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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - SC - 11/15/2017 T CQ%ASSET O Cohasset School Committee Meeting School Committee Minutes Wednesday, November 15, 2017 Cohasset Middle-High School Community Use Room 143 Pond Street Cohasset, MA In Attendance: Jeanne Astino, Chairman Katie Dugan Ellen Maher Barbara Stefan Jennifer Madden Also in Attendance: Louise Demas, Superintendent Patrick Sullivan,Assistant Superintendent John Tuffy, Business Manager Chairman Astino called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. Roll Call Vote; Barbara Stefan-Present, Katie Dugan-Present,Jeanne Astino-Present, Ellen Maher- Present,Jennifer Madden-Present. Pledge-Recited. Invitation to Speak-None Approval of Warrant-Motion by Mrs. Maher to approve Warrant 18-09S,seconded by Mrs. Dugan. Roll Call Vote; Barbara Stefan-Aye, Katie Dugan-Aye,Jeanne Astino-Aye, Ellen Maher-Aye,Jennifer Madden-Aye. Finance-Student Services Budget-Mr.Tuffy advised the Committee they were notified that they will not be receiving the 274 Grant for$9764.00. The federal grant is no longer available. This Special Education grant was for professional development for co-teaching. Mary Buchanan has looked into her budget and identified areas that she can use to support the professional development, specifically from summer school and legal expense line items. Monthly Update-Mr.Tuffy stated they received the first circuit breaker payment of$118,820. He is monitoring the full day kindergarten fund due to the increase cost of Kindergarten teachers. This is something the Budget& Finance subcommittee will start to look into. Mr.Tuffy reported that there is nothing remarkable going on with the budget otherwise. He will continue to watch unemployment expenses. He anticipates there could be a $7000 overage by the end of the year. Mr.Tuffy reported the town was recently notified of the savings from the Solar Array. His office should receive the actual dollar amount soon. The 298 grant for$1400 could also be in jeopardy. 1 Bus Maintenance and Food Service Van Update-Mr.Tuffy reported that there is not much going on with vehicles at this time other than routine maintenance. One bus needed the diagnostic computer repaired and another bus needed two tires. FY19 Budget Calendar-Mr.Tuffy sent out a proposed calendar and reviewed the dates with the Committee. Supt. Demas and Mr.Tuffy have met with each building principal to begin the FY 19 process. Superintendent's Report-Adams Scholars-Superintendent Demas read aloud the list of 29 recipients of this year's John &Abigail Adams awards. Literacy Study PK-5 Update-Reading Specialists Alexandra Sullivan, Sarah MacDonald and Carol McCormack were present. They each gave an overview of the literacy programs,their approach to reading and the bridge between Osgood and Deer Hill schools. They reported that there is a re- energized feeling in the schools about reading. Principal Lisa Farrell discussed the ECRC Steering Committee. They have developed a mission statement. She discussed what they have looked at and what they need. The next steps are to look at the data, look at the curriculum and improve instructions through professional development days. Mrs. Dugan asked about 5th grade comprehension and moving up to the 6th grade. Ms. Farrell stated they are working with both schools and transitioning students. The Committee had a brief discussion. Wellness Committee-Dr. Barbara Green was present and stated she has met with Superintendent Louise Demas and Safe Harbor Coalition members Christine Murphy and Peter Pescatore. They discussed the 5 year grant they have received and how it can help the town. She discussed the mechanics of the grant, financial logistics and facility requirements. Four teachers will participate in a certificate program for Social Emotional Wellness. Professional Development Update-Assistant Superintendent Patrick Sullivan discussed the recent Professional Development day on November 9th. One session was facilitated by EdTech Teach Trainer Greg Kulowiec. It was great training for Grades 3-12 about higher skills for technology. He discussed training and break-out sessions at each of the schools. It was great, positive training where everyone was enthusiastic as they worked with all types of new applications. Sue Skeiber and her digital team did all of the planning and scheduling and did a wonderful job. They are working on future PD's for Social Emotional Learning and UDL's. SC Comments and Communications-Finalize FY19 Budget Priorities-The Committee reviewed briefly. Motion by Mrs. Maher to approve the FY19 Budget Message as amended,seconded by Mrs. Dugan and the vote was unanimous(5-0). Reports from sub-committees of SC-Mrs. Maher reminded everyone that the Hall of Fame is ramping up for the next induction ceremony in November 2018. Mrs. Demas advised the SC that SRO Jay St. Ives will be leaving Cohasset as he has taken a job in Braintree. The new SRO will be Greg Taylor. Mrs. Dugan asked if Sgt. Lopes will be available for the transition. Mrs. Demas stated he will be assisting in the transition. Mrs. Dugan stated the Long Range Planning Group will be meeting on 11/27 and discussing the new 5-year forecast. Mrs. Stefan asked that three policies are put on the next agenda for review and approval. Chairman Astino asked for a motion to go into Executive Session for Exception#3-strategy related to collective bargaining with union personnel-CTA&Custodians. The Committee will reconvene in public session to adjourn. Motion moved by Mrs. Maher,seconded by Mrs. Dugan. Roll Call Vote; Barbara Stefan-Aye, Katie Dugan-Aye,Jeanne Astino-Aye, Ellen Maher-Aye,Jennifer Madden-Aye. 2 The Committee went into Executive Session at 9:21 p.m. The Committee exited Executive Session at 10:45 pm. The Committee adjourned open session at 10:46 pm on a motion by Mrs. Dugan, seconded by Mrs. Maher, all in favor AYE. Documents used at the Meeting Monthly Finance Update E-1 Bus Maintenance & Food Service Update E-2 FY19 Budget Calendar E-3 Adams Scholars F-1 Professional Development Update F-2 3