09/11/2017 BOARD OF SELECTMEN Minutes

Home Browse Search

6 Board of Selectmen Minutes September 11, 2017 APPOINTMENTS & HEARINGS Approval of new cemetery plot.fees: (continued) Motion made by Selectman Cahalane to approve the recommended fee structure for the Great Neck Woods Cemetery as presented. Motion seconded by Selectman Cotton. VOTE: Unanimous. 5-0. Roll Call Vote: Selectman O'Hara,yes Selectman Cotton,yes Selectman Sherman,yes Selectman Cahalane,yes Selectman Gottlieb,yes Opposed, none Update on the Cape Cod Regional Technical Hi h School Construction Project Robert Sanborn Superintendent—Cape Cod Regional Technical High School: Robert Sanborn, Superintendent of the Cape Cod Regional Technical School updated the Board of Selectmen on the school construction project slated to begin construction after the October 24, 2017 district-wide vote to accept the $128 million project. Mr. Sanborn gave an overview of the importance of a vocational education. The Town of Mashpee's enrollment for fiscal year 2018 is 59 students which represents 9.47% of total enrollment. Mashpee's share of the project cost is estimated at$16 million. With state reimbursement,the district share of the project proposal is $86 million which is reflective of a tax impact in Mashpee on a$485,960 average single family home of$53.46 based on 5% for 30 years. On October 24, 2017 the participating regional school districts are required to vote on this project. The vote of the district committee authorizing the debt will move forward if it is approved by a majority of the registered voters in the member towns voting on the question. All expenses related to this election will be incurred by the regional school district as an operating expense. As the matter was discussed, it was noted the Board of Selectmen remitted a letter to Superintendent Sanborn dated March 6, 2017 in support of the value of technical high schools, but concern was conveyed with respect to the costs of providing this type of education to Mashpee students as disproportionately high as it relates to the costs of other technical high schools. Costs associated to the Cape Cod Technical School in Harwich are the third highest in the state. In the letter, the Board requested to be briefed on a plan to reduce the per pupil costs to the state average. In addition,the Selectmen expressed an interest in obtaining a detailed breakdown of the educational offerings the new school would enable, specifically the types of technology to be offered to meet the future needs of the students and the Cape Cod economy. It was also requested the district explore more equitable ways to distribute capital costs of the new facility to better reflect the value that each member community receives from membership in the district.