Town of Provincetown

School Committee

Veterans Memorial Elementary School

Library/Media Center Room #73

Minutes of  January 9, 2007

 

Members Present:  Terese Nelson (Chair), Peter Grosso (Vice Chairman), Debra Trovato, Burton Wolfman (Secretary)

Student Representative:  Pele Berg

Absent:  Shannon Patrick and

               Student Representative: Jasmine Hadley excused

Others Present:  Jessica Waugh, Superintendent of Schools,  Dr. Floriano Pavão, Betty White, Adm. Assistant for Business and Finance, Lisa Kiefer, Lorie Welch, Jonathan Peres, Katy Martin, Brandon Lillie, Melissa Soares, Sallie A. Tighe, PAE President, Elizabeth Francis, PAE Vice President, Casey Sanderson, Carol D’Amico

 

The Chair called the meeting to order at 4:00 P.M.

 

Public Comments:

Two PHS students (Jonathan Peres and Brandon Lillie) addressed the committee with their concerns regarding the 2008 Budget which indicated elimination of the business education program.

 

Minutes:

The Minutes of December 19, 2006 were reviewed.  Peter Grosso made a motion to approve the Minutes.  Seconded by Debra Trovato.  So voted 4-0.

 

Superintendent’s Update:

•  Superintendent Waugh noted there would be a date change for the documentary showing about the Heritage of Provincetown from February 8th to February 7th, 2007.

•  She also reported on her conversations with Selectman Olsen and their continuing dialogue concerning the town and schools.  Ms. Waugh also stated Mr. Olsen is donating materials for the school library.

• The Superintendent informed the Committee that the District would be accommodating the Truro Central School athletic program by providing transportation to Willy’s gym using our school choice bus on its return trip up Cape.

•  Dr. Bent, Vice Chairman of the Mass School Superintendents Association will lead the professional development day on January 12th.   The topic for the up-coming Professional Development Day is “community of learners”.

•  A February Committee meeting will be devoted to discussion with police department outlining a revised and mandated crisis protocol.

•  The Committee received copies of district letter sent to the union regarding reductions in force resulting from budgetary reductions.

 

 

 

Page 2

 

The Committee had a lengthy discussion relating to the review of the FY-08 Budget and the budget review process with site councils, union members and staff. The Committee expressed concerns that there needs to be a budgetary narrative to explain in detail the fiscal implications of reorganization, curriculum review, and program consolidations and augmentations. The Committee requested that two workshops be held on January 16th. The  first workshop with Committee members and teaching staff to be held at 2:30 P.M. to discuss the budget implications and the curriculum.  The second to be held at 6:00 P.M. for students, parents and the public at-large. These workshops are intended to provide critical information prior to the mandated public hearing on January 23rd, 2007.

Both meetings were held in the Multi-purpose Room at the Veterans Memorial Elementary School.

 

Unfinished Business:

John Anderson Francis Scholarship Committee Appointment.  Peter Grosso made a motion to waive the Town Charter requirement that a school employee could not serve on the Francis Family Scholarship Committee due to there being absolutely no applicants (despite many postings of such vacancy) other than a Provincetown school teacher. Debra Trovato seconded the Motion.  It was so voted 4-0.

Peter Grosso made a motion to (re-appoint) Olympia Ciliberto.  Debra Trovato seconded the Motion.  It was so voted 4-0.

 

New Business:

Betty White informed the Committee of the DOE audit requirement that the District have an updated Fiscal Accounting and Reporting policy. The existing policy is being revised adding additional formation concerning current accounting reports, codes and accounts.

No action was required as this is the 1st reading.  Second reading will be at the first meeting in February.

 

The Committee went on to briefly discuss the John Anderson Francis Scholarship  policies regarding school choice students being eligible for consideration.  Superintendent Waugh was asked to seek clarification and it will be discussed at a future meeting.

 

The Committee adjourned at 5.10 P.M.

 

Respectively Submitted

 

School Committee Signature                                              Date 

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These Minutes were approved at a meeting held on:________1/9/2007________________