EASTHAM SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Regular Meeting, December 15, 2009
ROLL CALL
For the Committee: Joanna Stevens, Wendy Frazier, Ann Crozier, Laura Freeman, Sean Fleming
For the Administration: Richard Hoffmann, Hans Baumhauer, Susan Glass Helman
Others in Attendance:
- CALL TO ORDER/AGENDA CHANGES
Chairman Stevens called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
II. CITIZENS SPEAK – No one wished to speak.
III. RECOGNITION
Principal Helman recognized the Eastham Parents Group for their energy and enthusiasm. They recently organized the annual Holiday Gift Table giving each child a chance to select a special present for their family.
The fifth grade was recognized for their respectful behavior when they recently visited the Council on Aging.
Kathy Davis and Karen Wharton were recognized for embracing the every day music program.
Each will receive letters from the Superintendent.
IV. PRIORITY BUSINESS
Administrators’ Reports
Mrs. Helman reviewed upcoming school events: 12/22 Star Lab; 1/13 Clifford Fun Night; 1/20 Energy Carnival; Spirit Days Thursdays; Fitness Fridays. She said the solar photovoltaic system will shortly be installed on the roof. The building project litigation has concluded. The door installations will now proceed. The roof leak has been patched and tarped. The problem seems to be around the skylights. There is enough money remaining from the building project to repair the roof leak. They are proceeding with large projects relating to childrens’ safety. The heating system hasn’t been balanced causing the building to be very warm. This will continue to be an agenda item.
Mrs. Helman reviewed the six core values (Learning Environment, Literacy/ELA, Math, Science and History/Social Studies, Instructional Technology, and Wellness) in the School Improvement Plan citing examples of how each core value is being carried out.
Dr. Hoffmann and Assistant Superintendent Gail Briere met with Claire Jackson, Director, Region DESE Centers, to obtain free resources for math instruction at the Middle School, professional development, and coaching time. He reported that the recent MASC conference was excellent. He noted Mrs. Newmier’s last day will be Friday. Mrs. Ann Tefft has been hired to replace her. He attended the athletic awards sponsored by the Boosters Club. He met with four town administrators to discuss the FY11 budget. He had a meeting with Senator Robert O’Leary to talk about wellness and transportation issues. They spoke about maybe piloting something in our Region. He attended a concert of the Cape Cod Symphony where the high school honors chorus performed.
He noted they were outstanding. He attended the high school Winter Festival. He met with the Finance Committee on December 8. Hans Baumhauer, Business Manager, is working hard getting statistics together.
Eastham School Committee, Regular Meeting, December 15, 2009
FY10 Budget Update
The committee received the School Expenditure Report Summary dated 7/1/09-12/10/09. Mr. Baumhauer declared that the Eastham FY10 budget is in great shape. Quarterly financial reports will now be provided to the Eastham Fincom Chair, Joe Bayne.
FY11 Budget Update
Mr. Baumhauer handed out enrollment projections. He said they are looking at maintaining our current staff. Ms. Stevens asked for data to support small class sizes. The goal is to finish reviewing all budgets by January 7 and then getting them out to the various school committees. Expenses have been level funded in most instances, however, the budget is up 3.6% due to Regular Day transportation (up 15% but hope for 6% or less in the end) and preschool tuition and summer school costs. They will be reviewing these costs with Dr. Ann Caretti, and also the loss of circuit breaker funds and their effects on the budgets. Technology contracted services have increased. Dr. Hoffmann said he would be asking school committees for some priorities to include in the budget
narratives. Budget deliberations will begin in earnest at the next meeting.
V. REPORTS AND INFORMATION
Cape Cod Collaborative – Mr. Fleming’s report included information about re-doing the strategic plan, the Literacy Grant, the FY11 budget, expanding transportation services, and a new doctoral program through Northeastern.
Selectmen Liaison Report
Mrs. Freeman reported meeting last week with the Selectmen. It was a constructive conversation about the upcoming budget.
Finance Committee Liaison Report
Mrs. Crozier met with the Finance Committee last week. She felt it was a good open dialogue.
Mrs. Helman asked to be informed when these meetings occur so she can try to attend.
VI. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A motion was made by Sean Fleming and seconded by Wendy Frazier to approve the minutes of October 20, 2009 as printed. Voted: 3-Aye 2-Abstain (Freemen, Crozier)
A motion was made by Wendy Frazier and seconded by Ann Crozier to approve the minutes of November 17, 2009 as printed. The vote was unanimous.
VII. PAYMENT OF BILLS
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
It was moved, seconded, and voted unanimously to adjourn at 7:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Marcia M. Templeton, Secretary
Eastham School Committee
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