The Kensington School Board met on Thursday, May 9, 2002. In attendance were: Mrs. Cheryl McDonough, School Board Chairperson; Mrs. Susan Belanger, Mrs. Dana Donovan, School Board Members; Mr. Paul Flynn, Associate Superintendent of Schools.
The monthly manifests were signed and the financial report reviewed.
Mrs. Belanger made the motion to approve the minutes of the April 11, 2002 School Board Meeting. Mrs. Donovan seconded the motion. The vote was taken and was in the affirmative.
Mrs. Mower, Chairperson of the KES Design Committee was in attendance and reported to the board that the design committee had its first interview with an architect earlier in the day. Mrs. Mower stated the architect had reported that it was his feeling that it would take a year for the project to be completed from the time the drawings are available. The Design Committee will interview four additional architects and will keep the board informed as to their progress.
A number of fourth grade parents were in attendance relative to splitting the fourth grade class for the 2002-2003 school year. The board thanked the parents for coming and stated that nothing has changed in the past month. The board will continue to monitor the enrollment figures at each grade level. Mr. Flynn stated that given the current projected enrollment figures for the incoming grade one class it appears there may need to be an additional grade one next year. Mr. Flynn suggested that the board continue to look at enrollments and make a final decision mid July to early August relative to an additional grade five for next year.
Mrs. Reidy stated that she feels the two current fourth grade classes are complicated classes to place in one class. The board stated that there are many variables to be addressed relative to classes for next year.
Mr. Garand asked that the board address the fact that his daughter has been one of the first children on her bus in the morning and one of the last off in the afternoon. Mrs. Flynn stated the bus company is currently looking at the bus routes. Mr. Flynn asked that Mr. Garand voice his concerns and/or input to Mrs. Perry who is currently looking at the bus routes for Kensington.
In the absence of Mrs. Switzer, Mr. Flynn gave the Principal’s Report as follows:
· Mr. Flynn asked that the board review the May calendar and the KES Times.
· Mr. Flynn noted that the Fifth Grade Recognition Night is scheduled for June 12th at the Legion.
· Mr. Flynn stated that the fifth grade class will be traveling to the Coop for orientation on May 24th.
· Grade 3 Assessment Test was completed today.
· Mr. Flynn reported that the SAU #16 is looking at a software program which will help in evaluating test data for future use.
Current enrollment figures were given to the board as well as the list of students who received
Letters of Academic Recognition for the third quarter.
Mrs. Donovan moved to approve the following field trips:
1. Grades 1K and 1R to Odiorne Science Center
2. Grade 3 to Little Bay Buffalo Company in Durham
3. Grade 4 to State House in Concord
4. Grade 3 to Gymnastics Common in Brentwood
5. Grades 2C and 5 to a Wellness Walk in Concord
Mrs. Belanger seconded the motion. A vote was taken and was in the affirmative.
Mr. Flynn gave the Superintendent’s Report as follows:
· The SAU #16 Joint Board meeting is scheduled for May 20th. Mr. Flynn noted that this meeting would set the tone for next year.
· Brentwood has moved into part of its new addition.
· Stratham Memorial School has determined that the extended Kindergarten Program will continue next year.
· The United States Court of Appeal has declined to rehear the taxpayer association appeal. Mr. Flynn reported that SAU is investigating alternate sources of funding building projects other than the bond banks.
· Exeter High School will have many teaching positions open for the 2002-2003 school year. Mr. Flynn stated that Mr. Michael Latvis is retiring this year after thirty-seven years at Exeter High School. Mrs. Chris St. Jean, a Kensington resident is also retiring from her High School teaching position.
· Mr. Flynn noted he is receiving positive feedback relative to the placement of a modular classroom at KES.
· Mr. Flynn presented the board with the first reading of Policy JFAA Change of School or Assignment Policy. Mrs. McDonough asked that Mr. Flynn look into the wording of the policy for a possible change.
Mr. Flynn reported that the school has made great strides relative to the recommendations presented by the Fire Dept. earlier in the year.
Mr. Flynn presented the board with the revised forms relative to the Instrumental Music Program at KES.
The meeting adjourned at 8:00 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Margaret Ruggeri
School Board Secretary