Pentucket Regional
School Committee |
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School Committee Minutes 2004 |
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| January 6, 2004 | January 20, 2004 | February 3, 2004 |
| February 10, 2004 | February 24, 2004 | |
| March 9, 2004 | ||
| May 11, 2004 | ||
| June 15, 2004 | ||
| August 3, 2004 | ||
| September 21, 2004 | ||
| November 17, 2004 | ||
January
6, 2004
PENTUCKET REGIONAL SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Middle School January 6, 2004 Members present: Chairman Castiglione, Mrs. Andrews, Mr. Young, Dr. Littlefield, Mrs. Nelson, Mrs. Darke, Ms. Blades, Mr. Buell, Mr. O’Keefe, Mr. Cronin, Mrs. Grazio, and Mrs. Muench Also present: Dr. MacLean, Dr. McGinn, Mr. Gibson, Principal Mrs. Townes, Student Representative Miss Burns, Spectators and Press Call to Order Chairman Castiglione called the meeting to order at 7:33 p.m. Majority Vote The majority vote was 5.5. Agenda It was moved by Mrs. Nelson and seconded by Mr. O’Keefe to accept the agenda as amended. The agenda was amended to add a discussion on the packets. Motion carried. (unanimous approval) Consent Agenda It was moved by Mr. O’Keefe and seconded by Mr. Young to accept the consent agenda as amended. The amendments were to remove the minutes from December 2, 2003, the Bagnall PTA letter, and the Finance Reports. Motion carried. (for: Castiglione, O’Keefe, Nelson, Muench, Darke, Blades, Cronin, Andrews, Young, Littlefield)(abstained: Grazio)(for: 9.8)(abstained: 1.1) Delegation Coaches Blane Goguen and Pamela Endyke introduced the student members of the high school’s science team. The team competes in the North Shore Science League.The league is comprised of 26 North Shore public and private high schools. Currently, the team ranks 4th among the 26 team leagues. Motion/Vote It was moved by Mr. O’Keefe and seconded by Mr. Young to approve the minutes of December 2, 2003, as amended. The first amendment was to correct the spelling of tuitioning on the second page. The second amendment was to change the word squad to SWOT on the third page. The first paragraph on the fourth page was edited to say that Mrs. Darke said that school choice at the Bagnall was the preferable option rather than cutting a teacher. Motion carried. (for: Castiglione, Nelson, O’Keefe, Muench, Blades, Grazio, Darke, Cronin, Young, Littlefield, Andrews)(abstained: Buell)(for: 10.9)(abstained: 1.1) Mr. Buell arrived at 7:50. The majority vote changed to 6.1 Bagnall PTA Letter Mrs. Grazio asked how the District was handling the winter months regarding transportation. Dr. MacLean said that winter schedule is in effect from December 15th through April 15th. He said buses have been added in all three towns. He said that people that did not buy a pass in the fall could purchase a winter pass for $72. Finance Minutes Mrs. Grazio questioned the quorum on December 17th at the Finance Subcommittee. She said that there were only two members of the subcommittee present, although there were other School Committee members there. She said she is concerned because this deals with the signing and the approval of the warrants. Chairman Castiglione said that the full Committee votes the approval of the warrants. Mrs. Grazio said that the law allows the full Committee to have a subcommittee consisting of at least three members. Mr. Castiglione said that the motion that was made at the time of the Committee reorganization stated that any active member could be an active participant in any subcommittee. Mrs. Grazio said that this conflicts with the law. Members would like to review the minutes on that vote. Motion/Vote It was moved by Mrs. Grazio and seconded by Mrs. Muench to direct the Superintendent to get in writing from the Department of Revenue the procedure that would satisfy all requirements to review and approve warrants and to release checks. This would include answering the following questions: Do we require signatures? If so, how many? If the Finance Subcommittee does not meet, what are the requirements? If there were no Finance Subcommittee, would the warrant number and amount meet the requirements? Motion carried. (for: Castiglione, Buell, O’Keefe, Darke, Blades, Muench, Grazio)(opposed: Nelson, Young, Cronin, Andrews, Littlefield)(for: 7.7)(opposed: 4.3) Dr. Littlefield said that she is not interested in discussing this motion, and she is not interested in getting a written opinion. She said she would like to move on, and she would like this in the record. Executive Session, Chapter 39, Section 23, B.3. Motion/Vote It was moved by Mrs. Nelson and seconded by Mrs. Darke to enter into Executive Session, Chapter 39, Section 23, B.3. for the purposes of discussing negotiations, and a grievance. Motion carried by roll call vote. (unanimous approval) Administrative Reports Groveland Water and Sewer Agreement Members received a copy of the agreement as drafted by the Groveland Water and Sewer. Mr. Gibson made the following comments:
4.1.4 This paragraph is worrisome.
Mrs. Grazio would like the School Committee to discuss this issue before it goes to legal counsel. Members would like Mr. Gibson’s concerns and suggestions in writing. Motion/Vote It was moved by Mrs. Grazio and seconded by Mrs. Muench to add the Groveland Water and Sewer Agreement to the next executive session agenda. Motion carried. (for: Castiglione, Nelson, Buell, O’Keefe, Muench, Grazio, Blades, Cronin, Andrews, Littlefield, Young)(abstained: Darke)(for: 10.9)(abstained: 1.1) District Personnel Classification System Dr. MacLean said that on November 26th members received a status report on the Districts’ job descriptions. Since then several job descriptions in the central office have been revised. Dr. McGinn has also added a draft of the CORI procedures. Chairman Castiglione commented that the District already has a CORI policy. Dr. MacLean said that this would accompany the policy. It would be used as the regulations to follow MASC’s format. The administration would then use these CORI regulations when conducting CORI checks. Dr. MacLean recommends these regulations be added, as this involves extensive research on the records of individuals. Motion/Vote It was moved by Mrs. Grazio and seconded by Ms. Blades to add wording to the CORI policy that the District already has in place, and that this policy be enforced in accordance with the attached procedure. Motion carried. (unanimous approval) Mentoring Program Update Dr. MacLean met with the Mentoring Program Committee on January 6th. He is pleased with the progress. They had a discussion on skill sets and the evaluation process. He mentioned at the time of the global overview to the Committee that he would like the mentoring committee to come in and update the School Committee. Discussion followed:
they anticipate nominating elements of a mentoring program from their individual research. Motion/Vote It was moved by Mr. O’Keefe and seconded by Mr. Cronin to direct the Superintendent and the Assistant Superintendent to present the mentoring program to the School Committee at the first business meeting in March. Motion carried. (for: Castiglione, Nelson, O’Keefe, Darke, Blades, Muench, Grazio, Cronin, Littlefield)(opposed: Buell, Young, Andrews) (for: 9.3)(opposed: 2.7) Budget Format There was a brief discussion:
Motion/Vote It was moved by Mr. Cronin and seconded by Mr. Buell to accept the Business Manager’s format for the budget and to have all questions regarding the budget be put in writing to the administration. Questions and answers will be listed in a separate section of the business meeting’s agenda. There was a friendly amendment to have the subtotals put at the bottom of the page. Motion carried. (for: Castiglione, Nelson, Buell, O’Keefe, Darke, Muench, Young, Cronin, Andrews, Littlefield)(opposed: Blades, Grazio)(for: 9.8)(opposed: 2.2) Central Office Reorganization There was a brief discussion:
Motion/Vote It was moved by Mr. O’Keefe and seconded by Mrs. Darke to continue the meeting past 10:00 p.m. Motion failed. (for: Castiglione, Nelson, O’Keefe, Darke, Cronin, Andrews)(opposed: Buell, Blades, Muench, Grazio, Young, Littlefield)(for: 6.0) (opposed: 6.0) Motion/Vote It was moved by Mrs. Darke and seconded by Mr. Buell to meet on January 13th to finish the agenda. Motion carried. (for: Nelson, Buell, O’Keefe, Darke, Blades, Muench, Grazio, Cronin, Andrews, Littlefield)(opposed: Castiglione)(abstained: Young) (for: 10.1)(opposed: 1.1)(abstained: .8) The meeting was recessed at 10:08 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Marianne Naffah Recording Secretary |
PENTUCKET REGIONAL SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Middle School January 20, 2004 Members present: Chairman Castiglione, Mrs. Andrews, Mr. Young, Mrs. Nelson, Mrs. Darke, Ms. Blades, Mr. Buell, Mr. Cronin, Mrs. Grazio, and Mrs. Muench Also present: Dr. MacLean, Dr. McGinn, Mr. Gibson, Student Representative Miss Burns, Spectators Delegation Dr. MacLean introduced Jeff Rooney and the Freshman Class Officers. They received special recognition from the School Committee for the community service project that they did. They collected toys and books for the Salisbury Boys and Girls Club. The Club is a place for children to go between the hours of 2:00 and 7:00 to play games, sports, read or do their homework. Call to Order Chairman Castiglione called the meeting to order at 7:58 p.m. Majority Vote The majority vote was 4.6 Agenda It was moved by Mrs. Nelson and seconded by Mrs. Darke to accept the agenda. Motion carried. (for: Castiglione, Nelson, Darke, Blades, Muench, Grazio, Young, Cronin, Andrews)(opposed: Buell)(for: 9.0)(opposed: 1.1) Consent Agenda It was moved by Mrs. Darke and seconded by Mrs. Nelson to accept the consent agenda as amended. The amendments were to remove the minutes from January 6, 2004. (for: Castiglione, Nelson, Buell, Darke, Blades, Muench, Andrews, Young, Cronin)(opposed: Grazio)(for: 9.0)(opposed: 1.1) The minutes of January 6, 2004 were corrected as followings: The first amendment was to correct the spelling of SWOT on the first page. The second amendment was to correct the Motion/Vote on page 2: It was moved by Mrs. Grazio and seconded by Mrs. Muench to direct the Superintendent to get in writing from the Department of Revenue the procedure that would satisfy all requirements to review and approve warrants and to release checks. This would include answering the following questions: Do we require signatures? If so, how many? If the Finance Subcommittee does not meet, what are the requirements? If there were no Finance Subcommittee, would the warrant number and amount meet the requirements? Motion carried. (for: Castiglione, Buell, O’Keefe, Darke, Blades, Muench, Grazio)(opposed: Nelson, Young, Cronin, Andrews, Littlefield)(for: 7.7)(opposed: 4.3) Members wanted the following comment added to page 4: Dr. Littlefield said that she was surprised that the District did not have a mentoring program since it was mandated by Ed Reform which passed in 1994. Ms. Blades arrived at 8:08 p.m. The majority vote changed to 5.1. Executive Session, Chapter 39, Section 23, B.3. Motion/Vote It was moved by Mr. Young and seconded by Mrs. Andrews to enter into Executive Session, Chapter 39, Section 23, B.3. for the purposes of discussing negotiations and a grievance. Motion carried by roll call vote. (for: Castiglione, Nelson, Muench, Darke, Blades, Grazio, Cronin, Young, Andrews)(opposed: Buell)(for: 9.0)(opposed: 1.1) Administrative Reports Motion/Vote It was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mrs. Darke to remove the NEASC report from the agenda. Motion carried. (unanimous approval) Monthly Financial Report Mr. Gibson gave members a Monthly Budget Report dated January 6, 2004. There was a brief discussion:
FY05 Budget
Motion/Vote It was moved by Mr. Cronin and seconded by Mrs. Andrews to direct the administration to have, in the next packet for the next meeting, their recommendations for school choice, the number of students, where the students would go, what impact it would have on class size, enterprising funds on fees, the amount of those fees, and all of the revolving accounts. There was a friendly amendment to include how many choice students would be graduating. Motion carried. (for: Castiglione, Nelson, Buell, Darke, Blades, Young, Cronin, Andrews)(present: Muench)(abstained: Grazio)(for: 7.9)(present: 1.1)(abstained: 1.1)
Personnel Job Description Update Dr. McGinn informed the Committee that he would present them with a draft of the District’s recruitment/retention strategic plan during the first week in February. The plan will include a vision and mission statement, goals and objectives, strategies and tasks, timelines, and the individuals responsible for the plan’s various tasks. Dr. McGinn plans to announce the 2004/05 anticipated vacancies by mid February. These openings are for the 16 people that are retiring.
Policy Members received the PRSD Policy Manual. It is the Superintendent’s recommendation to approve this as a first reading. Motion/Vote It was moved by Mr. Young and seconded by Mrs. Darke to accept the Policy Manual as a first reading as presented. Motion failed. (for: Young, Cronin)(opposed: Castiglione, Nelson, Buell, Darke, Blades, Muench, Grazio, Andrews)(for: 1.6)(opposed: 8.5)
Motion/Vote It was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mr. Cronin to adopt only the policies that members did not have any objections to. Motion was not voted on.
Motion/Vote It was moved by Mrs. Nelson and seconded by Mrs. Darke to continue the meeting past 10:00 p.m. Motion failed. (for: Castiglione, Nelson, Darke, Andrews, Cronin)(opposed: Buell, Blades, Muench, Grazio, Young)(for: 4.9)(opposed: 5.2) Adjournment Motion/Vote It was moved by Mr. Young and seconded by Mrs. Andrews to adjourn the meeting at 10:05 p.m. Motion carried. (unanimous approval) Respectfully submitted, Marianne Naffah Recording Secretary |
PENTUCKET REGIONAL SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Middle School February 3, 2004 Members present: Chairman Castiglione, Mrs. Andrews, Mr. Young, Mrs. Nelson, Mrs. Darke, Ms. Blades, Mr. Buell, Mr. Cronin, Mrs. Grazio, O’Keefe and Dr. Littlefield Also present: Dr. MacLean, Dr. McGinn, Mr. Gibson, Principals, Mrs. Townes, Mrs. Kline, Mrs. Jervey, Mr. Harrison, Mrs. Perry, Assistant Principal, Mrs. Wilson, Director of Pupil Services, Kathleen O’Brien, Student Representative, Miss Burns, Spectators and Press Delegation Caitlyn Burns gave the Committee an update on the Student Council activities at the high school. There will be a "Parents Night Out" on February 13th. The annual Blood Drive will be on March 4th. The Battle of the Bands is scheduled for March 20th. March Madness is a week dedicated to Pentucket students. The Senior Sendoff is scheduled for late May. There is a group of 50 Pentucket students dedicated to spreading peace around the high school. They are called Pentucket Project Peace. Call to Order Chairman Castiglione called the meeting to order at 7:38 p.m. Majority Vote The majority vote was 5.1. Agenda It was moved by Mrs. Darke and seconded by Mrs. Nelson to accept the agenda as amended. The amendments were as follows: 1) to add a letter of condolence, 2) to add the GAP program to administrative reports, and 3) to add a discussion on budget meeting dates and the January 23rd FYI. Motion carried. (unanimous approval) Consent Agenda It was moved by Mr. O’Keefe and seconded by Mrs. Nelson to accept the consent agenda as amended. The amendments were to remove the minutes from January 13, 2004. (for: Castiglione, Nelson, Buell, O’Keefe, Darke, Blades, Andrews, Littlefield, Cronin)(opposed: Grazio)(abstained: Young)(for: 9.0)(opposed: 1.1)(abstained: .8) Mrs. Grazio asked for clarification on the consent agenda. Chairman Castiglione said that the committee is accepting and filing the items that need to be accepted and filed. He said that they are approving the items that need approval. Minutes Motion/Vote It was moved by Mr. Cronin and seconded by Mr. Buell to accept the minutes of January 13, 2004 as amended. The amendments were as follows: On the first page the first sentence was rewritten to read, "Ms. Blades questioned the Director of Special Education assuming the role of Director of Pupil Services." Ms. Blades also questioned that the Director of Pupil Services would be taking on the enrichment role, guidance department, and working on special education appeals. Ms. Blades wanted it added that Dr. MacLean said that the Director of Pupil Services would be willing to take on these additional services without additional pay. Mrs. Grazio wanted it added that she questioned that once a position has been eliminated, how can the savings be carried year to year? Mrs. Grazio also wanted it added that Ms. Blades was concerned over the special education legal issues and questioned how the appeals would be handled. Mrs. Grazio wanted it added that she asked for the rationale and costs on all outsource tasks. She also wanted comparisons of positions and costs as to what is in the FY04 budget and what is in the FY05 budget regarding the reorganization plan. Mrs. Grazio mentioned that the Chair ended the debate on the central office reorganization. He was challenged by Mrs. Grazio and no vote was taken. On the third page under School Improvement Plans, Mrs. Grazio wanted the comment added that the Committee had the plans for more than thirty days and that they were already approved. Motion carried. (for: Castiglione, Nelson, O’Keefe, Buell, Blades, Darke, Grazio, Young, Cronin, Andrews)(abstained: Littlefield)(for: 10.1)(abstained: .8) Mrs. Grazio suggested that the Committee put their requests in the form of a motion as a directive to the administration. Mr. Young arrived at 7:42 p.m. The majority vote changed to 5.5 Ms. Blades asked how to address the administration with regard to when the Committee asks for something to be in the next packet, and it’s not there? She gave an example of the vote taken on January 20th requesting information on choice, enterprising funds, and revolving accounts. Dr. MacLean said that some of that information was in the budget that the Committee received at this business meeting. Ms. Blades requested a copy of Mr. Gibson’s contract. Chairman Castiglione asked the Superintendent to respond in the next packet. Dr. MacLean said that he would review the minutes and give members copies of the minutes. Mr. Buell requested the District to send a letter to the Grabowski Family with condolences on the death of their son. Motion/Vote It was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mr. O’Keefe to direct the District to send a letter to the Grabowski Family in West Newbury extending condolences on the death of their son. Motion carried. (unanimous approval) Administrative Reports Budget Dr. MacLean gave the Committee an overview of the FY05 Budget. He discussed the following topics:
Dr. MacLean suggested each principal give a brief overview of their budget. Mrs. Kline gave an overview on categories one, two and three. Chairman Castiglione said that his expectations were to have any changes in the budget noted in a narrative. Mr. Cronin agreed. Chairman Castiglione wanted to hear from the elementary principals regarding per pupil spending at each school. He also wanted to hear from principals if there is a relationship between the educational background on our teachers and student performance. Mr. Cronin said that the expectations were to have the FY04 budget with a narrative on all changes. He said this would give all necessary information. Mr. Buell asked if the actual working documents based on object were available. Dr. MacLean said that this information would not be put into the computer until the budget process was completed. Chairman Castiglione said that all questions should be sent to the Superintendent. Everyone would share in the responses. They will be added to the agenda by way of a question and answer section. Mrs. Grazio said she would like to see the same level of detail on the central office. She said that the budget did not have a narrative on the central office. Dr. MacLean responded that it is in the central office reorganization plan. Dr. Littlefield was concerned with what had to be done by the principals for Thursday’s packet. Mr. Buell wanted it in the record that he did not want any additional work created by the principals. He said that their job is to be in the buildings not doing paperwork. Dr. MacLean said that the principals would have to give him the information. Motion/Vote It was moved by Mrs. Andrews and seconded by Mr. O’Keefe to have the packet sent out on Friday, February 6, 2004. Motion carried. (unanimous approval) Mr. O’Keefe asked Mrs. Townes how the high school cuts would effect the school. Mrs. Townes said the choices made had to be effective choices. One example she gave was in English, their goal was to keep class sizes the same. They also wanted to continue to offer the writing lab in the ninth and twelfth grade level and to offer the same rigor in terms of the AP courses so that students would continue to do as well on MCAS scores. Dr. MacLean said that from a philosophical standpoint, it is essential to preserve kinds of programs that are rigorous. You can compress others so that you maintain the highest level of offerings, while dropping other offerings that are lower at the college prep courses. While at the same time, maintaining a comprehensive high school moving towards meeting the NEASC recommendations. Dr. MacLean said there is more opportunity for reductions at the high school. He said at the elementary level class sizes would increase. Mr. Buell questioned the .6 reduction in foreign language and how it would effect class size. Mrs. Townes said that it is just an estimate at this time. Mr. Buell is concerned about the class sizes in foreign language. Mrs. Nelson asked Ms. O’Brien for her insight with the changes in her position. Ms. O’Brien said that it will not have an inpact on special educational programs, and she is willing to try. Mr. O’Keefe asked principals how the cuts in last year’s budget effected the educational experience in each building. Mrs. Wilson responded by saying that the foreign language classes have 34 students in them. She is anticipating 31 in each class next year. Mrs. Jervey said that the PTO has been very supportive by buying computers. They lost aides in the building and the ESP’s have taken on cafeteria and recess duty. The biggest impact has been the reduction in the kindergarten class. There is no aide and they are relying on parent volunteers. Mrs. Wilson is concerned about the core facility. The roof is leaking and there are problems with the heating system. Mrs. Townes said that there has been an additional burden placed on the office in collecting fees for athletics and parking. Mrs. Perry said that she has relied heavily on her revolving accounts. She said that she is concerned with the repairs that the building needs. Mrs. Kline said the elimination of the 6th grade position has increased class sizes. She also lost her ESP’s in kindergarten level. She was not able to order the Scott Foresman for the 2nd grade. The bus fees have increased traffic to the school. Mrs. Grazio is concerned that the District is facing a deficit and she is not sure if the general public realizes this deficit. Chairman Castiglione would like added to next week’s packet the non-general fund resources that are being used to meet the basic programming needs as well as the outside sources. Mr. Cronin asked Dr. MacLean if there was any sense from the finance directors on what they could contribute. Dr. MacLean said a general sense would be a couple hundred thousand per town. German American Partnership Ms. Buerger gave a brief overview on the German American Partnership program. It is a non profit organization. A group of German students come to our District in the fall and the Pentucket students go to Germany in June. This program has been extremely successful for students. Motion/Vote It was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mrs. Grazio to approve the German American Partnership program for 2004. Motion carried. (unanimous approval) Chairman Castiglione said that he would like to take the balance of the items on the agenda and have them put first on the next meeting. Members agreed to meet on February 10th. Mrs. Nelson suggested an additional meeting. Mr. Buell agreed. Chairman Castiglione said it would be decided on the 10th. Executive Session, Chapter 39, Section 23, B.3. Motion/Vote It was moved by Mr. Cronin and seconded by Mrs. Andrews to enter into Executive Session, Chapter 39, Section 23, B.3. for the purposes of discussing negotiations and a grievance. Motion carried by roll call vote. (for: Castiglione, Nelson, O’Keefe, Darke, Blades, Cronin, Young, Andrews, Littlefield)(opposed: Grazio, Buell)(for: 8.7)(opposed: 2.2)
Motion/Vote It was moved by Mrs. Nelson and seconded by Mrs. Darke to accept the language recommendations from the Insurance Advisory Council regarding the second insurance plan to replace the master medical plan. Motion carried. (for: Castiglione, Nelson, O’Keefe, Darke, Blades, Grazio, Young, Cronin, Andrews, Littlefield)(abstained: Buell) (for: 9.8)(abstained: 1.1) Motion/Vote It was moved by Mrs. Nelson and seconded by Mrs. Andrews to accept the provisions on Chapter 32 B (sections 9, 9D ¾, and 18) as presented by the Insurance Advisory Council. Motion carried. (for: Castiglione, Nelson, O’Keefe, Darke, Grazio, Young, Cronin, Andrews, Littlefield)(abstained: Buell, Blades)(for: 8.7)(abstained: 2.2) Strategic Planning Subcommittee Report Mr. O’Keefe updated the Committee on the meeting that took place on January 27, 2004. The Superintendent presented the Pentucket Four Stage Curriculum Review Process. The Superintendent also informed the subcommittee that he would be presenting his fact-finding regarding the Bagnall School to the full Committee. The subcommittee discussed the following issues regarding the Regional Agreement: 1) supplemental language, 2) method of assessment, 3) page 4 section C regarding individual town’s option to provide additional funding to elementary schools, 4) stabilization funds, and 5) 2/3 majority for budget approval. The following determinations were made, and where appropriate, are being forwarded to the full Committee for adoption. 1) Adopt and incorporate Chapter 71, Section 16B of Mass General Laws in its entirety as a replacement for Section X. This would have the effect of eliminating the distinction between the base budget and supplemental budget, and put us in compliance with state law. 2) This would also address the method of assessment. In that context, the subcommittee recommends that "choice out" students be included when determining student participation for each town. 3) The subcommittee recommends leaving the language regarding stabilization funds as is. 4) The subcommittee was unable to reach consensus regarding the right of individual towns to provide additional funding to elementary schools. The next meeting is scheduled for February 10, 2004, at 6:00 p.m. The subcommittee will discuss the following topics: 1) number of members, 2) quorum requirement, 3) Chapter 71 16A. There was a discussion regarding the base and the supplemental budgets. Members discussed the use of these terms and strategies for the FY05 budget. Motion/Vote It was moved by Mr. O’Keefe and seconded by Mrs. Nelson to continue the meeting passed 10:00 p.m. Motion carried. (for: Nelson, O’Keefe, Darke, Cronin, Andrews, Littlefield)(opposed: Castiglione, Buell, Blades, Grazio, Young)(for: 5.7)(opposed: 5.2) The meeting was recessed at 10:10 p.m. It will continue on February 10, 2004. Respectfully submitted, Marianne Naffah Recording Secretary |
February
10, 2004
PENTUCKET REGIONAL SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Middle School February 10, 2004 Members present: Chairman Castiglione, Mrs. Andrews, Mr. Young, Mrs. Nelson, Mrs. Darke, Ms. Blades, Mr. Buell, Mr. Cronin, Mrs. Grazio, O’Keefe, Mrs. Muench, and Dr. Littlefield Also present: Dr. MacLean, Dr. McGinn, Principals, Mrs. Townes, Mrs. Kline, Mrs. Jervey, Mr. Harrison, Mrs. Perry, and Mrs. Wilson, Director of Pupil Services, Kathleen O’Brien, Student Representatives, Miss Burns and Mr. Hutchison-Maxwell, Spectators and Press Call to Order Chairman Castiglione called the meeting to order at 7:38 p.m. Majority Vote The majority vote was 5.5. The meeting on February 3, 2004, was recessed to February 10, 2004. Chairman Castiglione continued the meeting with the agenda from February 3, 2004, adding a discussion on budget meeting dates and the FYI dated January 23, 2004. Consent Agenda It was moved by Mr. O’Keefe and seconded by Mrs. Nelson to accept the consent agenda. Motion carried. (for: Castiglione, Nelson, Buell, Young, O’Keefe, Darke, Blades, Andrews, Littlefield, Cronin)(opposed: Grazio)(for: 9.8)(opposed: 1.1) Mrs. Muench arrived at 7:42. The majority vote changed to 6.1. Chairman Castiglione presented members with data on budget facts, FY05 budget proposal issues, and FY05 finances. The data showed where Pentucket ranks across the state in terms of spending. The source of this information was from the Department of Education. It was taken from the finance information that the District is required to provide every year. Chairman Castiglione suggested that the budget discussion start with the FY04 budget, where the District is now and where it will be in June 2004. Dr. MacLean showed the Committee a review of the actual revenue in both state aid and community contributions from the past several years. Dr. MacLean anticipates a 1% increase in state aid. He said that the FY05 budget would require a 12% increase in contributions. Dr. MacLean provided members with "profit/loss" data on school choice. The District has a deficit in choice of $68,681 in terms of tuition out to date. The District has taken $109,000 out of the general fund to pay for things they had hoped choice money would have paid for. The total deficit is $177,681. Without the 38 new students, the total deficit would be $326,641. The tuition rate is set by the per pupil expenditure allocated by each town/district and it is done by the state. Dr. MacLean proposed 27 additional choice students at the elementary and 33 at the secondary level. Other sources of revenue for this year’s budget came from a variety of sources totaling approximately $640,000. There are additional expenses in the FY04 budget with the 403B plan, unemployment, school choice out deficit, school choice in deficit, and SPED tuition. These additional expenses total $397,816. The District also has additional revenue from SPED circuit breaker and the bond refinance. This additional revenue totals $417,128. FY05 Budget The FY05 budget proposal has approximately $600,000 in reductions in category one. This includes replacing 16 retirees at step one, the savings in the central administration reorganization, building "administration" positions, elimination of one teacher at the Page School and eliminating 6.5 FTE at the high school. Ms. Blades asked Dr. MacLean for clarification on the dollars budgeted for the business manager. Dr. MacLean said he did his budget based on budget to budget, not actual to actual. Mr. Buell asked if the vote that the Committee took previously for a full time Business Manager for July 1, 2004, was still in effect. Chairman Castiglione said that it was, and there should be a discussion on it. Ms. Blades questioned the stipend money. Dr. MacLean said that he used some of it for reimbursements to members that went to the MASC conference, school committee supplies, and mailings. Dr. MacLean said that any money that is not spent would go back into the general fund. At the end of the year it will goes toward the deficit or stays in the E&D fund. Mrs. Grazio said that she is not comfortable with where the District is in FY04 and how much there is in E&D. Dr. MacLean said that the November budget report showed anticipated expenses and the revenue that would be necessary to cover those expenses. The report did not take into consideration the circuit breaker money that has come in or the savings on the refinancing. Dr. MacLean said that the amount of the deficit in the health care trust is not final to date. He also said that if the Committee decides to pay the money for the sick leave buy back in June, there would be an additional deficit. Mrs. Grazio asked the Committee for a consensus on discussing an override. Dr. Littlefield objected. Everyone else agreed. Chairman Castiglione clarified that the 1.4 million dollar shortfall assumed some reductions, additional choice students, and fees. Ms. Blades suggested that the Committee start with the 1.4 million dollar shortfall and add back in reductions what the Committee would like to put back in to get a final number. The Committee added back what it said to represent a 2.2 million dollar deficit. The following items were added back:
Dr. Littlefield asked Mrs. Townes if there is growth in the budget to cover recommendations from NEASC. Dr. McGinn said that it is budgeted in high school professional development. There is also funding available from grants. Dr. Littlefield asked if there was any data on student performance in foreign language based on class size at the middle school level. Dr. Littlefield said that if the District did some tracking on curriculum and the achievement and the success on how students do, it would help make decisions on where to put the money. Mrs. Townes said that the information that is available is: that the District has three languages, four different levels, and the number of students enrolled. She added that the enrollment has increased in the past five years. Mr. Buell agreed with Mrs. Wilson that class sizes in foreign language should be small. He said it went beyond antidotal, beyond statistical, it’s a fact and a priority. Motion/Vote It was moved by Dr. Littlefield and seconded by Mr. Buell to direct the Superintendent to assess the current program outcomes of the foreign language curriculum at the middle school to see if the current service delivery is the best way to meet the intended objectives and present data to the Committee. Motion carried. (for: Castiglione, Nelson, O’Keefe, Darke, Cronin, Andrews, Littlefield)(opposed: Buell, Blades, Muench, Grazio, Young)(for: 6.8)(opposed: 5.2) Mrs. Grazio said the regional agreement gives the formula for the number for the base budget and the balance goes into the supplemental. Dr. MacLean said there would be a supplemental budget. Dr. MacLean said that he has spoken to all of the finance directors in the District. He is anticipating $600,000 to $800,000 in excess of this year’s assessment. Mrs. Grazio would like to go to the towns to see if they will pay before making any cuts. Mr. Cronin said it would be best to put forward what is reasonable to maintain programs and services, but also to put forward what is responsible for a budget. Mrs. Andrews said that the Committee needs to decide what they value and what they are willing to cut. She said the Committee should present something that is fiscally responsible. Mrs. Darke agreed. Chairman Castiglione clarified by saying that presently the Committee was unwilling to move on existing programming. Chairman Castiglione continued to say that he began this meeting by looking at where this District is in its spending relative to the other communities in this Commonwealth. This District is in the lowest quartile in its spending and the top quartile in performance. How long can spending at the lower levels that the District is spending and sustain that activity? He said that the District was able to do what the community wanted them to do last year. Motion/Vote It was moved by Mrs. Grazio and seconded by Mr. Buell to move forward with the budget (2.2 million dollar shortfall) as is, maintaining current programs next year (level programming) without accepting the Superintendent’s cuts. Motion failed: (for: Young)(opposed: Castiglione, Nelson, Buell, O’Keefe, Darke, Blades, Muench, Grazio, Cronin, Andrews, Littlefield)(for: .8) (opposed: 11.2) Mr. Cronin said that he is more interested in a compromise. There should be cuts to programs where they can be cut. We rely on the administration to make those cuts. Communities decided not to support the budget last year. The parents stepped up and paid the fees. Mr. O’Keefe said when asking administration what they wanted back in the budget, not a single principal said they wanted it all back. He said that the Committee has not looked into non-programming reductions. Mrs. Nelson said the Committee lacks the data to make the decisions on what should be kept and what should be cut. Mrs. Grazio said the open hearing should be the presentation of the budget after the Committee has gone over it. Mr. Cronin said that if the Committee does that, they are not valuing what the public has to say. Motion/Vote It was moved by Mr.O’Keefe and seconded by Mr. Buell to continue the meeting past 10:00 p.m. Motion carried. (for: O’Keefe, Nelson, Castiglione, Buell, Muench, Grazio, Darke, Cronin, Young, Littlefield, Andrews)(opposed: Blades)(for: 10.9)(opposed: 1.1) Members requested further information on the following:
Adjournment Motion/Vote It was moved by Mrs. Grazio and seconded by Mrs. Darke to adjourn the meeting at 10:25 p.m. Motion carried. (unanimous approval) Respectfully submitted, Marianne Naffah Recording Secretary |
PENTUCKET REGIONAL SCHOOL COMMITTEE Auditorium Open Hearing Middle School February 24, 2004 Members present: Chairman Castiglione, Mrs. Andrews, Mr. Young, Mrs. Nelson, Mrs. Darke, Ms. Blades, Mr. Buell, Mr. Cronin, Mrs. Grazio, Mr. O’Keefe, Mrs. Muench and Dr. Littlefield Also present: Dr. MacLean, Dr. McGinn, Mr. Gibson, Principals, Mrs. Townes, Mrs. Kline, Mrs. Jervey, Mr. Harrison, Mrs. Perry, Mrs. Wilson, Director of Pupil Services, Kathleen O’Brien, Student Representatives, Miss Burns and Mr. Maxwell-Hutchison, Spectators and Press Call to Order Chairman Castiglione called the meeting to order at 7:38 p.m. Majority Vote The majority vote was 6.1. Agenda It was moved by Mr. O’Keefe and seconded by Mrs. Nelson to accept the agenda as amended. Ms. Blades requested that the Superintendent provide copies of all emails sent between school committee members, from school committee members to administration and from administration to the school committee members dating back to July 1, 2003, and have them in the March 9, 2004 packet. Motion carried. (unanimous approval) Consent Agenda It was moved by Mr. O’Keefe and seconded by Mrs. Nelson to accept the consent agenda. Motion carried. (for: Castiglione, O’Keefe, Nelson, Buell, Darke, Young, Andrews, Cronin, Littlefield)(opposed: Muench, Blades, Grazio)(for: 8.7)(opposed: 3.3) Administrative Reports Dr. MacLean gave the Committee a brief update on the budget. The budget has a 2.2 million-dollar deficit between revenue and projected expenses. At the February 10th School Committee meeting the Committee added back the reductions that the Superintendent had made. Those reductions included replacing the retirees at a mid range level instead of an entry level, the reductions in the central office and the administration throughout the District. The reductions made at the high school were added back in, along with the reductions of fees for transportation, sports and activities, 60 choice students, the reading specialist at the Sweetsir, a teacher at the Bagnall, and one at the Donaghue. Dr. MacLean explained to the Committee that there is a deficit in School Choice for FY04 of $24,804. His recommendation was to bring in 60 new choice students, as well as replacing the seven that are graduating for FY05. This option would bring in $248,412 in revenue for FY05. Dr. MacLean has had brief discussions with the finance directors from the three towns, and he anticipates approximately $600,000 in growth from the towns. Dr. MacLean gave the Committee data on FY05 Budget Reductions Revised Options. It included the following:
Dr. MacLean said that the consequences from these cuts would be with the variety the District is able to offer and class sizes would increase in Physical Education and Health. Russian would be cut completely. There would be more study halls. The following were comments made from the members and the audience.
Motion/Vote It was moved by Mrs. Nelson and seconded by Mrs. Andrews to have a choice analysis study done to answer the questions: Why students are coming into the District? Why student are leaving the District? Why students that are coming into the District choose Pentucket? Motion carried. (unanimous approval) Motion/Vote It was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mrs. Grazio to have the District approach the towns with the same level of programming and level staffing for FY05 that is in place for FY04. There was a friendly amendment to allow the Superintendent to make minor department head style changes. Motion carried. (for: Buell, O’Keefe, Blades, Muench, Grazio, Young)(opposed: Castiglione, Nelson, Darke, Cronin, Andrews, Littlefield)(for: 6.3)(opposed: 5.7) Chairman Castiglione said that it would be a mistake if the Committee moved forward with a number that didn’t show that it made an effort to attempt to deal with the deficit at hand. If the School Committee continues to say don’t cut any programs and yet there is no conversation about what is core to the mission, he said the Committee is losing the opportunity to protect the core issue. Chairman Castiglione would like to see the Committee meet the community at some point. Mr. Buell said he would like to do that with fees. He said programs and staffing cuts would do damage to students. Mrs. Grazio said that it would be very clear what the District would be asking the towns for. She does not agree with the fees. She said it is time to have the towns take a hard look at what education costs and give them the opportunity to say yes. Dr. Littlefield said the Committee should put together a packet that is responsible to our principals and students and then show some fiscal restraints. Mr. Young said that if programs were cut they would not come back. Motion/Vote It was moved by Mr. O’Keefe and seconded by Mr. Young to support the Superintendent’s recommendation for rehiring salaries for elementary and English teachers at entry level and for math teachers at the bachelors 5, or the masters 4 level for a total of $595,182. revised 05 figure. Motion carried. (unanimous approval) Dr. MacLean will adjust the FY05 budget to reflect a full time Business Manager. Motion/Vote It was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mrs. Darke to continue activity fees and athletics into FY05, the same as FY04 with the same parameters (caps and waivers). There was a friendly amendment to have the same format apply to the Lacrosse program. Motion carried. (for: Nelson, Buell, O’Keefe, Darke, Blades, Muench, Cronin, Andrews)(opposed: Castiglione, Grazio, Young, Littlefield)(for: 8.2)(opposed: 3.8) Motion/Vote It was moved by Mr. Young and seconded by Mr. Buell to have the parking fees the same for FY05 as they were in FY04. Motion carried. (for: Castiglione, Nelson, Buell, O’Keefe, Grazio, Muench, Grazio, Blades, Cronin, Young, Andrews)(opposed: Littlefield)(for: 11.2)(opposed: .8) Motion/Vote It was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mrs. Nelson to continue the meeting past 10:00 p.m. Motion carried. (for: Castiglione, Nelson, O’Keefe, Darke, Cronin, Andrews, Littlefield)(opposed: Buell, Blades, Muench, Grazio, Young)(for: 6.8)(opposed: 5.2) Motion/Vote It was moved by Mr. Cronin and seconded by Mrs. Nelson to add choice students not to exceed a total of 120 students. Motion failed. (for: Castiglione, Nelson, O’Keefe, Darke, Cronin, Andrews)(opposed: Buell, Blades, Muench, Grazio, Young, Littlefield)(for: 6.0)(opposed: 6.0) Mr. Young reconsidered his vote. Motion carried: (for: Castiglione, Nelson, O’Keefe, Darke, Cronin, Andrews, Young)(opposed: Buell, Blades, Muench, Grazio, Littlefield)(for: 6.8)(opposed: 5.2) Mr. Young said that he, historically, has been opposed to choice because the intent of choice has been completely ruined. It was supposed to be for enhancement. It has become necessary. He said he looked to administration. They have looked carefully at their buildings and their classrooms. Mr. Young said he has confidence in the administration and the Superintendent. Dr. MacLean said that he would like to discuss the pros and cons of the Supervisory Options that he gave the Committee at the next meeting. Motion/Vote It was moved by Mr. Cronin and seconded by Mr. Young to adjourn the meeting at 10:25 p.m. Motion carried. (unanimous approval) Respectfully submitted, Marianne Naffah Recording Secretary |
March 2,
2004
PENTUCKET REGIONAL SCHOOL COMMITTEE Middle School March 2, 2004 Members present: Chairman Castiglione, Mrs. Andrews, Mr. Young, Mrs. Nelson, Mrs. Darke, Ms. Blades, Mr. Buell, Mr. Cronin, Mrs. Grazio, Mrs. Muench and Dr. Littlefield Also present: Dr. MacLean, Dr. McGinn, Mr. Gibson, Principals, Mrs. Townes, Mrs. Kline, Mrs. Jervey, Mr. Harrison, Mrs. Perry, Mrs. Wilson, Director of Pupil Services, Kathleen O’Brien, Student Representative, Miss Burns, Spectators and Press Absent: Mr. O’Keefe Call to Order Chairman Castiglione called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m. Majority Vote The majority vote was 5.0. Mrs. Muench arrived at 7:40 p.m. The majority vote changed to 5.5. Agenda It was moved by Mr. Cronin and seconded by Mrs. Nelson to accept the agenda as amended. Ms. Blades requested commenting on the article in Globe North on Regional Agreement Budgets. Motion carried. (for: Castiglione, Nelson, Buell, Grazio, Muench, Darke, Young, Cronin, Andrews, Littlefield)(opposed: Blades)(for: 9.8)(opposed: 1.1) Consent Agenda It was moved by Mr. Cronin and seconded by Mrs. Andrews to accept the consent agenda as amended. The amendment was to remove the minutes dated February 10, 2004. Motion carried. (for: Castiglione, Nelson, Buell, Darke, Muench, Young, Andrews, Cronin, Littlefield)(opposed: Blades, Grazio)(for: 8.7)(opposed: 2.2) Minutes Motion/Vote It was moved by Mr. Cronin and seconded by Mrs. Nelson to approve the minutes of February 10, 2004, as amended. The amendments were as follows: The first motion on page three was rewritten to read, "It was moved by Dr. Littlefield and seconded by Mr. Buell to direct the Superintendent to assess the current program outcomes of the foreign language curriculum at the middle school to see if the current service delivery is the best way to meet the intended objectives and present data to the Committee." On page 4, the first line was amended to remove, "He would like to go back to the towns with an override." Motion carried. (for: Castiglione, Nelson, Buell, Muench, Darke, Young, Andrews, Cronin, Littlefield)(opposed: Blades)(abstained: Grazio)(for: 8.7)(opposed: 1.1)(abstained: 1.1) Administrative Reports Mentoring Program Update Dr. McGinn gave the Committee a brief update on the second draft of the Mentoring Program. Dr. McGinn and Dr. MacLean have concerns with the qualifications of the mentor and the mentor teacher criteria. Specifically, the group has designed a process that relies on a principal or an assistant principal for a recommendation and the administration feels strongly that the substance needs to be enhanced for the principal to lean on in order to provide that recommendation. They are also working on the descriptive for the kinds of qualities and skills of the individuals who would like to become mentors. This group is trying to establish a very distinguished group of Pentucket mentors. Dr. McGinn is working on compensation. The training was established after the group had an interview with teacher 21. They train mentors and proposed a training schedule. Dr. McGinn has identified grant money to pay for the training. Dr. MacLean estimates the program to cost $40,000. Dr. Littlefield commented that the group did an outstanding job. She said the plan is extremely detailed with backup. All bases have been covered. Supervisory Options Dr. MacLean gave members data on supervisory options. Dr. MacLean said his intent was to provide continuity in the development and implementation of curriculum, in particular, at the secondary level. Dr. MacLean would like to take advantage of the high school in terms of scheduling and leadership. A brief discussion followed.
High School Scheduling Options Mrs. Townes presented the Committee with a Seven Period Drop Schedule with one long lab block. Six classes meet daily with one of them being a lab period of 82 minutes in the morning. The classes rotate on a 7-day cycle. Their goal is to increase time in each class and create "lab" time that would allow not only Science classes but also all classes to have a block of time to use a variety of instructional strategies. This schedule would allow for more time on learning. This schedule would address the NEASC recommendations. Mrs. Townes said that a block schedule would be implemented over a three-year period of time with professional development. She said that going to a block schedule would impact electives for ninth and tenth grade students. They would not have the opportunity to participate in Fine and Performing Arts or in Foreign Language. Band could be moved to before or after school. Mrs. Townes’ concern is in the collaboration between the principal, the department chairs and the teaching staff to move together with professional development so that the additional time in the classrooms is used to increase student achievement. Mrs. Townes said that the longer lab period would allow the high school to eliminate the extra lab period students and teachers have in AP Biology and AP Chemistry. Teachers would be able to teach an additional section of Science. It would allow Social studies, English, and Math more time to do projects and to do presentations. It would also allow Foreign Language teachers the opportunity to use technology to enhance the delivery of instruction. A brief discussion followed:
Motion/Vote It was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mrs. Grazio to look at school scheduling options and others in FY06 at the high school. Motion withdrawn. Budget The previous increase over FY04 budget was 2,570,000. The Committee added 60 choice students, activity fees, and replacing retiring teachers at a lower salary rate. The shortfall to date is $1,791,708. The Committee also added $16,000 back into the Business Manager’s salary increasing the Central Office Positions to $585,725. Mr. Gibson said that the E&D account would be spent this year on the medical trust deficit. Mrs. Grazio asked why there is a difference in the amount from the auditor versus what is certified from the state. Mr. Gibson said when it went to the state it came back lower due to payroll taxes that the auditor did not pick up. Chairman Castiglione said that because the auditor is making the assumption to make up the operating deficiency, the District would have to charge it against E&D. There should be a vote of the Committee to transfer the money. He said the bottom line is there will be no funds available in E&D. Chairman Castiglione said that after meeting with the Finance Committee members in the town, the District could anticipate $600,000 in new growth revenue. The total deficit is $1,791,708. Chairman Castiglione said there should be a base budget and a supplemental. Committee members agreed that it would be best to add the activity fees back into the budget and go to the towns for an override. They felt it would be harder to ask families to pay both fees and an increase in property taxes. Mrs. Grazio said the towns have to put forward the amount that the Committee requests. Motion/Vote It was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mrs. Grazio not to implement the Lacrosse program. Motion failed. (for: Buell, Grazio)(opposed: Castiglione, Nelson, Darke, Blades, Muench, Young, Cronin, Andrews, Littlefield)(for: 2.2)(opposed: 8.7) Members asked administration to do a recap on the budget for the next meeting. This should include the local assessment increases per town. Adjournment Motion/Vote It was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mrs. Grazio to adjourn the meeting at 10:00 p.m. Motion carried. (for: Castiglione, Nelson, Buell, Darke, Muench, Grazio, Blades, Young, Andrews, Cronin)(opposed: Littlefield)(for: 10.1)(opposed: .8) Respectfully submitted, Marianne Naffah Recording Secretary |
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PENTUCKET REGIONAL SCHOOL COMMITTEE Middle School March 9, 2004 Members present: Chairman Castiglione, Mrs. Andrews, Mr. Young, Mrs. Nelson, Mrs. Darke, Ms. Blades, Mr. Buell, Mr. Cronin, Mrs. Grazio, Mrs. Muench, Mr. O’Keefe and Dr. Littlefield Also present: Dr. MacLean, Dr. McGinn, Mr. Gibson, Student Representative, Miss Burns, Spectators and Press Call to Order Chairman Castiglione called the meeting to order at 7:46 p.m. Majority Vote The majority vote was 5.5 Mrs. Muench arrived at 7:49 p.m. The majority vote changed to 6.1. Agenda It was moved by Mrs. Nelson and seconded by Mrs. Andrews to accept the agenda. Motion carried. (for: Castiglione, Nelson, Buell, O’Keefe, Grazio, Muench, Darke, Young, Cronin, Andrews, Littlefield)(opposed: Blades)(for: 10.9)(opposed: 1.1) Consent Agenda It was moved by Mr. Cronin and seconded by Mrs. Andrews to accept the consent agenda as amended. The amendments were to remove the minutes dated February 24, 2004, and to comment on the emails. Motion carried. (for: Castiglione, Nelson, Buell, O’Keefe, Darke, Muench, Young, Andrews, Cronin, Littlefield)(opposed: Blades, Grazio)(for: 9.8)(opposed: 2.2) Minutes Motion/Vote It was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mrs. Nelson to approve the minutes of February 24, 2004 as amended. The amendment was on page one under Administrative Reports to change the amount of $157,000 to $248,412. Motion carried. (for: Castiglione, Nelson, Buell, O’Keefe, Muench, Darke, Young, Andrews, Cronin, Littlefield)(abstained: Blades, Grazio)(for: 9.8)(abstained: 2.2) Ms. Blades said that she is not receiving copies of all emails. She also said that the questions being answered by the administration are not being sent out to all members. Administrative Reports Budget The Superintendent’s original budget proposal had a community contribution shortfall of $1,402,082. The budget was rebased and the current increase needed in local contributions is $1,626,950. This included expense adjustments of $692,606. The $692,606 represented the following adjustments: replace retirees at step 1, central administration reorganization, building administration positions, eliminating a teacher at the Page School, eliminating 6.5 FTE at the high school, a reading specialist at the Sweetsir and Donaghue, restoring a teacher at the Bagnall, restoring a teacher at the Donaghue. Other expenses included the choice fund shortfall and the retirement incentive increase. Athletic/Activity expenses covered by non-general fund account and an increase in transportation expenses totaled $187,815. The total shortfall requiring assessment increases totaled $2,405,242. Currently the School Committee approved the following offsets: new hires at a lower salary, 60 new choice slots, and athletic/activity fees. This totaled $778,292 and brings the current increase needed in local contributions to $1,626,950. Chairman Castiglione presented the Committee with three scenarios on FY05 assessments: current budget, eliminating fees, and assuming $500,000 in new growth. Discussion followed:
Motion/Vote It was moved by Mr. O’Keefe and seconded by Mrs. Drake to move to accept Option K Supervisory Options. Motion failed. (for: O’Keefe, Littlefield)(opposed: Castiglione, Nelson, Buell, Darke, Blades, Muench, Grazio, Young Cronin, Andrews)(for: 1.9)(opposed: 10.1) Motion/Vote It was moved by Mr. Young and seconded by Mr. Buell to accept the total budget figure of $26,399,305 which includes choice, fees, and adjusted salaries for new hires. There was a friendly amendment to change the number to $27,368,079. Motion failed. (for: Buell, Young)(opposed: Castiglione, Nelson, O’Keefe, Darke, Blades, Muench, Grazio, Cronin, Andrews, Littlefield)(for: 1.9)(opposed: 10.1) Discussion followed:
Motion/Vote It was moved by Mr. Buell to accept the total budget figure of $27,368,079, eliminating the athletic and activity fees, increasing local contributions. The supplemental budget would be $1,815,932. Motion defeated. Motion/Vote It was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mrs. Darke to rescind the athletic and activity fees. Motion failed. (for: Castiglione, Buell, Darke, Grazio, Littlefield)(opposed: Nelson, O’Keefe, Blades, Muench, Young, Cronin, Andrews)(for: 5.2)(opposed: 6.8) Mr. Cronin said that the Regional Agreement reads that the District presents the supplemental budget which is the amount over last year and that it should be identified with the program and services that the District would lose if that supplemental budget is not approved. Chairman Castiglione said that for clarity, he would like to vote a budget and then decide what would be in the base and what would be in the supplemental. Motion/Vote It was moved by Ms. Blades and seconded by Mrs. Grazio to start with the FY04 budget figure of $25,741,129 and add on a supplemental of 1,626,934. The total figure is $27,368,078. There was a friendly amendment to reduce the central office supplies by $1. This motion includes: base operating assessment of $11,694,240, operating supplemental assessment of $1,626,949, capital base assessment of $373,543, and a supplemental capital assessment of $68,129 for a total of $27,368,078. Motion failed. (for: Buell, Blades, Young)(opposed: Castiglione, Nelson, O’Keefe, Darke, Muench, Grazio, Cronin, Andrews, Littlefield)(for: 3.0)(opposed: 9.0) Motion/Vote It was moved by Mr. Cronin and seconded by Mr. Buell to move forward with an operating budget of $27,000,000 and take the $368,079 and have the administration go back to the Committee with a plan of how those deductions could be made. Motion failed. (for: Nelson, O'Keefe, Cronin, Andrews)(opposed: Castiglione, Buell, Darke, Blades, Muench, Grazio, Young, Littlefield)(for: 3.8)(opposed: 8.2) Mr. Buell asked for a compromise. Members received data on 1% site based cuts. Mr. Buell asked Dr. MacLean what that would entail. Dr. MacLean said that he would ask each site manager and the Special Education Director to make cuts at the 1% level. These cuts would be made in categories one, two and three. Motion/Vote It was moved by Mr. Young and seconded by Mr. Buell to accept a total budget figure of $27,368,000. Motion failed. (for: Castiglione, Buell, Young)(opposed: O’Keefe, Darke, Blades, Muench, Grazio, Cronin, Andrews, Littlefield)(abstained: Nelson)(for: 3.0)(opposed: 7.9)(abstained: 1.1) Dr. Littlefield said that the Committee should have put their trust in the Superintendent’s proposal. The principals were involved with the decisions and the cuts. Mrs. Grazio said that the Committee is doing their job. The Superintendent recommends a budget and it is the Committee’s obligation under statute to review the budget and bring it to the towns to ask for support. Motion/Vote It was moved by Mr. Young and seconded by Mr. Buell to accept a total budget figure of $27,356,079. Motion failed. (for: Buell, Blades, Young)(opposed: Castiglione, Nelson, O'Keefe, Darke, Muench, Grazio, Cronin, Andrews, Littlefield)(for: 3.0)(opposed: 9.0) The previous motion was made with the understanding that the School Committee stipends would be removed. Mrs. Nelson commented on freezing administrative salaries for all non-bargaining units for a year. Mr. Young said that after the contract that was just signed for the teachers he disagreed with freezing administrative salaries. He said these people are the leaders of the District administrating education in our schools. Motion/Vote It was moved by Mrs. Darke and seconded by Mr. O’Keefe to continue the meeting past 10:00 p.m. Motion carried. (for: Castiglione, Nelson, O’Keefe, Darke, Blades, Muench, Andrews, Cronin((opposed: Young, Buell, Grazio, Littlefield)(for: 8.2)(opposed: 3.8) Motion/Vote It was moved by Mr. Buell with deep reservations and seconded by Mr. O’Keefe to rescind the motion on level staffing and make 1% cuts based on the discretion of the principals. Motion failed. (needed a 2/3 vote) (for: Castiglione, Nelson, Buell, O’Keefe, Darke, Cronin, Andrews, Littlefield)(opposed: Blades, Muench, Grazio, Young)(for: 7.9)(opposed: 4.1) Motion/Vote It was moved by Mrs. Muench and seconded by Mr. Buell to accept a total budget figure of $27,348,568. This includes removing the stipends and keeping the central office the same as it is in FY04. Motion failed. (for: Buell, Blades, Muench, Grazio, Young)(opposed: Castiglione, Nelson, O’Keefe, Darke, Cronin, Andrews, Littlefield)(for: 5.2)(opposed: 6.8) Motion/Vote It was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mr. Cronin to suspend Robert’s Rules of Order to further debate with open conversation. Motion carried. (for: Nelson, Buell, O’Keefe, Darke, Young, Cronin, Andrews, Littlefield)(opposed: Blades, Muench, Grazio) (abstained: Castiglione)(for: 7.6)(opposed: 3.3)(abstained: 1.1) Mr. Buell said that he would support a budget figure that included a 1% cut to each site base except the Bagnall, a budget number that removed the stipends of $12,000, the corrections totaling $12,000, and leaving the central office the same as it is in FY04. Motion/Vote It was moved by Mr. O’Keefe and seconded by Mr. Buell to rescind the previous motion on programs and services. Motion failed (2/3 vote needed). (for: Castiglione, Nelson, Buell, O’Keefe, Darke, Cronin, Andrews, Littlefield)(opposed: Blades, Muench, Grazio, Young)(for: 7.9)(opposed: 4.1) Motion/Vote It was moved by Mr. Cronin and seconded by Mrs. Darke to continue the meeting past 10:30 p.m. Motion carried. (for: Castiglione, Nelson, O’Keefe, Darke, Blades, Muench, Cronin, Andrews)(opposed: Buell, Grazio, Young, Littlefield)(for: 8.2)(opposed: 3.8) Motion/Vote It was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mrs. Grazio to accept a budget figure of $27,074,568. This included removing the stipends of $12,000, the errors totaling $12,000, the central office reorganization of $7,511 and a 1% cut at the discretion of the Superintendent. Motion failed. (opposed: Castiglione, Nelson, Buell, O’Keefe, Darke, Blades, Muench, Grazio, Young, Andrews, Littlefield)(abstained: Cronin)(opposed: 11.2)(abstained: .8) Chairman Castiglione said that this would probably focus on administration because the Committee has not agreed to rescind the vote on level funding on programs and services. Mr. Young said that this would attack the leadership of this District. With 16 teachers retiring, and more to follow, who will administer the mentoring program. We are trying to hire qualified, younger teachers with no leadership. Dr. MacLean said that it is important to define what the Committee means as administrative. There are administrative positions in each building that are hybrid. Some are full time and some are part time. Dr. MacLean said that administrators are also devoted to doing programs and service work. Ms. Blades agreed with Mr. Young. Motion/Vote It was moved by Mr. Cronin and seconded by Mr. Buell to accept a budget figure of $27,074,426. This included the FY04 budget of $25,741,129, the first voted supplemental figure of $1,626,950, minus the stipends of $12,000, minus the corrections of $12,000, minus the net central office reorganization of $7,511 and site base cuts of $262,142 not necessarily in each building. Motion failed. (for: Castiglione, O’Keefe, Cronin)(opposed: Nelson, Darke, Blades, Muench, Grazio, Young, Andrews, Littlefield)(abstained: Buell)(for: 3.0)(opposed: 7.9)(abstained: 1.1) Members agreed that the supplemental should list exactly what will be cut if the override fails. Motion/Vote It was moved by Ms. Blades and seconded by Mrs. Grazio to accept a budget figure of $27,336,568. This would include removing the stipends of $12,000, the central office reorganization of $7,511, and the corrections of $12,000. The supplemental is $1,595,439. Motion carried. (for: Castiglione, Nelson, Buell, Blades, Muench, Grazio, Young, Cronin, Andrews)(opposed: O’Keefe, Darke, Littlefield)(for: 9.0)(opposed: 3.0) Adjournment Motion/Vote It was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mr. Cronin to adjourn the meeting at 10:53 p.m. Motion carried. (unanimous approval) Respectfully submitted, Marianne Naffah Recording Secretary |
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Distribution:
Website, I. Buerger, P.A.T. PENTUCKET
REGIONAL SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Middle School
March
23, 2004 Members
present:
Chairman Castiglione, Mrs. Andrews, Mr. Young, Mrs.
Nelson, Mrs. Darke, Ms. Blades, Mr. Buell, Mr. Cronin, Mrs. Muench, and
Dr. Littlefield |