The Kensington School Board met on Thursday, August 15, 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; Mrs. Barbara Switzer, Principal.
Mrs. McDonough called the meeting to order at 4:05 PM.
Ms. Natalie Perry, Transportation liaison for SAU #16, reported that she had met earlier in the week with Mrs. Dana Donovan regarding the bus routes for Kensington. Mrs. Perry recommended reversing the morning bus route for bus # 3 in order to make the route more equitable for students on that route. Additionally, Mrs. Perry asked that the board approve consolidating some stops in the developments in Kensington. Mrs. Donovan moved to approve the recommendations presented. Mrs. Belanger seconded the motion. A vote was taken and was unanimously approved. The following roads/developments will be affected by the change in the number of stops: Kensington Farms, Amos Tuck Road, Juniper Lane, Hemlock Road, Palmer Drive, Hidden Pasture Road, Whipple Way, Olivia Lane, and Trimble Trail. Letters will be sent notifying parents of the changes. Mrs. Donovan stated that the board would need to readdress the issue if there are complaints or concerns from parents relative to the aforementioned changes.
Mrs. Mower, chairperson of the building committee, reported that the committee has entered into a contract with Frank Marinace Architectural firm for the addition to KES. Mrs. Mower noted that the next meeting of the committee is scheduled for September 5th at which time Mr. Marinace will have a conceptual drawing of the addition. It was determined that Mrs. Mower and Mr. Curtis will be the contact persons representing the committee with the architects. A determination of whether a sprinkler system will be needed is currently being investigated.
Mrs. Donovan moved to approve the minutes of the July 15, 2002 and the August 12, 2002 School Board meetings. Mrs. Belanger seconded the motion. A vote was taken and was in the affirmative.
Mrs.
Switzer gave the Principal’s Report as follows:
Mrs. Switzer stated that it would be necessary for Mrs. Greenwood to forego her home visits with incoming kindergarten students because of a broken ankle. Mrs. Greenwood will have the children and their parents visit her in her classroom on August 28th and August 29th.
Class lists were posted on the front door of the school on Monday, August 12th. Mrs. Switzer reported that no problems have arisen regarding class assignments.
Mrs. Switzer noted that the summer school program serviced eight students and that an additional small group of students received Occupational and Speech services.
Mrs. Switzer presented the board with the homework policy which the board asked her to incorporate into the parent/student handbook. The board approved the policy as written but asked that Mrs. Switzer draw up a more specific policy regarding time limits for each grade level. The following recommendations were also discussed:
a. The rationale and timeline for all assigned projects
b. A specific materials list (readily available materials in most homes) for all projects
Mrs. Switzer will address the issues raised with staff at the first Faculty Meeting in September and have a policy ready for the board’s approval in October.
The board reviewed the dress code policy written by Mrs. Switzer. The board recommended the policy be more specific. The following are to be incorporated in the policy: a description of tank tops, the length of skirts and shorts, no see-through shirts, no halter tops, no underwear showing for either girls or boys. Mrs. Switzer will make the recommended changes.
Mr.
Flynn gave the Superintendent’s report as follows:
Mr. Flynn reported that Mr. Poelaert, East Kingston School Board member, has made an amazing recovery from a serious illness.
The addition to Swasey School in Brentwood may not be ready for the first day of school.
Mr. Dick Wendell, Plant Manager for Exeter and a resident of Kensington, will be checking on the progress of Kensington’s addition when it begins construction on a regular basis. Mr. Flynn noted that Mr. Wendell has been a great resource during the placement of the modular classrooms at KES.
SAU #16 staff members will meet at the Cooperative Middle School on Tuesday, August 27th for an orientation session.
The Future’s Search Committee will meet in September to investigate the building of a new high school versus renovations to the existing school.
Cassandra Donovan has been assigned Interim Principal of the Cooperative Middle School for the 2002-2003 school year.
The August Bond Bank monies is expected by September 12th. The building fund will have its own account. The Bond Bank has agreed to postpone the $11,000.00 audit fee necessary for the agreement.
Projected 2002-2003 enrollment figures were given to the board.
Mr. Flynn reported that all monies associated with the leasing and setup of the modular classrooms have been expended.
It was asked whether there would be school playing fields available in the spring during construction of the addition. Mr. Flynn noted that the design will be staked off and at that time he will have a better conceptual view of the playground are. It was suggested that Mr. Flynn investigate the possibility of the Kensington Youth Athletic Association using part of the land owned by the Exeter School District which is located in Kensington for use as a playing field. Mr. Flynn will investigate the possibility with Mr. Pierce.
Mr. Flynn asked the board’s approval to change insurance companies which carry the District’s Workmen’s Compensation and Disability Insurance. Mrs. Donovan moved to approve the change to Primex Insurance. Mrs. Belanger seconded the motion. The vote was taken and was in the affirmative.
The board was in receipt of a letter from Mrs. Robin Scott who raised issues relative to the curriculum and standardized testing. Mr. Flynn will speak with Mrs. Scott and inform her that the issues raised are currently issues that the board is looking at implementing in the future.
Mrs. McDonough stated she is also in receipt of a letter from Mrs. Scott who is looking for guidance relative to an upcoming fundraiser. For the past two years monies raised were given to the School Needs Committee. Mr. Flynn will meet with Mrs. Scott relative to what the funds will be used for.
Mr. Flynn recommended Ms. Tammy Miller for the third grade teaching position at KES. Mrs. Dana Donovan moved to approve the recommendation. Mrs. Belanger seconded the motion. A vote was taken and was in the affirmative.
Mr. Flynn asked the board’s approval to raise the School Board Secretary’s stipend from $25.00 to $35.00 per meeting. Mrs. McDonough asked what other Districts in SAU pay for secretarial services and after a brief discussion Mrs. McDonough recommended raising the stipend from $25.00 to $50.00 per meeting. Mrs. Donovan moved to accept the recommendation. Mrs. Belanger seconded the motion. A vote was taken and was in the affirmative.
Mr. Flynn reported that Mr. Wiggin has done an outstanding job in providing the decking for the modular classrooms. Mr. Flynn also noted that the board might need to investigate increasing the custodian’s salary because of the additional square footage of the school needing to be cleaned.
Mr. Flynn asked the board their feeling on moving budgeted computer equipment monies from the equipment account into salary for technology support. Mrs. Switzer stated that KES is in need of a computer coordinator who will provide direct services to both staff and students. Mrs. Switzer was advised to address the issue at budget time. After much discussion it was determined that the board would prefer to purchase the computer equipment in order that the two new teachers have computers in their classrooms. Mr. Flynn will speak with Mr. Fennell relative to his availability for the current school year.
The board unanimously voted to go into non-public session in accordance with Chapter 91A:311c at 6:50 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Margaret Ruggeri
School Board Secretary