Southern Berkshire Regional School Committee
Mt. Everett Regional School
Sheffield, MA
September 28, 2011
Special School Committee Meeting (amended)
School Committee Members: Mr. Abelow, Ms. Miller, Mr. Valentini, Mr. Flynn, Mr. Sears, Ms. Mielke, Mr. Stewart
Absent: Mr. Fetterhoff, Mr. McSpiritt, Mr. Willig
Administration: Dr. Singleton, Mr. Turner
Press:
Others: Ms. Linda Higgins
1. Call to Order: Chairman Abelow called the meeting to order at 6:05 p.m.
2. Communications from the Audience pertaining to this Evening’s Agenda: Mr. Sears moved to suspend the rules in order to allow a brief discussion of the contract with Time Warner, which was not listed on the agenda. Mr. Valentini seconded the motion. It was so voted. Mr. Sears then moved to add a brief discussion of the contract with Time Warner. Ms. Miller seconded the motion, and it was so voted.
3. Business
A. Reconsideration of Transfer of Funds Approved on September 22, 2011: Ms. Miller apologized to her fellow Committee members and explained that when she had arrived home on September 22 and reflected on the meeting earlier in the evening, she felt she had been in error to vote for the transfer of funds to send six administrators to training provided by the National Institute of School Leadership. She indicated that she had contacted Chairman Abelow and asked for the chance to reconsider the vote.
Ms. Miller then moved to rescind the vote of September 22, 2011 to transfer $24,000 to pay for NISL training. Mr. Flynn seconded the motion.
Discussion followed. Members expressed sentiments similar to those of Ms. Miller. Comments/ concerns included the following:
- An expenditure of this magnitude rises to the level of a budget item, and the Committee would not have passed a budget item with so little discussion.
- There is only about $24,000 in the contingency account.
- There would be too many administrators out of the building at the same time.
- Committee members were not convinced that the training is appropriate for all of the proposed participants.
- It was felt that there may be other places to spend the money which would have a greater direct impact on students; or, perhaps the Committee should just hold onto the money, in case of unforeseen circumstances.
- Perhaps just one person should go.
[Mr. Stewart arrived at 6:12 p.m.]
Dr. Singleton provided Committee members with materials giving more in-depth information regarding the NISL program. He requested permission to speak to the issues raised. Chairman Abelow denied his request, but said that the issue could be brought up again in the future.
The Committee then voted unanimously to rescind the vote of September 22, 2011 to transfer $24,000 to pay for NISL training.
B. Discussion Re: Contract with Time Warner: Mr. Sears stated that he had spoken with Jason Whittit, Deputy Director of the Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI). Mr. Whittit had relayed to Mr. Sears comments made by Judith Dumont, the Director of MBI, who had stated that if a district has a long-term contract with a broadband provider when MBI is ready to connect, the district will be bypassed.
Dr. Singleton updated the Committee regarding the District’s progress toward extricating itself from the five-year contract with Time Warner. He said that in order to be sure the District receives the most favorable terms, he and Mr. Turner were contacting other schools who have contracts with Time Warner to determine what terms they had received from the company. He said there is also a question of whether to enter into a two-year or a three-year contract with Time Warner. He said that they are also working to assure that the District will maintain high speed connectivity for the next two years until MBI comes in. Committee members expressed a sense of urgency to move on this issue.
Mr. Abelow moved to exit the open session and enter into executive session for the purpose of discussing negotiation of a contract.
Mr. Stewart asked the Chair’s permission to first make a motion regarding the District’s Buildings and Grounds Department, as requested by a citizen of Alford. Mr. Abelow denied the request.
Mr. Sears moved to enter into executive session to discuss possible contract and litigation issues. Mr. Valentini seconded the motion. The vote:
Mr. Sears Yes Mr. Valentini Yes Ms. Mielke Yes
Ms. Miller Yes Mr. Flynn Yes Mr. Stewart Yes
Mr. Abelow Yes
The Committee entered into executive session at 6:45 p.m.
The Committee came out of executive session at 6:55 p.m.
The meeting adjourned at 6:56 p.m.
Documents presented for this meeting:
- Agenda, Special School Committee Meeting
- Packet of Information Re: National Institute for School Leadership (printed from http://www.nisl.net/about)
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