Deer Isle-Stonington CSD #13 School Committee

Meeting Minutes

Deer Isle-Stonington Elementary School

Tuesday, November 1, 2005 at 6:30 P.M.

 

 

Board Members Present:

Walter Kumiega, Aimee Eaton, James Adams, Skip Greenlaw and  Mark Cormier (6:33)

 

Board Members Absent:  Joseph Babbitt

 

Staff Present:  Robert Webster, Catherine Ring, Penny Wendell, Becky Hutchins

 

Guests:  Isaac Kestenbaum, Robert Braun, Sherm Hutchins, Leslie Carr, Jessica Gillen, Peter Friedell, Kristin Eberdt

 

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:

 

Robert Braun commented on the October 27 Island Ad-Vantages article regarding the REACH Performing Arts Center welcoming new advisory committee members.  He expressed concern with the existence of the advisory committee and their role with the school.  Skip Greenlaw responded with his recollection of how the committee was initially appointed.  Braun asked that this issue be addressed at the next meeting.

 

4)    Approval of the Agenda:

Motion by Greenlaw, second by Eaton to approve agenda as presented.  Vote:  4/Y, 0/N. 

 

5)    Approval of the minutes of the October 4, 2005 meeting.  

Jim Adams questioned the meaning of 9.C. regarding the foreign language needing to start at the elementary school.  Penny Wendell explained her comments.  Motion by Eaton, second by Greenlaw, to approve the minutes of the October 4, 2005 meeting.  Vote: 5/Y, 0/N.

 

6)    REPORTS

 

A.   Elementary School Assistant Principal

 

Catherine Ring reported:

 

á      Jessica Gillen was introduced as the new kindergarten educational technician.

á      A PIE meeting was held recently.  The group is trying to recruit new membership.

á      The 8th graders did a good job on the Halloween Festival.

á      She has started her teacher meetings and observations.

á      The anti-bullying campaign is going well.  On November 22, ÒDoing the Right ThingÓ will be performed at the school.  This play is sponsored by the Islanders Against Domestic Abuse.

 

Skip Greenlaw asked if the behavior problems were any less this year.  Ring commented that things are going better.  However, there are a few students who require more attention and time.  Greenlaw asked if these students were more in the middle level or spread throughout the grades.  Ring indicated that the students in the middle level were the more challenging.

 

  1. High School Principal

 

Penny Wendell reported:

 

á      On November 22, a play entitled ÒRemote ControlÓ will be presented.  This pertains to dating violence. 

á      All 10th graders took the PSAT tests.

á      50 reconditioned computers have been delivered and are up and running.  The new computer lab is being used daily by teachers.  Thanks goes to Island Seafood for picking up 20 of the computers in Windham and delivering them to the school.

á      They are preparing to present the 9-12 curricula. The teachers have been working very hard.  The portfolio process has been implemented.

á      This year Mary BanfieldÕs teaching position has been changed.  She is now half time special education and half time working on portfolio development.  She is filling the role of in-house suspension advisor.  She is particularly helpful in this position.

á      The first report period ends this Friday.  The high school teachers have been working hard to give progress reports and grades through the computer system.

 

  1. Superintendent

 

Robert Webster reported:

 

 

Aimee Eaton commented that she attended a workshop on student empowerment on the Thursday of the conference.

 

 

7)    ACTION ITEMS

 

A.   Revised Mission Statement

 

Walter Kumiega thanked the members of the Long Range Planning Committee for their hard work. The new mission statement:  ÒDeer Isle-Stonington Schools:  launching lifelong learners and responsible citizens able to keep our island vital.Ó  Motion by Eaton, second by Adams to approve the revised mission statement.  Vote:  5/Y, 0/N.

 

  1. Tennis Court Plan

 

Robert Webster distributed a memo from Kristin Eberdt to the Board regarding the plans for the tennis courts, amount of funding needed, etc.  Eberdt explained that the plan at the moment is to begin clearing the lot and install the gravel in order to allow the gravel to settle over the winter months.  She reviewed the costs and amount of money pledged for the construction.  Aimee Eaton indicated that she would like to see more details on the cost estimate for the site construction.  Skip Greenlaw questioned if this project had been put out to bid.  Robert Webster explained that it was privately funded.  Greenlaw also questioned who was responsible for operational costs.  Eberdt explained the upkeep costs.  Webster indicated that the CSD would be responsible for those costs.  Greenlaw suggested that some endowment funds should be raised to defer the costs.  Eaton indicated that the Island Education Fund will act as the conduit for the funding.  Motion by Adams, second by Greenlaw to approve the plan for the tennis courts.  Vote:  5/Y, 0/N.

 

  1. Security Cameras

 

Robert Webster indicated that he still has not received any specifications from Scott Ladue.  Seacoast does not recommend installing the cameras as there is not enough lighting to more them useful.  Discussion held on whether the security cameras would be of use or if another security option should be investigated.  Penny Wendell suggested renting the equipment to make sure it will work before making the investment.  Aimee Eaton asked that Webster inquire about extra police coverage.  Sherm Hutchins suggested a photo camera that could be placed on timers to take pictures of the license plates of any vehicles entering the school campus.  Discussion held on lighting, security cameras, police presence and the amount of money to be spent on security.  Motion by Greenlaw to authorize the Superintendent to spend up to $2,000 for safety/security options that have been discussed, second by Cormier.  Vote:  5/Y, 0/N.

 

  1. Acceptance of Donations

 

Robert Webster reported that he has received a notice of a bequest from Ronald Dunham in the amount of $10,000 for computer education.  Also, the Island Education Foundation has awarded Ellen Lamerson a grant in the amount of $1,075 for the purchase of ÒExpressions Music CurriculumÓ to supplement her program.  Motion by Greenlaw, second by Eaton to accept both donations.  Vote:  5/Y, 0/N.

 

  1. Personnel Nominations

 

1.  Kindergarten 2:1 Ed. Tech.

 

Robert Webster nominated Jessica Gillen as the 2:1 ed tech for the kindergarten room.  She will serve a six-month probationary period and be paid $10.00 per hour.  Motion by Greenlaw, second by Adams to approve Jessica Gillen for employment.  Vote:  5/Y, 0/N.

 

2.  Ed. Tech. Employment Agreement

 

Robert Webster nominated Ann Hardie and April Gross for regular employment contracts as their probationary periods have expired.  Motion by Eaton, second by Greenlaw to employ Ann Hardie and April Gross.  Vote:  5/Y, 0/N.

 

  1. New or Revised Policies

 

1.   School Facility Naming Policy 1.07

2.   Chemical Hazards Policy 6.11

3.    Family Care Leave Policy 5.08

4.    Administration of Medication to Students Policy 3.19

5.    Tutoring Policy 4.13

6.    Curriculum Development Policy 4.11

 

Motion by Greenlaw, second by Eaton to approve all the listed policies.  Vote:  5/Y, 0/N.

 

  1. SuperintendentÕs Goals for 2005-06

 

Robert Webster reviewed his goals for the upcoming year.

 

1.  Complete the comprehensive educational plan and use it as a vehicle to being implementation of the districtÕs vision and mission statements.

2.  Assist the school committee in meeting district goals that demonstrate continuous, measurable improvement in education.

3.  Continue development and implementation of curriculum and assessment to meet the Learning Results timelines including a unified curriculum development process for all Union 76 schools.

4.  Implement middle school foreign language instruction to comply with Maine Learning Results.

      5.  Continue to upgrade high school building and grounds.

      6.  Increase my presence and visibility at the high school.

      7.  Provide options for decreasing school budget costs as enrollment declines.

      8.  In June of 2006 present a report on implementation of the new language arts

      curriculum.

 

 Motion by Eaton, second by Greenlaw to encourage the superintendent to pursue these goals.  Vote:  5/Y, 0/N. 

 

  1. DISCUSSION ITEMS

 

  1. Volunteer Coordinator Program

 

Becky Hutchins reported that this has been a very slow year for volunteers.  She has recruited two people to tutor students for math and another person to work with the reading program.  She is trying to find people to help with elective courses for the middle level.  She is also trying to find mentors for an after school program.  Aimee Eaton asked how the program went last year.  Hutchins reported that the program went well at the first of the year, but slowed down in the winter.  Robert Braun suggested advertising for volunteers.  Leslie Carr suggested being very specific about what is needed as people may be more likely to respond to a specific need.  Hutchins then indicated that she would like to terminate her employment as soon as a replacement could be found.

 

  1.  Grades 4, 8 & 11 Maine Educational Assessment Results

 

Robert Webster reported that the MEA test results have been received and reviewed.  The grades are broken down by gender.  Generally, girls do better than boys on these tests.  Webster reviewed the percentages of students meeting or partially meeting the standards as compared to the State averages.  Mark Cormier commented that the 8th grade math, science and technology scores are progressively getting lower over the past three years.  The students who have had this program the longest arenÕt doing as well.  Discussion held on test scores and curriculum.

 

  1. New or Revised Policies

 

1.  Community Concerns 2.04

 

Skip Greenlaw indicated that he has re-written his draft community concerns policy. This needs to go back to the committee for review.

 

2.  Ethics and Communication Policy 2.11

 

No additional changes made to the policy.

 

  1. Pre-School Special Education Services

 

Robert Webster reviewed the issues concerning the proposed changes to the CDS system. They include:

 

 

Peter Friedell reported on his experience with CDS.  He does not feel that the services would improve with local control.  Discussion held on proposed CDS changes.  Aimee Eaton commented that she felt it would be difficult for the school to provide the range of services necessary given the limited number of professionals available.  Webster will arrange for a meeting with Representatives Damon and Pingree to discuss these issues.

 

  1. Department of Education Self Assessment Meeting

 

Robert Webster reported that the Assessment Committee met on October 11.  Bruce Ives, Judy Rhodes and Linda Weed have a follow up meeting to complete the self assessment document.  The preparation for the StateÕs review is continuing.  The StateÕs review will take place on November 30.

 

F.  Fall School Committee Newsletter

 

Discussion held on upcoming newsletter.  Skip Greenlaw volunteered to coordinate the newsletter.  Volunteers was a suggested topic.

 

G.  School Transportation Cost Sharing

 

Robert Webster reported that the transportation committee will meet this Thursday.  Dave Brabender has been replaced by Percy Abbott who was formerly employed by Laidlaw.  Elwood Cobb used to work under him and is pleased to be dealing with him again.  There have been signs of progress.  Discussion held on cost sharing and the adjustment for used miles.  These issues will be discussed at the Union meeting.

 

H.  November School Union 76 Meeting

 

Aimee Eaton commented that she would like to add a discussion item of K-8 union wide curriculum.

 

I.  2006-07 Budget Priorities

 

Robert Webster asked the Board for their suggestions.  Athletic field renovation, foreign language at the middle level, ELA committee funding and training and instructional materials were suggested. 

 

 

  1. COMMUNICATIONS

 

 

 

 

  1. Adjournment

 

Motion by Eaton, second by Adams to adjourn at 9:20 p.m.  Vote:  5/Y,  0/N.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

JoAnna Haskell

Administrative Assistant