Saugus School CommitteeRegular MeetingJuly 24, 2014
Open Session
Time-Place:An open session of the Saugus School Committee was held this date at the Roby School Building. The meeting was called to order at 6:04 p.m.
Roll Call:Mr. Grabowskipresent
Mrs. Meredithnot present (arrived at 6:40)
Mrs. Rileypresent
Mr. Serinopresent
Ms. Reedpresent
Ms. Riley moved, Ms. Reed seconded and it was
VOTED:to adjourn the open session at 6:04 p.m. and to enter into executive session for the purpose of discussing union and non-union negotiations, update on litigation, and strategies.
The open session was called back to order at 7:29 p.m. with a salute to the flag.
Roll Call:Mr. Grabowskipresent
Mrs. Meredithpresent
Mrs. Rileypresent
Mr. Serinopresent
Ms. Reedpresent
SCTV was recording the meeting. There were no other recordings.
Public Comment:None
Student Representatives:
Kayla McKinnon, incoming senior, was present to give an update on fundraisers, Founder’s Day, and Improv at the high school.
Sam Galin, class of 2015, was present and discussed fundraisers including a table at the Revere Flea Market, car wash and Founder’s Day.
Kayla Kenney, class of 2016 was present and discussed Founder’s Day.
Minutes for Approval:
Mrs. Meredith moved, Ms. Reed seconded and it was unanimously
VOTED:to approve the Minutes of June 26, 2014 open session as presented.
Warrants:There were no warrants.
Superintendent’s Report:
Veteran’s Memorial Principal Search: The search committee met and interviewed today and brought forward three finalists. They will be meeting again next week.
Participation in Rotary Grant with YMCA Doug Currier: The Superintendent is working with Doug Currier from the Saugus YMCA and Rotary to write a grant that will involve promoting student leadership and providing training so that students can work together, after they are trained, to help gain and augment their leadership skills to play an active part in helping to make Saugus a better place to live.
Attendance at MASS Conference: The Superintendent attended the MASS Conference and was able to connect with Jack McCarthy from MSBA and he reviewed the process for all school districts who submitted SOI’s this year. Saugus will hear where they stand in the selection process between November and January. The reimbursement rate increased from 2.75 sf to 2.85 sf. Mr. McCarthy complimented Saugus on the SOI. Other presentations during the conference included: legal updates, insights into social media, speaker, Doris Kearns Goodwin, compliments and tribute from the Governor, updates from Commissioner Chester, and a discussion that entreated the Commissioner to promise a moratorium on unfunded mandates. His response was that there is nothing new coming from his office this year.
Report of Executive Director of Pupil Personnel Services:
Ms. Lisa Howard reported on the following:
- Setting up programs and classes
- Monitoring out of district placements
- No students in unapproved programs
- Grant Writing
- Extended School Year Program
- Getting students involved in community service
- Student discipline
- Mid-cycle review
- Circuit breaker
Ms. Reed noted that it is important that the School Committee sees the reports for budget purposes.
Report of Executive Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment:
Ms. Lori Gallivan discussed the following:
- K-8 Pilot
- ELL Restructuring: adopt/create/adapt
- DDM Submission
- Kindergarten programming lottery: 23 names were submitted for ten slots. The following numbers were chosen: 1,2,17,21,11,6,22,13,10,16. Letters will go out to the families.
Report of Subcommittees: There were no reports.
Old Business:
SHS Energy Savings Agreements:
Discussion was held regarding energy savings agreement. Ms. Reed noted that there is a cost factor initially with an expected cost savings overall. They have already started work on this. She asked if they want to approve the startup money to come from the SHS utilities account. Mr. Grabowski would like a guarantee that the $63,000 would be put back in our budget for utilities. Ms. Reed noted that the Town Manager said he was willing to guarantee. Ms. Reed noted that they are expected to save $63,000 plus another $88,000.
Ms. Meredith moved, Ms. Reed seconded and it was unanimously
VOTED: to take $63,000 out of the utility budget for energy savings agreement project.
FY14 Budget and FY15 Budget Reduction Update: Superintendent Tempesta said that everything is as it was. He will have a list of things to restore from turnover savings. A discussion was held regarding encumbrances. They plan to spend the money. A list will be given to the School Committee.
Mr. Grabowski asked about cuts vs. encumbrances. Ms. Andrews explained.
Mr. Grabowski said he would not support $40,000 for a wheel chair van.
A discussion was held regarding the LEA budget, Athletic Revolving, and outstanding payments for athletics, deficits in SHS athletics and the reduction in bussing by $42,000. Mr. Grabowski asked that the budget reduction update be on the agenda for every meeting. Discussion was held regarding prioritized list to restore.
Stipend Report: Discussion was held regarding stipends: recurring, non-recurring, and contractual.
Mr. Grabowski asked how an administrator receives a $10,000 stipend for doing something else within the school district. Ms. Reed noted that it is negotiated. They have asked that it be documented.
Mr. Grabowski read a job description “…..and performed all other duties.”
Mr. Serino asked for a list of positions that are paid stipends. Superintendent Tempesta will get it for the Committee.
Update on consolidation of Admin duties/report with descriptions: Included in the packet
Update on Tennis Courts: Ms. Riley was disappointed in the repairs performed at the BMS tennis courts. She asked that the Committee members go down to look at the tennis courts. She also asked the athletic subcommittee to go down to look at them and to address it. Ms. Reed suggested contacting Youth and Rec Committee. Ms. Riley will contact them.
It will be added to the next agenda. Ms. Riley would like to see the courts better than they are now.
Evans School: Mr. Grabowski would like to revisit the Evans School rental agreement to ensure that the contract/lease is being followed. He would like to know who controls the building.
Athletic User Fees and Refund Status: The refunds have been processed but not issued.
Student Obligations: Ms. Riley thanked Superintendent Tempesta for getting legal counsel recommendation. She would like to bring it back to food service subcommittee. Ms. Reed noted that it would be beneficial to have it in place before school starts.
Athletic User Fees: A discussion was held regarding athletic user fees. Mr. Grabowski stated that they will be having an athletic subcommittee meeting and will have a recommendation for user fees after reviewing the athletic budget, revenue, and expenses.
The Superintendent stated that he was in a meeting with the athletic director, SHS principal, and Ms. Andrews and will have a report to bring to the subcommittee meeting.
Mr. Grabowski would like to get a list of food service obligations, athletic obligations, and other obligations.
BMS Project Punch List: Discussion was held regarding the BMS punch list. Mr. Grabowski noted that there is $18,000 on the punch list that has not been completed yet. Discussion was held regarding recouping money for obligations in the contract and for custodians. Mr. Grabowski asked about a cutoff date. Ms. Reed said the MSBA is monitoring it and will be giving weekly updates.
New Business:
Gifts: None
Vending Machines: Mr. Grabowski asked who controlled the vending machines in the schools and who collected the money. He asked for a report at the next meeting.
SHORE Collaborative at BMS: Discussion was held regarding the program held at the BMS. There are no Saugus residents enrolled in the program at this time. Ms. Howard will call SHORE to see who they are paying to have the program at the BMS. Ms. Riley stated that she has not seen a rental fee. Mr. Grabowski would like to see a reduced rate for Saugus students. Ms. Reed stated that there is a benefit for our students and teachers having the program on site.
Ms. Howard stated that the integration is beneficial to both special education students as well as the regular education students. Ms. Howard will find the answers for tuition and rent for the School Committee.
Policy Review Updates: The School Committee was asked to review policies and bring them to the meeting. A discussion was held regarding updating all policies to include the Superintendent’s name.
Attendance Policy and Electronic Device Policy: Mr. Serino read each policy as a first read. If anyone has comments they can be submitted to the superintendent’s office or to subcommittee members. Policy subcommittee will meet again on August 7, 2014.
Mr. Grabowski reported that he has not received any new administrative contracts.
The Superintendent said they should all be included in the folder, but he will follow up.
Mr. Serino moved, Ms. Reed seconded and it was unanimously
VOTED: to adjourn the meeting at 9:28 p.m.
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