ROCKINGHAM SCHOOL DISTRICT
School Board Meeting
September 21, 2009
Present: Joseph Brissette, Timothy Doherty, Michael Empey, Charlie Jarras
Also Present: Johanna Harpster, Chris Kibbe, Andrea Allbee, David Lesser, Bruce Downer, Diane Ellis, FACT-TV
MINUTES
Charlie Jarras, Chair, called the meeting to order at 7 PM.
Pledge of Allegiance: Led by Tim Doherty.
Executive Session: Joe moved to go into executive session for a student matter. Tim seconded and the motion carried. The Board returned to open session at 7:25 PM.
Review Warrants: The warrants are made available for Board review during the meeting, and Charlie called particular attention to those with yellow post-its attached.
Adjustments to the Agenda: Johanna said the name of the person for 15a. is Laurelle Perron, and there are a number of 21st Century people to be considered in 15c.
Andrea added 11d. Financial Statement Report.
Review and Approve Minutes of August 17, September 3 and September 8, 2009: Mike moved to accept the Minutes as printed. Tim seconded and the motion carried.
Visitors: Mary Lou Smith issued a challenge to Admin and the Board to join in International Walk To School Day on Wednesday, October 7th. You can show your support by walking with the students. There is more information at www.walktoschool.org.
Mary Lou added that three 15-minute parking places have been designated in front of the Middle School for parents dropping off and picking up their kids.
Communications – Chair: Charlie talked about a publication “From The Boardroom” which Board members receive, and an article from the current issue.
Committee and Other Projects: None.
Adopt Administrative Professional Development Requests (Code C7): Mike moved to adopt Administrative Professional Development Requests (Code 7). Tim seconded and the motion carried.
Reports:
Superintendent of Schools:
Review Budget Timeline: Johanna handed out a calendar revised as of September 21st for September and October budget meetings. The October 1st Rockingham budget meeting will be rescheduled to October 7th if Jim is available, but a quorum will not be required at these working meetings.
Principals:
Teacher Evaluation Report: Bruce reviewed his Evaluation Process Report for Central and talked about communication. Joe commented on the focus on writing improvement and said Bruce is doing a great job.
David said the Saxtons River Kindergarten floor project is almost complete, and discussed the recent hiring process. SRES is “doing fine”.
WNESU:
Joe commented on the vote to rescind the vote for an additional business office employee and asked whether the position is actually covered by grant money. Johanna explained they will wait to hire someone until approval is received to use ARRA and CFG funds.
Tim and Mike referred to, but did not read, a letter that will be on the WNESU agenda later this week.
Financial Statement Report: Andrea explained the Balance Sheet and stated that the $600,000 loan has been repaid with $296 interest. On Page 2 of 2 there is a net revenue of $220,264.84 and this will be the number to look at, but it will fluctuate. The Budget Expense Report has salaries and health insurance encumbered. Charlie thanked the Selectboard for releasing the money on a timely basis and stated that communication between this Board and the Selectboard will be improved.
Unfinished Business:
Review/Discuss Parks Place Agreement: Johanna handed out a new Memorandum of Understanding with Parks Place. The annual fee of $2,000 has been reduced to $1,000 and assumed by the SU Board. Item IIIC. includes the three items this Board is responsible for. Bruce explained that Central School’s need for three additional parking spaces is a safety issue when school lets out. Mike moved to table this tonight. Tim will talk to Barbara Ternes, Director of Parks Place, about the parking issue.
Questions for Michael Obuchowski: Johanna handed out questions that have already been posed to Obie, and he will come before the Board on October 19th. The Board can e-mail him with any additional questions or give them to Johanna. Perhaps Carolyn Partridge and Jeanette White can be here too.
Drainage Work at Saxtons River Elementary School:
Chris talked about the drainage issue around the front door and recommended the Board accept the Excavation Bid presented by Hodgkins & Sons, which David can pay for out of his budget. Joe moved to approve the bid from Hodgkins & Sons, Inc. of $5,650.00 for drainage for the front door at SRES. Tim seconded and Mike recused himself; the motion carried.
Gutters need to be installed above the doors, and Rick is getting quotes which will be presented to the Board when available. Charlie said they need to be heated.
New Business:
Form Instruction and Educational Effectiveness Committee: Joe moved that the Board create an Instruction and Educational Effectiveness Committee. Mike seconded for discussion. Mike disagreed with the need for this committee because the schools each have their own PTO’s which are already stretched thin. Also, Mike said the Board does not set curriculum. There was considerable discussion following which the motion was tabled.
Draft of Athletic Letter: Mike recommended taking no action tonight.
Johanna talked about volunteerism and is going to the PTO’s asking where they think the SU should be heading. She has been to the Senior Center to get them involved in volunteering and in creating a community-wide vision of what our schools should be and what they should accomplish.
Request from Joe Brissette to Loan a School Bus to the Rockingham Free Public Library for a Field Trip to Boston: Joe moved to authorize the donation of a bus and driver for a Rockingham Free Public Library Field Trip to Boston to visit the Harry Potter Exhibit on November 21st leaving at 8:30 AM and returning at 9 PM. The Library will furnish gas. Tim seconded and the motion carried.
Action List Review: Tabled.
Appointments and/or Resignations:
Appoint Laurelle Perron as .3 CFG Literacy and .5 Elementary at SRES to replace Lorraine Bramble: Mike moved to approve the appointment; Tim seconded and the motion carried.
Appoint Cocurricular Contracts:
Bazin, Dawn – Student Council Advisor (1/2)
Douglass, Jaimie – Student Council Advisor (1/2)
Eno, Tim – Athletic Director
Ference, Joshua – Cross-Country
Gould, Sean – Student Council
Graves, Emily – Yearbook
Thompson, Rose – Yearbook Assistant
Mike moved to approve as written; Tim seconded and the motion carried.
Adams, Marj – CFG Homework Club (Reading)
Moore, Jeanne – DFG Homework Club (Math)
Mike moved to approve as written; Tim seconded and the motion carried.
c. Johanna listed four 21st Century Grant positions: Mike moved to approve as written; Tim seconded and the motion carried.
Directors’ Comments: Tim congratulated the JV football team on their win tonight.
The next meeting will be October 5, 2009 at 7 PM at Central Elementary School.
Executive Session: Mike moved to accept the recommendation of the Assistant Principal of Bellows Falls Middle School concerning a student matter. Tim seconded and the motion carried.
Adjournment: Mike moved to adjourn at 9:30 PM; Tim seconded and the motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Timothy Doherty, Clerk
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