Allenstown School Board

Armand R. Dupont School

Allenstown, NH

Wednesday October 22, 2008 6:00 P.M.

Order of Business

Present: Tom Irzyk, Louise L’Heureux, Stedman Holton, Peter Warburton, Gail Paludi, Terry Kenny, Karen LaPlume, Carl Schaefer

Call to Order – Mr. Irzyk called the meeting to order at 6:05 P.M.

2. Minutes of Previous Meeting – September 25, 2008

A motion was made by Stedman Holton and seconded by Carl Schaefer to approve the minutes. All in favor-motion carried.

Immediate Business

A. Citizens’ Comments

· Ms. Moore, a parent of an Allenstown student attending Pembroke Academy, asked the BOE if it would be possible to provide bussing to Pembroke Academy. Mr. Irzyk explained that bussing for high school students is not mandated and when this item was put in past budgets, it was voted down. Ms. Moore indicated that the drop off at PA in the morning is unsafe. Mr. Irzyk indicated that she should be in contact with the Pembroke BOE and Mr. Warburton suggested she get in touch with Headmaster Reardon.

B. Library Collections – Mr. Irzyk, Ms. Crowell

· Ms. Crowell presented an SAU-wide policy that was developed by librarians. This policy gives the public a process for challenging books in any library collection. The policy has been approved by several of the other SAU BOE’s. Mr. Irzyk asked the BOE members to review the policy and be prepared to vote on it at the next meeting.

C. Parent Request – Mr. Warburton

· Mr. Warburton read a letter from a parent requesting that her children be allowed to remain in the Allenstown School District even though they now live in Hooksett. After a lengthy discussion, Stedman Holton made a motion which was seconded by Louise L’Heureux stating that the students would be allowed to continue in the Allenstown Schools provided tuition in the amount of $6400 was paid to the Allenstown School District. This tuition amount is one-third of the prorated tuition amount. One-half of the amount ($3200) is due on or before 11/24/08 and the other one-half of the amount ($3200) is due on or before 1/12/09. If the first tuition payment is not received by 11/24/08, the last day for the students in the Allenstown School District would be 11/25/08.

D. Administrators’ Report – Ms. Kenny, Dr. Paludi, Mr. Warburton

· Ms. Kenny shared that the boiler at ARD was now repaired and working well. Given the age of the boiler, Mr. Irzyk directed Ms. Kenny to obtain three quotes for new boilers.

· Ms. Kenny discussed the NECAP testing incentive which is a “Scholar’s Breakfast” for all students taking the full amount of time during each of the testing sessions. This has been well received by the students and staff.

· Ms. Kenny shared AIMS web testing results.

· Ms. Kenny read a letter of concern from a parent regarding a fund raising event that was conducted by A.P.P.L.E. She indicated that she had spoken with both parties regarding the letter.

· Mr. Oxnard has volunteered to offer “Robotics” to the students as an extra-curricular activity.

· Dr. Paludi shared that she had a very enjoyable visit at ARD on Tuesday.

· Kasey Filion, Lori Roy, and Cindy Falabella reviewed the “Challenge By Choice” program which was a summer program designed to help students build social skills. Approximately 15 students participated and the program was a success.

Old/Finished Business

A. DARE Program – Mr. Irzyk

· Mr. Irzyk explained that the Dare Program will only be funded through the end of the calendar year.

B. Asbestos Inspection Report – Ms. Kenny

· Ms. Kenny explained that Ms. Yin, from the NHDOE, visited the school accompanied by Jonathan Burnham, the Director of Maintenance from the Pembroke School District. Reports and documentation were provided to Ms. Yin and she will be reviewing them and sending a report to Ms. Kenny. All schools are required to send a notification to parents regarding asbestos and to have an asbestos maintenance plan on file.

C. APPA Negotiations – Mr. Warburton

· Mr. Warburton met with representatives from APPA. Mr. Schaefer and Mrs. L’Heureux will work with Mr. Warburton to set a date for the first formal meeting.

New Business

A. 2009-2010 Budget Preparation – Mr. Irzyk, Mr. Warburton

· Mr. Warburton presented the first draft of the proposed budget for 2009-2010. A complete review of the budget will take place at the next meeting. The draft budget calendar was shared. Additional dates were determined and a final copy of the calendar will be sent to the BOE members before the next meeting.

Other Business

Mr. Schaefer asked about the bus stop at Clearview and Kenwood. Mr. Warburton will check into this and report back at the next meeting.

Informational Items

Mr. Warburton shared a report from Mrs. Willis, Special Education Director, regarding Special Education costs for the 2008-2009 school year. The BOE was pleased with this report and the format. Mrs. Willis will be preparing this report for each meeting throughout the year.
Mr. Warburton shared that Dr. Paludi was working with a Web Design Team and that there have been changes to the SAU #53 Website. One addition is a copy of the Superintendents’ visitation schedule to each of the schools within the SAU.
Mr. Warburton explained that he had a conversation with Linda Beaudoin about the overcrowding of the bus that picks up students at Tender Years Day Care. If this continues to be a problem, the day care provider will be contacted about making other arrangements for those students.
Mr. Irzyk reviewed information that he received from NHSBA regarding legislation that may have budgetary impacts. He asked that this be an agenda item for the next meeting.

Adjournment

A motion was made by Louise L’Heureux and seconded by Karen LaPlume to adjourn the meeting. All in favor – the motion passed. The meeting was adjourned at 8:42 P.M.

Next Scheduled Meeting: Allenstown Elementary School, Tuesday, November 18, 2008 6:00 P.M.