AGENDA
BOARD OF SELECTMEN & SCHOOL COMMITTEE
AUGUST 4, 2014
6:30 p.m. – Convene Meeting – Waquoit Meeting Room – Mashpee Town Hall
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
MOMENT OF SILENCE
NEW BUSINESS
- School Committee Candidates:
6:45 p.m. Jean K. Bowden
7:00 p.m. George C. Schmidt, III
7:15 p.m. Mohamad Fahd
7:30 p.m. Geoff Gorman
ADDITIONAL TOPICS
(This space is reserved for topics the Chairman did no reasonably anticipate would be discussed)
LIAISON REPORTS
- Letter of Support – Realignment of Wills Work Road
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Board of Selectmen
Minutes
August 4, 2014
Present: Selectman Taylor, Selectman Richardson, Selectman Sherman,
Selectman Cahalane, Selectman Gottlieb
Town Manager Joyce Mason
Assistant Town Manager Tom Mayo
Attendees: School Committee members;
Scott McGee, Joan Oliver, Chris Santos, Don Myers
Meeting Called to Order by Chairman Taylor at 6:30 p.m.
Waquoit Meeting Room, Mashpee Town Hall
The Meeting was Called to Order by School Committee Chair McGee
respectively at 6:30 p.m.
The Board of Selectmen met in joint convention with members of the Mashpee School Committee for the purpose of appointing a member to the School Committee to fill the vacancy created by Phyllis Sprout who’s term is due to expire in May of 2015.
In response to advertisement seeking an individual to serve on the School Committee until the May 2015 annual election, four candidates were interviewed for possible appointment. The School Committee appointee would be responsible for the general governance of the Mashpee Public Schools.
Each candidate was respectively interviewed in the same manner.
Jean K. Bowden:
Jean Bowden of Carleton Drive, Mashpee indicated that she has been a Mashpee resident for the past three years, and is interested in volunteering in support of the Mashpee schools and its children.
Ms. Bowden is a past owner/manager of Seaside Baby located in Centerville, and presently serves as a production assistant for Capizzi Home Improvement. Although she is not currently involved in Town programs, Ms. Bowden stated that she frequently interacts with Town Departments and regulatory boards.
When asked if she has time to devote to the position, Ms. Bowden affirmatively stated she has ample time, and dedication. If appointed whe would pursue a three-year term at the next election.
Board of Selectmen
Minutes
August 4, 2014
Jean K. Bowden: (continued)
Past interaction with children includes volunteering with the Special Education Surrogate Parent Program, and advocating for children with special needs. In the Town of Barnstable, Ms. Bowden served as Chair of the Special Needs Parent Advisory Council.
If selected, Ms. Bowden indicated she has a lot to learn and would research the duties expected for the position. Ms. Bowden stated she would work in a cohesive manner with the committee maintaining good communication to transmit a positive image for the Town. When asked of her vision for the Mashpee Public Schools, Ms. Bowden stated she would ensure the children have good experiences to have them return and raise children of their own in Mashpee.
George C. Schmidt, III:
George Schmidt of Santuit Lane indicated his strength involves identifying problems and recommending solutions. Mr. Schmidt noted that he is responsible for preparing and submitting financial proposals in excess of $1 million to government and civilian agencies.
Mr. Schmidt currently serves on the Mashpee Finance Committee. During his tenure on the Finance Committee, Mr. Schmidt has served as liaison to the School Committee for the past three years. His business experience encompasses over thirty years of Income Tax Preparation for individuals, trusts, estates and corporations in addition to public speaking and seminar presentations.
After the nine-month term of appointment, Mr. Schmidt indicated he would pursue election for an additional term on the School Committee. Although his time is limited in February, Mr. Schmidt stated that evenings are usually open, and he would have the ability to work in conjunction with the School Committee and its members to do what is best for the Town of Mashpee.
If appointed, Mr. Schmidt indicated he would continue to assist the Finance Committee until a replacement is appointed. Legally, he is unable to maintain the dual appointment.
When asked of the vision for the Mashpee Public Schools, Mr. Schmidt cited enrollment to maintain its stability if not increase, and to have emphasis on programs in Mashpee that are not available in other public schools in addition to promoting more awareness of the Town and its offerings.
Board of Selectmen
Minutes
August 4, 2014
George C. Schmidt, III: (continued)
As a member of the School Committee, Mr. Schmidt indicated he would intend to fully gain knowledge of the budget, and work towards acceptable solutions to present an improved team work approach between the Town and Schools. As liaison, Mr. Schmidt mentioned he is aware of the budget particularities.
Mr. Schmidt noted that if he is the selected candidate he would involve himself with the administration of the Schools, and the needs of the teachers.
In Mr. Schmidt’s opinion, the current strength of the School Department lies within the change of administration which brings forth a more cohesive union with the Schools and Town. A named weakness is the lack of emphasis on educating all of the students in Mashpee, and not just the special education and advanced placement students. Mr. Schmidt explained the middle group is the largest mass of students, and the MCAS scores are not as high as other districts.
Mohamad Fahd:
Ashumet Road resident Mohamad Fahd is a past volunteer of the Mashpee Senior Center. He created a PC Clinic program supporting seniors with computer usage. Mr. Fahd has also volunteered with the Boys and Girls Club teaching chess.
As a former teacher intern Mr. Fahd specialized in mathematics and science at a charter school in New Bedford, and has worked as a substitute teacher in all subjects. Mr. Fahd is a licensed educator in mathematics and physics. He is currently employed at the Sears Auto Center in Hyannis.
As an elected volunteer, Mr. Fahd indicated that he would observe, learn and collect data to determine why Mashpee has failing grades. Mr. Fahd stated that school should not be a box for children to enter and exit. In his vision, teachers should be revitalized to challenge students. Issues such as core state standards and distractions resulting from technology were considered by Mr. Fahd.
Recommendations from Mr. Fahd include adapting the curriculum to a smaller enrollment and combining administration to realize a cost savings. Mr. Fahd also expressed the need for additional extracurricular activities for students, not just sports activities.
Board of Selectmen
Minutes
August 4, 2014
Geoff Gorman:
Geoffrey Gorman of Sheffield Place, Mashpee indicated that he is proud of the Town of Mashpee and proud to call Mashpee his home. Mr. Gorman is currently an Assistant Chief Engineer with the U.S. Navy, a twenty-six year active duty Naval Officer.
Mr. Gorman indicated he is scheduled to retire soon, and has ample time to devote to the School Committee position if elected. Mr. Gorman has a daughter in the Mashpee Public School system and is active in school related activities.
With enthusiasm, Mr. Gorman indicated that his vision is for his daughter to have a spectacular experience from pre-k through high school in the Town of Mashpee. In ten years he envisions the school getting better. Mr. Gorman stated that if it will work for his daughter, then it should work for all of the students. With regards to the declining enrollment, Mr. Gorman indicated that if you make it better, the students will come.
If appointed to the role of School Committee member, Mr. Gorman indicated he would learn the rules and become an active participant to find consensus. Although he is not a financial specialist, Mr. Gorman has a professional background maintaining a million dollar governmental budget.
Overall, Mr. Gorman stated that he is impressed with the quality of education in the Town of Mashpee.
Deliberations:
After the interview process, it was agreed the candidates were honest and genuine, and all comments were highly positive. With time to volunteer, the candidates were encouraged to consider additional openings on other Town Boards and Committees.
In considering the applicants, School Committee members Scott McGee and Joan Oliver voiced support for George Schmidt.
Upon further review and comment, the decision was unanimous to appoint Geoff Gorman to the School Committee to fill the current vacancy. Several attributes referenced for his selection included his attitude to organize the process, evaluate performance and potential changes, his training and leadership skills, the keen understanding of budgets, active parenting, and his passion for the Town of Mashpee.
Board of Selectmen
Minutes
August 4, 2014
Motion made by Selectman Cahalane to appoint Geoff Gorman to the School Committee.
Motion seconded by School Committee member Scott McGee.
VOTE: Unanimous. 9-0.
Roll Call Vote:
Selectman Taylor, yes Selectman Richardson, yes
Selectman Sherman, yes Selectman Cahalane, yes
Selectman Gottlieb, yes
School Committee Members;
Scott McGee, yes Joan Oliver, yes
Chris Santos, yes Don Myers, yes
Opposed, none
LIAISION REPORTS:
Wills Work Road:
Motion made by Selectman Gottlieb to place the above topic on the Selectmen’s agenda.
Motion seconded by Selectman Cahalane.
VOTE: Unanimous. 5-0.
Roll Call Vote:
Selectman Taylor, yes Selectman Richardson, yes
Selectman Sherman, yes Selectman Cahalane, yes
Selectman Gottlieb, yes Opposed, none
It was reported the Environmental Bond Bill has passed the Senate. The Board was requested to convey their support to the Governor who is expected to sign the bill next week. It is anticipated that $500,000 would be received over a four-year period to provide for the realignment of Wills Work Road to serve as an entry port to the beaches.
Motion made by Selectman Gottlieb to send a letter of support as referenced for the realignment to Will’s Work Road.
Motion seconded by Selectman Cahalane.
VOTE: Unanimous. 5-0.
Roll Call Vote:
Selectman Taylor, yes Selectman Richardson, yes
Selectman Sherman, yes Selectman Cahalane, yes
Selectman Gottlieb, yes Opposed, none
Board of Selectmen
Minutes
August 4, 2014
Adjournment:
Motion made by Selectman Cahalane to adjourn at 7:55 p.m.
Motion seconded by Selectman Gottlieb.
VOTE: Unanimous. 5-0.
Roll Call Vote:
Selectman Taylor, yes Selectman Richardson, yes
Selectman Sherman, yes Selectman Cahalane, yes
Selectman Gottlieb, yes Opposed, none
Respectfully submitted,
Kathleen M. Soares
Secretary to the Board of Selectmen
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