Board Meeting Minutes
Monadnock Regional
Middle/High School,
Present: Richard Thackston, Colline Dreyfuss, Jonathan Kenyon, Gene White, Bruce Tatro, Charles Johnson, Jeff Friedman, Karen Cota, Robin Marra, Alan Gross, Kenneth Colby, Jason Hill and James Carnie. Absent: Tim Aho and Bruce McCulley.
Also present: K. Dassau, Superintendent, D. Hodgdon, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, T. Warner, Dir. of Technology and L. Biron, Business Manager. Principals: B. Tatro, K. Craig, J. Smith, S. Rashid, D. Dahl and D. Mousette.
R. Thackston called the meeting to
order at
1 CONSENT AGENDA:
Minutes of January 17, 2006 Board Meeting
Minutes and Non-Public Minutes. MOTION:
C. Dreyfuss MOVED to approve the
2.
CORRESPONDENCE
AND ANNOUNCEMENTS: R. Thackston read a letter from R. Todd, the attorney
for the Town of
R. Thackston informed the Board that the Swanzey Select Board has nominated three individuals to fill John Morin’s vacated Board seat. C. Beauregard, Kenneth Colby and P. Bauries are the nominees. The Board would like to hear from the three candidates. P. Bauries explained to the Board that she regularly attends the Board Meetings. She said that she is very disturbed that the School Board has no credibility with the public and total disregard for the voters’ wishes. She said that some Board Members work very hard and on the other hand there are others who are rubber stampers. The Board is charged with the education of the students of the district and to maintain fiscal responsibility. She said that she would be able to bring fair and equitable reasoning to the table. She said that the School Board needs to get along with the Budget Committee. We need to get back to basics. She said to focus away from things that do not enter into the education of the children. She said that no matter what the outcome she will be here at the next meeting. K. Cota asked if there would have a conflict of interest since her husband was a member of the Budget Committee and she would be serving on the School Board. P. Bauries said she is her own person. C. Dreyfuss asked P. Bauries how she would help to promote the 6.7% increase in the budget and the negotiation contracts. P. Bauries said that with a 15 member Board there will be different opinions. She said that if she does not agree it doesn’t mean that she would stand up and vocally say it, although she said that she might. J. Carnie asked if P. Bauries ran before. She said that she did. There were three openings and she came in fourth. A. Gross commented that he would like to follow the procedure of the past and ask all the candidates the same question. R. Thackston said that he does not think that all questions would be appropriate for each person. P. Bauries said that they need to get back to the real responsibility, real education. The Budget Committee needs to work on the finances. She said that she has not seen many of the School Board Members attend or be involved in the budget process. C. Johnson asked the nature of the non-education items she referred to. P. Bauries said the included the pay raise, the health insurance, and the small groups of students. The whole district needs to look at this. J. Friedman asked P. Bauries if she had children go through the school system. P. Bauries said that she had three children go to Monadnock and now 2 grandchildren. She has been pleased with their education.
Mr. Kenneth Colby
said that he is a retired selectman for the Town of
J. Smith gave the results of the Scholastic Arts Competition to the Board. He read the names of the students and the award that they received. MOTION: C. Johnson MOVED to have a letter of achievement sent to each of the winners on behalf of the School Board. SECOND: C. Dreyfuss. VOTE: 12.956/0/.247/1.797. Motion passes.
It was announced that the Budget Committee would have a special meeting to reconsider a motion made at the last meeting. K Dassau informed the Board that G. Bednarski resigned from the Budget Committee. There is an appointment from the Troy Selectmen. R. Thackston asked who votes on the nomination. K. Dassau said that the RSA is consistent with the School Board’s policy. D. Hatfield said that it is the Board that appoints. R. Thackston asked if the Board should take this up. K. Dassau explained that the candidate, George Tremblay, is not in attendance tonight. G. White would like to have the candidate here to ask questions. MOTION: J. Kenyon. MOVED to nominate George Tremblay to the open Budget Committee vacancy. SECOND: C. Johnson. DISCUSSION: J. Carnie said that he does not think that the Board should make this decision. The Budget Committee accepted the resignation, but not the nomination. R. Marra commented that T. Parker was appointed by the selectmen and the Budget Committee. G. White said that he would agree with R. Marra. R. Thackston questioned whether or not the Board can make the appointment. J. Carnie called for a point of order and said that he did not believe that it is up to the Board. B. Tatro commented that the Board needs to follow the RSA and agreed with J. Carnie. MOTION: B. Tatro MOVED to amend the motion to defer the appointment to the Budget Committee. SECOND: A. Gross. DISCUSSION: R. Thackston commented that if the RSA says that the Board must make the decision, the members should not amend. MOTION: C. Johnson MOVED to postpone the motion until the next School Board Meeting. SECOND: G. White. VOTE: 13.203/0/0/1.797. Motion passes.
3. STUDENT GOVERNMENT REPORT: No report.
4. Public Comments: D. Connell asked how many School Board Members looked at the budget in detail. R. Thackston said that if B. Connell addresses an individual member he would call him out of order.
5. Old Business:
a. Final version warrant: K. Cota asked
for an explanation as to what happens if the Budget Committee changes the
number. R. Thackston explained that the Budget Committee could have one more
meeting to address the action. K. Cota asked what happens if the Budget
Committee changes the number tomorrow. R. Thackston said that, if they sustain
the earlier vote and it passes, we do not have to sign anything. If there is
any new number and they amend the warrant, the Board would need to sign the
warrant. K. Dassau explained that the Board’s number would not change, only the
Budget Committee’s number. It was explained that the Budget Committee needed to
meet again because there was no reconsideration for Article One. R. Marra
explained that there should have been a 2/3 vote to reconsider and whether a
member voted for or against the last time anyone could move to reconsider. J.
Carnie commented that he thought that the Budget Committee has a legal problem
because he does not think they can adopt before the hearing. R. Thackston said
to let the Budget Committee sort that out. R. Thackston and J. Carnie did not
think that a third number on the warrant is legal. L. Biron said that it is not
a problem. He said that when they come out of the Deliberative Session, there
will be two numbers – the budget figure agreed to at the session and the
default budget figure. J. Carnie commented on Article Five and Article Seven.
He suggested removing them. R. Thackston said that it is part of the process to
open a special meeting. J. Carnie said that the simpler the warrant the better
and to take them out. R. Thackston asked if they had a legal option to
withdraw. MOTION: J. Kenyon MOVED to reconsider Article Five and
Article Seven in order to rescind and remove. SECOND: C. Dreyfuss. DISCUSSION:
K. Cota asked if the Negotiations Team felt that this is important. C.
Dreyfuss commented that these articles have been on other warrants. K. Dassau
said that it is a recommendation from S. Rourke. It is an option to choose to
have a meeting. VOTE: 10.845/1.170/1.179/1.797.
Motion passes.
b. Report from Budget Committee January 12, 2006
meeting: K. Cota reported that the Budget Committee held their Public
Hearing. There were 13 public speakers. T. Parker moved to change the budget
increase to 5.1% over last year’s budget. N. Moriarty moved to a 4% increase
and that failed. The budget committee noted that the Board is out of touch with
the financial business. They suggested that the teachers are increasing and the
students are decreasing. They commented on the Dept. Heads and the course
reduction. They commented on the insurance increase of 26.8%. They suggested
that the Board reduce teachers in order to pay for new books.
c. Development of Board Minutes: K. Cota
suggested that the Board receive the minutes as written and not edited by the
administration. She said that she had been given the Budget Committee Minutes
and asked J. Fortson how much she edited them.
She said only grammatical changes. The Budget Committee receives what is
spoken. The minutes seem clearer to K. Cota. It is just adding to the distrust
of the Board. R. Thackston commented that the Board has the responsibility and
the opportunity to amend the minutes. The Board would not misrepresent the
conduct of the meeting. He said that possibly the Board could take Laura’s
handwritten notes. J. Carnie said that the issue of minutes was brought up last
year. The school board had a series of non-public minutes that were sealed –
many illegally. He said that we are paying the recorder to do the minutes and
she is doing excellent job. No one should go back and sanitize them, since we
have the right to change them at the vote. He said that they are the best
minutes he has seen. R. Marra asked what the Board expects to be in the
minutes. Do we need to tape and transcribe? C. Dreyfuss commented that she sat
on the committee to unseal the minutes. They were never changed by the sub
committee. R. Thackston suggested that the handwritten minutes be submitted
along with the typed minutes. J. Carnie said that he does not think that the
Board needs the handwritten minutes or the minutes verbatim. Actually we only
need the votes. He said that the Board votes on the set of minutes. R.
Thackston asked what is it that the Board wants to change. B. Tatro asked if
the minutes are reviewed by the chair and the superintendent. R. Thackston said
that not once has he edited or reviewed any of the minutes. R. Marra explained
that, in the past, Laura would submit the minutes and they would be edited.
d. Discussion of Canceling Vote if major
snowstorm: K. Cota asked about the possibility of postponing the vote in
March if there was a storm storm. R. Thackston said that the town could change
their town meeting by the vote of the selectmen, but not on
e. Treasurer’s Report: L. Biron passed out
information from N. Carlson to the Board. She explained that the bottom line looks
positive. R. Thackston asked where the 3 million-dollars are located. N.
Carlson said that $1.5 million is the savings and $516,000.00 is in the
checking. This figure is before the manifest. R. Thackston asked about the
Other Local Revenue line. L. Biron explained that it would be for student
accounts and ticket sales. It is usually small amounts. G. White asked how the
collection from the towns has been. N. Carlson said that it is pretty good.
Most are on schedule, although one town has not paid on the monthly basis. She said
that she has contacted the town officials, but has not received a response. K.
Cota said that she did mention this situation to the Town of
6. SCHOOL BOARD COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Board Committee
Reports:
1. Community Relations Committee-Mr. Gross: A. Gross reported that the committee has not had a quorum at the last two meetings. They would like to meet at break to discuss a time that is good for everyone. He commented that the committee has a lot of stuff that needs to be done.
2.
Facilities
Committee: Mrs. Dreyfuss: C. Dreyfuss reported that the committee met on
3. Finance Committee-Mr. Carnie: J. Carnie
informed the Board that the committee met tonight prior to the Board meeting.
He said that the committee was given the half-year annual report. The committee
reviewed and looked at the status of the assets. There was discussion on the
MRPSOC Grant and MC2. D. Gurian made a presentation to the committee. She will
be attending the next meeting before the next Board Meeting at
4.
Policy Committee- Mr. White: G. White explained to the Board that
they should have received Policy BEDB Agenda Preparation and Dissemination for
review in their packets. The committee felt that this might not ever be
necessary. The committee made some changes and additions. MOTION: G. White MOVED to
adopt Policy BEDB Agenda Preparation and Dissemination, as presented. SECOND: R. Marra. DISCUSSION: K. Cota asked why the committee scratched ‘Board Member’
from the second paragraph. G. White said it was redundant. R. Thackston asked the
reason for the change from a super majority to a 2/3 vote. R. Marra said that
it was parliamentary procedure. L. Biron commented that the 72 hours is tight
with a holiday. MOTION: R. Marra MOVED to amend the hours from 72 hours
to 48 hours. SECOND: G. White DISCUSSION: R. Marra said that, because
of the holidays, it should be changed. VOTE
on amendment: 13.203/0/0/1.797. Motion
passes. VOTE on amended motion: 13.203/0/0/1.797. Motion passes. The next meeting is scheduled for
5.
Budget
Committee- Ms. Cota: K. Cota reported to the Board earlier tonight.
6. The Cheshire Career Center-Mr. Gross: A. Gross reported to the Board that W. Cotton thanked them for the vote on the Regional Agreement and the reception at the last meeting.
7. New Business:
Attorney for the
Deliberative Session: K. Dassau asked if it was the will of the Board to hire an attorney for
the Deliberative Session. MOTION: K.
Cota MOVED to hire legal counsel on
behalf of the Board for the Deliberative Session. The decision on who they
would get is left up to the administration’s discretion. SECOND: J. Hill. DISCUSSION:
K. Dassau asked if the Board would like Attorney Apple present since he
managed the Surry lawsuit and negotiated the district’s teacher and support
staff agreements. MOTION: K. Colby MOVED to amend the motion and hire
Attorney Apple for the Deliberative Session on Feb. 4, 2006.SECOND: K. Cota. DISCUSSION: J. Carnie asked if there would be a problem
because Attorney Apple helped with the negotiations. He asked if that
was a conflict. K. Dassau explained that he was paid to assist with the
negotiating team. J. Carnie said that it is very touchy. J. Carnie said that he
would prefer a different attorney. VOTE
on amendment: 8.768/2.2/2.235/1.797. Motion
to amend passes. VOTE: 9.947/3.256/0/1.797. Motion passes.
Reduction to 5.1%: K. Dassau passed out information to the Board on the new reductions that need to be made to get to the 5.1%. K. Dassau explained that they would no longer have AM and PM Kindergarten. Instead the children would go for full days on alternating days. This would eliminate the mid-day bus. Betty Tatro explained that they would have had all day Kindergarten years ago had they had the space or staff. Betty Tatro passed out to the Board what the Kindergarten schedule would look like. K. Craig commented that if we just eliminated the mid-day busses we would loose kids. We do not like this idea, but we needed something. C. Dreyfuss commented that it would cause serious day care problems. Betty Tatro commented that we thought no mid-day buses would be the serious issue. She commented that the most at-risk kids would not get to come if the mid-day buses were eliminated without an alternative. K. Dassau commented that the Board could accept it conceptually but the Board manages the bottom line. Betty Tatro commented that this would save cutting a teacher. C. Johnson said that he would like to hear what the parents are going to say. S. Rashid commented that, by eliminating the mid-day bus, the district would be saving children that would not attend. K. Dassau commented that there is nothing on the sheet that would not have an impact. K. Craig commented that this is the only District around without all-day Kindergarten. C. Johnson asked if the administration would ask for all-day Kindergarten for all students next year. Betty Tatro commented that it would be a long time before this option would be feasible. Space and staff would be needed. A. Gross commented that, if the Board chooses to go that avenue, they should hear from the parents first before any Kindergarten changes. K. Dassau reminded the Board that this is a proposal. K. Cota commented that the $10,000.00 for unanticipated budget maintenance should not be in there.
B. Tatro asked the status of the bus contracts. L. Biron explained Laidlaw and is working on a proposal but it has not arrived. L. Biron explained that he added 5% to the budget for the buses. He said that he would contact the negotiating team when the contract arrives. B. Tatro commented that we are not sure what the contract would be. We may have to cut other items. L. Biron said that he could follow through tomorrow on the contract. J. Carnie asked if there is an alternative to another bus company. L. Biron explained that the district uses Tucker and Conroy for Spec. Ed. K. Dassau said that there is no large-scale competition. L. Biron explained that they have been extremely fair. Diesel fuel has increased and they have not charged us, although the contract would allow them to.
Deliberative Session Discussion: A. Gross reminded the Board that usually the Board assigns the different Board Members with an Article in which to move. A. Gross suggested that J. Butterfield be allowed to speak about the NEASC Accreditation. R. Thackston said that personally he felt that was a wonderful idea. K. Dassau explained that it would be at the discretion on the moderator. R. Thackston suggested that J. Butterfield speak under Article One. C. Dreyfuss suggested that she would move Article Four and Article Six. R. Thackston would move Article One. He said he then would turn it to J. Butterfield. K. Cota said that it is a good idea to inform the public, but to stick to the facts. J. Smith suggested a power-point presentation. J. Smith said that he would prepare the NEASC information. Article One to be moved by R. Thackston, Article Two to be moved by R. Marra, Article Three to be moved by C. Johnson, Article Four to be moved by C. Dreyfuss, Article Six to be moved by C. Dreyfuss, Article Eight to be moved by J. Kenyon, Article Nine to be moved by B. Tatro, Article Ten to be moved by T. Aho, Article Eleven to be moved by C. Johnson, Article Twelve to be moved by A. Gross, Article Thirteen to be moved by B. Tatro and Article Fourteen to be moved by K. Colby. Article Sixteen and Article Seventeen to be moved by J. Carnie. K. Cota asked if there was a list of the vacancies and dates for the sign up.
8. Curriculum Report: No report tonight.
9.
Action on the Manifest: MOTION:
K. Colby MOVED the manifest in
the amount of $ 1,795,439.20. SECOND: R.
Marra. DISCUSSION: C. Dreyfuss asked
about Catamount. She asked what asbestos. L. Biron said it was in Fitzwilliam.
She asked about the Cheshire Fair, which was for hockey. She asked about Bell
Septic. She asked about Stromgren, which was for the Emerson boiler. It was
asked about the payment to the Swanzey Sewer Dept., which was from Cutler. Amer
Electric would need to be found out. Zitta Refrigeration was for food service a
cooler malfunctioned. Melanson was for a roof. Cajun Controls was for a broiler
problem at Emerson. C. Johnson asked about Arnone’s Pizza. This is for school
lunch. VOTE: 12.024/0/1.179/1.797. Motion
passes.
10. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT: K. Dassau
informed the Board that there is no need for a non-public session.
11. BOARD CHAIR REPORT: R. Thackston apologized for leaving the meeting last night and calling the meeting. He said that he called it with good intentions.
12. SETTING NEXT MEETINGS AGENDA:
1. Sports Dept. Runs (Sporting events ticket money)(Revolving Account)
2. Review of Financial status of sports
3. Discussion on Deliberative Session.
MOTION: R. Marra MOVED to
change the Board Meeting from
13. SECOND PUBLIC COMMENTS: No comments.
14. ADJOURNMENT: MOTION: C. Johnson MOVED to adjourn at
Respectfully submitted,
Laura L. Aivaliotis
MRSD Secretary