HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - SC - 09/05/2018 \Ca�A a p
T COHASSFT O
Cohasset School Committee Meeting
School Committee Minutes
Wednesday, September 5, 2018
Cohasset Middle-High School
Community Use Room
143 Pond Street
Cohasset, MA
In Attendance: Jeanne Astino, Chairman
Ellen Maher
Jennifer Madden
Barbara Stefan
Paul Kearney
Also in Attendance: Louise Demas, Superintendent
Dr. Patrick Sullivan, Assistant Superintendent
Michael MacMillan, Director of Finance& Operations
Chairman Astino called the meeting back to order at 7:34 p.m.
Pledge-Recited.
Public Comment-Maura Sharry-15 Virginia Lane and advocate for Start School Later stated she has been
hearing about a lot of things in the school community and wanted to remind everyone that things that
are being posted on social media are harmful to children and adults should think before they post.
Warrant-Motion by Mrs. Maher to approve Warrant 19-03S,seconded by Mr. Kearney. Roll Call Vote;
Paul Kearney-Aye, Barbara Stefan-Aye,Jeanne Astino-Aye, Ellen Maher-Aye,Jennifer Madden-Aye.
Superintendent's Report-Opening Day for all Schools-Superintendent Demas stated all schools are
open and it is a very exciting time. CMHS Principal Carolyn Connolly, Associate Principal Kerry Agashe
and Deer Hill Principal Alexandra Sullivan were present. Principal Connolly reported a great start to the
school year. She received great feedback from teachers on the first day. They had assemblies for all
grades. The students seem happy and excited for a new year. They explained the rules and
expectations to all students especially regarding technology. The big topic was the new traffic patterns.
Superintendent Demas added that Lexi Xavier, the new crossing guard, has started with the town.
Principal Sullivan discussed the Welcome Back Faculty Meeting. They started with breakfast, staff
introductions, summer work updates and schedules. She was very impressed with the Deer Hill students
and the range of expertise in the building. They had sidewalk inspirational messages from staff on the
first day which the children loved. Superintendent Demas stated Principal Lisa Farrell couldn't be here
tonight. She stated the school looked amazing. The Kindergartners came in with their parents through
the lobby guard. There was great organization. Mrs. Demas has had the nurses checking in with
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students due to the warm weather and so far, all students are good. Mrs. Farrell bought the staff lunch
on the first day. As of September 12th,the Deer Hill playground will be fenced off and the digging up will
be started. The playground will not be available for two weeks. She has sent out a message to the
entire community. Three classrooms at the Deer Hill school had been painted and look great.
Induction Program Update-Dr. Sullivan stated the highlight of the end of the summer was the Induction
Program for 10 new educators. He reviewed the goals of the program which include: getting to know
the learning community, becoming familiar with the vision and culture, understanding initiatives and
getting to know colleagues. The three-day event included two days of training followed by a tour of the
town by Jane Pescatore. It was a great group and they are excited to start the year.
Introduce New Teachers-Mrs. Demas reported this was the smallest hiring year. She reviewed the new
teachers and ESPs and stated she was very impressed with all the new hires. They have a new foreign
language teacher from Spain. They have a secretary at the High School that will be leaving. They will be
looking for a new secretary for Student Services.
Enrollment Quarterly Update-Mrs. Demas reported the enrollment for all grades as follows; 22 students
in Pre-K, there is no half-day Kindergarten, 101 students in Kindergarten, 106 students in 1" Grade, 118
students in 2nd Grade, 114 students in 3rd Grade, 123 students in 4th Grade, 139 students in 5th Grade,
122 students in 61h Grade, 111 students in 7th Grade, 129 students in 8th Grade, 113 students in 91h
Grade, 131 students in 101h Grade, 124 students in 11th Grade, 119 students in 12th Grade. The total
number of students district wide is 1572.
Bus Lease-Mr. MacMillan stated the invitations for bid for 8 new school buses went out. The deadline
for the bids is 9/25/18. They are hoping to make a decision quickly and get the buses in December. Mr.
Kearney asked if the bid requests included seat belts on the buses. Mr. MacMillan said it did not, but he
could add that in. The Committee discussed the liability if a student does not wear their seatbelt, bus
evacuation and how many other states require seat belts. After some further discussion the Committee
asked Mr. Kearney for more data.
Secretary Contract-Chairman Astino stated the Secretary Contract is finalized and ready for a vote from
the School Committee. Motion by Mrs. Maher to accept the Secretarial Contract through 2021,
seconded by Kearney. Roll-Call Vote: Paul Kearney-Aye, Barbara Stefan-Aye,Jeanne Astino-Aye, Ellen
Maher-Aye,Jennifer Madden-Aye. Vote was unanimous(5-0).
SC Comments and Communications-Finalize FY19 School Committee Goals-The Committee reviewed
the draft goals for 2018-19 and made edits. After a lengthy discussion the Committee agreed to have
another workshop on 9/18/18 at 6 p.m.
Reports from Sub-Committee and Liaisons-Mrs. Maher stated she will be attending the PEB meeting
next Monday. Mrs. Stefan stated the SEPAC will be meeting on 9/19 at 9:30 a.m.
Approval of Minutes-Motion by Mrs. Stefan to approve the minutes of 6/20/18 as amended,
seconded by Mr. Kearney and the vote was unanimous(5-0).
Motion by Mrs. Stefan to approve the minutes of 7/11/18 as written, seconded by Mr. Kearney and
the vote was unanimous(5-0).
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Motion by Mrs. Stefan to approve the minutes of 8/8/18 as amended, seconded by Mr. Kearney and
the vote was unanimous(5-0).
Topic not anticipated by the Chairman 48 hours in advance of the meeting-Mrs. Demas reported that
they were planning to gift the food service van to the Facilities Department, but Mark Kelly decided they
didn't want it. They will try and see if someone can use for parts.
Motion by Mrs. Maher to adjourn, seconded by Mr. Kearney and the vote was unanimous (5-0).
The meeting adjourned at 9:37 p.m.
Documents used at the Meeting
Opening Day F-1
Induction Program F-2
FY19 Goals G-1
Minutes
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