Deer Isle-Stonington CSD #13 School Committee
Meeting Minutes
Deer Isle-Stonington High School
Tuesday, January 4, 2005 at 6:30 P.M.
Board Members Present:
Walter Kumiega, Barrett Brewer, Aimee Eaton, James Adams, Mark Cormier and Skip Greenlaw (7:45 p.m.)
Staff Present: Robert Webster, Catherine Ring, Penny Wendell, Terry Siebert, Susan Steed, Dawn Robbins, Kendall McGuffie, Richard Powell
Guests: Joseph Babbitt, Paula Eaton, Dennis Rollins, Bobbi Billings, Leslie Carr, Lynnette Grindle, Grace Becton, Zephyr Dworski, Wendy Apough, David Walsh, Tiffany Dauk, Tiffany Shepard, Bill MacDonald, Cheryl _______
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. 7 I.3. Administrative Assistant Job Description 9.01. Addition of 7.M. Substitute Junior Varsity Girls Basketball Coach. Motion by Eaton, second by Brewer, to approve agenda as amended. Vote: 5/Yes, 0/No.
5) Approval of the minutes of the December 7, 2004 meeting.
Motion by Eaton, second by Adams, to approve the minutes of the December 7, 2004 meeting. Vote: 4/Yes, 0/No, 1/Abstain (Brewer).
6) REPORTS
A) Elementary Principal
Catherine Ring distributed a handout of the happenings at the REACH and discussed the upcoming events. She also reported:
á The production of A Christmas Carol and the band and choir Christmas concerts went well.
á She recently had an interesting meeting with the members of Islanders Against Domestic Abuse. They would like to fund a program to educate the students about bullying.
á The mother of a home-schooled student is asking the Island Education Foundation for funds for the science teacher from the Maine Discovery Museum to visit the school.
á A large amount of testing is coming up in March. The 4th and 8th grades will be taking the MEA tests.
á There will be a meeting on Thursday with the Community Garden Group on how to best use the greenhouse.
B) High School Principal
Penny Wendell reported:
á Monica McNamera is returning to the school to continue her project. The Healthy Island Project is helping with funding.
á Penny Wendell and Martha Jordan have begun scheduling meetings with the 9th graders.
á With regard to the curriculum and course offerings, the social studies department is concerned about the Maine Learning Results. They are proposing offering a world studies course. In 9th grade, the students would take contemporary issues; 10th grade, world studies; and in 11th grade, U.S. History.
á Mid-term tests will be given the week of January 18 through 21.
á Wendell met with the students and discussed the recent tsunami tragedy and gave thought as to how they could help. Students suggested giving one half of the gate receipts for the basketball game to the relief effort. Individual classes may come up with their own ideas and contribute.
á Received a letter from a concerned individual concerning the boys basketball playersÕ discriminatory behavior while at playing a game at Shead. Wendell first expressed deep embarrassment to principal of school. A meeting was then held with Mr. Larsen and the coach to discuss the incident. She then called the individual, apologized and offered to forfeit the game which the individual did not want to happen. She then met with the players who wrote a letter of apology. Each player signed a letter to the individual and the principal of the school. She informed the players that she would be making a report to the school board.
Brewer questioned if the players really understood the consequences of their intolerance. Wendell indicated she had discussed this with the players.
C) SuperintendentÕs Report
Robert Webster reported:
á Jack Turcott sent a letter that an advisory committee for Hancock County Technical School will be forming and meeting on a regular basis. They are planning on meeting every other month. The first meeting will be held on January 19th at 8:00 a.m. in Ellsworth. No school committee member volunteered for this committee.
á We have received a new debt service schedule and we will save approximately $9,000 over the life of the loan.
á School committee nomination papers are still available.
á He is investigating the cost of security cameras given the vandalism on the school grounds.
á The transportation committee is considering reducing the number of bus runs from seven to six. They have met with First Student regarding the rerouting. This would extend some routes an additional 15 to 20 minutes. This measure could save between $10,000 to $13,000 for the remainder of this year which would have to be negotiated with First Student.
á Julie has expressed concern about the timeliness of the warrant signing. Perhaps an assigned schedule would assist with this problem.
Discussion held on bussing reduction. Concerns were expressed that students would be at the bus stops before daylight and the length of the rides.
7) ACTION ITEMS
A) Senior Class Trip
Terry Siebert distributed the proposed trip itineraries for Virginia Beach or Washington, D.C. Siebert indicated that the a combined trip would also be acceptable. The seniors have not yet picked which trip they would like to take, but are waiting for Board approval. The senior class has raised enough money for the trip. They are currently recruiting chaperones. The trip is planned for the end of May. Motion by Eaton, second by Brewer to approve the Washington, D.C. or combination trip. Vote: 5/Yes, 0/No.
B) Eighth Grade Class Trip
Dawn Robbins and Kendall McGuffie presented proposals for the 8th grade class trip to Boston. Cyr/Northstar made the travel arrangements. The itinerary outlines the admissions and meals included. 26 of the 34 students have fulfilled their requirement of 75% participation in the fundraising. They will have 4 to 5 chaperones. The students have also been reminded of the behavior requirements. The cost will be $214 per student. Motion by Eaton, second by Brewer to approve the 8th grade trip to Boston. Vote: 5/Yes, 0/No.
C) French Trip
Richard Powell outlined the proposed French trip. He has 13 French III, French IV and Spanish III students who would like to go on the trip. The trip is planned for April 18 through the 28th. Students would only miss 4 class days. Discussion held on trip itinerary. Motion by Brewer, second by Adams to approve trip. Vote: 5/Yes, 0/No.
D) Installation of Chain Link Fence
Robert Webster stated that he received 4 quotes for the fencing. Newport Fence Company was the least expensive at $7,800. Motion by Brewer, second by Eaton to approve Newport Fence CompanyÕs bid for $7,800 for the fence. Discussion held on the gate to be installed in fence. Brewer withdrew Motion. Kumiega commented that the Board should develop a policy for the use of the nature trail. Motion by Eaton, second by Brewer to approve installation of the fence with a gate by Newport Fence Company for $7,800. Vote: 4/Yes, 01/No (Cormier).
E) Waiver Provision for Mouth Guard Policy
Robert Webster indicated that at the last meeting individuals raised concerns about the sports players wearing mouth guards in all sports. They proposed a waiver be offered to parents to allow the students not to wear the mouth guards. Webster does not recommend changing the policy. Discussion held on policy. Issue died for lack of a motion.
F) Request for Memorial Naming of DISES Athletic Fields
Robert Webster reported that Dennis Rollins had presented the idea of naming the sports field after Joe Brown. He would prefer a memorial for all students. Barrett Brewer shared some history of other students who have passed away. Discussion held on possible memorials and locations for memorials. Discussion held on other possible ways to honor Joe Brown. Motion by Eaton to establish Joe Brown memorial sports award at the elementary level and to establish a committee to develop a plan on how to recognize other students. Discussion held on need for a committee to look into the student memorial. Parents of other deceased students will be contacted for their input. Eaton withdrew motion. Walter Kumiega volunteered to work on the committee.
G) Request to Move ÒCity of DreamsÓ Art at DISES
Robert Webster reported that he contacted the Maine Arts Commission and inquired about the process to move artwork. We need Board approval to initiate the process, then permission comes from the Maine Arts Commission and the artist. Catherine Ring commented that the artwork should be covered and lighted. Barrett Brewer indicted that the initial plan was to cover and light the artwork, but funds were not available. Discussion was held on safety of artwork. Motion by Cormier, second by Brewer to contact the Maine Arts Commission and the artist regarding the location of the artwork. Vote: 5/Yes, 1/No (Adams).
H) Nomination of DISES Administrative Assistant
Robert Webster nominated Tiffany Dauk as the administrative assistant for the Deer Isle-Stonington Elementary School at a rate of $10.87 per hour. Ms. Dauk would receive credit for her probationary time as an educational technician. Motion by Brewer, second by Greenlaw to approve Tiffany Dauk as the administrative assistant at a rate of $10.87 per hour. Vote: 6/Yes, 0/No.
I) New or Revised Policies
1. Home Schooling Policy 3.13
2. Evaluation of Administrators 5.10
3. Administrative Assistant Job Description 9.01 (deleted from agenda)
4. Parent Involvement Policy 7.09
5. School Bus Discipline Policy
6. REACH Performing Arts Center Use Policy
Motion by Eaton, second by Greenlaw to approve 7. I. 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6. Vote: 6/Yes, 0/No.
J) School Credit Card Account
Robert Webster expressed Carolyn HellerÕs concerns regarding using a debit card. The school may be more accessible for fraud. The advantage of a credit card is the spending limit. Motion by Greenlaw, second by Brewer to use a credit card for online purchases at the CSD. Vote: 6/Yes, 0/No.
K) Fiscal Agent Approval of ADS Lease/Purchase Agreement
Robert Webster indicated that the lease for the new ADS software is through Gorham Savings Bank who cannot make a contract with a school union. He is requesting that the CSD act as the fiscal agent. Motion by Greenlaw, second by Adams to approve the CSD serving as fiscal agent for the ADS purchases. Vote: 6/Yes, 0/No.
L) Irving Johnson Foundation Nursing Scholarship Donation
Penny Wendell indicated that the Foundation will give a $1,000 donation for a nursing scholarship. Motion by Greenlaw, second by Brewer to accept Irving Johnson Foundation Nursing Scholarship in the amount of $1,000. Vote: 6/Yes, 0/No.
M) Substitute JV Girls Basketball Coach
Robert Webster explained that Rhonda Eaton started the season but is unable to finish. He nominated Terry Siebert as substitute coach for the remainder of the season. Motion by Brewer, second by Eaton to approve Terry Siebert as substitute JV Girls Basketball Coach. Vote: 6/Yes, 0/No.
8) DISCUSSION ITEMS
A) Food Service Financial Software
Robert Webster reported that Rhoda has completed additional research. Sedgwick Elementary School has tried to use their own program without success. Discussion held on lunch records process. Jim Adams commented that the technology committee should be involved with this issue.
B) School Funding/Tax Reform Bill LD #1
Robert Webster described how the bill was developed through using the essential programs and services figures. This is an attempt to control the costs of educational services such as transportation, special education, instructional costs, guidance and support services. Larger schools can deal with these issues easier than small schools. There will be very little money for new programs even though there are new programs being mandated by the State. There will be a cap of 2.75% increase to the school budget. This can only be exceeded if the voters agree. Discussion held on the tax reform bill. Walter Kumiega commented that the existing debt service will be protected. Catherine Ring questioned what we are doing to educate the public. Webster indicated that he needed additional information before writing an editorial or alerting the public in some other manner.
C) Audit Report
Robert Webster asked if anyone had questions regarding the audit. Hearing none, the audit report will be on for an action item at the next meeting.
D) School District Goals
Robert Webster reported that the restorative justice program implementation has started at the elementary school. Catherine Ring described the reasons why she misses having a guidance counselor for the K-8 school. Discussion held on different duties, uses and abilities of guidance counselors, social workers and behavior specialists.
E) Elementary School Repair Project
Robert Webster indicated that Bedrock Construction has finished up what they can do at the point. They will return in the spring to finish caulking and painting. We have only a short punch list for them. He has communicated with James Hardie and D.L. Poulin. Poulin is pursuing a claim against Sunrise Glass. Hardie is pursuing a claim for $15,000 against Richard Sweet.
F) Parental Notice of School Use of Movies
Mark Cormier commented that he felt it would be a good idea to get parental permission before showing PG and above rated movies at the school. Catherine Ring indicated that G and PG movies are played used if they are tied into an educational theme. If a PG-13 movie is shown, the student must be at least 13 to view it. Aimee Eaton questioned if the teachers preview the movies before showing them. She also asked about alternative activities for students who cannot view the movies. Barrett Brewer commented that students should not be watching movies in school. Susan Steed commented that movies can be a very effective teaching tool for students who learn visually. Consensus reached that teachers should notify parents when planning to use movies.
9) COMMUNICATIONS
Robert Webster received a letter from Gene and Linda Eaton regarding students crossing their property.
10) Executive Session on Teacher Contract Negotiations pursuant to 1 M.R.S.A. ¤ 405(6)(D)
Motion by Greenlaw, second by Eaton to enter executive session at 9:20 p.m. Vote: Y/6, N/0. Participating were Walter Kumiega, Mark Cormier, Aimee Eaton, Jim Adams, Skip Greenlaw, Barrett Brewer, Robert Webster and Susan Steed. Returned to regular session at 9:30 p.m.
11) Adjournment
Motion by Eaton, second by Adams to adjourn at 9:31 p.m. Vote: 6/Y, 0/N.
Respectfully submitted,
JoAnna Haskell
Administrative Assistant