The Allenstown School District is committed to graduating all its students prepared for success as effective communicators; problem solvers; community contributors; and life-long, self-directed learners. -          District Mission Statement Adopted August, 2001

 

ALLENSTOWN SCHOOL BOARD

ALLENSTOWN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

ALLENSTOWN, NEW HAMPSHIRE

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2005, 6:00 PM

MINUTES OF MEETING            

 

PRESENT: Tom Irzyk, Jason Carrier, Evelyn Guilbeault, Karen LaPlume, Louise L’Heureux, Betsey Cox-Buteau, Terri Kenny, Larry Anderson, Phyllis Parker, Tom Haley.

 

1.   Call to Order

 

      The meeting was called to order at 6:10 P.M. by Chair Tom Irzyk.

 

2.   Minutes of Previous Meeting

 

      The minutes of October 13, 2005 were revised.  Evelyn Guilbeault asked to note under 4D that she was concerned about the health and safety issues of animals in the building.  Jason Carrier asked that the board’s interest in a gifted and talented program be noted in 4B.

 

      A motion was made by Evelyn Guilbeault, seconded by Jason Carrier, to approve the minutes as amended.

 

ALL IN FAVOR

THE MOTION PASSED

 

3.   Immediate Business

 

      A.  Citizens’ Comments

 

            None

 

      B.   Building Committee Update

 

            Tom Irzyk and Karen LaPlume reviewed the building committee meeting of November 9, 2005.  A near unanimous vote was taken confirming the need for a building and renovation project.  About 60% of the committee felt the plan presented last year should be re-submitted.  About 40% felt the plan should be expanded to bring the 6th grade to A.E.S.  One member abstained.  The building committee asked to meet with the school board on November 30 at 6:30 P.M. to give its final recommendations.  Jason Carrier suggested that all plans be reviewed at that meeting.  A discussion was held on the best way to accommodate needed programs at A.R.D.  Tom Irzyk discussed his concern with a quorum of the board attending sub-committee sessions when the board has voted to assign certain members.  Jason Carrier and Louise L’Heureux held the view that they should be able to attend as citizens.  By consensus, the board decided to hold the requested meeting on November 30 at A.E.S.

 

      C.  Budget Development

 

            The board discussed various budget items including text books, computers and other technology, funds to service and maintain technology, utilities, field trips, maintenance and custodial costs.  Teacher retirements and proposed initiatives were reviewed.  The board decided to add a health instructor, A.R.D. Gifted and Talented @ $20,000 (Salary/Benefits/$2,000 supplies), and P.T. Health at A.E.S. (based upon a BA+3 employee).  The MBC members in attendance noted that they felt the board was doing a good job thus far in preparing an appropriate budget.

 

      D.  Principals’ Reports

 

            Terri Kenny and Betsey Cox-Buteau summarized their written reports.  Honeywell has completed installation of the security system.  Student grades and reports are on edline.

 

            A motion was made by Jason Carrier, seconded by Louise L’Heureux to accept a gift of a wheelchair.

 

ALL IN FAVOR

THE MOTION PASSED

 

            Tom Irzyk expressed a concern about the cleanliness and maintenance of the gym area and cafeteria at A.R.D.  Jason Carrier asked about resources for teacher training and about playground security.  The board wants a response plan to the Primex Building Inspection.

 

4.   Old/Unfinished Business

 

      A.  Staff Parking

 

            Tom Irzyk reviewed the parking issues and regulations at A.E.S. 

 

      B.   Transportation Contract

 

            The board reviewed the most recent proposal from Dail Transportation for a five-year bus contract extension.

 

            A motion was made by Karen LaPlume, seconded by Jason Carrier, to approve a five-year contract extension with Dail Transportation.

 

ALL IN FAVOR

THE MOTION PASSED

 

5.   New Business

 

      A.  Student/Athlete Insurance

 

            Betsey Cox-Buteau asked the board to change its policy which requires all student athletes to have personal health insurance coverage.

 

            A motion was made by Louise L’Heureux, seconded by Karen LaPlume, to amend the policy to recommend but not require health insurance and to amend the current policy with language utilized in Pembroke.

 

ALL IN FAVOR

THE MOTION PASSED

 

      B.   Staff/Student Requests

 

            The board considered a staff request for extended leave with continued paid health insurance.

 

            A motion was made by Karen LaPlume, seconded by Jason Carrier, to approve the extended leave but not pay health insurance.

 

ALL IN FAVOR

THE MOTION PASSED

 

            The board suggested that the staff member check with the teacher association regarding the sick bank.

 

            A motion was made by Karen LaPlume, seconded by Louise L’Heureux, to confirm a polled vote to approve a non-resident enrollment.

 

ALL IN FAVOR

THE MOTION CARRIED

 

6.   Other Business

 

      A.  Agenda Preparation

 

            The next meeting will be devoted to building committee and budget matters.

 

7.   Adjournment

 

      At 9:30 P.M., a motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Evelyn Guilbeault, seconded by Louise L’Heureux.

 

ALL IN FAVOR

THE MOTION PASSED

 

      The next Allenstown Board meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, November 30, 2005 beginning at 5:00 P.M. at Allenstown Elementary School.

 

8.   Informational Items

 

      None