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

ARMAND R. DUPONT SCHOOL

ALLENSTOWN, NEW HAMPSHIRE

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2006, 6:00 P.M.

MINUTES OF MEETING            

 

PRESENT: Tom Irzyk, Evelyn Guilbeault, Karen LaPlume, Louise L’Heureux, Carl Schaefer, Betsey Cox-Buteau, Terri Kenny, Larry Anderson, Mary Rubega, Matt Woodrow, Linda Beaudoin, Peter Warburton, Tom Haley.

 

1.   Call to Order

 

      The meeting was called to order at 6:02 P.M. by Chair Tom Irzyk.

 

2.   Minutes of Previous Meetings

 

      The board reviewed the minutes of the October 12, 2006 meeting.  A motion was made by Louise L’Heureux, seconded by Carl Schaefer, to approve the minutes as written.

 

ALL IN FAVOR

THE MOTION PASSED

 

3.   Immediate Business

 

      A.  Citizens’ Comments

 

            There were no citizens’ comments.

 

            The board reviewed its policies KEB (Public Complaints About School Personnel) and BEDH (Public Participation/Citizens Comments at Board Meetings).  A motion was made by Evelyn Guilbeault, seconded by Carl Schaefer, to reaffirm these policies.

 

ALL IN FAVOR

THE MOTION PASSED

 

      B.   Transportation Update

 

            Linda Beaudoin, the transportation coordinator, was present to discuss the possibility of consolidating the buses next year to allow the schools to again have the same start and end times.  Mrs. Beaudoin indicated that the runs could be consolidated if there is not an inflex of students from present.  The principals spoke about the possibility of increased problems with larger bus stops.  Pluses might include a fuel saving, increased ability for staff coordination and better day care scheduling.

 

            Tom Irzyk asked Mrs. Beaudoin to investigate buses going too fast on certain runs.  Larry Anderson spoke about the location of stops at Fullam Circle.

 

      C.  Technology Update

 

            Assistant Superintendent Peter Warburton introduced Matt Woodrow (Allenstown Technology Coordinator) and Mary Rubega (SAU #53 Information/Technology Director).  They reviewed the current programs and equipment available in Allenstown and future plans.  The schools are seeking to integrate technology into all classroom instruction.  All purchases are carefully considered to be sure they will provide maximum impact on instruction.  Information Security, especially when divesting of old equipment, was discussed.  A future lap top buyout program was suggested.  The board suggested a policy regarding this process be created.

 

      D.  Principals’ Reports

 

            Terri Kenny distributed a summary of Red Ribbon Week activities and the mock election ballot.  She reviewed October and November activities.  She described a visit to the Paul School in Wakefield to review computer instruction.  Polling at A.E.S. was reviewed.

 

            Betsey Cox-Buteau described Red Ribbon Week at A.R.D.  She noted the new school sign.  The V.F.W. will donate to the grade eight trip.  Governor Lynch has expressed interest in visiting A.R.D. to review computer instruction.  The Veterans Day Ceremony was very well planned.

 

      E.   Facilities Needs

 

            Tom Irzyk reviewed the status of the former building committee and Architect Kurt Lauer’s estimate for constructing a second floor over the kindergarten wing.  His estimate is $1,167,000.  The board also discussed the possibility of adding more modulars.  Tom Irzyk indicated that he feels we must create space at A.R.D. by moving grade 5 to A.E.S., possibly by increasing class sizes.  The board asked SAU administrators to seek specific information regarding the ability to utilize kindergarten space for other purposes.  Peter Warburton described his review of the current St. Jean’s convent building.  The church will respond regarding its intent to sell the building and land by mid-November.

 

            The board listed options which include:

 

·        Doing nothing

·        Building a small addition at A.E.S.

·        Adding modulars at A.R.D.

·        Moving grade 5 to A.E.S. with no addition

·        Decreasing programs

 

            The consensus of the board was not to go forward with a small addition or extra modulars.  They wish to continue to pursue the purchase of the convent and returning grade 5 to A.E.S.

 

 

 

      F.   AREA Report

 

            Louise L’Heureux and Carl Schaefer reported on the recent AREA meeting.  They reviewed substance abuse programs, NHEIAP assessment, and the school resource officer plan.  The NHSBA Delegate Assembly was also reviewed by Louise and Evelyn Guilbeault.

 

      G.  Staff Request

 

            Sharon McCormick requested approval of acceptance into the Allenstown Retirement Plan as of June, 2007.

 

            A motion was made by Evelyn Guilbeault, seconded by Carl Schaefer, to approve the request.

 

ALL IN FAVOR

THE MOTION PASSED

 

4.   Old/Unfinished Business

 

A.     Negotiations

 

Tom Irzyk and Karen LaPlume announced that an agreement has been reached with the teachers association on a new contract.  Peter Warburton and Tom Irzyk reviewed the main points of the proposed contract.  The teachers have voted to ratify the contract.

 

A motion to approve the negotiated agreement was made by Karen LaPlume, seconded by Louise L’Heureux.

 

ALL IN FAVOR

THE MOTION PASSED

 

      B.   Budget Development

 

            The board reviewed the principals’ initiatives.  The requested behavioral program was discussed.  The suggested time increases for the librarian and office assistant were approved to be added to the budget.  Tiling locker room floors was not approved.  It was noted that the teachers’ contract costs will now be added.  Computer purchases were discussed as was the need for more technical support.  A warrant for asbestos abatement was discussed.

 

            The school board asked that administration provide a priority listing of possible budget reductions.  The board will meet again to continue budget development on Monday, November 20 at 5:00 P.M. at A.R.D.

 

5.   Other Business

 

      A.  Agenda Preparation

 

            The board’s next meeting will include space needs, budget update, snow removal costs.

 

 

      B.   Personnel Matter

 

            At 8:48 P.M., a motion to enter non-public session under RSA 91-A:3II(c) to discuss a personnel matter was made by Karen LaPlume, seconded by Evelyn Guilbeault.  On a roll call, the board voted:

 

                                                  Tom Irzyk                                          YES

                                                  Evelyn Guilbeault                                YES

                                                  Karen LaPlume                                  YES

                                                  Louise L’Heureux                               YES

                                                  Carl Schaefer                                     YES

THE MOTION PASSED

 

            Present in the non-public session were: Tom Irzyk, Evelyn Guilbeault, Karen La Plume, Louise L’Heureux, Carl Schaefer, Peter Warburton, Tom Haley.

 

            The Board discussed a personnel matter.  A motion was made and voted upon.

 

            At 9:07 P.M. a motion was made by Louise L’Heureux, seconded by Evelyn Guilbeault, to end the non-public session.  On a roll call, the school board voted:

 

                                                   Tom Irzyk                                         YES

                                                   Evelyn Guilbeault                               YES

                                                   Karen LaPlume                                 YES

                                                   Louise L’Heureux                              YES

                                                   Carl Schaefer                                    YES

THE MOTION PASSED

 

            Chair Tom Irzyk noted that board action was taken in the non-public session.

 

            A motion was made by Evelyn Guilbeault, seconded by Carl Schaefer, to seal the minutes of the non-public session until the January, 2007 Allenstown School Board meeting.

 

ALL IN FAVOR

THE MOTION PASSED

 

6.   Adjournment

 

      At 9:10 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 Allenstown School Board will meet on November 20, 2006 at 5:00 P.M. at Armand R. Dupont School  and on December 14, 2006 at 6:00 P.M. at Allenstown Elementary School. 

 

7.   Informational Items

 

      None