MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
JULY 28, 2010
The regular meeting of the Greater Fall River Vocational School District Committee was called to order by Chairperson Karl Hetzler of Fall River at 5:30 p.m. with the following persons in attendance: Laurenio Couto of Fall River, Robert Ciosek of Somerset, Edward Hill of Swansea, Paul Jennings of Westport, and Gilbert Medeiros, student representative. Also in attendance were Marta Montleon, superintendent-director; Brian Bentley, assistant superintendent-director/principal; and Deborah Kenney, school business administrator. Absent was Brian Bigelow of Fall River.
Mr. Hetzler welcomed Mr. Couto as a newly appointed Fall River School Committee member, a Diman graduate from the Plumbing shop and President of LC Mechanical, Inc. in Fall River. Mr. Couto previously served eight years on Diman’s School Committee from 1998 – 2006.
Mr. Couto thanked Mayor Flanagan for appointing him to the Committee. He looks forward to assisting Diman in moving ahead.
It was moved by Mr. Hill, seconded by Mr. Ciosek, and voted unanimously to appoint Mr. Couto as a member of the Housebuilding Sub-Committee, Chair of the Grievance Sub-Committee, and a third member of the Sick Leave Sub-Committee.
It was moved by Mr. Hill, seconded by Mr. Jennings, and voted 4-0-1 to dispense with the reading of the June 16, 2010 Minutes and approve them as recorded: Mr. Ciosek, Mr. Hill, Mr. Hetzler, and Mr. Jennings voting “yea”, and Mr. Couto voting “abstain.”
Gilbert Medeiros, new student representative, gave a brief report. He stated that the “Bengal Challenge” for incoming freshmen and now in its third week is a very positive program in bringing together students from the four communities. In addition, Cory Cabral and Jordan Medeiros, under the direction of Mr. Ashton, are painting the school’s shop buses orange as the RMV ruled they can no longer be “school bus yellow” as they no longer trans-port students to the school, home, or athletic events.
Mr. Jennings reported on the Housebuilding Sub-Committee meeting. He stated that the Westport Associates project is underway including financing, Title V inspection, demolition of current building, arrangement for a shared well, relocation of the home’s residents, and asbestos abatement. In addition, the Westport Associates is requesting a waiver of the 10% service charge as a non-profit organization with financial “hardship.” The Committee has requested financial statements as proof of “hardship” and then action may be taken. Such action could become precedent setting.
Mr. Hetzler made references to the new Open Meeting Laws regarding the posting of agendas and asked that members submit agenda items to him as early as possible. Postings of the agenda must be 48 hours prior to the meeting. The meetings are recorded and televised. A policy may be developed for the length of time the recordings and video-tapes must be kept.
Copies of the proposed policy for “Non-alcohol” school functions were distributed and Mrs. Montleon read the proposal. Mr. Ciosek stated that the policy had no explicit consequences and questioned the policy relative to other organizations: e.g. SkillsUSA, Spotlight, etc., and he asked that the school organizations review it.
It was moved by Mr. Couto, seconded by Mr. Ciosek, and voted unanimously to table the “non-alcohol” school functions issue to allow other school organizations to review it.
Mrs. Montleon stated that the Diman Administrators Association contract has been sent to Attorney Brilhante and the DAA’s legal counsel for review. She suggested that the contract be signed if given final approval from the attorneys. Mr. Hetzler requested more time for the full committee to review the contract.
It was moved by Mr. Couto, seconded by Mr. Jennings, and voted unanimously to table the final approval of the DAA contract.
Tower Resource Management has been made a proposal to construct a telecommuni- cations tower at Diman Regional. The site lease would be for 15 years and three contractual options were offered:
Option 1: $2,200 per month, 3% yearly increase, $2,200 signing bonus.
Option 2: $1,800 per month, 3% yearly increase, 33% revenue share.
Option 3: $2,200 per month, 3% yearly increase, 33% revenue share.
Safety hazards, environmental laws, relationship with athletic activities, and possible opting out of the contract have been addressed and Mrs. Kenney recommended Option 3 with a possible source income of $40,000.
It was moved by Mr. Couto, seconded by Mr. Jennings, and voted unanimously to developing a more formal contract with Tower Resource Management using Option 3.
A proposal has been made for the purchase of supplies through the American Express credit card with a monetary rebate. Mrs. Kenney stated that any purchases made with the credit card must be paid on a timely basis and the school is prepared to do that.
It was moved by Mr. Couto, seconded by Mr. Ciosek, and voted unanimously to approve the proposal for the purchase of supplies through the American Express credit card.
Copies of the revised FY11 Budget were distributed. The revisions reflect the state budget signed by Governor Deval Patrick resulting in a 4% reduction of Chapter 70 funding and the District’s four communities’ minimum contributions. The four areas reduced were repairs, textbooks, technology, and professional development. It is expected that a rollover of approximately $740,000+ FY10 funds to the new fiscal year will fill the gap. Mr. Couto asked to see actual budget expenditures for years past for comparison.
It was moved by Mr. Hill, seconded by Mr. Couto, a voted unanimously on a roll call vote to approve the Revised FY11 Budget.
A letter of resignation was received from Mrs. Judy Avilla, administrative support staff, to be effective July 10, 2011. Mrs. Avilla joined the Diman community in July of 1991.
Ms. Kim Lewin, 2 Westgate Lane, East Freetown, MA 02717, was appointed as a senior bookkeeper, effective March 22, 2010 at Step 2 ($21.15/hour) on the Clerical Salary Schedule in accordance with the AFSCME contract.
The following individuals, having completed one year of service, have been continued in service and reappointed as at-will teachers in accordance with the Education Reform Act of 1993, Section 43, as amending Chapter 71, section 41, and Chapter 74, Section 22E.
Stephen Bradham, plumbing
Charisma DaSilva, science
Thomas Librera, history
Jennifer Massud, practical nursing
Gilbert Rocha, precision machining
The following individuals, having completed two years of service, have been continued in service and reappointed as at-will teachers in accordance with the Education Reform Act of 1993, Section 43, as amending Chapter 71, section 41, and Chapter 74, Section 22E.
Emanuel Botelho, cabinet-making/carpentry (licensure waiver)
Scott Botelho, culinary arts
Linda Deady, mathematics
Kimberly Gray, biology
Brian Levesque, precision machining
Michelle Gaudencio, graphic communications
Herman Medeiros, HVAC&R (licensure waiver)
Robert Medeiros, electronics
Christopher McGovern, culinary arts
Kevin Ouellette, culinary arts/baking
Karyn Pietruska, mathematics
Wilson Valente, mathematics
Jeffrey Rita, auto body
Tracy Cusick, school nurse
The following individuals, having completed three years of service, have been continued in service and appointed as professional status teachers in accordance with the Education Reform Act of 1993, Section 43, as amending Chapter 71, section 41, and Chapter 74, Section 22E.
John Araujo, carpentry
Tracey Barber, ELA
Jeannine Carreiro, dental assisting
Andrea Case, office technology
Sheila Condon, math
Michelle DaSilva, mathematics
Shane Doyle, history
Michael Furtado, history
Elizabeth Hyde, practical nursing
Raymond Machado, graphic communications
Vincente Medeiros, mathematics
Patrick Merrick, HVAC&R
Liss Mora O’Connell, biology
Jonathan Picard, electronics
Siobhan Santos, graphic communications
Katie Ann Warren, reading
The following individuals have been continued in service for the 2010 school year in accordance with their individual employment agreements.
Brian Abdallah, special projects coordinator
Olga Baez, inside security
Richard Cournoyer, technology coordinator
Kimberly Deem, accountant
Kristie Garcia, human resource coordinator
Sarah P. Lee, ELL teacher
Marc Rebello, assistant technology coordinator
Donald Rogers, housebuilding aide
Helen Whipple, secretary to superintendent-director
The parent requesting to address the School Committee did not attend.
Copies were distributed of the monthly financial report closing out the FY10 school year and Mrs. Kenney stated that the figures were on target.
Mr. Couto requested that Mrs. Kenney, as the procurement officer for Diman, have proposals/bids available for perusal should the need arise. Projects of $25,000 or less do not have to have the formal RFP or IFB. Mrs. Kenney stated that the bids for transportation, milk, and #4 fuel oil will be opened on August 9 and will need a telephone poll vote to award the contracts before the opening of school.
Mrs. Montleon informed the School Committee of upcoming professional development opportunities for the members including the MASS/MASC Joint Conference in November and the ACTE Convention in Las Vegas in December. Included in the agenda packets was a copy of the LRP Publications Board & Administrator flyer.
Mrs. Montleon stated that IMG is working with the Diman staff to update and make recommendations regarding the school’s information technology systems for greater efficiency including the smartboards, notebooks, and classroom computers. A consultant and two faculty members are assisting in the process.
It was moved by Mr. Couto, seconded by Mr. Jennings, and voted 4-0-1 to approve the request from the Fall River Rotary Club for the use of Room 251 and the Culinary Arts shop for a pancake breakfast fundraiser on Sunday, November 7, 2010 from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The only charge is for the custodial services: Mr. Ciosek, Mr. Couto, Mr. Hetzler, and Mr. Jennings voting “yea”; and Mr. Hill voting “abstain” being a member of the Rotary Club.
Copies of the School Committee Self-Evaluation process and MASC self-evaluation form were distributed. Mr. Hetzler requested that the Committee members review and complete the forms for return to the Chairperson or Superintendent-Director before the next meeting.
Superintendent-Director Montleon reported on current activities including a review of the Bengal Challenge, the painting of the school’s buses, and the very successful LPN Jump-start program. Also, occurring at this time are two Fitchburg College courses, the updating of math offerings and curriculum, and office technology 10th grade curriculum. Major repairs and renovations are going on as well and a new program has received preliminary approval by the DESE and OSHA for a student-installed photovoltaic array for the gym roof
Copies of the Calendar of Events for August and September were distributed as follows:
AUG. 3-5 Grade 9 Summer Academy (Final Week)
13 Summer School Ends
16-19 Grade 9 Orientation
24-27 Department Heads, Librarian, Lead Teachers & Cafeteria Manager
31 Orientation Day (All personnel)
SEPT. 1 Opening Day
6 Labor Day – No school
9 School Committee Meeting
14 New Student Night
15 Professional Development – Early dismissal
27-30 Grade 9 Assessment
Mr. Bentley invited the Committee members to attend the new school year’s orientation day for breakfast in the school’s cafeteria on August 31.
Copies were distributed of Mrs. Kenney’s report of the MASBO Annual Conference held in May and Mrs. Montleon’s report of the MAVA Connecting for Success 2010 conference held in June.
A letter was received from the Swansea Public Schools, its Committee and Administrators, in appreciation for the projects completed at the Gardner Elementary School by Diman’s Facilities Management students and Department Head Edmond Bichel.
The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, September 9, 2010 at 5:30 pm in the Diman Conference Room.
Mr. Hetzler requested that the new Business by Member item on the agenda format be designated as a regular New Business agenda item but submitted in a timely manner for publication.
Mr. Hetzler stated that an evaluation of the Superintendent-Director having completed her first year of service is in order. He e-mailed the current form to all of the members and requested that there may be a preferred form, which should be investigated. In order to expedite the process, it was requested that the current form be used initially and submitted to the Chairperson before the next meeting.
Mr. Ciosek and Mr. Hill will serve on a sub-committee to review other forms to develop a more pertinent evaluation form.
It was moved by Mr. Couto, seconded by Mr. Jennings, and voted unanimously on a roll call at 7:50 p.m. to enter into Executive Session according to Chapter 39, §23B, for the purpose of discussing contract negotiations and to reconvene in Open Session.
It was moved by Mr. Ciosek, seconded by Mr. Hill, and voted unanimously on a roll call at 8:30 p.m. to adjourn Executive Session and rise to Open Session
It was moved by Mr. Couto, seconded by Mr. Ciosek, and voted unanimously to approve the proposed addendum for Assistant Superintendent-Director/Principal Brian Bentley’s contract as proposed for years two and three.
It was moved by Mr. Hill, seconded by Mr. Jennings, and voted unanimously to adjourn at 8:31 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Helen Whipple, Secretary
