Deer Isle-Stonington CS,D #13 School Committee

Meeting Minutes

Deer Isle-Stonington High School

Tuesday, December 7, 2004 at 6:30 P.M.

 

 

 

Board Members Present:

Walter Kumiega, Aimee Eaton, James Adams, Skip Greenlaw and Mark Cormier (6:32)

 

Board Members Absent:  Barrett Brewer

 

Staff Present:  Robert Webster, Catherine Ring, Mike Wood, Penny Wendell, Matt Larsen

 

Guests:  Joseph Babbitt, Tim Robbins, Heidi Judkins, Warren Judkins, Gary Eaton, Paula Eaton, Barry Shepard, Dennis Rollins, Bobbi Billings, Crystal Robbins, Daphne Eaton, Lesley Carr, Jenny Steele, Tina McGuire

 

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:

 

Dennis Rollins read a letter to the school board requesting school board support in naming the field complex in memory of Joe Brown.  Discussion held on the appropriateness of this request.  This item will be on January agenda as an Action Item.

 

Crystal Robbins questioned how the mouth guard policy originated.  Daphne Eaton commented that as a coach the mouth guard policy is very difficult to enforce.  She questioned if it could be waived.  Discussion held on policy.  Matt Larsen reported that eventually all students playing any sports will be required to wear mouth guards by State mandate, much like they are required for soccer. 

 

4)    Approval of the Agenda:

Removal of No. 7 A. Senior Class Trip.  Motion by Eaton, second by Greenlaw, to approve agenda as amended. Vote: 5/Yes, 0/No.

 

5)    Approval of the minutes of the November 4 and November 18, 2004 meeting.  

Motion by Eaton, second by Greenlaw, to approve the minutes of the November 4 and November 18, 2004 meeting.  Vote: 5/Yes, 0/No.

 

6)  REPORTS

 

   A)  Elementary Principal

 

            Catherine Ring reported:

 

á      She recently attended the Maine PrincipalsŐ Association workshop.

á      Discussion is starting on the K-5 configuration for next year.

á      She has started her observations of the teachers.

á      Lynnette GrindleŐs last day is tomorrow.

á      The Christmas Carol play is starting next week.

 

   B)  High School Principal

 

            Penny Wendell reported: 

 

á      Michelle Gates is now leading the civil rights team.

á      Colleges have been visiting the school.  Martha Jordan has spoken to all seniors regarding their post-high school plans.

á      Antigone was excellent.

á      The students did a great job with the winter concert. Unfortunately, it was not well attended.

á      Tom Duym has prepared a PowerPoint presentation with his lap top.

á      Next yearŐs class schedule is being reviewed.  The school is considering a four by four schedule.

á      The program initiated with the 9th graders is having an effect.  Only 3 freshmen received 3 or more deficiencies.  Martha Jordan has compared these grades with last yearŐs students and finds that this yearŐs is the best so far.  The data is indicating that the students are getting the support they need to be successful.

 

Aimee Eaton indicated that she attended the winter concert.  However, she felt that the low attendance was due to poor advertising.  Lesley Carr commented that it is hard for her to get information from the school.  School/community communication was discussed.  Catherine Ring suggested that perhaps we could find a volunteer to be a publicist.   Dr. Babbitt suggested making publicity a student project.

 

    C) SuperintendentŐs Report

 

            Robert Webster reported:

 

á      He received a notice of an upcoming event.  There is a State-wide initiative to look at school athletics in Maine called Sports Done Right.  They have invited superintendents and guests to attend the news conference.

á      Lynnette Grindle has given her notice and will be leaving soon.

á      The transportation committee has a meeting scheduled for next Monday.  They will be drafting a parent survey regarding the new bus service.

á      He reported on progress on Board Goals. 

 

 

 

7)  ACTION ITEMS

 

      A)  Senior Class Trip

 

            Item removed from agenda.

 

      B)  Request for Junior Varsity Baseball

 

            Matt Larsen gave a report on his findings for the Junior Varsity Baseball program.   He has met with Darren Eaton and Scott Siele.  With 14 returning players and 7 new players, there is not enough for two full teams.  He proposes having a Junior Varsity team with a limited schedule with four to six JV games.  These games will take place from April vacation through May, weather permitting.  GSA, MDI and Searsport have agreed to schedule games.  Discussion held on costs associated with JV team.  Motion by Eaton, second by Greenlaw to approve Matt LarsenŐs proposal for a limited JV baseball program. Vote:  5/Yes, 0/No. 

 

            Discussion held on ball fields.  Larsen reported that the ball fields need an irrigation system and the fields are overused.  The cost to resod the field would be $70,000.  Skip Greenlaw suggested that a committee look into the matter and report back to the school committee by March.  Dr. Joe Babbitt and Matt Larsen volunteered for the committee.

 

8)  DISCUSSION ITEMS

 

    A) Nature Trail

 

            Robert Webster received a letter from Kelly Siele and distributed copies to the board members.  Walter Kumiega indicated that the fence has been installed in the woods.  Heidi Judkins presented a petition to move the nature trail and erect a fence on the edge of the woods along the walkway between the elementary school and high school.  The petition was signed by 388 people.  Extensive discussion held on location of and use of nature trail.  Discussion also held on where fence should be installed and what type of fencing to be used.  Consensus that Robert Webster should gather estimates on fencing.  Gary Eaton suggested contacting the Army Corp of Engineers. 

 

    B)  Police Coverage

 

            Walter Kumiega commented that there has been a rise in vandalism this year.  Matt Larsen addressed the difficulties arranging police coverage for sporting events.  Discussion held on security at school.  Skip Greenlaw suggested contacting Dennis Rollins who is a former Deputy Sheriff about performing these duties.  Mark Cormier suggested using security cameras.  Robert Webster will gather estimates on security systems.

 

   C)  Second Reading of New or Revised Policies

            1.  Home Schooling Policy 3.13

 

            No changes made to policy.  Policy is ready for action at the next meeting.

 

            2.  Evaluation of Administrators 5.10

 

            Minor changes made to policy.  Policy is ready for action at the next meeting.

 

            3.  Administrative Assistant Job Description 9.01

 

            Catherine Ring commented that Lynnette Grindle had reviewed the policy and had no changes.  No changes made to policy.  Policy is ready for action at the next meeting.

 

            4.  Parent Involvement Policy 7.09

 

            No changes made to policy.  Policy is ready for action at the next meeting.

 

            5.  School Bus Discipline Policy

 

            No changes made to policy.  Policy is ready for action at the next meeting.  Penny Wendell reported on how First Student handled a recent minor bus accident.

 

            6.  REACH Performing Arts Center Use Policy

 

            No changes made to policy.  Policy is ready for action at the next meeting.

 

   D)  Elementary School Repair Project

 

            Robert Webster reported that the Bedrock Construction workers seem to be working to a high standard of quality.  They hope to have the project completed by the 10th.   Catherine Ring reported that the workers indicated they were working until the 8th and then would be returning on Monday, December 13.

 

   E) Art Program Donation

 

            Robert Webster reported that we had received a $15,000 donation for the art program and a $2,400 donation to support the dance program.  Motion by Eaton, second by Greenlaw to accept donations for art and dance programs.   Vote:  Y/5, N/0.

 

   F)  2005-06 Budget Ideas

 

            Robert Webster commented that the baseball fields, fence, security cameras and elementary school guidance program were items he would like investigated.  Catherine RingŐs list included:  lighting for mural, outside lighting, a new photocopier, an extra educational technician for the 3-5th grades, developing 7-8th grade playground, teacher leader stipends, behavior specialist, K-2 full time educational technician, video cameras and emergency shut off wiring.  Penny WendellŐs list included:  a new photocopier, marine trades building roof, additional person to handle 504 plans, an additional person to at least cover study hall to help handle/manage disruptive students or students not meeting the standards.   Skip Greenlaw would like to see the curriculum work increased and a foreign language teacher for the elementary school.  Discussion held on additional budgeting ideas.

 

   G)  Reporting on School District Goals

 

            Discussion held on goals.  Walter Kumiega suggested choosing specific topics to discuss at the meetings.  Catherine Ring indicated it would be helpful to have a monthŐs notice so that she would discuss the items with the staff for their input. 

 

   H)  School Purchases Using the Internet

 

            Robert Webster indicated that many supply items are less expensive if they are bought online.  However, this would involve using a credit card for payment.  Mark Cormier suggested contacting the bank to see if we could get a debit card for the checking account.  Penny Wendell discussed the procedure she would use for online purchases.  Aimee Eaton commented that many credit card companies have special arrangements for business accounts.  Robert Webster indicated he would have Carolyn Heller check on the debit card option.

 

            Motion by Greenlaw, second by Eaton to extend meeting beyond the 9:30 p.m. deadline.  Vote:  Y/5, N/0.

 

9)  ACTION ITEMS

 

    A.  2005-06 Budget Development Schedule

 

            Motion by Greenlaw, second by Eaton to approve the 2005-06 budget development schedule.  Vote:  5/Yes, 0/No.

 

  B.  2004-05 Calendar Change for High School Final Exams.

 

            Robert Webster gave an explanation for the change in the final examination schedule.  Motion by Eaton, second by Greenlaw to approve calendar change.  Vote:  5/Yes, 0/No.

 

   C.   Hiring Process Policy 3.02

 

            Discussion held on how vacancies should be handled.  Motion by Greenlaw, second by Cormier to approve policy as amended.  Additional discussion held on policy.  Skip Greenlaw suggested that the policy be referred back to the policy committee for further work.  Motion by Greenlaw, second by Eaton to table policy.  Vote:  Y/5, N/0.

 

10) COMMUNICATIONS

 

            Robert Webster received a letter from Paula Eaton regarding relocation of the City of Dreams artwork. 

 

            Robert Webster also received a letter from Scott Ladeau regarding a possible safety hazard of the City of Dreams artwork. 

 

 

11)  Executive Session on a personnel matter pursuant to 1 M.R.S.A. ¤ 405(6)(A)

 

            Motion by Greenlaw, second by Eaton to enter executive session at 9:45 p.m.  Vote:  Y/5, N/0.  Participating were Walter Kumiega, Mark Cormier, Aimee Eaton, Jim Adams, Skip Greenlaw and Robert Webster.  Returned to regular session at 9:48 p.m.

           

12)  Executive Session on a personnel matter pursuant to 1 M.R.S.A. ¤ 405(6)(A)

 

            Motion by Greenlaw, second by Eaton to enter executive session at 9:48 p.m.  Vote:  Y/5, N/0.  Participating were Walter Kumiega, Mark Cormier, Aimee Eaton, Jim Adams, Skip Greenlaw and Robert Webster.  Returned to regular session at 9:58 p.m.

 

13)  Adjournment

 

            Motion by Greenlaw, second by Eaton to adjourn at 9:58 p.m.  Vote:  5/Y, 0/N.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

JoAnna Haskell

Administrative Assistant