P.O. Box 339, Sheffield, MA 01257
(413)229-8778; fax (413)229-2913
| |
Southern
Berkshire Regional School District P.O. Box 339, Sheffield, MA 01257 (413)229-8778; fax (413)229-2913 |
SOUTHERN BERKSHIRE REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING #1,378
Thursday, May 15, 2008
6:00 p.m.
Mt. Everett Regional School
Sheffield, MA
All interested members of the public are invited to attend.
A G E N D A
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Special School Committee Meeting of April 24, 2008; School Committee Meeting # 1,377
3. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE AUDIENCE
A. Student Representatives to the School Committee
B. Other
4. BUSINESS
A. Update Re: FY’09 Budget
B. Update Re: Elementary Principal SearchC. Discussion Re: Future of Monterey School
D. Subcommittee / Representative Reports
1. Interim Superintendent Search Subcommittee - J. Pollitt, Chair
2. South Berkshire Educational Collaborative - L. SilvestriE. Request for Approval of Student Activity Fund for Agricultural Education/FFA
5. OTHER COMMUNICATIONS / REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
6. GENERAL INFORMATIONA. The School Committee meeting schedule for the remainder of 2007-08 is tentatively as follows:
May 29 - Mt. Everett Library
June 12 - Mt. Everett Library
June 26 - Mt. Everett Library
B. Don’t miss the Grades 5-8 production of The Sound of Music. Performances will take place on Friday, May 16 and Saturday, May 17 at 7:00 p.m., and Sunday, May 18 at 2:00 p.m.
Mt. Everett Regional School
Sheffield, MA
April 17, 2008
Special School Committee Meeting
School Committee Members: Mr. Abelow, Ms. Mielke, Mr. Willig, Mr. Pollitt, Ms. Silvestri, Mr. Twing, Mr. Tillett, Mr. Steindler, Ms. Young
Others: Dr. Gordon Noseworthy, Ms. Joan Brooks, Mr. Paul O’Brien, Ms. Christine Regan, Ms. Linda Higgins
At 5:00 p.m. Mr. Pollitt, Chairman of the Interim Superintendent Search Team, introduced Dr. Gordon Noseworthy, a finalist for the interim superintendent position.
School Committee members then conducted an in-depth interview of Dr. Noseworthy, which included prepared and follow-up questions.
The interview concluded at 5:56 p.m.
.
Mt. Everett Regional School
Sheffield, MA
April 17, 2008
Meeting #1,376School Committee Members: Mr. Abelow, Ms. Mielke, Mr. Willig, Mr. Pollitt, Ms. Young, Mr. Twing, Mr. Tillett, Mr. Steindler, Ms. Silvestri
Administration: Ms. Spriggs, Ms. Regan, Mr. O’Brien, Ms. Sands
Press: CTSB
Student Representatives:
Others: Mr. Christopher Thompson; Ms. Cassie Uricchio, Ms. Joan Brooks, Ms. Linda Higgins
1. Chairman Abelow called the meeting to order at 6:04 p.m.
2. Approval of Minutes: The minutes of the special meeting of April 1 were approved with a correction to the adjournment time (changed to 6:34). Mr. Steindler and Ms. Young noted abstentions.
The minutes of School Committee Meeting #1,375 were accepted as presented.
3. Communications
A. There were no student representatives in attendance.
B. There were no communications from the audience.
4. Presentations:
A. Virtual High School / Technology / Math: Mr. Thompson updated the Committee regarding the Virtual High School program, and presented a listing of courses available to students. A question and answer session followed.
Mr. O’Brien presented the posting and job description for the Math Coach position in 2008-09. He also shared the District’s Technology Plan for 2007-2010.
The presentation concluded with the showing of a brief video from YouTube demonstrating the need for today’s students to be able to learn through technology.
B. Ms. Uricchio updated the Committee on agricultural projects. She reported on the goats and ducks projects, and the releasing of salmon. Upcoming events include Arbor Day projects on April 18, a fund raiser prior to Mothers Day, and the return of the Agricultural Fair to the Mt. Everett Campus on June 11 (rain date June 12). Ms. Uricchio also reported that there will be three agricultural classes offered in 2008-09. A brief question and answer session took place.
5. Business:
A. Chairman Abelow reported that a letter has been received from Commissioner of Education Jeffrey Nelhaus (copy on file with these minutes). Mr. Abelow reported that the budget has been certified to the member towns, as directed by Mr. Nelhaus.
B. Mr. Abelow reminded the Committee that the May 1 meeting will be held at the Monterey School. He reported that he had received a letter from Mr. Sylbert in that regard, and he shared his response to Mr. Sylbert on behalf of the Committee.
C. Superintendent Spriggs stated that the proposed 2008-09 calendar has been circulated among the administrators and the Teachers’ Association and includes feedback received from both. Mr. Tillett moved to approve the calendar, as presented. The motion was seconded by Mr. Steindler.
Ms. Young questioned whether legal counsel had been consulted regarding inclusion of Good Friday as a school holiday. Mr. Pollitt added that he remains opposed to that day being observed as a school holiday. Superintendent Spriggs explained that a polling of superintendents across the state showed that districts are mixed as to whether Good Friday is taken as a holiday or not. She said that a large number of districts do grant Good Friday, and some grant and Yom Kippur, as well.
Mr. Tillett moved to put Good Friday back as a school day.
Superintendent Spriggs requested that the faculty be given a chance to have input before the Committee votes on an amended calendar.
Ms. Silvestri noted that the staff had been vigorous in their request to have Good Friday as a holiday last year. Superintendent Spriggs added that one of the big issues had been employee absenteeism which would have precluded running the Undermountain/Mt. Everett cafeteria on that day.
Mr. Steindler asked that an opinion from Counsel be sought before the Committee votes. He asked that the importance of the holiday to students also be considered.
Mr. Tillett withdrew his motion(s).
C. Interim Superintendent Search Subcommittee: Mr. Pollitt reported that the Committee had held a good interview earlier in the evening. He said that if the other candidates were available, the team would try to arrange the remaining interviews for next week.
South Berkshire Educational Collaborative: Ms. Silvestri reported that SBEC Director Peter Kopcha had handed out a calendar and budget for review. Supt. Spriggs added that Mr. Kopcha had addressed the Berkshire County Superintendents’ Round Table group and submitted a concept paper regarding the expansion of the Collaborative. Mr. Kopcha will become a regular member of the Round Table to help facilitate expansion plans.
D. Mr. Tillett moved, seconded by Mr. Twing, to approve the request of the baseball team for an overnight trip to Cooperstown, NY. It was so voted, unanimously.
Mr. Tillett moved, seconded by Mr. Twing, to approve the request of the Mt. Everett Class of 2008 for an overnight trip to Lake George, NY. It was so voted, unanimously.
E. Ms. Regan reported that she is exploring the possibility of hiring a third party administrator to handle the upcoming legal changes in employee 403b plans.
Ms. Regan asked Committee members if there were anything that the staff could do to make it more convenient for them to come in and sign warrants. She offered to be available earlier or later in the day, as necessary. She also noted that the Warrant Subcommittee should report back to the full Committee after signing warrants.
6. Other Communications
* Mr. Steindler reported on a reception he attended for Mr. & Mrs. Young at Berkshire School and congratulated them for having the baseball field and the library mezzanine named for them.
* Mr. Abelow stated that he will be attending MASC’s “Day on the Hill” on April 29, and he invited other School Committee members to join him.
* Mr. Tillett suggested sending all School Committee communications electronically to avoid the wasting of paper, etc. After discussion, Mr. O’Brien offered to set up a test site on the District’s Web site. School Committee members would be able to enter the site with a password.
Mr. Steindler moved, seconded by Mr. Twing, to adjourn the meeting. It was so voted, and the meeting adjourned at 7:22 p.m.
.
Mt. Everett Regional School
Sheffield, MA
April 1, 2008
Special School Committee MeetingAMENDED
School Committee Members: Mr. Abelow, Mr. Willig, Mr. Pollitt, Ms. Mielke, Ms. Silvestri, Mr. Twing, Mr. Tillett, Dr. Zorn
Administration: Ms. Spriggs, Ms. Regan
Press: CTSB
Student Representatives:
Others:
1. Chairman Abelow called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
Business:
2. Mr. Abelow announced that Superintendent Spriggs had submitted her letter of resignation. Ms. Spriggs noted that the submission satisfied her contract language.
3. Mr. Tillett moved, seconded by Mr. Twing, to approve the Mt. Everett 2008-09 Program of Studies. It was so voted, unanimously.
4. Mr. Tillett moved, seconded by Dr. Zorn, to approve the middle school science field trip to Florida. It was so voted, unanimously.
5. Mr. Tillett moved, seconded by Ms. Silvestri, to approve a transfer of $9,250 from the contingency account to Special Education Program #210 for consulting services by Consulting Partners, Inc. It was so voted, unanimously.
On a motion by Mr. Twing, seconded by Dr. Zorn, the meeting adjourned at 6:34 p.m.
Mt. Everett Regional School
Sheffield, MA
March 27, 2008
Meeting #1,375School Committee Members: Mr. Abelow, Mr. Willig, Mr. Pollitt, Ms. Mielke, Mr. Twing
Administration: Ms. Spriggs, Ms. Regan, Mr. Martin, Ms. Sands
Press: CTSB
Student Representatives:
Others: Mr. Harvey Thompson; Mr. Gregg Winters of Thomas A. Scanlon, CPAs; Ms. Joan Brooks; Ms. Jane Burke; Mr. Larry Burke; Ms. Cathi Willig; Mr. Robert Law, Ms. Theresa Licata; Ms. Linda Higgins
1. Chairman Abelow called the meeting to order at 6:07 p.m.
2. Approval of Minutes: As there was not a quorum in attendance, the minutes of the Special Budget Meeting of March 6 could not be approved.
3. There were no student representatives in attendance.
4. There were no communications from the audience.
5. FY’07 Audit Report: Ms. Regan introduced Mr. Gregg Winters of Thomas A. Scanlon CPA’s. Mr. Winters walked the Committee through the Management Letter recommendations, noting that the District had come out very well, with only minor improvements recommended. A brief question and answer session followed.
Mr. Winters explained the results of the FY’07 audit conducted by their firm. He reviewed the balance sheet in detail, noting that it was a credit to Ms. Regan and the School Committee that the District is in a healthy financial position, especially as compared with many other districts. Mr. Winters stated that the audit was very good over all, and he reiterated that such was a credit to the people keeping track of the finances.
5B. Chairman Abelow presented a plaque to Jane Burke and Flying Cloud Institute in honor of “support, commitment, leadership and sustained efforts to enhance the educational opportunities of our students”. The award is an annual recognition from the Massachusetts Association of School Committees and is awarded to one person or organization in the state for exemplary volunteer service in the schools. Ms. Burke said that it was an honor to receive the recognition, and she noted that she has been pleased to be a part of the high quality education provided in the District.
6A. Vote to Approve 2008-2009 Mt. Everett Program of Studies: This item was postponed due to the lack of a quorum.
6B. Subcommittee / Representative Reports
1. Interim Superintendent Search Subcommittee: Mr. Pollitt, Chair of the Search Committee, stated that there are six applicants, with the possibility that two more may emerge. He said that the team’s goal is to have the interim superintendent on board by the end of May in order to provide a smooth transition.
2. South Berkshire Educational Collaborative: Superintendent Spriggs reported that the new executive director has been appointed and will meet with the Berkshire County Superintendents on March 28. It is hoped that the new director will move the conversation forward regarding the expanded collaborative.6C. Request for Approval of Science Field Trip to Florida: This item was postponed due to the lack of a quorum.
6D. Financial Updates: As a vote would be required to transfer funds, this item was postponed due to the lack of a quorum.
7A. Communications:
• At Superintendent Spriggs’ request, Mr. Martin provided a brief synopsis of the use of a new curriculum software program and the time lines for implementation.
• Committee members agreed to hold a brief meeting on April 1 at 6:30 p.m. in order to vote on the items that could not be voted for lack of a quorum.
• Mr. Twing thanked Ms. Burke for her support for the schools, and he congratulated the robotics teams for their showing at the recent competition in Lenox.Mr. Twing moved, seconded by Mr. Willig, to adjourn the meeting. It was noted that no vote could be taken. The meeting adjourned at 6:47 p.m.
Mt. Everett Regional School
Sheffield, MA
March 6, 2008
Special School Committee Budget MeetingSchool Committee Members: Mr. Abelow, Mr. Willig, Mr. Pollitt, Ms. Mielke, Ms. Silvestri, Mr. Twing, Mr. Tillett, Mr. Steindler, Dr. Zorn
Administration: Ms. Spriggs, Ms. Regan, Ms. Edwards, Mr. Devoti, Ms. Sands, Mr. O’Brien
Press: Mr. Derek Gentile, Berkshire Eagle
Student Representatives:
Others: Ms. Cathy Willig; Ms. Joan Brooks; Mr. Adam Kerzner; Ms. Sarah Pottle; Mr. James Siket; Mr. Dennis Sears; Mr. John Arthur Miller; Mr. Robert Law; Mr. Charles Coughlin; Mr. Arthur Batacchi; Ms. Asha VonRuden; Ms. Linda Higgins
1. Chairman Abelow called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
2. Approval of Minutes: Mr. Steindler noted that it was not he, but Mr. Tillett who had moved “to approve the minutes all together (rather than one set at a time)”. Mr. Tillett then moved to approve the minutes of Meeting #1,374 with that correction. Mr. Willig seconded the motion, and it was so voted.
Mr. Steindler moved, seconded by Mr. Willig, to approve the minutes of the Open Public Hearing of March 6. It was so voted.
3. Student Representatives: There were no student representatives in attendance.
4. Communications from the Audience: There were no communications from the audience.
5. Business
A. Discussion/Vote to Certify (as possible) FY’09 Operating and Capital Budgets: Mr. Willig noted that there had been items which had been overlooked or not included in the budget development process, including $15,000 to conduct the superintendent search and several other smaller but significant items (listing on file with these minutes). He then moved to add $50,415 to the FY 2009 Operating Budget total. Ms. Silvestri seconded the motion.
Mr. Steindler stated that without counting the additional $100,415 (over the FY’09 operating budget initially recommended by the Finance Subcommittee), the District’s budget had increased 14% from FY’07 to FY’09. He pointed out that state aid is not likely to increase and stated that the additions would put the town of Sheffield $75,000 - $80,000 over its levy limit. He said that it is irresponsible to add the funds and that the District needed to live within its income.
Mr. Tillett questioned why the technical paraprofessional position had been reinstated in the budget. Ms. Spriggs responded that following questions by several School Committee members, she and Ms. Regan had taken a second look and felt that it was necessary to retain that position in order to accomplish the work that will need to be done.
Superintendent Spriggs said that the administrators had tried to make cuts, as requested by the Finance Subcommittee; however, such cuts were not necessarily in the best interest of the District. Ms. Silvestri added, and Ms. Mielke and Mr. Twing agreed, that there had been too many unknowns in the first presentation of the budget, including two administrative searches. Mr. Twing stated that he felt that it should be up to the voters of the towns to decide the level of budget they can support. He added that it is a town’s budget as a whole, not the school’s budget alone, that would push a town to need an override.
Mr. Tillett spoke of his disappointment that the town officials of Monterey had not offered to close the school there, given the few students affected and the significant expense involved.
Mr. Willig confirmed that the motion on the floor was to raise the FY’09 Operating Budget by $50,415. Mr. Abelow asked for a roll call vote:
Mr. Willig - yes; Ms. Silvestri - yes; Mr. Twing - yes; Dr. Zorn - yes; Mr. Abelow - yes; Mr. Steindler - no; Ms. Mielke - yes; Mr. Pollitt - no; Mr. Tillett - no
The motion passed, with six members voting in favor, and three members voting in opposition.
Mr. Abelow then asked that the Committee go forward with certifying the FY’09 Operating and Capital Budgets.
Mr. Tillett moved to certify the FY’09 Operating Budget at $12,896,503. Mr. Twing seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken:
Mr. Willig - yes; Ms. Silvestri - yes; Mr. Twing - yes; Dr. Zorn - yes; Mr. Abelow - yes; Mr. Steindler - no; Ms. Mielke - yes; Mr. Pollitt - no; Mr. Tillett - no
As certification of the budget requires a 2/3 majority (i.e., seven affirmative votes), the motion failed, with six members voting in favor and three members voting in opposition.Mr. Twing then moved to certify the FY’09 Capital Budget at $2,089,350. Dr. Zorn seconded the motion. Following a brief discussion, a roll call vote was taken:
Mr. Willig - yes; Ms. Silvestri - yes; Mr. Twing - yes; Dr. Zorn - yes; Mr. Abelow - yes; Mr. Steindler - yes; Ms. Mielke - yes; Mr. Pollitt - yes; Mr. Tillett - yes
The motion was approved unanimously.
The Committee discussed next steps. Because the Committee was unable to certify the Operating Budget, Mr. Abelow stated that it would now go to the Department of Education. Superintendent Spriggs stated that Associate Commissioner Wulfson had stated that he would be speak with the Superintendent and the Business Administrator, and then with the towns in an effort to decide what level to recommend to the Commissioner for certification. Mr. Tillett asked that a member of the Finance Subcommittee be present for the discussion of Mr. Wulfson with the Superintendent and Business Administrator. The Committee agreed that as Chairman of the Finance Subcommittee, Mr. Steindler would do that.
5B. Subcommittee/Representative Reports
1. Superintendent Search Committee: Mr. Abelow reported that the subcommittee had met and elected Mr. Pollitt as chair. He said that they had asked Mr. O’Brien, Ms. Martin, and two School Council members to join the subcommittee. The team will try to meet next week.5C. Financial Updates: Mr. Steindler moved to approve a transfer of $250 from the contingency account to Program #122, Grade 2. Mr. Twing seconded the motion, and it was so voted.
6. Other Communications:
* Mr. Arthur Batacchi asked what the effect on the District’s budget would be if the District were to share a superintendent with Berkshire Hills. Committee members acknowledged that there was some conversation taking place in that regard, but that it was only exploratory at this point.
* In response to a question from Mr. Dennis Sears, Mr. Abelow stated that the Committee would not hold another meeting to try to certify the budget.
* Superintendent Spriggs requested that the Committee contact administrators with any questions or corrections regarding the Mt. Everett 2008-09 Program of Studies, which was distributed to them. A vote to approve will be requested at the next meeting.
* Mr. Steindler reminded the Finance Subcommittee of its meeting (re: audit report) on March 19 at 6:00 p.m.
On a motion by Mr. Steindler, seconded by Ms. Silvestri, the meeting adjourned at 6:40 p.m.
.
.
.
.
| Alford | Ms. Linda Silvestri |
184 Green River Road Alford, Ma 01230 |
josephsilvestri@earthlink.net | 528-0073 (unlisted) |
| Egremont | Mr. Stephen P. Willig | Box 341 Mt. Washington Road South Egremont, MA 01258 |
SCWillig2002@msn.com | 528-2890 (home) |
| Dr. Heidi C. Zorn | 30 Undermountain Road Great Barrington, MA 01230 |
healingspirit@yahoo.com | 528-1594 (home) 528-9654 (work) |
|
| Monterey | Ms. Deborah Mielke , Vice Chair | P. O. Box 211 Monterey, MA 01245 |
x2dm@yahoo.com | 528-0864 (home) |
| New Marlborough | Mr. Herb Abelow, Chair | P. O. Box 301 Mill River, MA 01244 |
Abelow@mindspring.com | 229-5940 (home) 229-2723 (fax) |
| Mr. Robert M. Twing, Jr. | 1526 Hartsville New Marlborough Rd. Great Barrington, MA 01230 |
robert_twing@yahoo.com | 644-9730 (home) | |
| Sheffield | Mr. Jack Pollitt | 487 Polikoff Road Ashley Falls, MA 01222 |
pollittjack@aol.com | 413-446-4469 (cell) 800-876-6676, ext. 6116 (work) |
| Mr. Dek Tillett | 203 Highland Avenue Housatonic, MA 01236 |
dtillett@mac.com | 413-274-6260 413-429-7196 cell |
|
| Ms. Susan B. Young | 321 Boardman Street Sheffield, MA 01257 |
syoung@campram.com | 229-8502 (home) | |
| Mr. David J. Steindler | 440 Sheffield Plain Sheffield, MA 01257 |
229-2628 (home/business) |
Updated