sbrsd_communications

Southern Berkshire Regional School Committee
Mt. Everett Regional School
Sheffield, MA
May 27, 2009
Special Meeting

School Committee Members: Mr. Abelow, Mr. McSpiritt, Ms. Silvestri, Mr. Flynn, Mr. Valentini, Mr. Sears, Mr. Fetterhoff, Ms. Mielke, Ms. Miller

Administration: Dr. Singleton, Ms. Regan

Others: Ms. Linda Higgins

Chairman Abelow called the meeting to order at 5:04 p.m. He stated there would be no business except for discussion of collective bargaining matters in executive session.

Mr. Sears then moved to enter executive session for the purpose of discussing collective bargaining. Ms. Miller seconded the motion. The vote:

Mr. Abelow Yes Ms. Silvestri Yes Mr. Sears Yes
Mr. Valentini Yes Mr. McSpiritt Yes Ms. Mielke Yes
Mr. Fetterhoff Yes Ms. Miller Yes Mr. Flynn Yes

Ms. Miller then moved, seconded by Mr. Sears, to adjourn the public session of the meeting. It was so voted, unanimously. The meeting adjourned to executive session at 5:07 p.m.

Southern Berkshire Regional School Committee
Mt. Everett Regional School
Sheffield, MA
May 14, 2009
Meeting #1,397

School Committee Members: Mr. Abelow, Mr. Willig, Ms. Silvestri, Mr. Flynn, Ms. Miller, Mr. Valentini, Mr. Sears, Ms. Mielke, Mr. Fetterhoff

Administration: Dr. Singleton, Ms. Regan, Ms. Kenyon, Mr. Martin, Mr. McGuire

Press: CTSB

Student Representatives:

Others: Ms. Cathi Willig, Ms. Meghan Ziegler, Ms. Cathy Riva, Ms. Lesliann Furcht, Ms. Karen Frighetto, Ms. Marie Baker, Ms. Linda Higgins

1. Chairman Abelow called the meeting to order at 6:03 p.m.

2. Hearing no corrections or additions, Chairman Abelow declared the minutes of School Committee Meetings #1,396 and the Special Meeting of May 1 accepted as presented.

3A. There was no Student Representative report.

3B. Communication from the Public:
Ms. Cathy Riva expressed frustration that she and other parents had not been notified of changes in the 5th and 6th grade scheduling for next year or the reasoning behind such changes. She also presented a petition from Grade 5 students expressing their desire to keep the same structure of their classes in 09-10 as this year. Chairman Abelow accepted the petitions, and stated that further discussion would take place later in the meeting.

4A. Ms. Kenyon reported on the Mid-Cycle Review (Special Education) Audit Report. She explained that representatives from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education had come to the District to look at any areas found to be not in compliance during their full audit in 2006. She said that all areas are now in compliance.

(Ms. Mielke arrived at 6:15 p.m.)

4B. Mr. Martin reviewed Curriculum and Professional Development activities that have taken place in 2008-09.

4C. Mr. Martin reported to the Committee regarding District participants of Home Education Programs. He said that there are currently 34 students who are being home schooled throughout the District. He noted that the number does not include those who have reached the age of 16, as they are removed from the school roles at that point. Mr. Martin reported that there has been an increase in the number of home-schooled students who participate in some District classes, especially in the middle and high school. A question and answer period followed.

4D. Superintendent’s Report:
▸ Dr. Singleton reported that the decision to return the 5th and 6th grade program to self-contained classes in 2009-10 had been made by a team of administrators as a result of observations made during the year. He said that despite many efforts, no success had been achieved in developing a team approach or in reaching targets. He stated that he will call for a meeting with parents on Tuesday, May 19, at 6:00 p.m., in the Mt. Everett cafeteria. Lengthy discussion ensued. It was explained that although the School Committee members were welcome to attend the meeting with parents, the issue would remain in the hands of the administrators.

• Dr. Singleton reported the following:
▸ The amendment to the District Agreement, which was a compromise funding formula for the next two years, passed in all five towns.
▸ Re: a question about the March 1, 2009 SIMS (Student Information Management System) Report on Enrollment at the last meeting, the letters FLNE mean “First Language Not English”.
▸ The elementary principal search will soon be under way. Nine people have agreed to be on the interview team. They will interview candidates and make recommendations to the Superintendent.
▸ The report regarding this year’s senior class members will be postponed.
• Dr. Singleton introduced Mohammed Adawulai, foreign exchange student from Ghana. Mohammed thanked the Committee for allowing him attend Mt. Everett this year. He explained a project he is working on with Mr. Lang to ship educational materials to Ghana. Ms. Regan explained that the materials which the schools will donate are all items no longer in use. She said that since the estimated value of the materials is well under $5,000, the School Committee has the power to agree to dispose of them as they see fit. Mr. Willig then moved to approve the donation of used materials worth $4,999 or less to the Ghana Book Project. Ms. Silvestri seconded the motion, and it was so voted, unanimously.
• Dr. Singleton reported that the District has officially withdrawn from the County-wide bus transportation bid process. Ms. Regan explained that she had received clarification from the state that the District’s actual ability to reject bids in the best interest of the District was much more limited than she had previously been informed. Also, a clause had been added to the specifications that the bids could be extended for an additional 5 years. Ms. Regan said that the District realized that in order to make adjustment for this scenario, the bidders would need to include such items as the purchase of new busses and meeting new regulations in their 2-year bids, and that could have cost the District substantially more. She said that the routes will go out to bid in 3 years, and all will be eligible to bid at that time.
• Also, regarding the transportation bid process, Dr. Singleton announced that the Collaborative has received a grant to offset the cost of the consultant. The District will receive ½ of the money back which it paid to the consultant.
• Dr. Singleton also reported the following:
▸ MA Department of Public Health’s latest recommendations for procedures for the H1N1 virus.
▸ Jesse Carpenter was recognized on April 17 by the MA Interscholastic Athletic Association as one of three individuals selected by students for “making a difference in their school communities and supporting students in their quest for excellence in the areas of academics, athletics and/or community service”.
▸ The District’s Technology Plan has been received and accepted by the MADESE.
▸ Michelle Loubert, District Grants Coordinator and Central Office Assistant, has been named Co-Valedictorian of the Class of 2009 at Berkshire Community College.
▸ Open House at the Elementary Schools will take place on June 11.

5B. Mr. Abelow explained that as the apportionment amendment has now been passed by all 5 towns, the FY 2010 budget must be re-certified by the Committee, using the new formula. Mr. Willig moved to recertify the FY’2010 budget and to direct the Treasurer to certify the number to the towns using the recently voted apportionment formula. Mr. Flynn seconded the motion, and it was so voted.

The Committee discussed the pending state budget and the potential cuts in Chapter 71 and Circuit Breaker funding. Mr. Abelow encouraged all Committee members to attend the MASC Regional Meeting on May 20 with area state representatives.

5C. Policy Subcommittee: Ms. Miller reviewed the re-wording of Policy JECA, Admission of Children of Out-of-State Employees. She said that because the wording was simply to clarify the meaning, she did not believe that the policy needed a second reading, and she requested that the Committee vote the changes. Mr. Willig moved, seconded by Ms. Silvestri, to accept the policy revisions, as presented. Following discussion, Mr. Flynn moved to insert the words “or space availability” following the third paragraph. Mr. Valentini seconded the motion, and it was so voted, unanimously. The Committee then voted unanimously to accept Policy JECA, as amended.

Following discussion regarding the proposed video camera and photograph policy, Mr. Flynn moved to accept the modifications, as proposed by Ms. Miller. Mr. Valentini seconded the motion, and it was so voted, unanimously. A vote to accept the policy will be requested at the next School Committee meeting.

5D. Ms. Regan reported that she had been informed earlier in the day that the direct services portion of the District’s Community Partnership Grant has been discontinued, and the District will need to absorb approximately $40,000 which was formerly available to cover certain staff salaries.

Following Ms. Regan’s explanation of requested transfers, Mr. Willig moved, seconded by Mr. Flynn, to approve transfers totaling $12,625.00, as presented. It was so voted, unanimously. Ms. Regan noted that $34,815.50 remains in the Contingency account.

5C. Collective Bargaining:

At Mr. Abelow’s request, Ms. McSpiritt moved, seconded by Mr. Willig, that the Committee enter into executive session for the purpose of discussing collective bargaining and a personnel issue. The vote:

Mr. Abelow Yes Ms. Silvestri Yes Mr. Sears Yes
Mr. Valentini Yes Mr. Willig Yes Ms. Mielke Yes
Mr. Fetterhoff Yes Ms. Miller Yes Mr. Flynn Yes

On a motion by Mr. Willig, seconded by Mr. Fetterhoff, the meeting was adjourned and the Committee entered into executive session at 7:56 p.m.

Southern Berkshire Regional School Committee
Mt. Everett Regional School
Sheffield, MA
May 1, 2009
Special Meeting

School Committee Members: Mr. Abelow, Mr. Willig, Ms. Silvestri, Mr. Flynn, Mr. Valentini, Mr. Sears, Mr. Fetterhoff

Administration: Dr. Singleton, Ms. Regan

Press:

Student Representatives: Gabrielle Makuc

Others: Ms. Linda Higgins

Chairman Abelow called the meeting to order at 2:00 p.m. He explained that the meeting had been called because it had come to his attention that some town leaders were not in favor of the Regional Agreement amendment that the Committee had voted to put on the warrants. He said that he felt it was important for parents and citizens to know that the School Committee was in favor of the amendment. To that end, a draft of a letter was distributed for the members to consider sending via e-mail to District parents and citizens.

Following individual review of the letter and a brief discussion, Mr. Sears moved, seconded by Mr. Willig, to send the letter, as presented. It was so voted, unanimously.

Dr. Singleton updated the Committee regarding steps taken to prepare for a possible pandemic, given the recent outbreak in this country of Swine Flu.

It was reported that the MA House of Representatives had passed additional financing to support regional school transportation. Mr. Abelow invited all to attend the May 20 Division VI MA Association of School Committees meeting. He said that Representatives Pignatelli, Guyer, and Speranzo will attend. Regional schools’ funding and further regionalization will be discussed.

Mr. Abelow noted the need for Committee members to support each other at the town meetings.

On a motion by Mr. Sears, seconded by Mr. Fetterhoff, the meeting adjourned at 2:15 p.m.

Southern Berkshire Regional School Committee
Mt. Everett Regional School
Sheffield, MA
April 16, 2009
Meeting #1,396

School Committee Members: Mr. Abelow, Mr. Willig, Ms. Silvestri, Mr. Flynn, Ms. Miller, Mr. Valentini, Mr. Sears, Mr. McSpiritt, Ms. Mielke, Mr. Fetterhoff

Administration: Dr. Singleton, Ms. Regan, Mr. McGuire

Press: CTSB; Mike Kelly, Berkshire Record

Student Representatives: Jordan Lome

Others: Ms. Linda Higgins

1. Chairman Abelow called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

2. Hearing no corrections or additions, Chairman Abelow declared to the minutes of School Committee Meetings #1,394 and 1,395 accepted as presented.

3. Student Representative Jordan Lome reported that the middle school students have begun rehearsals of Guys & Dolls, Jr. Performances will take place in late May.

(Ms. Mielke arrived at 6:08 p.m.)

4. Superintendent’s Report:

• Dr. Singleton distributed the following:
▸ The March 1, 2009 SIMS (Student Information Management System) Report on Enrollment.
▸ A report on the number of home schooled children in the District. Mr. Martin will be invited to the May 14 meeting to give a report on the historical perspective of home schooling in Southern Berkshire.
▸ A report regarding the rise in autism services over the past five years.
▸ A memo describing services the District currently receives from the South Berkshire Educational Collaborative.
▸ A letter from MaryEllen O’Brien thanking staff and students for their help with the “Going Green II” Flower Show.
• Congratulations were offered to Mt. Everett students Victoria Aldam and Ryan Smith who won 1st and 3rd place, respectively, in a foreign language poetry contest for high school students at the regional level. Appreciation was also extended to teacher Wendy Casey, who organized the students’ participation.
• Dr. Singleton reported on a Legislative Breakfast he attended recently.
• The School Committee members were invited to an all-school assembly on April 30 regarding the U & ME Garden Project. Appreciation was extended to Mr. Ed Houghtaling, who tilled the space for the community garden and to teacher Susan Weinstein for bringing the project to fruition.
• Dr. Singleton reported that Principal Tom McGuire will leave the District at the end of June to return to New Hampshire to assume a position as superintendent. Mr. McGuire thanked Dr. Singleton and the Committee for the opportunity to work in the District.
• Dr. Singleton and Ms. Regan updated the Committee regarding the FY’10 budget on the state level. Of particular concern was a proposal to reduce the amount allocated to support regional transportation. Ms. Regan stated that the reduction would mean a loss of $216,000 to the District. Members agreed to write to legislators to let them know of the severe impact such a cut would have on the District. Ms. Regan also updated the Committee regarding the economic stimulus funds that will be forthcoming soon.

4B. Re-Approval of Proposed Regional Agreement Amendment: On a motion by Ms. Miller, seconded by Mr. McSpiritt, the Committee unanimously voted to re-approve the language (copy on file with these minutes) for the proposed Regional Agreement amendment to appear on the member town warrants in May .

4C. Request for Approval of Senior Class Trip to Boston, June 1 - 2, 2009: Following discussion, Mr. McSpiritt moved, seconded by Mr. Willig, to approve the senior class trip to Boston on June 1 and 2, 2009. It was so voted. Mr. Sears requested assurance that there would be sufficient chaperones on the trip.

4D. Review / Approval (as possible) 2009-2010 School Calendar: Dr. Singleton explained that the proposed 2009-10 calendar had been developed by the four superintendents of the South County Schools. He said that several compromises had been involved, and he noted that the four districts working together on the calendar was an experiment that they hoped will work. Following additional discussion, Ms. Miller moved, seconded by Mr. Valentini, to approve the calendar as presented. It was so voted.

4E. Review of Policy JECA, Admission of Children of Out of State Employees in SBRSD: Ms. Miller explained that the policy had originally been written with the understanding that the School Committee would review it annually. Members discussed the policy, and they generally agreed that it needed some modifications. In particular, they wished to add guarantees that once a student is accepted, (s)he would be able to remain in the District. Mr. Flynn moved to reaffirm the policy, and Mr. Valentini seconded the motion. It was so voted, unanimously. The Policy Subcommittee will re-submit the policy, with modifications, at the next meeting.

4F. Subcommittee/Representative Reports
Buildings & Grounds: Mr. Willig reported on the Subcommittee’s meeting of April 1, including updates on upcoming projects. He also reported that three local companies had donated a full day of tree work at the Mt. Everett/Undermountain Campus, and he thanked Tom Whalen Nursery, Webster-Ingersoll, and Barrett Tree Service for their efforts. Mr. Willig also reported that following an engineer’s report, the Undermountain Elementary Cafeteria can increase seating capacity to 236, plus 65 on the platform for performances. Simultaneous usage of the cafeteria and gymnasium would also be permitted.

Collective Bargaining: Mr. Abelow requested that the Committee vote to adjourn to executive session for the purpose of discussing collective bargaining. He stated that no further business would be conducted in open session.

Mr. McSpiritt moved to enter into executive session for the purpose of discussing collective bargaining. Ms. Miller seconded the motion. The vote:

Mr. Abelow Yes Ms. Silvestri Yes Mr. Sears Yes
Mr. Valentini Yes Mr. McSpiritt Yes Mr. Willig Yes
Ms. Mielke Yes Ms. Miller Yes Mr. Flynn Yes
Mr. Fetterhoff Yes

The meeting was adjourned and the Committee entered into executive session at 7:38 p.m.

Southern Berkshire Regional School Committee
Mt. Everett Regional School
Sheffield, MA
March 30, 2009
Meeting #1,395

School Committee Members: Mr. Abelow, Mr. Willig, Ms. Silvestri, Mr. Flynn, Ms. Miller, Mr. Valentini, Mr. Sears, Mr. McSpiritt, Ms. Mielke, Mr. Fetterhoff

Administration: Dr. Singleton, Ms. Regan

Press: CTSB; Mike Kelly, Berkshire Record (6:30 p.m.)

Student Representatives: Gabriella Makuc (6:30 p.m.)

Others: Ms. Pamela Kenyon, Ms. Marie Massini, Mr. Gregg Massini, Mr. Bruce Cumsky, Mr. Robert Miller, Ms. Linda Higgins (6:30 p.m.)

1. Chairman Abelow called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m.

2. A motion was duly made and seconded to enter into executive session for the purpose of discussing collective bargaining. It was noted that a regular school committee meeting would follow the executive session, to commence no earlier than 6:30 p.m. The vote:

Mr. Abelow Yes Ms. Silvestri Yes Mr. Sears Yes
Mr. Valentini Yes Mr. McSpiritt Yes Mr. Willig Yes
Ms. Mielke Yes Ms. Miller Yes Mr. Flynn Yes
Mr. Fetterhoff Yes

The Committee entered into executive session at 4:33 p.m.

The Committee came out of executive session at 6:28 p.m. and returned to the Mt. Everett Library for open session.

3. Chairman Abelow reconvened the open session of the meeting at 6:30 p.m.

4. Communications from the Audience: Ms. Marie Massini, Mr. Gregg Massini, and Mr. Robert Miller each addressed the School Committee regarding the current county-wide transportation bid process being conducted through the South Berkshire Educational Collaborative. Each explained their objections to the process and described some of the difficulties they were experiencing. They requested that the Committee consider dropping out of the process.

Mr. Abelow and other Committee members expressed appreciation to the transportation contractors for their viewpoints. Chairman Abelow explained that it was the obligation of the Committee to look at anything that could conceivably offer significant savings to the District; however, he noted that the Committee retained full authority to accept or reject any and all bids received in the process.

Mr. Flynn then moved to reorder the evening’s agenda to make the discussion of the county-wide transportation bids the next point on the agenda. Mr. Sears seconded the motion, and it was so voted.

Ms. Regan reviewed the background of the county-wide transportation bid process. She informed the contractors that many changes had been made to the specifications based on their input and that of the business administrators of the districts involved, and she said that the revised specifications would be mailed out the following day. Ms. Regan also stated that she did not believe it would be right for the District to withdraw from the process at this point; however she stressed that the School Committee would have the right to decline any and all bids.

Mr. Flynn expressed sympathy with the local contractors. Ms. Miller noted that the advantages of staying with the local contractors may outweigh any savings promised by larger, outside companies. Chairman Abelow stressed that the Committee had definitely heard what the contractors had to say, and he promised that their input would carry great weight in the final decision making process. He thanked the contractors in attendance, as well as Ms. Regan, for their work in this regard.

5A. Dr. Singleton explained that the Berkshire Hills Regional School District, in conjunction with the Southern Berkshire Regional School District, had been successful in receiving a grant to study further regionalization. He reported that $25,000 had been received, and that Berkshire Hills had received three proposals to conduct the study. He explained that the Berkshire Hills School Committee had met on March 26 and had voted to engage the services of MGT of America; however, that vote was contingent upon the vote of the Southern Berkshire Regional School District School Committee’s vote to do the same.

Additionally, Dr. Singleton explained that Lee Public Schools had expressed an interest in being part of the study. He reported that to include Lee would cost an additional $1,900. Also, the districts would need to pay approximately $2,000 for travel and mileage, totaling an additional $2,900, which would need to be funded locally. He said that Berkshire Hills had agreed to split the cost between the three districts, assuming approval from Southern Berkshire and Lee.

Following a lengthy discussion, Ms. Miller moved to join with Berkshire Hills Regional School District and engage the services of MGT of America. Mr. Willig seconded the motion.

On a motion by Mr. Valentini, Chairman Abelow called the question.

The Committee then voted unanimously to approve Ms. Miller’s motion.

Ms. Miller then moved to share the additional expenses ($2,900) with Berkshire Hills Regional School District and Lee Public Schools. Mr. Willig seconded the motion, and it was so voted.

5C. Discussion of Fiscal 2010 Budget
I. Report of All-Towns Meetings: Mr. Fetterhoff reported on a meeting the previous week of four School Committee representatives and one representative from each of the five member towns, which took place at the Sheffield Library. He reported that the group had come to consensus to seek an amendment to the assessment portion of the Regional Agreement for FY 2010 and FY 2011. The agreement would provide for the towns’ portion of the operating assessments to be calculated on a basis of 50% statutory and 50% alternative for FY 2010, and 75% statutory and 25% alternative for FY 2011. Mr. Valentini added that the group had also agreed to at least start the renegotiation process of the District’s Agreement.

Mr. McSpiritt noted that the group had agreed to bring forth an amendment and support it at the town meetings; however, the final say will be with the voters in each town. Members agreed to attend whatever town meetings they could to show their support of the amendment.

Members thanked Mr. Fetterhoff and the subcommittee for their work in this matter. Dr. Singleton also thanked Mr. Sears for his work on the development of wording for a warrant article. He reported that the attorneys have done further work on the warrant article, and he shared a copy of the latest drafts that they had developed to include the necessary legal language. Dr. Singleton noted that the article is still a work in progress.

In the discussion that followed, it was the consensus of the Committee that they wished to approve the concept of the article so that once the legal language was finalized, it could be sent to the towns for inclusion on their warrants.

Mr. Sears then moved that the School Committee approve by unanimous vote a revision to the five-town Agreement to put on the warrants of all five town meetings the following, “To see if the town will vote to suspend the current “Alternative Method” used to calculate each member town’s contributions to the operating and transportation budget of the Southern Berkshire Regional School District, (hereinafter “District”), for fiscal year 2010 and 2011 by amending the SBRSD Regional Agreement by inserting the following at the end of the May, 2001 amendment for calculating each member town’s contributions to the operating and transportation budget of the District effective FY 2003 through FY 2011:

“For Fiscal Year 2010, the operating and transportation budget of the District will be allocated to each member town by the following formula: the sum of 50% of assessment calculated through the Alternative Method and 50% of assessment calculated through the Statutory Method. For Fiscal Year 2011, the operating and transportation budget will be allocated to each member town by the following formula: the sum of 25% of assessment calculated through the Alternative Method and 75% of assessment calculated through the Statutory Method.”

Mr. Willig seconded the motion, and it was so voted, unanimously.

Mr. Abelow requested that Mr. Sears work with Dr. Singleton, Ms. Regan, and the attorneys to finalize the wording.

Members noted that there would be no need to recertify the budget, as they had approved the assessments by the alternative method, with the expectation that the alternative method would be modified.

5D. Financial Update/Transfers: Ms. Regan explained a request to transfer $25,000 from the Contingency account into the Substitutes Account. Following a brief discussion, Mr. Flynn moved, seconded by Mr. McSpiritt, to approve the transfer as requested by Ms. Regan. It was so voted, unanimously.

6. Communications from the Public/Requests
• Chairman Abelow and members of the Committee gave a round of applause to Mr. Fetterhoff for his work with the town representatives.
• Mr. McSpiritt noted the recent outstanding student performance of Once Upon a Mattress.
• Mr. Cumsky commended the School Committee for their teamwork.

On a motion by Mr. McSpiritt, seconded by Mr. Willig, the meeting adjourned at 8:17 p.m.

Southern Berkshire Regional School Committee
Mt. Everett Regional School
Sheffield, MA
March 17, 2009
Meeting #1,394

School Committee Members: Mr. Abelow, Mr. Willig, Ms. Silvestri, Mr. Flynn, Ms. Miller, Mr. Valentini, Mr. Sears, Mr. McSpiritt, Ms. Mielke, Mr. Fetterhoff

Administration: Dr. Singleton, Ms. Regan, Mr. O’Brien, Mr. McGuire

Press: CTSB

Student Representatives:

Others: Ms. Joan Brooks, Ms. Michelle Loubert, Mr. Bruce Turner, Ms. Cathi Willig, Ms. Linda Higgins

1. Chairman Abelow called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

2. Approval of Minutes: Ms. Miller moved to accept the minutes of the Special School Committee Meeting of February 23, 2009, the Open Public Hearing of February 26, 2009, and School Committee Meeting #1,393 as presented. Hearing no corrections or additions, Chairman Abelow declared the minutes accepted.

3. Communications from the Audience: There were no communications from the audience.

3A. Student Representative to the School Committee: Ms. Gabrielle Makuc was in attendance to represent the student body.

4A. Superintendent’s Report:

Dr. Singleton’s report included the following:
• He planned to attend a MassCUE Technology Leadership Symposium and the monthly Berkshire County Superintendents Association meeting later in the week.
• A program was recently held for parents regarding Internet safety, with a focus on cyber bullying. The program was designed by District Attorney David Capeless and sponsored by the PTO.
• Kayla Alden, Mt. Everett 10th grader, was the winner of the regional Poetry Out Loud contest. Dr. Singleton offered congratulations to Kayla and to her teachers, Wendy Casey and Jeanne Lemlin.
• A “Math Fun Night” was recently held for elementary families. Dr. Singleton thanked Mr. Tony Bleau and Mr. Richard Jackson for their efforts in this regard.
• Undermountain 5th graders recently participated in an Urban Step program, courtesy of a Mass Cultural Council grant.

4B. Discussion Re: District Agreement: Chairman Abelow explained that this topic was on the agenda due to the disappointment expressed by School Committee members at the last meeting that the towns have not gotten together to work on a new apportionment formula.

Mr. Valentini reported that since the last School Committee meeting, an ad hoc group, which included a few members of the School Committee (specifically, not a quorum) and representatives from each town had met at the Sheffield Library to begin conversations toward a compromise for the apportionment of the FY 2010 School District budget. He noted that he felt that the meeting was a positive step.

Mr. Sears reported that he had been looking at some possibilities to offer to the towns for a compromise.

Mr. Sears then moved that the School Committee produce an amendment that would provide a warrant item for a one-year interim agreement which would set each town’s FY 2010 portion of the SBRSD Operating budget at the same percentage of the total budget as it was in FY 2009..

Mr. Sears moved that per the paper entitled Proposal for FY2010 SBRSD “Alternative Method” the School Committee adopt the proposal (proposal on file with these minutes).
Mr. Abelow asked that such consideration be held off until after the adoption of the budget. Committee members debated the best order in which to conduct the business of the evening, as well as the order in which to request that the member towns vote on the District’s budget and any amendment to the Agreement.

Mr. Flynn seconded Mr. Sears’ motion.

Following additional discussion, Mr. Flynn moved to amend the motion to form a subcommittee to work in collaboration with the five towns to develop an alternative assessment method which would be palliative to all five towns. Mr. Valentini seconded the motion, but added that he believed that the subcommittee should meet to prepare possible solutions to present to the towns first.

After additional discussion, Mr. Valentini, Mr. Sears, Mr. McSpiritt, and Mr. Fetterhoff agreed to serve on the subcommittee. The subcommittee will meet at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 19.

No formal vote was taken; Mr. Flynn withdrew his motion.

4C. Adoption of FY’2010 Operating and Capital Budgets
Ms. Miller moved to approve an FY 2010 Operating Budget in the amount of $13,203,459. Mr. Valentini seconded the motion. Following a brief discussion, Mr. Valentini moved to call the question. It was so voted, unanimously. The Committee then voted unanimously to approve the FY 2010 Operating Budget in the amount of $13,203,459.

Ms. Miller then moved to approve an FY 2010 Capital Budget in the amount of $2,082,157. Mr. Willig seconded the motion, and it was so voted.

Ms. Miller moved to approve FY 2010 Operating and Transportation Budget Assessments to Member Towns in the amount of $10,162,606. Mr. Flynn seconded the motion, and it was so voted, unanimously.

Ms. Miller moved to approve FY 2010 Capital Assessments to Member Towns in the amount of $760,148. Mr. McSpiritt seconded the motion, and it was so voted, unanimously.

Ms. Miller moved to certify the FY 2010 budget using the alternative method of assessment. Mr. Valentini seconded the motion, noting that the Committee will work to fix the alternative method. The motion was then approved, unanimously.

4D. Mr. McSpiritt moved to approve the 5th Grade Trip to Nature’s Classroom, April 13-17, 2009. Ms. Silvestri seconded the motion. It was so voted, unanimously.

4E. Subcommittee Reports:
a) Policy - Ms. Miller moved to approve Policy KI, Public Solicitation/Advertising in the Schools. Mr. McSpiritt seconded the motion. Following discussion, the policy was approved, unanimously.

b) Collective Bargaining: Chairman Abelow moved this item to the end of the agenda, as executive session would be requested.

4F. Financial Updates / Transfers: Ms. Regan explained a request to transfer $7,545 from Program 143, Math, into Program 216, Title I Related Services. Mr. McSpiritt moved to approve the request. Mr. Flynn seconded the motion, and it was so voted, unanimously.

5. Communications:
• Ms. Loubert reminded those in attendance of the upcoming production of Once Upon A Mattress.
• Ms. Regan informed the Committee that she had attended a pre-bid conference at the South Berkshire Educational Collaborative to inform interested bus companies of the upcoming county-wide bid process. Ms. Regan explained that the Collaborative is attempting to have all schools in the county go to bid for transportation services in order to invite additional competition into the county and obtain better prices for all. She said that the bid opening is scheduled for April. In response to a question by Ms. Miller, Ms. Regan explained that bus companies who wished to bid routes which did not start until three years from now would bid as if the routes would start in July of this year, and their bid would be automatically adjusted by a cost of living increase for each year.

4E. Collective Bargaining: Mr. Flynn moved to enter into executive session for the purpose of discussing collective bargaining. Mr. McSpiritt seconded the motion. The vote:

Mr. Abelow Yes

Ms. Silvestri Yes

Mr. Sears Yes
Mr. Valentini Yes

Mr. McSpiritt Yes

Mr. Willig Yes
Ms. Mielke Yes

Ms. Miller Yes

Mr. Flynn Yes
Mr. Fetterhoff Yes

Mr. Abelow stated that there would be no further business conducted in open session.

The meeting then adjourned to executive session at 7:12 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)
	Mr. Charles B. Flynn	158 Jug End Road South Egremont, MA 01258	cbflynn@lee.k12.ma.us	528-1792 (home)
Monterey	Ms. Deborah Mielke	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. Charles McSpiritt	P. O. Box 168 Mill River, MA 01244	jmcspiritt@msn.com	229-8215 (home) 860-489-2294 (work)
Sheffield	Mr. Andy Fetterhoff	P. O. Box 45 Ashley Falls, MA 01222	info@paradisio.biz	229-5962 (home)
	Ms. Catherine Miller	P. O. Box 7 Sheffield, MA 01257	jrmcbm1968@msn.com	229-8668 (home)
	Mr. H. Dennis Sears	928 Boardman Street Sheffield, MA 01257	hdennissears@verizon.net	229-3534 (home)
	Mr.Vito Valentini	P. O. Box 494 Sheffield, MA 01257	vitine@msn.com	229-3601 (home)

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