Minutes January 9, 2024 Minutes

Brockton, Massachusetts  Special Brockton School Committee Meeting  January 9, 2024

Agenda Item 1.

Agenda Item 2.

Agenda Item 3.

A meeting of the Brockton School Committee was held this evening in the George M. Romm Little Theatre of Brockton High School at 7p.  These minutes contain a summary of the meeting and lists items that were under discussion.

The School Committee Chair, Mayor Sullivan, called the meeting to order at 7p, reading the following:

This meeting will be held and will be accessible to the public via television on Comcast Channel 8 and 1071HD Version, and online via the following link: www.youtube.com/TheBrocktonChannels

The assembled then stood and performed the Salute to the American Flag.

The Vice-chair took roll call to establish a quorum.

The Mayor gave a shout-out to Jeffrey A. Thompson, Brockton City Councilor, who was in attendance.

Absent

None

Also Present

Dr. James F. Cobbs, Acting Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent Sharon Wolder, Chief Financial Officer Troy Clarkson, Executive Director-Elections Commission Ms. Cynthia Scrivani, Attorney Sarah Spatafore

Agenda Item 4.

Hearing of

Visitors

1.        Ozzie Jordan spoke on the importance of adhering to the law in respect to job descriptions, performance standards, strategic plans, and parliamentary procedure as set by Robert’s Rules of Order.

2.        James Stapleton spoke on the importance of leadership from the School Committee to oversee that the schools are properly supported.

3.        Mary LaCivita asked the SC to be cognizant of the legal fees being incurred with respect to committee business and establishing meeting agendas.

4.        Cynthia Hodges spoke on cooperative/inclusive behavior with respect to electing a SC Vice-chair. She is not in favor of Mr. Rodrigues for SC Vice-chair.

5.        Dr. Michael Robinson spoke in support of Mr. Rodrigues for SC Vice-chair.

6.        Jamie Hodges spoke on the visible divide in the SC and the need to respect their oath-of-office.

7.        Joe Campbell spoke on the importance of the SC to be more cohesive trendsetters in order to support the faculty and staff, thereby obtaining 100% commitment of educators, staff and students in the system.

8.        Greg Fernandes spoke about the students not being the priority and in support of Mr. Rodrigues, as he supports the programs he is connected with.

Agenda Item 5.

33:40:

Introduction of Brockton High School Principal, Mr. Kevin McCaskill.

Acting Superintendent Cobbs informed the Committee that he respectfully asked that the introduction of Mr. McCaskill and Ms. Patricia Boyer (Agenda Item 6) be scheduled on a later meeting, as the election of a Vice-chair was a priority.

There was discussion on the appropriateness of the Acting Superintendent to remove an item from the agenda without the prior consent of the membership.

It was recommended that the introductions be held until a Vice-chair was elected and in place.

A motion was made by Ms. Ehlers to approve to have Mr. McCaskill and the new Business Administrator, Ms. Boyer, to appear on the 16th, properly seconded by Mr. T. Sullivan.

The Chair reworded the motion, as the business administrator, being Agenda Item 6, hadn’t been introduced.

The motion was amended to remove the new Business Administrator, Ms. Boyer.

Roll-call vote on the motion:

The motion fails.

Agenda Item 6.

35:48

Introduction of Interim School Business Office Administrator, Ms. Patricia Boyer

With respect to this position, the Mayor asked for an update on the signature page for this employee’s contract and requested the Acting Superintendent to email the members the page for review to formally execute the agreement. It was also confirmed that she had started in her position.

A motion was made by Mr. T. Sullivan; that we invite her (Mrs. Boyer) to the meeting on the 16th, properly seconded by Ms. Ehlers.

Roll-call vote on the motion:

The motion fails.

Agenda Item 7.

Executive Director-Elections Commission Ms. Cynthia Scrivani met to inform the Committee that March 5, 2024 is the Presidential Primary and, for safety, the schools be closed on that day. She explained that the Election Commission hires students as poll-workers and that they are indispensable.

She also explained that the polling places are registered with the State and criteria, such as handicap accessibility, is required.  Moving a polling-place requires a whole process of finding an appropriate place within the district/precinct.

Dr. Cobbs pointed out that, as this day was not reflected in the current school calendar, the School Committee needs to vote on the closing, a day will be added to the end of the school year and the cost to the system will be approximately one million dollars.

Ms. Scrivani pointed out that if the schools were to remain open on that day, and voting was moved from the easily accessed front of the building to the gymnasiums situated in the rear of the buildings, it would present a hardship to the elderly and compromise the safety of the students in the school.

As a vote on this matter was not needed at this time, the Chair announced that, should it be decided that schools remain open on that election day, he would confer with Chief of Police Brenda Perez and Fire Department Chief Brian Nardelli for assistance.

Agenda Item 8.

Introduction and Update – TJ Plante, Open Architects

Mr. Plante was ill and unable to attend/Zoom.  He will be invited to present at a later date.

Agenda Item 9.

Audit Update from Attorney Sarah Spatafore

Attorney Spatafore reported that the chosen company, RSM, provided a draft contract prior to the holidays.  She and her procurement team made some revisions that are now with the City for review. It is hoped that this can be executed this week (w/o 1/8 or 1/14/2024) and that they are ready to begin.  They commit to informing the SC, and have included this in contract language, should the work prove in excess of the quote provided they would give notice ahead of time however, they anticipate coming in at or below the quote.  They have a three person team of accountants ready to begin as soon as the contract is signed. The team anticipates that, after a the first week or two, they should have an idea and an update as to how long it will take to complete the audit.  RSM is also committed to be available either in person or via Zoom to update the Committee as they work along.

Discussion on the report from Attorney Spatafore:

SC:  Did RSM provide the draft before December 7 and is it possible to forward any email

correspondence from RSM’s legal?

SS:  I don’t believe it was before December 7 but I can check on that and yes, I can forward

the email correspondence. Issues of privilege were raised in the contract structure which

precipitated further conversation before recommending to execute.

SC:  It was disconcerting that the price point, high of $99 grand, low of $55 grand, was not

incorporated in the document

Agenda Item 10.

50:02

51:38

52:50

1:25:24

BCA reports the video feed has failed but will be available on youtube.com.

1:46:20

BCA reports the video feed is back live.

2:00:11

2:00:49

2:02:28

2:02:57

2:03:19

Election of Vice-chair, aided by Massachusetts Association of School Committees Executive Director Mr. Glenn Koocher and Brockton’s Field Director Mr. Jim Hardy

The Chair opened the floor to names to be put in consideration to be nominated to serve as Vice-chair for 2024.

Mr. Sullivan made a motion to nominate Mrs. Kathy Ehlers as Vice-chair of this committee for 2024, properly seconded by Mrs. Sullivan.

The Chair asked for any other nominations.

Ms. Asack nominated Tony Rodrigues for Vice-chair 2024, properly seconded by Ms. Oliver.

The Chair called twice more for nominations from the floor. There being no further nominations from the floor, he closed nominations and called for a roll-call vote on the motions.

The motion fails to elect a Vice-chair.

The Chair reopened nominations from the floor.

Mr. Sullivan made a motion to nominate Mrs. Kathy Ehlers as Vice-chair of this committee for 2024, properly seconded by Mrs. Sullivan.

The Chair asked for any other nominations.

Ms. Asack nominated Tony Rodrigues, properly seconded by Ms. Oliver.

The Chair called twice more for nominations from the floor, there being no further nominations from the floor he closed nominations and called for a roll-call vote on the motions.

The motion fails to elect a Vice-chair.

The Chair asked the committee for their will on the stalemated election attempt.

A motion was made by Mr. Rodrigues to continue voting.

Discussion on the motion, with regard to the duties of Vice-chair, offered by various members of the School Committee were:

·         It was suggested that the position of Vice-chair change yearly, 

·         The position requires leadership, transparency, communication, and knowledge of policies and procedures, 

·         The Vice-chair needs to be accessible to the district and to the members, 

·         The members need to be informed, presumably from the Vice-chair, prior to getting information from social media, the Enterprise, BPS or City Hall employees,

·         The Vice-chair needs to meet with the Superintendent on a regular basis,

·         The Vice-chair duties are clearly stated in School Committee Policy BDB, however, it is suggested that this policy be updated,

·         This body needs to elect a Vice-chair that has respect for and shows respect to each member.

Information from MASC:

JH:  The role of the Vice-chair is important and varies from place to place. In some places additional

duties of the Vice-chair are assigned by the Chair.

SC:  May we have clarification on suspension of rules?

JH:  Suspension of rules requires a two-thirds vote but can’t suspend the law.

GK: The suspension would be addressing a specific rule or policy.

SC:  Charting the Course is a required workshop for every school committee member, however,

there are many other programs and trainings offered for the benefit of school committee members and they should take advantage of these offerings.

GK: There is nothing that precludes proceeding with the business of the school committee utilizing

the previous Vice-chair who remains in effect until a successor Vice-chair is elected.

With respect to the motion on the floor, to continue voting or end the meeting now, the Chair called for a roll-call vote:

The Chair opened the floor to nominations for the office of Vice-chair:

Mr. Sullivan made a motion to nominate Mrs. Kathy Ehlers as Vice-chair for 2024 for this school committee, properly seconded by Mrs. Sullivan.

The Chair asked for any other nominations.

Ms. Asack nominated Tony Rodrigues for Vice-chair 2024, properly seconded by Ms. Oliver.

The Chair called three times for nominations from the floor, there being no further nominations from the floor he closed nominations and called for a roll-call vote on the motions.

The motion fails to elect a Vice-chair.

With the motion in deadlock, the Chair asked for the will of the committee.  Mr. Rodrigues called for another round.

Chair called for a roll-call vote:

The Chair opened the floor to nominations for the office of Vice-chair:

Ms. Asack nominated Tony Rodrigues for Vice-chair 2024, properly seconded by Ms. Oliver.

The Chair asked for any other candidates at this time.

Mr. Sullivan: I’d like to nominate Mrs. Kathy Ehlers as Vice-chair of this School Committee for 2024, properly seconded by Mrs. Sullivan.

The Chair called for any other nominations.

Mr. Rodrigues nominated Tim Sullivan, properly seconded by Mr. Gomes

Mr. T. Sullivan declined the nomination.

The Chair called for any other nominations.

Mr. Rodrigues nominated Judy Sullivan.

Mrs. Sullivan declined the nomination before it could be seconded.

Roll-call vote on the nominations:

The motion fails to elect a Vice-chair.

With the failure to elect a Vice-chair, the Chair elected to move on with the agenda.

Agenda Item 11.

Subcommittee Assignments

The Mayor pointed out that he sets the subcommittees, typically in conjunction with Vice-chair. He doesn’t feel right about setting the subcommittees without a Vice-chair and is comfortable with continuing with Subcommittees-of-the-Whole.

GK: Subcommittees-of-the-Whole include the Mayor and Superintendent as an ex officio/non

voting members.  Until such time as you create the subcommittees, all Subcommittee/Special School Committee Meetings are full School Committee meetings.

Agenda Item 12.

2:09:41

2:10:50

2:16:28

2:17:17

Adjournment

Mr. Sullivan made a motion to adjourn.

The Chair revisited the issue of the Facilities Subcommittee meeting.

Ms. Ehlers made a motion to approve the moving of the Facilities Subcommittee meeting from the 16th, which was originally planned, to the next regularly scheduled School Committee meeting.

Discussion on the motion: 

Dr. Cobbs was asked if there was a deadline on the Huntington School renovation plans and if the triple-net numbers on the building leases.

Dr. Cobbs responded that he is looking for a vote from the Committee, on the 16th, for moving on the renovations of the Huntington School.

The Mayor suggested only having the Huntington School on the Facilities agenda for the 16th at 6p and the School Committee meeting at 6:30p.

It was discussed to have the Facilities meeting at 6p and the School Committee meeting at 7p.

Mrs. Ehlers revised her motion:

I motion to approve having the Facilities meeting next week, the 16th from 6 to 7.  The only agenda item that will be on there is the Huntington School and making sure we secure a vote for that and then our regularly scheduled School Committee meeting starts at 7, properly seconded by Ms. Asack.

By show of hands, the motion passes.

Mrs. Sullivan made a motion to adjourn, properly seconded by Mr. Sullivan.

By show of hands, the motion passes.

Respectfully submitted,

Dr. James F. Cobbs

Acting Superintendent of Schools

mdc