Board Meeting Minutes
George S. Emerson Elementary School,
7:07 PM CALL TO ORDER
Present: Don Arguin, Dixie Gurian, Gene White, Alan Gross, Chair Robin Marra,
Sam Johnson, L. Colby, W. Wright, Patricia Smith, Gus Lerandeau and Richard
Thackston. Absent: William Felton,
John Morin and Geordie Fifield.
Also present: C. Cardine, Supt., K. Dassau, Asst. Supt., L. Biron, Business Manager,
D. Hodgdon, Dir. of Curriculum. Principals: D. Mousette, D. Dahl, K. Craig. B.
Tatro. Student Council Representative:
B. Dahl.
R. Marra explained to the
audience the new agenda changes.
1.�������� CONSENT AGENDA:
Minutes of May 6, 2003 Board
Meeting and April 29, 2003 Board Retreat . MOTION:
D. Gurian. MOVED to approve the
minutes.� SECOND: L. Colby.� VOTE: 9.08/0/1.11/4.81 Motion Passes. R. Marra explained that
the voting order would be alphabetical by Board Member. �
2.
CORRESPONDENCE AND
ANNOUNCEMENTS: C. Cardine informed the Board that there would be a public hearing on
the 50/50 item. He said that whenever there is a petitioned article the State
Board of Education reviews the article to see if there are any problems. He
said he should have the information at the next meeting.
C. Cardine
informed the Chair that he had a copy of the School Board Resolutions. R. Marra
said that issue would be brought up under the SAU Committee Report.
C. Cardine told
the Board that he had sent a letter to the children that worked on the Cutler Chronicle
stating how impressed he was with their work and that they should be very proud
of what they have contributed.
The Learning
Fair was well attended. A list of the staff members and teachers that were
involved will be available for the next meeting. The intention is to continue
this activity for the next few years.
Sue Kessler,
the School-to-Career Coordinator, is in the process of working with the high
school around the Tech Prep Grant.
L. Colby
informed R. Marra that he would be leaving at 9:00 PM.
A. Gross
thanked Kathy Cobb for her work with her fourth grade on the homeless
project.
3.
STUDENT COUNCIL CONCERNS: B. Dahl reported to the
Board that the Council’s end of the year dance will be on June 6, 2003.
Everyone is welcome. She also informed the Board that the student council
elections have taken place.
4. PUBLIC COMMENTS: J. Tommila of Fitzwilliam
commented that it was nice
to
have the Board here in his town. He commented that the multi-purpose room is
a beautiful room and he is
very proud of this “band-aid solution.” He asked if the Board Members voted in
are representing their communities. He
would like to hear from the Board because it is the students that suffer if
nothing gets done. J. Tommila asked what has been done, if anything, after the
public gave suggestions about the overcrowding. C. Cardine reported that he had
visited a high school that has split scheduling unfortunately they have 450
students compared to our 1200+ students. Next year the 7th and 8th
graders will be separate from the high school students. The teachers have been
identified as junior high or high school. All the 7th and 8th
graders will have a homeroom. J. Tommila asked if anything had been done as of
yet. C. Cardine said that the changes are effective August 2003.
[R. Thackston arrives.]
C. Cardine mentioned the
fact that they are working towards getting more students to the Cheshire Career
Center and that seniors will be able to take courses at the high school and
college level at KSC next year through the Federal Choice Grant. An Auto
Certification Program will be worked on at the CCC next year and the course
will be available in 2004-05 through the grant.
MOTION: A. Gross MOVED to allow the
Curriculum Report to be presented at this time in the agenda. SECOND: D. Arguin. VOTE: 10.19/0/1.02/3.79. Motion
passes.
CURRICULUM REPORT: Ms. Majoy’s 5th and 6th graders presented their
Proposal for Sustainability Action to the Board. Each student took a turn and
presented a part of the presentation. The Board was asked to participate in a
yogurt taste test. The students passed out two type of yogurt marked A and B.
After the Board tasted each yogurt they were asked to mark which yogurt they
believed tasted the best. The students tallied the votes and yogurt A which was
Crowleys won. The students explained the vitamins, minerals, fat content and
calcium of three different brands of yogurt. They found that Stonyfield yogurt
was the best for you and organic as well. The students talked about composting
which saves the school money and the results of using pesticides when planting.
The Board received a book mark from the students. The Board signed the students
Proposal Submission Verification. W. Wright asked if the results of the yogurt
taste test were a surprise. The students were hoping for the Stonyfield yogurt
to win. P. Smith mentioned that the Stonyfield Company is also good to the
earth, like other companies such as Ben and Jerry’s. MOTION: D. Gurian MOVED to
accept the proposal presented by Ms. Majoy’s 5th and 6th
grade class. SECOND: W. Wright VOTE: 10.03/0/1.18/3.79. Motion passes.
Cutler School Report will be
at the next meeting.
5.
OTHER SCHOOL BOARD BUSINESS:
A.
Board Committee Reports:
1.
Community Relations: D. Gurian mentioned that at
the last meeting the committee had a conversation with the Board about whether
non-board community members could be voting members of a board committee. C.
Cardine reported that the NH School Boards Association’s recommendation is not
to allow community members to vote unless they are appointed to a specific
committee by action of the Board. MOTION:
L. Colby MOVED to allow all
members of the Community Relations Committee the power to vote on issues. The
members may be Board Members or community members. SECOND: D. Gurian DISCUSSION:
R. Thackston stated that it was a very bad idea to have non-elected people
voting. VOTE: 1.93/8.17/1.11/3.79. Motion fails. D. Gurian informed the
Board that the minutes would be approved before they are distributed to the
other Board Members. D. Gurian informed the Board that the committee has formed
another goal concerning the informing of the district. G. White has been
elected the legislative representative. D. Gurian will be presenting K.Cota’s
idea for communicating with the public. C. Cardine handed out a copy of the
Legislature Bulletin, which he will use to work with G. White for the School
Board’s recommendations.
Facilities Committee: P. Smith reported that there
was not a quorum at the last meeting. L. Biron updated the board on the
possible purchase of a modular. This
would be used for food service, SAU conference, and computer center. P. Smith
reported that the high school cafeteria had a facelift, new ceiling tiles and
paint on the walls. The committee has met with architects. This discussion will
take place under the 21st Century Report. P. Smith announced that
the next Facilities meeting would be on June 9, 2003.
2.
Finance Committee: W. Wright reported that the
committee did not meet. The next meeting will be held on the first Monday of
June.
3.Policy Committee: D. Arguin reported that the next committee meeting would be on May 28,
2003 at 5:15 PM in the Wilcox Building. MOTION:
D. Arguin MOVED to accept Policy
IB Academic Freedom as a second reading. SECOND:
G. Lerandeau DISCUSSION: P.
Smith clarified the wording as stated in
the minutes. VOTE: 10.1/0/1.11/3.79 Motion passes. MOTION: D. Arguin MOVED to accept Policy IC/ICA School
Year/School Calendar as a second reading. SECOND:
G. Lerandeau VOTE: 10.1/0/1.11/3.79.
Motion passes. MOTION: D. Arguin MOVED to accept Policy IGA Curriculum
Development as a second reading. SECOND:
G. Lerandeau DISCUSSION: A
correction was made by the committee. VOTE:
9.07/0/1.11/4.82. Motion passes.
MOTION: D. Arguin MOVED to
accept Policy IGD Curriculum Adoption as a second reading. SECOND: L. Colby VOTE: 10.1/0/1.11/3.79.
Motion passes. MOTION: D. Arguin MOVED to accept Policy IGE Curriculum
Guides and Course Outlines as a second reading. SECOND: G. Lerandeau VOTE: 10.1/0/1.11/3.79.
Motion passes. MOTION: D. Arguin MOVED to accept Policy IHAL Teaching
About Religion as a first reading.
SECOND: G. Lerandeau DISCUSSION: D.
Arguin explained that the committee changed “religious role to religion’s role”
and omitted the word “but” and replace it with a semi-colon in the second
paragraph. VOTE:10.1/0/1.11/3.79 . Motion
passes. D. Arguin explained that the board packet included Policy BDG
School Attorney. This is an
informational item. R. Marra stated he was asked by board members who was the
school attorney. C.Cardine explained according to the policy the superintendent
has authority to choose attorneys according to their area of expertise. He explained
that if it is an easy decision he will use the cheapest way through the NH School Board Association’s
Attorney. The more complex the case he
will choose an attorney who has a practice in school law through the NH Council of School Attorneys such as Doug Hatfield’s
office. C. Cardine offered the example of using Attorney Margaret Ann Moran as
a recognized expert in special education law. Attny Moran is used by all three
SAU 38 districts. C. Cardine stated that
he would continue to use attorney Prigge at the deliberative session.
SAU Committee: R. Marra summarized the meeting held on May 7. Three board members from Monadnock
were present. The members in attendance were treated to a dinner thanks to T.
Walsh, Food Service Director. The SAU Board elected A. Diorio (Hinsdale) as the
Chair and C. Duquette (Winchester) as the Vice Chair. W. Wright as the
Treasurer and R. Thackston as the Vice Treasurer. The SAU Board agreed to
eliminate the secretary position. The SAU administrators gave their reports. C.
Duquette asked that a committee of one Board Member from each Board meet to
discuss and review the evaluation process of SAU personnel. R. Marra informed
the Board that a member needs to be chosen. C. Cardine explained the evaluation
process. If an administrator of the SAU
who has been employed for more than 3 years the employee receives a formal
evaluation by the superintendent once every three years. An employee that as been there less than 3
years will receive an evaluation annually.
The evaluation process typically
takes about two weeks to complete. C. Cardine noted that normally two members
attend from Monadnock when there is discussion about the superintendent’s
position or role. MOTION: R.
Thackston MOVED to appoint two
members of the Monadnock Board to the SAU Research Committee. SECOND: A. Gross. VOTE: 10.1/0/1.11/3.79. Motion
passes. R. Marra appointed himself as chair and R. Thackston to the
committee. C. Cardine informed the Board that the Monadnock share of the SAU
Budget has increase by 2%. The Board would like to receive the Budget and grant
information.
B.
New Business: NEASC Report: R. Marra reported that the
NEASC Committee has put the Monadnock Regional School District on Warning
Status. He referred to the page and a half of the concerns that had been
written. A special report will be asked for in November. The visit will be in
2006. D. Gurian asked if the lack of specific classrooms for 95% of the
teaching staff was correct. C. Cardine said it was correct. R. Marra explained that this was
informational only. C. Cardine informed
the Board that the Chemistry Lab is being gutted and will be furnished by
equipment and items from Keene State College’s renovation. L. Colby commented
on the three items that the NEASC is asking for a report on in Nov. of 2003. C.
Cardine explained that any non-building items will be accomplished. R. Marra
mentioned that the NEASC commented on the tours through the high school. He
wanted to thank the Board Members for the tours that were given.
Big Brothers/Big Sisters Mentoring Program: The presenter had a family
emergency. This item will be rescheduled for the June 17, 2003 meeting.
School Resource Officer: Mr. Joseph Smith: (Postponed to June.)
C.
Old Business: Report from
Board Retreat: R. Marra typed and handed out the “Principles Articulated at the Board
Retreat” to the board members. He put the initials of the board member who made
or commented on the principle. He said that if any item was misinterpreted,
please let him know. R. Marra asked that the Board measure the strengths for
each items and report at the next meeting.
D.
Budget Update: C. Cardine explained that
the information is not perfect because of the 50/50 issue and State Bill 680.
C. Cardine explained that he would like to add a step in the registration
process for students. They would be asked to go to the selectmen’s office to
verify the town in which they live. He also said that identifying foster
placement and home schooled students has been greatly improved thanks to the cooperation
of the selectmen and training of secretaries at the schools.
D. Arguin
commented that he was unaware that a steering committee for the School Choice
Grant was established and that an advisory committee for MC2 was also done. He
requested a list of the member names of each committee and their designated
relationship. C. Cardine commented that
the advisory committee for MC2 could have more representation from the
Board. D. Arguin asked how the steering
committee for the grant was formed. D. Gurian explained that there are 6
partners including Monadnock, Winchester, Hinsdale, Keene, Keene State College
and Antioch. The grant is very specific about who is to be on the steering
committee. The information will be in
the next packet.
E.
Curriculum Report: This report was done
earlier. See above.
F.
21st Century
Report: P.
Smith reported that Frank and Paul Marinace walked the high school and Mt.
Caesar. She reminded the Board that there was no quorum at the meeting. The
committee members present believe that an educational consultant is needed as
well as an updated report from the Southwest Regional Planning Commission. P.
Smith commented the Board needs to let the architect know what space is needed
and the curriculum. A. Gross asked the time frame. P. Smith said it would
depend on the educational consultant. L. Biron said at least 6 weeks. R. Marra
asked how much of the $60,000.00 could be used legally. L. Biron passed out a
copy of the minutes of the Deliberative Session that concerned the Article Eight.
L. Biron had spoken to Mr. Thereault at the Department of Revenue to consult on
this issue. G. White commented that the
wording on the ballot did not reflect the amendment to the motion and if it had
he does not believe that people would have voted on the article. He asked if
some of the money could pay for science labs. C. Cardine would advise the Board
not to use the money for the science labs because that was not the intent of
the article. R. Thackston suggested going to the Select Boards and the public
to see what level of financial support they are willing and able to give. G.
Lerandeau commented that the Board needs to look at three issues: the building,
the education of the District, and the population. The Board needs to find out
how they want to go educationally and figure out the 6-7-8 situation. P. Smith
believes that an outside consultant would give the Board credibility. A. Gross
agreed with both G. Lerandeau and P. Smith to have outside help. W. Wright
asked how much of the $60,000.00 would be used. C. Cardine explained that the
architect would be between $10,000.00 and $20,000.00. The outside consultant
would cost between $10,000.00 and $20,000.00. R. Marra asked about the
Southwest Planning Commission amount. L. Biron said it would be about
$3,000.00. R. Thackston said that he would like to go to the Select Boards. D.
Gurian agreed with R. Thackston. The Board needs to have a meeting to talk to
the community. G. Lerandeau said that the Board needs to start somewhere and
curriculum is the first step. R. Marra asked if it would be another dedicated
retreat. R. Thackston suggests taking two weeks to find the Selectmen and get
their input. He would request that the Board form a committee to go ahead and
contact the Selectmen. G. Lerandeau commented that all the Boards meetings are
open to the public. He feels that the public needs to be involved as well not
just three Selectmen. A. Gross would like the Board to hire the consultant and
then the Board would have the information for the public. R. Marra said that
the Board would need time to process all of this information. He said that he
would not feel comfortable going to the Select Boards with lack of information.
He said that he would agree to clear as much of the June 17, 2003 agenda in
order to talk about these issues. D. Gurian would like to have a Saturday
session to discuss these issues. A. Gross said that he would agree with the
Saturday session. S. Johnson thought
that the Board had discussed this at the last retreat but he would be willing
to discuss again and come up with a consensus. G. Lerandeau asked how much of
the agenda on the 17th would be cleared. R. Thackston is in favor of
the 17th. He said the Board needs to agree by a majority vote of
what the goal should be. He would also agree to instruct the superintendent to
contact the Select Boards and let them know what the Board is doing. D. Gurian
said that we need to have an agenda. MOTION:
R. Thackston MOVED to clear the
June 17 agenda as much as legally possible to facilitate public opinion on
design proposals for the Monadnock Jr/Sr. High School as well as any other
buildings in the District and to discuss the curriculum needs. SECOND: P. Smith DISCUSSION: D. Gurian suggested that the Board have a facilitator.
R. Thackston asked about the District Moderator. W. Wright commented that it is a Board
Meeting and the Board Chair should run the meeting. R. Marra said that was no
problem. VOTE: 7.06/1.12/1.11/5.71 Motion passes. R. Marra would like the
Board Members to e-mail the value of the retreat principles to him before the
meeting. C. Cardine suggested that the Board direct the superintendent to
invite the Selectmen, the Budget Committee and the public to this meeting. It would cost about $700 for mailing. MOTION: P. Smith MOVED to direct the superintendent to expend funds in order to
invite the appropriate individuals to the June 17, 2003 meeting. SECOND: R. Thackston. DISCUSSION: A. Gross would encourage
the PTOs, the staff and everyone and anyone to attend. VOTE: 8.18/1.11/1.11/4.6. Motion
passes.
F. Action on the Manifest: G. Lorandeau MOVED to approve the manifest in the
amount of $417,503.89 SECOND: D.
Arguin DISCUSSION. VOTE: 9.29/0/1.11/3.79
Motion passes.
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT: C. Cardine passed out an invitation to the Monadnock
Regional School District Servicing Learning Fair. The event will be held on
June 5, 2003 from 6-8 PM in the MRHS Library.
PUBLIC COMMENTS: P. Bauries charges the Board to do their homework before the June 17,
2003 board meeting. She questioned why the Board cancelled the Building Into
The Future Committee. She asked that the proposals of J. Tommila and R.
Thackston be brought forward. She suggested that the Board take a look at the 3
items being asked to complete by the NEASC and work on them.
J. Tommila questioned why
the Board was going to spend the $60,000.00 if they already knew what they
wanted.
[G. Lerandeau leaves at 10:00 PM.]
MOTION: W. Wright MOVED to extend
the Board Meeting past 10:00 PM. SECOND:
D.Arguin VOTE: Unanimous for those
present.
7. SETTING UP
THE NEXT MEETING’S AGENDA:
1.
Policy Committee
2.
Community Relations
3.
Facilities Committee
4.
Finance Committee
5.
School Resource Officer
6.
Cutler Curriculum Report
7.
MC2
D. Arguin asked if the non-public session at the next Board Meeting would
be at the beginning of the meeting or at the end of the meeting. C. Cardine
said it would be at the end.
8. NON-PUBLIC SESSION
10:15 PM D. Thackston MOVED to enter into non-public
session for the purpose of discussing personnel. SECOND: P.Smith. VOTE: Unanimous
for those present.
10:30 PM D. Thackston MOVED to return to public session
and to seal this portion of the non-public minutes indefinitely. SECOND: D. Arguin. VOTE: Unanimous for those present.
10:31PM Motion to Adjourn: D. Thackston MOVED to adjourn. SECOND:
D. Arguin. VOTE: Unanimous for
those present.
Respectfully submitted,
Laura Aivaliotis
MRSD Board Secretary