MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
NOVEMBER 18, 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 and Dylan Ferreira 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; and Deborah Kenney, school business administrator.
It was moved by Mr. Couto, seconded by Mr. Jennings, and voted unanimously to dispense with the reading of the October 14, 2010 minutes and approve them as recorded.
Mr. Hetzler requested to entertain a motion to suspend the rules, to take up the new business item “Soccer Field Proposal”.
It was moved by Mr. Hill, seconded by Mr. Couto, and voted unanimously to suspend the rules and take out of order the new business item “Soccer Field Proposal”.
Mr. Emanuel Botelho, a Carpentry instructor at Diman and a coach with the Fall River Youth Soccer League, requested a partnership with the Greater Fall River Vocational School District and permission to pursue a grant with US Soccer Youth for astroturf for one of Diman’s athletic fields. The Youth Soccer League is proposing a twenty-year (20) lease between Diman and the League, which is required in order to apply for the grant that could provide 100% funding for the application of the astroturf. Several questions and concerns arose during discussion and legal counsel was asked to review the RFP and various issues---liability insurance, lease parameters and length, scheduling of teams, and the maintenance and durability of turf---for the next School Committee meeting. The deadline for the grant application is December 31, 2010.
Gil Medeiros gave a report of student activities. The School Improvement Council met and approved their new plan. The Spotlight students have become active. Student Government students attended the SERSAC meeting and discussed educational issues – bullying, charter schools, and nutrituion. Thirty-four juniors and seven seniors are new N.H.S. members this year. He gave win-loss information of the fall athletic teams and announced that Mr. John Chicarro was named Athletic Coach of the Year in the Mayflower Athletic Conference.
Mrs. Kenney distributed copies of her letter to Mr. Dennis Luttrell, town administrator in Somerset, regarding the shortfall in the FY10 minimum contribution and transportation payment in the amount of $28,956. Somerset’s Board of Selectmen have agreed to support the payment of this debt but it must be voted with 90% approval at a Special Town Meeting.
Mrs. Montleon distributed copies of the Facilities Management program’s revised course descriptions for the ninth through twelfth grades. The painting and decorating curriculum was strongly represented and other areas of the framework instruction need to be increased. Mr. Bentley and Mr. Aubin will review the staffing in the shop, the number of new students, safety issues, and provide a report and recommendation at the conclusion of the Exploratory period.
Attorney Brilhante’s current contract expires December 31, 2010. The Attorney’s Fee/Contract Sub-Committee must meet to recommend a new time frame, fee structure, and scope of work by the December 9 meeting. Sub-committee members are Mr. Hill, chair, Mr. Ciosek, and Mr. Jennings.
It was moved by Mr. Couto, seconded by Mr. Jennings, and voted unanimously that the sub-committee will work on creating a contract proposal with legal counsel, terms to be determined, i.e., time frame, fee structure, and scope of work.
Mrs. Montleon stated that Mr. Roger Dugal made contact with the UMD Law School to pursue the obtaining of the Room 251 trademark and that Law School students will provide the community service as an educational project for a nominal fee.
Mrs. Montleon distributed copies of the proposed course schedule for grade 12 for 2010-2011. A major change is the physical education/elective portion. Possible electives include Spanish, broadcasting, journalism, technical writing, blue print reading, virtual high school, Educational Proficiency Plan, and Accuplacer among others.
Mrs. Montleon distributed copies of a proposed Procedure for Naming Facilities. Included in the proposal was the need for a five-person sub-committee (item #4) to review any requests received to make a recommendation to the School Committee.
It was moved by Mr. Hill, seconded by Mr. Jennings, and voted unanimously to approve the Procedure for Naming Facilities as submitted; however, omitting the word “written” in item #6.
The five-member sub-committee for the proposal presented at the last School committee meeting are as follows: Mr. Keith Allan, Mr. Robert Ciosek, Mr. Dylan Ferreira, Mr. Edward Hill, and Mrs. Marta Montleon.
The American Express Credit Card Update is still on hold pending the FY10 financial statement.
T-Mobile Northeast LLC has filed with the Fall River City Planning Department and is making a presentation to that Board this evening, November 18, 2010.
Mr. Jennings gave a brief report of the Housebuilding Sub-Committee meeting held earlier. He stated that the Westport project was making progress---the roofing is almost done, the electrical work inspected and okayed, and an enclosed container is being used to securely store materials and equipment. The kitchens in the Somerset houses are a third complete.
Mrs. Montleon stated that there are two major projects for repairs and renovations here at Diman which need funding and approval. 1) Three student lavatories in the B & E Wings need to be updated and made energy saving. The labor will be shared between outside companies and in-house students where appropriate. The cost for these repairs is approximately $49,000. 2) Another needed project is the creation of more parking spaces to accommodate Room 251 visitors/diners. The proposed area is the grassy section East of the gymnasium for approximately 19 spaces. The cost is estimated at $23,000, including the removal of a tree stump. The source of funds would come from the maintenance/repairs account.
It was moved by Mr. Couto, seconded by Mr. Ciosek, and voted unanimously to approve both proposed projects.
Ms. Tammy Oliver, 28 Osborne Street, Westport, MA 02790 was appointed, effective March 22, 2010, as a full-time cafeteria worker for the remainder of the 2010 school year at Step 1 ($11.85/ hour) on the Cafeteria Salary Schedule in accordance with the AFSCME collective bargaining agree-ment..
Ms. Ruth Polchlopeck, 57 Narrows Road, Assonet, MA 02702 was appointed, effective Octo-ber 18, 2010, as the part-time cafeteria worker (four hours/day) at Step 2 ($12.93/hour) on the Cafeteria Salary Schedule in accordance with the AFSCME collective bargaining agreement.
Ms. Mary Elizabeth Perry, 215 Garden Street, Fall River, MA 02720 has been appointed, effective October/November as a part-time Parent Liaison for the remainder of the school year at the rate of $20.00/hour. This is a grant-funded position.
Copies of the monthly financial report were distributed for review. Mrs. Kenney stated that everything is moving along as expected and there are no surprises at this point. She is not expecting any unusual expenditures.
It was moved by Mr. Couto, seconded by Mr. Jennings, and voted unanimously to ratify all of the recommendations for the use of facilities as follows:
…to ratify the telephone poll voted in the majority to approve the use of the drafting and machine tool technology shops for performance exams to be administered Saturday, November 6, 2010.
…to approve the request from Paquettes Auto Parts, Inc, and to waive the use of facilities fee for the evening presentation.
…to approve the request from the Fall River Chamber of Commerce and to waive the use of facilities fee. The customary custodial fee will be charged.
…to approve the request from the Parent Advisory Committee for the use of the Culinary Arts shop and Room 251 for a fundraiser breakfast on Sunday, December 5, 2010, from 6:30 a.m. to 12 noon.
Mrs. Montleon distributed copies of the current School Committee Officers and Sub-Committee members for revision.
It was moved by Mr. Couto, seconded by Mr. Hill, and voted unanimously to formalize the combination of the Repairs & Renovations/New Programs and Housebuilding Sub-Committees into one Repairs, Renovations, and Housebuilding Sub-Committee and to formally recognize the membership of each standing Sub-Committee of the Greater Fall River Vocational School District Committee.
Copies of the final draft of Diman’s Anti-Bullying Intervention and Prevention Plan as proposed by the School Improvement Council were distributed for review.
It was moved by Mr. Couto, seconded by Mr. Ciosek, and voted unanimously to table Item 3.2.e - Anti-bullying Intervention and Prevention Plan to the next meeting to allow for review.
Superintendent-Director Montleon gave her monthly report highlighting activities and accomplishments of students, faculty, school and community organizations. Student lunches with the Superintendent-Director offer them an opportunity to voice their opinions on specific topics. Twenty-nine faculty members took part in a fundraising ($300) soccer game with lots of fun. Copies of student enrollment figures and co-op education placements as of November were distributed.
A proposal was received from the Metal Fabrication and Welding program for the sale of used welding machines. Total Welding Supply offered $600 credit/cash each for seven complete welding stations and Old Colony RVTHS would receive four stations at $300 each. After considerable discussion, it was agreed that members of the advisory committees, co-op employers, and other vocational schools be notified as to the availability of the machines, according to school policy, and to receive bids with a deadline date. Of concern was the issue of liability for such equipment. Legal counsel stated that the equipment “bill of sale” would need to include a liability clause.
Copies of the November and December Calendar of Events were distributed as follows:
NOV. 3 College Day
3-6 MASC/MASS Joint Conference - Hyannis
11-12 Veteran’s Day – Building Closed/No School
16 Applicant Information Night – 5:30-8:00 pm
17 Professional Development – Early Dismissal – 1 pm
18 School Committee Meeting
24 T-Day Recess – Dismissal @ 11 am
25-26 T-Day Holiday – Building Closed
29 Grades Due
DEC 1 Report Cards Issued
2 Sports Banquet
2-4 ACTE Convention
7 Parent-Teacher Night – Early Dismissal 11:58 am
9 School Committee Meeting
14 Parent-Teacher Night – Early Dismissal 11:58 am
22 Professional Development – Early Dismissal 12:00 noon
23-24 Christmas Recess - Building Closed
27-30 Christmas Vacation – No School
31 New Year’s Day Holiday – Building Closed
A letter of appreciation was received from the trustees of the Westport Public Library for the sign created by the Facilities Management students.
The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, December 9, 2010 at 5:30 pm in the Diman Conference Room.
It was moved by Mr. Couto, seconded by Mr. Hill, and voted unanimously on a roll call at 7:23 pm to enter into Executive Session according to Chapter 39, §23B, for the purpose of discussing contract negotiations or litigation.
It was moved by Mr. Hill, seconded by Mr. Ciosek, and voted unanimously on a roll call at 8:43 p.m. to adjourn from Executive Session and rise to Open Session.
Mrs. Montleon stated that the Pupil Personnel Services clericals are understaffed during the summer months. She is requesting that the Director of Guidance position, part of the Diman Administrators Association bargaining unit, be changed from a 10-month to 12-month position.
It was moved by Mr. Hill, seconded by Mr. Jennings, and voted unanimously to notify the Diman Administrators Association of this proposal.
Mrs. Montleon requested that the LPN Department Head position become a Practical Nursing Instructor/Administrative Position and be removed from the Diman Teachers' Association bargaining unit. This item will be placed on the agenda for the December meeting.
It was moved by Mr. Hill, seconded by Mr. Jennings, and voted unanimously to adjourn at 8:51 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Helen Whipple, Secretary
