HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - SC - 03/30/2017 A
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Cohasset School Committee Meeting
Joint Meeting with Cohasset Advisory Committee
School Committee Minutes
Thursday March 30, 2017
Cohasset Town Hall
Selectmen's Meeting Room
Highland Ave
Cohasset, MA
In Attendance: Jeanne Astino, Chairman
Ellen Maher
Barbara Stefan
Amanda Zani
Also in Attendance: Louise Demas, Superintendent
John Tuffy, Interim Business Manager
Call to Order and Roll Call-Chairman Astino called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. Roll Call Vote;
Jeanne Astino-Present, Ellen Maher-Present, Barbara Stefan-Present,Amanda Zani arrived at 7:05pm.
Present from Advisory; Nan Roth, Rich Fitzpatrick,John Chapman,Tanya Bodell, George Chamillard,
Paul Carlson, Lee Jenkins, Lynda Mooney
Supt. Demas and Mr.Tuffy presented the FY 18 School Budget highlighting the fact that the school
budget is on the Town Manager's recommended number.
The budget was articulated through the lens of the Vision Statement for the District, the Strategic and
Technology Plans with the final criteria for decision making "What is best for the children". Leadership
was creative in assessing needs and finding solutions to fulfilling those needs.
Highlighted items included:
1. Overall staff reduction of-2.0 as well as student enrollment trends
2. Fulfilling FY 17 deferred requests of transitional ESP at the CMHS and as well as the dual
certified HS Social Studies/Sped position.
3. Deployment of Special Education co-teaching model in the 6t"and 9t"grade in English and Math
based on the Shillingslaw report,with the foreshadowing that further deployment of the model
in FY 19 may have budget implications
4. Circuit breaker strategy to get back on traditional allocation by FY 19.
The Advisory Committee voted 8-0 to support the School Budget.
Review of the Special Education Reserve Fund article took place, highlighting the change from the
current Special Education Stabilization Fund. The Advisory Committee voted in favor of the warrant
article 8-0.
Discussion of the status of the Cohasset town and school playgrounds and the required compliance for
accessibility, Supt. Demas and Recreation Director Ted Carroll highlighted where they are in the process.
Significant discussion took place regarding timelines, scope of work,fines for non-compliance, sourcing
of the work. Supt Demas and Mr. Carroll advised that they have worked with the CPC and the CPC has
committed to funding the improvements. Supt. Demas also advised that private fundraising is being
done to replace the playground at the Osgood School.
The Advisory Committee voted 6-2 to support the playground CPC funding.
The School Committee adjourned their meeting on a motion by Mrs. Astino, seconded by Mrs. Maher,
all AYE.
After exiting Executive Session, Mrs.Astino moved to close the open session at 7:56 pm seconded by
Mrs. Maher, all Aye