Regular Meeting of the Board of Trustees
June 5, 2008
Kay O’Dwyer, Dr John Sullivan, John McEnaney,
Also in attendance, Dr. Albert F. Argenziano, Interim Managing Director
Location: Community Room at the
The Chair, Ms Kay O’Dwyer opened the meeting promptly at 7:00 P.M. She began by calling for public comment, and noted that there were no individuals wanting to address the Board for public comment at this time.
Ms O’Dwyer recognized Ms Vaucher for the presentation of a candidate for the Board of Trustees.
Decision: Ms. Vaucher moved and Mr. McEnaney seconded a motion that the Board of Trustees appoint Mr. John “Matt” Cronin as a Class A trustee, to fill the balance of a three year term commencing at the approval of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, and expiring at the close of the January 2011 Regular Meeting of the Board of Trustees. Pursuant to the By Laws, this term shall be considered a full three year term.
Yeas: 10 Nays: 0 Abstain 0 Motion Passes
Decision: Ms Vaucher and Mr. McEnaney moved to invite the newly appointed Trustee John “Matt” Cronin to all Board meetings and activities while his approval is pending with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Mr. Cronin will be entitled to participate as provisional Trustee and will be able to participate in all activities and discussions, but will not be permitted to vote on any matter until he receives formal approval from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, and will not be counted when determining a quorum.
Yeas: 10 Nays: 0 Abstain 0 Motion Passes
Ms O’Dwyer congratulated Mr. Cronin and invited him to join the Board in his provisional status for the remainder of the meeting.
Decision: Mr. McEnaney moved and Ms Vaucher seconded to approve the minutes of the May 1 2008 Regular Meeting of the Board of Trustees.
Yeas: 10 Nays: 0 Abstain 0 Mr. Cronin did not vote. Motion Passes
Decision: Mr. McEnaney moved and Dr Sullivan seconded to approve the minutes of the May 19 2008 Special Meeting of the Board of Trustees.
Yeas: 10 Nays: 0 Abstain 0 Mr. Cronin did not vote. Motion Passes
Ms O’Dwyer recognized Ms Cullen Hamzeh, Interim Academic Director, for her report, a copy of which is attached. Ms Cullen Hamzeh noted that her report this month focuses on personnel changes for the upcoming year. She also noted that there are still positions to be filled, and that there may be some changes to this based on who is found to fill the open positions. There was some discussion about the change in the approach for providing nursing services.
Ms O’Dwyer recognized Dr. Argenziano, Interim Managing Director for his report. Dr. Argenziano shared his report as well, which is attached.
The Chair recognized Dr. Sullivan, Treasurer, who provided his monthly report, which is attached. Dr. Sullivan presented the FY09 Budget to the Board for its review and approval. He reiterated his long standing view that cash is an important asset to have on hand and it is necessary to have fully funded working capital to provide fiscal flexibility and credibility. Dr. Sullivan reminded the Board that it has been a very tough year financially, and that a lot of damage was done. He expressed his view that it would take approximately two and a half years to fully recover financially. He noted the potential impact that inflation and rising interest rates could have a negative impact on our financial picture over the long term.
Decision: Dr Sullivan moved and Mr. Sousa seconded a motion to appoint Mr. Jed O’Connor to the Finance Committee effective immediately.
Yeas: 10 Nays: 0 Abstain 0 Mr. Cronin did not vote. Motion Passes
Decision: Dr. Sullivan moved and Ms Cullen Hamzeh seconded a motion to approve the FY 09 MCCPS Budget as attached.
There was extensive discussion about the right level of detail of information that the Budget should include for the Board for approval purposes. Dr. Sullivan requested a roll call vote for the budget.
Ms O’Dwyer, Yes; Ms Canavan, No; Ms Vaucher, Yes; Mr. Ronchi, No; Mr. McEnaney, Abstain; Dr. Sullivan, Yes; Mr. Sousa, Yes; Mr. Fauci, Abstain; Ms Shorr, Yes; Ms Cullen Hamzeh, Yes. Mr. Cronin did not vote. Motion passes
The Chair recognized Ms Vaucher, Chair of the Governance Committee for her report, a copy of which is attached. Ms Vaucher went on to present a candidate for the Governance Committee.
Decision: Ms Vaucher moved and Ms Canavan seconded a motion to appoint Nancy Buczko to the Governance Committee effective immediately.
Yeas: 8 Nays: Abstain 1 Mr. McEnaney abstained. Dr Sullivan and Mr. Cronin did not vote. Motion Passes
Next, Ms Vaucher recognized Ms Canavan. Ms Canavan disclosed for the record that she has retained the services of Mr. Peter Haddock to repair some furniture in her home. She noted that Mr. Haddock is a school employee, but that her hiring is separate from the school, and that he will be paid for his repair services by her directly.
Ms Vaucher noted that the Governance Committee is still in the process of updating the Charter. She expressed her thanks to the School’s Leadership Team and Mr. Jed O’Connor for their help in re-writing significant portions of the Charter, those related to curriculum. She went on to ask the Trustees if we could schedule a meeting prior to June 28 for presentation of the updated Charter, with the intent that the Trustees will meet again in late July for final approval of the changes. She noted the changes need to be approved and forwarded to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education by August 1, 2008.
The Chair recognized Mr. Sousa for the report of the Personnel Committee. He noted that the major work of the Personnel Committee is captured in the minutes of the May 19 meeting. Ms Cullen Hamzeh note that she is working with the Leadership Team to develop the indicators as her follow on action item a copy of which is attached.
The Chair recognized Mr. McEnaney who noted that there is no update from the Community Relations Committee this month.
Ms. O’Dwyer recognized Mr. Ronchi to provide the Foundation report. Mr. Ronchi did not provide a written report, but he noted that the Foundation continues to progress, and continues to find ways to help the school.
Ms O’Dwyer moved into Ongoing Business. She began by following up on last month’s action regarding the contract for the Interim Academic Director, noting that we need to take a similar action for the Interim Managing Director. She noted that first we needed to formally agree to continue the position next year. She remarked that we have spoken of extending the position on many times, but have not yet taken formal action on the position. Next, Ms O’Dwyer noted, she hoped the Board would offer a contract to Dr. Argenziano to serve as Interim Managing Director, presuming we chose to keep the position for another year.
Decision: Mr. McEnaney moved and Mr. Sousa seconded to extend the position of Interim Managing Director for the 2008 – 2009 school year.
Yeas: 10 Nays: 0 Abstain 0 Mr. Cronin did not vote Motion passes
Decision: Mr. McEnaney moved and Dr. Sullivan seconded that the Board approve the terms of the contract being offered to Dr Albert Argenziano as Interim Managing Director effective July 1, 2008 (Attached).
Yeas: 9 Nays: 0 Abstain 1 Mr Fauci abstained. Mr. Cronin did not vote
Motion passes
Action Item: The Chair or her designee will work with Dr. Argenziano to develop a mutually agreeable set of goals to be an addendum to his contract prior to the August regularly scheduled Board of Trustees meeting. Trustees will submit ideas for Goals to Mr. Sousa with a copy to the Chair and Dr. Argenziano to assist in the development of goals.
Ms O’Dwyer began a discussion of the Board Self Evaluation by sharing the Parent/Faculty Survey results. She noted there were 65 respondents from across the spectrum of the community. She went on to note that in most every category, 90% of respondents evaluated the board as “Excellent” or “Good”. She noted that the themes in the comments sections included more focus on strategic planning, and formalizing a long term leadership model.
Ms O’Dwyer then shared the collated self evaluation forms from the Trustees. She noted that all ten Trustees completed the assessment the same themes emerged from our own assessment – focus on strategic planning. Ms O’Dwyer concluded by saying that self-evaluation of the Board clearly acknowledges a challenging year and satisfactory performance given the circumstances. It also recognizes the need to do better particularly with regard to strategic planning, and that is certainly is no surprise and will be addressed.
Ms. O’Dwyer went on to note that in January, we acknowledged receipt of the Audit, but we have not yet voted to approve the audit (attached). She reminded Trustees that she forwarded a copy of the Audit last week and asked everyone to read it so that we can approve it prior to the end of the Fiscal Year. Summaries of both the Parent/Faculty Survey and Board Self Evaluation are attached.
Decision: Mr. McEnaney moved and Ms Vaucher seconded that the Board accept and adopt the Audit, dated December 14, 2007. (Attached)
Yeas: 10 Nays: 0 Abstain 0 Mr. Cronin did not vote Motion passes
Ms O’Dwyer note that the Finance Committee needs to prepare for the audit of the 2008 Fiscal Year. Dr. Sullivan noted that the Committee was looking for a new auditor.
Ms O’Dwyer asked Mr. McEnaney to assure that the Board Binder is updated with all minutes for the year prior to the end of the year.
Ms O’Dwyer asked that Ms Cullen Hamzeh be sure to invite State Representative Lori Erlich to exhibition. If there are any other people that Trustees believe should be invited, get to Ms Cullen Hamzeh as soon as possible.
Ms O’Dwyer continued and noted that it was time to elect officers for the 2009 Fiscal Year. She noted that Officers would begin their term on July 1, 2008, and serve until June 30, 2009.
Decision: Mr. Vaucher moved and Ms. Ronchi seconded a motion to appoint Dr. John Sullivan as Treasurer of the Board of Trustees effective July 1, 2008 and serving until Jun 30, 2009, or until his successor is named, whichever is later.
Yeas: 9 Nays: 0 Abstain 1 Dr. Sullivan abstained. Mr. Cronin did not vote Motion passes
Decision: Ms Canavan moved and Ms Cullen Hamzeh seconded a motion to appoint Mr. Emil Ronchi as Chair of the Board of Trustees effective July 1, 2008 and serving until Jun 30, 2009, or until his successor is named, whichever is later.
Yeas: 9 Nays: 0 Abstain 1 Mr. Ronchi abstained Mr. Cronin did not vote Motion passes
Decision: Ms Cullen Hamzeh moved and Dr. Sullivan seconded a motion to appoint Mr. John McEnaney as Clerk of the Board of Trustees effective July 1, 2008 and serving until Jun 30, 2009, or until his successor is named, whichever is later.
Yeas: 9 Nays: 0 Abstain 1 Mr. McEnaney abstained. Mr. Cronin did not vote Motion passes
Decision: Mr. Shorr moved and Dr Sullivan seconded a motion to appoint Ms
Yeas: 8 Nays: 1 Abstain 1 Ms Vaucher abstained. Mr. Cronin did not vote Motion passes
Decision: Chair moved and Dr. Sullivan seconded that the Board adjourn to executive session under exception three of the Open Meeting Law, MGL Chapter 30 Section 11A1/2, “to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining or litigation.”
Ms O’Dwyer, Yes; Ms Canavan, Yes; Ms Vaucher, Yes; Mr. Ronchi, Yes; Mr. McEnaney, Yes; Dr. Sullivan, Yes; Mr. Sousa, Yes; Mr. Fauci, Yes; Ms Shorr, Yes; Ms Cullen Hamzeh, Yes. Mr. Cronin did not vote. Motion passes
The Chair noted that the Board did not expect to return to open session at the conclusion of the Executive Session. The Chair invited Dr. Argenziano to participate in Executive Session.
The Chair adjourned the meeting to Executive Session at 8:58 PM
Respectfully Submitted
John T. McEnaney
Trustee, Clerk
MCCPS Board of Trustees
State of the School Report
2008-2009 Personnel Plan – to date
- positions still need to be filled & changes/shifts may occur
Goal: to achieve the maximum benefit to students while remaining within the budget
Changes:
- Chef DeSantis, new Nutrition Director, started May 27th
o graduate of
o brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to the program
- Chef Idell will return periodically as a ‘Celebrity Chef’
o 3 buffets expected (1 per term)
- Foreign language options expected
o French
o Spanish
o Korean
o ESL
- Student Services Coordinator - 1/2 time
o to address discipline, facilitate Academic Probation, student overnights, and MCAS & NWEA testing
- Full-time Technology Coordinator
o computer literacy classes (1-45 minute class per advisory)
o parental education events/support regarding CUE, ALEKS, NWEA
- PE increased (2-45 minute classes per week per advisory)
- CSL embedded in grade level planning
o no longer a separate class
- Reduced nursing services to contracted position ( 25 hrs/week, 5 hrs/day)
o first aid certified staff members or 911 to respond in emergencies when nurse is not on campus
|
Position |
Name |
|
|
Interim Managing Director |
Dr. Albert Argenziano |
|
|
Interim Academic Director |
Nina Cullen-Hamzeh |
|
|
Special Education Director |
Jed O’Connor |
|
|
Assistant Special Education Director |
Christopher Fauci |
|
|
Assistant to the Directors |
Eileen Perry |
|
|
Student Services Coordinator |
Molly Wolverton |
|
|
Enrichment Coordinator |
Molly Wolverton |
|
|
Business Manager |
Jeff Barry |
|
|
Nurse |
Francine Rinfret-Cronin |
25 hours/week contracted service – 185 days |
|
Technology Coordinator |
|
Will teach computer literacy 1x45 per advisory |
|
Facilities Coordinator |
Bob Erbetta |
½ time |
|
Nutrition Director |
Laura DeSantis |
Started 5/27 |
|
Kitchen Manager |
----------------------------- |
|
|
Celebrity Chef |
Bill Idell |
1 buffet per trimester is planned (hourly rate is part of food service budget) |
|
Kitchen Staff |
Kim Camelo |
(hourly rate is part of food service budget, not school’s budget) |
|
Kitchen Staff |
Sarah Hitchcock |
|
|
Community Partnership Coordinator |
----------------------------- |
Role absorbed by Development Director |
|
Development Director |
TBD |
Events, Fundraising, Charter Hall rentals, Community Liaison |
|
Reading Specialist |
Ann Chandler |
Part-time |
|
Grade 4 |
Pam Miller |
Math/Science |
|
Jeanne Dowdell |
Humanities |
|
|
Katie Bartlett |
Inclusion Specialist |
|
|
Pam Haley |
Teaching Assistant |
|
|
Grade 5 |
Michele Gallo |
Humanities |
|
Ivy Connelly |
Math/Science |
|
|
Carol McEnaney |
Inclusion Specialist |
|
|
TBD |
Teaching Assistant |
|
|
Grade 6 |
Molly Dunne |
Humanities |
|
TBD |
Math/Science |
|
|
Chris Fauci |
Inclusion Specialist |
|
|
TBD |
Teaching Assistant |
|
|
Grade 7 |
|
Math/Science |
|
TBD |
Humanities |
|
|
TBD |
Inclusion Specialist |
|
|
TBD |
Teaching Assistant |
|
|
Grade 8 |
Katie Sullivan |
Math |
|
|
Rebecca Perry |
Science |
|
|
Ryan Redmond |
Humanities |
|
|
Ida Bazarova |
Inclusion Specialist |
|
|
TBD |
Teaching Assistant |
|
Art |
Brianna Cronin |
|
|
Fitness half time |
Mike Ruth |
2 times per week |
|
CSL |
----------------------------- |
Will be taught by teachers at each grade level & integrated within subjects |
|
French Language |
TBD |
Hoping to hire one person to teach both languages |
|
Spanish Language |
TBD |
|
|
Korean Language/Culture |
Intern expected |
No salary – school provides breakfast & lunch and families provide housing |
|
Music |
Adria Smith |
|
|
School Adjustment Counselors |
|
|
|
|
Gina Hartley |
Part time, if possible |
Report of the Interim Managing Director, June 5, 2008
To: Board of Trustees
From: Dr. Albert F. Argenziano
Re: May Monthly Report
The month of May signals the finalization of the 2007-2008 school year. Grade 8 students are completing their matriculation at our school. Some staff members will not be returning for the 2008-2009 school year, and our wishes go with them.
The Interim Academic Head of the School has successfully completed her first year. The year has had its peaks and valleys but overall she met the challenge and moved forward.
The ending of the 2007-2008 school year calls for a reflection. Did we meet our goals? Did we uphold the contract requirements? The reflection is as follows:
Page 2 of contract signed October 4,2007 states:
The duties of the Interim Managing Director shall include, but not be limited to the following:
* Develop for Board review and approval a School Management Plan that describes the next generation management structure for MCCPS;
* Provide and implement a plan for the improvement of community and public relations leading to credibility, reliability, and trust with all constituents, and advise the Board others on recommendations with regard to their roles and responsibilities within that plan;
* Develop and implement techniques for the immediate increase and stabilization of enrollment;
* Develop strategies and recommendations subject to Board approval for the long term increase and stabilization of enrollment;
* Develop strategies for public/private partnerships with the aim of generating additional community goodwill and revenue for MCCPS;
The eight goals placed in my contract have been met. A partnership has been established with
Attached to this report is our first annual Summer Camp enrolled with a potential budget, which contains income and expenses. This was established to begin seeking alternate funding programs in our school.
In closing, the opportunity to serve the
SUMMER
The week of May 26, 2008, decisions will be made regarding course offerings, limiting the camp to half days with no lunch, and finally what courses can be offered without the school running a deficit.
In conclusion, our first experience offering a summer camp has drawn interest from 10% of our parents. Total profit in offering summer camp will be $5,000.00. This was not what was anticipated, yet better than zero.
I will provide a final note on Summer Camp by June 1, 2008
Summer School
Income:
Rental of Facility $3000.00
Student Fees
160.00 per week x 15 students x 2 weeks $4500.00
60.00 per day x 5 students x 5 weeks $1500.00
Total Projected Income $10,300.00
2 Staff members
24.00 per hr. x 3 hrs. per day x 10 days $ 720.00
24.00 per hr x 3 hrs per day x5 days $ 360.00
Flyers, coordinator, mailing, etc $ 500.00
Total Expenses $1580.00
Total Income $10,300.00
Total Expenses $ 1,580.00
Total Profit $ 8,720.00
Enrollment Report
|
|
Grade 4 |
Grade 5 |
Grade 6 |
Grade 7 |
Grade 8 |
|
|
|
|
28 |
17 |
28 |
18 |
9 |
|
|
|
Swampscott |
7 |
17 |
7 |
14 |
4 |
|
|
|
|
8 |
3 |
7 |
7 |
5 |
|
|
|
|
2 |
7 |
1 |
3 |
19 |
|
|
|
|
1 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
0 |
0 |
2 |
2 |
|
|
|
|
|
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
|
Nahant |
|
6 |
4 |
2 |
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
|
|
TOTAL |
46 |
50 |
49 |
47 |
42 |
|
234 |
|
|
|