EPSOM SCHOOL BOARD
EPSOM CENTRAL SCHOOL
EPSOM, NEW HAMPSHIRE
TUESDAY, March 18, 2008 7:00 PM
MINUTES OF MEETINGS
PRESENT
Board Members: Barbara Doughty (Chair), Deane Kellison, Bill Yeaton, Gordon Ellis, Michael Wiggett
Superintendent of Schools: Tom Haley
Assistant Superintendent: Peter Warburton
Principal: Patrick Connors
Assistant Principal: Brian Beaverstock
Board Secretary: Claire Flannery
Business Manager: Peter Aubrey
Citizens/Staff:
David Cummings
David Goulet
Carin Linscott
Peter Muise
Nancy Stam
Cindy Douglas
Dawn Marshall
Chelsie Pinsonneault
Michelle Pinsonneault
Lisa Bauer
Colleen Steinbeiser
Robin Donovan
Susan Anderson
Heather Donovan
Cara Bean
Stephanie Locke
Irene Angelone
Jennifer Buff
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM by Barbara Doughty.
Gordon Ellis led the Board in the
Pledge of Allegiance.
process to board. He
reported that $167, 441 was lost in the default
budget. After the budget has been submitted to the state then we are
allowed to shift money as needed. Mr. Aubrey stated that according to
default law, this year’s default budget is the base for the next year’s
budget.
Mr. Ellis made a motion to accept the default budget proposal to the
state as presented. Ms. Kellison seconded it:
Bill Yeaton AYE
Michael Wiggett AYE
Gordon Ellis
ABSTAIN
Mr. Aubrey reviewed the lines that could potentially be amended. Ms.
Doughty then opened to floor to staff/citizen comment.
E. STAFF/CITIZEN COMMENT:
Lisa Bauer, an Epsom teacher of 21 years, stated that she recently attended her
town meeting where the topic of Epsom was raised in relation to repeated
default budget. Ms. Bauer asked how many default budgets had occurred in Epsom.
Ms. Doughty replied that 5 out of the last 7 years have resulted in default
budget. Dave Goulet stated that last year $263, 213
had to be cut compared to $167, 441 this year. Mr. Goulet
asked if the same cuts from two years ago, will they be repeated.
F. Budget review and revising: Ms. Doughty stated that potential cuts included: co-curricular sports,
pay to play, kindergarten, year book, drama, closing building to outside use,
limiting gym hours and roof repair.
Ms. Kellison
asked how much special education is affecting the budget and
if our special education expenses optional.
Ms. Doughty reviewed the special education budget. Ms. Doughty explained
that expenses changed based on student population. Ms. Kellison
asked if we are not purchasing textbooks due to special education costs. Ms. Kellison asked if there was some way to protect things such
as books against unexpected special education costs.
Mr. Ellis stated his concerns about the health of the roof and safety of
the building. He stated that it might cost more if it does not get fixed. Ms. Kellison asked what services would not be provided in order
to fix the roof. Mr. Wiggett stated that he agrees
that the roof needs to be repaired. He pointed out that any floors being
replaced underneath where the roof leaks will only get ruined. The floors are
being replaced under the passed warrant article.
Mr. Connor proposed to not replace two teaching positions. He stated that
this would create two-second grade classrooms, two third grade classroom and a
2/3 grade split. Mr. Connors mentioned caveats that may be involved in having a
2/3 split. He stated that this would include an increase in class sizes for 2nd,
3rd and 4th grades.
Mr. Wiggett made a motion to not fill the
retirement positions for the 08-09 School Year. Mr.Yeaton
seconded it.
Bill Yeaton AYE
Gordon Ellis AYE
MOTION CARRIED 4-0.
After much deliberation, Mr. Ellis
made a motion to $50,000 back into the budget line 2621-430 for repair for the
building. Mr. Wiggett seconded it.
BILL YEATON
AYE
MICHAEL WIGGETT AYE
BARBARA DOUGHTY AYE
DEANE KELLISON NAY
MOTION CARRIED 4-1
Mr. Ellis made a motion to put back into budget line items: 1200-116,
2410-111, 2411-115, 2490-110, totaling $13, 749. Mr. Wiggett
seconded it.
BARBARA DOUGHTY AYE
BILL YEATON
AYE
MICHAEL WIGGETT AYE
DEANE KELLISON
AYE
GORDON ELLIS
AYE
Motion to put the $54, 000 back in for textbooks made by Mr. Wiggett. Ms. Kellison seconded
it.
GORDON ELLIS ABSTAINED
BARBARA DOUGHTY AYE
BILL YEATON
AYE
MICHAEL WIGGETT AYE
DEANE KELLISON
AYE
MOTION CARRIED 4-0.
3. Citizen/Staff Comments:
Ms. Bauer stated that one great thing about Epsom is our class sizes. She
stated that there is a correlation between class size and test scores. Ms.
Bauer stated that she is concerned that the teaching positions that were
eliminated will not be put back in. Dawn Marshall stated that kids could participate
in sports locally rather than cut a teaching position. Ms. Doughty stated that
removing sports would not cover the cost of a teaching salary. Peter Muise stated that he feels the Alert Now service is great.
He stated that the principal and vice principal have done a great job. Mr. Muise stated that he appreciates the fact that sports did
not get cut because students need physical activities outside of school. He
commended the job that the school and school board are doing. He pointed out
that the community is behind the teachers and they did support their salary
increase in the previous voting year.
6. Adjournment
Hearing no further business, Chair Barbara Doughty declared the meeting adjourned at 8:56 pm.
The next regular
meeting of the Epsom School Board is scheduled for Wednesday April 2, 2008 at 6:00.