, Andrews, Littlefield)(abstained: Buell) (for: 9.8)(abstained: 1.1) Motion/Vote It was moved by Mrs. Nelson and seconded by Mrs. Andrews to accept the provisions on Chapter 32 B (sections 9, 9D ¾, and 18) as presented by the Insurance Advisory Council. Motion carried. (for: Castiglione, Nelson, O’Keefe, Darke, Grazio, Young, Cronin, Andrews, Littlefield)(abstained: Buell, Blades)(for: 8.7)(abstained: 2.2) Strategic Planning Subcommittee Report Mr. O’Keefe updated the Committee on the meeting that took place on January 27, 2004. The Superintendent presented the Pentucket Four Stage Curriculum Review Process. The Superintendent also informed the subcommittee that he would be presenting his fact-finding regarding the Bagnall School to the full Committee. The subcommittee discussed the following issues regarding the Regional Agreement: 1) supplemental language, 2) method of assessment, 3) page 4 section C regarding individual town’s option to provide additional funding to elementary schools, 4) stabilization funds, and 5) 2/3 majority for budget approval. The following determinations were made, and where appropriate, are being forwarded to the full Committee for adoption. 1) Adopt and incorporate Chapter 71, Section 16B of Mass General Laws in its entirety as a replacement for Section X. This would have the effect of eliminating the distinction between the base budget and supplemental budget, and put us in compliance with state law. 2) This would also address the method of assessment. In that context, the subcommittee recommends that "choice out" students be included when determining student participation for each town. 3) The subcommittee recommends leaving the language regarding stabilization funds as is. 4) The subcommittee was unable to reach consensus regarding the right of individual towns to provide additional funding to elementary schools. The next meeting is scheduled for February 10, 2004, at 6:00 p.m. The subcommittee will discuss the following topics: 1) number of members, 2) quorum requirement, 3) Chapter 71 16A. There was a discussion regarding the base and the supplemental budgets. Members discussed the use of these terms and strategies for the FY05 budget. Motion/Vote It was moved by Mr. O’Keefe and seconded by Mrs. Nelson to continue the meeting passed 10:00 p.m. Motion carried. (for: Nelson, O’Keefe, Darke, Cronin, Andrews, Littlefield)(opposed: Castiglione, Buell, Blades, Grazio, Young)(for: 5.7)(opposed: 5.2) The meeting was recessed at 10:10 p.m. It will continue on February 10, 2004. Respectfully submitted, Marianne Naffah Recording Secretary |
February
10, 2004
PENTUCKET REGIONAL SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Middle School February 10, 2004 Members present: Chairman Castiglione, Mrs. Andrews, Mr. Young, Mrs. Nelson, Mrs. Darke, Ms. Blades, Mr. Buell, Mr. Cronin, Mrs. Grazio, O’Keefe, Mrs. Muench, and Dr. Littlefield Also present: Dr. MacLean, Dr. McGinn, Principals, Mrs. Townes, Mrs. Kline, Mrs. Jervey, Mr. Harrison, Mrs. Perry, and Mrs. Wilson, Director of Pupil Services, Kathleen O’Brien, Student Representatives, Miss Burns and Mr. Hutchison-Maxwell, Spectators and Press Call to Order Chairman Castiglione called the meeting to order at 7:38 p.m. Majority Vote The majority vote was 5.5. The meeting on February 3, 2004, was recessed to February 10, 2004. Chairman Castiglione continued the meeting with the agenda from February 3, 2004, adding a discussion on budget meeting dates and the FYI dated January 23, 2004. Consent Agenda It was moved by Mr. O’Keefe and seconded by Mrs. Nelson to accept the consent agenda. Motion carried. (for: Castiglione, Nelson, Buell, Young, O’Keefe, Darke, Blades, Andrews, Littlefield, Cronin)(opposed: Grazio)(for: 9.8)(opposed: 1.1) Mrs. Muench arrived at 7:42. The majority vote changed to 6.1. Chairman Castiglione presented members with data on budget facts, FY05 budget proposal issues, and FY05 finances. The data showed where Pentucket ranks across the state in terms of spending. The source of this information was from the Department of Education. It was taken from the finance information that the District is required to provide every year. Chairman Castiglione suggested that the budget discussion start with the FY04 budget, where the District is now and where it will be in June 2004. Dr. MacLean showed the Committee a review of the actual revenue in both state aid and community contributions from the past several years. Dr. MacLean anticipates a 1% increase in state aid. He said that the FY05 budget would require a 12% increase in contributions. Dr. MacLean provided members with "profit/loss" data on school choice. The District has a deficit in choice of $68,681 in terms of tuition out to date. The District has taken $109,000 out of the general fund to pay for things they had hoped choice money would have paid for. The total deficit is $177,681. Without the 38 new students, the total deficit would be $326,641. The tuition rate is set by the per pupil expenditure allocated by each town/district and it is done by the state. Dr. MacLean proposed 27 additional choice students at the elementary and 33 at the secondary level. Other sources of revenue for this year’s budget came from a variety of sources totaling approximately $640,000. There are additional expenses in the FY04 budget with the 403B plan, unemployment, school choice out deficit, school choice in deficit, and SPED tuition. These additional expenses total $397,816. The District also has additional revenue from SPED circuit breaker and the bond refinance. This additional revenue totals $417,128. FY05 Budget The FY05 budget proposal has approximately $600,000 in reductions in category one. This includes replacing 16 retirees at step one, the savings in the central administration reorganization, building "administration" positions, elimination of one teacher at the Page School and eliminating 6.5 FTE at the high school. Ms. Blades asked Dr. MacLean for clarification on the dollars budgeted for the business manager. Dr. MacLean said he did his budget based on budget to budget, not actual to actual. Mr. Buell asked if the vote that the Committee took previously for a full time Business Manager for July 1, 2004, was still in effect. Chairman Castiglione said that it was, and there should be a discussion on it. Ms. Blades questioned the stipend money. Dr. MacLean said that he used some of it for reimbursements to members that went to the MASC conference, school committee supplies, and mailings. Dr. MacLean said that any money that is not spent would go back into the general fund. At the end of the year it will goes toward the deficit or stays in the E&D fund. Mrs. Grazio said that she is not comfortable with where the District is in FY04 and how much there is in E&D. Dr. MacLean said that the November budget report showed anticipated expenses and the revenue that would be necessary to cover those expenses. The report did not take into consideration the circuit breaker money that has come in or the savings on the refinancing. Dr. MacLean said that the amount of the deficit in the health care trust is not final to date. He also said that if the Committee decides to pay the money for the sick leave buy back in June, there would be an additional deficit. Mrs. Grazio asked the Committee for a consensus on discussing an override. Dr. Littlefield objected. Everyone else agreed. Chairman Castiglione clarified that the 1.4 million dollar shortfall assumed some reductions, additional choice students, and fees. Ms. Blades suggested that the Committee start with the 1.4 million dollar shortfall and add back in reductions what the Committee would like to put back in to get a final number. The Committee added back what it said to represent a 2.2 million dollar deficit. The following items were added back:
Dr. Littlefield asked Mrs. Townes if there is growth in the budget to cover recommendations from NEASC. Dr. McGinn said that it is budgeted in high school professional development. There is also funding available from grants. Dr. Littlefield asked if there was any data on student performance in foreign language based on class size at the middle school level. Dr. Littlefield said that if the District did some tracking on curriculum and the achievement and the success on how students do, it would help make decisions on where to put the money. Mrs. Townes said that the information that is available is: that the District has three languages, four different levels, and the number of students enrolled. She added that the enrollment has increased in the past five years. Mr. Buell agreed with Mrs. Wilson that class sizes in foreign language should be small. He said it went beyond antidotal, beyond statistical, it’s a fact and a priority. Motion/Vote It was moved by Dr. Littlefield and seconded by Mr. Buell to direct the Superintendent to assess the current program outcomes of the foreign language curriculum at the middle school to see if the current service delivery is the best way to meet the intended objectives and present data to the Committee. Motion carried. (for: Castiglione, Nelson, O’Keefe, Darke, Cronin, Andrews, Littlefield)(opposed: Buell, Blades, Muench, Grazio, Young)(for: 6.8)(opposed: 5.2) Mrs. Grazio said the regional agreement gives the formula for the number for the base budget and the balance goes into the supplemental. Dr. MacLean said there would be a supplemental budget. Dr. MacLean said that he has spoken to all of the finance directors in the District. He is anticipating $600,000 to $800,000 in excess of this year’s assessment. Mrs. Grazio would like to go to the towns to see if they will pay before making any cuts. Mr. Cronin said it would be best to put forward what is reasonable to maintain programs and services, but also to put forward what is responsible for a budget. Mrs. Andrews said that the Committee needs to decide what they value and what they are willing to cut. She said the Committee should present something that is fiscally responsible. Mrs. Darke agreed. Chairman Castiglione clarified by saying that presently the Committee was unwilling to move on existing programming. Chairman Castiglione continued to say that he began this meeting by looking at where this District is in its spending relative to the other communities in this Commonwealth. This District is in the lowest quartile in its spending and the top quartile in performance. How long can spending at the lower levels that the District is spending and sustain that activity? He said that the District was able to do what the community wanted them to do last year. Motion/Vote It was moved by Mrs. Grazio and seconded by Mr. Buell to move forward with the budget (2.2 million dollar shortfall) as is, maintaining current programs next year (level programming) without accepting the Superintendent’s cuts. Motion failed: (for: Young)(opposed: Castiglione, Nelson, Buell, O’Keefe, Darke, Blades, Muench, Grazio, Cronin, Andrews, Littlefield)(for: .8) (opposed: 11.2) Mr. Cronin said that he is more interested in a compromise. There should be cuts to programs where they can be cut. We rely on the administration to make those cuts. Communities decided not to support the budget last year. The parents stepped up and paid the fees. Mr. O’Keefe said when asking administration what they wanted back in the budget, not a single principal said they wanted it all back. He said that the Committee has not looked into non-programming reductions. Mrs. Nelson said the Committee lacks the data to make the decisions on what should be kept and what should be cut. Mrs. Grazio said the open hearing should be the presentation of the budget after the Committee has gone over it. Mr. Cronin said that if the Committee does that, they are not valuing what the public has to say. Motion/Vote It was moved by Mr.O’Keefe and seconded by Mr. Buell to continue the meeting past 10:00 p.m. Motion carried. (for: O’Keefe, Nelson, Castiglione, Buell, Muench, Grazio, Darke, Cronin, Young, Littlefield, Andrews)(opposed: Blades)(for: 10.9)(opposed: 1.1) Members requested further information on the following:
Adjournment Motion/Vote It was moved by Mrs. Grazio and seconded by Mrs. Darke to adjourn the meeting at 10:25 p.m. Motion carried. (unanimous approval) Respectfully submitted, Marianne Naffah Recording Secretary |
PENTUCKET REGIONAL SCHOOL COMMITTEE Auditorium Open Hearing Middle School February 24, 2004 Members present: Chairman Castiglione, Mrs. Andrews, Mr. Young, Mrs. Nelson, Mrs. Darke, Ms. Blades, Mr. Buell, Mr. Cronin, Mrs. Grazio, Mr. O’Keefe, Mrs. Muench and Dr. Littlefield Also present: Dr. MacLean, Dr. McGinn, Mr. Gibson, Principals, Mrs. Townes, Mrs. Kline, Mrs. Jervey, Mr. Harrison, Mrs. Perry, Mrs. Wilson, Director of Pupil Services, Kathleen O’Brien, Student Representatives, Miss Burns and Mr. Maxwell-Hutchison, Spectators and Press Call to Order Chairman Castiglione called the meeting to order at 7:38 p.m. Majority Vote The majority vote was 6.1. Agenda It was moved by Mr. O’Keefe and seconded by Mrs. Nelson to accept the agenda as amended. Ms. Blades requested that the Superintendent provide copies of all emails sent between school committee members, from school committee members to administration and from administration to the school committee members dating back to July 1, 2003, and have them in the March 9, 2004 packet. Motion carried. (unanimous approval) Consent Agenda It was moved by Mr. O’Keefe and seconded by Mrs. Nelson to accept the consent agenda. Motion carried. (for: Castiglione, O’Keefe, Nelson, Buell, Darke, Young, Andrews, Cronin, Littlefield)(opposed: Muench, Blades, Grazio)(for: 8.7)(opposed: 3.3) Administrative Reports Dr. MacLean gave the Committee a brief update on the budget. The budget has a 2.2 million-dollar deficit between revenue and projected expenses. At the February 10th School Committee meeting the Committee added back the reductions that the Superintendent had made. Those reductions included replacing the retirees at a mid range level instead of an entry level, the reductions in the central office and the administration throughout the District. The reductions made at the high school were added back in, along with the reductions of fees for transportation, sports and activities, 60 choice students, the reading specialist at the Sweetsir, a teacher at the Bagnall, and one at the Donaghue. Dr. MacLean explained to the Committee that there is a deficit in School Choice for FY04 of $24,804. His recommendation was to bring in 60 new choice students, as well as replacing the seven that are graduating for FY05. This option would bring in $248,412 in revenue for FY05. Dr. MacLean has had brief discussions with the finance directors from the three towns, and he anticipates approximately $600,000 in growth from the towns. Dr. MacLean gave the Committee data on FY05 Budget Reductions Revised Options. It included the following:
Dr. MacLean said that the consequences from these cuts would be with the variety the District is able to offer and class sizes would increase in Physical Education and Health. Russian would be cut completely. There would be more study halls. The following were comments made from the members and the audience.
Motion/Vote It was moved by Mrs. Nelson and seconded by Mrs. Andrews to have a choice analysis study done to answer the questions: Why students are coming into the District? Why student are leaving the District? Why students that are coming into the District choose Pentucket? Motion carried. (unanimous approval) Motion/Vote It was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mrs. Grazio to have the District approach the towns with the same level of programming and level staffing for FY05 that is in place for FY04. There was a friendly amendment to allow the Superintendent to make minor department head style changes. Motion carried. (for: Buell, O’Keefe, Blades, Muench, Grazio, Young)(opposed: Castiglione, Nelson, Darke, Cronin, Andrews, Littlefield)(for: 6.3)(opposed: 5.7) Chairman Castiglione said that it would be a mistake if the Committee moved forward with a number that didn’t show that it made an effort to attempt to deal with the deficit at hand. If the School Committee continues to say don’t cut any programs and yet there is no conversation about what is core to the mission, he said the Committee is losing the opportunity to protect the core issue. Chairman Castiglione would like to see the Committee meet the community at some point. Mr. Buell said he would like to do that with fees. He said programs and staffing cuts would do damage to students. Mrs. Grazio said that it would be very clear what the District would be asking the towns for. She does not agree with the fees. She said it is time to have the towns take a hard look at what education costs and give them the opportunity to say yes. Dr. Littlefield said the Committee should put together a packet that is responsible to our principals and students and then show some fiscal restraints. Mr. Young said that if programs were cut they would not come back. Motion/Vote It was moved by Mr. O’Keefe and seconded by Mr. Young to support the Superintendent’s recommendation for rehiring salaries for elementary and English teachers at entry level and for math teachers at the bachelors 5, or the masters 4 level for a total of $595,182. revised 05 figure. Motion carried. (unanimous approval) Dr. MacLean will adjust the FY05 budget to reflect a full time Business Manager. Motion/Vote It was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mrs. Darke to continue activity fees and athletics into FY05, the same as FY04 with the same parameters (caps and waivers). There was a friendly amendment to have the same format apply to the Lacrosse program. Motion carried. (for: Nelson, Buell, O’Keefe, Darke, Blades, Muench, Cronin, Andrews)(opposed: Castiglione, Grazio, Young, Littlefield)(for: 8.2)(opposed: 3.8) Motion/Vote It was moved by Mr. Young and seconded by Mr. Buell to have the parking fees the same for FY05 as they were in FY04. Motion carried. (for: Castiglione, Nelson, Buell, O’Keefe, Grazio, Muench, Grazio, Blades, Cronin, Young, Andrews)(opposed: Littlefield)(for: 11.2)(opposed: .8) Motion/Vote It was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mrs. Nelson to continue the meeting past 10:00 p.m. Motion carried. (for: Castiglione, Nelson, O’Keefe, Darke, Cronin, Andrews, Littlefield)(opposed: Buell, Blades, Muench, Grazio, Young)(for: 6.8)(opposed: 5.2) Motion/Vote It was moved by Mr. Cronin and seconded by Mrs. Nelson to add choice students not to exceed a total of 120 students. Motion failed. (for: Castiglione, Nelson, O’Keefe, Darke, Cronin, Andrews)(opposed: Buell, Blades, Muench, Grazio, Young, Littlefield)(for: 6.0)(opposed: 6.0) Mr. Young reconsidered his vote. Motion carried: (for: Castiglione, Nelson, O’Keefe, Darke, Cronin, Andrews, Young)(opposed: Buell, Blades, Muench, Grazio, Littlefield)(for: 6.8)(opposed: 5.2) Mr. Young said that he, historically, has been opposed to choice because the intent of choice has been completely ruined. It was supposed to be for enhancement. It has become necessary. He said he looked to administration. They have looked carefully at their buildings and their classrooms. Mr. Young said he has confidence in the administration and the Superintendent. Dr. MacLean said that he would like to discuss the pros and cons of the Supervisory Options that he gave the Committee at the next meeting. Motion/Vote It was moved by Mr. Cronin and seconded by Mr. Young to adjourn the meeting at 10:25 p.m. Motion carried. (unanimous approval) Respectfully submitted, Marianne Naffah Recording Secretary |
March 2,
2004
PENTUCKET REGIONAL SCHOOL COMMITTEE Middle School March 2, 2004 Members present: Chairman Castiglione, Mrs. Andrews, Mr. Young, Mrs. Nelson, Mrs. Darke, Ms. Blades, Mr. Buell, Mr. Cronin, Mrs. Grazio, Mrs. Muench and Dr. Littlefield Also present: Dr. MacLean, Dr. McGinn, Mr. Gibson, Principals, Mrs. Townes, Mrs. Kline, Mrs. Jervey, Mr. Harrison, Mrs. Perry, Mrs. Wilson, Director of Pupil Services, Kathleen O’Brien, Student Representative, Miss Burns, Spectators and Press Absent: Mr. O’Keefe Call to Order Chairman Castiglione called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m. Majority Vote The majority vote was 5.0. Mrs. Muench arrived at 7:40 p.m. The majority vote changed to 5.5. Agenda It was moved by Mr. Cronin and seconded by Mrs. Nelson to accept the agenda as amended. Ms. Blades requested commenting on the article in Globe North on Regional Agreement Budgets. Motion carried. (for: Castiglione, Nelson, Buell, Grazio, Muench, Darke, Young, Cronin, Andrews, Littlefield)(opposed: Blades)(for: 9.8)(opposed: 1.1) Consent Agenda It was moved by Mr. Cronin and seconded by Mrs. Andrews to accept the consent agenda as amended. The amendment was to remove the minutes dated February 10, 2004. Motion carried. (for: Castiglione, Nelson, Buell, Darke, Muench, Young, Andrews, Cronin, Littlefield)(opposed: Blades, Grazio)(for: 8.7)(opposed: 2.2) Minutes Motion/Vote It was moved by Mr. Cronin and seconded by Mrs. Nelson to approve the minutes of February 10, 2004, as amended. The amendments were as follows: The first motion on page three was rewritten to read, "It was moved by Dr. Littlefield and seconded by Mr. Buell to direct the Superintendent to assess the current program outcomes of the foreign language curriculum at the middle school to see if the current service delivery is the best way to meet the intended objectives and present data to the Committee." On page 4, the first line was amended to remove, "He would like to go back to the towns with an override." Motion carried. (for: Castiglione, Nelson, Buell, Muench, Darke, Young, Andrews, Cronin, Littlefield)(opposed: Blades)(abstained: Grazio)(for: 8.7)(opposed: 1.1)(abstained: 1.1) Administrative Reports Mentoring Program Update Dr. McGinn gave the Committee a brief update on the second draft of the Mentoring Program. Dr. McGinn and Dr. MacLean have concerns with the qualifications of the mentor and the mentor teacher criteria. Specifically, the group has designed a process that relies on a principal or an assistant principal for a recommendation and the administration feels strongly that the substance needs to be enhanced for the principal to lean on in order to provide that recommendation. They are also working on the descriptive for the kinds of qualities and skills of the individuals who would like to become mentors. This group is trying to establish a very distinguished group of Pentucket mentors. Dr. McGinn is working on compensation. The training was established after the group had an interview with teacher 21. They train mentors and proposed a training schedule. Dr. McGinn has identified grant money to pay for the training. Dr. MacLean estimates the program to cost $40,000. Dr. Littlefield commented that the group did an outstanding job. She said the plan is extremely detailed with backup. All bases have been covered. Supervisory Options Dr. MacLean gave members data on supervisory options. Dr. MacLean said his intent was to provide continuity in the development and implementation of curriculum, in particular, at the secondary level. Dr. MacLean would like to take advantage of the high school in terms of scheduling and leadership. A brief discussion followed.
High School Scheduling Options Mrs. Townes presented the Committee with a Seven Period Drop Schedule with one long lab block. Six classes meet daily with one of them being a lab period of 82 minutes in the morning. The classes rotate on a 7-day cycle. Their goal is to increase time in each class and create "lab" time that would allow not only Science classes but also all classes to have a block of time to use a variety of instructional strategies. This schedule would allow for more time on learning. This schedule would address the NEASC recommendations. Mrs. Townes said that a block schedule would be implemented over a three-year period of time with professional development. She said that going to a block schedule would impact electives for ninth and tenth grade students. They would not have the opportunity to participate in Fine and Performing Arts or in Foreign Language. Band could be moved to before or after school. Mrs. Townes’ concern is in the collaboration between the principal, the department chairs and the teaching staff to move together with professional development so that the additional time in the classrooms is used to increase student achievement. Mrs. Townes said that the longer lab period would allow the high school to eliminate the extra lab period students and teachers have in AP Biology and AP Chemistry. Teachers would be able to teach an additional section of Science. It would allow Social studies, English, and Math more time to do projects and to do presentations. It would also allow Foreign Language teachers the opportunity to use technology to enhance the delivery of instruction. A brief discussion followed:
Motion/Vote It was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mrs. Grazio to look at school scheduling options and others in FY06 at the high school. Motion withdrawn. Budget The previous increase over FY04 budget was 2,570,000. The Committee added 60 choice students, activity fees, and replacing retiring teachers at a lower salary rate. The shortfall to date is $1,791,708. The Committee also added $16,000 back into the Business Manager’s salary increasing the Central Office Positions to $585,725. Mr. Gibson said that the E&D account would be spent this year on the medical trust deficit. Mrs. Grazio asked why there is a difference in the amount from the auditor versus what is certified from the state. Mr. Gibson said when it went to the state it came back lower due to payroll taxes that the auditor did not pick up. Chairman Castiglione said that because the auditor is making the assumption to make up the operating deficiency, the District would have to charge it against E&D. There should be a vote of the Committee to transfer the money. He said the bottom line is there will be no funds available in E&D. Chairman Castiglione said that after meeting with the Finance Committee members in the town, the District could anticipate $600,000 in new growth revenue. The total deficit is $1,791,708. Chairman Castiglione said there should be a base budget and a supplemental. Committee members agreed that it would be best to add the activity fees back into the budget and go to the towns for an override. They felt it would be harder to ask families to pay both fees and an increase in property taxes. Mrs. Grazio said the towns have to put forward the amount that the Committee requests. Motion/Vote It was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mrs. Grazio not to implement the Lacrosse program. Motion failed. (for: Buell, Grazio)(opposed: Castiglione, Nelson, Darke, Blades, Muench, Young, Cronin, Andrews, Littlefield)(for: 2.2)(opposed: 8.7) Members asked administration to do a recap on the budget for the next meeting. This should include the local assessment increases per town. Adjournment Motion/Vote It was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mrs. Grazio to adjourn the meeting at 10:00 p.m. Motion carried. (for: Castiglione, Nelson, Buell, Darke, Muench, Grazio, Blades, Young, Andrews, Cronin)(opposed: Littlefield)(for: 10.1)(opposed: .8) Respectfully submitted, Marianne Naffah Recording Secretary |
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PENTUCKET REGIONAL SCHOOL COMMITTEE Middle School March 9, 2004 Members present: Chairman Castiglione, Mrs. Andrews, Mr. Young, Mrs. Nelson, Mrs. Darke, Ms. Blades, Mr. Buell, Mr. Cronin, Mrs. Grazio, Mrs. Muench, Mr. O’Keefe and Dr. Littlefield Also present: Dr. MacLean, Dr. McGinn, Mr. Gibson, Student Representative, Miss Burns, Spectators and Press Call to Order Chairman Castiglione called the meeting to order at 7:46 p.m. Majority Vote The majority vote was 5.5 Mrs. Muench arrived at 7:49 p.m. The majority vote changed to 6.1. Agenda It was moved by Mrs. Nelson and seconded by Mrs. Andrews to accept the agenda. Motion carried. (for: Castiglione, Nelson, Buell, O’Keefe, Grazio, Muench, Darke, Young, Cronin, Andrews, Littlefield)(opposed: Blades)(for: 10.9)(opposed: 1.1) Consent Agenda It was moved by Mr. Cronin and seconded by Mrs. Andrews to accept the consent agenda as amended. The amendments were to remove the minutes dated February 24, 2004, and to comment on the emails. Motion carried. (for: Castiglione, Nelson, Buell, O’Keefe, Darke, Muench, Young, Andrews, Cronin, Littlefield)(opposed: Blades, Grazio)(for: 9.8)(opposed: 2.2) Minutes Motion/Vote It was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mrs. Nelson to approve the minutes of February 24, 2004 as amended. The amendment was on page one under Administrative Reports to change the amount of $157,000 to $248,412. Motion carried. (for: Castiglione, Nelson, Buell, O’Keefe, Muench, Darke, Young, Andrews, Cronin, Littlefield)(abstained: Blades, Grazio)(for: 9.8)(abstained: 2.2) Ms. Blades said that she is not receiving copies of all emails. She also said that the questions being answered by the administration are not being sent out to all members. Administrative Reports Budget The Superintendent’s original budget proposal had a community contribution shortfall of $1,402,082. The budget was rebased and the current increase needed in local contributions is $1,626,950. This included expense adjustments of $692,606. The $692,606 represented the following adjustments: replace retirees at step 1, central administration reorganization, building administration positions, eliminating a teacher at the Page School, eliminating 6.5 FTE at the high school, a reading specialist at the Sweetsir and Donaghue, restoring a teacher at the Bagnall, restoring a teacher at the Donaghue. Other expenses included the choice fund shortfall and the retirement incentive increase. Athletic/Activity expenses covered by non-general fund account and an increase in transportation expenses totaled $187,815. The total shortfall requiring assessment increases totaled $2,405,242. Currently the School Committee approved the following offsets: new hires at a lower salary, 60 new choice slots, and athletic/activity fees. This totaled $778,292 and brings the current increase needed in local contributions to $1,626,950. Chairman Castiglione presented the Committee with three scenarios on FY05 assessments: current budget, eliminating fees, and assuming $500,000 in new growth. Discussion followed:
Motion/Vote It was moved by Mr. O’Keefe and seconded by Mrs. Drake to move to accept Option K Supervisory Options. Motion failed. (for: O’Keefe, Littlefield)(opposed: Castiglione, Nelson, Buell, Darke, Blades, Muench, Grazio, Young Cronin, Andrews)(for: 1.9)(opposed: 10.1) Motion/Vote It was moved by Mr. Young and seconded by Mr. Buell to accept the total budget figure of $26,399,305 which includes choice, fees, and adjusted salaries for new hires. There was a friendly amendment to change the number to $27,368,079. Motion failed. (for: Buell, Young)(opposed: Castiglione, Nelson, O’Keefe, Darke, Blades, Muench, Grazio, Cronin, Andrews, Littlefield)(for: 1.9)(opposed: 10.1) Discussion followed:
Motion/Vote It was moved by Mr. Buell to accept the total budget figure of $27,368,079, eliminating the athletic and activity fees, increasing local contributions. The supplemental budget would be $1,815,932. Motion defeated. Motion/Vote It was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mrs. Darke to rescind the athletic and activity fees. Motion failed. (for: Castiglione, Buell, Darke, Grazio, Littlefield)(opposed: Nelson, O’Keefe, Blades, Muench, Young, Cronin, Andrews)(for: 5.2)(opposed: 6.8) Mr. Cronin said that the Regional Agreement reads that the District presents the supplemental budget which is the amount over last year and that it should be identified with the program and services that the District would lose if that supplemental budget is not approved. Chairman Castiglione said that for clarity, he would like to vote a budget and then decide what would be in the base and what would be in the supplemental. Motion/Vote It was moved by Ms. Blades and seconded by Mrs. Grazio to start with the FY04 budget figure of $25,741,129 and add on a supplemental of 1,626,934. The total figure is $27,368,078. There was a friendly amendment to reduce the central office supplies by $1. This motion includes: base operating assessment of $11,694,240, operating supplemental assessment of $1,626,949, capital base assessment of $373,543, and a supplemental capital assessment of $68,129 for a total of $27,368,078. Motion failed. (for: Buell, Blades, Young)(opposed: Castiglione, Nelson, O’Keefe, Darke, Muench, Grazio, Cronin, Andrews, Littlefield)(for: 3.0)(opposed: 9.0) Motion/Vote It was moved by Mr. Cronin and seconded by Mr. Buell to move forward with an operating budget of $27,000,000 and take the $368,079 and have the administration go back to the Committee with a plan of how those deductions could be made. Motion failed. (for: Nelson, O'Keefe, Cronin, Andrews)(opposed: Castiglione, Buell, Darke, Blades, Muench, Grazio, Young, Littlefield)(for: 3.8)(opposed: 8.2) Mr. Buell asked for a compromise. Members received data on 1% site based cuts. Mr. Buell asked Dr. MacLean what that would entail. Dr. MacLean said that he would ask each site manager and the Special Education Director to make cuts at the 1% level. These cuts would be made in categories one, two and three. Motion/Vote It was moved by Mr. Young and seconded by Mr. Buell to accept a total budget figure of $27,368,000. Motion failed. (for: Castiglione, Buell, Young)(opposed: O’Keefe, Darke, Blades, Muench, Grazio, Cronin, Andrews, Littlefield)(abstained: Nelson)(for: 3.0)(opposed: 7.9)(abstained: 1.1) Dr. Littlefield said that the Committee should have put their trust in the Superintendent’s proposal. The principals were involved with the decisions and the cuts. Mrs. Grazio said that the Committee is doing their job. The Superintendent recommends a budget and it is the Committee’s obligation under statute to review the budget and bring it to the towns to ask for support. Motion/Vote It was moved by Mr. Young and seconded by Mr. Buell to accept a total budget figure of $27,356,079. Motion failed. (for: Buell, Blades, Young)(opposed: Castiglione, Nelson, O'Keefe, Darke, Muench, Grazio, Cronin, Andrews, Littlefield)(for: 3.0)(opposed: 9.0) The previous motion was made with the understanding that the School Committee stipends would be removed. Mrs. Nelson commented on freezing administrative salaries for all non-bargaining units for a year. Mr. Young said that after the contract that was just signed for the teachers he disagreed with freezing administrative salaries. He said these people are the leaders of the District administrating education in our schools. Motion/Vote It was moved by Mrs. Darke and seconded by Mr. O’Keefe to continue the meeting past 10:00 p.m. Motion carried. (for: Castiglione, Nelson, O’Keefe, Darke, Blades, Muench, Andrews, Cronin((opposed: Young, Buell, Grazio, Littlefield)(for: 8.2)(opposed: 3.8) Motion/Vote It was moved by Mr. Buell with deep reservations and seconded by Mr. O’Keefe to rescind the motion on level staffing and make 1% cuts based on the discretion of the principals. Motion failed. (needed a 2/3 vote) (for: Castiglione, Nelson, Buell, O’Keefe, Darke, Cronin, Andrews, Littlefield)(opposed: Blades, Muench, Grazio, Young)(for: 7.9)(opposed: 4.1) Motion/Vote It was moved by Mrs. Muench and seconded by Mr. Buell to accept a total budget figure of $27,348,568. This includes removing the stipends and keeping the central office the same as it is in FY04. Motion failed. (for: Buell, Blades, Muench, Grazio, Young)(opposed: Castiglione, Nelson, O’Keefe, Darke, Cronin, Andrews, Littlefield)(for: 5.2)(opposed: 6.8) Motion/Vote It was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mr. Cronin to suspend Robert’s Rules of Order to further debate with open conversation. Motion carried. (for: Nelson, Buell, O’Keefe, Darke, Young, Cronin, Andrews, Littlefield)(opposed: Blades, Muench, Grazio) (abstained: Castiglione)(for: 7.6)(opposed: 3.3)(abstained: 1.1) Mr. Buell said that he would support a budget figure that included a 1% cut to each site base except the Bagnall, a budget number that removed the stipends of $12,000, the corrections totaling $12,000, and leaving the central office the same as it is in FY04. Motion/Vote It was moved by Mr. O’Keefe and seconded by Mr. Buell to rescind the previous motion on programs and services. Motion failed (2/3 vote needed). (for: Castiglione, Nelson, Buell, O’Keefe, Darke, Cronin, Andrews, Littlefield)(opposed: Blades, Muench, Grazio, Young)(for: 7.9)(opposed: 4.1) Motion/Vote It was moved by Mr. Cronin and seconded by Mrs. Darke to continue the meeting past 10:30 p.m. Motion carried. (for: Castiglione, Nelson, O’Keefe, Darke, Blades, Muench, Cronin, Andrews)(opposed: Buell, Grazio, Young, Littlefield)(for: 8.2)(opposed: 3.8) Motion/Vote It was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mrs. Grazio to accept a budget figure of $27,074,568. This included removing the stipends of $12,000, the errors totaling $12,000, the central office reorganization of $7,511 and a 1% cut at the discretion of the Superintendent. Motion failed. (opposed: Castiglione, Nelson, Buell, O’Keefe, Darke, Blades, Muench, Grazio, Young, Andrews, Littlefield)(abstained: Cronin)(opposed: 11.2)(abstained: .8) Chairman Castiglione said that this would probably focus on administration because the Committee has not agreed to rescind the vote on level funding on programs and services. Mr. Young said that this would attack the leadership of this District. With 16 teachers retiring, and more to follow, who will administer the mentoring program. We are trying to hire qualified, younger teachers with no leadership. Dr. MacLean said that it is important to define what the Committee means as administrative. There are administrative positions in each building that are hybrid. Some are full time and some are part time. Dr. MacLean said that administrators are also devoted to doing programs and service work. Ms. Blades agreed with Mr. Young. Motion/Vote It was moved by Mr. Cronin and seconded by Mr. Buell to accept a budget figure of $27,074,426. This included the FY04 budget of $25,741,129, the first voted supplemental figure of $1,626,950, minus the stipends of $12,000, minus the corrections of $12,000, minus the net central office reorganization of $7,511 and site base cuts of $262,142 not necessarily in each building. Motion failed. (for: Castiglione, O’Keefe, Cronin)(opposed: Nelson, Darke, Blades, Muench, Grazio, Young, Andrews, Littlefield)(abstained: Buell)(for: 3.0)(opposed: 7.9)(abstained: 1.1) Members agreed that the supplemental should list exactly what will be cut if the override fails. Motion/Vote It was moved by Ms. Blades and seconded by Mrs. Grazio to accept a budget figure of $27,336,568. This would include removing the stipends of $12,000, the central office reorganization of $7,511, and the corrections of $12,000. The supplemental is $1,595,439. Motion carried. (for: Castiglione, Nelson, Buell, Blades, Muench, Grazio, Young, Cronin, Andrews)(opposed: O’Keefe, Darke, Littlefield)(for: 9.0)(opposed: 3.0) Adjournment Motion/Vote It was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mr. Cronin to adjourn the meeting at 10:53 p.m. Motion carried. (unanimous approval) Respectfully submitted, Marianne Naffah Recording Secretary |
|
Distribution:
Website, I. Buerger, P.A.T. PENTUCKET
REGIONAL SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Middle School
March
23, 2004 Members
present:
Chairman Castiglione, Mrs. Andrews, Mr. Young, Mrs.
Nelson, Mrs. Darke, Ms. Blades, Mr. Buell, Mr. Cronin, Mrs. Muench, and
Dr. Littlefield Student
Representative, Miss Burns, Spectators and Press Chairman
Castiglione called the meeting to order at 7:44 p.m. The
majority vote was 5.0 It
was moved by Mr. Young and seconded by Mrs. Darke to accept the agenda as amended. The
amendment was to add the Supplemental Budget to Old Business. Motion carried. (for:
Castiglione, Nelson, Buell, Darke, Young, Cronin, Andrews, Littlefield)(opposed: Blades,
Muench)(for: 7.6)(opposed: 2.2) Consent
Agenda It
was moved by Mr. Cronin and seconded by Mrs. Nelson to accept the consent agenda as
amended. The amendments were to remove the minutes dated March 9, 2004, and the Finance
Report dated March 16, 2004. Motion carried. (for: Castiglione, Nelson, Darke, Young,
Andrews, Cronin, Littlefield)(opposed: Blades, Muench, Buell)(for: 6.5)(opposed: 3.3) Motion/Vote It
was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mrs. Nelson to approve the minutes of March 9,
2004, as amended. The amendment was made on page 5 on the first motion. It was changed to
read: “It was moved by Mr. Buell with deep reservation and seconded by Mr.
O’Keefe to rescind the motion on level staffing making 1% cuts based on the
discretion of the principals.” Motion carried. (for: Buell, Castiglione, Nelson,
Muench, Darke, Young, Cronin, Littlefield, Andrews)(opposed: Blades)(for: 8.7)(opposed:
1.1) Ms.
Blades mentioned that the Committee asked the Superintendent to seek advice on the warrant
approval practice from the Department of Revenue in January and she has not received a
response. Dr. MacLean said that he would look back in his records and respond at the next
meeting. Motion/Vote It
was moved by Mrs. Nelson and seconded by Mr. Young to approve the Finance Report dated
March 16, 2004. Motion carried. (for: Buell, Castiglione, Nelson, Muench, Darke, Young,
Cronin, Littlefield, Andrews)(opposed: Blades)(for: 8.7)(opposed: 1.1) It
was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mrs. Nelson to accept the donation from the West
Newbury Youth Basketball Program for the Page
School. The motion included sending a thank you note to them. Motion carried. (unanimous
approval) NEASC
Report Dr.
MacLean began the discussion of the NEASC Report by contrasting the NEASC approach to
accreditation with the approach of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
This discussion focused on the areas of traditional accreditation and accreditation for
growth. ·
vision,
mission, and learning expectations, ·
qualified
staff, ·
aligned
teaching and learning. ·
recruit,
support, and retain highly qualified staff ·
align
professional development with teaching and learning ·
align
curriculum with standards ·
expand
and differentiate instruction ·
increase
student aspirations ·
focus
on literacy and numercy K-12 ·
target
K-12 ELA and math ·
strengths ·
weaknesses ·
opportunities ·
threats ·
implications ·
NEASC
is a group of professional people that volunteer to share their expertise. ·
Chairman
Castiglione mentioned that there is an issue with the ability to assess whether or not
there is a link between student learning expectations and the mission statement. What is
stated in the mission statement should be the goals for the learning expectations of each
child and the District needs to have curriculum and delivery in a manner that reaches
those goals. There is a common disconnect throughout the report. ·
Ms.
Blades questioned teachers not using the same rubrics and the grading system across the
District. Dr. MacLean responded that in an abstract manner that is true and in a practical
manner it is not always true. ·
Mrs.
Nelson suggested that the District create a supporting document to align instruction with
the mission and expectations in a measurable way to improve instructional practices as
recommended by the NEASC. ·
Dr.
Littlefield pointed out the first recommendation from NEASC, which reads: “Align
written curricula to the mission statement and academic expectations.” ·
Dr.
MacLean said that the next step is the global expectations which should be part of the
Strategic Plan and also part of the planning with K – 12. ·
Chairman
Castiglione commented on one of the weaknesses, which read: Opportunities for all students
to meet expectations. He said in his opinion he would reduce the number of course levels.
Mrs. Nelson pointed out the comment from the NEASC report, which read: PRHS currently
offers five different course levels in major content areas for most grade levels. However,
these student-grouping patterns do not reflect the diversity of the student body and do
not foster heterogeneity. They are also
inconsistent with the school’s mission statement and expectations for student
learning. Additionally, there is little concrete delineation regarding some of the levels
and little rationale for their existence. Except for response to individual students who
are experiencing academic difficulty, decisions about grouping are not visited or reviewed
on a regular basis. ·
Dr.
Littlefield said that all research shows that when you raise expectations and go to more
heterogeneity groupings, achievement rises dramatically. She said that there is a concern
in the NEASC report questioning if all students are being sufficiently challenged. ·
Chairman
Castiglione said that as a school board the Committee has a role in influencing what the
expectations are about student learning at all levels. He said that the principal is
working within the parameters that the shareholders have defined for her and if the
shareholders change those expectations the administration needs to act on it. The
principal needs support. There have been positive steps with mentoring, curriculum mapping
and staffing. ·
Mr.
Buell commented on page 7, which stated: “The depth, breadth, and apparent rigor of
the PRHS curriculum are impressive. However, the connection between the curriculum and the
school’s mission and expectations for student learning has not yet been clearly
established. Additionally, the current system at PRHS of assigning students to one of five
ability groups for each course is of concern since curriculum maps are written only in
general terms and do not differentiate between academic expectations for each level.”
Mr. Buell said that the curriculum maps are in general forms. He suggests that they be
written separately addressing each level of ability. Mrs. Darke brought the
Committee’s attention to page 40: “PRHS currently offers five different course
levels in major content areas for most grade levels. However, these student-grouping
patterns do not reflect the diversity of the student body and do not foster
heterogeneity.” Mrs. Nelson agreed calling the Committee’s attention to the
statement: “Additionally, the lack of clearly differentiated curricula for each
ability level leads to over-reliance on individual teachers to set expectations that may
vary greatly in rigor.” ·
Dr.
McGinn said that when the District became regionalized in 1993, one primary reason was to
bring three elementary schools together with common curriculum. When the frameworks was
offered in 1993 and approved by the Department of Education then the project was launched
and the primary focus was on K – 6. There was an assumption that 7 – 12 had an
aligned curriculum. ·
Ms.
Blades requested, in a future packet, block scheduling suggestions with the pros and cons
and research with the pros and cons. It
was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Ms. Blades to appoint Brian Young to the Whittier
Regional Vocational School Committee. Motion carried. (for: Castiglione, Nelson, Blades,
Muench, Darke, Cronin, Andrews, Littlefield)(opposed: Buell)(for: 7.9)(opposed: 1.1) Motion/Vote It
was moved by Mr. Young and seconded by Mrs. Andrews to enter into Executive Session,
Chapter 39, Section 23, B.3. for the purposes of discussing negotiations and a legal
issue. Motion carried by roll call vote. (for: Castiglione, Nelson, Buell, Darke, Cronin,
Young, Andrews, Littlefield)(opposed: Blades, Muench)(for7 .6)(opposed: 2.2) Motion/Vote It
was moved by Mr. Young and seconded by Mrs. Nelson to adjourn the meeting at 10:00 p.m.
Motion carried. (unanimous approval) Recording
Secretary |
| April 6, 2004 PENTUCKET
REGIONAL SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Middle School
April
6, 2004 Members
present:
Chairman Castiglione, Mrs. Andrews, Mr. Young, Mrs.
Nelson, Mrs. Darke, Ms. Blades, Mrs. Grazio, Mr. Buell, Mr. Cronin, Mr.
O’Keefe, and Dr. Littlefield Miss
Burns and Mr. Maxwell-Hutchison, Spectators and Press Chairman
Castiglione called the meeting to order at 7:38 p.m. The
majority vote was set at 5.5 It
was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mrs. Darke to accept the agenda as amended. The
amendment was to add the Business Manager’s contract to Old Business. Motion carried.
(for: Castiglione, Nelson, Buell, O’Keefe, Grazio, Darke, Young, Cronin, Andrews,
Littlefield)(opposed: Blades)(for: 9.8)(opposed: 1.1) It
was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mr. O’Keefe to accept the consent agenda as
amended. The amendments were to remove MASC Day on the Hill April 27, 2004, AFSCME Council
93, Email MGL Chapter 71, Section 16A, and Finance Reports March 16, 2004 and April 6,
2004. Motion carried. (for: Castiglione, Nelson, O’Keefe, Buell, Darke, Young,
Andrews, Cronin, Littlefield)(opposed: Blades, Grazio)(for: 8.7)(opposed: 2.2) Mr.
Buell mentioned that he would be attending the MASC Day on the Hill on April 27th.
If anyone has any concerns, he would be pleased to represent the Committee. AFSCME
Council 93 Dr.
MacLean said that the AFSCME Council 93 is for the Custodians and for the Clerical
employee’s contract. They are negotiating because they have a one-year contract. Mrs.
Grazio questioned the email MGL Chapter 71, Section 16A. She asked if all of the questions
regarding warrants (signatures and releasing checks) were sent into the Department of
Revenue. Mrs. Grazio reminded members that the motion was to direct the Superintendent to get in writing from the Department of Revenue
the procedure that would satisfy all requirements to review and approve warrants and to
release checks. This included several questions. Mrs. Grazio said she would forward her
questions to Mr. Gibson and all members. Ms.
Blades asked if the Finance Reports are acceptable whereas there are concerns about the
law. Chairman Castiglione said that the subcommittee makes the recommendation and the full
Committee votes the approval. Chairman Castiglione said that the Committee would wait for
advisory from the Department of Revenue. Dr. MacLean said that he would get that in
writing. Mentoring
Program Dr.
MacLean recommended the adoption of the Pentucket Mentoring Program. Principal Angela
Jervey, Teachers Michael Stevens, Irene Thomas, and
Linda Brackett attended the meeting from the Mentoring Team. ·
Dr.
Littlefield asked if mentoring teachers were required to have a master’s degree. Mrs.
Brackett said that it was not a state requirement and the mentoring teachers have to have
their principal’s endorsement. Mr. Stevens added that there is language regarding
continuing professional development. ·
Dr.
Littlefield asked how the stipends were determined. Mrs. Jervey said the committee
reviewed other programs and decided that an average of what others were doing would be
satisfactory. ·
Mrs.
Grazio requested an update on the plan before the budget process. Mrs. Brackett said that there is a mid year
assessment built in and an end of the year evaluation. Mr. Cronin asked how often they
would be evaluated and reappointed. Mrs. Brackett said that there is a pool. Once a member
is in they may stay in for three years. Principals may choose from that pool. It
was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Ms. Blades to accept the mentoring program with the
caveat that within a couple of weeks the Committee see language that mentors are
reassigned annually by the recommendation of the mentor leader and their principal. Motion carried. (unanimous approval) Dr.
MacLean gave the Committee a copy of the budget that was approved on March 9, 2004. It has
been updated with school data. It includes the assessments that were developed for each
community, the budget summary and the amended narratives. Dr. MacLean gave out a power
point presentation on the operating budget, data on teacher/class size comparisons, data
on the override budget, and supplemental option two and override comparisons by school.
Dr. MacLean started the discussion with the operating budget and the assessments for each
community. Dr. MacLean said that the assessment increases for the operating budget from
the three communities’ total $1,746,081. West Newbury Finance Committee voted a
contribution of $150,000 with an override of $309,923. Groveland voted a contribution of
$121,044 with an override of $520,000. Merrimac voted a contribution of $84,829 with an
override of $560,285. The total override amount for the District totals $1,390,208.
Assuming the District receives the money voted from the towns, Dr. MacLean recommended an
override budget that totaled $1,393,651. Dr. MacLean gave detailed information by school
and district wide on what would be cut if the override failed. Dr. MacLean said if the
override passes, ·
Members
agreed that the override budget should be very specific. ·
Dr.
MacLean gave the Committee three scenarios for each school comparing teacher/class size.
The first was done based on the School Committee approved March 9th budget. The
second one was based on the Supplemental Option Two provided by the Superintendent. The
second option totals $1,746,081 and would occur only if the District receives no money
from the towns and the override passes. The third was based on the cuts totaling
$1,393,651. This would occur if the school receives the money the towns voted and the
override passes. Class sizes ranged from 17 on the first scenario to 28 on the second.
These scenarios do not include the 60 additional choice slots. There will be a new special
education program at the Page School in FY05. ·
Mr.
O’Keefe said that the Committee needs to provide an additional opportunity for the
towns to take this information in prior to the town meetings. He also asked the Committee: “When are we going out to the community and
where is that support going to come from?” Mrs. Nelson suggested putting the
information on the District website. Mr. O’Keefe suggested one meeting in each town. ·
Mrs.
Grazio commented that it ought to be a safe assumption that what is on the supplemental
list as the supplemental budget is what will be cut if the towns do not vote it. Dr.
MacLean suggested that another alternative to that is to be very straight forward and let
people know what it is costing the District as option one, one year to the next, and then
the rest of it is what they are willing to put on the line. It makes better sense to put
that which is an override assuming the District receives the money from the towns. Ms.
Blades said that the Committee should not make the assumption that they will get the money
from the towns. ·
The
cuts at the middle school level would mean one team would have two people instead of four.
The school would go back to a middle school model. All programs would stay intact. ·
The
six FTE teachers at the high school being cut would mean one per department. The reduction
of one FTE department heads would be a reduction of .2 of the five department heads. ·
In
the override budget proposal there are two anticipated special education out of district
tuition’s totaling $30,000. ·
Chairman
Castiglione asked Mr. Gibson to clarify the health benefit savings and the unemployment
estimate as to whether or not it should be part of the equation because they are not
currently in the equation and will only occur if the override fails. ·
Chairman
Castiglione said that the last place he would cut would be teachers. Everything else is
open for discussion. Mr. Buell agreed. ·
Members
suggest freezing non-union wages, looking at program cuts, cutting the athletic budget and
possibly a junior high model at the middle school. Chairman Castiglione recommended an
administrative reorganization and shifting all athletics costs to fees. It
was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mr. Young to approve the Superintendent’s
version of the override budget. The motion was amended to support the
Superintendent’s Supplemental Summary and to move forward with the override budget of
$1,751,758. Changes were made under the District category to remove health benefits
savings, unemployment estimate, and the business manager. Motion failed: (for:
Young)(opposed: Castiglione, Nelson, Buell, O’Keefe, Darke, Blades, Grazio, Cronin,
Andrews, Littlefield)(for: .8)(opposed: 10.1) It
was moved by Mr. O’Keefe and seconded by Mr. Buell to approve the override budget in
the amount of $1,393,651. There was a friendly amendment made under the District category
to include only athletics/actives (entire athletic budget supported by fees),
administrative reorganization including reductions, non-bargaining unit salaries freeze,
transportation fees, and 2 FTE special education tuition’s @ $30,000 each. Motion
carried. (for: Castiglione, Nelson, Buell, O’Keefe, Darke, Blades, Grazio, Young,
Andrews, Littlefield)(opposed: Cronin)(for: 10.1)(opposed: .8) It
was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mr. Cronin to direct the Communications
Subcommittee to develop the presentation of the budget information to the towns, with
administration present, two weeks prior to the town meetings. Motion carried. (for:
Castiglione, Nelson, Buell, O’Keefe, Darke, Blades, Young, Cronin, Andrews)(opposed:
Grazio, Littlefield)(for: 9.0)(opposed: 1.9) Chairman
Castiglione gave members the opportunity to ask the Superintendent any questions they had
regarding his self-evaluation. Chairman Castiglione asked members to turn their
evaluations into Marianne Naffah no later than Thursday, April 15th. He will
then compile the information and meet with the members to discuss the summary and then
present it to the Superintendent. It
was moved by Mrs. Darke and seconded by Mr. Cronin to continue the meeting past 10:00 p.m.
Motion carried. (for: Castiglione, Nelson, Buell, O’Keefe, Darke, Young, Cronin,
Andrews, Littlefield)(opposed: Blades, Grazio)(for: 8.7)(opposed: 2.2) Chairman
Castiglione said that the motion made by the full Committee was to have a full time
Business Manager in place by July 1, 2004 and that is his expectation. Mrs. Grazio would
like to set some time aside to discuss the contract including the salary and benefits. It
was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mr. Cronin to have any interested School Committee
member take part in the search, contract and benefit package, working with the
Superintendent, to hire a full time Business Manager. Motion carried. (for: Castiglione,
Nelson, Buell, O’Keefe, Darke, Grazio, Cronin, Littlefield)(opposed: Blades, Young,
Andrews)(for: 8.2(opposed: 2.7) Motion/Vote It
was moved by Mr. Cronin and seconded by Mr. Buell to adjourn the meeting at 10:10 p.m.
Motion carried. (unanimous approval) Recording
Secretary |
|
Approved: June 1, 2004 Distributed: Website, I. Buerger, PAT PENTUCKET
REGIONAL SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Middle School
May
11, 2004 Members present: Chairman Castiglione, Mr. O’Keefe, Mr. Levine,
Mr. Buell, Mr.
Cronin, Mrs. Conner, Mr. Atwood, Dr. Littlefield, Mrs. Grazio, Mrs. Darke,
Mrs.
Piccolomini, and Mrs. Muench Also present: Dr. MacLean, Dr. McGinn, Mr. Gibson, Student
Representatives, Miss
Burns and Mr. Maxwell-Hutchison, Spectators and Press Call to Order Chairman
Castiglione called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Majority Vote The majority
vote was set at 6.1. Agenda It was moved
by Mr. Cronin and seconded by Mr. Levine to accept the agenda as amended.
The amendment was to add the budget as the first item. Motion carried.
(unanimous approval) Chairman
Castiglione began the meeting welcoming new members; Thomas Atwood,
Heather Conner, Jed Levine, and Maria Piccolomini. Consent Agenda It was moved
by Mrs. Darke and seconded by Mrs. Piccolomini to accept the consent
agenda as amended. The first amendment was to remove the 2004 – 2005
school calendar. The second
amendment was to add a discussion to respond to the Merrimac resident’s
complaint. Motion carried. (for: Castiglione, O’Keefe, Buell, Darke,
Cronin, Littlefield, Levine, Piccolomini, Conner, Atwood)(opposed: Muench,
Grazio)(for: 9.8)(opposed: 2.2) Letter from Merrimac Resident Mr. Buell
suggested that the Superintendent respond to the complaint from the
Merrimac resident to the School Committee. Mrs. Grazio and Mr. O’Keefe
questioned whether or not that was necessary. School Calendar 2004 – 2005 Dr.
Littlefield expressed concern that the elementary students and the
students at the secondary level do not have the same half-day schedule.
She said in consideration of working parents older siblings would be able
to help out with younger siblings on these days. Dr. McGinn responded that
if everyone had the same schedule the time for professional development
would be shortened because the buses would have to be double run. Also,
Dr. McGinn mentioned that principals have different reasons for the days
they have chosen. Budget Chairman
Castiglione said that since the override failed in Merrimac the Committee
had three options: 1. Accept that the override can not be afforded by all
three communities and deal with the cuts that have been proposed. 2.
Consider moving forward with the assessment based on two out of the three
communities passing the budget and the assessments which is consisted with
state law. 3. Under the guidelines of the Regional Agreement move forward
with a lower figure than requested and rebase the assessments based on the
lower number and approach the community again. Discussion
followed: ·
Mr. Buell
commented that the legal interpretation is that the federal law imposes
itself on state law and that imposes itself on local law. He said the
Regional Agreement is outdated and the Committee should go with the state
law. ·
Mrs. Grazio
said that the Regional Agreement is what the towns accepted and what the
Department of Education signed off on. She said the Committee should make
changes to the agreements and then meet with the town officials. ·
Dr. MacLean
provided the Committee with a legal opinion from Finnegan & Bearse.
Dr. MacLean said that the law trumps the agreement. Motion/Vote It was moved
by Mr. Buell to amend the figure of the Merrimac town floor to $560,285.
Motion withdrawn. ·
On May 6th
the Department of Education published its cherry sheet based on the new
figures from the House and Senate. The District will receive $11,000 more
in Chapter 78 money and $205,000 in transportation aid. Motion/Vote It was moved
by Mr. Buell and seconded Mr. Cronin to present new assessment figures to
each town (Merrimac operating $564,944 and capital $25,171)(Groveland
operating $561,380 and capital $25,012)(West Newbury operating $402,768
and capital $17,945) for a total supplemental assessment operating budget
$1,529,092 and capital budget $68,129. Motion carried. (for: Castiglione,
Levine, Buell, Darke, Piccolomini, Muench, Grazio, Conner, Atwood, Cronin,
Littlefield)(opposed: O’Keefe)(for: 10.9)(opposed: 1.1) ·
Dr. MacLean
clarified that the only number that changed was the supplemental operating
and that is because the District is taking a more liberal approach. ·
Dr.
Littlefield said that the discussion on how we can fund the schools should
have taken place in the fall. She said the override was defeated and she
can not support “changing the rules”. ·
Mrs. Grazio
pointed out that the town of Merrimac voted down the method of payment and
that the Committee could lower the number. ·
The
Committee is not asking Merrimac to increase their taxes. They are asking
them to fund the schools through their operating budget. Reorganization Motion/Vote It was moved
by Mr. O’Keefe and seconded by Mr.Cronin to have all members from all
three towns be given the opportunity to be elected to any positions on the
School Committee. Motion was
put aside. Discussion
followed: ·
The rotation
of the positions is in the bylaws. The bylaws would have to be amended. ·
Mr.
O’Keefe said that the Committee is always talking about a regional
outlook and how they operate. He also said it might be awkward for a
member to have to take a position that they are not prepared for. Mr.
Cronin added that if the Committee is well run, it is an asset to have
consistency. ·
Mr. Buell
said he did not agree. He said that most democratic bodies that include
more than one community, rotate. He sees this as allowing each town an
equal chance. According to the agreement, the officers had to be elected
at this meeting. ·
Mr. Buell
wanted it in the record that it appeared some people were prepared for
this discussion and others were not. Motion/Vote It was moved
by Mr. Cronin and seconded by Mr. O’Keefe to suspend Robert’s Rules of
Order. Motion failed (need a 2/3 majority vote). (for: O’Keefe, Darke,
Piccolomini, Cronin, Atwood, Littlefield)(opposed: Levine, Buell, Muench,
Grazio, Conner)(abstained: Castiglione)(for: 5.7)(opposed: 5.2)(abstained:
1.1) Mrs. Muench
nominated Mrs. Grazio for Chair. Dr. Littlefield nominated Mrs. Darke for
Chair. Mrs. Darke was elected. The vote was 7.6 in favor of Mrs. Darke and
4.4 in favor of Mrs. Grazio. Mr.
Atwood nominated Mr. Cronin for Vice Chairman. Mr. Buell nominated Dr.
Littlefield. Mr. Cronin
was elected. The vote was 10.9 in favor of Mr. Cronin and 1.1 in favor of
Dr. Littlefield. Mr.
Castiglione nominated Mr. O’Keefe for Secretary. Mr. O’Keefe was
elected. The vote was 10.9 in favor of Mr. O’Keefe and 1.1 abstained. Mr.
Cronin nominated Mr. Atwood for Assistant Treasurer. Mrs. Muench nominated
Mr. Buell. Mr. Atwood was elected. The vote was 6.5 in favor of Mr. Atwood
and 4.4 in favor of Mr. Buell. Motion/Vote It was moved
by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mr. O’Keefe to elect Anthony Repucci as
Treasurer of the District. Motion carried. (unanimous approval) Dr.
Littlefield asked the Superintendent to put together a calendar of meeting
dates for the next year. Motion/Vote It was moved
by Mr. Castiglione and seconded by Mr. Cronin to have the School Committee
meetings on the first and third Tuesdays of the month at 7:30 p.m. at the
Pentucket Middle School. There was an amendment to have the meeting at
another time and place deemed by the Committee. Motion carried. (unanimous
approval) Motion/Vote It was moved
by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mrs. Grazio to allow four members of the
Committee authority to call a special meeting together by emailing or
notifying the Chair. Motion carried. (for: Levine, Buell, O’Keefe, Darke,
Piccolomini, Muench, Grazio, Conner, Littlefield)(opposed: Castiglione,
Cronin, Atwood)(for: 9.3)(opposed: 2.7) Chairwoman
Darke asked members to email her their subcommittee preferences. Superintendent and School Committee Member
Communication Dr. MacLean
suggested to the Committee that if they had a request it be presented at a
meeting so that all members could participate. However, he will respond to
all requests. Dr. MacLean
also recommended that the School Committee meet with him for a workshop to
discuss these issues. Mr.
Castiglione suggested that the former and the current chair review the
superintendent’s evaluation with the Superintendent and then provide the
results to the full Committee. He said this was the recommendation from
the MASC. Mr. Cronin agreed that would be the appropriate approach to
take. Mr. Buell and Mrs. Grazio disagreed and said the discussion should
be with the full Committee. Motion/Vote It was moved
by Mr. Castiglione and seconded by Dr. Littlefield to have the former and
the current Chair go over the Superintendent’s evaluation with the
Superintendent and then to report back to the full Committee. Motion
carried. (for: Castiglione, O’Keefe, Darke, Piccolomini, Conner, Cronin,
Atwood, Littlefield)(opposed: Levine, Buell, Muench, Grazio)(for:
7.6)(opposed: 4.4) Teacher Recruitment Dr. McGinn
reported to the Committee that on April 8th he went to UMASS-Amherst
to represent the District at the Five College Teacher Fair. There were
approximately 300 future teachers there. Pentucket was the only District
represented from the northeast region of Massachusetts. The
District has placed the annual “anticipated vacancy” advertisement in
the Boston Sunday Globe on April 4th. The ad included an
invitation to attend the “Teacher Recruitment Fair on May 5th.
To date the District has received over 200 applications. Dr.
Littlefield said that this was not the time to spend the time and money on
teacher recruitment and that the time would have been better spent on the
curriculum and the budget. Mr. Castiglione said that the Superintendent
and the administration followed the direction given to them by the School
Committee with regard to professional development and recruitment. Pentucket Senior Series Dr. McGinn
reported that he met with the directors of the three towns Councils on
Aging (COA). The District will offer a fall and spring series of adult
education with different topics. The COA will take care of the
advertising, sign-ups, transportation, etc. The District will provide the
classroom space, staff, and funding. Final Approval Middle School Roof Project Mr. Gibson
said that the bond council requested the Committee to vote the sum of
$700,000 the appropriated replacement of the middle school roof, that this
is the appropriation to be raised by incurring debt by issuance of
bonds/notes according to Section 16, Chapter 71 of the General Laws. Motion/Vote It was moved
by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mr. Cronin to approve the sum of $700,000 the
appropriated replacement of the middle school roof, that this is the
appropriation to be raised by incurring debt by issuance of bonds/notes
according to Section 16, Chapter 71 of the General Laws. Motion carried.
(for: Castiglione, Levine, Buell, O’Keefe, Darke, Piccolomini, Muench,
Conner, Cronin, Atwood, Littlefield)(abstained: Grazio)(for: 10.9)
(abstained: 1.1) Old Business Motion/Vote It was moved
by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mr. Castiglione to table the Old Business.
Motion carried. (for: Castiglione, Levine, Buell, O’Keefe, Darke,
Piccolomini, Muench, Grazio, Cronin, Atwood, Littlefield)(opposed:
Conner)(for: 11.2)(opposed: .8) Mrs.
Grazio requested that the Superintendent provide information on
specifically what will be discussed under Old Business. Mr. O’Keefe
requested the administration to give members another copy of the Strategic
Planning Subcommittee reports on the minutes of the meetings that
discussed the Regional Agreement. Mrs. Muench requested information on the
budget implication and the timeframe of the Central Office Reorganization.
Motion/Vote It was moved
by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mr. Cronin to continue the meeting past 10:00
p.m. Motion carried. (for: Castiglione, Levine, Buell, O’Keefe, Darke,
Piccolomini, Conner, Cronin, Atwood)(opposed: Muench, Grazio,
Littlefield)(for: 9.0)(opposed: 3.0) Executive Session, Chapter 39, Section 23, B.3. Motion/Vote It was moved
by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mr. Castiglione to enter into Executive
Session, Chapter 39, Section 23, B.3. for the purposes of discussing
negotiations and pending litigation. Motion carried by roll call vote.
(for: Castiglione, Levine, Buell, O’Keefe, Darke, Piccolomini, Cronin,
Conner, Atwood)(opposed: Grazio, Muench, Littlefield)(for 9.0)(opposed:
3.0) Adjournment Motion/Vote It was moved
by Dr. Littlefield and seconded by Mr. Buell to adjourn the meeting at
10:23 p.m. Motion carried. (unanimous approval) Respectfully
submitted, Marianne
Naffah Recording
Secretary |
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Approved: June 1, 2004 Distributed: Website, I Buerger, PAT PENTUCKET
REGIONAL SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Middle School
May
18, 2004 Members present: Chairman Darke, Mr. O’Keefe, Mr. Levine, Mr.
Buell, Mr.
Cronin, Mrs. Conner, Mr. Atwood, Dr. Littlefield, Mrs. Grazio, Mr.
Castiglione, Mrs.
Piccolomini, and Mrs. Muench Also present: Dr. MacLean, Dr. McGinn, Mr. Gibson, Student
Representative, Miss
Burns, Spectators and Press Call to Order Chairman
Darke called the meeting to order at 7:38 p.m. Majority Vote The majority
vote was set at 6.1. Agenda It was moved
by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mr. O’Keefe to accept the agenda as
amended. The amendments were to add the Strategic Planning Reports to Old
Business and to add the emails that Mr. Buell brought added to the Consent
Agenda. Motion carried. (for: Darke, Muench, Piccolomini, Buell,
O’Keefe, Levine, Castiglione, Cronin, Conner, Littlefield,
Atwood)(opposed: Grazio)(for: 10.9)(opposed: 1.1) Monthly Budget Report Mr. Gibson
said that the enterprise funds were started with the goal of supporting
the budget. Mr. Gibson recommended that the Committee review whether or
not to keep the services that have been extended to the community for
extended school day, etc. These accounts are not making money for the
District. Mr. Gibson will give the Committee a written analysis on how the
deficit will be handled at the next meeting. Motion/Vote
It was moved
by Mrs. Muench and seconded by Mr. Cronin to have a discussion on the
potential FY04 deficit in excess of $430,000 at the next School Committee
meeting. There was an amendment to have a discussion on the deficits in
both the revolving and in the general funds. There will be a presentation
on both with a total bottom line deficit. Motion
carried. (unanimous approval) Consent Agenda It was moved
by Mr. Cronin and seconded by Mr. O’Keefe to approve the Consent Agenda
as amended. The amendments were to remove the Monthly Budget Report for
discussion and to add the emails Mr. Buell brought to the meeting. Motion
carried. (for: Darke,
Piccolomini, Castiglione, Buell, O’Keefe, Levine, Cronin, Conner,
Atwood, Littlefield)(opposed: Grazio)(abstained: Muench)(for:
9.8)(opposed: 1.1)(abstained: 1.1) Dr. Littlefield asked about the space issue at the Bagnall School. Dr. MacLean said that he would report to the Committee on the space issues in all of the elementary schools. Delegation The Committee gave recognition and thanks to Brian Young for serving on the School Committee for eighteen years. Dr. McGinn presented proclamations to Mr. Young from both the House of Representative’s Office and the Senate’s office. New
Business School
Committee Subcommittee Placements Chairwoman Darke handed out the subcommittee assignments to all members. Motion/Vote It was moved by Mr. Castiglione and seconded by Mr. O’Keefe to approve the subcommittee assignment given out by Chairwoman Darke. Motion carried. (for: Castiglione, Levine, Buell, O’Keefe, Darke, Piccolomini, Conner, Cronin, Atwood, Littlefield, Muench)(opposed: Grazio)(for: 10.9)(opposed: 1.1) Mr. Buell said that he would like to be on the Finance Subcommittee. Chairwoman Darke mentioned concerns with quorum issues on the Finance Subcommittee. Dr. MacLean said that he has had conversations with both the District’s legal counsel and the Department of Education. Dr. MacLean recommends if people want to attend a subcommittee meeting that they ask to be put on that subcommittee and that the Committee is kept with that particular membership. In that way, there will not be quorum issues. Motion/Vote It was moved by Mr. Castiglione and seconded by Mr. Buell to recommend that the Strategic Planning Subcommittee be charged with conducting a review of the current goals, as well as a list of potential goals for the future to be brought back to the full Committee for the second meeting in June. Motion carried. (for: Castiglione, Levine, Buell, O’Keefe, Darke, Piccolomini, Conner, Cronin, Atwood, Littlefield)(opposed: Muench, Grazio)(for: 9.8)(opposed: 2.2) Mrs. Grazio disagreed with this motion. She said the goals should be discussed, reviewed and developed by the full Committee. Mr. Castiglione is advocating for this approach in order to expedite the business of the Committee. Mr. Cronin added that anyone that has input is welcome to forward it to the Chair of the subcommittee. Motion/Vote It was moved by Mr. Cronin and seconded by Mr. Castiglione that each subcommittee shall meet once a month. At the first meeting, set their list of goals to be accomplished over the next twelve months, and be brought to the full Committee for review. There was a friendly amendment to change the word from shall to should. Motion carried. (for: Castiglione, Levine, O’Keefe, Darke, Piccolomini, Muench, Conner, Cronin, Atwood, Littlefield)(opposed: Grazio)(abstained: Buell) (for: 9.8)(opposed: 1.1)(abstained: 1.1) Motion/Vote It was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded Mr. Castiglione to have the Communications Subcommittee report to the full Committee after every three meetings to improve communication in the school and in the community. Motion carried. (for: Castiglione, Levine, Buell, O’Keefe, Darke, Piccolomini, Muench, Conner, Cronin, Atwood, Littlefield)(abstained: Grazio)(10.9)(abstained: 1.1) Mr. O’Keefe asked the Committee to expand the subcommittee with a liaison role with the towns. Mr. Buell agreed. Budget On May 10th the town of Merrimac voted down the override to fund the schools. Dr. MacLean gave the Committee a proposal reducing the budget approximately $649,000. This list was comprised after meeting with principals. It included cuts in staffing and programming district wide. Dr. MacLean said that class sizes at the elementary level would reach the mid twenties in some cases, the high 20’s at the middle school, and there would be no program cuts at the high school. Discussion followed: · Mr. Castiglione said that the Committee should abide by the Regional Agreement. He said that they need to respect the process as it is, although, he feels it needs to be changed. Several members agreed that the Regional Agreement needs to be changed and this is something that the Committee should work on immediately. Mrs. Grazio said if the District pushes the two-thirds vote, the long-term effect will be very negative. Mrs. Conner questioned the lesser of two evils; is it the relationship with the towns or are the cuts in the best interest of the students. Mr. Buell agreed that this was not the time to make a change and he would like the Committee to look at other resources besides the teachers. · Mr. O’Keefe said that the Merrimac selectmen would meet with the School Committee in the spirit of a compromise. · Mr. O’Keefe said that he would like to see more cuts district wide. · Dr. Littlefield asked if there was any consideration to anything besides teachers. · Mr. Castiglione would like to look at the administrative structure. · Mr. Cronin would like to look at reductions in course offerings that are not core to the academics. He does not want the class sizes to increase. Motion/Vote It was moved by Mr. Castiglione and seconded by Mr. O’Keefe to move the figure to reduce the budget by $649,893. Motion carried. (unanimous approval) Motion/Vote It was moved by Mr. Castiglione and seconded by Mr. Atwood to direct the Superintendent to meet with the Finance Subcommittee to bring a list of options to the full Committee for reductions in the budget. All members may attend this meeting. Motion carried. (for: Castiglione, O’Keefe, Darke, Piccolomini, Conner, Cronin, Atwood, Littlefield)(opposed: Levine, Buell, Muench, Grazio)(for: 7.6)(opposed: 4.4) The Committee asked the Superintendent for information on the following items: · Dollar savings on freezing non-union wages. · Expected revenue on athletics and activities. · Expected revenue on transportation fees. · Out of district tuition cost and how the circuit breaker will or will not effect the budget. · Review of district coordinators. PRSD Policy Manual Dr. MacLean gave members a copy of the Policy Manual proposal. After meeting with Mrs. Muench, Dr. MacLean asked the Committee to approve for a first reading those items that are new to the Committee, to essentially reiterate those polices A-D that are current policies and docket the remainder for the future. Motion/Vote It was moved by Mrs. Muench and seconded by Mrs. Grazio to recommend for first reading the policies in the Introduction (Mission Statement, School District Legal Status, Regional Agreement, People and their School District, ADA: School District Goals/Objectives), Section B: BBAA, BCA, BDA, BDB, BDF, BDFA-E-1, BDFA-E-3, BE, BEC, BEDA, BEDB, BEDC, BEDF, BEDF, BEE, BGC, BGE, BGF, BHC, BHE, BIA, BJ, BK, Section C: BA, CBD, CE, CH, CHA/B/C, CHCA, CHD, CL, CM, and Section D: DA, DGA, DH. Motion carried. (for: Castiglione, Buell, O’Keefe, Darke, Piccolomini, Muench, Grazio, Conner, Cronin, Atwood, Littlefield)(abstained: Levine)(for: 10.9)(abstained: 1.1) Motion/Vote It was moved by Mrs. Muench and seconded by Mr. Cronin to adopt the following policies: Section A: ACA – Harassment, ADC – Smoke Free School, ADD – Safe Schools, ADDA – Cori Requirements, AEB – Letters of Recognition. These policies are already in the Policy Manual. The date of original adoption needs to be added. The dates are as follows: ACA – 1/20/98, ADC – 12/17/96, ADD – 11/17/98, ADDA – 4/17/03, and AEB – 9/5/95. Motion carried. (unanimous approval) Motion/Vote It was moved by Mrs. Muench and seconded by Mr. O’Keefe to delete the following policies in section B: BA, BB, BBBC, BBBE, BEDH, and BID. Motion carried. (for: Castiglione, Buell, O’Keefe, Darke, Piccolomini, Muench, Grazio, Conner, Cronin, Atwood, Littlefield)(abstained: Levine)(for: 10.9)(abstained: 1.1) Motion/Vote It was moved by Mrs. Muench and seconded by Mr. Cronin to accept for a first reading the following policies: BDD – Number 2 changed from: The Superintendent will keep the Committee thoroughly informed about all legal, financial and operational matters that effect the District’s operations.(Accepted by the Committee with this change – 3/25/03); BDFA – Number 5 changed from: The School Council will establish performance measures to be used to access the effectiveness of its improvement plan. (Accepted by the full Committee with this change – 3/25/03); BEDB-E – Number 8: the word Old changed to Unfinished (Accepted by the Committee with this change – 3/25/03). Motion/Vote It was moved by Mrs. Muench and seconded by Mrs. Grazio to keep the following policies on hold until they can be reviewed and changed to meet the needs of Pentucket School District: Section A – AC along with ACA, ACAB, ACE, ACEA to be combined into one policy in combination with our current ACA – Harassment, also policy AE; Section B – Policies BAA, BBA, BDG, BG, BGB, BGD, (CHB), BIBA; Section C – Policies CBI, CCB and CLA; Section D – Policies DB, DBD, DBG, DBJ, DI, DIE, DJ, DJA, DJG, DK, DKC. Motion carried. (unanimous approval) Motion/Vote It was moved by Mrs. Muench and seconded by Mrs. Grazio to form a policy subcommittee to finish the policy manual by the end of the calendar year. The committee would consist of three members. Motion failed. (for: Buell, Muench, Grazio)(opposed: Castiglione, Levine, O’Keefe, Darke, Cronin, Atwood, Littlefield)(abstained: Piccolomini, Conner)(for: 3.3)(opposed: 6.8)(abstained: 1.9) Dr. MacLean recommended that the Committee docket a section at a time and that it be part of the agenda every month. Members requested a review of the previous minutes on the vote of the policy procedure. Some members said that a subcommittee would be more efficient. Others felt it is the responsibility of the full Committee. Motion/Vote It was moved by Mr. Cronin and seconded by Mr. O’Keefe to continue the meeting passed 10:00 p.m. Motion failed. (for: O’Keefe, Darke, Piccolomini, Conner, Cronin, Atwood)(opposed: Castiglione, Levine, Buell, Muench, Grazio, Littlefield)(for: 5.7)(opposed: 6.3) Meeting ended. Respectfully submitted, Marianne Naffah Recording Secretary |
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Approved: June 15, 2004
Distribution: Website, I. Buerger, PAT PENTUCKET
REGIONAL SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Middle School
June
1, 2004 Members present: Chairman Darke, Mr. O’Keefe, Mr. Levine, Mr.
Buell, Mrs.
Conner, Mr. Atwood, Dr. Littlefield, Mrs. Grazio, Mr. Castiglione, Mrs.
Piccolomini, and Mrs. Muench Also present: Dr. MacLean, Dr. McGinn, Mr. Gibson, Principals,
Mrs. Townes, Mr. Binaghi, Mr. Harrison, Mrs. Jervey, Mrs. Perry,
Student Representative, Miss Burns, Spectators and Press Call to Order Chairman
Darke called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m. Majority Vote The majority
vote was set at 5.7. Agenda It was moved
by Mr. O’Keefe and seconded by Mrs. Conner to approve the agenda as
amended. The amendment was to add an update on the Superintendent’s
evaluation. Motion carried. (unanimous approval) Consent Agenda It was moved
by Mr. O’Keefe and seconded by Mr. Castiglione to approve the consent
agenda. Motion carried. (for: Darke, Piccolomini, Castiglione, O’Keefe,
Buell, Levine, Littlefield, Conner, Atwood)(opposed: Grazio, Muench)(for:
9.0)(opposed: 2.2) Dr.
Littlefield mentioned that the dynamics in the conference room and the
auditorium are not comfortable and that the administration needs to make
the meetings more suitable for interaction between the Committee and the
spectators. She would like the administration to investigate a more
suitable place to hold meetings. Delegation Several teachers and parents spoke to the Committee about the proposed budget cuts: · Teachers and community members urged the Committee to listen to the principals and the central office administration. They are knowledgeable and know what it best for their schools. · Clark Jenkins, teacher and Groveland resident, cautioned the Committee to endorse the principals and the central office administration. Community member, Jean Lambert, encouraged the Committee to review the reorganization proposal at the high school so the NEASC accreditation is not jeopardized. · Mrs. Buerger said that the Superintendent’s proposal was reasonable, the cuts were not dramatic, and they did not effect or violate the teachers’ contract. .FY05 Budget Update Dr. MacLean reviewed his recommended cuts. He reiterated that class sizes at the elementary level would not exceed 24 and at the middle school level 27. There was a brief discussion on choice. Dr. MacLean said the Page School is most likely to get a large number of the choice students coming in. He said that the grade levels for the incoming students have not been finalized. Classroom numbers are constantly changing due to retention, students moving in and out of the district, and children moving on to private schools. The administration also looks at the composition of the classroom including students on 504 plans and Individualized Education Plans. The central office contacts each building principal before any students are placed. Both Mr. Castiglione and Mr. Buell said that they would not be able to make an informed decision on where to make the cuts regarding teachers when the choice students have not been placed. Dr. MacLean and Mr. Binaghi adjusted the projected class sizes at the middle school based on the two and a half team model at the seventh grade level. Estimated class sizes at the seventh grade would be 26.9 and 22.5 at the eighth grade level. Dr. MacLean and Mrs. Townes made recommended cuts by reducing several classes. The District is anticipating $100,000 more than what they had planned on through the circuit breaker. Motion/Vote It was moved by Mr. O’Keefe and seconded by Mr. Castiglione to reduce the amount of budget cuts by $306,530. This was based on the additional $100,000 from the circuit breaker, reinstating the transportation fees at 50% of last year’s fee totaling $55,345, E&D 50,000, transferring $101,185 from the athletic budget to revolving fund. Motion carried. (for: Castiglione, Levine, Buell, O’Keefe, Darke, Piccolomini, Conner, Atwood, Littlefield)(opposed: Muench, Grazio)(for: 9.0)(opposed: 2.2) Finance Subcommittee Report Mr.
Castiglione reported on the Finance Subcommittee meeting held on May 24th.
He discussed the new information including
the increase in the circuit breaker money, shifting the athletic budget
from the general fund to the athletic revolving fund, and the
recommendation on the transportation fees. The
subcommittee gave the full Committee a list of proposed adjustments for
their consideration: ·
It included
the administrative reorganization plan previously proposed by the Chair to
consolidate the structure of the District and the middle/high school
campus and to centralize curriculum coordination for the District. This
would recognize a savings of $234,835. ·
Reinstate
transportation fees at half of last year’s fee for a total of $55,345. ·
Accept the
proposed reductions by the high school principal of 4.0 FTE teaching and
guidance staff, a fee for Family and Consumer Science electives as well as
fine art electives. Other
recommendations for future discussions: ·
Eliminate
master teacher stipends. ·
Shift middle
school to a junior high model. ·
Eliminate
assistant principals at all schools. ·
Category 2
reductions. Dr.
MacLean said that in looking at a headmaster for the middle and high
school would necessitate working with the Department of Education. There
would be several factors to consider; legal issues, contracts, and school
hours. Motion/Vote It was moved by Dr. Littlefield and seconded by Mrs. Grazio to support the administration and to direct the Superintendent to make recommendations on the balance of the cuts. Motion withdrawn. Motion/Vote It was moved by Mr. O’Keefe and seconded by Mrs. Conner to move to rescind the vote that was previously taken on programs and services. Motion failed. (two-thirds vote needed) (for: Levine, O’Keefe, Darke, Piccolomini, Conner, Atwood, Littlefield)(opposed: Castiglione, Buell, Muench, Grazio)(6.6)(4.4). Motion/Vote It was moved by Dr. Littlefield and seconded by Mr. O’Keefe to support the administration and direct the Superintendent to make recommendations on the balance of the cuts with no cuts to programs and services. There was a friendly amendment to direct the Superintendent to come back with a plan to offer $343,000 in new revenue or reductions with the operating budget. Motion carried. (for: Castiglione, Levine, O’Keefe, Darke, Piccolomini, Conner, Atwood, Littlefield)(opposed: Buell)(abstained: Muench, Grazio)(for: 7.9)(opposed: 1.1)(abstained: 2.2) Spectators mentioned that the middle school and high school would be deeply effected by cuts to the administrations. Mr. Repucci mentioned that there are services provided through the overhead. Mr. Buell said that there are arguments on both sides of the issue. He said the Committee needs to try to minimize the damage the cuts will do to the education the students need and it boils down to what goes on inside the four walls of the classroom. Mr. Atwood said that the Committee should give the principals the ability to make the decisions. Motion/Vote It
was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mrs. Grazio as an amendment to Dr.
Littlefield’s motion that there be no elimination of the four course
offerings at the high school. Motion failed. (for: Buell, Muench,
Grazio)(opposed: Castiglione, Levine, O’Keefe, Darke, Piccolomini,
Conner, Atwood, Littlefield)(for: 3.3)(opposed: 7.9) FY04 Budget Update Mr.
Gibson gave the Committee an update on the FY04 Budget. Mr. Gibson said
the E&D account is positive due to the extra revenue that the District
did not anticipate from the state. Mr. Gibson is able to move the sick
leave buyback into FY05 and he is anticipating $143,000 from Blue Cross
Blue Shield working capital to come in before June 30th to
offset the deficit in medical trust. Motion/Vote It
was moved by Mr. O’Keefe and seconded by Dr. Littlefield to continue the
meeting past 10:00 p.m. Motion carried. (for: Castiglione, Levine,
O’Keefe, Darke, Piccolomini, Conner, Atwood)(opposed: Muench, Grazio,
Littlefield)(for: 7.1)(opposed: 3.0) Mr.
Buell was not present for the previous vote. Space Needs Report Dr.
MacLean gave the Committee a space analysis of the schools responding to
an inquiry that was made. Motion/Vote It
was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mr. O’Keefe to suspend the
balance of the agenda. Motion carried. (for: Castiglione, Levine, Buell,
O’Keefe, Darke, Piccolomini, Conner, Atwood)(opposed: Muench, Grazio,
Littlefield)(for: 8.2)(opposed: 3.0) Motion/Vote It was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mr. O’Keefe to continue the meeting past 10:30 p.m. Motion carried. (for: Castiglione, Levine, O’Keefe, Darke, Piccolomini, Conner, Atwood, Littlefield)(opposed: Buell, Muench, Grazio)(for: 7.9)(3.3) Executive Session, Chapter 39, Section 23, B.3. Motion/Vote It
was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mr. Castiglione to enter into
Executive Session, Chapter 39, Section 23, B.3. for the purposes of
discussing negotiations. Motion carried by roll call vote. (for:
Castiglione, Levine, Buell, O’Keefe, Darke, Piccolomini, Conner,
Atwood)(opposed: Muench, Grazio, Littlefield)(8.2)(opposed: 3.0) Adjournment Motion/Vote It was moved by Mr. Castiglione and seconded by Mr. O’Keefe to adjournment at 10:40 p.m. Motion carried. (unanimous approval) Respectfully submitted, Marianne Naffah Recording Secretary
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Approved:
July 13, 2004 Distributed:
Website, I. Buerger, P.A.T. PENTUCKET
REGIONAL SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Middle School
June
15, 2004 Members
present:
Chairman Darke, Mr. Levine, Mr. Buell, Mr. Cronin, Mrs. Conner, Mr.
Atwood, Dr. Littlefield, Mrs. Grazio, Mr. Castiglione, Mrs. Piccolomini Also
present:
Dr. MacLean, Dr. McGinn, Mr. Gibson, Principals, Mrs. Townes, Mr.
Binaghi, Mr. Harrison, Mrs. Jervey, Mrs. Kline, Special Education
Administrator, Kathleen
O’Brien, Spectators and Press Absent:
Mr. O’Keefe and Mrs. Muench Call
to Order Chairman
Darke called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m. Majority
Vote The
majority vote was set at 5.0.
Agenda It
was moved by Mr. Cronin and seconded by Mr. Castiglione to approve the
agenda as amended. The amendments were to add a discussion on time line
curriculum and to accept the donation from the Page PTO to the school
student activities account. Motion carried. (unanimous approval) Consent
Agenda It
was moved by Mr. Cronin and seconded by Mr. Castiglione to approve the
consent agenda as amended. The amendment was to remove the
Mentoring/Summer Reading Lists/NCLB Report Cards/Tech Planning. Motion
carried. (for: Castiglione, Buell, Levine, Conner, Cronin, Littlefield,
Atwood, Darke, Piccolomini)(opposed: Grazio)(for: 8.7)(opposed: 1.1) Dr.
McGinn clarified that Diane Milewski is a district wide speech
pathologist. He also said that Donaghue School would be doing some
recruiting for the mentoring program. Dr. McGinn said that he would like
to see more people from the middle school on the mentoring team however,
no one else applied. He will update the Committee when he knows what the
workload will be in the fall. Delegation/Public
Comment Community
member asked about the procedure for teachers being laid off. Dr.
MacLean said that the district is obligated to notify teachers by June
15th of their employment status. Only non-professional status
(non tenured) teachers received a layoff notice and all have been
informed. Teachers that have received lay off notices are being
encouraged by principals to apply for positions that will be available
in the fall. Mr. Buell requested a list of the teachers that received
pink slips. Dr.
MacLean will seek an interim principal for the Bagnall School. A search
committee will be formed to hire a permanent principal. Motion/Vote It
was moved by Mr. Castiglione and seconded by Mr. Cronin to accept the
donation from the PTO at the Page School. The PTO donations are a result
of requests made by Page School faculty via administration for
enhancements to the core programming. Motion carried. (for: Castiglione,
Buell, Levine, Grazio, Darke, Piccolomini, Conner, Cronin,
Littlefield)(abstained: Atwood)(for: 9.0)(abstained: .8) Administrative
Reports FY05
Budget Recommendations
Dr.
MacLean gave the Committee a copy of his recommended budget adjustments.
Revenue
Increases:
Total
$366,283 Budget
Reductions:
Total
$283,610 Total
Revenue Increases and Budget Reductions $649,893. Motion/Vote It
was moved by Mr. Castiglione and seconded by Mr. Cronin to reinstate the
bus fees at the FY04 budget rate of $180. Motion carried. (for:
Castiglione, Levine, Darke, Piccolomini, Conner, Cronin, Atwood,
Littlefield) (opposed: Grazio)(abstained: Buell)(for: 7.6) (opposed:
1.1)(abstained: 1.1) Motion/Vote It
was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mr. Castiglione to accept the
Superintendent’s budget cuts. Motion carried. (for: Castiglione, Buell,
Darke, Piccolomini, Conner, Cronin, Atwood, Littlefield)(opposed:
Grazio)(abstained: Levine) (for: 7.6)(opposed: 1.1)(abstained: 1.1) School
Lunch Prices Mr.
Gibson recommended a price increase of .50 per meal. School lunch prices
have not increased in four years. Maintaining the current prices through
FY05 would result in a loss. Mr. Gibson gave the Committee a profit and
loss accounting of this enterprise fund. He anticipates that this year
will end with only minor reserves. With anticipated increases in
expenses for FY05, next year is likely to end in a deficit without an
increase in revenue. Motion/Vote
It
was moved by Mr. Cronin and seconded by Mr. Castiglione to increase the
elementary school lunch .25 per meal, the middle school and the high
school lunch .50 per meal and the adult lunch .75 per meal. Motion
carried. (for: Castiglione, Darke, Piccolomini, Conner, Cronin, Atwood,
Littlefield)(opposed: Levine, Buell, Grazio)(for: 6.5)(opposed: 3.3) School
Choice Dr.
MacLean gave the Committee charts representing the projected
distribution of school choice students for 2004 – 2005. The
distribution is based upon the latest, June 10th
data. The school choice lottery will be held after the results of
the override vote in Merrimac. In the event it fails, there may be
reductions in current levels of staffing and class size figures may have
to be adjusted. Regional
Agreement The
Committee received three documents regarding the Regional Agreement. One
was a copy of the Strategic Planning Subcommittee recommendations for
changes in the agreement. The second document was a copy of the letter
from the Associate Commissioner of Education, Jeff Wulfson. The third
was a copy of the Regional Agreement. The
letter from Jeff Wulfson determines that the District is out of
compliance with Chapter 71, 16B regional budgets and the apportionment
of expenses, and urges the Committee to amend the agreement or seek
special legislation to maintain its three out of three town budget
approval provision. Dr.
MacLean recommended that the Committee appoint a committee of three
School Committee members to join a total of three representatives, one
appointed by each of the three Boards of Selectmen, to develop new
agreement language for each of the areas recommended for change by the
Strategic Planning Subcommittee. He further recommended a target date
for completion of 90 days. Dr.
MacLean proposed that the Committee changes its current budget
assessment process to conform to the Department of Education’s “two
step” method. This two-step method acknowledges and responds to the
divergent foundation status of each town (step one), and allocates the
remaining assessments according to student enrollment (step two). Mrs.
Grazio said it is important that this Committee discuss the agreement
and come to an agreement as to what the Committee would like changed. We
have the report of the subcommittee whose only charge was to look at
specific areas. The full Committee has not had a discussion on the
agreement. Before it goes to the town, the Committee needs to decide and
put forth what and how the changes should be made. Mr. Wulfson also said
that there has been no judicial determination on the specific questions
on whether a regional district agreement imposes a stricter standard of
adoption. Motion/Vote It
was moved by Mr. Cronin and seconded by Mr. Castiglione to have meeting
in July on July 13th and July 20th and to spend 90
minutes discussing the Regional Agreement. After those meetings the
recommended changes should go to our legal council or to the towns.
Motion carried. (unanimous approval) Job
Descriptions Dr.
MacLean gave the Committee updated job descriptions for informational
purposes only. Mr. Castiglione said that he was concerned because they
did not list the skills or the educational requirements for the
position. They were also missing the evaluation criteria and he
questioned the line of authority. Dr. MacLean said that those issues
could be easily included. Mrs. Grazio said that the Committee approves
job descriptions especially if they are new. Mrs. Grazio questioned that
the transportation coordinator was allowed to alter contracts. She also
questioned the payroll position being divided by several people. She
asked how many positions were new and if the central office
reorganization was in place. Dr. MacLean said that on the issue of
hiring there is no need for statutory because below the level of the
Superintendent is directed by the Superintendent. Dr.
MacLean said that this was the first step and at this point the
administration has captured all the personnel that are currently working
in the district. He said that the job and function analysis have not
been done. Dr.
Littlefield said that this was a good start and she hopes the Committee
does not micro manage the details. Mr. Cronin said a job description is
a management tool and he agreed it was a good start. Mr.
Levine asked the Superintendent if these jobs descriptions as written
were to be put in place the next day, would there be a change in the
organization with the administration. Dr. MacLean said no. Motion/Vote
It
was moved by Mr. Castiglione and seconded by Mr. Cronin to direct the
Superintendent to take the job descriptions to the next step and to link
them to the budgeted positions. This next step should include the skill
requirements, educational requirements, the evaluation tools and the
level of authority. It should include a spreadsheet and narrative with
the employee’s name, title, salary, description, and the account where
the position is funded. If there are any changes, the past history
should be included. Motion carried. (unanimous approval) Grants/ELL/Title
I Summer Reading Dr.
McGinn asked the Committee for approval on the Emergency Response Crisis
Management Grant. Motion/Vote It
was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Dr. Littlefield to approve the
Emergency Response and the Crisis Management Grant. Motion carried.
(unanimous approval) Dr.
McGinn gave the Committee a brief update on the requirements that all
districts have now from recent legislation outlining our
responsibilities to English language learners. The district is moving
forward using the collaborative agreement with Amesbury, Triton, and
Hamilton-Wenham. There are approximately six to ten students in the
district that do not have English as their first language. Title
1 Summer Reading program serves students that are at risk in their
reading skills. We have twenty students that have been assessed and
afforded to this program this summer. Monthly
Budget Report/Enterprise Funds Mr.
Gibson gave the Committee the details on the sixteen enterprise funds.
Ten of the funds have a projected loss. Mr. Gibson would like to meet
with the principals and decide which programs should be continued and
set tuition rates for the programs we continue in FY05. Mr.
Gibson said that when he gives the Committee the end of the year report
he would comment on any discrepancies. Excess and Deficiency Report Guisti,
Hingston and Company gave the Committee a response to the request for
the detail relating to the district’s Excess and Deficiency (E&D)
account. Mrs. Grazio would
like to get a legal opinion. Motion/Vote It
was moved by Mrs. Grazio and seconded by Mr. Buell to direct the
Superintendent to request through MASC – as part of our dues – a
legal opinion from Stephen Finnegan regarding the E&D account. The
request is to include: 1. Is the E&D part of the General Fund? Is
it, or should it be a separate account? 2. Is a vote of the school
committee required to expend funds from E&D? A copy of the James
Giusti letter should be included. There was a friendly amendment to have
this request
go through the district’s legal council.
Motion carried. (for: Castiglione, Levine, Buell, Darke,
Piccolomini, Grazio, Cronin, Atwood, Littlefield)(opposed: Conner)(for:
9.0)(opposed: .8) Summer
Meeting Schedule The
following is the summer meeting schedule:
Timeline Curriculum Motion/Vote It
was moved by Mr. Cronin and seconded by Mrs. Grazio to direct the
Superintendent to give the School Committee information, in the format
of an organizational chart,
at the middle and high school level by department including what courses
are offered, student attendance, how many sections, and how it is
tracked by September 1st. Motion carried. (unanimous
approval) The
Committee would like this information before the next budget. Dr.
MacLean said there are three things that need to be done:
Motion/Vote It
was moved by Mrs. Grazio and seconded by Mr. Buell to have the
information on the elementary level prior to the end of December 2004.
Motion carried. (unanimous approval) Motion/Vote It
was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mrs. Grazio to table policy.
Motion carried. (unanimous approval) Superintendent’s Evaluation Mr.
Castiglione recommended postponing the Superintendent’s evaluation
because two evaluations have not been turned in. One member did not
identify himself or herself. Mr. Castiglione would like the two
evaluations turned in and the member that did not identify himself to
let Marianne know so that he may complete the process.
Mr. Castiglione and Chairwoman Darke have met with Dr. MacLean to
go over his evaluation. Motion/Vote It
was moved by Mr. Cronin and seconded by Mr. Castiglione to continue the
meeting passed 10:00 p.m. Motion carried. (for: Castiglione, Darke,
Piccolomini, Conner, Cronin, Atwood)(opposed: Levine, Buell, Grazio,
Littlefield)(for: 5.7)(opposed: 4.1) Executive
Session, Chapter 39, Section 23, B.3. Motion/Vote It
was moved by Mr. Cronin and seconded by Mr. Castiglione to enter into
Executive Session, Chapter 39, Section 23, B.3. for the purposes of
discussing negotiation strategies. Motion carried by roll call vote.(for:
Castiglione, Darke, Piccolomini, Conner, Cronin, Atwood)(opposed:
Littlefield, Grazio, Buell, Levine)(for: 5.7)(opposed: 4.1) Adjournment Motion/Vote It
was moved by Mr. Cronin and seconded by Mrs. Conner to adjourn the
meeting at 10:15 p.m. Motion
carried. (unanimous approval) Respectfully
submitted, Marianne
Naffah Recording
Secretary
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Approved as Amended: August 3, 2004
Distributed: Website, I. Buerger, PAT PENTUCKET
REGIONAL SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Middle
School
July 13, 2004 Members
present:
Chairman Darke, Mr. Levine, Mr. Buell, Mr. O’Keefe, Mr. Cronin, Mrs.
Conner, Mr. Atwood, Mr. Castiglione, Mrs. Piccolomini, Mrs. Muench Also
present:
Dr. MacLean, Dr. McGinn, Principals, Mrs. Townes, Mr. Binaghi, Mr.
Harrison, Mrs. Jervey, Mrs. Kline, Mrs. Perry, Special Education
Administrator, Ms.
O’Brien, Student Representative Ms. Burns, Spectators and Press Absent:
Dr. Littlefield and Mrs. Grazio Call
to Order Chairman
Darke called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m. Majority
Vote The
majority vote was set at 5.1.
Agenda It
was moved by Mr. Castiglione and seconded by Mr. Levine to approve the
agenda as amended. The amendment was to add the Strategic Planning
Report for filing purposes. The Committee would like to discuss the
Audit Report and Management Letter at the next meeting. Motion
carried. (unanimous approval) Consent
Agenda It
was moved by Mr. Castiglione and seconded by Mr. Buell to approve the
consent agenda as amended. The amendment was to remove the Surplus
Report. Motion carried. (for: Castiglione, Buell, Levine, O’Keefe,
Conner, Cronin, Atwood, Darke, Piccolomini)(opposed: Muench)(for:
9.0)(opposed: 1.1) Motion/Vote It
was moved by Mr. O’Keefe and seconded by Mr. Castiglione to send the
surplus equipment list to families in the District receiving financial
aid. Motion carried. (unanimous approval) DelegationSeveral community members and staff spoke on the budget issue. Norman Clark led the discussion by saying he contacted Representative Harriet Stanley’s office and they contacted the Board of Education. She sent Mr. Clark a letter dated June 2, 2004. The letter stated that the District has a legal school budget. The state law establishes a definitive standard and it preempts any action by a lower level of government. The school budget was approved by a two-thirds majority vote. Mr. Clark stated that the District should send Merrimac a bill with their share of the school budget. He said that Chapter 71,16B allows the majority to rule in matters with common interests with the schools and that this law is designed to protect children. Mrs. Conner agreed and would like the Committee to “take a stand” with the regional agreement. Many
others agreed and the general census was to encourage the Committee to
follow the state law and not the regional agreement. Community members
and staff also encouraged the Committee not to make cuts to the
theatre arts program at the high school. They felt it would be
detrimental to the students in that program. Mr.
Atwood encouraged community members to attend selectmen’s meetings. Page
2 Donation
Women’s Volleyball Group Page School Motion/VoteIt was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mrs. Muench to accept the donation from the Women’s Volleyball Group of $200 for the purchase of a clock to be placed in the school gymnasium. Motion carried. (unanimous approval) FY05
Budget Recommendations Dr. MacLean gave the Committee two scenarios: partial budget reductions and full budget reductions. He recommended the full budget reductions assuming there would be no additional money from Merrimac. Discussion followed: · Dr. Littlefield sent an email expressing concerns about the budget decisions impacting high school schedules and class sizes. Dr. Littlefield requested members approach personnel cuts with utmost consideration to the individual teachers whose full time job status may be impacted by the Committees decisions. Dr. Littlefield suggested that anyone cut be given consideration to be employed in another area of the District. · Mr. Castiglione said that the Finance Subcommittee offered other reductions and he would like to look at other alternatives such as cuts with support personnel, guidance, and administration. Dr. MacLean responded that these options have been on the table for quite some time and come from a process of deliberation by the people responsible for running the buildings, holding the classrooms and meeting the needs of all children. He said that other proposals might be beneficial in time for the District financially. · One community member asked if the cuts were properly analyzed. Dr. MacLean said that he worked with administration on all cuts. They have been chosen based on the least amount of impact to the students. · When asked if the Committee could ask Merrimac for $110,000. Mr. Castiglione said that Merrimac is in a difficult situation with their bond rating. He said that School Committee members met with the Town of Merrimac and asked them to look at other funding mechanisms. He said it was not well received and that their reserve funds are in a difficult situation. Motion/Vote It was moved by Mr. Buell and second by Mr. Levine to accept the full budget reduction proposal totaling $618,969. Motion failed. (unanimous) Motion/Vote It was moved by Mr. Cronin and seconded by Mr. Levine to have the Superintendent give the Committee a new document with budget reductions focusing the majority of the cuts on the elementary schools allowing the towns that have appropriated the money to fund the cuts. Motion failed. (for: O’Keefe, Cronin, Atwood)(opposed: Castiglione, Levine, Darke, Piccolomini, Conner)(abstained: Buell, Muench)(for: 2.7)(opposed: 5.2)(abstained: 2.2) Dr. MacLean said that the law is silent on individual towns and their ability to give more money toward the appropriation than they have been assessed. However, the Regional Agreement does state that at the elementary level the town can make an appropriation separate from the appropriation that comes from the assessment. Discussion followed: · Mr. Buell read Section 10,8A to the Committee from the Regional Agreement. “If in the opinion of the Board of Selectmen and/or Finance Committee of any of the dissenting towns, the resubmitted District budget will not fit the budgetary capabilities of their town, they can request of the School Committee a special meeting to discuss the resubmitted Page 3 budget. Six members of the School Committee as well as two representatives of the Board of Selectmen and two representatives of the Finance Committee from each member town must attend. The purpose of this meeting will be to discuss the ability of the dissenting town or towns to meet the financial obligation brought forth by their assessment of the submitted District budget. Mr. Buell said that if the Committee agreed that this is a flawed document, the assessment given to Merrimac would stand according to state law. Mr. Buell suggested calling a meeting with Merrimac to pursue this. Mr. Buell would like to see and suggests community members attend that meeting. Mr. Castiglione added that it is a two-step process. First step is to send revised assessment and then Merrimac has seven days to call a meeting. · Mr. O’Keefe said that he is not prepared to tell the people who sit on both sides of the issue that their vote doesn’t count. It is not ethically or morally valid to go retroactive on this. · Some members expressed concern with “picking and choosing” which sections of the agreement to support. Mr. Buell said that if the District goes against the Regional Agreement the District will be in a mess. Motion/Vote It was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mr. Cronin to present a budget reduction of $1.00 to the towns. Dr. MacLean would ask Merrimac to hold a public meeting under the Regional Agreement Section 10A, part 8. The Committee would reconvene to appoint delegates to that meeting. Motion failed. (for: Levine, Buell, Muench)(opposed: Castiglione, O’Keefe, Darke, Piccolomini, Conner, Cronin, Atwood)(for: 3.3)(failed: 6.8) Motion/Vote It was moved by Mrs. Conner and seconded by Mr. Cronin to move forward with the assessments as voted on June 1, 2004. Motion carried. (for: Castiglione, Levine, Buell, Darke, Piccolomini, Conner, Cronin, Atwood)(opposed: O’Keefe, Muench)(for: 7.9)(opposed: 2.2) Mr. Buell would like in the record that he voted in favor of this motion after realizing Section 15 Severability of Sections of the Regional Agreement.
Mr. Minichello, Town Finance Director of Groveland, asked the Superintendent which budget the Committee was referring to. Dr. MacLean clarified that this budget was the original budget presented to the towns in which Groveland and West Newbury approved the overrides. It is the assessments that have been lowered due to the increase in state aid. The total budget figure is $26,836,000. Mr. Atwood read section 15 of the Regional Agreement Severability of Sections. “According to Chapter 71.S161. in the event that any provision of this Regional School District Agreement shall be held invalid in any circumstance, such invalidity shall not affect any other provisions or circumstances.” Motion/Vote It was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mr. Levine to move forward with the two-step assessment process. Motion failed. (for: Castiglione, Levine, Buell)(opposed: O’Keefe, Darke, Piccolomini, Muench, Conner, Cronin, Atwood)(for: 3.3)(opposed: 6.8) Mr. Minichello said that if the School Committee votes to reapportion funds, Groveland and West Newbury will pay more and Merrimac will pay less. He said that this could be devastating to the towns because the budgets have already been voted on. Mr. Buell commented that they couldn’t pick and choose which parts of the Regional Agreement to invalidate. Mr. Castiglione agreed. Page 4 Dr. MacLean said that the law is less clear on this issue. He said that the Department of Education’s interpretation is that the District uses a two-step method. This takes into account the foundation budget ability of each of the three communities. The first part of the budget accounts for the ability that the District towns have to pay. The second is based on the Regional Agreement, which is based on the population of the students. Mr. Atwood read the law on Chapter 71, Section 16B, fifth paragraph. Dr. MacLean suggested getting a definitive legal opinion from the District Attorney on whether or not it is the obligation of the District to impose the two-step method as opposed to the current method of assessment. Mr. Plummer, Vice Chairman of the Groveland Finance Committee, said that if the two-step method passes, Groveland will have to have a special town meeting to fund and additional $190,000, West Newbury will ask for an additional $240,000 and Merrimac will get a reduction of $430,000. Motion/Vote It was moved by Mr. Buell to rescind the vote on presenting a budget with $1.00 reduction and asking Merrimac to hold a public meeting to fund their portion of the budget based on Chapter 71, 16B. There was no second to the motion. Motion/Vote It was moved by Mr. Levine and seconded by Mr. Cronin to direct the Superintendent to get an opinion from legal council on the two-step method process and to forward it to the School Committee and to the towns. Motion carried. (unanimous approval) Contract
Signature Authorization for the Middle School Roof Motion/Vote It was moved by Mr. Castiglione and seconded by Mr. Levine to give the Superintendent the authority to negotiate the contract for the middle school roof. Motion carried. (unanimous approval) Dr. MacLean will share specs on the middle school roof with the Committee once the attorneys have reviewed them. Mr. Buell left the room and did not vote on the previous motion. Regional
Agreement Mr. O’Keefe reviewed with the Committee the list of subjects that were discussed at a business meeting for review by the subcommittee regarding the Regional Agreement. They were: 2/3 majority for budget approval, number of members, quorum requirement, method of assessment, chapter 71,16A which is the towns’ ability to fund elementary schools, review page 4 section C, language such as supplemental, and stabilization. The subcommittee recommended to the full Committee adopting Chapter 71,16A in its entirety. They also recommended with the method of assessment taking the total number of students including choice out students. The third recommendation was to have the quorum requirements be a simple majority of the full Committee. Motion/Vote It was moved by Mr. O’Keefe and seconded by Mr. Buell to move the full Committee to adopt the stated recommendations by the subcommittee. They are to adopt Chapter 71,16B which includes the method of assessment to include choice out students and to have the quorum be the simple majority of the Committee. Motion carried. (for: Castiglione, Levine, Buell, O’Keefe, Darke, Piccolomini, Conner, Cronin, Atwood)(opposed: Muench)(for: 9.0)(opposed: 1.1) Page 5 Motion/Vote It was moved by Mrs. Conner and seconded by Mr. Castiglione to continue the meeting past 10:00 p.m. Motion carried. (for: Castiglione, O’Keefe, Darke, Piccolomini, Conner, Cronin, Atwood)(opposed: Buell, Muench)(abstained: Levine)(for: 6.8)(opposed: 2.2)(abstained: 1.1) Superintendent’s
Evaluation Mr. Castiglione clarified the process. Mr. Castiglione received the evaluations. The summary was based on data from nine members. He presented a compilation of the values assigned to each standard with the recommendations and commendations assigned to each standard. Mr. Castiglione said the process needs some debriefing and he will participate in that process. Mrs. Grazio amended the minutes to say that she would like to discuss this tool at a future meeting with the full Committee. Motion/Vote It was moved by Mr. Castiglione and seconded by Mrs. Conner to accept the superintendent’s evaluation as presented. Motion carried. (unanimous approval) Motion/Vote It was moved by Mr. Castiglione and seconded by Mr. O’Keefe to award the Superintendent a $1,000. bonus as specified in the contract based on the total points received. Motion carried. (for: Castiglione, Levine, Buell, O’Keefe, Darke, Piccolomini, Conner, Cronin, Atwood)(opposed: Muench)(for: 9.0)(opposed: 1.1) Adjournment Motion/Vote It was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mr. Castiglione to adjourn the meeting at 10:15 p.m. Motion carried. (unanimous approval) Respectfully submitted, Marianne Naffah Recording Secretary
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Approved as Amended: August 3, 2004
Distribution: Website, I. Buerger, PAT PENTUCKET
REGIONAL SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Middle
School
July 20, 2004 Members
present:
Chairman Darke, Mr. Levine, Mr. Buell, Mr. O’Keefe, Mr. Cronin, Mrs.
Conner, Mr. Atwood, Dr. Littlefield, Mrs. Grazio, Mrs. Piccolomini, Mrs.
Muench Also
present:
Dr. MacLean, Dr. McGinn, Mr. Gibson, Mrs. Townes, Mr. Harrison, Mrs.
Jervey, Mrs. Perry, Ms. O’Brien, Spectators and Press Absent:
Mr. Castiglione Call
to Order Chairman
Darke called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Majority
Vote The
majority vote was set at 5.5.
Agenda It
was moved by Mr. O’Keefe and seconded by Mrs. Conner to approve the
agenda. Motion
carried. (unanimous approval) Consent
Agenda It
was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mr. Cronin to approve the consent
agenda as amended. The amendments were to remove the Finance Report and
the Communication Report. Motion carried. (for: Buell, Levine, O’Keefe,
Conner, Cronin, Atwood, Littlefield, Darke, Piccolomini)(opposed: Muench,
Grazio)(for: 8.7)(opposed: 2.2) Finance Report Motion/Vote It was moved by Mr. Cronin and seconded by Mr. Atwood to continue the Business Manager’s contract for an additional 90 days. Motion carried. (for: Buell, O’Keefe, Levine, Darke, Piccolomini, Conner, Cronin, Atwood, Littlefield)(Muench, Grazio)(for: 8.7)(opposed: 2.2) One
town did not vote the bonding for the middle school roof project.
The Finance Subcommittee does not recommend taking the money out of
the stabilization fund to start the project. Some members had the
understanding that if the town did not respond in 45 days, the school
could move forward with the bond. Dr MacLean said that the bond council
has taken a conservative approach and he will get bond council. The Finance Subcommittee made a recommendation to the full Committee to start working on the FY06 budget at the first meeting in September 2004. The idea is to make a plan and present it to the towns. Mr. Cronin mentioned the Finance Subcommittee meeting with the Strategic Planning Subcommittee to come up with ideas on revenue sources, planning the budget and how to make programmatic changes. They would then present this to the full Committee. Mrs. Grazio suggested discussing the governance at the middle and high school at this time. Mr. O’Keefe said that he would bring the goals of the Strategic Planning Subcommittee to the full Committee on August 3, 2004. Dr. MacLean will provide the Committee with FY06 salary information and information on programs and services early in the fall. Motion/VoteIt was moved by Mr. Cronin and seconded by Dr. Littlefield to start working on the FY06 budget at the first meeting in September 2004.There was a friendly amendment to include a budget calendar. Motion carried. (unanimous approval) Communication Report Mr. Buell updated the Committee from the Communications Subcommittee. He said the website will be revamped at a low cost. He suggested that members sign up to attend the board of selectmen’s meeting. They meet quarterly. There will be sign up information at the August 3, 2004 meeting. There is a meeting in both Merrimac and West Newbury on Monday, July 26, 2004 to discuss budget. Merrimac will meet at 6:30 p.m. and West Newbury invited the Committee to come in at 8:00 p.m. Audit
Report and Management Letter Mr. Guisti came to the meeting to report on the audit. All members received a report and a management letter. During the fiscal year ending June 30, 2003, the Pentucket Regional School District has implemented GASB 34 (Governmental Accounting Standards Board Statement Number 340. This statement requires all governments to account for and report capital assets in its Financial Statements. In addition, GASB 34 established new criteria on the form and content of governmental financial statements. There are many significant changes to the audited financial statements and the accounting methods used to generate the amounts.
During their examination, they became aware of a material weakness
in the school’s systems internal accounting controls relating to
reconciliation procedures performed during the fiscal year ending June 30,
2003. Improvements were made in performing cash and general ledger reconciliation procedures. Mr. Guisti said that his offices provided a significant amount of assistance preparing closing and adjusting entries so that the books could be closed. There was also a lot of assistance with reconciling cash from the District’s general ledger accounting records to the Treasurer’s Cash Book. Mr. Guisti recommended that the District have a professional accountant with an accounting degree to perform the required monthly and year-end accounting and reconciliation procedures. He suggested hiring a business manager with accounting experience or hire a business manager and an accountant with high level accounting skills. The following are some accounting issues that should be addressed: · Some of the Special Revenue Fund Balance accounts have debit/deficit balances. · There are several payroll withholding accounts that have debit balances. · Many cash accounts in the general ledger have credit balances. These accounts normally have debit balances. · The various cash reconciliation items that have been identified and listed on spreadsheets over the past several months have not yet been recorded in the general ledger accounting system. · Accounting entries should be made to adjust the due to/due from general ledger accounts for the cumulative posting activity so that the proper net balance remains. During the audit testing and review of the personnel payroll files, certain files were incomplete, and noted: · One of the eight personnel files reviewed were not found. · Three of the eight W-4’s reviewed were not found. · Two of the five employees reviewed that have direct deposit of their payroll checks did not have an authorization. · Four of the eight employees reviewed did not have I-9’s. FY05
Budget Update Dr. MacLean gave the Committee a list of FY05 Recommended Budget Adjustments. Dr. MacLean said that the District is currently receiving one-twelveth payment of the assessments (FY04). The District will wind up $600,000 short during the school year. Motion/Vote It was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mrs. Grazio to rescind the vote to move forward with the assessments as voted June 1, 2004. Motion carried. (for: Levine, Buell, O’Keefe, Darke, Piccolomini, Muench, Grazio, Cronin, Atwood, Littlefield)(opposed: Conner)(for: 10.1)(opposed: .8) Discussion followed: · Mrs. Conner felt this motion was irresponsible after it was carefully made. She said that the Committee should not cave in after making the decision a week ago. · Dr. MacLean said this allows the Committee to take a look at the Regional Agreement with the communities and to make changes to it. Most members agreed that it would be best to make the cuts while working on the changes to the Regional Agreement presenting them to the towns for the spring election. · Mrs. Grazio hoped to rescind the vote. She said that it was not right “to change the rules in the middle of the game”. The towns need a safeguard against paying an assessment that they cannot afford. · Members mentioned the legal costs of pushing the state law over the agreement and also losing valuable staff. · Mrs. Grazio asked if transportation fees could be charged to students in regional school districts. Dr. MacLean will check that with the District legal council. · Dr. MacLean reviewed his budget adjustments. There will not be an increase in fees. The cuts in the schools were made with every effort to make as little disruption as possible in both the classrooms and programs. Motion/Vote It was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mrs. Grazio to approve the Superintendent’s FY05 recommended budget reductions. Motion carried. (for: Levine, Buell, O’Keefe, Darke, Piccolomini, Muench, Grazio, Cronin, Atwood, Littlefield)(opposed: Conner)(for: 10.1)(opposed: .8) Motion/Vote It was moved by Mr. Atwood and seconded by Dr. Littlefield to accept any additional funding for teachers at elementary schools from towns if such towns come forward with such money. There was a friendly amendment to have this reviewed by the District’s legal council. (for: Levine, O’Keefe, Darke, Piccolomini, Conner, Cronin, Atwood, Littlefield)(abstained: Buell, Muench)(for: 7.6)(abstained: 2.2) Mrs. Grazio was not present for the previous motion. Regional
Agreement Mr. O’Keefe reviewed with the Committee that they agreed to adopt Chapter 71, 16B that includes the method of assessment to include choice students and to have the quorum be the simple majority of the committee. Mr. Cronin suggests that the School Committee be reduced to six members, two per town with equal weight to the votes. Dr. MacLean said there would be a choice; an at large membership with a district wide election or weighted vote. Mr. Buell disagreed and said there would be misrepresentation in each town. Mr. O’Keefe said that he agreed with Mr. Cronin. He said that the discussion with twelve members is redundant and gets in the way of the Committee being effective. Dialogue would increase with few members. There would be more demand for the positions. Mrs. Grazio said that they should review how they operate as a Committee. There could be room for the Committee to work more efficiently and effectively together. Mrs. Darke reminded members that this is a suggestion that will be made to the towns and the towns will decide. Motion/Vote It was moved by Mr. O’Keefe and seconded by Mr. Cronin to recommend to the towns reductions in membership from twelve to six members. Motion carried. (for O’Keefe, Darke, Piccolomini, Cronin, Atwood, Littlefield)(opposed: Levine, Buell, Muench, Grazio, Conner)(for: 5.7)(opposed: 5.2) Motion/Vote
It was moved by Mrs. Grazio and seconded by Mr. O’Keefe to strike the segment from the agreement to allow one town to give more funds to their elementary school. Motion carried. (for: Levine, Buell, O’Keefe, Muench, Grazio, Littlefield)(opposed: Darke, Piccolomini, Conner, Cronin, Atwood)(for: 6.3)(opposed: 4.8) Mrs. Grazio said the town has to vote on the budget and the assessment that the Committee voted on. Mrs. Grazio said the Committee should operate as a District allocating resources appropriately based on the needs of the individual buildings. Motion/Vote It was moved by Mrs. Grazio and seconded by Mr. Buell to discuss with the towns a formalized lease with the elementary schools. The Committee would like to see a template before it is presented to the towns. Motion carried. (unanimous approval) Mrs. Grazio suggestion is to have the lease with the elementary schools done separately and not in conjunction with the Regional Agreement. Mr. Atwood agreed. Policy Motion/Vote It was moved by Mrs. Muench and seconded by Mr. Buell to adopt the following policies: Mission Statement, School District Legal Status, People and their School District, School District Goals/Objectives, Regional Agreement, Section B- BBAA, BCA, BDA, BDB, BDF, BDFA-E-1, BDFA-E-3, BE, BEC, BEDA, BEDB, BEDC, BEDF, BEE, BGC, BGE, BGF, BHC, BHE, BIA, BJ, BK, BDE, BEDG, Section C – CA, CBD, CE, CH, CHA/B/C, CHCA, CHD, CL, CM, Section D – DA, DGA, DH, and BDD, BDFA, BEDB-E as amended 3/25/03 and accepted 5/18/04. Motion carried. (unanimous approval) Adjournment Motion/Vote It was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mr. Cronin to adjourn the meeting at 9:58 p.m. Motion carried. (unanimous approval) Respectfully submitted, Marianne Naffah Recording Secretary |
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August
3, 2004
Approved: September 7, 2004
Distribution: Website, PAT, I. Buerger PENTUCKET
REGIONAL SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Middle
School
August 3, 2004 Members
present:
Chairman Darke, Mr. Levine, Mr. Buell, Mr. O’Keefe, Mr. Cronin, Mrs.
Conner, Mr. Atwood, Dr. Littlefield, Mrs. Grazio, Mrs. Piccolomini, Mrs.
Muench, Mr.
Castiglione Also
present:
Dr. McGinn, Mr. Gibson, Mr. Repucci, Spectators, and Press Call
to Order Chairman
Darke called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Majority
Vote The
majority vote was set at 5.5.
Agenda It
was moved by Mr. O’Keefe and seconded by Mr. Cronin to approve the
agenda as amended. The
amendments were to add a statement from Dr. Littlefield and an Executive
Session for the purposes of discussing the pending litigation and the
ESP’s contract. Motion carried. (unanimous approval) Consent
Agenda It
was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mrs. Conner to approve the
consent agenda as amended. The amendments were to remove the Finance
Report, Communication Report, Minutes dated July 13th and
July 20th 2004. Motion carried. (for: Buell, Levine,
O’Keefe, Conner, Cronin, Atwood, Littlefield, Darke,
Piccolomini)(opposed: Muench, Grazio)(for: 8.7)(opposed: 2.2) Minutes Motion/Vote
It was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mr. Levine to accept the minutes of July 13, 2004 as amended. The amendment was to delete the statement under the Superintendent’s Evaluation: “Two members did not turn them in.” The following statements were added: “The evaluation summary was based on evaluations from nine School Committee members. Mrs. Grazio would like to discuss the evaluation tool at a future meeting with the full Committee.” Motion carried. (Muench, Darke, Piccolomini, Buell, O’Keefe, Levine, Conner, Cronin, Atwood)(abstained: Grazio, Littlefield)(for: 9.0)(abstained: 1.9) Motion/Vote It was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mr. Cronin to accept the minutes of July 20, 2004 as amended. The motion/vote on the policy was rewritten: “It was moved by Mrs. Muench and seconded by Mr. Buell to adopt the following policies: Mission Statement, School District Legal Status, People and their School District, School District Goals/Objectives, Regional Agreement, Section B- BBAA, BCA, BDA, BDB, BDF, BDFA-E-1, BDFA-E-3, BE, BEC, BEDA, BEDB, BEDC, BEDF, BEE, BGC, BGE, BGF, BHC, BHE, BIA, BJ, BK, BDE, BEDG, Section C – CA, CBD, CE, CH, CHA/B/C, CHCA, CHD, CL, CM, Section D – DA, DGA, DH, and BDD, BDFA, BEDB-E as amended 3/25/03 and accepted 5/18/04. Motion carried. (unanimous approval) There was a discussion on the Finance Subcommittee’s recommendations regarding their roles and responsibilities. Motion carried. (unanimous approval) The minutes from the spring 2003 will be reviewed regarding the subcommittee’s responsibilities. Mr. Atwood suggested each subcommittee make individual motions on their roles. Mrs. Grazio requested all members received the agendas on all subcommittee meetings. Finance Report Motion/Vote
It
was moved by Mr. Cronin and seconded by Mr. Buell to direct the
administration to give the Committee a copy of the FY04/05 budget, as it
exists, one page comparing this year and last year. This information
will be in the next packet. Any
member that wants the full binder may contact the central office. Motion
carried. (unanimous approval) Motion/Vote It
was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mr. Cronin to accept and file the
Finance Subcommittee Reports dated August 3, 2004 and June 20, 2004.
Motion carried. (unanimous approval) Communications
Report Mr. Buell gave the Committee a brief update on the Communications Subcommittee. For the purposes of improving communication with the towns, the subcommittee recommends a delegation from the Committee attend a Board of Selectmen meeting in each town, four times a year. Motion/Vote It
was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mr. O’Keefe to have Mr. Buell
contact the Board of Selectmen in each town and email the Committee with
a tentative schedule. Motion carried. (unanimous approval) Donation Motion/Vote It was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mr. Atwood to accept the donation from the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary #38 in the amount of $300 for the Computer and Technology Department at the middle school. Motion carried. (Muench, Darke, Piccolomini, Buell, O’Keefe, Levine, Conner, Cronin, Atwood, Littlefield)(abstained: Grazio))(for: 9.8)(abstained: 1.1) Administrative
Reports Mentoring
Program Update Dr. McGinn gave the Committee a brief update on the Mentoring Program. The Committee received a list of the mentors for the 2004/05 school year by school and grade level. Principals will use this list as they assign mentors to new hires. All of the District’s mentors, except for one who will be inactive this year, have participated in the training offered this summer. Middle
School Roof Update Mr. Gibson informed the Committee that the vote they took last fall to bond the middle school roof was not valid because it had to be voted by the three towns within sixty days of the Committee’s vote. The District did not follow the procedure in the Regional Agreement according to the bond council. Mr. Castiglione arrived at 8:10 p.m. The majority vote changed to 6.1. Mr. Buell suggested asking the towns to hold a special town meeting. Some members were concerned about the expense and the quorum issue. Motion/Vote It was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mrs. Grazio to have the administration approach the towns and asked them to hold a special town meeting before September 15, 2004. Motion carried. (unanimous approval) Regional
Agreement Mr. Cronin reviewed the previous discussion with members. He said that the number of members would be reduced to six. According to Chapter 71, Section 14E there are 5 options. Number one is electing committee members by voters in member communities with each community’s representation apportioned according to population. The second is electing members in district-wide elections to be held at the biennial state elections. The third is electing members with residency requirements in district-wide elections to be held at the biennial state elections. The four is weighing the votes of committee members according to the population they represent. The last option is appointing members by locally elected officials such as school board members. Mr. Cronin recommended option three. Members questioned the term residency and suggested checking with legal council. Motion/Vote It was moved by Mrs. Grazio and seconded by Mr. Levine to direct the administration to get legal council to “explain in English” what each of the options means for our District (Chapter 71, Section 14E). Motion carried. (unanimous approval) Mr. Cronin recommended changing the wording allowing town contributions. He recommended a member town (or any other organization) may contribute additional funds to the District, above and beyond its assessment for member town’s, to support specific programs +/or services, subject to a majority vote of the School Committee. Mrs. Grazio said that she disagrees and that the funds should be allocated for the needs of all children. Mrs. Grazio said other elementary schools would be at a disadvantage if some towns put in more money for their elementary schools. This issue was taken off the table. Mr. Cronin suggested refining and revoting wording on assessment allocation to comply with state law: “The member towns agree to assess the sum of their required minimum contrivutions, as defined by state law, proportional to the student population of each town (this to include all choice/charter out students as part of the student population) in keeping with MGL Chapter 71, Section 16B, Amendment C551, Section 220. Any amount assessed to member towns that exceeds the required minimum contributions will use the same proportional student population formula.” Mr. Cronin said that the next suggestion he had was with regard to the assessments according to population. Mr. Cronin said that he would like to see the minimum required contribution be apportioned according to population as opposed to the foundation budget and any amount above and beyond the minimum requirement would be apportion according to population. This would keep in line with the way we assess the funds which is according to population. Mrs. Grazio asked what the advantage would be to the two-step method. Mr. Cronin said that it is foundation and population. Some members felt that it would solve the town’s problems short term. Some members said that the state law is consistent and the district should be consistent. Motion/Vote It was moved by Mrs. Grazio and seconded by Mr. Buell to have the administration set up a tri-town meeting with the Selectmen, Finance Directors, and Finance Committee members to “brainstorm” assessment methods. Motion carried. (for: Levine, Piccolomini, Muench, Grazio, Conner, Atwood, Littlefield)(opposed: Castiglione, Buell, O’Keefe, Darke, Cronin)(for: 6.8)(opposed: 5.2) Chairman Darke suggested having the tri-town meeting on August 24th. Members agreed. Mrs. Grazio proposed that an additional article be added that would require the Agreement to ve reviewed on a regular basis with the time and method articulated in the article. Chairwoman Darke said that she would put that on the next agenda. Mr. Cronin asked to have Section 12 of the agreement on the next agenda and he would like to discuss ways that the elementary schools are set up and characterized. Motion/Vote It was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mrs. Grazio to table Program and Services. Motion carried. (for: Grazio, Muench, Darke, Piccolomini, Castiglione, Buell, O’Keefe, Levine, Cronin, Littlefield, Atwood)(opposed: Conner)(for: 11.2)(opposed: .8) Dr. Littlefield gave her resignation. Dr. Littlefield said with mix feelings she would like to resign from the School Committee. Dr. Littefield would like to apply for the principal position that is open at the Bagnall School. Dr. Littlefield said that her true passion is education and that she hopes to contribute to the District through the principal’s position at the Bagnall. Motion/Vote It was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mr. Cronin to enter into Executive Session, Chapter 39, Section 23, B.3. Motion carried by roll call vote. (unanimous approval) Adjournment Motion/Vote It was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mr. Levine to adjourn the meeting at 10:00 p.m. Motion carried. (unanimous approval) Respectfully submitted, Marianne Naffah Recording Secretary
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PENTUCKET
REGIONAL SCHOOL COMMITTEE
High School
August
24, 2004 Members
present:
Chairman Darke, Mr. Levine, Mr. O’Keefe, Mrs. Conner, Mr. Atwood, Mrs.
Grazio, Mrs. Piccolomini, Mr. Castiglione Also
present:
Dr. MacLean, Dr. McGinn, State Representative Stanley, Groveland
Selectmen, Dr. Darke, Mrs. Gorski, Mrs. Sheehan, Groveland Finance
Director Mr. Labrecque, Groveland Finance Committee Members, Mr.
Minichiello, Mr. Wildes, Mr. Kowalski, Mr. Plummer, Merrimac Selectmen,
Mr. Dunn, Mr. Sinibaldi, Mrs. Traynor, Merrimac Finance Director Mrs.
McLeod, Merrimac Finance Committee Members, Mr. Cryan, Mr. Hackett, Mr.
Bearse, Mrs. Heusser, West Newbury Selectmen, Mr. Knowles, Mrs.
O’Sullivan, West Newbury Finance Director Ms. Blais, Finance Committee
Members, Mr. Ardry, Mr. Kapturowski, Dr. Archibald, Mr. Anderson,
Spectators, and Press Call
to Order Chairman
Darke called the meeting to order at 7:38 p.m. Chairwoman
Darke asked everyone to focus on two sections of the agreement that
affected the towns’ finances and that are not in compliance with state
law. The School Committee recommends having the budget approved if two
out of three towns vote for it. The base budget requires two out of
three towns’ approval. The supplemental budget requires all three
towns’ approval. Mr.
O’Keefe informed everyone that the Strategic Planning Committee was
charged by the full Committee to take a look at specific areas of the
Regional Agreement. The specific areas were as follows: ·
Changing
the agreement to a two out of three vote on the budget. ·
Eliminating
the separation of the base and supplemental budget to one single budget. ·
Utilizing
the two-step method for assessment. ·
Reducing
the School Committee to six members. ·
Removing
the opportunity for towns to fund elementary schools within their towns. ·
Changing
the quorum requirements to a simple majority. Discussion
followed: ·
Eleven
years ago when the Regional Agreement was developed there was an
extensive debate about the two out of three towns and it was decided
that as a District three out of three would be best. Several town
officials questioned why a change would be necessary. ·
Chairwoman
Darke said that that section of the agreement is illegal and does not
comply with the law. It required special legislation, which was never
done. At the time Senator Buell wanted all town leaders to be in favor
of this special legislation and one town finance committee was not.
Chairwoman Darke said that special legislation has to be done or that
portion of the agreement needs to be changed. ·
Mr.
Ardry asked if the two-step method was linked to how many School
Committee members there were and the weighted vote. ·
Mrs.
Grazio said that eleven years ago the towns agreed on a compromise that
if the budget increased and that caused an increase in the assessments
that increase would be placed on the supplemental budget. ·
Mr.
Plummer commented that the state funds 57% of the school budget and by
the year 2007 that may decrease to 36%. Mr. Atwood reminded people that
the District has a 6% per pupil expenditure. There is nowhere to cut and
the buildings need repair. ·
There
was a tri-town finance meeting last evening and all agreed that two out
of three would be unsatisfactory. The Board of Selectmen in Merrimac
agreed. ·
Mr.
Ardry suggested the budget process start earlier. ·
Ms.
O’Sullivan said that there should be a maximum number of absences
allowed for School Committee members and if they go over that number
they should be asked to resign. There have been habitual offenders. Mr.
Castiglione agreed that quorum problems have left the Committee unable
to conduct business. ·
Mr.
Dunn said that the three towns met and told the Superintendent what they
could afford. The School Committee came back with a larger number (1.6)
and pursued it. He said that the School Committee is unwilling to live
within their means.
·
Dr.
Archibald, Ms. O’Sullivan, and Mr. Ardry do not agree with the
two-step method. ·
Ms.
O’Sullivan said that this District is not a good match for the
two-step method and does not attract additional federal or state money.
Each town should pay their equal share. Originally there was a two-step
method in place and it was changed in the mid 90’s to per pupil
expenditure. ·
Mrs.
Grazio said the schools should maintain town representation and one-man
one vote. ·
Mr.
Minichiello interpreted the vote in Merrimac as a vote of no confidence.
He suggested the Committee inform the communities more and get the towns
to be part of the process. Mr. Atwood said they have had informational
sessions. Mr. Ardry said there is a credibility gap, the numbers changed
and the decisions on whether or not make cuts. ·
Several
officials recommended a tri-town task force with a limited number of
members and with a deadline. It was suggested that the Committee start
at the top of the agreement and go through the whole agreement and then
give the recommendations to the towns. Chairman
Darke concluded the meeting at 9:30 p.m. The School Committee will
decide how to proceed at the next business meeting. |
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PENTUCKET REGIONAL SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Middle
School
September 7, 2004 Members
Present:
Chairwoman Darke, Mrs. Grazio, Mrs. Muench, Mrs. Piccolomini, Mrs.
Conner, Mr. Cronin, Mr. Atwood, Mr. Castiglione, Mr. Buell, Mr.
O’Keefe Also
Present:
Dr. MacLean, Dr. McGinn, Student Representative, Ms. Burns, Spectators
and Press Absent:
Mr. Levine Call
to Order
Chairwoman
Darke called the meeting to order at 7:38 p.m. Majority
Vote The
majority vote was set at 5.1. Agenda It
was moved by Mr. Cronin and seconded by Mr. O’Keefe to accept the
agenda as amended. The amendments were to add a discussion on the Chief
Financial and Business Officer’s Position, a Subcommittee Report on
Strategic Planning, and a discussion on the Central Office
Reorganization. Motion carried. (for: Darke, Muench, Piccolomini,
Conner, Cronin, Atwood, Castiglione, O’Keefe)(opposed: Grazio,
Buell)(for: 7.9)(opposed: 2.2) Consent
Agenda It
was moved by Mr. O’Keefe and seconded by Mr. Cronin to accept the
Consent Agenda as amended. The amendments were to remove Mr. K’s Auto
School and the River Valley Charter School Annual Report. Motion
carried. (for: Darke, Buell, Piccolomini, Conner, Cronin, Atwood,
Castiglione, O’Keefe)(opposed: Grazio, Muench)(for: 7.9)(opposed: 2.2) Chairwoman
Darke commented on the way the River Valley Charter School did their
goals and reviewed them. Mr. O’Keefe commented that the Strategic
Planning Committee had done that in the spring and is waiting for an
opportunity to discuss it with the full Committee. Chairwoman Darke
would like to place it on the next agenda. Delegation Dr.
MacLean introduced Phil Benincasa to the School Committee. Mr. Benincasa
will be the interim Principal at the Bagnall School for the next school
year. Mr. Benincasa worked as a principal at the Concord School system
for over 30 years. He was principal of the year in metro west in 1995.
He received the educator of the year award from Boston University in
2003. Mr. Benincasa is very pleased to be at Pentucket. Business
Manager’s Position Mr.
Buell passed out two documents. The first was a list of School Committee
Hiring Requirements. The second was from Attorney Finnegan to the MASC
regarding School Committee Personnel Authority Concerning the Position
of the Business Manager and Budget Authority. Dr. MacLean said that the
position has been readvertised. The first person that was offered the
job declined. He is planning to reconvene the subcommittee next week to
review applications. The Committee gave the Superintendent the authority
to lead the process and make the recommended choice to the full
Committee. Mr. Buell asked
members to consider having the full Committee do the search if this
second search fails. Administration Middle
School Roof Dr.
MacLean gave the Committee the language that needs to be voted on to
proceed with the middle school roof project. Motion/Vote It
was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mr. Cronin to accept the language
of the middle school roof debt authorization language. “Voted that the
sum of $700,000 is appropriated for replacement of the middle school
roof; and that this appropriation be raised by incurring debt by the
issuance of bonds or notes under Section 16 of Chapter 71 of the General
Laws as amended.” Motion carried. (unanimous approval) Dr.
MacLean informed the Committee that the three towns have agreed to place
this on their October town meetings. FY05
Budget Dr.
MacLean gave members a copy of the FY05 Budget. This final version
reflects adjustments made because of town meeting and ballot decisions
and prior and subsequent School Committee votes. Mrs. Grazio would like to see the detail for the central office and district wide. She would also like to see the narrative on those sites. Mrs. Grazio would also like to see the end of the year report. Dr. MacLean said that it would be submitted to the state at the end of September. Mr. Castiglione asked to see preliminary numbers through August 4, 2004. Motion/Vote It
was moved by Mr. Castiglione and second by Mr. Cronin for a list of the
salaries that make up each line item in the central office and in the
district wide FY05 Budget. Mr.
Castiglione requested the preliminary actual face sheet on the end of
the year report. Motion carried. (for: Darke, Muench, Piccolomini,
Conner, Atwood, Cronin, Castiglione, Buell, O’Keefe)(opposed:
Grazio)(for: 9.0)(opposed: 1.1) Programs
and Services Dr.
McGinn distributed the format that the central office is employing to
collect data on the scope of Pentucket programs and services. After a
brief discussion, the Committee requested the following additional
information: q
List
of programs that are mandated (state
frameworks or law) q
How
is staff assigned (FTE, resources, indirect and direct costs) q
Enrollment
in each program. How many students are requesting electives and are any
turned away? q
Descriptions
of materials required for the programs. What is supplied? What other
sources are used to provide supplies? What is student responsible for? Motion/Vote
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