PEMBROKE SCHOOL BOARD
PRESENT: Tom Haley, Clint Hanson, Gerry Fleury, Ry Weisiger, Rick Mitchell, Mike Reardon, Deb Bulkley, Peter Warburton, Susanne Whitbeck, Mona Sandberg, Sandy Valine (recording secretary), Jon Marston, Sue Hutchinson, Jon Moore
1. CALL TO
ORDER
Chair Clint Hanson called the meeting to order in the
library at the
2. MINUTES OF
PREVIOUS MEETING
Mr. Haley presented a correction to the date of the seasonal
stop. p. 5 to December
A motion to amend the minutes of the
ALL IN FAVOR
THE MOTION CARRIED
A motion to accept the amended minutes of the
Mr. Haley presented a clarification to be included regarding the communication with Cpl. Burke.
ALL IN FAVOR
THE MOTION CARRIED
3. IMMEDIATE
BUSINESS
A. CITIZENS’ COMMENTS
Jon Moore is here tonight on behalf of the ski team. Ski team became an officially recognized a
varsity level sport at a
Mr. Hanson stated that the board could recommend going forward with an advisory warrant article at a School District Meeting to have the sport included in the district’s sports and clubs offerings.
Mr. Fleury suggested that the board present it as an advisory warrant later in tonight’s meeting during the budget discussions.
The numbers presented in the letter from Mr. Moore are reported to be fairly solid.
Mr. Serafin requested clarification of the numbers presented in the letter particularly related to increased levels of participation.
There was discussion regarding the possibility of additional funds needed if participants increased. Certain cost items would increase based on the number of participants.
B. TRANSPORTATION UPDATE
Mr. Haley received a fax reply from Cpl. Burke. Cpl. Burke recommends the Town Officials review the situation and make a decision.
Chief Lane will attend the next meeting for another topic, but will also be asked to discuss the bus issue with other Town Officials in order to make a recommendation to the board at that meeting.
Mr. Haley has contacted a representative from the
Mr. Weisiger asked about the original meeting regarding this topic. It was his understanding that at that time
there was an individual from the DOE (Dept. of Education) to review bus
stops. That individual/position is no
longer involved in bus stops.
Final board action was postponed until another meeting.
C. PROGRAM REPORT Athletics and Co-Curricular Activities
Sue Hutchinson, AD PA, and Jon Marston, TRS, are here to present their reports.
Philosophy of Athletics in Pembroke was shared via a power point presentation. This information is included in both the PA Student Handbook and athletic “code” which are reviewed by parents and participants.
The various sports, clubs and activities offered at PA and TRS were reviewed.
Approximately 50% of the students at TRS are involved in Clubs and/or Athletics. Many students are involved in several activities.
There have been requests from 6th grade parents to have their children be eligible to compete for spots on various teams/clubs. Mr. Marston has done some research on the topic. There is a variety of opinion and practices in place in other school districts regarding 6th grade participation. For many schools, the decision is based on numbers.
Mr. Hanson asked about field hockey at TRS. It was a program many years ago. There has been a discussion about the possibility of a “cooperative” program with another district to help develop a stronger feeder program.
It had been suggested by a community member that the board not approve new varsity programs without a strong district feeder program.
There was discussion regarding the amount of playing time, competitiveness of the team, and how the district/school measure success of a program.
There was discussion about “freshmen” teams and other community youth sports programs. Feeder programs are often a key to the increased number of participants throughout the years at PA. There are many restrictions on athletes and their level of participation on various teams. This is particularly true with younger students.
Mr. Serafin asked about working collaboratively with the town or area programs to enhance and develop a stronger program. Mr. Marston stated that there haven’t been many formal discussions at this time. There is a group addressing the fields available in town. Ms. Hutchinson reported that this type of discussion may be a product of the community “field” program/committee. Mr. Serafin suggested that the recreation program could be a beneficial partner.
Rental of fields at this point is a wise financial/economic deal rather than having the district purchase and maintain additional fields. Ms. Hutchinson stated that the rental of the fields at the farm has limited expense to the district, as the care and upkeep is done by the owners. However, gym space and availability is extremely limited.
Mr. Serafin would like to see the schools incorporate some type of wellness component to the philosophy in the future.
Mr. Fleury asked about the dugouts at TRS. This project was supposed to be completed by October. He was appalled by the situation and work that had been completed. He saw the progress or lack of progress last weekend. He reminded the board that he was very concerned at the beginning of the project because of lack of a plan. The “project manager” was not prepared. Something needs to change so that the district does not become involved in other projects that have little preparation or pre-planning.
Mr. Marston stated that he was semi-involved in the dugout project. This was an Eagle Scout project. He did speak with the Eagle Scout candidate. This is not a small project and that fact was discussed with the student. Mr. Burnham was also actively involved with the student and with the development and supervision of the plan. Mr. Marston updated the board as to project status.
Mr. Fleury stated that remedial action to eliminate the hazard was required. Debris needs to be removed.
D. CONSENT AGENDA
A motion to approve the consent agenda was made by Mr. Serafin and seconded by Mr. Weisiger. The consent agenda included a
ALL IN FAVOR
THE MOTION CARRIED
The board was given an update on situation at TRS about a bus stop issue. A parental phone call notified the office regarding an issue at the bus stop. Office staff suggested that the parent also contact the police. Police came to the school, talked with students and investigated the situation.
No charges are being filed by the police. Consequences for those involved were discussed with the Superintendent, administration, and student(s) involved. Parents were notified.
Do our policies need to be updated to reflect what type of situations may come up?
Ms. Bulkley stated that our policies were very effective. The reactions of the parents were very supportive of the school and the action that was taken.
Kids KNEW that they were doing something wrong. There was a strong concern that no one
reported to adults.
A student reported it to a parent. The parent collected the items from students
at the stop and then notified the school and the authorities.
Mr. Marston shared that one of the things that they have learned from dealing with various situations over the years was that getting accurate information out to those involved as quickly as possible is extraordinarily helpful. A letter was sent home to all students’ families at TRS. Small groups were also helpful in addressing the situation.
4. OLD/UNFINISHED BUSINESS
A. NEGOTIATIONS UPDATE
The Negotiations Team did not meet on October 14th.
No revised proposals from either side were presented.
Mediation is scheduled for Nov. 1 at the
B. POLICY REVIEW
Mr. Haley presented the policies to be acted on tonight: This is the second review.
A motion to approve the above policies was made by Mr. Fleury and seconded by Mr. Weisiger.
These policies are presented in compliance to changes in state standards. The language was recommended from the School Board Association and has been reviewed by the superintendent and the principals.
ALL IN FAVOR
THE MOTION CARRIED
A first review of the following policies was presented to the board.
Mr. Hanson stated that action should be taken at the next meeting unless the board waives their policy on acceptance of policies.
5. NEW BUSINESS
A. NOMINATION/ELECTION OF STAFF
Mr. Haley presented the following nomination, Heather Crowell, to cover a sabbatical leave at TRS.
A motion to elect Heather Crowell was made by Mr. Weisiger and seconded by Mr. Fleury.
ALL IN FAVOR
THE MOTION CARRIED
B. BUDGET DEVELOPMENT
The board received a print copy of the budget. Electronic copies will be sent out.
A motion to introduce an advisory warrant article to
Mr. Serafin suggested that in the future the board should be more critical in reviewing programs prior to bringing it forward. While he stated that he is very supportive of new and additional programs, he does have concerns that some programs may have too high of a cost to the district. Cost per participant for some programs could be close to $1000.
Mr. Hanson stated that some standard of cost per participant could be developed.
The board does support the intent of the program.
Mr. Fleury stated that the process for introducing new programs is ideal. Administrators have the ability to review the cost values of the program over a few years to determine whether or not the numbers are accurate and that the program is economically feasible.
The town would need to determine if they are willing to fund the new program.
ALL IN FAVOR
THE MOTION CARRIED
Initiatives will be presented next time.
Health Insurance and dental rates are being received and
should be available by the
6. OTHER BUSINESS
A. CITIZENS’ COMMENTS None at the time
B. DUGOUTS
There was continued conversation about the dugouts at TRS. The initial approval deadline for completion of this project has passed. The proposal should have included that the plans and work would need to be up to the satisfaction of the Maintenance Director. The project was not completed on time. If necessary the site will need to be cleaned up and repaired if necessary to the satisfaction of the Maintenance Director. This should not have a district expense to fix.
Mr. Haley will invite the Eagle Scout and Mr. Burnham to the next meeting.
Mr. Serafin stated that he felt a “cease and desist” order should be given now.
Mr. Hanson suggested that the board provide the Maintenance Director with the authority to take additional action.
A motion grant Mr. Burnham that authority to take any action necessary to make area safe as soon as possible was made by Mr. Fleury and seconded by Mr. Mitchell.
ALL IN FAVOR
THE MOTION CARRIED
C. NON PUBLIC SESSION
A motion to enter non-public session was made at
Mr. Fleury YES
Mr. Mitchell YES
Mr. Serafin YES
Mr. Weisiger YES
Mr. Hanson YES
Present in the non public session were Mr. Haley, Mr. Hanson, Mr. Serafin, Mr. Weisiger, Mr. Mitchell and Mr. Fleury.
A motion to end the non public session was made at
Mr. Fleury YES
Mr. Mitchell YES
Mr. Serafin YES
Mr. Weisiger YES
Mr. Hanson YES
Chair Clint Hanson reported that no action had been taken in the non public session.
7. ADJOURNMENT
NEXT
SCHEDULED MEETING
A motion to adjourn the meeting was made at
8. INFORMATIONAL
ITEMS
The board was asked to share any ideas regarding the resolutions with Rick Mitchell