Deer Isle-Stonington CSD #13 School Committee
Meeting Minutes
Deer Isle-Stonington High School
Tuesday, November 4, 2004 at 6:30 P.M.
Board Members Present:
Barrett Brewer, Walter Kumiega, Aimee Eaton, James Adams, Mark Cormier (6:35) and Skip Greenlaw (6:35)
Staff Present: Robert Webster, Catherine Ring, Kyle Webb, Mike Wood, Lynnette Grindle, Rhonda Eaton, Debbie Greenlaw, Susan Guilford, Stephen York
Guests: David Walsh , Joseph Babbitt, Tim Robbins, Heidi Judkins, Warren Judkins, Darren Eaton, Gary Eaton, Barry Shepard
1) Call to Order and Declaration of a Quorum:
Chair Kumiega called the meeting to order and declared a quorum at 6:30 P.M.
2) Moment of Silence:
A moment of silence was observed.
3) Citizen Comments:
4) Approval of the Agenda:
Removal of No. 6 B. High School Principal report. Motion by Brewer, second by Eaton, to approve agenda as amended. Vote: 4/Yes, 0/No.
5) Approval of the minutes of the October 5, 2004 meeting.
Motion by Eaton, second by Brewer, to approve the minutes of the October 5, 2004 meeting as amended. Vote: 4/Yes, 0/No.
6) REPORTS
A) Elementary Principal
Catherine Ring read a letter which she distributed to the staff praising the support the staff has provided for grieving students.
B) High School Principal
Item removed from agenda.
C) SuperintendentŐs Report
Robert Webster reported:
á The financial audits should be completed very soon. We have received two parts of the audit.
á There will be a Union meeting on November 23 at Sedgwick at 6:30 p.m.
á There will be a layoff of a probationary ed. tech.
á The financial statement shows an overage in the maintenance of facilities account. This will be corrected as soon as we are reimbursed for monies paid to Richard Sweet.
á Interviews for the school health coordinator have been held.
á New legislatives requirements mandate that high schools coordinate their calendars with the area vocational schools. Therefore, the calendar process may be a little different this year.
Webster distributed a final copy of the school budget with personnel updates reflecting hiring done over the summer.
Brewer questioned if coordinating the calendars with the vocational school will be difficult. Webster indicated that the area superintendents will meet this winter.
D) School District Goals
Robert Webster noted that the biggest advancement has been made with Goal 1B. There was a successful union-wide workshop at which the teachers scored the assessments that have been adopted.
E) Responsive Classroom Committee
Susan Guilford, Catherine Ring and Kyle Webb discussed the new approach to discipline which will be implemented as part of the Responsive Classroom program. The plan includes how to handle behavior issues and classroom control. The Pathways program includes guidelines for setting rules and logical consequences. Discussion held on program. Mark Cormier questioned the discipline program noting that there are difficulties with the 6th through 8th grades. He is concerned about the disruption of classes.
7) EXECUTIVE SESSION on a personnel matter pursuant to 1 M.R.S.A. ¤ 405(6)(A)
Motion by Greenlaw, second by Eaton at enter into executive session on a personnel matter pursuant to 1 M.R.S.A. ¤ 405(6)(A) at 7:12 p.m.. Vote: 6/Yes, 0/No. Participating were Walter Kumiega, Barrett Brewer, Skip Greenlaw, Jim Adams, Aimee Eaton, Mark Cormier, Robert Webster and Debbie Greenlaw.
8) EXECUTIVE SESSION on a personnel matter pursuant to 1 M.R.S.A. ¤ 405(6)(A)
Motion by Greenlaw, second by Brewer to enter into executive session on a personnel matter pursuant to 1 M.R.S.A. ¤ 405(6)(A) at 7:58 p.m. Vote: 6/Yes, 0/No. Participating were Walter Kumiega, Barrett Brewer, Skip Greenlaw, Jim Adams, Aimee Eaton, Mark Cormier, Robert Webster, Heidi Judkins and Warren Judkins. Returned to regular session at 8:25 p.m.
9) ACTION ITEMS
Motion by Adams, second by Greenlaw to approve 60 days from the sick bank and to pay the employeeŐs share of health insurance for Debbie Greenlaw until June 30, 2005. Vote: 6/Yes, 0/No.
B. Requests for New Co-Curricular Programs
1. Elementary School Cheerleading
Beth McKay has suggested the expansion of the cheerleading program to include 4th and 5th graders. They wonŐt have a games to cheer at, but will have practices. Kumiega indicated that McKay could not attend tonightŐs meeting due to illness. She has indicated to him that she would not require an additional stipend. Motion by Greenlaw, second by Brewer to approve expansion of elementary school cheerleading program. Further discussion held on scheduling and consultation with school principal. Brewer withdrew her second to the Motion. Motion by Greenlaw, second by Adams to approve expansion of elementary school cheerleading program with consultation with principal. Vote: 6/Yes, 0/No.
2. Junior Varsity Baseball
Robert Webster reported that there has been request for a junior varsity baseball program because of the large number of interested students. Darren Eaton reported that he supports forming a JV team to allow more students to participate and to allow them to mature as players. He has informally spoken to the other area coaches and feels that games could be scheduled. However, field accessibility and condition are a problem. The junior high teams need a better field. Discussion held on field condition, funding, coaching needs and sports equity. Robert Webster suggested tabling the issue for one month. Motion by Greenlaw, second by Adams to Table issue.
C. Plowing and Sanding Contract
Robert Webster reported that no one submitted a bid for the contract. He will contact additional contractors.
D. Approval of Committees
Robert Webster requested approval of the following committees:
Drop Out Prevention High School Accreditation
Martha Jordan Liz Small
Larry Moffet Dennis Saindon
Susan Jones Tom Duym
Kim Hutchingson Keith Hoover
Aimee Eaton Penny Wendell
Mary Benfield
Katy Helman
Mike Wood
Graduation Requirements Arts In Education
Martha Jordan Susan Guilford
Kim Larsen Dorothy Conte
Mike Wood Sally Aman
Terry Siebert Linda Graceffa
Warren Berkowitz Ellen Lamerson
Skip Greenlaw Peggi Stevens
Nancy Dewey-Wood Paula Greatorex
Dianne Rizzo
Penny Wendell
Kathy Turner will replace Torri Robbins on the Science Committee. Georgia Pashley will replace Torri Robbins on the Long Range Planning Committee. Brewer commented that the reason Torri Robbins was chosen for the long range planning committee is that she is a product of this school system. She feels the committee should have someone who grew up in the area.
Motion by Brewer, second by Greenlaw to approve the committees as presented and amended. Vote: 6/Yes, 0/No.
Skip Greenlaw distributed his proposed newsletter. The Board members reviewed the newsletter and made suggestions. Motion by Brewer, second by Eaton to approve the newsletter. Vote: 6/Yes, 0/No.
F. Grant Acceptance
Robert Webster reported that the elementary school received a $500 grant from Exxon Mobil. Motion by Greenlaw, second by Brewer to accept grant from Exxon Mobil in the amount of $500. Vote: 6/Yes, 0/No.
G. NCLB Budget
Robert Webster distributed a list of how the NCLB Title funds are used. Motion by Greenlaw, second by Brewer/Eaton to approve expenditure of NCLB funds. Vote: 6/Yes, 0/No.
H. Personnel Action
1. Regular Education Technician Employment Contract
Robert Webster indicated that Kristin Eberdt has completed her probationary period. He recommends her for a regular contract. Motion by Brewer, second by Greenlaw to approve Kristin Eberdt for a regular contract. Vote: 6/Yes, 0/No.
10) DISCUSSION ITEMS
Walter Kumiega questioned how academically advanced studentsŐ needs are met. Robert Webster explained that the studentŐs needs would first be met in the classroom, then referral to the Gifted and Talented program at the elementary school. Finally, advancement to the next grade would be considered. Catherine Ring commented that they would hold a team meeting to address the childŐs needs. She also indicated that the Gifted and Talented program is shifting focus to more fully meet the special needs. Discussion held on the different means used in identifying advanced students.
B. Nature Trail
Barry Shepard expressed concern that the students have a natural curiosity and may wander into the gravel pit from the nature trail. He feels that a fence would prevent this from happening. Discussion held on use of the nature trail and where fence should be installed. Discussion also held on who should be responsible for the cost of the fence. Robert Webster indicated that the school should be responsible. Barrett Brewer also commented that the vernal pool located on the property should be examined.
Motion by Eaton, second by Cormier to extend meeting to 9:50 p.m. Vote: 6/Yes, 0/No.
C. Second Reading of the Hiring Process Policy 3.02
Discussion held on merits of including a student on the interview committee. Consensus reaches that students should not be included in interview process due to maturity and confidentiality issues. Discussion also held on candidate screening process.
D. New or Revised Policies
1. Home Schooling Policy 3.13
2. Evaluation of Administrators 5.10
3. Administrative Assistant Job Description 9.01
4. Parent Involvement Policy 7.09
5. School Bus Discipline Policy
6. REACH Performing Arts Center Use Policy
Barrett Brewer suggested that if anyone wants to include any changes in the policies, they should e-mail their proposed changes to Webster. This would allow for a second reading at the next meeting.
Robert Webster reported that he met with James Hardy, Inc. and Poulin. They have agreed to perform the work on the flashing as requested. If Poulin receives the bid, the work should begin on Monday.
F. Bi-Weekly Warrant Approval
Item was not considered due to time shortage.
Item was not considered due to time shortage.
11) COMMUNICATIONS
12) Adjournment
Motion by Eaton, second by Kumiega to adjourn at 10:00 p.m. Vote: 6/Y, 0/N.
Respectfully submitted,
JoAnna Haskell
Administrative Assistant