HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - SC - 09/20/2017 T CQ%ASSET O
Cohasset School Committee Meeting
School Committee Minutes
Wednesday, September 20, 2017
Cohasset Middle-High School
Community Use Room
143 Pond Street
Cohasset, MA
In Attendance: Jeanne Astino, Chairman
Katie Dugan
Barbara Stefan-arrived @ 7:45 pm
Ellen Maher
Jennifer Madden
Also in Attendance: Louise Demas, Superintendent
John Tuffy, Interim Business Manager
Patrick Sullivan,Assistant Superintendent
Call to Order and Roll Call-Chairman Astino called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. Roll Call Vote;
Katie Dugan-Present,Jeanne Astino-Present, Ellen Maher-Present,Jennifer Madden-Present.
Pledge-Recited
Invitation to Speak-Eric Spear-15 Wood Way asked for an explanation about the incident that occurred
at the Middle/High School this week. He would like some answers that are not vague and would like to
know the disciplinary actions that were taken. Chairman Astino said there was an incident at the school
and unfortunately the School Committee meeting is not the venue to discuss it. The operations of the
school are the responsibility of the Superintendent. The Superintendent is willing to meet and discuss
privately with anyone. Wendy Esposito-22 Smith Place asked if they have educated the kids about the
dangers of these types of incidents. They should be told how serious it is. Superintendent Demas
responded that Mrs. Connolly had discussions with the students and they are well aware of the
seriousness. Maura Jane Rogers-14 Oak Street stated they now realize there was no valid threat but it
doesn't seem the consequences are as they are stated in the handbook. Chairman Astino responded
that the consequences were what they should have been and again the Superintendent is willing to
meet with anyone to discuss.
Approval of Warrant-Motion by Mrs. Dugan to approve Warrant 18-05S,seconded by Mrs. Maher.
Roll Call Vote; Katie Dugan-Aye,Jeanne Astino-Aye, Ellen Maher-Aye,Jennifer Madden-Aye.
Finance-Monthly Update-Mr.Tuffy reviewed the monthly update with the Committee. He noted a
couple of grants have not received yet. He expects to receive them shortly. Mr.Tuffy noted the
revolving accounts have $172,453.92 encumbered year to date. This is mostly revenue from gifts from
last year and those expenses will be paid out within a month. Mr.Tuffy stated the budget looks pretty
good so far although it is still early. They do know that unemployment will be underfunded slightly this
year. There are changes in Athletics. Mr.Tuffy advised the strategy is to spend down the operational
budget before utilizing revolving funds.Actual expenses so far in August are mainly MIAA dues and
student insurance. The circuit breaker will be funded at 65%as they anticipated. The Committee had a
brief discussion.
Bus Maintenance-Mr.Tuffy stated all buses are inspected and good to go. There were no major issues.
All buses went in over the summer for an overhaul. They spent$1400 total for all inspections. The food
service van is now being used again since school in back in session. Mrs. Dugan asked about the status
of the 6-month bus lease extension. Mr.Tuffy sent the proforma lease extension to Susan Franklin from
Capital Budgets to review. She has not responded. He will reach out to her and follow up.
Update on FY19 Capital Budget Items-Mrs. Demas stated the Capital Budget items are still being
worked on. One meeting was postponed until tomorrow. Currently,the district is looking more at
facility items (entryways to bldgs, windows, air conditioning units, enclosure of nurse's office at the high
school). Also in discussion is an IPass/ESPED software issue with Ron Menard. It was noted that 86%of
students had their own devices on opening day at CMHS.
Superintendent's Report-Gift-Motion by Mrs. Maher to accept the gift of$3836 from the Cohasset
Lacrosse Boosters Club for one boys and one girls assistant coach,for the 2017 spring season,
seconded by Mrs. Dugan. Roll Call Vote; Katie Dugan-Aye,Jeanne Astino-Aye, Ellen Maher-Aye,
Jennifer Madden-Aye. The Committee thanked the boosters for their generous gift.
Educator Spotlight- Middle School teachers Erin Ryan-Social Studies and Catherine Duggan- English
discussed their Grade 6 Class on Executive Functioning and where the vision came from. They discussed
the significant stress and anxiety with executive functioning issues that middle school students have.
This program teaches organizational skills, self-advocacy skills and how to develop a growth mindset
using academic skills&strategies, social skills and strategies and forming good habits.All grade 6
students will take this course this year. There has been great feedback from the students.
Mrs. Stefan arrived at 7:45 pm.
Middle School Grand Canyon Trip-Science Teacher Robert Erlandsen was present along with Grand
Classroom representative Gregg Wachtelhausen. They discussed their proposed 5 day trip to the Grand
Canyon over April vacation, 2018. They will cap the trip at 40 students. Mr. Erlandsen stated Grand
Classroom is a great travel company that he has worked with in the past. Mr. Wachtelhausen is a
teacher at the Hingham schools and has been running the program for the last 12 years. They discussed
the trip and the curriculum. Motion by Mrs. Dugan to approve the Grand Canyon trip for 5 days over
April vacation, seconded by Mrs. Madden. Roll Call Vote; Barbara Stefan-Aye, Katie Dugan-Aye,
Jeanne Astino-Aye, Ellen Maher-Aye,Jennifer Madden-Aye.
Youth Behavior Survey-Vice Principal Brian Scott and P/E Health Instructor Torin Sweeney discussed the
results of the combined Health &Wellness Survey Executive Summary. They discussed the survey
overview, major findings-strengths &concerns what the next steps are. They discussed reintroducing
tobacco awareness since the survey showed an increase in tobacco use. The Committee had a lengthy
discussion. Members of the audience asked questions about the survey and how they could help.
Review of Superintendent FY18 Goals-Mrs. Demas discussed her four goals.
1) Professional Learning: conduct collaborative leadership meetings and classroom observations to
improve teaching and learning
2) Professional Practice: Implement leadership strategies to appreciate diversity
3) Student Learning: Institute Wellness Committee
4) Student Learning: Continue with Middle School Study
School Committee Comments&Communication—SC sub-committee reorganization-Chairman Astino
stated Mrs. Dugan is stepping down as a member of the collective bargaining sub-committee. Motion
by Mrs. Dugan to restructure the collective bargaining sub-committee and appoint Mrs. Maher,
seconded by Mrs. Madden and the vote was unanimous(5-0).
Report of SC Subcommittee-Mrs. Stefan stated she and Mrs. Madden met today on policies. They
should have the residency policy for the next agenda. Mrs. Madden attended the AEC meeting as well
as Chairman Astino. They discussed energy costs for each building. They discussed finding other funding
sources and ways to drive savings. Mrs. Dugan stated she, Mrs.Astino and Mrs. Demas had 6
candidates apply for the business manager position and they are culling them down. Mrs. Dugan
reminded the Committee they need to draft a warrant proposal for the STM warrant article to set up a
revolving fund for non-resident tuition. Mrs. Maher advised the Committee there was a great article
and news story about Officer St. Ives and a young boy. It was a heartwarming article.
Minutes-9/6/17-Motion by Mrs. Maher to approve the minutes of 9/6/17 as amended, seconded by
Mrs. Madden and the vote was unanimous(5-0).
Follow-up and Updates-The Committee reviewed and updated the list.
Motion by Mrs. Dugan to adjourn, seconded by Mrs. Madden. Roll Call Vote; Barbara Stefan-Aye,
Katie Dugan-Aye,Jeanne Astino-Aye, Ellen Maher-Aye,Jennifer Madden-Aye.
The meeting adjourned at 10:25 p.m.
Documents used at the Meeting
Monthly Finances E-1
Bus Maintenance E-2
Gift F-1
Grand Canyon Trip F-2
Risk Behavior Survey F-3
Superintendent Goals F-4
Minutes 9/6/17