November 20, 2007
Monadnock Middle/High School, Swanzey, NH
Present:� Jonathan Kenyon, Gene White, Phyllis Peterson, Jane Fortson, Colline Dreyfuss, Karen Cota, Susan Oerman, Ken Colby, Winston Wright, Tim Aho, Doug Lyman and James Carnie. Absent: Tim Peloquin, Ed Jacod and William Felton.
Also present: K. Dassau, Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent, D. Hodgdon and K. Chambers, Business Manager.� Principals: D. Dahl, B. Tatro, K. Carter, J. Smith and L. Sutton.�
1. CONSENT AGENDA: MOTION: J. Kenyon MOVED to accept the November 6, 2007 Board Meeting Minutes.� SECOND: S. Oerman. DISCUSSION: K. Cota was present at this meeting. VOTE: 8.277/0/4.032/2.691. �Motion passes.
2. CORRESPONDENCE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS: C. Dreyfuss reported that the teachers and the negotiating team have come to an agreement on a 4-year contract. C. Dreyfuss read the particulars of the contract. It was commented that the teachers and the negotiating team should both be commended for a job well done.
K. Dassau reported that D. Dahl and his family were nominated as the 4H Family of the Year. This is at the state level. D. Dahl explained the process to the Board.
R.McCarthy a former teacher, principal and Assistant Superintendent for Winchester and Hinsdale will be inducted into the NHIAA Class of 2007.
K. Dassau read a letter from a veteran Bobbi-Jo Garrapy who had attended the Veteran�s Day event at Gilsum Elementary School.�
The next Budget Committee Meeting will be in Gilsum at 7:00 PM on Tuesday, November 27, 2007.
Monadnock will be playing in the Turkey Tussle against Keene High School on Thanksgiving.
J. Smith mentioned that the three 3 parent advisory councils are going very well.
T. Mason will be competing in the National Merit Scholarship Program.
K. Carter reported that she would have a total of 4 graduates before Christmas.
The Skills Tutor Demonstration will be on the agenda for Dec. 11, 2007 for the Joint Board and Budget Committee meeting at MRMS/HS.
J.Fortson commented on the Math Challenge held at Cutler. Nine students achieved 100% and then challenged the teachers.
W. Wright reported that Charles Nye has recently retired from the Service and is now residing in Texas. He most recently served in Iraq.
L. Sutton hosted an honors breakfast for the 27 high honor students. Parents and siblings were also in attendance.
3. STUDENT GOVERNMENT REPORT: K. Carter reported that MC2 is starting to form the Governors Council and would be reporting at the next meeting.
4. Public Comments: M.
Hoefer commended the Facilities for all their hard work.
5. Curriculum Report: D. Hodgdon passed out information on the School Improvement Process. He explained that it is basic information on the process. The process is very positive and productive. The challenge is to not be a school in need of improvement. Committee members visited schools that had been in need of improvement that had been taken off. This was a valuable process. They would be sharing the goals, activities and specific content with the Board at a future meeting. This process is due on January 3, 2008. The Committees hope to finish the process by Christmas vacation. He said that the school teams are more engaged than the District Team. The intention of the State is to know who and how to be accountable. Professional Development tends to be an issue. They would continue to work in this area.
NEASC Report: J.Smith reported that the report was filed on Nov. 1, 2007 as required. D. Lyman asked if the letter sent was proof read. He believed that there were a number of grammatical flaws. J. Smith commented that the letter was proof read and text exactly cut and pasted from the report.
6. OLD BUSINESS:
Off-site Program MC2: K. Carter reported that the last piece of the report has been completed. The fire inspection was completed this morning. There are two things that need to be taken care of. The exit signs need to be lighted and the emergency lighting in the classroom spaces. T. Aho asked if the District would have to pay for the 2 items if Surry might take the building over. S. Oerman asked if the process would have to be done again. K. Carter explained that this is done annually.
2008-2009 Budget Warrant: There was a consideration from the Board to take out and fund this year some maintenance items this year from the health savings to reduce the warrant totals. Mt. Caesar is looking for 4 additional Spec. Ed. Aides for students with IEPs. The positions would be needed for the remainderof the and next year for the full year. There is also a suggestion for a position of Director of Buildings and Grounds. T. Aho B. asked Tatro if she has heard back from the state about the PUPS Program. MOTION: K. Cota. MOVED to expend $94,721.00 for the 4 Aids at Mt. Caesar. The funding to come from the health insurance savings. SECOND: J. Kenyon DISCUSSION: J. Carnie commented that no one has had a chance to look at this. The Board needs to have the information before the meeting. This is not good practice. K. Chambers explained that it was in the packets and the amount was reduced. VOTE: 10.412/0/1.897/2.691. Motion passes. K. Chambers recommended considering eight items from the equipment list first. MOTION: K. Cota MOVED to go with the eight recommendations from K. Chambers in the amount of $35,650.00 to come out of the health insurance savings that would reduce the proposed 08-09 operating budget. SECOND: S. Oerman. VOTE: 9.391/2.918/0/2.691. Motion passes. K.Cota explained that the committee ranked the maintenance projects in order of need. They would consider getting rid of some of the items to cover the Director of Building and Grounds. K. Chambers explained that she presented to the Finance Committee and does not expect a decision tonight. K. Chambers explained that the rational was in the packets. She explained the need for the position. K. Cota also explained why the District is in need of this position. The position would be $50,000.00 for 07-08 and than $94,954.00 in the 08-09 budget. J.Fortson asked about S. Turner and M. Pratt’s positions. K. Chambers explained. K. Chambers would suggest keeping all positions as they are now and after a year with a Dir. of Buildings and Grounds adjust accordingly. Some of the Board Members questioned the amount left in the health insurance savings fund. MOTION: D. Lyman. MOVED to rescind the $35,650.00 for equipment until the Board has the correct figure from the health insurance savings. SECOND: J. Carnie. DISCUSSION: D. Lyman commented that there is a need for the aides. K. Cota commented on the date for the warrant articles. VOTE: 4.435/7.098/0.776/2.691. Motion fails. The Board will revisit the issue after they have corrected information.
K. Chambers passed out the listing of proposed warrant article for 2008/09. MOTION: J. Carnie MOVED to recommend a warrant article to establish a Capital Reserve Fund (CRF) for Building Projects and Renovations. SECOND: J. Fortson VOTE: 11.288/0/0/3.712. (S.Oerman missing from the vote) Motion passes. The issue to raise from taxes for the new CRF was tabled by the Finance Committee. MOTION: J. Kenyon MOVED to recommend a warrant article to raise and appropriate from the sale of Surry school Building for the new CRF up to $500,000.00. SECOND: T.Aho. DISCUSSION: It was commented that statutorily there has to be a number. VOTE: 10.167/1.121/1.021/2.691. Motion passes.
J. Carnie asked for the size of the Wilcox Roof and T.Aho asked for a list of the replacement roof projects.
7. New Business: MRHS Course for 08-09 (Forensics and the Law): J.Smith is requesting that the Forensics and the Law be added to the list being requested. There is no additional staff. MOTION: S. Oerman MOVED to add Forensics and the Law to the course of study as requested. SECOND: P. Peterson. DISCUSSION: D. Lyman commented that this is a good training course for future criminals. He does not see the practical application. J.Smith defended the course. VOTE: 8.988/1.021/2.300/2.691. Motion passes. MOTION: J.Kenyon MOVED to accept the courses of study presented by J. Smith to be added for next year. SECOND: K. Colby. VOTE: 10.167/2.412/0/2.691. Motion passes.
8.
SCHOOL BOARD COMMITTEE REPORTS:
a.Community
Relations Committee: K. Colby
reported that the next meeting is on Nov. 26, 2007. The faculty did pass out
NEASC and Facility information to the parents at the Parent Conferences.
b. Facilities Committee: K. Cota reported that the committee has met
twice since the last Board meeting. They reviewed the estimated $37
million-dollars for the renovations and expansion. They are now waiting for a
rough estimate on a new school. The committee discussed and voted to remove the
portable classrooms. KB would adjust his final proposal to reflect the changes.
The committee discussed and approved more testing of the columns and walls in
the gym. It was suggested that the Finance and the Facilities have a joint
meeting to discuss the renovations and expansion. The committee discussed the 6th
graders moving to the Middle School because this presents a change in the
configuration of the Middle School and a change to the Master plan. The
Committee felt that the Board should have this discussion. K. Cota asked if the
Board would like the architectural firm to explore the question. She explained
that it is about $8,000.00 to explore this charge with the architect. J. Kenyon
that it makes sense to bring the 6th graders to the Middle School
rather than bring all the elementary school up to code by adding a
kindergarten. G.White commented that no parent is going to want their child
with the older students. J.Carnie asked how this would effect the elementary
schools. He comments that we need to discuss it educationally. We need to get
the public to back this. C. Dreyfuss commented that this should be a future
item on the agenda. K.Dassau commented that this is clearly connected if the
Board votes to have full day kindergarten. The conversation should be on full
day kindergarten. K. Cota explained that this issue could throw things off for
months. She suggested that the Board receive a firm estimate to include
facility space for the 6th grade. MOTION: K. Cota MOVED to
ask for a firm number from KB in order to add the 6th grade space to
the master plan. SECOND: S. Oerman DISCUSSION: W.Wright commented
that he felt that the 6th graders should not be at this school. P.
Peterson said that this would be a negative impact on any building proposal.
J.Fortson commented that there is no way in hell that her son would go to this
school with the older students. J. Kenyon asked if the Board says no to the 6th
grade are they also saying no to the full day kindergarten? VOTE: 2.447/9.862/0/2.691. Motion fails.
c. Finance Committee: J. Carnie reported that the committee
looked at methods of finance for the 37 million dollars. They discussed the
extension of the MRPSOC and the transportation. They also discussed the Surry
withdrawal. J. Carnie asked C. Dreyfuss if she heard back from Attorney Apple
concerning Surry. She explained that he was on vacation but would email him
again. They questioned if T. Peloquin should be able to vote on certain items.
They do not have a definite answer. C.Dreyfuss commented that she was
procedurally wrong and should have asked the Board permission to contact the
attorney.
d. Policy Committee: MOTION: G.White. MOVED to accept Policy JLBDA Behavior Management
and Intervention as amended by the Policy Committee. SECOND: J.Kenyon. DISCUSSION: G.White explained that law requires this.
The Committee added the definition of corporal punishment. D. Lyman commented
that disciplining purposes should be excluded. K. Dassau explained that it is
in the student handbook. VOTE: 11.288/0/1.021/2.691. Motion passes. MOTION: G.White MOVED to accept Policy JKA Corporal Punishment as
presented. SECOND: K. Colby. VOTE: 11.288/0/1.021/2.691.
Motion passes.
e. Budget Committee: The next Budget Meeting is scheduled for
Nov. 27, 2007 in Gilsum.
Cheshire Career Center: W. Wright reported that the next meeting is on
Dec. 14, 2007.
f.
NHSBA: D. Lyman explained that the meeting was
rescheduled for January.
9. Action on the Manifest: MOTION: S.
Oerman MOVED to accept the manifest
in the amount of $ 1,340,423.59. SECOND:
K.Colby. DISCUSSION: T. Aho
commented on the $76,000.00 in grant money to be paid for the Harrisville
Choice Program. It was commented that it was through the MRPSOC Grant at the
rate it had previously been. There was discussion on the Upton and Hatfield
legal bills. D. Lyman leaves the meeting.
J.Carnie commented that the
Board had determined an amount for the Harrisville tuition at $3,500. MRSD
receives the tuition as stated previously in the grant prior to the extension.
T. Aho commented on the fact that Board Members placing agenda items on the
agenda. The policy was read. C. Dreyfuss commented that the Board is wasting
time. There is a motion on the floor. VOTE:
8.277/3.011/0/3.712. Motion passes.
10. Superintendent’s Report: MOTION: K.Colby
MOVED to accept the resignation of
Helen Smith as the School District Clerk. SECOND:
J.Kenyon. VOTE: 10.020/1.268/0/3.712.
Motion passes.
There will be an SAU Meeting on Dec. 5, 2007. First there will be a tour at the new Hinsdale facility at 6:15 PM.
The Board has set the first January Board Meeting for Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2008.
K. Dassau thanked C. Kahn, the Negotiating Team, the teachers and the support staff for coming to agreement on two contracts.
MOTION: J. Kenyon MOVED to rescind June Donegan’s letter of retirement as requested
by her. SECOND: K. Colby. VOTE: 10.267/0/1.021/3.712. Motion passes.
K.
Dassau explained that Ralene Rust is applying for regular retirement. She is in
the early retirement pool. If she is not chosen than she would like to be
considered for regular retirement in 2009. MOTION:
J. Kenyon MOVED to accept Ralene
Rust’s request for regular retirement for 2009. SECOND: K. Colby. VOTE: 10.512/0/0.776/3.712.
Motion passes.
MOTION: J. Kenyon MOVED to accept Sue Bobbin into the 2008-2009 early retirement
pool. SECOND: K. Colby. VOTE: 9.144/1.897/0.247/3.712. Motion passes.
MOTION: J. Kenyon MOVED to accept Deb Snyder into the 2008-2009 early retirement
pool. If she does not make the cut into early retirement she does not have to
leave. SECOND: S. Oerman VOTE: 8.030/3.011/0.247/3.712. Motion passes.
MOTION: K. Colby MOVED to accept Kathy O’Brien into the 2008-2009 early retirement
pool. If she does not make the cut into early retirement she will not be
leaving her position. SECOND: J.
Kenyon. VOTE: 8.030/3.011/0.247/3.712.
Motion passes.
MOTION: S. Oerman MOVED to accept the regular retirement for 2009 from Mary Thompson. SECOND: J.Kenyon. VOTE: 9.920/0/1.368/3.712. Motion passes.
11.BOARD CHAIR REPORT:
12.SETTING NEXT MEETINGS AGENDA:
1. Early Retirement Pool
2. Voting Rotation
3. Director of Building and Grounds
J. Carnie asked to see the teacher and support staff contracts in their entirety. Information read by C. Dreyfuss will be in the next Board packets.
13.SECOND PUBLIC COMMENTS: Mike Hoefer would encourage the board to consider full day kindergarten and not to let the 6th grade issue drive their decision.
14. Non-Public Session: MOTION: J.
Kenyon. MOVED to go into non-public
session under RSA 91-A:3 II (e) unsealing of minutes. SECOND: S. Oerman. Roll call
vote: P. Peterson, J. Carnie, K. Cota, T. Aho, K. Colby, W. Wright, J.
Kenyon, J. Fortson, G. White, S. Oerman and C. Dreyfuss. VOTE: 11.288/0/0/3.712. Motion
passes.
C.Dreyfuss reported to the public that the board unsealed the June19, 2007 Non-public Minutes during non-public session.
15. Adjournment: MOTION: J. Fortson MOVED to adjourn the meeting at 10:20
PM. SECOND: T. Aho VOTE: Unanimous for those present. Motion passes.
Respectfully submitted,
Laura L. Aivaliotis
MRSD Recording Secretary