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Brockton, Massachusetts Brockton School Committee Meeting Tuesday, June 4, 2024 |
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Agenda
Item I Call to Order
Establish Quorum
Pledge of Allegiance
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A meeting of the Brockton School Committee (SC) was held this evening in the George M. Romm Little Theatre of Brockton High School, 470 Forest Avenue, at 7p. These minutes contain a summary of the meeting and lists items (Agenda Attached) that were under discussion. Mayor Sullivan opened the meeting at 8:48p.
The Chair read the following information aloud: This meeting will be held and be accessible to the public via Comcast channel 8 and 1071HD Version, and online via this link: www.youtube.com/TheBrocktonChannels Brockton School Committee Meeting 6-4-24 (youtube.com) Roll Call was taken to establish a quorum.
All stood to salute the American Flag. Also Present: Dr. Cobbs, Acting Superintendent of Schools, City Attorney Megan Bridges, City Chief Procurement Officer Mike Morris, Patricia Boyer, Interim School Business Administrator, School Department (SD) Council, Attorney Kevin Bresnahan
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Item II Hearing of Visitors 1:31 |
Dear Visitors: Welcome to a meeting of the Brockton School Committee. This is the agenda that will be discussed this evening. Please note that Hearing of Visitors is included. If you have a statement or question, please give your name to the secretary. Each speaker is limited to three minutes. 1. Richard Ripley, Brockton: Spoke on the importance BAT bus safety, which includes students riding the bus. 2. Jamal Braithwaite, Brockton: Spoke on the importance of a plan that documents internal controls with respect to the spending in the FY 2025 Budget. 3. George Brickhouse, Brockton: Spoke about an article in the local paper on May 31st. about raising the drop-out age will make a big difference and how the Critical and Analytical Thinking will support and make a difference in Brockton’s future.
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Item III Teaching & Learning 12:54
47:14
1:13:15
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Report of the Acting Superintendent of Schools A. Recognitions: Dr. Cobbs will move this Agenda Item to Thursday, July 27th. B. Procurement & Request For Proposal (RFP) Process: Attorney Bridges and Chief Procurement Officer Morris explained that the MGL laws, particularly 30B, were adopted in the early 80’s to guard against favoritism and fraud. Procurement controls are governed by Mr. Morris but not the technical aspects of an RFP. Attorney Bridges spoke on some investigation areas in Transportation and how SC Policy (See Section D) relates and requires updating. Three areas that need attention are Real Property RFPs (Bus Depot/currently in Draft), the Re-engagement Center property at 440 Belmont St. (lease expires 6/30/24) and Transportation Services. With assistance from the SD, Mr. Morris can help until the SD hires a certifies Procurement Officer. The Chair pointed out that Mr. Morris has authorized Joe Campbell, President of the Independent Brockton Administrative Assistants and Technical Employee Association (IBAA & TEA), in the area of IT/Camera procurement.
TJ Plante shared his screen to give a High-Level view of the budget. He feels that they are on the right track. The deficit for Net School Spending is a fluid $7.6m and the Non Net School Spending is a fluid $8.5m. The School Choice Revolving funds is under consideration for off-setting budget gaps. The outstanding Entitlement Grants and others are slowly being resolved through ESSER funds and Schedule 19 obligations. A more concise Schedule 19 report is not as of yet available. Insurance costs and Medicaid reimbursements being handled by the City for the SD are in question and where these funds should fall. As far as he is aware, there is no formal agreement on Schedule 19 funds. C. Items to Refer to Subcommittee It was suggested that the Subcommittees revert back to the smaller format
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Agenda Item IV Consent Agenda 1:15:02 |
Consent Agenda (Attached) Mrs. Sullivan made a motion to (Remove) approve Agenda item A, properly seconded by Ms. Asack. (1:15:50) A Roll Call Vote was taken on the motion.
The motion passes. Ms. Asack made a motion to accept on the Consent Agenda item B, the acceptance of Human Resources Notifications appointments and non-certified, properly seconded by Mr. Sullivan. (1:16:50) A Roll Call Vote was taken on the motion.
The motion passes.
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Agenda Item V Unfinished Business 1:17:25 |
Discussion and Potential Vote: FY2025 Budget A vote on this item will take place at the Special SC Meeting, scheduled for 7p on June 11 following the Public Hearing at 6p.
Mrs. Sullivan informed the SC that Consent Agenda item A, $1m, will support wrap-around and transitional care and partnerships with others to help families in Brockton. This is year two of the Grant. She asks that Dr. Julianne Andrade present on this grant in the near future.
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Agenda Item VI New Business 1:22:09 |
As the job ad for the Interim Superintendent expires on June 10, Mr. Rodrigues is asking to schedule a joint meeting with MASC, council, and the four-member subcommittee to review and screen applicants as early as next week.
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Agenda Item VII School Safety 1:26:30 |
Sgt. Livingston introduced the newly School Police Commanding Officer Lt. Paul Bonanca. He spoke about being a 29-year veteran in policing in Brockton. He and Sgt. Livingston will be creating a School Safety Assessment, along with DESE. Sgt. Livingston spoke about how Lt. Bonaca will be helping with the best practices in Active Shooter training. He also spoke about the successes with the Community-Based Juvenile Justice program, the Handle With Care program, the Gaggle Alerts software program, and about the June 11th Special Olympics games.
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Agenda Item VIII Announcements 1:36:31 |
Various members - Public Budget and Special School Committee Meeting: June 11, 2024 - Mr. Gomes will be wed on Friday, June 6, 2024 - Ward 1 Family Forum at West Middle School on June 5 at 7p featuring BHS Principal McCaskill and Mentor Wells, speaking on transitioning from Middle to High School, - Support the students by attending the Middle School Field Day, June 5, 2024 - The Brockton Public School Retirement Celebration / June 6, 2024 - Kudos to the West Middle School Band and Choral students, who’s concert was held day and evening on June 4.
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Agenda Item IX Adjournment 1:39:422 |
Mr. Vega made a motion to adjourn, properly seconded by none. A Roll Call Vote was taken on the motion.
The motion passes.
The Chair recognized Kim Gibson, BEA President, and Kevin McCaskill, BHS Principal and School Department (SD) Council, Attorney Kevin Bresnahan for their attendance.
School Committee adjourned to at 10:28p.
Respectfully submitted,
Dr. James F. Cobbs Acting Superintendent/Secretary |
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