The Kensington School Board met on Thursday, November 8, 2001. In attendance were: Mrs. Cheryl McDonough, Chairperson; Mrs. Susan Belanger, Mrs. Dana Donovan, School Board Members; Mr. Paul Flynn, Associate Superintendent of Schools, Mrs. Barbara Switzer, Principal.
Mrs. McDonough called the meeting to order at 6:20 PM.
Monthly manifests were signed by the board.
The board unanimously approved the minutes of the October 10, 2001 School Board meeting.
Mrs. Janet Merrill was in attendance and inquired if the board had investigated her concern relative to the length of time her children are on the bus. Mr. Flynn reported that both Mrs. Donovan and Mrs. Switzer rode the buses recently to determine the length of the bus routes. Mr. Flynn stated he had spoken with Mrs. Perry relative to the problem and determined that the bus route would be reversed at the end of the second quarter of the school year and is still working on streamlining the entire transportation process.
A notice will be sent to parents notifying them of the reversal of the route.
Robin Scott informed the board that the Innisbrook Fundraiser, sponsored by the School Needs Committee, netted a profit of $4,056. 52 for the committee.
Paul Flynn gave the Superintendent’s Report as follows:
Mr. Flynn reported that the suit relative to the percentage needed to pass a bond issue has yet to be resolved. Mr. Flynn stated that the best case scenario would be if the Kensington School addition passes by a 2/3 vote.
Mr. Flynn presented the board with the results of the recent NESDEC report.
Mr. Flynn noted that enrollment figures would need to watched very carefully at the kindergarten level. Should the enrollment figures rise it could possibly mean three sections of grade 1 for the 2002-2003 school year. Mr. Flynn stated that if that should occur it would have a rippling effect across the budget. The school board will need to address obtaining modular classrooms for the next school year. The board will contemplate all options available to them and will meet in early December to review those options.
Mr. Flynn stated the Future’s Search Committee was in agreement to stay with its initial plan for building and renovations at the high school but will continue to investigate all options.
Mrs. Mower, Chairperson of the School Needs Committee, gave a brief overview of the committee’s work. Mrs. Mower noted the committee has narrowed the field to three contractors and they are working hard to come up with the most cost and space effective proposal they can. Mrs. Mower stated that Mr. Steve Wilson has offered his services and will give a free estimate of the proposed addition with a detailed budget. The next meeting of the School Needs Committee is November 14th.
Paul Kimball reviewed the work of the Grant Writing Committee with the board. Mr. Kimball stated he is investigating alternatives to the multi-purpose room. Mr. Kimball is in contact with the state relative to specifications.
Mrs. McDonough thanked Mr. Kimball for his interest and time in serving on the School Needs Committee and stated the board is willing to look at everything relative to the proposed addition.
Mrs. Switzer gave the Principal’s Report as follows:
Mrs. Switzer reviewed the November calendar, the KES Times and the Student Directory with the board.
Mrs. Switzer reported that the October 17th inservice focused on WebCT and was well attended and very informative.
Mrs. Switzer stated that the Halloween activities went well.
Mrs. Switzer reviewed the results of the NHEIP test results noting she is comfortable with the results. Mrs. Switzer stated that one of the goals of KES is literacy and the staff will address any weaknesses found in the language arts area of the test.
Mrs. Switzer noted that several staff members have joined her in attending the UNH Math Group.
Mrs. Switzer reported that the Emergency Response Plan is still being reviewed and updated. Mrs. Switzer has met with Brad Richardson who is the Emergency Management Representative for Kensington for his input. Mrs. Switzer stated that administrators of SAU#16 are also reviewing and updating the Emergency Response Plan for the entire SAU.
The meeting adjourned at 7:40 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Margaret Ruggeri
School Board Secretary