Dover-Sherborn Regional School Committee

Meeting of December 4, 2007 

Members Present:              Shelley Poulsen, Chair                                           
                                         Mark Linehan, Vice Chair                                          
                                         Ellen Williamson
                                         Sue Anderson
                                         Rainie Pearson
                                         Beverly Madden  

Also Present:                       Perry P. Davis, Superintendent
                                          Richard Mathieu, School Business Manager
                                          Denise Lonergan, High School Headmaster
                                          Frederick Randall, Middle School Headmaster
                                          Robert Couture, incoming Interim Superintendent
                                          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.  

Dover Sherborn High School is ranked as one of the top 100 high schools (#65) in the country by the US News and World Report. There were 4 other schools in Massachusetts listed in the top 100. 

2.             Approval of Minutes

a.        Regional School Committee– November 6, 2007

Ms. Williamson made a motion to approve the minutes of November 6, 2007. Ms. Pearson seconded.

07-72 VOTE: Unanimous

The Sherborn School Committee minutes of October 11, 2007 and the Dover School Committee minutes of October 16, 2007 were noted.  

3.             Reports

a.        FY07 Independent Audit - Mr. Eggert and Mr. Haynes presented the Fiscal Audit to the Committee.

Ms. Pearson made a motion to accept the Fiscal Audit Report as presented by Hirbour & Haynes, P.C. Ms. Anderson seconded.

07-73 VOTE: Unanimous

b.       Senior Privileges – The Class of 2008 class officers and Student Council representatives presented their request for senior privilege (Open Campus).

Ms. Pearson made a motion to approve the Open Campus privilege as presented. Mr. Linehan seconded.

07-74 VOTE: 5 - 1

c.        Overview of 2007 MCAS Results – Ms. Hallion discussed the results of the 2007 MCAS tests.

The Curriculum leaders at the Middle School then presented their analysis of the tests. The results for each test are provided below:

 The English, Math and Science Department Heads presented their analysis of the tests at the High School. DS High School ranked 4^th in the state on the ELA MCAS, 3^rd in the state on the Math MCAS and 1^st in the state on the Biology MCAS.

*A passing grade on one science exam is required for graduation starting with the Class of 2010.

d.       Professional Development Day Follow-up – Ms. Hallion discussed the work the teachers did on the Professional Development day following Thanksgiving weekend.

e.        Adequate Yearly Progress Report – AYP reports show the progress schools and districts are making toward having all students reach proficiency by year 2014. The Dover-Sherborn Regional District has made AYP for both ELA and Math.

f.         Student Advisory Council – Mr. Sokol updated the Committee on Student Council events.

g.       Business Manager’s Report –

·         Finance – The monthly report by function code was provided.

·         Facilities and Maintenance – The Upper Fields were again vandalized probably over Thanksgiving weekend. The insurance has been contacted as the damage was much worse than the previous incident. The Administration is in the process of securing quotes for the repair of fields and replacement of damaged equipment as well as reviewing what step to take to prevent further access to the fields. Mr. Mathieu is continuing to work with NStar to maximize the efficiency of electricity usage on the campus.

·         Cafeteria – The participation rate remains stable (approx 55-60%.)

h.       Dover-Sherborn High School Report – Ms. Lonergan presented a proposal for a new course – Introduction to Filmmaking which would be an elective through the English Department.

Ms. Anderson made a motion to approve the addition of Introduction to Filmmaking to the curriculum subject to grant funding for start up costs as presented by Ms. Lonergan. Ms. Pearson seconded.

07-75 VOTE: 5-1

Ms. Lonergan made a request for the Close Up Washington DC overnight field trip.

Mr. Linehan made a motion to approve the Close Up Washington DC trip as presented. Ms. Madden seconded.

07-76 VOTE: Unanimous  

Ms. Lonergan updated the Committee on recent and upcoming events at the High School.

i.         Dover-Sherborn Middle School Report – Mr. Randall updated the Committee on recent and upcoming events at the Middle School. Mr. Randall has received a draft copy of the NEASC report.

j.         Building Project – Attorney John J. Ryan has agreed to provide legal counsel regarding the request from the Sherborn Board of Selectmen (MSBA Allocation) for an amount not to exceed $3,000.

Ms. Williamson made a motion to approve the hiring of Attorney John J. Ryan to provide counsel on the MSBA allocation for an initial fee not to exceed $3,000. Ms. Pearson seconded.

07-77 VOTE: 5 – 0 (one abstention)

Dr. Davis recommended scheduling an additional meeting to discuss the issue with the attorneys, Regional School Committee, both towns Boards of Selectmen and finance committees. Dr. Davis will get a timeline from Attorney Ryan and request a January meeting for all parties.

k.        Superintendent’s Report – Dr. Davis reviewed enclosures provided to the Committee including:

·         MASC/MASS  Report

·         New DOE Mass Core

4.             Special Items

a.        Advisory Council on Extra Duties Recommendations – provided for the Committee to take under advisement.

1) Sailing Team – 4.0 ratio recommended (increase of $1,944)

2) N-er-G Dance Group – 1.5 ratio recommended for this new position (increase of $1,944)

3) Advisors for Personal/Social Issue group – 1.0 ratio recommended for this new position (increase of $1,296)

4) Middle School Team Leaders – 4.0 ratio recommended for all six positions (total increase of $3,888)

Total dollar increase to FY09 budget = $9,072 based on the current DSEA contract. The cost will be higher after a new contract is signed.

b.       Acceptance of Gifts – The Dover Sherborn Boosters are presenting three gifts (2 soccer nets, 2 hydration systems and 3 4’x8’ baseball sheds) that total $6,109.61.

Ms. Pearson made a motion to accept the gifts from the DS Boosters. Ms. Williamson seconded.

07-78 VOTE: Unanimous

The parents of the hockey team are doing a fundraiser to purchase new hockey jerseys.

Ms. Williamson made a motion to accept the donation of the parents of the hockey team to purchase new jerseys contingent upon a successful fundraiser. Mr. Linehan seconded.

07-79 VOTE: 5 - 1 

5.             Community Comments

                None  

6.             Future Business

a.        January Regional School Committee Agenda Items

FY09 Budget, NESDEC enrollment numbers, Athletic presentation (Committee goal),
08-09 school calendar 

7.          New Business

a.        FY09 Budget Development

The Committee discussed the new staffing positions included in the draft budget.

b.       Superintendent Search Committee – the Committee will meet with candidates on December 12^th and 15^th.  

8.             Routine Business

a.        Enrollments as of December 1, 2007

b.       Treasurer’s Statement 

9.     Adjournment to Executive Session not to return to open session for matters pertaining to contract negotiations with Teachers and Custodians.

Ms. Pearson made a motion that the Committee adjourn at 10:34 PM.  Ms. Anderson seconded. Ms. Madden – yes, Ms. Pearson – yes, Ms. Williamson – yes, Mr. Linehan – yes, Ms. Anderson - yes 

Respectfully Submitted,

Amy Davis