The GLOUCESTER PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Our Mission is for all Students to be Successful, Engaged, Lifelong Learners
SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING
Wednesday, April 8, 2015 7:00 pm
Superintendent Conference Room — District Office 2 Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930
AGENDA
Meetings are recorded
I. CALL TO ORDER/Statement of Mission II. SALUTE TO THE FLAG
** III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
IV. COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIRPERSON V. RECOGNITIONS
VI. GHS STUDENT ADVISORY COUNCIL
VII. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Approval of Minutes
* 1. Building & Finance Sub-Committee of March 18, 2015
* 2. Special School Committee Workshop of March 18, 2015
* 3. School Committee Public Hearing on Proposed FY16 Budget of April 1, 2015
* 4. Special Building & Finance Sub-Committee Meeting of April 2, 2015
* 5. School Committee & Executive Session (Confidential) of March 25, 2015
* B. Approval of Warrants — Cover Sheets C. Approval of Transfers
D. Referrals
School Committee Agenda – April 8, 2015 Page 2
VIII. DELIBERATIONS ON EDUCATIONAL ISSUES/SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT A. Discussion of April 7 Technology/Inquiry Professional Development
B. Response to FY 2016 Draft Budget Hearing Questions
* C. Superintendent’s Report
D. Presentation on Space Issues at Plum Cove Elementary School — Michele Rogers of Dore and Whittier
IX. SUB-COMMITTEE REPORTS (Items listed under X. ACTION may be brought forward with reports)
A. Special Building and Finance Sub-Committee Meeting of April 2, 2015 — Kathy Clancy, Chairperson
Agenda: FY16 Budget Review – Department of Public Works School Facilities Proposed Budget and Review of Substitute Pay for Bus Monitors, Noon Supervisors, and Crossing Guards
X. ACTION
DISCLAIMER: Listed below are all known items that may require action but action may not be taken on all items listed; i.e., action items that are known including all votes taken by all sub- committees previous to the Friday before a Wednesday School Committee meeting and items that may flow from the Superintendent’s Report
* A. FY 2016 Budget Proposal
1. To approve the FY 2016 Budget Proposal in the amount of $39,814,690, as presented at the School Committee Public Hearing of April 1, 2015.
2. To approve the FY 2016 Budget Proposal for submission to the Mayor and the City Council.
B. To increase the substitute pay for Bus Monitors, Noon Supervisors, Crossing Guards, and Cafeteria Workers to $9.00 per hour (As recommended by the Building & Finance Sub-Committee at its meeting on March 18, 2015)
* C. 2015-2016 Approval of School Calendar
D. Annual School Choice
School Committee Agenda – April 8, 2015 Page 3
E. To instruct the Director of Finance and Operations and the Food Services Director to file small claims actions against all families of students who owe more that $50.00 (As recommended by the Building & Finance Sub-Committee at its meeting on March 18, 2015)
XI. DISCUSSION/OTHER COMMUNICATION/OLD AND NEW BUSINESS A. Massachusetts School Building Authority Project Update
* B. Letter from Joseph Benevento to Mayor Romeo Theken
* C. Letter from Kathryn Goodick XII. EXECUTIVE SESSION
A. To discuss negotiation strategies with the Gloucester Teachers Association XIII. ADJOURNMENT
*
Enclosures**
Oral Communication: The public shall have the opportunity at every regular School Committee meeting to be heard under Oral Communications. Oral Communications shall allow any resident who has a request or complaint of any nature relative to the School Committee business to appear before the School Committee, state their problem without debate, and the matter may be referred to the proper subcommittee.For items that are on the agenda, members of the public may address the Committee with the permission of the Chair. Persons speaking under Oral Communications shall be limited to three minutes each and shall submit a copy of their prepared communication to the Recording Secretary. The School Committee Chair shall not allow complaints as to individual performance or character.
VII.A.1.
THE GLOUCESTER PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Our mission is for all students to be successful, engaged, lifelong learners.
Building & Finance Subcommittee Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, March 18, 2015
Superintendent’s Conference Room – District Office 4:00 p.m.
Members Present Administration Present
Kathy Clancy, Chairperson Dr. Richard Safier, Superintendent Tony Gross, Vice Chairperson Hans Baumhauer, Director of Finance
Jonathan Pope and Operations
Also Present
Tammy Morgan, Plum Cove Principal (5:00) _____________________________________________________________________________
I. CALL TO ORDER – Chairperson Clancy called the meeting to order at 4:08 p.m. and stated the mission of the Gloucester Public Schools.
II. REPORTS/DELIBERATION/DISCUSSION (At this time, the agenda was taken out of order.)
G. Notice of Public Hearing – Mr. Baumhauer reviewed and the committee discussed the Notice of Public Hearing to be published in the newspaper, which he indicated is the same format that was used last year. Mr. Baumhauer stated that the COLA is included in the Central Office line. He suggested that Dr. Safier reinforce at the public hearing the use of one-time money last year to make up the shortfall in the budget.
A. FY15 Budget Update – Mr. Baumhauer reviewed the FY15 Budget Report as of 03/17/15, and the committee discussed the following matters:
• Central Office nonsalary of $204,025 will be used to pay BSRI
• Huge cost of substitutes for teachers and paraprofessionals – Mr. Baumhauer will forecast the cost through the end of the year.
• Attendance issues – Dr. Safier will continue to bring this up at leadership meetings.
• Analysis of time off – Mr. Baumhauer will break out personal days, professional development days, and sick days.
• Mr. Baumhauer will need to use revolving accounts to close out the year.
• Year-end forecast will be reviewed at next meeting
B. Food Service – Student Meal Balances – Mr. Baumhauer reviewed the outstanding Food Service balances, which now total $36,917.00. Dr. Safier reported that the cards of middle and high school students who owe more than $25 were deactivated within the last week. Mr. Baumhauer indicated that at the elementary level, Phil Padulsky is filing small claims actions against families who owe more than $100.00.
Mr. Gross questioned the accuracy of 134 students at Veterans who owe between
B&F Subcommittee Minutes of March 18, 2015 – Page 2
$25-$50, since there are only 220 students at that school. Mr. Baumhauer indicated that that number should be 34 students.
C. Transfers – Mr. Baumhauer reviewed and the committee discussed the transfers made between January 22, 2015 and March 10, 2015. Dr. Safier explained the new stipended technology position at Beeman.
On a motion by Mr. Gross, seconded by Mr. Pope, it was unanimously
VOTED: 3 in favor zero opposed, to recommend to the full School Committee that we approve the transfers from 01/22/15 to 03/10/15, as presented.
D. Revolving Account Balances – Mr. Baumhauer reviewed and the committee discussed the revolving account balances to date. Dr. Safier indicated that the high school
settlement funds will be used to replace the fieldhouse curtains, and Mr. Baumhauer reported that Jim Hafey will be putting that job out to bid in the next couple of weeks.
With respect to the negative balance in the Circuit Breaker account, Mr. Baumhauer indicated that there are two more $250,000 payments coming in, one at the end of March and another at the end of June.
E. Alterations, Renovations and Additions to School Buildings, File FJ – The following changes were made to the policy:
• Change number 1 to “Stamped Design Professional Plan”
• Remove number 5
• Add number 8, “Superintendent’s Recommendation”
• Add number 9, “School Committee Approval”
After discussion, on a motion by Mr. Gross, seconded by Mr. Pope, it was unanimously VOTED: 3 in favor zero opposed, to recommend to the full School Committee that
we approve the Alterations, Renovations and Additions to School Buildings policy, File FJ, as amended.
F. Plum Cove – Capital Request for Additional Space – Principal Tammy Morgan thanked the committee for adding her to the agenda and reiterated her request for an additional room to service high need students at Plum Cove. There was a discussion about the plan prepared by Jack Andrews, and Mr. Gross noted that a stamped plan drawn by an engineer or architect, as well as a drainage plan, will be required. He suggested that a parent or other volunteer may be able to do that for them.
Dr. Safier reported that he is waiting to hear back from the West Parish project manager about the possibility of moving one of the modulars from Beeman to Plum Cove once the new school opens in September 2016.
Mr. Pope indicated that the School Committee will support this capital project but that it
will also need the support of the city administration and City Counsel since the project
would need to be bonded. He suggested that Mrs. Morgan set up a meeting with the
mayor and Mr. Destino at Plum Cove to discuss the project.
B&F Subcommittee Minutes of March 18, 2015 – Page 3 III. ACTION – See Items II.C and II.E.
IV. ADJOURNMENT – On a motion by Mr. Gross, seconded by Chairperson Clancy, it was unanimously
VOTED: 3 in favor zero opposed, to adjourn the Building & Finance Subcommittee Meeting of March 18, 2015 at 5:45 p.m.
All reference documents and reports are filed in the Superintendent’s office.
Maria Puglisi Recording Secretary
VII.A.2.
THE GLOUCESTER PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Our mission is for all students to be successful, engaged, lifelong learners.
School Committee Workshop Minutes
Wednesday, March 18, 2015
Superintendent’s Conference Room – District Office 6:00 p.m.
Members Present Administration Present
Jonathan Pope, Chairman Dr. Richard Safier, Superintendent Melissa Teixeira, Vice Chairperson
Kathy Clancy, Secretary Tony Gross
Michelle Sweet Jack O’Maley
__ ___
I. CALL TO ORDER – Chairman Pope called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. and stated the mission of the Gloucester Public Schools.
II. SALUTE TO THE FLAG – Waived.
III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS – None.
IV. COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIRPERSON – None.
V. DELIBERATIONS ON EDUCATIONAL ISSUES/SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT A. Process for Starting Elementary School Masterplan – Kathy Clancy suggested
changing the name of the plan to “Future Configuration of Elementary Buildings.”
Chairman Pope indicated that the Masterplan from Dore & Whittier is only one tool the committee can use in coming up with recommendations for what the elementary schools should look like in the future. He also noted that the preschool is not
included in the Dore & Whittier Masterplan, nor is the possibility of other locations.
Chairman Pope distributed a list of issues for consideration, and the committee discussed the following matters:
• Timeline – SOI’s need to be submitted to MSBA between January and April.
Chairman Pope suggested setting an agenda that goes through the rest of this year.
• Preschool – Should it be completely separate or integrated into the elementary
schools? If separate, should it be combined with kindergarten? Dr. Safier’s
initial reaction is to keep all preschool students together (i.e. not in each
elementary school).
School Committee Workshop Minutes of March 18, 2015 – Page 2
• Public Hearing – The first topic of discussion will be school size/class size. It should be noted during the presentation that the committee reaffirmed the Plan for Effective Learning Communities in 2012, which supported smaller
community elementary schools.
• Site Visits – Ms. Teixeira suggested that the committee look at a couple of 500-student elementary schools (four classes per grade) to see what they look like and how they function.
• Public Relations – Dr. Safier suggested contacting John McElhiney, a public relations consultant, to see if he can provide the committee with some advice.
Chairman Pope indicated that he would talk to Mr. McElhiney.
A public hearing was scheduled for Monday, April 27, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall.
A discussion was held on what should be included in the presentation. Chairperson Pope requested that Dore & Whittier’s Masterplan be posted on the website.
Finally, the committee briefly discussed where the elementary schools should be located, which will be the topic of the next public hearing.
VI. ACTION – None.
VII. ADJOURNMENT – On a motion by Mr. Gross, seconded by Ms. Sweet, it was unanimously
VOTED: 6 in favor zero opposed, to adjourn the School Committee Workshop of March 18, 2015 at 7:10 p.m.
All reference documents and reports are filed in the Superintendent’s office.
Maria Puglisi Recording Secretary
VII.A.5.
THE GLOUCESTER PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Our mission is for all students to be successful, engaged, lifelong learners.
School Committee Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, March 25, 2015
Superintendent’s Conference Room – District Office 7:00 p.m.
Members Present Administration Present
Jonathan Pope, Chairman Dr. Richard Safier, Superintendent Melissa Teixeira, Vice Chairperson (7:36 p.m.) Gregg Bach, Asst. Superintendent (7:46)
Kathy Clancy, Secretary Hans Baumhauer, Director of Finance
Tony Gross and Operations
Michelle Sweet Jack O’Maley
Mayor Sefatia Romeo Theken
__ Recorded by Cape Ann TV I. CALL TO ORDER – Chairman Pope called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. and stated the
mission of the Gloucester Public Schools.
II. SALUTE TO THE FLAG
III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS – None.
IV. COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIRPERSON – None.
V. RECOGNITIONS – Kathy Clancy noted the success of the O’Maley Evening of Excellence and information session for fifth graders last week, which she stated was a great showcase of the middle school. Dr. Safier and Mr. Gross recognized O’Maley’s outstanding production of “Alice in Wonderland.” Dr. Safier recognized the new East Gloucester principal, Amy Pasquarello, who will be introduced to the School Committee at the next meeting. Finally, Mr. Gross
recognized the GHS Environmental Club for receiving an award from “Awesome Gloucester” in the amount of $1,000.00, which was matched by the Gloucester Education Foundation. The club will use the award to set up a compost bin in the cafeteria and to educate students about
composting and recycling.
VI. GHS STUDENT ADVISORY COUNCIL – Cody Eaton introduced himself and updated the committee on the following events at Gloucester High School: spring sports, Interact Club’s Pizza Taste-Off fundraiser, scholarships, sophomore event at the Gloucester House, NHS fundraiser at Jalapeno’s, and regional and state Student Advisory Council projects.
VII. CONSENT AGENDA A. Approval of Minutes
1. School Committee and Executive Session (Confidential) of March 11, 2015
2. Personnel Subcommittee of March 10, 2015
School Committee Meeting Minutes of March 25, 2015 – Page 2
3. Building & Finance Subcommittee of March 18, 2015 4. School Committee Workshop of March 18, 2015 B. Approval of Warrants – Cover Sheets
C. Approval of Transfers – January 19, 2015 to March 16, 2015, as approved by the Building & Finance Subcommittee on March 18, 2015
D. Referrals
E. Acceptance of Donations Made in Memory of Tom Spinola to GHS Athletic Program, Totaling $355.00 – $10.00 from Marianna Cuilla, $10.00 from Mary Ann Horne, $200.00 from Frank Longo and the Murphy family, $20.00 from Joe and Grace Curcuru, $50.00 from the Linquata family, $50.00 from David F. Hayes, and
$15.00 from Herbert Joseph.
F. Approval of Out-of-State Field Trip Requests
1. Annual Grade 5 trip to Nature’s Classroom, Camp Cody, Freedom, New Hampshire from Tuesday May 26, 2015 to Friday, May 29, 2015
2. GHS to New York, New York on Saturday, May 3, 2015
3. GHS to Canobie Lake, Salem, New Hampshire on Friday, May 22, 2015 G. Acceptance of Grant – Massachusetts DESE District and School Assistance grant in
the amount of $4,691.00
Kathy Clancy removed Items A3 and A4 from the Consent Agenda since the minutes are not yet ready.
On a motion by Kathy Clancy, seconded by Ms. Sweet, it was unanimously
VOTED: 6 in favor zero opposed, to approve the Consent Agenda as noted above.
VIII. DELIBERATIONS ON EDUCATIONAL ISSUES/SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT A. 2014-2015 District Improvement Plan Update – Mr. Bach reviewed the updated
information in the District Improvement Plan, and the committee discussed the following matters:
• Rigorous standards that are comparable to the Common Core Standards have been in place since 2011. The Common Core Standards will continue to be in place whether the district uses PARCC or a revised MCAS as an assessment tool.
• New elementary math program; number of ways to solve a problem
School Committee Meeting Minutes of March 25, 2015 – Page 3
• Accommodations on PARCC exams for students with IEPs
(Ms. Teixeira joined the meeting at 7:36 p.m.)B. 2015-2016 Draft District Improvement Plan – Dr. Safier reviewed the District Improvement Plan for 2015-2016.
On a motion by Ms. Teixeira, seconded by Kathy Clancy, it was
VOTED: 6 in favor, 1 present (Mayor Theken) to accept the District Improvement Plan 2015-16 as presented.
C. Superintendent’s Report – Dr. Safier updated the committee on the following matters:
1. FY16 Budget Input Request
2. Educator Evaluation: Draft Educator Impact Options 3. Review of School Immunization Law
4. FMLA and Same-Sex Marriages
On a motion by Mr. O’Maley, seconded by Ms. Teixeira, it was unanimously VOTED: 7 in favor zero opposed, to accept the Superintendent’s Report.
IX. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
A. Building & Finance Subcommittee Meeting of March 18, 2015 – Chairperson Clancy reported that the Building & Finance Subcommittee discussed the following matters at its meeting of March 18, 2015:
• Student meal balances
• FY15 budget update
• Replacement of fieldhouse curtains
• Alterations, Renovations and Additions to School Buildings, File FJ Kathy Clancy made a motion, seconded by Mr. Gross, to approve the Alterations, Renovations and Additions to School Buildings policy, File FJ, as recommended by the Building & Finance Subcommittee on March 18, 2015. After discussion, the following changes were made to the policy:
• Delete the word “or” from the first paragraph.
• Delete the word “School” before the word “Facilities” in the first paragraph.
• Revise number 1 to read “Design Professional Stamped Plan.”
• Delete number 9.
AMENDED MOTION
On a motion by Kathy Clancy, seconded by Mr. Gross, it was
School Committee Meeting Minutes of March 25, 2015 – Page 4
VOTED: 6 in favor, 1 present (Mayor Theken) to approve the policy entitled
“Alterations, Renovations and Additions to School Buildings,” File FJ, as amended.
Chairperson Clancy also indicated that the subcommittee discussed Plum Cove’s capital request for additional space to service high needs students. There was a discussion about a modular unit that was supposed to be placed there several years ago but which was never ordered.
Dr. Safier reported that Kevin Buckley indicated that moving the modular unit that is servicing West Parish students at Beeman to Plum Cove once the new school is ready would be cost prohibitive. Dr. Safier also reported that Dore & Whittier has
volunteered to look at the interior space at Plum Cove to see if it can be reconfigured to create a learning center in the short term.
X. ACTION
A. Approval of 2015-2016 School Calendar – Tabled at the request of Dr. Safier.
B. Approval of Alterations, Renovations, and Additions to School Buildings Policy, File FJ – See Item IX.A.
XI. DISCUSSION/OTHER COMMUNICATION/OLD AND NEW BUSINESS
A. MSBA Project Update – Dr. Safier reported that construction meetings are ongoing every Wednesday. Ground-floor sheathing and framing is ongoing, and the second- and third-floor slabs will be poured by the end of March so long as the weather cooperates. Finally, the building committee has discussed aluminum framing, playground design, and the school sign.
B. Snow Removal Plans – Kathy Clancy requested that the district work with the city to make sure that snow removal plans are all encompassing around the schools to ensure students’ safety. She also requested that the city enforce the shoveling ordinance around the schools. She acknowledged that this year was unusual and suggested coming up with scenarios for if and when it happens again. Mayor Theken stated that she is considering asking city councilors to make recommendations on which streets in their wards should be one way from October 1st to March 30th each year.
C. Designation of MASC as Representative for Collective Bargaining Purposes Kathy Clancy referred this matter to the Personnel Subcommittee. Ms. Teixeira indicated that it has already been referred and that Mike Gilbert stated that there was no rush on it and that he would reach out to her in the future.
XII. EXECUTIVE SESSION – On a motion by Mr. Gross, seconded by Ms. Sweet, it was
unanimously
School Committee Meeting Minutes of March 25, 2015 – Page 5 VOTED: By Roll Call Vote
Ms. Teixeira – yes Mayor Theken – yes Kathy Clancy – yes Mr. Gross – yes Mr. O’Maley – yes Chairman Pope – yes Ms. Sweet – yes
To enter into Executive Session at 8:59 p.m. for the purpose of discussing contract negotiations with noon supervisors and to enter back into regular session for the purpose of voting on the Tentative Agreements with the noon supervisors.
X. ACTION (Continued)
C. Approval of Tentative Agreements with Noon Supervisors – On a motion by Ms. Teixeira, seconded by Mr. O’Maley, it was
VOTED: By Roll Call Vote Ms. Teixeira – yes Mayor Theken – present Kathy Clancy – yes Mr. Gross – yes Mr. O’Maley – yes Chairman Pope – yes Ms. Sweet – yes
To approve the Tentative Agreements Between the Noon Supervisors and the Gloucester School Committee, as presented. (See attached.) XIII. ADJOURNMENT – On a motion by Ms. Teixeira, seconded by Mr. O’Maley, it was
unanimously
VOTED: 7 in favor zero opposed, to adjourn the School Committee Meeting of March 25, 2015 at 9:07 p.m.
All reference documents and reports are filed in the Superintendent’s office.
Maria Puglisi Recording Secretary
School Committee Meeting Minutes of March 25, 2015 – Page 6
1
VIII.C.
The Gloucester Public Schools
Our mission is for all students to be successful, lifelong learners
Report of the Superintendent of Schools
March 25, 2015
1. School Choice Vote Reminder
Every school committee must vote prior to June 1 on whether their district will accept school choice students in the upcoming 2015-16 school year. The vote may also specify which grades and how many openings are available, although that information is not required and is not binding. Results of the vote will be summarized and sent by email to ESE's School Finance Office.
2. Updated Open Meeting Law Guide
The Attorney General’s Office has issued a revised Open Meeting Law Guide, dated March 18, 2015. A copy of that guide can be found at:
http://www.mass.gov/ago/docs/government/oml/oml-guide.pdf
There will be an Open Meeting Law Educational Forum in Gloucester on April 7th at City Hall-Kyrouz Auditorium from 6 to 8 pm.
3. E-Rate Deadline Extended
The deadline to apply for federal E-Rate money for schools and libraries has been extended to April 16. The Schools and Libraries program, also known as the E- rate program, makes telecommunications and information services more affordable for schools and libraries in America. Mandated by Congress in 1996 and implemented by the Federal Communications Commission in 1997, the E- rate provides discounted telecommunications, Internet access, and internal connections to eligible schools and libraries, funded by the Universal Service Fund (USF).
Innovative digital learning technologies and the growing importance of the
Internet in connecting students, teachers, and consumers to jobs, life-long
learning, and information, are creating increasing demand for bandwidth in
schools and libraries. In 2014, the FCC adopted the E-rate Modernization Order
and the Second E-rate Modernization Order as part of a comprehensive review to
modernize the program.
2 Schools or libraries that participate in the E-rate program submit a request for competitive bids for the specific E-rate supported services it seeks to the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC). USAC posts those requests on its website for vendors to see. The bid request and competitive bidding process comply with both FCC rules and state and local procurement requirements.
After reviewing the bids it has received, the school or library selects its preferred vendor(s) and submits an application to USAC for approval listing its desired purchases. USAC then issues funding commitments to eligible applicants. Once a vendor provides the selected services to the applicant, either the vendor or the applicant submits requests to USAC for reimbursement of the approved discounts.
4. Assessment Study Update
Earlier this year, ESE commissioned a study of district assessment practices in order to see how many assessments districts are using, why they are using them, and what best practices exist for using and scheduling assessments. While the study is still incomplete,
early findings from interviews of 35 representativedistricts include:
• The average number of assessments was highest in the elementary grades, followed by middle grades and high school.
• Districts designated Level 2 in the state's accountability system required the most assessments.
• The number of assessments used did not vary substantially by whether a district was urban or suburban, but the number did vary regionally, with the northeast region using the most assessments and greater Boston the fewest.
Charter schools required fewer assessments.
• Forty-three percent of districts surveyed said they spent less than two days preparing for state assessments; 40 percent said they spent two to five days;
and 17 percent said they spent more than five days.
5. Vocational Technical Education Regulations
The regulations governing Vocational Technical Education have recently been
amended. The purpose of 603 CMR 4.00, the regulations governing Vocational
Technical Education, is to ensure that all vocational technical education
programs are of the scope and quality necessary to provide students with the
knowledge and skills needed to compete in a dynamic, global workplace and in
postsecondary education including registered apprenticeship programs.
3 Elements of the regulations include: Program Approval Criteria; Program Approval Procedures and Policies; Program Outcomes; Unpaid Off-Campus Construction and Maintenance Projects; Types of Vocational Technical Teacher Licenses and Requirements for Licensure Issued; Types of Vocational Technical Administrator Licenses and Requirements for Licensure; and Types of Vocational Technical Cooperative Education Coordinator Licenses and Requirements for Licensure.
6. Upcoming Events
East Gloucester Elementary School’s production of Robin Hood—Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, April 9, 10, 11. Thursday and Friday performances begin at 7:00 pm. Saturday’s performance begins at 2:00 pm.
Gloucester High School’s production of Legally Blonde—Friday, Saturday, and
Sunday, April 10, 11, 12. Performances are Friday at 7:00 pm, Saturday at 2:00
pm and 7:00 pm, and Sunday at 2:00 pm.
XI.C.
4/5/15
sent via (Email)
jpope@gloucester.k12.ma.us cc:
mteixeira@gloucester.k12.ma.us kclancy@gloucester.k12.ma.us tgross@gloucester.k12.ma.us jomaley@gloucester.k12.ma.us msweet@gloucester.k12.ma.us stheken@gloucester-ma.gov
Dear Mr. Pope,
As you stated at the onset of the public hearing on April 1, 2015, the FY'15 & FY'16 proposed budget was not online until 6 am on the day of the hearing. If the point of a public hearing is to allow the public the opportunity to understand the budget and make comments/suggestions, the school committee failed on that end of it. I was a bit upset when, we the public, we reprimanded for not knowing that we could have gone to the school office or the mayor's office to view. Again, this is a great deal to ask of citizens who are actually working to know where to go during the workday to view a budget. I think we all agree going forward to have these posted in a more timely manner.
I do want to thank the school committee for allowing the public to speak, not limiting our conversation or the subject matter and more importantly in offering to answer our questions/comments/concerns.
It is my hope and desire that these happen before the budget is actually finalized.
I will publicly state to you as I did that evening, I have a son at the Gloucester High School, and I have been working in the field of human resources for over 25 years. With my experience in business and employee benefits, I am very confident with my comments and suggestions in that arena.
Dr. Safier repeatedly stated that his budget proposal was for "level service" benefits for the students. I think this is wrong. Clearly it is wrong because we have lost too many students to school choice. We need to do better than "level service".
In speaking with Kathy Clancy, I indicated that the city and school committee need to put together a marketing campaign to highlight what our schools offer. But in turn, the education/MCAS results and not just fancy programs have to be there. Let's be honest, the MCAS scores, which is what people value and use a measuring guide, are not good and subpar with other areas schools that families school choice to.
To compare the costs of two points of interest is very alarming. I understand inflation plays into this but at the current cost it is almost the cost of private schools without the same level of benefits:
• In FY'07, there were 4000 students with a budget of $33,264,899 ($8,316/cost per student)
• For FY'16, we have 2963 students with a proposed budget of $39,864,690 ($13,454/cost per student)
To help me and others to understand fully what is made up in the proposed school budget, I am requesting that the following items be explained in more detail before a final vote is passed on the budget:
• The budgets always list the "approved budget" but never lists the "actual budget"...meaning what did the schools actually spend at the end of the year. For example, for FY15 the approved budget was $38,038,748 but what was actually spend?
• Employee benefits increased 13.25%! The cost share of the employee vs. the city should be increased. Currently, the city employees pay 15-‐24% of the total cost. This is not the norm with the private sector which is 30-‐50% cost share.
For the Central Office:
• Why has the Central Office budget increased 33.36%?
• Postage Account/Central Office: Why would we need $12,000 for postage in a world of
computer technology?? The school budget lists this as a 100% increase when in fact it is a 300%
increase!
• Services: what "Services" are covered for $52,800?
• Reserve for Negotiation, $549,676 -‐ What is this for?
o If this expense is for negotiating the union contracts, I would ask that part of this money go towards hiring a competent labor union attorney who specializes in this field. It is my understand that we have not been utilizing the services of an actual labor attorney for this matter. This puts the city at a disadvantage when bargaining with union labor attorneys.
• Contingency Reserve: There is also $200,000 in 'contingency reserve' in the central office budget. What is this for?
• Although I usually do not look at the salaries, the salary of the superintendent is extremely high and given the fact that under his watch, the student population has decreased and the MCAS scores have not improved, I do not understand why he is still in this position. When Dr. Safier arrived in September 2011, we had 3,200 students and a budget of $34.3 million; we now have 2963 students and a budget over $40 million and little to no improvement in the student MCAS scores.
• Having a Central Office budget of salary and operating costs of $2,002,696 (not including any of the benefits) is outrageous for a student population of 2963.
• As I stated at the meeting, it appears to me that whatever the budget was last year is just mirrored or inflated slightly but doesn't seem to actually be what is needed. Is there a report that shows what each of these line items actually spent last year month to month that I could review? I would ask for clarification and explanation on the following items:
For the high school:
o Maintenance/Repair Office Machines -‐ $35,000 ? Every year the same amount???
o Principal's Memberships -‐ $4,900 -‐ what is this for??
o GHS Library Supplies increased to $2,760. What is being purchased?
o Vocational "New/Replace Tools" -‐ $10,900! What are you replacing?? Every year??
which is different than the "Maintenance/Replacement of Equipment".
o Athletic Replacement of Equipment...$17,000 every year??
o Athletic Dues & Fees $6,820....for what?....every year?
For O'Maley:
o Classroom equipment: $9,000. What is being purchased?
o Classroom furniture: $7,500. What is being purchased?
For Beeman:
o Classroom equipment: $21,894. Up from $13,434... What is being purchased?
o Maintenance/Repair Office Machines -‐ $12,721? Every year the same amount???
For East Gloucester:
o Maintenance/Repair Office Machines -‐ $8,200? Every year the same amount???
o Elementary Curriculum Supplies..$65,654. What is being purchased?
For Plum Cove:
o Elementary Curriculum Supplies..$63,300. What is being purchased?
o Maintenance/Repair Office Machines -‐ $12,496? Every year the same amount???
For Veteran's:
o Elementary Curriculum Supplies..$47,332. What is being purchased?
o Maintenance/Repair Office Machines -‐ $15,202? Every year the same amount???
o Classroom Equipment -‐ $11,293. What is this for?
For West Parish:
o Elementary Curriculum Supplies..$72,763. What is being purchased?
o Maintenance/Repair Office Machines -‐ $11,664? Every year the same amount???
o Principal's Memberships -‐ $1,069 (up from $669). What is this for?
For Special Education:
o Supplies and Materials: $10,232 -‐-‐ doubled from previous year. Why?
o Contracts: $86,000 -‐ what is this for?
o Inst. Equip Supplies &Mat: $7,500 -‐ what is this for? How is it different from Supplies and Materials?
For Information Technology:
o District Internet: $57,888 -‐-‐ increased 64%?! Why?
o Supplies/Materials/Software: $37,715 -‐-‐ increased 65%! Why?
o Elementary Class Equipment: $73,920 -‐-‐ increased 20% Why? What are you purchasing every year?!
o Replacement of Equipment: $22,373 -‐ how is this different than other categories above?
o Tech Debt Service: $42,400! -‐ what is this? increased 74%!! Why?
For Transportation:
o Health Insurance/Transport Staff: $43,000 flat cost over last year? What does this represent? How many staff are covered? What percent are they paying? Why is this listed here when other categories do not have.
For Professional Development:
o Paraprof Incentives: $2,850 -‐ same as last year? What is this for? Incentive for what?
How many receive this benefit?
o Educational Incentives: $8,500 -‐ same as last year? What is this for? Incentive for what? How many receive this benefit?
o Teacher/Admin Longevity: $120,000 -‐ THIS IS AN OUTRAGE! And this should be stopped!!
o GTA Tuition Reimbursement: $50,000 -‐ what was actually spent last year?
o Curriculum Supplies: $95,000 -‐ up 27% over last year. What was actually spent last year?
o Curriculum Database Subscription: $30,000 -‐ up 62% over last year!! What was actually spent last year?
For Benefits:
o 403b Contract: $50,000 -‐ what is this for? I understand that it is for the retirement plan but what does this $50k pay for
o Unemployment Compensation: $100,000 flat cost over last year? What was actually spent last year?
o Health Insurance: $4,415,824!!!! OUTRAGEOUS!! Up 22% over last year. The level of benefit and the cost share needs to be changed.
o NonProf Longevity: $56,150 -‐ same as last year. THIS IS AN OUTRAGE! And this should be stopped!!
o Workmen's Comp/Payroll: $150,000 up 9% -‐ what was actually paid last year. How many employees are covered by this.
Since the salary portion alone is $27,255,657, it is helpful to understand the number of employees that are covered in this number. How many employees are included in this number? How many are
teachers? What is the teacher to student ratio? What was this in 2007 when we had 4000 students?
One final comment, if Carolyn Kirk is no longer on the School Committee, her name and personal information should be removed from your page.
Thank you for your time and attention in this matter. Although I agree that our schools are vital to our community, it is more imperative that our financial solvency is paramount to our own survival.
Sincerely,
Kathryn Goodick Kathryn Goodick
10 Dogtown Road, Gloucester
