HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - SC - 03/20/2019 �.COFiASSST O
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Cohasset School Committee Meeting
School Committee Minutes
Wednesday, March 20, 2019
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 to order at 7:00 p.m. Roll Call Vote; Paul Kearney-Present,
Barbara Stefan-Present,Jeanne Astino-Present, Ellen Maher-Present,Jennifer Madden-Present.
Pledge-Recited.
Public Comment-None.
Approval of Warrant-Motion by Mrs. Stefan to approve Warrant 19-16S,seconded by Mr. Kearney.
Roll Call Vote; Paul Kearney-Aye, Barbara Stefan-Aye,Jeanne Astino-Aye,Jennifer Madden-Aye. Ellen
Maher abstained from the vote. Mr. Kearney did not sign the warrant.
Superintendent's Report-Canobie Lake Park Trip-Ms.Ann Thomae & Mr. Russ Sears were present.
They are looking for approval for a trip on 6/6/19 for the 91" Grade Physics students. There will be
approximately 100 students. They reviewed the plans, chaperones and curriculum for the day. Motion
by Mrs. Maher to approve the trip to Canobie Lake Park on 6/6/19,seconded by Mrs. Stefan and the
vote was unanimous(5-0).
Professional Development Update-District Digital Learning Coordinator Susan Skeiber reviewed the
professional development they are focusing on. They recently had a full day Professional Development
on the SAMR Model (SAMR stands for Substitution-Augmentation-Modification-Redefinition) and topics
included digital citizenship, internet safety, digital footprint, privacy and security,self-image,
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relationships, information literacy, cyberbullying and digital drama and creative credit (what's real and
what's not) and copyright. Participants in the PD learned ways to integrate technology to attain higher
level of thinking and understanding. The day included 2 presenters from EdTech Teacher, Greg Kulowiec
and Tom Daccord. Ms. Skeiber reviewed what the outcome and expectations were. The work could be
applied immediately in the classroom. The digital learning committee was thanked for their hard work
and Dr. Sullivan thanked Ms. Skeiber for her work. Dr. Sullivan reminded everyone that the film
"Angst"will be shown to the Middle School students and staff on 3/26 at 6:45 pm. It is a film about
anxiety awareness.
Finance-Disposal of Surplus Materials-Superintendent Demas reviewed a list of old and dated materials
that they are looking to dispose of from the Library Learning Commons. There are 714 books that are no
longer necessary, worn or out-of-date. The Committee had a brief discussion. Motion by Mrs. Maher
to approve the Disposal of Surplus Materials as presented, seconded by Mr. Kearney and the vote was
unanimous(5-0).
Monthly Update-Mr. MacMillan reviewed the Revolving Grants Summary. Everything is going well. He
will continue to watch the Budget Summary. There are a couple of areas that are a little over budget
(Special Education Tuitions, Contracted Services and transportation).
Bus Maintenance-Mr. MacMillan advised the Committee the new buses should be delivered in April.
Use of Facilities Approval-Water 1st-Mr. MacMillan has met with Water 1st International. They will hire
custodians,they have volunteers for additional clean up. They have hired police details and will send
over the insurance certificate. The SC had a couple of concerns. Motion by Mrs. Maher to approve the
use of the facility application for Water 15Y International on 6/9/19 pending updated usage application
addressing concerns discussed tonight, seconded by Mrs. Stefan and the vote was unanimous(5-0).
The Committee took a 2-minute recess at 7:58 p.m. Superintendent Demas recused herself from the
next discussion.
School Committee Comments and Communications-Interview of Candidate for Superintendent of
Schools-Candidate Dr. Patrick Sullivan-Chairman Astino stated students, staff, parents and consultants
have all been working hard on the Superintendent search. Dr. Sullivan thanked the SC, staff, students,
Superintendent Demas and the Collins Center for the opportunity to interview tonight. He stated that
students are at the center of all his decisions. Dr. Sullivan gave an overview of his experience and core
values. Each member of the School Committee had the opportunity to ask Dr. Sullivan questions. The
questions addressed culture, communications, academic achievements&failures, handling difficult
situations, experience with elementary schools, accountability and standardization testing. Dr. Sullivan
was dismissed, and the SC deliberated. Mrs. Maher explained the many forums they had and the
responses they received from various constituents. Importantly, Dr. Sullivan's qualities, strengths and
experience matched those that came out in the candidate profile that was generated through parent,
community, staff and student forums and surveys. Mrs. Maher stated the same positive comments kept
coming up about Dr. Sullivan. The overwhelming responses were that he is pro-active, passionate,
approachable, honest, sincere, energetic and he knows the students and district. Mrs. Stefan added
that since she was on the committee that hired Dr. Sullivan as Assistant Superintendent, she has found
him to be very competent, a great listener and reflective. Chairman Astino added that Dr. Sullivan will
give the district opportunities, and this is a unique opportunity for the district. Mrs. Madden stated Dr.
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Sullivan has a very strong philosophy, his instincts are good and based on fundamental kindness. Mr.
Kearney stated Dr. Sullivan has empathy and he gets it. He has some challenges ahead of him but
believes he will do well in the position.
Motion by Mrs. Maher to appoint Dr. Patrick Sullivan as the Superintendent of Cohasset Public
Schools pending successful contract negotiations, seconded by Mrs. Stefan. Roll Call Vote; Paul
Kearney-Aye, Barbara Stefan-Aye,Jeanne Astino-Aye, Ellen Maher-Aye,Jennifer Madden-Aye.
Dr. Sullivan returned to the meeting and was informed of the vote and congratulated on his
appointment pending successful contract negotiations.
Superintendent Demas also returned to the meeting at this point.
Reports from Sub-Committee& Liaisons-Mr. Kearney stated there is a great faculty basketball
fundraiser at the Deer Hill School on Friday, 3/29/19. There will be a live announcer from WATD. Mrs.
Stefan stated there is a SEPAC presentation on 4/3/19 from 10 a.m. until noon that will focus on Social
Thinking. There is also a SEPAC coffee on 5/7/19 at Amanda Zani's home. Mrs. Maher attended the
Middle High School council meeting in which they discussed a security assessment update with
Detective Sergeant Lopes. Mr. Kearney stated that the Health & Recreation Fair is on Sunday.
Chairman Astino stated they voted on the Warrant earlier tonight and Mr. Kearney choose not to sign it.
She recommended the Committee re-vote so that the vote reflects Mr. Kearney voting against the
Warrant.
Motion by Mrs.Astino to approve Warrant 19-16S,seconded by Mrs. Stefan. Roll Call Vote; Paul
Kearney-Nay, Barbara Stefan-Aye,Jeanne Astino-Aye,Jennifer Madden-Aye. Ellen Maher abstained
from the vote.
Motion by Mrs. Maher to adjourn,seconded by Mrs.Stefan and the vote was unanimous (5-0).
The meeting adjourned at 9:46 p.m.
Documents Used at the Meeting
Canobie Lake Park Event E-1
Professional Development Update E-2
Disposal of Surplus Materials F-1
Monthly Finance F-2
Bus Maintenance F-3
Use of Facilities Application F-4
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