Meeting of March 04, 2008
Members
Present:
Shelley Poulsen, Chair
Mark Linehan, Vice Chair
Ellen Williamson
Rainie Pearson
Beverly Madden
Sue
Anderson
Also
Present: Dr.
Robert E. Couture, Interim Superintendent
Richard Mathieu,
School Business Manager
Denise Lonergan, High School Headmaster
Zachery Sokol, Student Representative
Citizens
1. Call to Order
Ms. Poulsen called the meeting to order at
7:00 PM in the Dover Sherborn Middle School Library.
2. Approval of Minutes
a.
Regional
School Committee– January 28, February 5 and 13, 2008
Ms. Williamson made a motion to approve
the minutes of January 28, February 5 and 13, 2008. Ms. Pearson seconded.
08-14 VOTE: Unanimous (except February 5th
which was 5 – 0 with one abstention)
Ms. Pearson made a motion to approve the
executive session minutes of
February
5, 2008. Ms. Anderson seconded.
08-15 VOTE: 5 – 0 (one abstention)
The Sherborn School Committee minutes of
January 17, 2008 and the Dover School Committee minutes of January 22 and
February 6, 2008 were noted.
3. Budget Hearing
Dr. Couture and Mr. Mathieu presented the
proposed 2008-2009 Budget. Mr. Mathieu also provided recommended budget cuts
to reduce the operating budget increase to “level services” (~ 4.26% operating
increase) and to 4% (the request of both towns’ finance committees). There was
extensive discussion amongst the Administration, Committee, Sherborn Advisory
and Dover Warrant. The Regional School Committee directed Mr. Mathieu to make
the recommended cuts except $60,000 from the Technology account which should
instead be spread across all discretionary accounts.
Ms. Anderson made a motion that the
2008-2009 budget in the amount of $18,762,294 be reduced by estimated receipts
and available funds in the amount of $2,535,713 for a net amount to be
assessed to the member towns of $16,226,581, comprised of $14,707,825 in
operating expenses and $1,518,756 in debt expenses, and that the Treasurer be
authorized to certify this budget in the apportioned share of each town based
on the statutory method. Mr. Linehan seconded.
08-16 VOTE: Unanimous
4. Reports
a.
Student
Advisory Council – Mr. Sokol gave an update of Student Council activities.
b.
Business
Manager’s Report –
·
Finance –
The monthly report by function code was provided.
·
Facilities
and Maintenance – The unencumbered fund balance for the Regional School
Building Project can only be used for like projects within the scope of the
original warrant article.
·
Cafeteria
– The participation rate has leveled off (55%) and will continue to be
monitored.
c.
Dover-Sherborn High School Report – Ms. Lonergan updated the Committee on
recent and upcoming events at the High School. Ms. Lonergan made a request for
Dodge Poetry Festival overnight field trip in September 2008.
Ms.
Pearson made a motion to approve the Dodge Poetry Festival field trip as
presented. Mr. Linehan seconded.
08-17
VOTE: Unanimous
d.
Dover-Sherborn Middle School Report – Mr. Randall was unable to attend the
meeting.
e.
Superintendent’s Report – Dr. Couture discussed the findings from his Special
Education Peer Review report.
5. Special Items
School
Choice Program – The Massachusetts School Choice Law requires the local school
committee vote to withdraw from School Choice annually. Given the lack of
space in the Regional Schools, Dr. Couture does not recommend the Regional
School Committee participate in the School Choice Program for the 2008-09
school year.
Ms. Pearson made a motion to have the
Dover Sherborn Regional Schools withdraw from the School Choice program for
the 2008-09 school year because of space limitations. Ms. Williamson seconded.
08-18 VOTE: Unanimous
6. Community Comments
Mr.
Robinson asked a few questions about the MSBA reimbursement issue and an
article about it in the Boston Globe.
Several
parents expressed their concerns over the Administration’s decision not to
rehire the girls’ soccer coach.
7. Future Business
a.
April
Regional School Committee Agenda Items –
Budget,
stipend positions, NEASC report, School safety report, Superintendent
transition plan
b.
Transition
Planning for Superintendent Elect –
Dr.
Couture will provide more information as planning progresses.
8. New Business
a.
Athletic
Review – Ms. Anderson and Ms. Madden provided a draft form of a survey
targeted towards athletes and parents in an effort to get feedback regarding
the athletic department and its programs.
9. Routine
Business
a.
Enrollments as of March 1, 2008
b.
Treasurer’s Report (December 2007 and January 2008)
10. Adjournment to Executive Session
not to return to open session for matters pertaining to contract negotiations
with the incoming Superintendent.
Ms. Pearson made a motion that the
Committee adjourn at
10:00 PM. Ms. Anderson seconded.
Ms. Madden – yes, Ms. Pearson – yes, Ms.
Williamson – yes, Mr. Linehan – yes, Ms. Anderson – yes, Ms. Poulsen – yes.
Respectfully Submitted,
Amy Davis
