EPSOM SCHOOL BOARD
MINUTES OF MEETING
PRESENT:
Board Members: Barbara Doughty (Chair), Gordon Ellis, Dave Goulet, Tracey Miner, Bill Yeaton
Superintendent of Schools: Tom Haley
Assistant Superintendent: Peter Warburton
Principal: Patrick Connors
Assistant Principal: Aaron Pope
Citizens/Staff: Senator Jack Barnes, P.T.A. President Diane Lewis, Lynne Lesieur, Judy Snell, Becky Saulnier, Amy Beauchesne, Linda Elliott, Robin Donovan, Daun Vaillancourt, Ikhlas Faraj.
1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at
2. Pledge of Allegiance
Gordon Ellis led the board in the Pledge of Allegiance.
4. Immediate Business
A. Agenda Review
Chair
Barbara Doughty reviewed the agenda. The
board decided that citizen/staff comments would come before other items.
B. Citizens’/Staff
Comments
● Tracey Miner recognized Principal Pat Connors for his work on the parent/student handbook.
● Senator Jack Barnes was present to discuss the school board’s position regarding provision of meals to children who do not pay. The board explained its intent to communicate with parents so no child would incur a negative fund balance, all children would have access to a lunch and the program could operate within its budget. Senator Barnes offered a gift to the district to provide for students who otherwise cannot afford a lunch.
A motion was made by Barbara Doughty, seconded by Dave Goulet, to gratefully accept Senator Barnes’ gift.
BARBARA
DOUGHTY AYE
BILL
YEATON AYE
GORDON
ELLIS AYE
DAVE GOULET AYE
TRACEY
MINER ABSTAIN
THE MOTION CARRIED ON A VOTE OF 4-0
Senator Barnes also discussed gasoline prices and federal special education regulations with the school board. He spoke about the upcoming primary election.
● Linda Elliott spoke about the perception that mini-courses allow teachers the day off. She provided information to refute this perception. Robin Donovan, Judy Snell and Lynne Lesieur also spoke about the value and acceptance of mini-courses.
● Ikhlas Faraj was present to discuss the bus
route serving the Still Water Development on
● Diane Lewis discussed the upcoming P.T.O. yard sale, the Stridewalk team effort, and ideas for the haunted house.
● Robin Donovan thanked the board for supporting repair of the modular.
E. Mini-Course Discussion
Pat Connors spoke about overall staff support for the program. Lynne Lesieur reviewed a previous survey which indicated support of staff, parents and students for the current three day schedule. Students have enjoyed skiing, rock climbing, skating and archery, among many other topics. One hundred percent of staff run or assist with mini-courses. The box top fund drive is utilized to offset some costs. The board asked that every effort be made to inform the public about the value of mini-courses. Tracey Miner indicated that teachers should submit reimbursement requests for mileage costs associated with planning the mini-courses.
C. Principal’s Report
Principal Pat Connors reported a smooth school opening. A fire drill has been conducted. The modular repairs are completed, but some site work and improvement to the propane tank area are on-going. Enrollment is at 461, down slightly. Kindergarten has three sections with 37 total students. He reviewed Epsom’s success in achieving A.Y.P. status. N.W.E.A. assessment was reviewed. Important events and dates for September were reviewed. He discussed the status of pay-to-participate and the new telephone/bell system.
F. Modular
Update
Gordon Ellis reviewed work done on the modular.
A motion was made by Bill Yeaton, seconded by Gordon Ellis, to approve an additional $237.16 to complete the modular repair.
BARBARA
DOUGHTY AYE
GORDON
ELLIS AYE
DAVE
GOULET AYE
TRACEY
MINER AYE
BILL YEATON AYE
THE MOTION CARRIED ON A VOTE OF 5-0
G. Heating System Update
Barbara Doughty questioned the lack of a moveable sub-frame for the boiler as specified. Pat Connors was informed that the specific boiler installed does not need this feature. A $200 credit has been offered.
H. Communication Committee Update
Tracey Miner reported that the committee met in August and is due to meet again in early September. Voting will be at E.C.S. on September 12 and the committee will have a flyer for distribution regarding teacher salary comparisons. Other ways of promoting the school budget and teacher contract were discussed. The goal is to “spoke out” the effort to many parents and teachers and to capture the “yes” votes.
3. Minutes of Previous Meeting
The
A
motion was made by Barbara Doughty, seconded by Gordon Ellis, to approve the
BARBARA
DOUGHTY AYE
BILL
YEATON AYE
GORDON
ELLIS AYE
DAVE GOULET ABSTAIN
TRACEY
MINER ABSTAIN
THE MOTION CARRIED ON A VOTE OF 3-0
A
motion was made by Gordon Ellis, seconded by Bill Yeaton, to approve the
BARBARA
DOUGHTY AYE
BILL
YEATON AYE
GORDON
ELLIS AYE
DAVE GOULET AYE
TRACEY
MINER ABSTAIN
THE MOTION CARRIED ON A VOTE OF 4-0
A
motion was made by Gordon Ellis, seconded by Dave Goulet, to approve the
BARBARA
DOUGHTY AYE
BILL
YEATON AYE
GORDON
ELLIS AYE
DAVE GOULET AYE
TRACEY
MINER ABSTAIN
THE MOTION CARRIED ON A VOTE OF 4-0
5. Old/Unfinished Business
A. School Board Goals
The board reviewed the goal to “Raise academic standards and expectations at E.C.S.” and various objectives drafted by Pat Connors. The board approved the goal for 2006/07 and requested another 2005/06 goal be reviewed at the next meeting.
B. Field
Trip Discussion
The board discussed issues involved in planning an educational field trip for middle school students. Problems identified are fund raising, appropriate dates for the trip, connection with the curriculum and educational value.
The board discussed seeking the input of staff regarding this idea. The trip would likely be conducted during school time.
6. New Business
A. Recess Detentions
Gordon Ellis indicated his belief that no student should be kept in for punishment at recess time. Pat Connors noted that this punishment is usually given to younger children who cannot remain after school and who respond best to immediate consequences. Holding children in for academic reasons is also done from time to time to make up school work or provide extra help. The board asked teachers present for their opinions on this matter.
B. Rule
of 72
Gordon Ellis indicated that every child can be a millionaire and should understand the Rule of 72. He wants the Rule of 72 taught to all children within the math or integrated studies curriculum. Pat Connors has spoken to Bank North about initiating a school savings program which would address some of the same topics.
The board also discussed a Constitution Month for E.C.S. A suggestion was made to have a quote or section of the Constitution presented each day.
4. Immediate Business (Cont.)
D. Special Education Report
Tami Preve and Patty Willis were present to review special education matters at E.C.S. Patty Willis discussed the recent on-site review of SAU #53’s special education program. She noted strengths and needs specifically addressed to Epsom. The major concern was space needs/inadequate facilities and need for additional staffing to bring student ratio’s down. Tami Preve informed the board of a number of newly enrolled disabled students requiring significant services which were not included in the current budget. Tracey Miner asked how the taxpayer is protected and was told that each decision must involve a local administrative representative to advocate the district’s position.
At
BARBARA
DOUGHTY AYE
BILL
YEATON AYE
GORDON
ELLIS AYE
DAVE GOULET AYE
TRACEY
MINER AYE
THE MOTION CARRIED ON A VOTE OF 5-0
Present: Barbara Doughty, Bill Yeaton, Gordon Ellis, Dave Goulet, Tracey Miner, Aaron Pope, Pat Connors, Peter Warburton, Patty Willis, Tami Preve, Tom Haley.
Special education placements and costs were discussed.
At
BARBARA
DOUGHTY AYE
BILL
YEATON AYE
GORDON
ELLIS AYE
DAVE GOULET AYE
TRACEY
MINER AYE
THE MOTION CARRIED ON A VOTE OF 5-0
Chairperson Barbara Doughty noted that no action had been taken while in the non-public session.
7. Other Business
A. Agenda Preparation
The next board meeting agenda will include citizen input regarding handbooks and sports, the pay-to-participate program, review of another goal, and special education financial information.
B. Citizens’/Staff
Comments
None
Chair
Barbara Doughty declared a recess at
A motion was made by Barbara Doughty, seconded by Bill Yeaton, to uphold the decisions of the administration and deny Ms. Grenier’s grievance.
BARBARA
DOUGHTY AYE
BILL
YEATON AYE
GORDON
ELLIS AYE
DAVE GOULET AYE
TRACEY
MINER AYE
THE MOTION CARRIED ON A VOTE OF 5-0
8. Adjournment
Hearing no further business,
Chair Barbara Doughty declared the meeting adjourned at
The next Epsom Board meeting is scheduled
for
9. Informational
Items
None