HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - SC - 02/03/2016 T CQ%ASSET O
Cohasset School Committee Meeting
School Committee Minutes
Wednesday, February 3, 2016
Cohasset Middle-High School
Community Use Room
143 Pond Street
Cohasset, MA
In Attendance: Jeanne Astino, Chairman
Mary McGoldrick
Ellen Maher
Katie Dugan
Barbara Stefan
Also in Attendance: Barbara Cataldo, Superintendent
Call to Order and Roll Call
Chairman Astino called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Roll Call Vote; Barbara Stefan-Present, Katie
Dugan-Present,Jeanne Astino-Present, Mary McGoldrick-Present, Ellen Maher-Present.
Chairman Astino asked for a motion to go into executive session for exemption#4-to discuss the
security personnel or devices,or strategies with respect thereto. The Committee will reconvene in
public session. Mrs. McGoldrick moved the motion, seconded by Mrs. Maher. Roll Call Vote;Jeanne
Astino-Aye, Katie Dugan-Aye, Barbara Stefan-Aye, Ellen Maher-Aye, Mary McGoldrick-Aye.
The Committee went into executive session at 6:31 p.m.
The Committee came out of executive session at 7:19 p.m. and back into public session.
Chairman Astino asked for a Roll Call Vote; Barbara Stefan-Present, Katie Dugan-Present,Jeanne
Astino-Present, Mary McGoldrick-Present, Ellen Maher-Present.
Chairman Astino introduced and welcomed the Student Representative Jane Cavanaro to the
Committee.
Pledge-Recited
Invitation to Speak-Kathleen Kisler-414 King Street read aloud a prepared statement requesting a
change to the lottery for Kindergarten. Chairman Astino responded by giving an overview of the process
over the last few months and how the Committee has actively invited community input. Mrs. Dugan
added that understanding the budget cycle and getting a better handle on the number of Kindergarten
students will help with the process.
School Committee Communications-Mrs. McGoldrick gave a security update. All security suggestions
that came out the recent hot wash have been completed. The Superintendent meets regularly with the
administration. They continue to work with the SRO Sgt. Lopes.
Superintendents Report-Euro Trip-Mr.Jim Willis was present and gave an overview of the proposed trip
to Germany in April 2017. He explained that because the French trip was postponed for a year, he
would like to schedule the trip in order to stay off years with that program. Motion by Mrs. McGoldrick
to approve the trip to Germany in April 2017 as a school sponsored trip, seconded by Mrs. Maher and
the vote was unanimous(5-0).
Strategic Plan Update-Superintendent Cataldo stated Mrs. McGoldrick joined them at the leadership
meeting this week and they worked on curriculum and assessment. She is working on focus groups for
teachers and students. That will finish up the focus groups. She forwarded the survey to the Committee
as requested. Superintendent Cataldo noted when they met in the evening most people that attended
where residents that had lived in the town for many years and their children were no longer students at
the school. Residents that attended the Saturday focus group have moved into town within the last 3
years. It was interesting to hear both perspectives on issues. They were able to take away a lot of
information. Mrs. McGoldrick agreed they were great groups. She stated the group that met on
Saturday encouraged the schools how to communicate in different ways.
FY17 Budget Special Education Detail-Director of Student Services Mary Buchanan was present and
discussed the Special Education budget detail. Mrs. Dugan asked for more information on the
breakdown of ESP's. Ms. Buchanan will get info and bring back to the Committee. She informed the
Committee that there is an increase of needs at the middle school level. There is a big adjustment for
students in middle school with switching classes. They are looking closer at how services are delivered.
President of SEPAC Helane Childs-73 Pond Street added the social/emotional and executive functioning
services should be evaluated. Student Representative Jane Cavanaro agreed that there is more focus
needed at the middle school to alleviate issues at the high school level. Bianca Bersani-40 Forest
Avenue asked for clarification on the increase in district wide special education services since it is
increased by 44%. Mrs. Dugan explained that there has been a cost increase in out of district tuition and
they are budgeting things differently in FY17 than in FY16. They are moving line items around.
Business Manager-Next Steps-Superintendent Cataldo advised the Committee the Interim Business
Manager position has been posted. They have had 6 or 7 responses. Mrs. McGoldrick asked for a
timeline of interviews. The posting had a deadline of 2/12/16 for resumes and then interviews can be
set up. The goal is to have someone by 2/29/16 on board to cross train. Mrs. McGoldrick suggested
putting together a selection committee to help with the process of hiring for the permanent position.
Chairman Astino and Mrs. Dugan volunteered to be on the sub-committee. They will work with
Superintendent Cataldo on reviewing resumes and interviews. They agreed to finish the interim process
then move on to the permanent.
Retirement-Superintendent Cataldo advised the Committee they have received a resignation letter from
April Martin-Ring. She has been a bus driver for 13 years. They have posted for her position.
Warrant 16-165
Motion by Mrs. McGoldrick to approve Warrant 16-16S, seconded by Mrs. Stefan. Roll Call Vote;
Barbara Stefan-Aye, Katie Dugan-Aye,Jeanne Astino-Aye, Mary McGoldrick-Aye. Ellen Maher
abstained from the vote.
School Committee Comments&Communications-Mrs. Maher attended the Capital Budget meeting
and there were interesting conversations about technology. The Capital Budget Committee discussed
ways to follow projects to see that they get completed when funds are appropriated. Brian Joyce was
also present and discussed the power plan for all the buildings with portable generators that can be
deployed within an hour. The Osgood School has a generator. It is not a full power generator but it is
sufficient to prevent freezing and/or damage. They discussed the additional generators to support Deer
Hill as a warming station and the other for emergency management. They also discussed the HVAC
system at the schools and money that was appropriated 2 years ago. According to Brian Joyce there has
been work done on the system and it will continue to need work therefore he would like to keep money
for that. Capital Budget will also be repurposing any monies not used on approved projects. Mrs.
McGoldrick took part in the leadership meetings for the strategic plan. The next one is on Tuesday. She
met with Mrs. Dugan and Mr. DeGennaro as the finance sub-committee. Next week on Tuesday evening
@ 7 p.m. SEPAC is hosting an Assistive Technology workshop. Mrs. Dugan gave an update on the budget
and finance sub-committee. The focus was on IT. There is a Capital Budget request for$75,000 for a
lease component for the Digital Rollout for Deer Hill and Osgood Schools. Mrs. Dugan asked for a
budget book of all the changes Mr. DeGennaro has made before the 2/24 meeting so they can review.
She will work with Mrs. Maher and combine information.
Minutes
Motion by Mrs. McGoldrick to approve the minutes of 1/7/16 as amended seconded by Mrs. Maher
and the vote was unanimous(5-0).
Follow up& Updates-Mrs. Maher went through her list of follow ups that she sent out to the
Committee. The Committee removed items from the list that have been addressed. Mrs. Maher asked
about the list of classes that have finals. Superintendent Cataldo stated she has the list and will send it
to the Committee.
Motion by Mrs. Stefan to adjourn, seconded by Mrs. McGoldrick and the vote was unanimous(5-0).
The meeting adjourned at 9:58 p.m.
List of Documents used at Meeting
F-1 Strategic Plan Update
F-2 Business Manager-Next Steps
F-3 Retirement Notice
1-1 Minutes 1/7/16