ROCKINGHAM SCHOOL DISTRICT
School Board Meeting
April 19, 2010
Present: Joseph Brissette, Timothy Doherty, Michael Empey, Richard Kane, James McAuliffe
Also Present: Johanna Harpster, Chris Kibbe, Andrea Allbee
MINUTES
Mike Empey called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.
Pledge of Allegiance: Tim Doherty led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Adjustments to the Agenda: None.
Review and Approve Minutes of April 5, 2010: Jim moved to accept the Minutes as printed; Joe seconded the motion. Joe wanted it noted that, in the discussion in No. 9 of overtime pay, we haven’t paid any overtime at all. It was explained that a teacher would not earn overtime, but a para would. With this friendly amendment, the motion carried.
Visitors: None.
Communications – Chair: None.
Committee and Other Projects:
Bellows Falls Middle School Renovation Committee: Tim stated that the Committee selected Black River Design from 10 candidates, and will meet with them on May 20, 2010 at 4 PM at Bellows Falls Middle School.
First Reading of Harassment of Students Policy (Enclosed): Jim said it was decided to delete the names of the designated employees and just use the titles of “Principal” and “Guidance Counselor”. Jim moved, with that change, to warn the Prevention of Harassment of Students Policy for adoption at the first meeting in May. Joe seconded and the motion carried.
9. Reports:
Financial (Sent under separate cover): Andrea had provided a summary of revenue and expenses, and talked specifically about the General Fund with a $63,000 deficit. Jim brought up the inclusion of the retirement of the $371,000 loan showing up as an expense and would like to get an opinion from a public accountant on this. Jim asked other things which Andrea will respond to later, including an accounting of the “four million odd” repayments from the State, to make sure we collect anything that is due us. Jim talked about the Parks Place line item, which may include plowing but shouldn’t. The Business Office will clarify what is in that line. Jim asked about some Saxtons River line items which will be addressed when David is here. Jim asked about spikes in FICA and
Medicare, which Andrea explained.
Superintendent of Schools: Johanna handed out a publication from Deb Markowitz and suggested the Board hold onto it. The Admin has been working on the RUS Grant which, if received, will provide $123,000 for distance learning equipment, training and other expenses. Wes Vaughan did a lot of work on it, and Rockingham is partnered with Kurn Hattin. We are in good shape and will hear mid-summer whether we will receive this grant. Johanna shared information on Special Education, comparing our SU with others in the state.
Principals (Enclosed): Mike said the Middle School trip to DC has drawn the attention of the Rachael Ray show, which is coming to the school for filming on May 28th. The Science NECAP’s are coming up May 11-13, and Mike suggested the Board go in and serve breakfast and encouragement to the students. The moving up ceremony is June 15th, and Board members should attend. Mike reported that a local citizen (who may or may not wish to be identified) is going to pay to have the front entryway of the Middle School power washed. At Central, April 29th is Jump Rope for Heart. The spring concert is May 6th at the High School. Saxtons River will have a presentation on autism on April 26th, and an evening of reading on May 13th.
WNESU (Unapproved 3/24 Minutes enclosed): There is a special meeting this Wednesday, at 7 PM; all of the SU reps are available to attend.
10. Unfinished Business:
Bus Warranty (Handed out by Johanna): This is a follow-up from the action list in response to Jim’s questions. Andrea said some vendors do not comply with the contract by saving old parts so that we can be reimbursed for them by O’Connor. Andrea was instructed to hold payment of all bus invoices in the current warrant, and Mac Jones will be asked to attend the next meeting. Joe asked for the names of the vendors who are not in compliance.
Building Issues: Chris said Saxtons River is replacing tile during this vacation week, which is covered by insurance and at no expense to us. The security system is going in at the Middle School. The boiler at the Middle School is limping along, and Chris will check with Rick Schuhmann on it.
Parks Place Agreement: Bill Stevens and Larry Slason are working on a new version and this is tabled until they finish. There was discussion of a shed which was built to house Rockingham’s lawn mower.
Jim asked for the Conflict of Interest Policy to be on the next agenda, including the latest draft of the policy.
New Business:
NECAP’s – Chris Kibbe gave a powerpoint presentation of reading and math statistics, and will bring back additional information requested by the Board.
Fuel Top-Off: Admin recommends holding off until just before the contract ends on June 30th, and then topping off.
Maternity Leave Request: Admin is making the Board aware that it will be using substitutes during that time, and the Superintendent will send Catey Metcalf a notice of family medical leave.
Approve Contract with Black River Design for the Bellows Falls Middle School’s Architectural Design: Tim moved to approve the contract with Black River Design for the Bellows Falls Middle School’s Architectural Design, pending review by our lawyer, and authorizing Chris Kibbe or Tim Doherty to sign on behalf of the Board. Joe seconded the motion. The product will be an architectural design to bring the existing building up to date. BRD’s proposal is $16,500, and Tim amended his motion to set a limit of not more than $20,000. Joe stated that the Selection Sub-Committee put a lot of work and effort into the selection of Black River Design, and it is with extreme confidence that the Committee recommends going forward. The motion carried.
Other: Tim acknowledged the passing of Ginger Kabara. She was one of the best teachers he’s ever seen, and she will be missed.
Joe talked about parents stopping in the middle of the road to drop their kids off at school. He urged people to follow traffic safety and pull to the side of the street and walk your kids across.
Appointments and/or Resignations: None.
Warrant Discussion: Andrea was again instructed to pull out all bus invoices. Jim asked about a payment to the Town of Rockingham which Andrea explained. Jim asked about Federal and State programs, which Andrea explained is the Fresh Fruits & Vegetables Grant.
Action List Review: Mike reviewed new items and due dates, and revised due dates on some of the older items.
Directors’ Comments: Mike talked about a recent BF Village Trustees meeting he was watching on TV at which they were discussing the school system and school budget. So Mike went down to dispute them. Joe talked about a plan of inspection for lead paint expected from the Trustees, which has not been forthcoming. Tim invited the Trustees to any of the School Board meetings.
Mike said he was contacted by a student on Project Citizen, and invited him to come before the Board.
The next meeting will be on May 3, 2010 at 7 PM at BFMS. Mike is unavailable, so Jim will chair.
17. Executive Session:
Personnel Matter (Superintendent’s Evaluation)
Contract Matters (4)
Jim moved to go into executive session at 9:30 PM for the above items. Tim seconded and the motion carried. The Board came out of Executive Session at 10:00 PM and no action was taken.
Adjournment: There being no further business to come before the Board, the Chair declared the meeting adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Joseph Brissette, Clerk
| 