Minutes 07-24-2007

HWRSD School Committee

Hampden-Wilbraham Regional School District
School Committee Meeting @ 7:00 p.m.
Minnechaug Regional High School
July 24, 2007

Present:
School Committee Members : Scott Chapman, Chair; William Bickley, Marianne Desmond, Lisa Morace (arr 7:30) and Peter Salerno
Administrators : Paul Gagliarducci, Donna Scanlon and Beth Regulbuto
Guests: John D. Flynn, Hampden Selectman; Suzanne McLaughlin, The Republican; Doug Farmer and Rachel Smith, Wilbraham Hampden Times; and Ed Gorski, Hampden resident.
Absent : D. John McCarthy and Gilles Turcotte

Mr. Chapman called the meeting to order at 7:18 p.m.

General (see attached)
1. Public Comment
  There were no comments.
2. Minutes
  - Regular Meeting – June 26, 2007
    This agenda item was tabled until a future meeting.
Financial issues (see attached)
1. Budget FY07 Update
  Ms. Regulbuto distributed information regarding the preliminary FY07 close. She reviewed the information, including the Summary of FY07 Operations, Detail by Function Report and Recommended Motions. She noted that operating expenses have exceeded the budget, primarily due to unanticipated special education costs and additional group insurance commission expense for retirees, as discussed previously. However, revenue is also more than anticipated due to an increase in the regional transportation reimbursement and better than expected interest earnings. She also reported that she is researching developing a stabilization fund as noted in M.G.L. Chapter 71, Section 16G1/2. The purpose of this fund, recommended by the DOE and DOR, is to build a contingency reserve specifically for capital projects or equipment. She will provide details at a future meeting. Dr. Gagliarducci said that permission would be needed from the two towns regarding establishing that stabilization fund. Also, since MRHS is the only building owned by both towns, it is probably the only building that this could be used for. This topic will be further researched and discussed at a future meeting.
  
  Mr. Salerno made a motion to increase the fund balance in Early Childhood Revolving account to zero by transferring $46,190 from E&D. Mrs. Desmond seconded and it was unanimously approved.
  
  Mr. Salerno made a motion to increase the fund balance in Food Service account to zero by transferring $24,605 from E&D. Mrs. Desmond seconded and it was unanimously approved.
2. Budget FY08 Update
  Dr. Gagliarducci reported that he is watching the new budget closely because there is a lot of hiring of new staff at this time, and Ms. Regulbuto is watching other accounts, such as the district wide copier costs.
3. Approve Warrants
  The warrants were approved.
Other Business (see attached)
1. Capital Projects Update FY08
  As noted in the Superintendent’s Report, the underground pipe project at MRHS is problematic and more expensive than anticipated. In the high school media center, work is progressing on replacing the HVAC unit on the roof. Work is also being done in there on creating two state-of-the-art technology labs, which will hopefully be done by the start of school. Another project, which was unexpected, is the hot water pipes at TWB. These were repaired just a couple of years ago and thus have deteriorated much quicker than expected. We will work with Hampden on this because there may be some recourse.
  Mr. Flynn noted that the Selectmen just awarded the contract for the Green Meadows septic work.
2. Minnechaug Technology Project Update
  See above.
3. Discuss School Committee Goals for 07/08
  Proposed School Committee Goals for SY07-08 were reviewed and will be voted on at the August meeting.
4. Policy Manual Subcommittee
  Mr. Salerno asked that Ms. Belsky schedule one meeting during the summer for this subcommittee and that all relevant documents be provided to the subcommittee members.
5. Review Task List
  Task list for 07-08 school year was briefly reviewed.
Correspondence/Written Reports Received (see attached)
1. Superintendent’s Report
  In addition to his report, Dr. Gagliarducci noted that in the green folder he provided some interesting articles from a recent “School Planning & Management” magazine and a copy of Mr. O’Shea’s letter to staff.
2. Professional Development Plan for Upcoming Year
  Dr. Scanlon previously distributed a copy of the “Professional Development Plan for 2007-2008” and reviewed it in some detail. In particular she noted three goals: increase tools and strategies to maximize each learner’s growth through training in differentiated instruction, universal design for learning and supportive learning environments; foster collegial networking, leadership and attitudes for a culture focused on continuous improvement through the shared emphasis on differentiated instruction; and increase the capacity of the District to use technology for improving teaching, learning and communication. Mr. Salerno asked questions regarding what are other districts doing for differentiated instruction, what are the hallmarks of success, and what dashboard indicators are being used? Dr. Scanlon explained that there are many commonalties between what our district and others are doing. Although there are no quick fixes, everyone is moving forward. Regarding the hallmarks of success, she explained that part of it will be the line between special education and general education will not be so rigid; and for indicators, a decrease in the number of referrals to special education services will be one good measure.
3. District Wide Improvement Plan Update
  An updated District Wide Improvement Plan was provided to School Committee members. Dr. Gagliarducci noted that the district is heading in the right direction. Some of the 06-07 goals have been completed and others are continuing into next year. Please review the information and let him know if you have any questions.
4. Misc. Correspondence (green folder)
  It was noted that we just received notice that we are being awarded new funds for the school counseling grant, which is great news because principals unanimously agree that having an adjustment counselor in all the buildings has been very beneficial for everyone.
Personnel
1. Appointments (replacements unless noted otherwise*)
  - James Card, Social Studies Teacher @ MRHS, eff 8-27-07
  - Sherrill Caruana, Principal @ SHS, eff 8-1-07
  - Bernadette Dunnirvine, English Teacher @ MRHS, eff 8-27-07
  - Erin Teal Lowe, Biology Teacher @ MRHS, eff 8-27-07
  - Michelle Magee, Social Studies Teacher @ MRHS, eff 8-27-07
  - Stephen Marino, Guidance Counselor @ MRHS, eff 8-27-07
  - Karen McCarthy, PT Gr 8 MCAS Math Teacher @ WMS, eff 8-27-07
  - Shannon McKellick, Gr 5 Teacher @ MEM, eff 8-27-07
  - Mary Silva, Lead Custodian (Nights) @ WMS, eff 7-30-07
  - Robyn Suojanen, Gr 5 Teacher @ SRS, eff 8-27-07
2. Resignations
  - Sharon Baker, SPED Teacher @ SHS, eff 6-30-07
  - Daniel Grant, Biology Teacher @ MRHS, eff 6-18-07
  - Tammy Howe, Gr 4 Teacher @ SHS, eff 6-30-07
  - Bryan Lombardi, Assistant Principal @ MRHS, eff 7-1-07
  - Nancy Roy, Gr 8 Math Teacher @ TWB, eff 6-30-07
3. Leaves of Absence
  - Gina Pantuosco, Teacher @ TWB, eff 8-27-07 (childbear)
4. Retirements
  - Pam Hayes, RR Teacher @ GM, eff 6-30-07
  - Patricia O’Connor, Gr 2 Teacher @ MEM, eff 11-30-07
  - Jacquelyn Perusse, Food Service, eff 6-15-07
New Agenda Items (for upcoming meetings)
1. End of Year Close
2. Update on Security
3. Policy Manual Subcommittee (ongoing)
4. Report on Principals’ Evaluations

A reminder that the luncheon for new teachers will be on Wednesday, August 22, at 12:15 at the Hampden House. Members are invited to join them, but please let Dr. Scanlon know if you plan to attend.

As there was no need for an Executive Session, Mr. Chapman asked for a motion to adjourn the meeting. Mrs. Desmond so moved. Mr. Salerno seconded and it was unanimously approved. The meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Karen W. Belsky
Recording Secretary

Tuesday, August 28, 2007 @ 6:00 p.m. (note earlier time)
Minnechaug Regional High School

Additional meetings will be scheduled if necessary.