Deer Isle-Stonington CSD #13 School Committee
Meeting Minutes
Deer Isle-Stonington Elementary School
Tuesday, January 3, 2006 at 6:30 P.M.
Board Members Present:
Walter Kumiega, James Adams,
Skip Greenlaw, Joseph Babbitt, Aimee Eaton and Mark Cormier
Staff Present: Robert
Webster, Catherine Ring, Linda McCauley, Rosalie Keen
Guests: Isaac
Kestenbaum, Robert Braun, Janet Rice
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:
Walter Kumiega commented that the Reach Performing Arts Center director, committee and volunteers have his support and appreciation.
4) Approval of the Agenda:
Deletion of Action Items B. Addition of Action Item
I. Staff Development Committee
Move Discussion Item A ahead in the agenda to after the Reports. Motion
by Greenlaw, second by Babbitt to
approve agenda as amended.
Vote: 6/Y, 0/N.
5) Approval of the minutes of the December 6, 2005
meeting.
Motion by Babbitt, second by Greenlaw, to approve
the minutes of the December 6, 2005 meeting. Vote: 6/Y, 0/N.
6)
REPORTS
A. Elementary School Assistant Principal
Catherine Ring distributed a written report and summarized:
á Polar Express was a wonderful event. The students had to bring a can of food for their admission. The food was donated to the Island Food Pantry.
á Mark Woida recently received a $1,690 grant (Golden Mousetrap Award) from National Semiconductor to buy supplies to build complex machines with students. He also received a personal award of $1,000.
á April Coombs has started as the Athletic Director/Volunteer Coordinator. She is working with the PIE group.
á The staff development committee has been formed.
á Melissa Madigan, the technology teacher, is offering technology lessons to the staff.
No
report given due to the absence of the principal.
Robert
Webster reported:
á
He will be asking for
Board approval to allow a non-resident kindergarten student to be allowed to
continue attending the elementary school.
The parents are building a house on Little Deer Isle, but are
progressing more slowly than anticipated.
á
The Bureau of General
Services wants more information for he Revolving Loan Application.
á
There is a student
teacher, Jennifer Hagerthy, working with Judy Rhodes in Grade 3. Christine Raye Curry will be
completing her internship working with Donna Foster.
á
The elevator inspections
have been completed.
á
The hot water tank at
the elementary school has been replaced.
á
Jim WadmanÕs audit
contract expires this year. He has
offered to continue the contract for another year for a 3% increase. This is year three of the contract. The audit work must be put out to bid
every five years.
á
He received a notice
from the Commissioner that the Department of Education has established an
on-line professional development calendar.
á
He received a call from
the local law enforcement. A
student was ticketed for reckless driving on school property.
á
He is going to send out
survey for Department of Education regarding migrant educational services. The school has not had a migrant
program in quite some time.
Skip
Greenlaw questioned a $3,500 bill from BrownÕs Plumbing. Discussion held on boiler repairs. Mark Cormier mentioned that he has
noticed billowing smoke coming from the high school. He has mention this to Ken Keen.
8) DISCUSSION ITEMS
A. State Report on the School Nutrition
Program
Robert
Webster reported that the State report shows four areas that need
correction. There was one
application which had the wrong food stamp number. For the high school meal accountability, the method of
ticket collection needs to be corrected.
The movement of cash out of the elementary school has been corrected. He has received a plan in writing from
the employee. The calorie analysis
needed to be resubmitted. This has
been completed. They had a lot of
nice things to say about the program.
Webster distributed the most recent financial statement for the food services. Currently the elementary school is $437
in the red and the high school is $1,526 in the red. Discussion held on the finances of the school lunch
programs. Walter Kumiega
questioned if the participation was up or down. Rosalie Keen commented that it was up and down. The cooks questioned if there was a cap
on the amount students could charge.
Webster indicated that there was no cap. However, the school does make their best efforts to collect
the monies owed.
7) ACTION
ITEMS
A. School Committee Election Warrant
Motion
by Greenlaw, second by Eaton to approve the School Committee Election Warrant. Vote: 6/Y, 0/N.
Removed
from agenda.
1. Nomination of Educational Technician
Robert
Webster nominated Janet Rice for the educational technician position vacated by
April Gross Coombs. Janet has
worked in the Surry school system as an ed. tech. Motion by Greenlaw, second by Eaton to approve Janet Rice
as an educational technician at $11.75 per hour. Vote: 6/Y, 0/N.
2. Request to Increase Computer
Instruction Time
Robert
Webster explained that the computer teacher/coordinator position is currently a
four-day-a-week position. Melissa
Madigan would like to have a five-day-a-week position. She is very knowledgeable and capable
of filling the technology support position which is currently outsourced. Webster recommends allowing Madigan to
go to a full-time position.
Catherine Ring explained that the current technology support person is
only at the school one day per week.
Allowing Madigan to go full time would give better service to the school
as a tech person would be in the building every day.
Motion
by Greenlaw, second by Adams to approve the superintendentÕs recommendation and
employ Melissa Madigan full time.
Vote: 6/Y, 0/N.
D. 2006-07 Budget Development Schedule
Motion
by Eaton, second by Greenlaw to approve the budget development schedule. Vote: 6/Y, 0/N.
E. Appointment of CSD Administrator
Compensation Committee
Aimee
Eaton, Mark Cormier and Jim Adams volunteered for this committee. Motion by Greenlaw, second by
Babbitt to approve the committee members.
Vote: 6/Y, 0/N.
F. Acceptance of Grant Awards
Robert
Webster reported that the school has received a $500 grant from the Irving
Johnson Foundation for the music program.
We have also received a $1,200 anonymous grant to pay Linda Nelson for
her leadership of the long-range planning committee. Mark Woida has received a Golden Mousetrap Award from
National Semiconductor in the amount of $1,690. He also receives a $1,000 personal award.
Motion
by Adams, second by Babbitt to accept the grants.
Greenlaw
requested that the grants be taken separately. Adams withdrew his motion. Greenlaw commented that he would not support the grant for
the long-range planning committee leadership. He feels that when someone volunteers for a committee, they
should not then be compensated.
Mark Cormier agreed and commented that this situation sets a bad
precedent. He feels this
undermines the reason for having a committee unless all the committee members are
compensated. Aimee Eaton agreed
and commented that the motivation to work on a volunteer committee should not
be monetary. Walter Kumiega
commented that we do pay people to work on different committees. The long-range planning is a big job
and without a paid facilitator, this project probably will not go forward. Webster commented that the distinction
is the amount of work involved.
Eaton commented that the long-range planning committee is comparable to
the comprehensive planning committees for the towns. These committees are totally voluntary. Extensive discussion held on grant.
Motion
by Adams, second by Babbitt to accept grant for long-range planning committee leadership
in the amount of $1,200.
Vote: 3/Y, 3/N (Eaton,
Cormier and Greenlaw) Motion
fails.
Motion
by Greenlaw, second by Babbitt to accept the $1,690 grant from National
Semiconductor. Vote: 6/Y, 0/N.
Motion
by Greenlaw, second by Babbitt to accept the $500 grant. Vote: 6/Y, 0/N.
G. Special Meeting Date in January
Discussion
held. Consensus reached that a
special meeting would be scheduled for January 31 at 6:30 p.m.
H. Funding for Fingerprinting Costs
Robert Webster reported
that the State is now charging $55 for the required fingerprinting. This is becoming an increasing issue
when trying to retain substitute teachers. Discussion held on fingerprinting process and which costs
should be covered.
Motion by
Greenlaw, second by Babbitt to allow up to $1,000 for reimbursement for
fingerprinting costs only.
Vote: 5/Y, 0/N, 1/Abstain
(Cormier).
I. Staff Development Committee
Catherine Ring
reported that the committee is made up of people from the different
departments. They include: Sally Foley, Julie Davis, Kendall
McGuffie, Jane OÕConnor, Janie Greenlaw, Torrie Robbins and herself. Aimee Eaton questioned if they would
receive a stipend. Robert Webster
indicated this was a paid committee according to the teaching contract. Motion by Greenlaw, second by Eaton
to approve the committee.
Vote: 6/Y, 0/N.
8. DISCUSSION ITEMS
B. School Safety Audit
Robert Webster
commented that last spring there were some concerns over school safety. Catherine Ring commented that there was
a situation this past week at the school where a child was hurt while
sliding. She would like someone to
look over the school for other potentially dangerous situations. Discussion held on who should perform
the safety audit. Webster
commented that Maine School Management performs a yearly work place safety
audit. Skip Greenlaw suggested
contacting the architects for suggestions. Aimee Eaton suggested the insurance carrier may have some
suggestions.
C. 2004-05 School Financial Audit
Robert Webster reported
that we have received the 2004-05 audit.
The audit showed a balance of $171,627, $55,367 of which is to be used
in the current budget. The audit
showed a few accounts which were over expended. Jim Wadman will be asked to attend next monthÕs meeting to
answer questions. Discussion held
on the audit.
D. New or Revised Policies
1. Financial Management Policy 2.07
Delete next to
the last sentence in the Paragraph 1 which reads ÒExpenditures in excess of
amounts establishedÉÓ No other
changes were made to the policy.
The policy will be ready for Action at the next meeting.
2. Management of Federal Grants Policy
2.08
Skip Greenlaw
commented that he would like to see a list of the Federal grants and what the
expenditure recommendation. Discussion
held on budget information to be
prepared by Webster. No
additional changes to the policy.
The policy will be ready for Action at the next meeting.
3. Student Chemical Health Policy 3.12
No changes were made to the policy. The policy is ready for Action at the
next meeting.
4. Students with HIV/AIDS Policy 3.14
Discussion held on Paragraph 10 as to what information
the school nurse will give to parents/guardians, students and staff. Change the paragraph to read, ÒThe Deer
Isle-Stonington School Nurse will be a resource for information to all other
communicable diseases even though there may not be students with infection
currently enrolled.Ó Add a
reference to the Blook Bourne Pathogens Policy. The policy will be ready for Action at the next meeting.
E. 2006-07 Budget Issues & Funding
Outlook
Skip
Greenlaw commented that he heard that the funding amounts were to going to be
announced by January 15. Mark
Cormier questioned if the life skills program was going to continue. Robert Webster indicated that there
will be 1 full time and 1 half time student remaining in the program after this
yearÕs graduation. Both of these
students are tuition students.
Walter Kumiega commented that the Board should have a program
presentation on the life skills program.
Greenlaw commented he would like a report from Warren Berkowitz,
Priscilla Heslin and Nancy Greene.
Greenlaw also questioned if foreign language would be offered at the
elementary school next year. Joe
Babbitt questioned the need for the Grades 3/5 team teacher next year. Webster commented that class
configurations will have to be considered. Mark Cormier questioned the transportation costs. Discussion held on whether or not to
cut another bus for the next year.
Webster commented that the Board should consider the technology plan
update and the laptop issue.
Babbitt would like a report from the athletic director regarding the
ball field issues and the league-wide decision for split schedules. Webster commented that there should also
be a school lunch presentation and a music presentation.
9. COMMUNICATIONS
Skip
Greenlaw reported that Buddy Falino is working on a grant to place some
monuments around the island.
Joe
Babbitt commented that he has contacted the DOE and other groups regarding the
SAT replacing the 11th grade MEA test. He found no concerted effort to oppose this change. Greenlaw commented that he had
contacted a friend in the governorÕs office who indicated that there was a lot
of dissatisfaction with the change. Aimee Eaton commented that she had found a teacher who was
willing to teach a SAT prep class.
10. EXECUTIVE SESSION to discuss
Motion
by Eaton, second by Greenlaw to enter into executive session at 8:47 p.m. pursuant
to 1 M.R.S.A., ¤ 405(6)(F) for legal counsel. Vote: 6/Y, 0/N. Participating
were the Board members and Robert Webster. Returned to regular session at 9:30 p.m.
Motion
by Adams, second by Eaton to extend the meeting until 9:45 p.m. and return to
executive session at 9:30 p.m.
Returned
to regular session at 9:42 p.m.
11. Adjournment
Motion
by Babbitt, second by Eaton to adjourn at 9:42 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
JoAnna Haskell
Administrative Assistant