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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - SC - 05/04/2016 T CQ%ASSET O Cohasset School Committee Meeting School Committee Minutes Wednesday, May 4, 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 7:20 p.m. Roll Call Vote; Barbara Stefan-Present, Katie Dugan-Present,Jeanne Astino-Present, Mary McGoldrick-Present, Ellen Maher-Present. Pledge of Allegiance-Recited Cohasset Public Schools Strategic Plan-Superintendent Cataldo and Assistant Principal Brian Scott presented the Committee with the CPS Strategic Plan for 2016-2021. They gave an overview of the process that started last June with the Steering Committee. They discussed the Cohasset Public Schools Vision Statement, Strategic Action Plan and Stakeholder Input Analysis. The Committee gave their comments and recommendations to some of the language in the executive summary. They discussed having a facilities assessment at a meeting during the summer. Mrs. Dugan requested to include the Digital Learning Plan as a hyperlink with Strategic Plan.Jack Buckley, North Main Street, requested stronger emphasis on community partnerships in the Strategic Plan. Invitation to Speak-Greg Wallingford-144 Lamberts Lane-spoke about the proposed Foreign Exchange student. He asked if the Committee would consider waiving the tuition to relieve financial stress on the family. Most schools waive the tuition. The benefits outweigh the cost. They have known the family for decades. Diane Kennedy-59 Jerusalem Road Drive-read aloud a statement thanking Mrs. McGoldrick for her service on the School Committee and her tremendous contributions to the Cohasset Schools and children over the past 20 years. She stated that there has been no one in the past twenty years who has accomplished as much as she has with such dedication, commitment, intelligence, inclusiveness and grace. Superintendent Report-Technology Update-Deputy CIO-Bart Riley advised the Committee the IPads were distributed to the Osgood students and the kids very excited to have them. The digital laptops are going out now. The Chromebook distribution is a little behind. There will be 3 carts in grade 4 and 3 carts in grade 5.They should be distributed around Memorial Day week. They are meeting tomorrow with the fiber vendor now that Town Meeting has approved funding. We need the hardware to sync with Google. He shared a Digital Citizenship poster that the kids will see. Grade 3 will roll out May 5, 2nd grade will roll out May 6 with 12 per class. Grade 1 and Kindergarten were distributed April 28. All administrators have the digital laptops. Kindergarten Update-Superintendent Cataldo stated she would have a complete list for the Committee at the next meeting. The Committee had a brief discussion about the last few years' summer enrollment data. Mrs. Cataldo will bring the historical summer enrollment data (2013, 2014, 2015) to the next meeting as well. Conversation about Exchange Student-Supt. Cataldo gave the Committee information about the J-1 Visa exchange visitor program. She advised the Committee that PAX would be at the meeting on May 18t". Chairman Astino advised the audience that this is something new for the district and the Committee needs to do its due diligence. Retirement Letters-Supt. Cataldo advised the Committee they have received a letter from Michael Weydt that he will be retiring on September 15, 2016 after 29 years of teaching in the Town of Cohasset. Chairman Astino stated Mr. Weydt has been here a long time and will be missed. Supt. Cataldo advised the Committee they have received a letter from Robert LeCount that he will be retiring on June 30, 2016. Chairman Astino stated the district is losing some great people. Middle School Music Festival Trip-Instrumental-Vocal Music teacher John DeWaal was present asking for approval for the Annual Spring Music Festival on Friday,June 3, 2016 for the middle school concert band and concert choir students. Motion by Mrs. McGoldrick to approve the Annual Spring Music Festival trip on Friday,June 3,2016,seconded by Mrs. Maher. Roll Call Vote; Barbara Stefan-Aye, Katie Dugan-Aye,Jeanne Astino-Aye, Mary McGoldrick-Aye, Ellen Maher-Aye. Finance-Warrant 16-23S-Motion by Mrs. McGoldrick to approve Warrant 16-23S,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-Interim Superintendent—Chairman Astino stated the Committee is pleased to announce that Louise Demas has accepted the Interim Superintendent position as of July 1St for up to one year. Motion by Mrs. McGoldrick to appoint Louise Demas to Interim Superintendent as of July 1, 2016 up to one year in duration,seconded by Mrs. Maher. Roll Call Vote; Barbara Stefan-Aye, Katie Dugan-Aye,Jeanne Astino-Aye, Mary McGoldrick-Aye, Ellen Maher-Aye. The Committee discussed communicating the announcement to the community and staff. Ms. Demas will draft something with Superintendent Cataldo for the community. Supt. Cataldo will advise the staff immediately after the meeting. Ratification of the Cafeteria Workers& ESP's contracts-Motion by Mrs. McGoldrick to approve the Cohasset Food Service Employees contract from July 1,2016 through June 30, 2019,seconded by Mrs. Maher. Roll Call Vote; Barbara Stefan-Aye, Katie Dugan-Aye,Jeanne Astino-Aye, Mary McGoldrick- Aye, Ellen Maher-Aye. Motion by Mrs. McGoldrick to approve the ESP's contract from September 1,2015 through August 31, 2018, 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. Report from subcommittees-Mrs. McGoldrick advised the Committee that she, along with Supt. Cataldo and Mrs. Demas, met with CIO Ron Menard & Deputy CIO Bart Riley and they discussed the remaining policies related to Technology. Chairman Astino distributed a list of the sub-committees for everyone to review. The next meeting is after the town elections. Mrs. Dugan discussed the process for the Osgood Principal search. The search committee will meet again on 5/12 and 5/17 and the interviews will be on May 23, 24&25`". Mrs. Demas stated the committee is well represented and it will be an objective search. The received 25 candidates resumes and will narrow down to 6. Mrs. Dugan spoke about the State testing for lead in water bubblers at schools. Cohasset has been told all tests were clean. Chairman Astino stated she has set up a workshop with MASC for the upcoming superintendent search. The workshop is tentatively scheduled for June 6 or 71". She will confirm and let the Committee know. The Committee had a brief discussion about having exit interviews with Lisa Uglialoro. Mrs. Demas stated the principals currently hold exit interviews. Motion by Mrs. McGoldrick to adjourn, seconded by Mrs. Dugan and the vote was unanimous(5-0). The meeting adjourned at 9:28 p.m. Documents use at the Meeting Strategic Plan-Public Hearing C-1 Retirement E-1 Middle School Music Festival Trip E-2