2022-10-13: School Committee

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Swampscott School Committee Meeting Analysis: October 13, 2022

This document provides an overview and analysis of the Swampscott School Committee meeting held on October 13, 2022, based on the provided transcript. It is intended to inform Swampscott Town Meeting members and voters.

Section 1: Agenda

Based on the transcript flow and provided metadata, the likely agenda for the meeting was:

  1. Call to Order 0:22
  2. Pledge of Allegiance 0:47
  3. Committee Announcements 1:22
    • Member Announcements
    • Student Representative Announcements
  4. Superintendent’s Report 3:00
    • Academic Excellence Award (Tabled) 3:07
    • Educator of the Year - Susan Comparato Recognition 3:21
    • Recognition of Teachers Awarded Professional Status (Focus on Eric McKay) 9:05
    • Amended Proprietary List for New Elementary School (Vote Requested) 12:16
    • Capital Planning Presentation (Max Kasper) 19:24
  5. Director of Finance Report 59:36
    • FY22 Budget Update 1:00:00
    • FY23 Budget Update (Vote Requested) 1:12:37
  6. Chair’s Report 1:14:56
    • Chair Update (Social Media Caution, Hall of Fame Congrats)
    • Review November School Committee Meeting Dates (Vote Requested) 1:17:49
    • School Committee Protocols (Tabled) 1:23:52
    • Appoint School Committee Subcommittees and Liaisons (Vote Requested) 1:24:08
  7. Subcommittee Reports
    • School Building Committee (SBC) Meetings Update 1:32:19
  8. Consent Agenda (Vote Requested) 1:33:01
    • Executive Session Minutes - August 29, 2022
    • Regular Session Minutes – September 8, 2022
    • Donation - Boosters SHS Golf - Additional Coach
    • Donation - John Brew - SHS Art Dept.
    • WARRANTS #23-05, 23-07, 23-09, 23-11, & 23-12
  9. Public Comment 1:37:27
  10. Adjournment 1:38:03

Section 2: Speaking Attendees

Based on the transcript and contextual knowledge of Swampscott government:

  • Max Kasper (Director of Facilities): [Speaker 1]
  • Glenn Paster (School Committee Chair): [Speaker 2]
  • Martha Raymond (Director of Finance): [Speaker 3]
  • Amy O’Connor (School Committee Member): [Speaker 4], [Speaker 15]
  • Pam Angelakis (Superintendent of Schools): [Speaker 5]
  • Suzanne Wright (School Committee Member): [Speaker 6], [Speaker 13] (Likely)
  • John Jantus (School Committee Member): [Speaker 7]
  • Karen Rausch (School Committee Member): [Speaker 8]
  • Dennis Kohut (High School Principal): [Speaker 9]
  • Susan Comparato (Educator of the Year / Teacher): [Speaker 10]
  • Student Representatives (Names not stated): [Speaker 11], [Speaker 14]
  • School Committee Member (Likely one of the above): [Speaker 12], [Speaker 16]

Section 3: Meeting Minutes

1. Call to Order & Pledge: Chair Glenn Paster called the meeting to order shortly after 7:00 PM 0:22. The Pledge of Allegiance followed 0:47. Superintendent Pam Angelakis joined remotely.

2. Committee Announcements: 1:22 Student Representatives announced upcoming school events: a school-wide kickball competition 1:51 and a “strikeout inter-game” fundraiser 2:02. School Committee members had no initial announcements.

3. Superintendent’s Report: 3:00 Superintendent Angelakis requested tabling the Academic Excellence Award presentation until the next meeting 3:07, which was accepted.

  • Educator of the Year: 3:21 Susan Comparato, High School Business and Financial Literacy teacher, was recognized as Educator of the Year. Superintendent Angelakis detailed Ms. Comparato’s 27-year career, highlighting her role in establishing the financial literacy graduation requirement. Ms. Comparato expressed gratitude, emphasizing relationships with students and peers 5:50. Member Amy O’Connor commended Ms. Comparato’s advocacy for teachers 6:51. Chair Paster shared a personal anecdote about Ms. Comparato’s positive impact on his son 7:49.
  • Professional Status Recognition: 9:05 Superintendent Angelakis listed educators achieving professional status: Emily Silly (Middle School Nurse), Alexandra Kelly (Stanley Teacher), Caitlin Leonard (Middle School PE), Eric McKay (High School Science), and Leanne Pestizzi (Preschool Speech). High School Principal Dennis Kohut introduced Eric McKay 10:16, praising his contributions, particularly in physics and astronomy. Chair Paster congratulated Mr. McKay, acknowledging the extra challenge of earning tenure during the pandemic 11:15.
  • Amended Proprietary List (New Elementary School): 12:16 Director of Facilities Max Kasper presented an amended list of proprietary items for the new school construction bid. He explained ‘proprietary’ in public bidding means specifying a unique product due to consistency needs or public interest 16:14. The key amendment added linoleum tile, specifically modular tile, due to market limitations and preference over sheet goods based on high school lobby experiences 14:16. Member O’Connor questioned the lack of a specific brand name for linoleum 17:28; Director Kasper explained it’s based on product type availability. Member Suzanne Wright supported the list, noting input from others like Ms. Mackie Knowles on security/tech items 18:34.
    • Motion: Member Wright moved to approve the amended proprietary list 19:08.
    • Second: Member Rausch 19:09.
    • Vote: The motion passed unanimously 19:16.
  • Capital Planning: 19:24 Director Kasper presented the FY24 Capital Improvement Plan requests for school facilities 19:49. He outlined the town’s capital process, noting earlier submission deadlines this year 20:04. Key FY24 requests included:
    • District Network Upgrades (E-rate funded) 21:46
    • Middle School Security Upgrades (Design Only) 22:05
    • Town-Wide Traffic Improvements (Joint Project - critical for new school access roads like Orchard Rd/Forest Ave) 23:00
    • Town/School Phone System Improvements (Phased, E911 compliance) 24:03
    • District Pickup Truck w/ Plow (Replacement) 25:04
    • Green Communities Projects (Grant Funded) 25:20
    • High School Media Center Shades (Replacement) 25:55
    • Clark Elementary Renovation (Design Only - for Admin/Preschool use post-new school opening) 27:00 Director Kasper noted the Capital Improvement Committee indicated a potentially tighter funding year 28:54. Extensive discussion followed: Member Wright asked about priorities 29:43; Director Kasper identified traffic improvements and Clark design as critical. Member Jantus inquired about the Middle School security project timeline (design FY24, build FY25) 31:06 and shade warranty (expired) 31:31. Member O’Connor asked about electric vehicle potential for the truck (unlikely for plow) 32:03, the sequencing rationale for Clark vs. Middle School design (Clark move enables Middle School project, likely MSBA funded) 32:59, potential space for Big Blue Bargains (challenging now, maybe Hadley/Clark later) 37:18, and the Middle School MSBA project timeline (years away, post-Clark) 39:37. Member O’Connor also raised future Field House improvements, advocating for addressing gender equity issues 47:05, which Director Kasper acknowledged could be integrated into future planning 48:00. Director Kasper also provided updates on ongoing/completed projects (cameras, envelope work, MS roof, MS fire alarm design, MS gym floor) 49:20 and touched on longer-term plans (Middle School renovation, HS HVAC, paving, Field House, MS Media Center, HS flooring) 44:43.
  • Rodent Issues Discussion: 52:52 Member Jantus raised concerns about increased rodent activity reported by neighbors near the Blaney School and asked about mitigation at the Stanley demolition site. Director Kasper confirmed awareness and ongoing efforts 54:05. He noted pest control is active at the Stanley demolition site. Regarding Blaney, he attributed the recent uptick largely to adjacent construction (former nunnery) and confirmed coordination with the Health Director, Building Inspector, and pest control services, while also reviewing internal practices (e.g., dumpster management) 55:55. Member Jantus also relayed neighbor concerns about trash management at Blaney 58:39.
  • Superintendent Angelakis departed the meeting 59:14.

4. Director of Finance Report: 59:36 Chair Paster initially overlooked this item but quickly corrected. Director of Finance Martha Raymond presented:

  • FY22 Budget Update: 1:00:00 Director Raymond reported the district spent nearly its entire Town Appropriation ($29,376,206 of $29,376,863), returning only $657. A shortfall in anticipated non-resident SPED tuition revenue from Nahant (~$44k) meant the overall budget variance appeared larger ($45k underspent) but was effectively covered by the appropriation. Key variances included savings in administration (unemployment, matching, conferences), general education (substitute savings due to vacancies, offset by salary/transportation increases), and transportation (private transport choices by SPED families), while utilities (electricity/gas) were over budget [1:03:03 - 1:11:53]. The year-end budget freeze contributed to savings in materials/supplies.
  • FY23 Budget Update: 1:12:37 Director Raymond presented the final FY23 budget figure reflecting the Town Meeting appropriation plus other revenue sources.
    • Motion: Member Rausch moved to approve the FY23 School Budget totaling $31,915,053 1:14:09.
    • Second: Member Jantus 1:14:12.
    • Vote: The motion passed unanimously 1:14:14.

5. Chair’s Report: 1:14:56 Chair Paster cautioned the public about sharing specific student information on insecure platforms like Facebook, urging direct contact with teachers/principals 1:14:56. He congratulated recent Swampscott Athletic Hall of Fame inductees, including the 1981 Indoor Track team 1:16:19.

  • November Meeting Dates: 1:17:49 Discussion centered on the scheduled November 24th meeting falling on Thanksgiving.
    • Motion: Chair Paster moved to cancel the Nov 24 meeting and schedule one for Nov 17, to be confirmed or canceled based on need 1:19:23.
    • Second: Member O’Connor 1:19:34.
    • Vote: The motion passed unanimously 1:19:37.
  • Meeting Start Time: 1:19:53 Member Wright initiated discussion on moving meeting start times earlier (from 7 PM to 6 PM) for efficiency and consideration of staff/students. Members discussed potential impacts and generally favored the change, confirming TV crew availability.
    • Motion: Member Wright moved to change the regular meeting start time to 6:00 PM, effective the next meeting (Oct 27) 1:23:23.
    • Second: Member Rausch 1:23:28.
    • Vote: The motion passed unanimously 1:23:30.
  • School Committee Protocols: 1:23:52 This item was tabled, as members believed it had been voted on previously.
  • Subcommittee Appointments: 1:24:08 The Committee reviewed and confirmed subcommittee assignments:
    • Bargaining: Jantus, O’Connor
    • Budget/Finance: Rausch, Jantus
    • Communications: Paster, O’Connor
    • Policy: Wright, Jantus
    • Wellness: Wright
    • METCO Liaison: O’Connor
    • SEPAC Liaison: Paster
    • Motion: Member O’Connor moved to approve the subcommittee appointments as discussed 1:32:03.
    • Second: Member Rausch 1:32:08.
    • Vote: The motion passed unanimously 1:32:08.

6. Subcommittee Reports:

  • SBC Update: 1:32:19 Member Wright reported that demolition of the Stanley School is complete, the site is nearly cleared, and proposals from filed subcontractors were received. General Contractor selection was anticipated soon.

7. Consent Agenda: 1:33:01 The consent agenda included Aug 29 Exec Session minutes, Sep 8 Regular Session minutes, two donations (Boosters for Golf Coach stipend [$1,525], John Brew for HS Art/Photography equipment [$500]), and warrants. Member Wright prompted public acknowledgement of the donors 1:34:23, which Chair Paster provided 1:34:48.

  • Motion: Member O’Connor moved to accept the consent agenda [1:34:18 / formally stated after donor thanks 1:37:26].
  • Second: Member Rausch 1:37:26.
  • Vote: The motion passed unanimously 1:37:27.

8. Public Comment: 1:37:27 No members of the public signed up or indicated a desire to speak.

9. Adjournment: 1:38:03

  • Motion: Chair Paster moved to adjourn 1:38:03.
  • Second: A School Committee Member 1:38:14.
  • Vote: The motion passed unanimously 1:38:15. The meeting adjourned around 8:38 PM.

Section 4: Executive Summary

The Swampscott School Committee meeting on October 13, 2022, focused significantly on school facilities planning, budget finalization, and operational adjustments. Key outcomes and discussions relevant to Swampscott residents include:

Facilities and Capital Planning:

  • New Elementary School: The Committee approved an amended list of “proprietary” items for the new school construction, notably specifying modular linoleum tile flooring 12:16. This decision, driven by market availability and maintenance concerns based on high school experiences, aims to ensure specific quality standards for the new building 14:16. Director of Facilities Max Kasper provided a detailed presentation.
  • FY24 Capital Requests: Director Kasper outlined major capital project requests for the upcoming fiscal year 19:49. Crucially, this includes funding for Town-Wide Traffic Improvements 23:00, essential for safe access (roadways/sidewalks near Stanley site) when the new elementary school opens in Fall 2024. Other significant requests involve design funding for a major renovation of the Clark School (planned for administrative offices and an enhanced preschool after the new school opens) 27:00 and Middle School security upgrades (focused on the front entrance) 22:05. These requests signal the next phase of district-wide facility updates following the new school construction.
  • Future Facility Vision: Discussions touched on the long-term vision, including a potential major renovation of the Swampscott Middle School, likely pursued via the MSBA process years down the line, sequenced after the Clark renovation 39:52. Concerns about equity and conditions at the High School Field House were also raised 47:05, prompting acknowledgement that these need to be addressed in future plans.
  • Current Issues: Concerns about rodent activity near the Blaney School and the Stanley demolition site were discussed 52:52. Director Kasper assured the committee that mitigation efforts are underway, attributing the Blaney issue primarily to adjacent construction but also reviewing school site practices like trash management 54:05.

Budget and Finance:

  • FY22 Wrap-up: The district spent nearly its entire FY22 appropriation, demonstrating tight fiscal management 1:00:00. A shortfall in anticipated tuition revenue highlighted sensitivity to enrollment-based income.
  • FY23 Budget Adopted: The Committee formally adopted the $31,915,053 operating budget for the current school year (FY23) as appropriated by Town Meeting 1:13:53.

Governance and Operations:

  • Meeting Schedule Change: To improve efficiency and accommodate staff schedules, the Committee voted unanimously to change its regular meeting start time from 7:00 PM to 6:00 PM, effective with the next meeting 1:23:30. The Thanksgiving week meeting (Nov 24) was moved to November 17 1:19:37.
  • Subcommittee Roles: Committee members were appointed to various subcommittees (Bargaining, Budget, Policy, etc.) to oversee specific areas of district operations 1:24:08.
  • Community Engagement: Chair Paster advised residents to contact school staff directly with specific student concerns rather than using public social media platforms 1:14:56.

Recognitions:

  • Susan Comparato (High School Business/Financial Literacy) was honored as Educator of the Year 3:21. Eric McKay (High School Physics/Meteorology) was recognized for achieving professional status (tenure) 9:05. Donations from the SHS Golf Boosters and resident John Brew were gratefully acknowledged 1:34:48.

Significance: This meeting solidified key operational aspects for the current year (FY23 budget) and laid crucial groundwork for future years, particularly concerning the capital investments needed to support the new elementary school and begin planning for subsequent renovations at Clark and the Middle School. The decisions on capital requests will directly impact infrastructure, traffic flow, and future educational environments across Swampscott.

Section 5: Analysis

The October 13, 2022, Swampscott School Committee meeting demonstrated a board actively engaged in both immediate operational needs and long-term strategic facilities planning, grounded significantly in the presentations by district administrators.

Facilities Dominance and Administrative Influence: The agenda was heavily weighted towards facilities management, expertly handled by Director Max Kasper [Speaker 1]. His presentations on the proprietary list 12:16 and, more substantially, the capital plan 19:24 were comprehensive and appeared well-received. Kasper effectively justified requests, such as the proprietary linoleum tile based on practical experience and market conditions 14:16, and articulated a clear, sequential logic for the Clark and Middle School renovation timelines tied to the new school opening and MSBA processes 33:35. His detailed responses to member questions, including sensitive issues like rodent control 54:05, positioned him as a knowledgeable and prepared administrator, seemingly earning the committee’s confidence. The committee’s reliance on his expertise underscores the Director of Facilities’ significant role in shaping the district’s physical future.

Engaged but Aligning Committee: While administrators led the presentations, committee members, particularly Amy O’Connor [4], Suzanne Wright [6], and John Jantus [7], demonstrated preparedness through detailed questioning. O’Connor’s inquiries regarding EV potential 32:03, Clark/Middle School sequencing 32:59, Big Blue Bargains space 37:18, and Field House equity 47:05 pushed the discussion towards broader policy implications and long-term strategic considerations. Wright’s focus on capital priorities 29:43 and Jantus’s questions on project specifics and neighborhood impacts (rodents 52:52) reflected diligent oversight. However, the ultimate votes on the proprietary list 19:16 and acceptance of the capital plan presentation suggest general alignment with the administration’s recommendations. The dynamic appeared collaborative rather than adversarial, with members probing for clarity and rationale rather than fundamentally challenging the proposed direction.

Operational Efficiency and Consensus: Decisions regarding operational matters, such as adjusting meeting dates 1:19:37, changing the start time to 6 PM 1:23:30, and confirming subcommittee assignments 1:32:08, were handled efficiently and with unanimous agreement. This suggests consensus on improving procedural aspects and a relatively harmonious working relationship among current members regarding internal governance. The swift, formal adoption of the FY23 budget 1:14:14 further points to prior alignment on core financial matters.

Communication and Community Connection: Chair Paster’s explicit caution regarding social media use for sensitive student issues 1:14:56 reflects an awareness of modern communication challenges and an attempt to guide public interaction towards official channels. While public comment yielded no speakers 1:37:27, Member Jantus’s relaying of neighbor concerns about rodents 52:52 demonstrated responsiveness to community feedback loops, prompting a detailed administrative update.

Overall Impression: The meeting projected an image of a School Committee focused on responsible stewardship, particularly concerning the major facilities transitions underway. While administrators provided the detailed substance, the committee fulfilled its oversight role through engaged questioning and appeared united in supporting the administration’s strategic facilities roadmap and managing operational details efficiently. The discussions highlighted the significant impact of the new elementary school project on district-wide planning for years to come.