Deer Isle-Stonington CSD #13 School Committee

Meeting Minutes

Deer Isle-Stonington Elementary School

Tuesday, June 6, 2006 at 6:30 P.M.

 

 

 

Board Members Present:

Walter Kumiega, James Adams, Aimee Eaton, Skip Greenlaw and Mark Cormier (6:47)

 

Board Members Absent:  Joseph Babbitt

 

Staff Present:  Bruce Ives, Penny Wendell, Catherine Ring, Jane OÕConnor, Tasha Conary- Brown, Nelson Monteith, Judy Rhodes, Linda Weed, Julie Davis, Kendall McGuffie, Christine de Gozzaldi, Jessica Gillen, Dawn Robbins, Karen Billings, Kim Larsen, Sue Steed, Darleen Allen, Lucy Astbury, Amy Billings, Arlene Roberts, Jane Greenlaw

 

Guests:  David Walsh, Linda Nelson, Jennifer Hagerthy, Chrystal Kenzia, Emily Muller, Mary Offut, Don Sargent

 

1)    Call to Order and Declaration of a Quorum:

Chair Kumiega called the meeting to order and declared a quorum at 6:35 P.M.

 

2)    Moment of Silence:

A moment of silence was observed.

 

3)    Citizen Comments:

 

Skip Greenlaw commented that Governor Baldacci will be visiting the Island on June 14.  Greenlaw is hoping that either the Superintendent or Board Chair will make a statement on the impact of the StateÕs current policies on education.

 

4)    Approval of the Agenda:

Addition of Action Item I. Employee Recognition Grants. Deletion of Action Item C.  Action Item B. moved to after the reports.  Discussion Item E. moved to after Action Items.  Motion by Hunt, second by Greenlaw to approve agenda as amended.  Vote:  4/Y, 0/N. 

 

5)    Approval of the minutes of the May 2, 10 and 25, 2006 meetings.  

Motion by Hunt, second by Greenlaw to approve the minutes of the May 2, 10 and 25, 2006 meetings.  Vote: 4/Y, 0/N.


REPORTS

 

A.  Reach Performing Arts Center Director Report

 

           Nelson Monteith distributed a list of activities and performances which had occurred during the past year at the Reach.  There will be a gala performance on July 27 and 28 to celebrate the 5th anniversary.   This also is a thank you for the supporters of the Reach who often are not here during the winter months.  Linda Nelson, chair of the Reach advisory group, commented that the advisory group has completed a standard operating procedure for bookkeeping and record keeping.  They also have revised the bylaws and other procedures.  Aimee Hunt, on behalf of the school committee, thanked Monteith and the advisory board members for all their hard work.  Skip Greenlaw commented that he would like more dialogue between the advisory group and the school board.

 

B.  Elementary School Principal Report

 

Catherine Ring distributed a written report and highlighted:

 

á     Sharon McGuffie will receive the Employee Recognition Award.

á     The teacher will be distributing information on the summer reading program in the studentsÕ report cards.

á     Summer school is not cancelled.  At present there are 10 students enrolled.

á     She highlighted the integrated performance coordinated by Torrie Robbins.

á     The 8th Grade promotion will be Friday, June 9th at 1:00 p.m.

 

C.  High School Principal Report

 

Penny Wendell distributed a written report and highlighted:

 

á     This has been a month of gifts.  The school has received four pieces of art by Emily Muir and a bequest for the scholarship fund from Mary Nyburg.

á     The SATÕs scores have been received.  They ranged from the 200Õs to 800Õs as expected by the guidance personnel.  The State is now proposing giving the PSAT test to all 10th graders. 

á     She explained the summer reading program.  The English teachers met with the students they will have for next year.  The library will be open two mornings per week to allow student access to books.

á     A protocol for receiving tuition students will be implemented next year.  The sending school will be contacted for the studentÕs academic and behavioral record.  If there are problems in either area, the student will be admitted under a probationary status.  The administrators will meet with the student and parents and explain the academic and behavior expectations for the student.  Hopefully, with this new protocol the staff will not feel so overwhelmed by the problem students.

á     Student representatives from Grades 9, 10 and 11 met and reported on concerns and made suggestions about the school.  They discussed ways they could help identify problem areas.

 

 

      D.  Assistant Superintendent

 

           Bruce Ives reported:

 

á     The three-year inspection for asbestos has been completed.  Everything is fine.

á     The Union meeting for June 14 has been cancelled. 

á     We have received Sean PhelanÕs resignation.  He has taken a job at GSA.  Melissa Madigan has also submitted her resignation.

á     At the Union-wide K-8 workshop in Brooklin the staff scored writing prompts, Becky Turner gave a presentation of the Smart Board and Melissa Madigan gave a presentation on Map Questing.  The afternoon presenter was very disappointing.

 

  8)  ACTION ITEMS (taken out of order)

 

B.  Personnel Nominations

 

           1.  High School Science Teacher

 

           Bruce Ives nominated Carlton Simmons for this position.  Mr. Simmons has a background as an electrical engineer.  Penny Wendell reported that there were three interviewees.  Mr. Simmons came from Indianapolis and taught one of the more difficult classes.  Motion by Greenlaw, second by Hunt to approve Carlton Simmons as the High School Science Teacher.  Vote:  5/Y, 0/N.

 

           2.  K-12 Music Teacher

 

           Bruce Ives nominated Christel Kendzia.  Ms. Kendzia is a new graduate.  Motion by Greenlaw, second by Hunt to approve Christel Kendzia as the K-12 Music Teacher.  Vote:  5/Y, 0/N.

 

           3.  Grade Four Teachers

 

           Bruce Ives nominated Emily Mueller as a Grade 4 teacher.  Ms. Mueller has a masters degree in teaching.  Motion by Greenlaw, second by Hunt to approve Emily Mueller has a Grade 4 teacher.  Vote:  5/Y, 0/N. 

 

           Bruce Ives nominated Jennifer Hagerthy as a Grade 4 teacher.  Ms. Hagerthy is from Deer Isle and is a recent graduate of Husson College.  She also student taught with Judy Rhodes.  Motion by Greenlaw, second by Hunt to approve Jennifer Hagerthy as a Grade 4 teacher.  Vote:  5/Y, 0/N.

 

           4.  Interim Reach Auditorium Director

 

           Bruce Ives nominated Mark Stevenson who is from Woodbridge, Virginia.  Mr. Stevenson has a wonderful background in the performing arts.  Motion by Greenlaw, second by Hunt to approve Mark Stevenson has the Interim Reach Auditorium Director.  Vote:  5/Y, 0/N.

 

           5.  Part-time Occupational Therapist

 

           Bruce Ives nominated Donna Foster as the part-time occupational therapist.  This is a .6 position.  Motion by Greenlaw, second by Hunt to approve Donna Foster as the part-time occupational therapist.  Vote:  5/Y, 0/N.

 

 

7.  DISCUSSION ITEMS

 

A.  High School English/Language Arts Curriculum

 

           Kim Larsen reported that there are two English teachers at the high school.   They have 80 minutes classes.  Ms. Larsen reviewed how the Learning Results are addressed.  She reported that grammar is incorporated throughout the curriculum.  She also stressed that all other subject areas should practice good grammar.  She reviewed the different areas of English (i.e. world literature, American literature, British literature, contemporary literature) for the different grades. 

 

B.  2006-07 School Calendar

 

Kendall McGuffie indicated that the teachers would like the Board to reconsider the 2006-07 school calendar.   He feels that school should begin before Labor Day and should get out earlier in the year.  The reasoning behind this is that the students are much more eager to learn at the beginning of the year than at the end.  Another possible way of changing the calendar would be to put the workshops together at the beginning and end of the school year.  Lucy Astbury stated that she felt it was easier for the younger students to transition into school if they had a 3 day week, then a 4 day week before having a 5 day week.  Discussion held on how decision was on calendar was reached.  Discussion also held on timing of workshop days.  This will be an action item on next monthÕs agenda.

 

C.  School Budget and High School Renovation Referenda

 

Aimee Hunt commented that there are several different ballots for this election.  Penny Wendell requested that the Superintendent or the Board Chair explain how to vote on the continuing the budget referendum process.  Discussion held on referenda.

 

D.  TABOR Referendum in November

 

           Discussion held on taxpayer bill of rights.  Aimee Hunt commented that Maine Municipal Association has information on TABOR on its website.  Skip Greenlaw commented that Colorado has tried this and it has not worked.

 


8.  ACTION ITEMS

 

A. 2006-07 Co-Curricular Nominations

 

           Bruce Ives indicated that Robert Webster has included a list of the co-curricular nominations in his notes.  Motion by Hunt, second by Greenlaw to approve the co-curricular nominations as follows:  Vote:  5/Y, 0/N.

 

           Elementary School

Coach/Advisor                          Sport or Activity            Stipend/Rate Per Hour

 

April Gross                             Elem. Athletic Director               $5,200

Joe Babbitt                              Soccer A-Team                         $7.00 p/h ($1,650)

Gail Babbitt                             Soccer B-Team                         $7.00 p/h ($1,650)

Dana McGraw                          Girls A-Basketball                      $2,150

Tony Bray                               Boys A-Basketball           $7.00 p/h ($2,150)

Ed Mills                       Boys B-Basketball            $7.00 p/h ($1,250)

Kim Siebert/Miranda Billings         JH Cheerleading            $7.00 p/h ($1,350 Ö 2)

Mark Woida                            JH Chess                                $1,350

Susan Guilford                          DISES Yearbook             $1.025

Joe Babbitt                              Odyssey of Mind Coach                $7.00 p/h ($650)

Gail Babbitt                             Odyssey of Mind Coach                $7.00 p/h ($650)

Dana Webb                             JH Golf                                  $7.00 p/h ($1,200)

 

High School

Coach/Advisor

 

Matt Larsen                            HS Athletic Director                  $8,700

Glenn Billings                           Varsity Boys Basketball                $7.00 p/h ($3,450)

Terry Siebert                           Varsity Girls Basketball               $3,450

Keith Hoover                           Math Team                             $1,350

Christel Kendzia             Jazz/Pep Band                          $1,950

Kristen Eberdt                         Varsity Tennis                          $7.00 p/h ($1,450)

Kim Larsen                             Peer Support Advisor                  $850

Liz Small                                HS Yearbook                           $2,500

Dennis Saindon                          ACES Club                              $650

Greg Aldrich                           Varsity Golf                            $7.00 p/h ($1,450)

Seth Laplant                            Varisty Boys Soccer                   $2,450

Darren Eaton                           J.V. Boys Basketball                    $7.00 p/h ($2,850)

Keith Hoover                           Assistant Varsity Softball   $850

Terry Siebert                           Varsity Softball                         $2,650

Darren Eaton                           Varsity Baseball                        $7.00 p/h ($2,650)

Scott Siele                               Assistant Varsity Baseball  $7.00 p/h ($850)

Katy Helman, Gil Lacroix

Dennis Saindon & Carl Simmons Senior Class Advisors            $250 each

 

Unknown/Possible Vacancies

 

JV Girls Basketball

Varsity Girls Soccer

JH Girls B Basketball

JH Baseball

JH Softball

Elementary Chess

HS Chess

 


C.  2006-07 Probationary Teacher Contract

 

Item was removed from agenda.

 

D.  Summer Program Staffing

 

Bruce Ives nominated the following for the summer program staffing:

 

Donna Foster              Occupational Therapist            $60.00 p/h

Priscilla Heslin Clinical Counselor                            $38.00

Susan Steed                Speech Therapist                               $40.00

Dorothy Conte            Teacher                                 $39.00

Dianne Rizzo              Teacher                                 $34.00

Amy Billings             Ed. Tech.                                        $15.00

Jack Harrington           Tutor                                              $15.00

Jennifer Hagerthy         Teacher                                 $21.00

 

Catherine Ring explained that there are 10 students signed up for the summer school.  Jennifer Hagerthy is the only regular education summer school teacher.  The remainder of the nominees are for special education.  Motion by Greenlaw, second by Hunt to accept the nominations.  Vote:  5/Y, 0/N.

 

E.  July School Committee Meeting Date

 

Bruce Ives noted that the next regular meeting date is on Independence Day.  The Superintendent would suggest holding the meeting on July 5th.  Aimee Hunt indicated she would prefer Thursday.  Consensus that the Superintendent should check with everyone and set the date for either the 5th or the 6th.   Motion by Greenlaw, second by Hunt to approve the change in meeting date.  Vote:  5/Y, 0/N. 

 

F.  Reach Performing Arts Center Technical Assistant Stipend

 

     Bruce Ives recommended a $850 stipend of Sue Steed for her work as the technical assistant for 05-06.  Aimee Hunt indicated that this has already been approved.

 

G.  Summer Mowing Contract

 

     Bruce Ives indicated that Terry Siebert submitted the only bid.  His bid is $3,500.  He will use his own equipment and supply his own fuel.  Motion by Hunt, second by Greenlaw to approve the bid of $3,500 by Terry Siebert.  Vote:  5/Y, 0/N.

 

H.  New or Revised Policies

 

     1.  Reach Performing Arts Center Director Job Description Policy 9.18

    

     Add ÒbeÓ to 1.B. The Director shall be responsible for:   Motion by Adams, second by Hunt to approve the policy.  Vote:  5/Y, 0/N.

 

I.  Employee Recognition Grants

 

     Bruce Ives recommended that Sharon McGuffie and Kathy Ryan received the Employee recognition grants of $1,000 each.  Motion by Greenlaw, second by Hunt to accept the recommendation.  Vote: 5/Y, 0/N.

 

7.  DISCUSSION ITEM

 

     E.  New or Revised Policies

 

     1.  Reach Performing Arts Center Use Policy 6.01A

 

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

 

     2.  High School Completion Policy 3.20

 

     No changes made to the policy. 

 

     3.  Student Aspirations Policy 3.21

 

     No changes made to the policy. 

 

     4.  Vocational Education Policy 4.15

 

     No changes made to the policy.  Aimee Hunt questioned if the school includes the policy when informing the students and parents of the vocational opportunities. 

 

     5.  Student Transportation Policy 6.03

 

     Discussion on maintaining turn arounds.  Policy is ready for a second reading at the next meeting.

 

     6.  Volunteer and After School Activities Coordinator Job Description Policy 9.20

 

     Delete:  Reports to:  Assistant Superintendent and Principal.  Other minor changes were suggested.  Aimee Hunt suggested that the volunteer coordinator prepare Òprep packetsÓ of information to give to the volunteers.  The policy is ready for second reading at the next meeting.

 

9.  COMMUNICATIONS

 

           Jim Adams expressed concern about the turnover in custodial staff.

 


10.  Adjournment

 

           Motion by Greenlaw, second by Hunt to adjourn at 8:40 p.m.  Vote:  5/Y, 0/N.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

JoAnna Haskell

Administrative Assistant