Town of Provincetown

School Committee

Veterans Memorial Elementary School Library

Minutes of October 11, 2005

Members Present: Terese Nelson (Chairperson), Peter Grosso (Vice Chair), Debra Trovato, Molly Perdue, Burton Wolfman ( Secretary).

Also in attendance: Janice Lachowetz, Superintendent of Schools, Anthony Teso, VMES Principal/DSS, Edward Boxer, PHS Principal, Jessica Waugh, Curriculum Coordinator, Lynn Stanley, Provincetown Art Association, Jasmine Hadley, Helen Henley, Alex Healable, Town Accountant, Keith Bergman, Town Manager, Betty White, Adm. Assistant for Business and Finance, Alma Welsh, Adm. Assistant for Personnel, Margaret Downey and Mark Zielinski of the Cape Light Compact, Peru Sowers, Provincetown Banner

Chair called to meeting to order at 5.05 P.M.

Public Comments:

Peter Grosso speaking on behalf of the Lions Club corrected an earlier error regarding the student awards for the Speech Competition. The awards are a $500 savings bond and $100 savings bond, respectively.

Minutes:

Peter Grosso made a motion to approve the Minutes of September 27, 2005 meeting. Seconded by Molly Perdue. So voted 5-0.

Student Representatives:

Mr. Boxer introduced the two Student Representatives to the Committee: Jasmine Hadley, Grade 10, and Helen Hemley, Grade 11. Jasmine Hadley representing the student council sought support from the School Committee for their planning of a field trip to perhaps Washington, D.C. or New York City. Terese Nelson, School Chair recommended that the student council proposal be brought to the Committee at least one month prior to planned trip so that the trip can be reviewed and approved.

Financial Update:

Keith Bergman informed the Committee of the current status of Town finances and plans to meet expected revenue shortfalls which will be considered at an upcoming Special Town Meeting. Due to the Department of Education’s unrestricted grant awards, the school budgets will not be considered for reductions. He further indicated the Board of Selectmen’s goal is to have joint meetings with the School Committee and Finance Committee in order to explore options and implications in planning Fiscal 2007 budgets. It was agreed that preliminary staff and committee meetings between school and town would facilitate such a discussions. Mr. Bergman then explained the warrants being presented at the Special Town Meeting which pertain the schools.

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Educational Update:

• Margaret Downey, Assistant County Administrator and Coordinator of Cape Light Compact explained the Green School Initiative. The Cape Light Compact and the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative will endeavor to install in one school in every Cape Cod town solar panels as a source of renewable energy. To qualify, each town has a quota of residential households which would enroll in a renewable energy source and the “savings” would fund the project. Provincetown has a quota of 55 households. The schools are being asked to circulate the informational brochures to parents. A supply of brochures will be delivered to each school.

Unfinished Business:

8.1 Mr. Teso gave a progress report on the website negotiations and budget planning. A final decision will be made at a later date.

New Business:

9.1 Peter Grosso and Burt Wolfman were appointed to serve on a sub-committee for budget planning.

There was a brief discussion on the scope and procedures of the district professional development day.

Adjournment:

Meeting adjourned 6.00 P.M.

Respectively Submitted

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School Committee Signature Date

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These Minutes were approved at the School Committee meeting held on:

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