Deerfield School Board

Deerfield Community School

Deerfield, New Hampshire

Thursday, May 4, 2006

 

MINUTES OF MEETING

 

PRESENT: John Harrington, Bonnie Beaubien, Don Gorman, Tom Haley, Kevin Barry, Kevin Webber, Gigi Klipa, Kandy Davitt, Cindy Hanson, Maria Knee, Members of the First Love Prayer Fellowship Church.

Church.

 

1. Call To Order

 

The May 4, 2006 DCS Board meeting was called to order at 6:30 PM by Chair John Harrington.

 

2. Pledge of Allegiance

 

     Mr. Harrington led the school board and others present in the Pledge of Allegiance

 

3.  Minutes of Previous Meetings

 

April 20, 2006 Minutes

 

A motion was made by Kevin Barry to accept the minutes of April 20th, 2006 as written, seconded by Bonnie Beaubien.

 

Mr. Gorman stated that the minutes on page 3 that read. Mr. Gorman tabled the Facility Use Policy for continued discussion.  Should read Mr. Gorman tabled the Facility Use Policy for continued discussion without objection.

 

All In Favor

Motion Carried

Minutes were accepted as corrected.

 

4.  Immediate Business

 

A.      Agenda Review

 

      No Changes

 

B.     Citizens’ Staff Comments

 

Kathy Shigo from the First Love Prayer Fellowship donated to the library a Bible.  She also stated that the First Love prayer Fellowship would be giving a free gift to any graduating 8th grader who would like it. 

Kathy Shigo and other members of the First Love Prayer Fellowship discussed with the members of the board the date and time that they were given to pass out this gift.   Ms. Dottie Anderson a member of the group stated that groups such as the Girl Scouts, Red Cross, etc. were given access when students were available. 

Mr. Harrington replied that he has spoken to Kathy Shigo about the place and time and it was his opinion that this was a good compromise.  The First Love Prayer Fellowship can send home flyers with the 8th graders stating the time and place and those who choose to participate in getting the free Bible may come at the stated time and place. 

Mr. Harrington also stated that the board needs to be respectful of everyone concerned and thanked everyone for their time.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

  C.  Policy Review-Mr. Harrington

 

  Don Gorman and Bonnie Beaubien reviewed with the board suggested changes to the Use of

  School Facilities Policy.  They will come back with their suggestions inserted into the existing

        Policy for comparisons. 

        The board discussed the need for a stipend position to coordinate activities within the building

and for field activities.  Mr. Gorman stated that locking of the gym doors at 2:00 is a suggestion

but does not need to be a written policy.  The board will continue discussion on this matter.

 

C.     Dept. Head Report-Mr. Klipa

 

Mrs. Matteson the Nurse for the Deerfield Community School was present to address the needs of her Dept.   Mrs. Matteson reported that she has seen a 25% increase in students coming to her office since she has worked at the Deerfield Community School.   This year Mrs. Matteson has seen a 20% increase in office visits.  Mrs. Matteson stated that she does not want to sacrifice quality such as yearly screenings etc.  Mrs. Matteson stated that the Dept. of Ed. has proposed Emergency Guidelines for school field trips that will require CPR/First Aid Training.

* See Attach. A

Mrs. Matteson stated that she cannot teach staff how to use a student’s EPI pen but parents are

to come in and demonstrate how to use them.  Teachers are not required to learn this procedure but so far all have been willing to do so if they have a child in their room that might need to use it.

Mr. Harrington stated that the board recognized the need and will continue to pursue a part time nursing position.

Mr. Gorman asked Tom Haley if it might be appropriate to put this position forward to the public as a warrant.  Mr. Haley stated that if it was placed on a warrant and defeated the position could not be created in the budget.  Mr. Haley stated the board needs to determine if isolating the issue and explaining it would be the best way to see the position created.

 

 

5.  Old/Unfinished Business

 

A.      Negotiations Update - Mr. Webber, Mr. Gorman

 

The board members reviewed the proposed Para contract and noted a few changes.

Specific Changes:

Pg. 5 Sec. 7.3.1 (.25 cents stipend, completes and maintains certification)

Pg. 7 Sec. 10.3.1 (Longevity)

Pg. 7 Sec. 10.7 Bus monitor (additional $1.00)

Pg. 9 (Bereavement & Leave) Wording to reflect Teachers’ Contract

Dental Insurance to be added

 

The board at their next meeting will review corrections and will then forward the document to the Para Association for their review.

 

B.     Public Awareness-Mr. Webber

 

Mr. Webber explained that “Public Awareness” is a tool to explain budget issues, building needs, school population, etc.   Mr. Webber stated that he was looking for venues to get the information out to the public.

Mr. Gorman stated that he has already set up a meeting with the Volunteer Fire Dept. to talk about town/school budgets, needs, etc.

Mr. Gorman also stated that it would be beneficial to work on a presentation using power point, that would describe in a visual manner needs, expenditures, etc.

Board members thought these ideas were a good start and will continue to work on these ideas and others.

 

6. New Business

 

A.       Staff Request-Mr. Harrington

 

Ms. Maloof (7th ,8th grade teacher) requested that her son be allowed to attend Deerfield Community School as stated in the Teacher Contract.

 

A motion was made by Kevin Barry, seconded my Don Gorman to grant Ms. Maloof’s request as stated in the Deerfield District’s Teachers’ contract.

 

All In Favor

Motion Carried

 

B.     End-of-Year Schedule-Mr. Harrington, Ms. Klipa

 

Ms. Klipa- reviewed with the board the end of year activities:  May 10th-Blended Solutions, Safety Internet Presentation at 7:00. This is a PTO sponsored activity.

May 18th Deerfield Community School Talent Show

June 6th- Concert (4-8 band, 6th grade chorus)

June 9th- Semi-Formal

June 19th-Graduation at 7:00

June 20th –Last day of school

 

7. Other Business

 

A.     Informational Items-Administrators and Board Members

 

Mr. Gorman spoke to the board about the trailer rentals and how that money used to pay for rental of these trailers could go along way towards payment on a bond.  Mr. Gorman suggested that the board look at a pre-engineered steel building with 8 classrooms, bathroom facilities to replace the modulars.  He stated it wasn’t fancy but would probably cost fewer than 2 million and it would relieve over crowding.  The students in this building would still use the gym, kitchen facilities, etc.

Mr. Harrington asked Mr. Gorman to do added research and determine actual costs with this proposal for the boards’ review.

 

Maria Knee informed the board that Deerfield Community School had 21 Kindergarten students register this evening and 5 new First Grade students.

 

Ms. Klipa informed the board that Cassandra Horning was awarded the NH Institute of Science award for the best 7th grade invention of all 7th grade students in NH.  Ms. Horning invented a dog collar that was made up of a two- way radio.

Mr. Gorman requested that the board send Ms. Horning a letter of congratulations for her award.

Ms. Klipa stated that the members of the DCS staff are working on a Unified Vision Plan. Presently they are revisiting the DCS Mission statement.  Ms. Klipa currently has met with Para’s, Custodial Staff and will continue meeting with other staff members.

Ms. Klipa informed the members of the board the Mr. Cote is no longer available to maintain the school lawn and fields.  She passed out two bids, which the board will review and they will make a decision on the 15th of May School Board Meeting.

 

B.     Agenda Preparation-Mr. Harrington

 

Driver’s Education-Mr. Miller,

Lawn Maintenance

Dept. Head Report

Para Contract

Facility Use

Public Awareness

 

C.     Citizens’/Staff Comments

 

       None made

 

A motion was made to Adjourn the May 4, 2006 Deerfield Community School Board meeting at  8:10 pm by Kevin Barry, seconded by Kevin Webber.

 

All In Favor

Motion Carried

 

      The next Deerfield School Board meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 15th, 2006 at 6:00 P.M. at Deerfield Community School. 

      Other Deerfield School Board meetings will be:  May 31st at 6:30, June 15th at 6:30, July 12th at 9:30 am (Goal Setting, Kevin Barry’s home, 27 Lang Rd.), August 17th at 6:30 pm

 

9.   Information Items

 

      None