Joel Brierley

The meeting, conducted via remote participation due to public health orders, focused extensively on preparations for reopening amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Key discussions included the limiting of observers for upcoming soccer games, resource allocation for transportation, and the phased return of students, with approximately 80 students per week returning for in-person academics. Updates were provided on curriculum adjustments for remote learning and physical reconfiguration of shop areas, including the installation of Lexan barriers to maintain physical distancing. HVAC system checks were discussed, noting the system required reprogramming to meet current ventilation standards, which is expected to increase heating costs. Furthermore, updates were made to the student handbook regarding COVID-19 policies and changes to Title IX legislation. Discussions also covered student cohort management, restroom utilization segregation, and disciplinary procedures for handbook violations.

The primary focus of the meeting was the presentation and discussion of the Fall 2020 reopening plan amidst evolving state guidance regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. The Superintendent and Principal reviewed the three potential models mandated by DESE: Full Reopen, Hybrid Reopen, and Remote Reopen. Due to physical distancing requirements, facility constraints (especially in shops and the cafeteria), and limitations on clinical access, the Full Reopen model was deemed not implementable. The committee reviewed the Hybrid Model, which involves grouping students by grade level (9th/11th on one rotation, 10th/12th on another) to maintain health and safety standards, maximize parking, and ensure weekly in-person instruction time. The discussion also addressed logistical challenges related to transportation (bus distancing) and the need to declutter classrooms to maximize capacity.

The committee meeting addressed procedural matters, including the reading of Governor Baker's order regarding open meeting laws and remote participation protocols. Key discussion points included the reorganization of committee positions, specifically nominations for Chair and Treasurer. Financial discussions centered on the childcare program budget, noting that revenues are insufficient to cover expenses, necessitating funding from the school district. The committee also discussed anticipating potential Chapter 70 funding cuts and proposed budgetary adjustments, including shifting revenue sources and utilizing specific trust funds, like the Transportation Trust Fund. Furthermore, discussions covered expenditures related to COVID-19 safety measures, such as Plexiglas, sanitizers, and the need to purchase additional cleaning supplies and equipment.

The meeting focused on summarizing the draft audit results for the financial statements, which received an unmodified opinion—the best possible outcome—with no findings noted regarding internal control over financial reporting, compliance, or Uniform Guidance requirements for the Special Education program. Key financial discussions included a five-year trend analysis of governmental activities, noting that total assets dipped slightly in 2019 due to decreases in cash and capital assets, while total liabilities saw a large increase driven primarily by pension and OPEB liabilities determined by an actuary. Business-type activities were reported to be running near break-even. Future considerations included upcoming accounting guidance changes related to fiduciary activities, leases, and interest on construction projects, which are delayed until fiscal years 2021 and 2022. The audit report is still draft, pending finalization and filing.

The meeting commenced with the reading of a statement regarding the remote participation necessitated by Governor Baker's orders related to the open meeting law. Key discussion points involved the review and approval of revisions to a graph that was previously discussed in the prior meeting. Furthermore, the subcommittee reached a unanimous recommendation for the school committee to adopt these revisions to the policy during their subsequent meeting.