2021-08-12 - Minutes
GREATER FALL RIVER VOCATIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT COMMITTEE
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
1082 DAVOL STREET, 2nd FLOOR, ROOM NO. 237, FALL RIVER, MA
DISTRICT OFFICE CONFERENCE ROOM
AUGUST 12, 2021
The regular meeting of the Greater Fall River Vocational School District Committee meeting was called to order at 5:36 p.m. by Chairman Paul Jennings, with the following persons in attendance: Joan Menard, Rajiv Nehra (entered at 5:43 p.m.) and Fr. Jay Mello of Fall River, Jeffrey Begin of Swansea, and Donald DiBiasio of Somerset. Also, in attendance were Elvio Ferreira, Andrew Rebello, Assistant Superintendent/Principal and Atty. Gregory Brilhante, Legal Counsel.
Mr. Jennings called for the roll call.
Mr. Jennings made the following announcement: In accordance with Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 30A, Section 20(f), any member of the public may make an audio or video recording of this public meeting. A member of the public who wishes to record a meeting must first notify the chair and must comply with reasonable requirements regarding audio or video equipment established by the chair so as not to interfere with the meeting. Mr. Decio Matos will be recording after Executive Session.
Mr. Jennings led the Pledge of Allegiance.
It was moved by Mr. DiBiasio, seconded by Ms. Menard, and voted unanimously to approve the June 7, 2021 minutes, as submitted.
It was moved by Mr. DiBiasio, seconded by Ms. Menard, and voted unanimously to approve the June 17, 2021 minutes, as submitted.
It was moved by Mr. Begin, seconded by Ms. Menard, and voted unanimously to approve the June 25, 2021 minutes, as submitted.
There was no citizen input.
Dr. Ferreira requested that the End of Cycle Summative Evaluation be submitted to Mrs. Thompsen.
Dr. Ferreira reported on the Career and Technical Education Partnership Implementation Grant. This is a three-shop program (Business Technology, Medical Assisting and Automotive Technology). Durfee students will come to Diman from 3:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. three days a week – he is waiting to hear from Fall River Public Schools regarding approval of the costs associated with the grant. This item will be tabled to September.
Dr. Ferreira and Mr. Kitchen reported on the Adjustment to FY22 Budget regarding the principal and interest payment of $193,500 for the feasibility study.
It was moved by Mr. DiBiasio, seconded by Fr. Jay and voted unanimously to pay the $193,500 debt for the principal and interest payment of the feasibility student from the E&D funds of the FY22 budget.
Mr. Kitchen reported on the final Chapter 70 numbers for FY22. The figures reflect an increase of $63,537. He is recommending that the funds be transferred to the Maintenance of Plant – Extraordinary Repairs account.
It was moved by Mr. DiBiasio, seconded by Dr. Nehra and voted unanimously to supplement the FY22 budget fund Maintenance of Plant – Extraordinary Repairs with the additional Chapter 70 funding of $63,537.
Dr. Ferreira reported on the following personnel changes:
Mr. Edward Charpentier has been appointed as a Computer Programming and Web Development Instructor for the 2021-22 school year at step 6 ($60,836) plus C+B+M ($6,686) for a total salary of $67,522 of the 2018-21 DTA salary schedule.
Ms. Stephanie DosSantos has been appointed as a Medical Assisting Instructor for the 2021-22 school year at step 3 ($54,106) of the 2018-21 DTA salary schedule
Mr. Wyatt L’Etoile has been appointed as an HVAC Instructor for the 2021-22 school year at step 6 ($60,836) of the 2018-21 DTA salary schedule.
Mr. David Paolino has been appointed as a Drafting Instructor for the 2021-22 school year at step 9 ($68,222) of the 2018-21 DTA salary schedule.
Mr. James Pereira has been appointed as Director of Extra-Curricular Athletics and Social Media for a salary of $15,000.
Mrs. Christine Powers has been appointed as an Adjustment Counselor for 30 hours per week at a rate of $45.13 an hour.
Ms. Kelly Pytel, LPN Instructor, has submitted her letter of resignation.
It was moved by Mr. DiBiasio, seconded by Fr. Jay and voted unanimously to appoint John Chaisson as a business/industry advisory board member of the Programming and Web Development Program for a term of three years.
It was moved by Mr. DiBiasio, seconded by Ms. Menard and voted unanimously to appoint Joshua Valliere as a business/industry advisory board member of the Electronics Program for a term of three years.
Dr. Ferreira reported on the substitute caller position, which is an independent stipend position. The budgeted amount is $7,400 annually. Attorney Brilhante suggested that a job description be created. Mr. DiBiasio suggested that the calls may be made from home as is done in other districts. Mr. Jennings reminded the Committee that the District has a policy that prevents employees from working from home. The position will be posted.
It was moved by Mr. DiBiasio, seconded by Mr. Begin and voted unanimously to approve the requests from the Diman PTO for the following and to waive the use of facilities fee.
Car Show – September 26, 2021 – 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (parking lot)
Craft Fair – November 13, 2021 – 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (gym)
It was moved by Mr. DiBiasio, seconded by Mr. Begin and voted unanimously to approve the request from MAVA for the use of a classroom on Tuesdays from September 7, 2021 – December 14, 2021 from 4:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. for a DESE license course and to waive the use fee.
Dr. Ferreira provided an overview of the expenditures.
It was moved by Mr. DiBiasio, seconded by Mr. Begin and voted unanimously to approve the following expenditures: Applied Educational Systems - Health Assisting software - $5,860; Blackboard EngageTechnology – website and content mgmt.. system (CARES Act) - $5,111; Dell Marketing LPTechnology – shared svr per user (CARES Act) - $15,756; Frontline Technologies - Aesop - $5,175; Learn by Doing, Inc. - Albert Student Licenses (CARES Act) - $7,722; Ontario Investments, Inc.- Rental for equipment (CARES Act) - $25,678; Ontario Investments, Inc. - 4 year lease for class of 2024 (CARES Act) - $24,767; and, WB Mason (FY21) - Furniture for new guidance office in locker room and desk for administration - $6,598.
It was moved by Mr. DiBiasio, seconded by Ms. Menard, and voted unanimously to approve the sale of equipment - Polar Cutter 78ES (Serial# 6961603).
Mr. Rebello reported on the 2022 School Improvement Plan. Fr. Jay asked about improvement in the social/emotional needs area. Mr. Rebello further referenced Goal 3. There was a discussion about the addition of counselors to serve the needs of the students – Mr. Rebello stated that the Guidance Dept. is advocating for an additional counselor. Dr. Ferreira further stated the District has taken steps with the use ESSER Grants for the addition of the counselors in FY22.
It was moved by Mr. DiBiasio, seconded by Fr. Jay, and voted unanimously to accept the 2022 School Improvement Plan, as submitted.
Dr. Ferreira provided an overview of the changes made to the Medical Emergency Response Plan.
It was moved by Mr. DiBiasio, seconded by Fr. Jay, and voted unanimously to accept the 2021-24 Medical Emergency Response Plan, as presented.
Dr. Ferreira and Mr. Rebello provided the update on the 2021-22 master calendar.
Dr. Ferreira provided an update on the CVTE Admissions guidance. The Admissions Sub-Committee will need to review the Admissions Policy and submit the revised policy to the Department of Education by October 1st.
Dr. Ferreira reported that the City of Fall River will be holding a Public Safety meeting on August 24th to discuss traffic concerns in the area of Stonehaven Road.
Dr. Ferreira provided a report on the ESSER II Grant. He provided a breakdown of the grants by category. The requirements for ESSER II are to report exact amounts. There was a discussion about the Grant Program Manager as a stipend position. Dr. Ferreira explained that the grant has been received – any amendments can be made and approved by the state. Mr. Jennings asked members to review the categories and it can reviewed at a later date.
Dr. Ferreira provided the MSBA Update. The District has met with the Fall River Fire Department and Policy Department regarding logistics of the new building. A neighborhood meeting is scheduled for next week. The District is waiting for the FY21 reimbursement number. The District is scheduled to be on the December 15th MSBA Board meeting agenda. The District will have 120 days to get approval from the communities to move forward with the project.
Mr. Jennings provided the report of the Housebuilding/Facilities Sub-Committee meeting – the parking lot base budget is $150,000 and the specs will be revised to reflect the base amount.
It was moved by Mr. DiBiasio, seconded by Fr. Jay and voted unanimously to approve the request to name the Carpentry CNC Center after Mr. Robert Ciosek.
Attorney Brilhante reported that the Grievance Sub-Committee meeting will take place in September.
Dr. Ferreira provided a report on the FY20 Student Activity Preliminary Audit Recommendations.
Dr. Ferreira requested that the 2021-22 Fuel Bid be tabled to September.
Dr. Ferreira provided a requested update to the LPN Student Handbook regarding financial hardship. Mr. DiBiasio asked about the amount of students in the LPN Program – Dr. Ferreira reported 46 full-time students and 15 part-time students. The District will increase enrollment after this school year due to COVID requirements for spacing. Mr. DiBiasio also suggested exploring into the part-time night program.
It was moved by Mr. DiBiasio, seconded by Mr. Begin and voted unanimously to approve the addition of the tuition payment hardship appeal language to the 2021-22 LPN Student Handbook.
Attorney Brilhante reported that the Committee will address the DAA contract after Executive Session.
Mr. Kitchen provided the monthly financial report.
It was moved by Mr. DiBiasio, seconded by Ms. Menard and voted unanimously to approve the following transfers:
|
|
|
Move from |
Move to |
|
Instructional Software - English (Duplicate entry |
100.2455.4.551.614 |
$ 11,600.00 |
|
|
Testing - Expense |
100.2720.4.000.509 |
$ 1,529.00 |
|
|
Field Trips - Academics |
100.2440.4.550.600 |
|
$ 2,700.00 |
|
Testing - Academics |
100.2720.4.550.509 |
|
$ 7,403.00 |
|
Instructional Software - Culinary Arts |
100.2455.4.505.614 |
|
$ 1,526.00 |
|
Instructional Software - Graphic Arts |
100.2455.4.511.614 |
|
$ 1,500.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Supplies - Food Science |
100.2430.4.530.503 |
$ 5,000.00 |
|
|
Student Body - Food Science |
100.3520.8.530.600 |
|
$ 5,000.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Maintenance of Plant - Extraordinary Maintenance |
100.4300.8.000.623 |
$ 7,700.00 |
|
|
Technology - Dues & Subscriptions |
100.1450.5.309.601 |
|
$ 1,000.00 |
|
Instructional Equipment – Electronics |
100.2420.4.503.610 |
|
$ 6,700.00 |
|
|
|
$ 25,829.00 |
$ 25,829.00 |
It was moved by Mr. DiBiasio, seconded by Ms. Menard and voted unanimously to approve the following transfers from available funds to the recommended accounts to clear deficit account balances as of June 30, 2021:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Account Description |
From: |
To: |
|
100 |
1100 |
8 |
314 |
647 |
School Committee - Advertising |
$ (10,471.00) |
|
|
100 |
1210 |
8 |
315 |
101 |
Superintendent Director - Salary |
|
$ 1,643.00 |
|
100 |
1210 |
8 |
315 |
200 |
Superintendent Director - Secretary Salary |
|
$ 710.00 |
|
100 |
1210 |
8 |
315 |
601 |
Superintendent Director - Dues & Subscriptions |
|
$ 901.00 |
|
100 |
1220 |
8 |
313 |
104 |
Principal/Asst. Superintendent Director Salary |
|
$ 1,729.00 |
|
100 |
1220 |
8 |
313 |
200 |
Principal/Asst. Superintendent - Admin Assistant |
|
$ 5,488.00 |
|
100 |
1220 |
8 |
313 |
605 |
Principal/Asst. Superintendent - Student Expenses |
|
$ 41,169.00 |
|
100 |
1230 |
8 |
323 |
604 |
Job Placement - Miscellaneous Expense |
$ (8,304.00) |
|
|
100 |
1230 |
8 |
550 |
604 |
Miscellaneous Expense - Academic |
$ (14,453.00) |
|
|
100 |
1410 |
8 |
310 |
102 |
Business Office - Business Manager Salary |
$ (18,412.00) |
|
|
100 |
1410 |
8 |
310 |
606 |
Business Office - Equipment |
$ (1,587.00) |
|
|
100 |
1420 |
8 |
000 |
204 |
Human Resources Coordinator Salary |
|
$ 690.00 |
|
100 |
1430 |
8 |
000 |
132 |
In-House Legal Counsel |
|
$ 897.00 |
|
100 |
1450 |
8 |
000 |
507 |
Technology - Supplies |
|
$ 2,823.60 |
|
100 |
1450 |
8 |
000 |
508 |
Technology - Software/Hardware |
|
$ 136,421.55 |
|
100 |
1450 |
8 |
309 |
124 |
Technology - Salaries |
|
$ 10,143.98 |
|
100 |
1450 |
8 |
309 |
133 |
Technology - Chromebooks |
|
$ 1,000.00 |
|
100 |
1450 |
8 |
500 |
508 |
Technology - Hardware Non IT Depts |
|
$ 141,257.56 |
|
100 |
2305 |
4 |
000 |
107 |
Teachers Salary |
$ (334,158.11) |
|
|
100 |
2325 |
4 |
000 |
304 |
Daily Substitute Salaries |
|
$ 52,346.35 |
|
100 |
2330 |
4 |
000 |
303 |
Instructional Aides/Paraprofessionals Salary |
$ (57,296.41) |
|
|
100 |
2340 |
8 |
555 |
108 |
Librarian Salary |
|
$ 4,950.06 |
|
100 |
2357 |
4 |
000 |
197 |
Professional Development Salary |
|
$ 7,417.00 |
|
100 |
2357 |
4 |
000 |
628 |
Teaching - In-State Travel |
|
$ 88.32 |
|
100 |
2357 |
4 |
000 |
648 |
Prof. Dev. Expenses - Non-Salary/Non-Contractual |
|
$ 14,007.09 |
|
100 |
2410 |
4 |
000 |
609 |
Textbooks - Academic & Vocational |
|
$ 20,999.01 |
|
100 |
2415 |
4 |
511 |
503 |
Supplies - Graphic Arts |
$ (14,408.09) |
|
|
100 |
2416 |
4 |
508 |
503 |
Diman Remodel Supplies - Electrical |
|
$ 14,408.09 |
|
100 |
2420 |
4 |
504 |
610 |
Equipment - Carpentry |
|
$ 28,993.00 |
|
100 |
2420 |
4 |
505 |
610 |
Equipment - Culinary Arts |
|
$ 69,875.00 |
|
100 |
2420 |
4 |
514 |
610 |
Equipment - Machine Shop |
|
$ 8,307.00 |
|
100 |
2420 |
4 |
552 |
610 |
Equipment - Math |
|
$ 18,344.00 |
|
100 |
2430 |
8 |
500 |
629 |
Clothing Allowance |
|
$ 479.00 |
|
100 |
2440 |
4 |
000 |
600 |
Field Trips |
$ (13,582.00) |
|
|
100 |
2451 |
4 |
309 |
610 |
Technology - Student & Staff Devices |
$ (112,416.00) |
|
|
100 |
3100 |
8 |
311 |
110 |
Dean of Students Salary |
|
$ 5,996.00 |
|
100 |
3200 |
8 |
520 |
111 |
Health Services - School Nurse Salary |
$ (5,996.00) |
|
|
100 |
3400 |
8 |
303 |
312 |
Food Services - Salaries |
|
$ 163,685.00 |
|
100 |
3510 |
8 |
000 |
112 |
Athletics - Coaches Salary |
$ (79,896.00) |
|
|
100 |
3510 |
8 |
000 |
604 |
Athletics - Miscellaneous Expense |
$ (32,563.00) |
|
|
100 |
3510 |
8 |
000 |
628 |
Athletics - Transportation Expense |
$ (51,226.00) |
|
|
100 |
4110 |
8 |
000 |
602 |
Custodial Services - Vehicle Repairs |
$ (29,974.00) |
|
|
100 |
4120 |
8 |
000 |
617 |
Custodial Services - Heat |
$ (75,967.00) |
|
|
100 |
4130 |
8 |
000 |
620 |
Utility Services - Electricity |
$ (80,211.00) |
|
|
100 |
4210 |
8 |
000 |
310 |
Maintenance of Grounds - Grounds Services |
$ (8,376.00) |
|
|
100 |
4210 |
8 |
000 |
507 |
Maintenance of Grounds - Grounds Supplies |
$ (37,358.00) |
|
|
100 |
4220 |
8 |
000 |
507 |
Maintenance of Building - School Bldg. Supply |
|
$ 150,211.00 |
|
100 |
4221 |
8 |
000 |
507 |
Diman Remodel Maint of Grounds - School Bldg Supply |
|
$ 23,754.00 |
|
100 |
4225 |
8 |
000 |
407 |
Building Security System - Contractual Services |
|
$ 21,980.00 |
|
100 |
4230 |
8 |
000 |
408 |
Maintenance of Equipment - Maintenance Contract |
|
$ 35,941.00 |
|
100 |
5100 |
8 |
000 |
626 |
Estimated Sick Leave Buyout |
|
$ 5,301.00 |
|
100 |
5100 |
8 |
000 |
639 |
Retirement |
|
$ 15,000.00 |
|
100 |
5200 |
8 |
000 |
627 |
Medical & Dental Insurance Expense |
$ (74,864.00) |
|
|
100 |
5350 |
8 |
310 |
659 |
Central Office - Davol Street Lease |
|
$ 54,563.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ (1,061,518.61) |
$ 1,061,518.61 |
Dr. Ferreira provided the superintendent’s report. Mr. Rebello further reported on school updates.
The following vote is under agenda item “Other items not reasonably anticipated 48 hours prior to the meeting”.
It was moved by Mr. DiBiasio, seconded by Mr. Begin and voted unanimously to approve the following expenditures: Cengage Learning - Senior Software – Medical Assisting - $8,076; Cristia Lesher Associates- SPED Consultant - $11,600; FLI Environmental - Asbestos Testing - $13,975; Moodle US - UnHosting with onboarding and support for year 1 – Learning Management System – LPN Program (Institutional – HERFF Funds)- $13,466; Tremblay’s Bus - Summer Acceleration Program - $8,275.
Ms. Tara Mancini, District Data Analyst, has submitted her letter of resignation, effective August 23, 2021. There was a discussion about the salary for a new District Data Analyst. Mr. DiBiasio suggested leaving it to the administration’s judgement regarding the salary. Dr. Ferreira recommends a one-year contract to get the position filled as soon as possible.
It was moved by Mr. DiBiasio, seconded by Ms. Menard, and voted unanimously on a roll call at 6:48 p.m. to enter into Executive Session for the following: Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, §21(a), paragraph 3, to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining or litigation if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining or litigating position of the public body and the chair so declares: AFSCME, DTA, & DAA and Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, §21(a), paragraph 2, to conduct strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with nonunion personnel or to conduct collective bargaining sessions or contract negotiations with nonunion personnel: Storekeeper Individual Contract.
It was moved by Mr. DiBiasio, seconded by Dr. Nehra, and voted unanimously on a roll call at 7:25 p.m. to rise into Open Session. Mr. Jennings, Ms. Menard, Mr. Begin, Dr. Nehra and Mr. DiBiasio voting yes.
It was moved by Mr. DiBiasio, seconded by Ms. Menard, and voted unanimously to accept the Diman Administrators’ Association, as negotiated.
It was moved by Mr. DiBiasio, seconded by Mr. Begin, and voted unanimously to create the storekeeper position utilizing the old job description.
It was moved by Mr. DiBiasio, seconded by Dr. Nehra, and voted unanimously to adjourn at 7:28 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Lucy Thompsen
Materials Included: June 7, 2021 Minutes
June 17, 2021 Minutes
June 25, 2021 Minutes
FY21 Transfers
FY22 Transfers
2021-22 School Improvement Plan
2021-24 Medical Emergency Response Plan
2021-22 Master Calendar – Revised
June 11, 2021 Memo from Jeffrey Riley, Commissioner – Admissions
City of Fall River Correspondence
ESSER II Grant Budget Narrative
FY20 Student Activity Preliminary Audit Recommendations
E-Mail Request Naming Carpentry CNC Center
Memo
Monthly Financial Report
Superintendent’s Report