1. Call to Order

7:17 called to order.
Present: K. Deyo, School Committee (Wyatt, Biancolo, Daigle,) J. Mullen, E. Weeden, M. Smith, L. Brousal, S. Lockwood, A. Larkin (Richmond Record) B. Finn, J. Strock, L. Broussal

2. Public Concerns
Mullen: Educational advantage to students what teaching assignments are going to be in the next year. September 1 date – for new certifications (until school starts). Two teachers with new certifications in new areas. Three teachers may in some time but not by September 1. Seems possible to make teacher assignments.

3. Review and Approval of 3/13/12 and 4/4/12 Minutes
Amendments to 3/13 –
3. # 7 refers to Anti-Bully Policy
3. #10 refers to Field Trip Policy
8. (Vote invalid as to steps not being in order) April 4, 2012 official vote taken.
Updated attendees.
Move to accept as amended – JB. Bianca second. Approved as amended.

Amendments to 4/4/12. Reduction to .8 and not .96 FTE. Incomplete attendance list.

Superintendent salary is being held as it is a union expense and already votes on. This could be an area of savings.
Move to accept as amended – JB. Bianca second. Approved as amended.

4. Principal/Superintendent’s Report
School choice and student population update. One new resident and one fewer school choice student.
MCAS updates –
Need dance input – attendance is low. Parent of 7th grader stated more involvement by kids/parents in upper grades is necessary.
DC/NYC update. May need to change the first night hotel.
Priorities include: School Improvement Plan, Emergency 2012-2013 plan, common reading/common writing plan.

5. SPED Report
Parent Advisory Meeting tonight. No attendance, attributed to satisfacion of parents with SPED staff, if a concern is raised it is dealt with right away.
CPR rough draft arrived. We corrected 4 areas. In the next 2 weeks we will get the final public version. If there are continued areas of concern we have one year to correct.

6. Superintendent Search Update
Met at the last SC meeting – to forward the candidate to the Union vote. Other union members still working on Northern Berkshire discussion. Union meeting this Thursday (4/12/12). Richmond to move to a 3 year agreement with a new person and then look forward as to where we might go. Discussions with Hancock and New Ashford.
Sherman Derby of Hancock is interested to hear that Richmond is willing to commit to a union 3-year contract.
Lauren: talked with Barbra. Someone alerted her to goings on. She had details. Wanted to know the outcome of tonight’s meeting. If necessary, she would consider a year-to-year contract.
Her information indicated that they may not be ready to decide by Thursday.
Questions: Long term contract? Yes, Barbra is interested in a longer contract.
Committee position is to keep union together and hire Barbara Ripa.

7. Financial Report
No items to flag since 3/13 meeting.

8. Other Unforeseen items
No items identified.

9. Public Comments
None.

10. Executive Session
Roll call to executive session for the purpose of para contract update/vote. No continued business after executive session.

11. Adjournment
8.57 by unanimous vote.

February 22, 2012
12:00PM
- Richmond Consolidated School


Present: Principal Deyo, School Committee (D. Wyatt, J. Biancolo, B. Daigle,) V. Layden , M. Kerwood, F. Dupere, J. Strock, L. Morse, L. Broussal

12:03 call to order.

Searching for school union superintendent – process in place. Due diligence on committee part – review scenarios if a superintendent is not found. Last union committee meeting finances were discussed. Sensitivity to union – and how the whole picture works with different scenarios. Not to say the search process is not working or that we will not find a candidate.

1. Citizen’s Concerns

Layden: Wanted an update with superintendent search progress. 

Morse: Interest in long range planning.

2. Superintendent Search Update & Long Term Planning Discussion

Dupere questions:

.6 Union superintendency and .4 @ RCS

Sharing administrative costs.

School union – financial entity not a legal entity. Region is a legal entity.

School committee votes to share costs – not town vote.

No school union document – agreement. Can expand the school union with other school unions – can look at a region or a town only district. Other unions in the area – could join with them (Williamstown-Lanesboro and Northern Berkshire)

Several regional districts in the county – share superintendent/business and SPED.

Regional school districts are legal entities – can sue and be sued. Voting mechanism – most common is weighted voting or district wide elections. Our size in a region would be outvoted – but less costs administratively and bussing and technology. Regional districts can not forma school union with a city or town.

Options: union, regionalization (could be just the high school)

Grants are available.

School stands alone but shares the regional staff. – Granville example. – contract services from outside the school union. The superintendent hires and fires the principal.

Potential of an elementary school region. Chesterfield –Goshen example.

Can be a stand alone district.

Can tuition students out and end current union.

Concerns:

Richmond loses autonomy – can put clauses that we have a building in the town.

Concerned over adopting policies.

Could a region determine school choice status? Yes.

Can protect school building in a region.

Would have one salary schedule for the region. – analysis of the cost of a single salary schedule.

School union advantage – share administrative costs.

What else could we stipulate?

Curriculum? Staffing levels? School building. Required costs above minimum contribution.

State does not approve school unions.

Subcontracted services with a district? Possibly, but not enough time to devote to Richmond. 

Timeline:

Regionalization can not happen quickly. State approval and town votes. Needs a short term answer as well.
Union can be quicker.

Current search process hopes to yield result  in the next few weeks.

Can continue with interim?  not practical after this year, our needs are too great. 

Matt: consider from the town –

Stipulations – the towns would need to agree. Each town votes separately.

Embedded in regional agreement is how approvals are made.

Vast majority are unanimous votes.

Capital costs on the town.

Bond issue – by the regional school district.

Currently have a debt exclusion – borrowed funds to pay off SBA.

Applaud SC to be proactive in looking at the issues. Clear long-term sustainability is a question.

Plan accordingly. How does this asset serve the town?

How to apply for grant? Call Rose Ellis for contact.

Principals and superintendents must be a 3 year contract can be up to 5 years. If contract is not renewed then it automatically rolls for another year. Ma 71.41

Get a written legal opinion for union agreement.

Update community about the search process.

3. Topics not reasonably anticipated by the Chair 48 hours in advance of the meeting

None

4. Adjournment- 1:30 by unanimous vote.

1. Call to Order
2. Public Concerns
3. Review and Approval of 4/10/12 Minutes
4. Principal/Superintendent’s Report
5. SPED Report
6. School Union Update
7. Town Hall Items:
SC Approval of a Fuel Efficient Vehicle Replacement Policy
SC Adoption of the 5 year Energy Reduction Plan drafted by the Energy Conservation Committee
8. Policy Updates
Anti-bullying
9. 2012-2013 Calendar
10. RCS Pay Schedule for 2012-2013
11. Financial Report
12. Other Unforeseen items
13. Public Comments
14. Adjournment

The School Committee is moving the May 8 meeting to May 15 due to a schedule conflict.

Agenda will follow

April 4, 2012, 6:00pm at Richmond Consolidated School

Present D. Wyatt, J. Biancolo, B. Daigle, K. Deyo, J. Strock, J. Mullen, R. Larkin, J. Jones, S. Martin, M. Smith, E. Smith, B. Smith, E. Weeden, S. Renfrew, L. Morse, L. Broussal, S. Patterson, L. Brogan, R. Seeley, C. Gamberoni, E. Morowitz, K. Hoesley, B. Callahan, S. Lockwood, M. Roller, E. Masiero, R. Gniadek, H. Caine, others

6:04 PM Call to Order by Chairman Wyatt

Introduction by Chairman Wyatt, challenge of School Committee in reconciling needs of students and staff while maintaining the fiscal responsibility to taxpayers, especially when faced with rising health insurance and fuel costs. Addressed town’s request for more detail and transparency in the budget. Highlighted the many successes of the school.

Presentation by RCS Principal/Superintendent Dr. Deyo

Proposed Budget for Richmond Consolidated School FY2013, the “bottom line” number for town vote in May is $2, 941,185.32.

Requesting increase of 3.31% (adjusted for current costs with no concessions, we would face an increase of 10.45%.)

Dr. Deyo presented line item budget, assured parents that the budget is very thoughtful and the utmost attention is being given to preserving programming.

Large increase in insurance costs, town manager may pursue quotes from alternative carrier next year for potential reduction in costs.

Salary of several employees adjusted to reflect wage typical in the county.

Changes in format of budget- kitchen accounts and school choice are now counted as revenue.

Kitchen accounts (on recommendation of DESE) folded into general budget.

School Choice numbers have increased, Richmond student numbers are in decline.

School Choice funds for FY13 projected at approximately 360K.

Sources of revenue include grants, pre-kindergarden tuition and the cafeteria.

We will be raising pre-kindergarten tuition by $5 per day next year, additional revenue of 15k from this small change.

Dr. Deyo responded to rumors of potential cuts and elimination of programs, in reality two employees are retiring and one has resigned, currently looking at a reduction of .96 FTE to stay within budget, will need to be further along in the year to make any further assessments.

Professional development. Dr. Deyo expressed strong interest in math coaches, team teaching and differentiated instruction, possible to shadow at Berkshire Hills where some staff currently employ these methods.

Continued commitment to the arts.

SPED Budget Presentation by Mrs. Strock

Budget is very straightforward, salaries are salaries of SPED staff, transportation expenses are incurred by taxi or cabulence when not possible by bus, services are those contracted out for physical therapy etc., materials are generally for testing.

Public Comment

Question regarding salary of principal, superintendent – budget vs. actual.

Question of health insurance payment ratios– migration from 22% to 25% this year (25% will be paid by staff- 75% town.)

Request for specificity in teaching assignments for next year – not yet determined, additionally, may be affected by contractual obligations. Chairman Wyatt responded by asking that we continue the dialogue in another forum, hopes the School Council can host an event in the near future to facilitate this dialogue. Encouraged staff to communicate with principal.

Question regarding grants. All of our current grants are entitlement grants, RCS is ineligible for many grants based on not meeting quota of free/reduced lunches.

Question regarding contracting out for administrative services, not practical for us – has typically not been a success in other districts.

Request for specific number of persons employed by RCS. Dr. Deyo did not have exact figure, about 50.

Vote

Request for motion to adopt the sum of $2, 941,185.32 as “bottom line” for warrant by Chairman Wyatt , motion from Bianca Daigle, second from Jim Biancolo, approved by unanimous vote.

Chairman Wyatt closed by expressing his wish for progressive programming for our school, support for our staff, fiscal responsibility and transparency to our constituents and most of all, communication to and from all parties involved.

7:45 meeting adjourned by unanimous vote. 

March 13, 2012, 
7:15PM
 at Richmond Consolidated School

Present: Principal Deyo, Richmond School Committee (D. Wyatt, J. Biancolo, B. Daigle) S. Hoffman, P. Glass, E. Smith, L. Broussal, J. Strock, P. Saupe, S. Hoffman, D. Pugh, M. Smith, M. Roller, R. Caine, E. Morowitz

1. Call to Order
 7:15pm

Add executive session for para contract negotiation at the end of the meeting.

2. Public Comment


Mrs. Caine – calendar events scheduled on Jewish holidays. Each time the calendar was changed, but offering services to review.

3. Review and Approval of 2/14/12 and 2/22/12 Minutes


#7 2/14 intended to read (anti-bullying policy)  – but was held.

#10 2/14 Jim to get input on the field trip policy.

Jim to approve 2/14 minutes with amendments. Bianca second. Approved.

Clarification on principal and superintendent contract length – statue reads that a 3 year must be offered as a minimum.

Typo under Dupere questions to “form a school union”.

Bianca motion to approve as amended.

4. Principal/Superintendent’s Report


• Update on the plan and working on relationships with fire department
• Update on events in the last month (student events and teacher PD)
• Field trip update from Mr. Pugh – changes to not use public transportation and to not go beyond NJ on day 1
• Teacher evaluation tool – Smart goal PD update
• Anti-Bullying Plan update
• Para Contract to be discussed in executive session
• School choice numbers –
  • 50/50? What incentive is there to move here with choice?
  • Do not create an additional position.
  • Class by class analysis.
  • Town perspective – high numbers and $$ focus diminishes focus on students.
  • Long term planning to address declining population.
  • Look again with staff.

5. Financial Report

• Good format for the report.
• Several items over budget.
• Freeze the budget at this time for 2011-2012.

6. SPED Report


• Waiting for CRP report – has not come in yet.
• Should be here in the next couple of weeks.
• One out of district has moved out of town.

7. Superintendent Search Update


• Interviewed 1 candidate and moving 1 name forward.
• Interview date for the school union is the next item.
• Paperwork forwarded to school committees.
• No more than the one should move forward.

Dewey: Addressed the letter from him regarding the possibilities beyond the superintendent search. Interview neighboring communities as possibilities for moving forward.

Do not want chance loss of control over our district. Focus on finding the best arrangement for the school. More fact finding discussions with other districts.

Contingency planning was developed because of salary and insurance unknowns of a new superintendent.

Jim: Clarify timeline that was difficult to work with. Bill retired, a new formula for Richmond % – recently the full effect was realized when the union budget was developed. Irresponsible to just stay the course without investigation.

Lauren: There is a level of distrust from other school committees and communities.

8. 2012/2013 Budget Review and Approval


Process to go to the finance committee after the vote.

Reductions – 14 years ago 220 students. And after the reduction, in town numbers and opened school choice they are going to get approved. Why now teacher reductions?

What will be cut as programs? How to cut 2.3 FTE — at this time?

Pugh: Unemployment question. Lunch question.

Jim motion to approve to move to finance. Bianca second. Passed.

9. Policy Updates


• Anti-Bully Policy

  • Move to next month
• Field Trip Policy Reading
  • Update for requirements – move to the next meeting
  • Feedback from Dave, Rosemary and Beth
• Material Selection Policy – Initial discussion

  • To be worked on as an alternative for parents to make requests

10. Other Unforeseen items


None

11. Citizens Comments

Comment about outside lighting, too bright.

Calendar – many Fridays were half days or no school due to PD.

12. Adjournment

Move to executive session. Roll call vote. 9:30pm – Adjourn 10:40pm