Deer Isle-Stonington CSD #13 School Committee

Meeting Minutes

Deer Isle-Stonington Elementary School

Tuesday, October 7, 2003 at 6:30 P.M.

Board Members Present:

Barrett Brewer,  Mark Cormier, Walter Kumiega, Skip Greenlaw and Ted Ames (6:40 arrived; 10:00 departed)

Board Members Absent:  Aimee Eaton

Staff Present:  Bruce Ives, Penny Wendell, Catherine Ring, Debbie Chappell, Elizabeth Brown, Anne Douglass, Karen Billings, Dawn Robbins, Mike Wood, Tasha Conary-Brown, Debbie Greenlaw, Marcia Schatz, Dennis Saindon, Mary Banfield

Guests:  Sebert Brewer, Al Scott, Scott Ames, Elwood Cobb, Harry Soucy, Etta Soucy, Twyla Weed, Billing Gell, Danny Eaton, Bernie Kolysher, Jodi Weeks, Linda Nelson, Leslie Carr, Josephine Jacob, Ellen Farrin, Andrea Brown

1)      Call to Order and Declaration of a Quorum:

Chair Brewer called the meeting to order and declared a quorum at 6:35 P.M.

2)      Moment of Silence:

A moment of silence was observed.

3)      Citizen Comments:

4)      Approval of the Agenda:

Addition after 8.B. for an Executive Session a on personnel matter.   Also, addition of 8.I.4. Middle School Golf Coach. Motion by Greenlaw, second by Kumiega, to approve agenda as amended. Vote: 4/Yes, 0/No.

5)      Approval of the minutes of the September 2nd meeting. 

Motion by Greenlaw, second by Kumiega, to approve the minutes of the September 2, 2003 meeting as presented.   Vote: 4/Yes, 0/No.

6)   REPORTS

   A)  Maintenance

                  Sebert Brewer reported:

•          Committee met last week with Penny and Dwight representing the high school and Kyle and Linda representing the elementary school.  There was a  good discussion on how things went over the summer.

•          The bathrooms across from the cafeteria at the high school will be refurbished. 

•          The roof is leaking.  Ken is aware of the problem but has been unable to fix it.

•          Cemplank representatives have visited the elementary school.  A final decision has not been reached, but the term “catastrophic failure” was used.  The Bureau of General Services will communicate in writing with Cemplank on our behalf. 

•          There was a personnel shortage this summer.  Brewer suggests that budget include money for extra summer personnel as the regular personnel cannot handle the additional summer duties.

•          The marine trades building is going to be a problem as it was built below ground level.  Penny Wendell indicated that Ken has contacted someone about putting in a ditch to alleviate the drainage problem. 

•          Ken and staff have done an exceptional job this summer.

B)  School Union 76/93 Efficiency Committee

Barrett Brewer reported that the committee met last week and discussed the following:  food service – improve the quality of menus and purchasing power -- policies, payroll, central office standardization, copiers, bussing – more competitive in pricing, teacher evaluation, support staff wages.  Bruce Ives reported that there are models that have been used by other school systems.

C)  Elementary School Principal

                  Catherine Ring reported:

•          For two weeks, the school had artists in residence.  They created a mural with the help of the students and held a poetry performance.

•          The school has received a grant from the IEF for a dance residency by Sue Senecal for 4^th and 5^th graders.

•          Our school will be the Maine site for course work in Responsive Classroom.  This will allow all the staff to get up to speed.

•          Warren Berkowitz, as affirmative action person, has been asked to talk to the 6^th, 7^th and 8^th graders regarding bullying and harassment.

•          Staff members have received civil rights training.

•          Meetings have been held with 15 teachers regarding goal setting.

•          A meeting was held with Penny Wendell, Catherine’s mentor, regarding the teacher evaluation system.

    D)  High School Principal

                    Penny Wendell reported:

•          The recent open house was well attended with about 50 students represented.  This is a significant increase over past years.

•          Last week was the end of mid-quarter.  Progress reports were mailed home to all students.  Student advisors also received a copy.

•          The students have been surveyed regarding their meal preferences.  The information has been collated and she will be meeting soon with the kitchen personnel.

•          Cooks in both school are going to attend a two-day training in Ellsworth regarding USDA Team Nutrition.

•          The water/juice machine in the gym is turned off during the day.  The lunch income has risen by $500.

•          The school union has been awarded a $50,000 grant to promote physical fitness.  Plans for the grant include a climbing wall, snowshoes and heart monitors among other things.  Kathi Teel wrote the grant application with two other school units.

    E)  Assistant Superintendent of Schools

                  Bruce Ives reported:

•          We have received a letter from the Commissioner.  By 2004-05 school year, the gifted and talented program must be fully implemented.  A one-year waiver can be requested.

•          He has sent a memo to all teachers regarding this Friday’s workshop. 

•          Union level assessment committee met with K-4, 5-8 and 9-12 teachers regarding the needs for assessment for this year. 

•          The fall MSMA is scheduled for next Thursday.

•          On November 10, the Downeast Educational Partnership (DEEP) will hold a regional workshop.

7)   DISCUSSION ITEMS

                  A) Language Arts Committee

                  Bruce Ives provided some background information on the committee.  The committee has met 31 times for 143 hours of work.  This is stipended work paid out of REAP monies.

                  Dawn Robbins reported that since the committee was formed they have worked on writing rubrics.  They have received training on scoring.  They have researched and visited high scoring schools.  A Write Source/Great Source representative gave a presentation and explained that the program was consistent with the Maine Learning Results.  There is a need to rewrite the K-12 language arts curriculum.  The goal is to accomplish this task by June, 2004.  The committee has had a meeting with the K-12 staff to start this process.

                  B)  Technology Committee

                  Anne Douglass distributed an inventory of the computers presently in use at both schools.  Most of the machines are at least three years old and many need upgrading.  Most of the teachers are presently using substandard equipment.  The library and business room computers are used by classes and students.  The high school does not have the infrastructure to upgrade the computers.  The elementary school is well wired.  The school has received a $10,000 e-rate rebate from Verizon and AT&T.  The high school teachers have been surveyed as to what they presently do in their classrooms with technology and what they would like to be doing if they had the correct equipment.  A technology meeting will be scheduled  at a later date so that this can be fully explored.

C)  Industrial Arts Curriculum

                  Dennis Saindon distributed handouts concerning the industrial arts curriculum and a service learning project.  He has been approached by the Town of Deer Isle regarding building a gazebo.  He outlined how this project would be approached, how it would fit into the Maine Learning Results, how many subject areas would be involved in this project, who would be needed for partners, colleagues and volunteers.  Saindon then reviewed his industrial arts and boatbuilding curriculum.  The industrial arts facility is not only used by the industrial arts classes, but by the art and theater classes, teachers and special education as well.

                  D)  Federal NCLB Budget Proposal

                  Bruce Ives reported that Webster had included a memo proposing how the Title and R.E.A.P. monies be allocated.   Ives explained that the R.E.A.P. monies can be used in conjunction with any of the other Title grants. 

                  E)  Warrant Procedure

                  Discussion held on the best location for the warrant for the required signatures.  General consensus was to leave it at the elementary school as it is the most central location.

8)  ACTION ITEMS

    A.  Request for Extension of Bus Routes

                  Greenlaw reported that the transportation committee met and discussed the issues of students walking to the end of the Lowe Road and Cedar Lane.  Bus safety issues were discussed with Scott Ames.  Scheduling issues were discussed at length.  Elwood Cobb reported on his recollection of why and when the moratorium on expanding the bussing routes was put in place.  Greenlaw suggested conferring with the Special Education Director to see if the small bus could be used more efficiently.   Issue tabled until further investigation is completed.

   B.  Request for Unpaid Leave

                  Bruce Ives indicated that Brenda Higgins is requesting January 5, 6 and 7 off without pay to attend a wedding.  Maria Duddy is requesting three additional days off without pay for a vacation that was scheduled before she was employed.  Motion by Greenlaw, second by Kumiega, to approve unpaid leaves.  Vote:  5/Y, 0/N.

                  EXECUTIVE SESSION on personnel matters.  Motion by Greenlaw, second by Kumiega, to enter into executive session at 9:20 p.m.  Brewer, Greenlaw, Ames, Kumiega, Cormier and Ives participated.  Returned to regular session at 9:40 p.m.

                  Motion by Greenlaw, second by ___ to extend meeting.  Vote:  5/Y, 0/N

C.  Accept Island Education Foundation Grant

                  Bruce Ives reported that the Island Education Foundation has approved a grant in the amount of $1,900 for a dance program with Sue Senecal for fourth and fifth graders.  Motion by Greenlaw, second by Ames, to approve grant.  Vote:  5/Y, 0/N.

D.  Coordinator of Volunteers Job Description Policy 9.20

                  Bruce Ives indicated that the policy should be reviewed by the policy subcommittee.  Discussion held on policy.  Ames indicated he would like to see what qualifications are needed for the position.  Motion by Greenlaw, second by Cormier to adopt policy.  Vote:  2/Y, 3/N (Brewer, Ames, Kumiega).

E.  Requests for Program Funding

1.  Part-Time Coordinator of Volunteers Position

Motion by Greenlaw, second by Kumiega, to table until the job description is accepted.  Vote:  5/Y, 0/N

2.  Expand Remedial Math Position

Bruce Ives discussed the problems of funding a position with grant monies.  The Superintendent recommends increasing position from .5 to .7.  Motion by Greenlaw, second by Ames, to fund position to .7 level.  Vote:  5/Y, 0/N.

3.  High School Technology Upgrades

Discussion held on e-rate funds and how they should be used.   Consensus reached that additional meeting should be scheduled to discuss what technology the school should have and how to get at that point.  Motion by Kumiega, second by Ames, to expend e-rate funds for technology.  Vote:  5/Y, 0/N.

4.  Part-Time 504 Case Manager Stipended Position

Discussion held on need for 504 case manager.  Debbie Greenlaw gave a presentation outlining her experiences with her child’s 504 program and the need for this position.  Motion by Greenlaw, second by Cormier, to approve a part-time 504 case manager at a stipend on $3,000.  Vote:  4/Y, 0/N.

F.  Plowing and Sanding Bids

Brewer read a bid from Daniel Eaton in the amount of $21.00 per hour and $40.00 per yard of sand and salt.  Motion by Kumiega, second by Greenlaw, to accept Daniel Eaton’s bid for sanding and plowing.  Vote:  4/Y, 0/N.

G.  Technology Service Bids

Brewer read a bid from Bernard Kolysher in the amount of $18.50 per hour for technology service.  Cormier suggested approval pending proper reference checks.  Motion by Greenlaw, second by Kumiega, to accept Bernard Kolysher’s bid for technology services.  Vote:   4/Y, 0/N.

H.  Appointment of Teacher Certification Steering Committee

Bruce Ives nominated Judy Rhodes, Mike Wood, Tasha Conary-Brown, Mary Banfield, Elizabeth Brown and Sue Steed for the Teacher Certification Steering Committee.  Motion by Greenlaw, second by Kumiega, to approve Teacher Certification Steering Committee members.  Vote:  4/Y, 0/N.

I.  Personnel Nominations

1.  Math Team Coach

Bruce Ives nominated Rhonda Turner as Math Team Coach at a stipend of $1,300.  Motion by Kumiega, second by Greenlaw, to approve Rhonda Turner as Math Team Coach.  Vote:  4/Y, 0/N.

2.  Junior Varsity Girls Basketball Coach

Bruce Ives nominated Becky Hutchins as JV Girls Basketball Coach at a stipend of $2,800.  Motion by Greenlaw, second by Kumiega to approve Becky Hutchins as JV Girls Basketball Coach.  Vote:  4/Y, 0/N.

3.  Jazz Band Director

Bruce Ives nominated Ellen Lamerson as Jazz Band Director.  Penny Wendell indicated that she was unsure Ms. Lamerson intended to fill this position.  Motion by Greenlaw, second by Cormier, to approve Ellen Lamerson as Jazz Band Director after confirming she wants the position.  Vote:  4/Y, 0/N. 

4.  Middle School Golf Coach

Bruce Ives nominated Dana Webb as Middle School Golf Coach at a stipend of $600.  Motion by Kumiega, second by Greenlaw, to approve Dana Webb as Middle School Golf Coach.  Vote:  4/Y, 0/N

J.  Authorization for Superintendent to Award Contracts for Central Office Heating Oil, Cleaning, and Plowing/Sanding Services.

Motion by Greenlaw, second by Kumiega, to approve authorization for Superintendent to award bids.  Vote:  4/Y, 0/N.

9)  COMMUNICATIONS    

                  October 15 will be the tentative date for the meeting for technology discussion and any additional items.

10)  ADJOURNMENT

                  Motion by Greenlaw, second by Kumiega, to adjourn meeting at 10:15 p.m.  Vote:  4/Y, 0/N

Respectfully submitted,

JoAnna Haskell