Blackstone Valley Vocational Regional District School Committee. Minutes of Regular Meeting April 14, 2016

Transcription

1 Blackstone Valley Vocational Regional District School Committee Minutes of Regular Meeting April 14, 2016 The regular meeting of the Blackstone Valley Vocational Regional School District Committee was held in the Three Seasons Restaurant at the school. The following members, staff and others were present: Joseph M. Hall of Bellingham, Chairman Gerald M. Finn of Millville, Vice Chair David R. Bartlett, Upton Dennis P. Braun, of Mendon Joseph A. Broderick of Blackstone James H. Ebbeling of Uxbridge Chester P. Hanratty of Millbury Mitchell A. Intinarelli of Hopedale John C. Lavin, III of Douglas Arthur E. Morin, Jr. of Milford Anthony M. Yitts of Grafton Dr. Michael F. Fitzpatrick, Superintendent-Director Kurtis Johnson, Asst. Supt. Finance and Operations Senator Michael O. Moore Chef Matthew Williams, Culinary Arts Dept. Ray Lehner, Science Dept. Len O'Neil, Social Studies Dept. Grace Lemire Student Rep. Barbara Auger, Treasurer Andrew Morrison, Recording Secretary Item 1. Call to Order Having established a quorum, the School Committee meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Chairman Hall. Item 2. Secretary's Report - A. Yitts On a motion by Mr. Lavin, seconded by Mr. Intinarelli, it was voted to approve the regular School Committee meeting minutes of March 3, 2016, as written. Mr. Hanratty abstained. Item 3. Treasurer's Report - B. Auger (Vote) Treasurer Auger presented a report dated February 28, 2016, reflecting local funds of $4,936,059.30; project funds of $1,007,864.03; and total funds of $5,943, Ms. Auger reported member assessments were due February 1, 2016, and have been paid to date as of the end of February. All other business was routine for the month of February. On a motion by Mr. Intinarelli, seconded by it Mr. Hanratty, it was unanimously voted to approve the Treasurer s report of February 28, 2016, as presented. Treasurer Auger presented a report dated March 31, 2016, reflecting local funds of $3,269,645.97; project funds of $997,520.04; and total funds of $4,267, March included three payrolls and three warrants, which caused an anticipated dip in cash at the end of the month. A rebound is anticipated within two months. All other business was routine for the month of March.

2 Minutes of Regular Meeting Page 2 April 14, 2016 On a motion by Mr. Hanratty, seconded by Mr. Intinarelli, it was unanimously voted to approve the Treasurer's Report dated March 31, 2016, as presented. Item 4. Student Recognitions - Dr. Fitzpatrick Dr. Fitzpatrick explained that recognition of Multimedia Communications junior Erik Martus was rescheduled for the regular meeting of May 19, 2016, to allow the Martus family to attend. Dr. Fitzpatrick took a moment to recognize the passing of Marie Gervais, a former longtime employee of the BVT food services program. Item 5. Comments By Student Representatives - Grace Lemire Grace Lemire reported that two BVT students will represent the Massachusetts Association of Student Council at a national conference this summer, and their travel expenses will be covered by student-generated funding. The Student Council continues producing wellreceived "blessing bags" of travel sized soap, shampoos, and conditions for local shelters. The new executive board was recently elected. Item 6. State of the Budget - Senator Michael O. Moore Dr. Fitzpatrick introduced Senator Michael O. Moore. Sen. Moore explained that he is visiting school committees and other governing boards to provide information on the state budget picture. Sen. Moore stated that the recently approved budget from the state House of Representatives has increased funding for several items as compared to the budget proposed by Governor Baker. For fiscal year 2017 (FY17), the Governor proposed an increase of $20/pupil (1.6%) in Chapter 70 funding for local education, which is a reduction from the $25/pupil rate in FY16. The House plan proposes an increase of $55/pupil (2.3%). The House's proposed increase reflects sensitivity to local school districts faced with rising costs in special education, expanded access to kindergarten, and student transportation. For Blackstone Valley Tech, the House proposal equates to Chapter 70 funding of $8,153,324, or roughly $66,000 greater than FY16. In response to Mr. Broderick, Sen. Moore confirmed that he would support the House s proposed increase of 2.3% if a state budget at that level comes to a vote in the Senate. Although such an increase would be higher than that proposed by the Governor, Sen. Moore believes the increase in Chapter 70 funding would not be vetoed. Mr. Finn noted that the Chapter 71 transportation reimbursement rate has saw-toothed up and down over the past several years. Dr. Fitzpatrick added that under the House s proposal, BVT would receive an additional $93-94 thousand in Chapter 71 funds. Mr. Finn expressed disappointment that the reimbursement rate is not 100% as mandated by law, and Sen. Moore shared his disappointment that Chapter 71 and many other priorities unfortunately go underfunded due to economic circumstances. Sen. Moore noted that he recently received a letter from Dr. Fitzpatrick seeking additional state aid for BVT s Practical Nursing (PN) program. Sen. Moore noted that he chairs the Committee on Higher Education and could facilitate a partnership between BVT s PN program and similar programs at area colleges and universities. Dr. Fitzpatrick responded that BVT has affiliations with more than 50 higher education institutes and is always open to new partnerships.

3 Minutes of Regular Meeting Page 3 April 14, 2016 Sen. Moore expressed concern for the thousands of students statewide on waiting lists for vocational technical schools, including the roughly 600 students added to BVT s waitlist annually. Dr. Fitzpatrick welcomed any source of assistance, but noted that financial support is essential so as not to burden member communities. In addition to an expansion of existing space, satellite campuses could be a feasible option. Item 7. Aviation Club Advisor - Ray Lehner 7.1. Mr. Lehner and several students provided an overview of their recent trip to aviationthemed destinations in Florida, including the Kennedy Space Center and the Lakeland Air Show. Mr. Lehner received numerous compliments on the students behavior and maturity. The Aviation Club s annual trip presents numerous opportunities to explore physics, history, and other subjects through the hands-on study of aviation. Twenty-eight students attended the trip this year On a motion by Mr. Intinarelli, seconded by Mr. Lavin, it was unanimously voted to approve the Aviation Club s out-of-state trip to the Kennedy Space Center and other sites in the Orlando, Florida area, April 5-12, Item 8. Out of Country Trip Follow-up - Len O'Neil 8.1. Mr. O Neil and several students recounted their recent humanitarian trip to the Dominican Republic. Students participated in social activities with local families, including cooking, dance lessons, and reading and writing activities. Many of this year s community service activities were designed to promote themes of sustainability and recycling. Students planted more than 300 new trees in two days. Students expressed powerful testimony as to the life-changing experience of working with young children and their families. Item 9. Vocational Coordinator's Report - presented by M. Fitzpatrick 9.1. Dr. Fitzpatrick reported on behalf of Mr. Tom Belland, who was attending the Massachusetts Association of Vocational Administrators annual Outstanding Vocational Student Dinner. The Auto Body program recently completed its certification in collision repair with the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation. A written report has not yet been filed, but the review team was very complimentary throughout the process. Item 10. Vocational Department Presentation - Chef Matthew Williams Chef Williams reported enrollment of 106 students. Chef Williams presented a slideshow highlighting the Culinary Arts program s annual projects, including the Superintendent s Gourmet Dinner, gingerbread building workshop, and concession stand during BVT football games. Chef Williams also highlighted the program s annual trip, which has included culinary destinations throughout Cape Cod. Item 11. Assistant Superintendent For Finance/Operations - K. Johnson On a motion by Mr. Lavin, seconded by Mr. Bartlett, it was unanimously voted to transfer $10,700 for legal services and $32,000 to finance half the cost of a frame-pulling machine in the Auto Body program Mr. Johnson presented an update on the MSBA roof repair project bid results. Mr. Johnson said that although the project was estimated at $23.50 per square foot, there was

4 Minutes of Regular Meeting Page 4 April 14, 2016 confidence on Valley Tech s part that the actual bids would come in under $20 per square foot. That projection proved accurate as the winning bid from Silktown Roofing, Inc. came in at $19.27 per square foot for a total of $717,000. Eight bids were received, all of which were equal to, or slightly above or below, BVT s initial estimate On a motion by Mr. Intinarelli, seconded by Mr. Lavin, it was unanimously voted to award the MSBA roof replacement project contract to Silktown Roofing, Inc. of Manchester, Connecticut as the most responsible bidder with a bid of $717, a. On a motion by Mr. Intinarelli, seconded by Mr. Lavin, it was unanimously voted to amend the Owners Project Manager/Watermark contract for the MSBA roof replacement project to include construction administration and completion phase services totaling $91, b. On a motion by Mr. Intinarelli, seconded by Mr. Lavin, it was unanimously voted to amend the Designer Services/Russo Bar Contract to include construction administration at $19,260 and completion phase at $2, Mr. Johnson presented a donation of HVAC supplies from Mr. Darrell Curley, Business Unit Manager of Distributor Corp of New England. The cost data for the donated supplies is proprietary, so a value could not be assessed for tax purposes. On a motion by Mr. Lavin, seconded by Mr. Intinarelli, it was unanimously voted to accept the donation of supplies, materials, and equipment for the BVT HVAC program b.1. Mr. Johnson presented a bid summary for CNC heavy machinery to be purchased with funding from BVT s $407,000 Workforce Skills Grant. On a motion by Mr. Lavin, seconded by Mr. Intinarelli, it was unanimously voted to award the purchase of three CNC toolroom lathes, one 3-axis CNC toolroom mill with 4-axis component, to Trident Machine Tools, LLC, of Windsor, CT, with a total bid of $147, b.2. On a motion by Mr. Intinarelli, seconded by Mr. Lavin, it was unanimously voted to award the purchase of eight 2-axis CNC retrofit packages for vertical milling machines to Rice Machinery of Cranston, Rhode Island, with a total bid of $116,100. Item 12. Facilities Subcommittee Report - J. Lavin Mr. Lavin reported that the subcommittee meeting was postponed due to scheduling conflicts. The next meeting date has not yet been scheduled. The subcommittee plans on prioritizing the installation of a Valley Tech sign on Pleasant Street. The subcommittee will also continue touring the school to review various departments. Item 13. Budget Report - J. Lavin 13.1.a. Dr. Fitzpatrick attended the Mendon Finance Committee meeting on March 19, 2016, as part of the annual circuit of budget presentations. Interactions were positive b. Mr. Yitts reported on the Grafton Finance Committee presentation of March 12, Discussion included Grafton s lower enrollment figures for FY17. Mr. Yitts anticipates the Finance Committee will support the BVT budget.

5 Minutes of Regular Meeting Page 5 April 14, c. On Mr. Koopman s behalf, Dr. Fitzpatrick reported a professional exchange with the Northbridge Finance Committee on March 16, d. Mr. Bartlett reported questions about health insurance and BVT s grant programs from the Upton Finance Committee on March 16, e. Mr. Hanratty reported on a presentation to the Millbury Finance Committee on March 21, Questions focused primarily on BVT s admissions criteria f. Dr. Fitzpatrick reported on excellent feedback from the Sutton Finance Committee on March 23, A key member agreed to tour BVT for the first time. The tour was positively received and BVT subsequently received a complimentary thank-you letter g. Mr. Lavin reported labor intensive questioning during the Douglas Finance Committee meeting on March 28, Members were invited to tour BVT. Dr. Fitzpatrick also responded to several questions presented in writing by a Douglas Selectperson h. Mr. Finn reported on a comprehensive presentation to the Millville Finance Committee on March 30, Millville is once again facing significant financial challenges this budget season. An additional eight Millville students will attend BVT in FY i. Mr. Johnson presented to the Uxbridge Finance Committee on April 9, The meeting included a professional exchange and was followed by a subsequent presentation to the Board of Selectmen j. The Blackstone Finance Committee meeting on April 11, 2016, included questions about the funding mechanism for the BVT Practical Nursing program. Dr. Fitzpatrick confirmed that Finance Committee presentations have concluded and will soon be followed by town meetings throughout BVT s 13 district-towns Dr. Fitzpatrick shared copies of communications sent to district towns regarding specific warrant language for BVT s budget. Language provided must dovetail with each town s specifications. Item 14. Assistant Superintendent-Director's Report Evans Dr. Fitzpatrick presented on behalf of Mr. Steele, who was attending the MAVA Outstanding Vocational Student Award dinner. The 2016 BVT Promising Practices Nominee is Cynthia Collard, lead teacher in the Cosmetology program Valley Tech students won 93 medals at the SkillsUSA Massachusetts District V Championships, including 40 gold, 29 silver, and 24 bronze medals. Students will next compete in the SkillsUSA Massachusetts State Leadership and Skills Conference Championships at Valley Tech on April 29, 2016.

6 Minutes of Regular Meeting Page 6 April 14, School Committee members were invited to attend BVT s graduation ceremony on May 26, 2016, at the Hanover Theatre in Worcester The senior-class calendar for the remainder of the school year was made available for review a. On a motion by Mr. Ebbeling, seconded by Mr. Bartlett, it was unanimously voted to approve the robotics program s out-of-state trip to the Lime Rock Speedway in Lakeville, CT, on May 6, 2016, for an electric vehicle marathon b. On a motion by Mr. Intinarelli, seconded by Mr. Ebbeling, it was unanimously voted to approve the HVAC/R program s trip to Warwick and Cranston, Rhode Island on May 11, c. On a motion by Mr. Ebbeling, seconded by Mr. Intinarelli, it was unanimously voted to approve the Model UN Club s trip to Yale University in New Haven, CT, January 22-25, Item 15. Superintendent-Director's Report - M. Fitzpatrick On a motion by Mr. Hanratty, seconded by Mr. Intinarelli, it was unanimously voted not to accept any school choice applicants in the school year School Committee members were invited to make contributions to the annual School Committee scholarship fund On a motion by Mr. Ebbeling, seconded by Mr. Hanratty, it was unanimously voted to approve establishment of the Corporal John Dawson Memorial Award a. Dr. Fitzpatrick reported that the VEX Robotics program has qualified three teams for the VEX Worlds Championships April 20-23, 2016, at the Kentucky Exposition Center b. The Construction Technology program s trip to a Rhode Island trade show was preapproved by Chairman Hall. The trip on March 18, 2016, was a success Dr. Fitzpatrick shared a communication from the Executive Office of Health and Human Services confirming that BVT s Practical Nursing program has attained its Full Approval Status As referenced earlier by Sen. Moore, Dr. Fitzpatrick wrote to legislators requesting increased funds for Chapter 71 regional transportation reimbursement. Copies of the correspondence were shared for review Massachusetts Secretary of Education James A. Peyser has agreed to provide opening remarks at the SkillsUSA Massachusetts State Leadership and Skills Conference Championships on April 29, 2016, at BVT.

7 Minutes of Regular Meeting Page 7 April 14, A donation of $3,500 to subsidize van transportation for students has been received from Milford Federal Savings & Loan Association. Dean Bank is considering a similar donation a.b. Two groups from the New York State Board of Cooperative Educational Services toured BVT in late March and early April, respectively. Positive correspondence from the groups was shared for review. Tour groups were charged $75 per person, and proceeds will be used to purchase easels for the BVT art program a. Dr. Fitzpatrick shared notification of retirement from Francine Breger, a longtime Science teacher and a valuable contributor b. School Counselor Brooke Carney s resignation due to a geographic transfer was regretfully accepted c. Katie Checca s resignation as Special Education Teaching Assistant was accepted. Ms. Checca is advancing to the role of long-term History substitute with BVT d. Debra Christiansen s resignation from her position as cafeteria worker was accepted with regret. Item 16. New Business The Chair opened the floor for New Business. Dr. Fitzpatrick shared news that Niche.com recently named BVT the second safest school in Massachusetts and the sixth safest school nationwide. Dr. Fitzpatrick shared communication from Judith L. Klimkiewicz, Ed.D., DESE Management Consultant for Strategic Planning for College/Career Education and Workforce Development. Dr. Klimkiewicz confirmed that BVT s funding practice for the Practical Nursing program adheres to state law. Dr. Fitzpatrick informed the Committee that Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Ron Walker has agreed to provide a commencement address at BVT s graduation ceremony on May 25, Item 17. Items for the Good of the Committee The monthly compilation of news articles and correspondence was made available for review. Item 18. Next Regularly Scheduled School Committee Meeting - J. Hall The next regularly scheduled School Committee meeting will be held on May 19, 2016, at 6:00 p.m. in the Three Seasons Restaurant. Item 19. Meeting Closure The meeting was declared closed by Chairman Hall at 9:19 p.m On a motion by Mr. Hanratty, seconded by Mr. Ebbeling, it was unanimously voted to adjourn at 9:19 p.m.

8 Minutes of Regular Meeting Page 8 April 14, 2016 Listing of materials used in the meeting: Item 2. Regular Meeting Minutes March 3, 2016 Item 3. Treasurer's Reports February 28, 2016 & March 31, 2016 Item 7.2. Out-of-State Field Trip Request Aviation Club April 5-12, 2017 Orlando, Florida Item Suggested Motion Fund Transfer Item Bid Summary MSBA/Roof Replacement Item Suggested Motion MSBA/Roof Replacement Construction Contract Item 11.3.a. Suggested Motion MSBA/Roof Replacement Construction Admin. & Completion Item 11.3.b. Suggested Motion MSBA/Roof Replacement Construction Admin. & Completion Item Donation Acceptance HVAC Supplies Item 11.5.a. Bid Summary/Suggested Motion Multi-Process Welders Purchase Item 11.5.b. Bid Summary CNC Heavy Machinery Item 11.5.b.1. Suggested Motion CNC Lathes, CNC Mill Purchase Item 11.5.b.2. Suggested Motion CNC Retrofit Packages Purchase Item Warrant Language Correspondence March 4, 2016 Item SkillsUSA District V Report Item Senior Calendar Item 14.5.a. Out-of-State Field Trip Request Robotics Club May 6, 2016 Lakeville, CT Item 14.5.b. Out-of-State Field Trip Request HVAC May 11, 2016 Warwick, RI Item 14.5.c. Out-of-State Field Trip Request Model UN January 22-25, 2017 New Haven, CT Item Memorandum School Council School Choice Recommendation Item Corporal John Dawson Memorial Award Item 15.4.a. Correspondence VEX Robotics Report March 17, 2016 Item 15.4.b. Out-of-State Field Trip Request Construction Tech. March 18, 2016 Providence, RI Item Correspondence Exec. Office Health & Human Services March 7, 2016 Item Correspondence Chapter 71 Reimbursement Request March 24, 2016 Item Correspondence Milford Federal Savings & Loan Assoc. March 7, 2016 Item 15.9.a. Correspondence Cobleskill-Richmondville Central School District March 29, 2016 Item a. Retirement Notification Francine Berger April 1, 2016 Item b. Resignation Notification Brooke Carney March 25, 2016 Item c. Resignation Notification Kathleen Checca April 7, 2016 Item d. Resignation Notification Debra Christiansen March 9, 2016 Item 16. Correspondence Maureen Wojnar April 7, 2016 Correspondence MA Department of Elementary & Secondary Education April 12, 2016 Item 17. Items for the Good of the Committee Respectfully submitted, Anthony M. Yitts, Secretary