Non-approved minutes

MONADNOCK REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

Board Meeting Minutes

March 6, 2007

Monadnock Regional High/Middle School Library, Swanzey, NH.

Present: Colline Dreyfuss, Jonathan Kenyon, William Felton, Gene White, Tim Peloquin, Phyllis Peterson, Gerald Mazza, Susan Oerman, James Carnie, Kenneth Colby, Karen Cota, Tim Aho, Doug Lyman and Winston Wright. Absent: Charles Johnson

Also present: K. Dassau, Superintendent, D. Hodgdon, Assistant Superintendent and K. Chambers, Business Manager. Principals: B. Tatro, K. Craig, M. Young, J. Smith, D. Dahl, D. Mousette, S. Rashid and K. Carter.

1. CONSENT AGENDA: MOTION: J. Kenyon MOVED to accept the February 20, 2007 Board Meeting Minutes as presented. SECOND: S. Oerman. DISCUSSION: T. Aho commented that when discussing curriculum he asked D. Hodgdon if the test was the same at Conval, Fall Mt. and Conant. He said that the answer was yes. G. White asked if his comment that the minutes indicate that D. Hodgdon said that the students only failed on this test. He asked D. Hodgdon if he made that comment. D. Hodgdon said that it is only one snap shot of many parts of a broader context. He would say that the students performed poorly on this one test. VOTE: 9.286/0/4.905/0.809. Motion passes. MOTION: K. Colby. MOVED to accept the February 13, 2007 Non-Public Board Meeting Minutes as presented. SECOND: J. Kenyon. VOTE: 9.754/0/4.437/0.809. Motion passes. J. Carnie commented that he was not present when the Board accepted the Feb. 6, 2007 Board Minutes. He said that he had made a comment and it was not included in the minutes. MOTION: To amend the Feb.6, 2007 Minutes. Page 4 of the original minutes is where the comment should be under Policy, under the amendment to the motion. Add the following: the cost difference of either Keene, MC2 and Monadnock would be the responsibility of the parents or the district sending the students. SECOND: P. Peterson. DISCUSSION: J. Kenyon commented that once the minutes are approved that is final. K. Dassau commented that the Board could reconsider. W. Felton commented that the Board should reconsider the motion first. J. Kenyon commented on the procedure. C. Dreyfuss asked to move on. VOTE: 5.914/4.716/3.561/0.809. Motion passes.

2. CORRESPONDENCE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS: J. Smith informed the Board of the passing of Jamie Wood a sophomore at Monadnock. He explained that the staff and counselors were present for the students at the wake and funeral. He explained that there was a moment of silence in Jamie Wood’s honor on Monday when the students returned from vacation. The Wood family has requested that memorial contributions be made for the gym improvement fund in Jamie’s name. To date there are $425.00 for this fund. K. Chambers would be speaking to Board later about accepting the funds.

Mrs. Patricia Furlong, widow of Monadnock’s first principal has passed away. We are saddened by this news.

Alex Trombley a senior at Monadnock was recently featured in the Keene Sentinel. The article highlighted the fact that Alex has been instrumental in taking charge of the lighting and sound systems for Monadnock events.

Eight Monadnock students spent their vacation week working with members of INTERACT building homes in El Salvador they are as follows: Alyssa Smith, Leeanna Cota, Gail Winsor, Katrina Baumgartner, L.B.Wichland, Justin Ware, Ben Dexter and Mike Bush.

Tom Stark a member of the senior class is currently in Utah competing in the Junior Olympics. Tom recently represented the United States at an international competition in Sweden. Tom was also named a national finalist in the Wendy’s High School Heissman competition this past fall.

The All Sports Boosters have announced the individuals who will be inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame. This year’s honorees are: Bill O’Brien, Sr. Class of 1965, Joanne “Lapointe” Walsh, Class of 1981, Ellen “Corindia” Kaatz, Class of 1993, Coach Paul Breckell, Coach Bob Brennan and Booster Ralph Jernberg.

The Fine Arts Dept. is presenting the musical “Beauty and the Beast” this Thursday through Saturday.

C. Dreyfuss explained to the Board that the Sentinel was recording this meeting.

K. Dassau explained that the Emerson Newsletter has been handed out.

3. STUDENT GOVERNMENT REPORT:

4. Public Comments: J. Craig commented on how he appreciated the work of the Board. He commented that the Board spends a great deal of time on Finance and Facilities. In his mind the most important thing is the curriculum and education. He commented on the testing being done and the results. He would ask that the people trust the administration to get the district to where they should be on the testing. He would like to hear a plan from the administration on how the district can get past adequate. Our prime responsibility is to fund a great education.

M. Hoefer informed the Board that Molly Kelly will be at the Cheshire YMCA to discuss adequacy with any member of the community. He thanked the Board for the Budget Publication. He read a letter to the Board, which he has submitted to the Sentinel concerning the Tax Payers Association. He said that he does support the Board and kudos to all their hard work.

Jan Ray Thompson thanked P. Peterson for what she submitted to the Fitzwilliam Newsletter. She wishes W. Wright luck at the polls. She commented on a comic about adequacy. She applauded that Board for their time and efforts.

N. Moriarty commented that he has had no response to the errors in the NEASC Report and would be sending a letter to Ann Ashworth as Budget Committee Chair. K. Dassau commented that he and J. Smith would be having a meeting on Thursday to address the concerns with the NEASC associate director. C. Dreyfuss asked if the letter was signed as the Budget Chair or an individual. N. Moriarty commented that he is signing it as the Budget Committee chair and does not care about the rest of the Board. T. Peloquin asked how is that the voice of the committee? K. Dassau commented that the questions and the concerns will be brought to the meeting and the answers will be presented to the full Board.

5. Curriculum Report: MC2 Washington Review Presentation: K. Carter, Cass Karlan and Elizabeth Cardine were invited to speak before members of the Dept. of Education. K. Carter explained that it was an honor. The three gave the same presentation to the Board as they did to the DOE. It was a 15-minute presentation explaining MC2. The presentation was broadcast to every DOE Dept. T. Aho asked if MC2 was up to state standards. K. Carter explained that they are up to state standards. She explained that they are using our model. We are in full compliance. K. Cota gave her hat off. It was a great presentation. She is proud of MC2, the staff and the students. She said that she would have liked to have seen what MC2 could have done without the negative comments. Congratulations.

6. Public Hearing: to accept and expend unanticipated revenues from The CMH Foundation to MC2: K. Chambers explained that the donation from the CMH Foundation and that there are no restrictions. MC2 could spend it as they wish. K. Carter commented that she received this good news while in Washington. MOTION: K. Colby MOVED to accept the $5000.00 donation from The CMH Foundation, which will be used by MC2. SECOND: W. Felton. DISCUSSION: D. Gurian explained that The CMH Foundation was one of the original MC2 donors. VOTE: 14.191/0/0/0.809. Motion passes. P. Peterson leaves the meeting.

MOTION: K. Colby MOVED to accept the memorial contributions in Jamie Wood’s name for improvements to the gym in the amount of $425.00 and to accept future donations to that fund. SECOND: J. Kenyon VOTE: 13.077/0/0/1.923. Motion passes.

C. Dreyfuss called the Public Hearing to a close.

J. Smith suggested that the Board send a letter to the Wood’s family thanking them for setting up this fund.

7. OLD BUSINESS: Computers from MRPSOC-D. Gurian: D. Gurian passed out information to the Board titled MRPSOC Computers purchased Yrs. 1-5 as of 2/27/07. J. Carnie asked if the list was complete. D. Gurian said that she did not list the computers at MC2. K. Carter said that she has 7 computers and 2 servers at MC2 bought by MRPSOC. T. Aho asked about KSC. D. Gurian said that they did not purchase any computers. T. Aho asked where the computers were bought. D. Gurian said that they purchase the computers from Dell or Apple. K. Carter explained that they give the schools an educational discount. D. Gurian said that they also purchase computers from Symquest. K. Cota asked about the computers that are disposed. D. Gurian said that they are computers usually laptops that do not work. If they can not be fixed we throw them away. J. Carnie asked about the 3.5 computers on the list at Antioch. D. Gurian explained the two that were disposed of and the limited function computer. K. Carter explained that the 2 servers at MC2 cost about $2500.00 each and the 7 laptop are $1500.00 each. They do have one desk top for about $2500.00. J. Carnie asked if it is reasonable to assume that the total at MC2 is about $15,000.00 and could be added to D. Gurian’s totals. K. Carter said that is a fair amount. D. Gurian passed out a booklet to the Board titled Public School Choice.

District Clerk Update: K. Cota reported that they are good to go on Tuesday. The machines are ready and they have enough personnel. She commented that it is a real eye opener and a challenge.

8. SCHOOL BOARD COMMITTEE REPORTS:

1. Community Relations Committee: K. Colby reported that T. Warner would be giving the committee an update at the next meeting on Cheshire TV. He commented that it has been a good year for the CRC.

2. Facilities Committee: K. Cota informed the Board that the committee has interviewed two more architects. She said that we now have to see what happens at the vote.

3. 3. Finance Committee: MOTION: J. Carnie reported that D. Gurian attended the meeting and gave the 5 year history on MRPSOC. They reviewed the expense revenue and status of assets reports. They also discussed food service, the facilities’ Master Plan, MRPSOC and staff development. The Upton and Hatfield review of payments was discussed. The committee also discussed the project manager position. K. Chambers explained that the Project Manager had resigned and we need to get someone in case we are successful with the voting. She would ask that the Board hire a Project Manager at the amount in the proposed budget. MOTION: S. Oerman MOVED that the Board hire a project manager at the salary in the proposed budget. SECOND: J. Mazza. DISCUSSION: K. Chambers explained that the salary was $34,000.00, which was low but satisfactory until the next budget. The proposed salary is $41,000.00 with the benefits the same as the administrators at Monadnock. The district picks up 100% of the health benefits of any plan. J. Carnie asked if we are looking at the $34,000.00 or the $41,000.00. K. Chambers commented that we need to move to an appropriate rate. W. Wright asked if the SAU Board has to approve this. K. Dassau explained this is a Monadnock position. VOTE: 12.056/0/1.021/1.923. Motion passes. J. Carnie explained that the committee reviewed the MRPSOC Grant for the past 5 years. He said that it is not 100% correct. D. Gurian would be coming back with the corrections.

4. Policy Committee: No report.

9. New Business: Acceptance of the Lloyd Scholarship: K. Chambers passed out information to the Board titled First Service Title Company, LLC. The district has already received part of the estate and this is another part in the amount of $10,005.04. MOTION: S. Oerman MOVED to accept the Lloyd Scholarship in the amount of $10,005.04 to provide annually for a one-time scholarship award for higher education to a high school senior with residence in Troy, NH who might not otherwise be able to afford a higher education in a four (4) year college. SECOND: W. Felton. DISCUSSION: T. Aho asked the balance in this fund. K. Chambers said no less than $22,000.00. J. Smith explained that this is awarded yearly. J. Carnie asked that a copy of this goes to the guidance dept. and to have this available to the students. S. Oerman explained that she would put this information in the Troy Town News. VOTE: 13.077/0/0/1.923. Motion passes.

10. Action on the Manifest: MOTION: S. Oerman MOVED to accept the manifest in the amount of $1,228,660.44. SECOND: W. Wright. DISCUSSION: K. Chambers explained the Amer Electric payment to K. Cota. S. Oerman asked about the $146,000.00 payment to Laidlaw. K. Chambers explained that it was for a months time. VOTE: 13.077/0/0/1.923. Motion passes.

10. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT: K. Dassau explained that the Annual Report has been delivered and it is also available on line. The Board has received a copy.

D. Hodgdon has filed a letter of intent for the upcoming federal choice grant. He would be meeting at the SAU 29 on Monday to determine what the grant would look like to service the children.

11. BOARD CHAIR REPORT:

C. Dreyfuss reminded everyone that the voting is on Tuesday and except for one article the Budget Committee and the Board are in agreement.

She thanked D. Hodgdon for the Special Budget Report publication.

12. SETTING NEXT MEETINGS AGENDA:

1. Reorganization of the Board

2. Voting outcome.

13. SECOND PUBLIC COMMENTS: K. Cota would encourage people to go out and vote and to tell a neighbor to also.

14. Adjournment: MOTION: T. Aho MOVED to adjourn the meeting at 8:55 PM. SECOND: D. Lyman. VOTE: Unanimous for those present. Motion passes.

Respectfully submitted,

Laura L. Aivaliotis

MRSD Recording Secretary