EASTHAM SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Regular Meeting, June 16, 2009
ROLL CALL
For the Committee: Joanna Stevens, Wendy Frazier, Sean Fleming, Darin Krum
For the Administration: Mike Gradone, Susan Glass Helman, Gail Briere
Others in Attendance:
- CALL TO ORDER/AGENDA CHANGES
Superintendent Gradone called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. at the Eastham Elementary School. He indicated there were no agenda changes.
II. REORGANIZATION
Supt. Gradone called for nominations for Chair. Mr. Fleming nominated Ms. Stevens and Mr. Krum seconded the nomination. No other nominations were received and Ms. Stevens was elected unanimously. Ms. Stevens assumed the Chair and the following appointments were voted unanimously: Vice Chair - David Sheptyck; Secretary – Marcia Templeton; Payroll Authorizer – Wendy Frazier; Payroll Authorizer Alternate – Darin Krum; Policy – Darin Krum; Union/Region (CO) Budget – Joanna Stevens; Negotiations – Sean Fleming; Cape Cod Collaborative – Sean Fleming; School Council Liaison – Joanna Stevens; PTA Liaison – Wendy Frazier; Finance Committee Liaison – Sean Fleming pro tem; Selectmen Liaison – Sean Fleming pro tem; Union #54 Voting Members – Joanna Stevens, Sean Fleming, Darin Krum; Alternates – Wendy Frazier, David Sheptyck.
The temporary appointments will appear on the next agenda.
III. CITIZENS SPEAK – Ms. Stevens thanked Supt. Gradone for his service to the Nauset school district in general, and the Eastham Elementary School in particular. His legacy would remain long after his retirement. Supt. Gradone thanked the committee and he expressed his gratitude to the school and the community for their support over the years.
VI. PRIORITY BUSINESS
Administrators’ Reports
The Committee received a copy of the Principal’s June 2009 newsletter to parents. Mrs. Helman highlighted the topics of attendance, the fourth grades’ day at the Schoolhouse Museum, the fifth grades’ visit to the Barnstable County Courthouse to receive more energy awards, and their participation with Wellfleet’s band for a concert; Mike Gradone Day on June 17th; and the final assembly and graduation on June 22nd. Mrs. Helman is seeking 2 parent volunteers to serve on a Wellness Committee for next year. Beginning in September, the children will be hearing classical music in the
morning featuring a specific composer for a week. The program is sponsored by the Cape Cod Symphony. There are statistics that indicate music has a calming effect and reduces tardiness. It also develops listening skills. All the schools will be utilizing this program.
Authorize Reduction in Force
The position eliminated was a special education teacher who is moving to the Middle School with a graduating fifth grader. Even so, the committee must vote on this formal layoff. Supt. Gradone cautioned the committee be prepared for an even more serious situation for next year. It was moved by Sean Fleming and seconded by Darin Krum to eliminate the special education hearing impaired teaching position with deep regret. It was voted unanimously.
Eastham School Committee, Regular Meeting, June 16, 2009
Set Summer Meetings
Summer committee meetings will be on July 28, 2009 at 5:00 p.m. and August 26, 2009 at 6:30 p.m.
V. REPORTS AND INFORMATION
Cape Cod Collaborative
There was no report this evening. Mr. Fleming said the Collaborative only meets once during the summer.
Regional Planning Update
Ms. Stevens attended the Regional Planning meeting held on June 8th. It was attended by local politicians, school superintendents, town selectmen and other interested parties. The state is looking for more collaboration, regionalization, and cost savings. A second meeting is planned for June 25 and the speaker will be Peter Francesse, a demographer who will discuss general population forecasts, work force trends, and housing trends. Ms. Stevens and Mrs. Frazier will attend a working group session over the summer.
Mrs. Frazier asked about the condition of the roof. Mrs. Helman said it had been tarped and is holding its own.
VI. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A motion was made by Wendy Frazier and seconded by Sean Fleming to approve the minutes of May 6, 2009 as printed. Yes – 3 Abstain – 1 (Krum)
VII. PAYMENT OF BILLS
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
It was moved, seconded, and voted unanimously to adjourn at 7:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Marcia M. Templeton, Secretary
Eastham School Committee
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