Mt. Everett Regional School

            Sheffield, MA

   May 12, 2005

                           School Committee Meeting #1,320

 

School Committee Members: Mr. Mielke, Mr. Pollitt, Ms. LeGeyt, Mr. Tillett, Mr. Abelow, Ms. Silvestri, Mr. Witdorchic, Ms. Maggio

          

Administrators:  Ms. Spriggs, Ms. Brown, Ms. Sands

 

Press:

 

Others:  Sheffield Selectman Julie Hannum; Linda Higgins

 

Student Representatives: 

 

I.                    Vice Chairman Mielke called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.   

 

II.                 Mr. Witdorchic moved, seconded by Mr. Abelow, to approve the minutes of School Committee Meeting #1,319.  It was so voted.

 

V.        A1.            Mr. Mielke then moved item 5A1 forward on the agenda.  Superintendent Spriggs reported that the Search Committee had met on May 10 to formulate interview questions for consideration by the School Committee.  Several members of the School Committee had attended a workshop to go over those questions earlier in the evening, and in the course of conversation, had asked her if she felt she could make a recommendation at this time.  Supt. Spriggs reported that she had responded that she would recommend the appointment of Ms. Sands.  She indicated, and members concurred, that many of the members indicated that they were inclined to skip the interview process, given Ms. Sands’ exemplary educational background and her seven-year history within the District. 

 

Mr. Tillett then moved to appoint Ms. Adele Sands as Director of Special Education.  Mr. Pollitt seconded the motion, and it was so voted, unanimously.  Mr. Witdorchic moved to amend the appointment to being subject to and binding upon successful negotiation of the salary/benefits of the position.  Mr. Pollitt seconded the amendment, and it was so voted, unanimously.

 

Ms. Sands thanked the Committee, and she stated that she really is enjoying working in the area of special education once again.  She recalled having some reservations in the beginning, as she had been out of special education for a few years, but said that since taking on the interim position, she has found that she loves it more than ever.  Ms. Sands declared that the special education staff is “amazing” and has provided everything she has needed.  She said she is looking forward to working with them on a permanent basis.

 

Committee members took a short break to offer congratulations to Ms. Sands on her appointment. 

 

Supt. Spriggs will notify the search team of the appointment and thank them for their work.  Mr. Pollitt added that he felt the search team had done an outstanding job, and he asked that the Committee’s appreciation be extended, as well.

 

III.            A.            Committee members extended their appreciation to Ms. Betty LeGeyt for her six years of service on the SBR School Committee.  Ms. Julie Hannum, newly elected member of the Sheffield Select Board, was also in attendance to extend the appreciation of the town for Ms. LeGeyt’s excellent service to both their children and taxpayers.  Mr. Mielke presented Ms. LeGeyt with a special card and gift.

 

            Ms. LeGeyt stated that she was sorry to be leaving.  She noted that although the members of the committee had not always agreed, she had enjoyed working with all of them.

 

            Superintendent Spriggs recalled that Ms. LeGeyt had been a large part of her entry into the District, having served as one of her escorts to each of the five towns during her visit.  Ms. Spriggs also thanked Ms. LeGeyt for offering wise counsel and integrity.  She stated that she will miss having Ms. LeGeyt serve on the Committee, but will still look forward to seeing her in attendance at school functions.

 

V.        A2.      Subcommittee/Representative Reports:

 

                        *            The Committee passed over a report re: the South Berkshire Educational Collaborative.

 

                        *            The Committee passed over a Policy Subcommittee Report.

 

                        *            The Committee passed over a Buildings & Grounds Subcommittee report.

 

            B.            Ms. Maggio moved, seconded by Mr. Tillett, to approve the request of Asha VonRuden for a one-year child rearing leave of absence, effective for the 2005-06 school year.  It was so voted, unanimously.

 

C.                 Financial Updates:  Ms. Brown broached the subject of the lunchroom deficit and possible solutions.  She stated that she would be asking the School Committee for permission to request an audit adjustment in the amount of the deficit in order to bring the account to a 0 balance for FY’04.  She said that the Committee would then need to discuss how to keep the account out of a deficit situation in the future, including options to have the District pay a larger portion of the health insurance costs for cafeteria employees, or perhaps increase the District subsidy to that account. 

 

Following a brief discussion, it was agreed to refer the matter to the Finance Subcommittee for their recommendation.

 

Ms. Brown distributed copies of a letter from the District’s auditors.  The letter will be discussed at the next meeting.

 

            Mr. Tillett moved to adjourn.  The motion was duly seconded, and the meeting was declared adjourned at

            7:29 p.m.

 

Superintendent Spriggs added a thank you to the School Committee representatives who had attended the memorial service for Mt. Everett graduate Steven Wells earlier in the day.  Ms. LeGeyt complimented the students in attendance, noting she had been had been very impressed with their attention and seriousness of purpose.

 

Committee members then enjoyed a celebratory cake in honor of Ms. LeGeyt.