Southern Berkshire Regional School
Committee
Mt. Everett Regional School
Sheffield, MA
February 3, 2011
Meeting #1,426
School Committee Members: Mr. Abelow, Ms. Silvestri, Mr. Flynn, Ms. Miller, Mr. Sears, Mr. Valentini, Mr. Willig, Mr. McSpiritt, Ms. Mielke
Absent: Mr. Fetterhoff
Administration: Dr. Singleton, Mr. Turner, Ms. Kenyon, Mr. Hastings, Ms. Hubbard, Mr. Devoti
Press: CTSB
Student Representatives: Taylor Garrett
Others: Mr. Michael Farmer, Ms. Linda Higgins
1. Chairman Abelow called the meeting to order at 6:27 p.m.
2. Approval of Minutes: Ms. Miller moved, seconded by Ms. Silvestri, to approve the Minutes of Meeting #1,425 as presented. Hearing no additions or corrections, Chairman Abelow declared the Minutes accepted as presented.
3. Communications from the Audience:
A. There were no communications from the audience.
B. Student Representatives to the School Committee: Taylor Garrett reported that the Student Council is working on an overall plan to improve the culture of the school. She said that she is hoping to have a written proposal to submit to the School Committee at its next meeting.
C. Mr. Willig relayed that he received an e-mail message from (2009-10 Egyptian foreign exchange student) Youssef Khedr’s mother reporting that they were all well and safe. The family is staying with friends and hoping for a peaceful transition of power. Mr. Willig noted the role that Mr. Farmer and the Mt. Everett KiDmocrocy Program had potentially played in the current events in Egypt, and stated that he was proud to be a part of a school that may have helped to further the development of world-wide democracy.
4. Business:
A. Superintendent’s Report:
- Dr. Singleton commended Mr. Farmer and thanked him for the work he has done with the students. Mr. Farmer reported that he had gathered some of the Mt. Everett students and used Skype to connect with some of the students from Egypt. He said that they are trying to determine how the school may be of help after the transition there. He promised to keep the School Committee apprised.
- Dr. Singleton reported that the District’s bullying plan is now complete and will be distributed throughout the District soon. He said that the changes to the bullying policy have been made and will be sent back to Subcommittee for finalization.
- Dr. Singleton reported that Mt. Everett students Celina Sinico and Claire Tomich will attend a National Girls and Women in Sports Day on February 4 in Boston.
- Dr. Singleton reported that the District’s free and reduced lunch percentage now stands at 25.32%.
- Dr. Singleton distributed a historical look at the District’s enrollments for the past 10 years.
4B. Further Review / Preliminary Adoption of FY 2012 Operating and Capital Budgets:
1. Mr. Willig moved to approve the preliminary FY’12 capital, operating, and transportation budgets, as presented. Ms. Miller seconded the motion.
Mr. Sears noted that at the last Finance Subcommittee meeting, the budget under discussion totaled $14,132,000. He questioned what cuts had been made. Mr. Turner explained that he and Dr. Singleton had reviewed the budget, line by line, and had been able to find some items which were duplications, then had decreased several line items by $100 to $500, and had adjusted five areas under fuel, utilities, and insurance. Although each adjustment was relatively small, when added together, it held the overall increase to 3% over last year’s budget. Mr. Turner noted that once information had been received about School Choice, they had also reduced $45,000 in that line item.
Mr. Abelow requested that Mr. Turner prepare back-up sheets showing where the cuts had been made, and provide them to each Committee member, including a cover sheet explaining each. Mr. Valentini said that once those were received, he would call another Finance Subcommittee meeting to review the budget again in order to be sure that approved requests do not slip away without the knowledge of the School Committee.
Following additional discussion, Mr. Valentini moved the question. The FY’12 capital, operating and transportation budgets were then tentatively approved, as presented.
4C. Request for approval of Overnight Field Trip for Future Farmers of America, March 14-16, 2011: Mr. McSpiritt moved to approve a request for an overnight field trip for Future Farmers of America to participate in the state convention at Sturbridge, March 14-16, 2011. Mr. Sears seconded the motion. Ms. Mielke noted that if female students were going to attend, a female chaperone should be included. Other members agreed.
Ms. Miller then moved to approve the trip, pending selection of a female chaperone. Mr. Sears seconded the motion, and it was so voted, unanimously.
4D. The Committee received notice of Professional Staff Lateral Movements on the Unit A Salary Schedule, effective February 1, 2011.
4E. Subcommittee/Representative Reports
face="Times New Roman" size="+0" color="#000000" style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:8pt;color:#000000;">Mr. Sears encouraged all to attend the CABERET! on February 4.
On a motion by Mr. Willig, seconded by Ms. Miller, the meeting adjourned at 7:13 p.m.
Documents presented for this meeting:
Agenda, School Committee Meeting #1,426
Minutes of Meeting #1,425
Request for Overnight Field Trip from Jeramy Vallianos and Will Conklin, Co-advisors of Future Farmers of America
Memo from Dr. Singleton re: Salary Schedule Lateral Movement, Effective February 1, 2011
Memo from Jeff Lang, requesting a Student Activities Account for the Class of 2014
Minute of the Buildings, Grounds & Technology Subcommittee Meeting of January 31, 2011
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