The Kensington School Board met on Thursday, October 10, 2002.
In attendance were: Mrs. Cheryl McDonough, School Board Chairperson; Mrs. Susan Belanger, Mrs. Dana Donovan, School Board members; Dr. Arthur Hanson, Superintendent of Schools; Mrs. Barbara Switzer, KES Principal.
Mrs. McDonough called the meeting to order at 6:52 PM. The board reviewed and signed the monthly manifests.
Mrs. Mower updated the board on the building project. Mrs. Mower reported that Parker Survey has surveyed the property and that a Geotechnical Evaluation had been done. Reports will be forthcoming. Mrs. Mower also stated that the second graders are writing a book and documenting the progress of the addition. It was suggested that pertinent information regarding the building project could be put on the KES Website.
Mrs. Switzer’s report is as follows:
The KES Times and the October calendar was reviewed by the board.
Mrs. Switzer reported that approximately 165 students had parents attended Open House.
Mrs. Switzer reported that the Fire Safety Program was well received by the staff and students of KES. She also expressed his thanks to the volunteer firemen who took time to participate in this important safety program.
Mrs. Switzer reported that Author, Anne Rockwell spent the day at KES visiting classrooms and reading to the children.
Mrs. Switzer thanked the volunteers who oversee the Hot Lunch Program at KES every Thursdays.
Friday, October 11th is a scheduled in-service day for teachers and will focus on Everyday Mathematics.
Mrs. Switzer reported that Grades K-3 will attend the MatheMagic Presentation at the Music Hall Theater on October 21st and Grades 4 and 5 will see the presentation on October 22nd.
Current Enrollment figures were presented to the board.
Mrs. Switzer presented the board with the 1st draft of the Homework Policy. They board will revisit the policy at the November meeting. Mrs. McDonough thanked Mrs. Switzer noting that the policy appeared to be comprehensive and well done.
It was noted that KES would continue to focus on literacy. Mrs. McDonough suggested that Mrs. Switzer look into the John Collins Writing Method as she believes it to be a most worthwhile program. Mrs. Switzer will examine the program.
Dr. Hanson gave the Superintendent’s report as follows:
Dr. Hanson stated that SAU #16 has started to develop the budget for the 2003-
2004 school year.
Dr. Hanson updated the board on the Future Search Committee’s recommendations regarding the building of a new High School. After several meetings it was proposed that a new high school be built. A building committee has been formed and would welcome a Kensington representative to serve on the committee. Dr. Hanson stated there would be a Warrant Article in the amount of approximately $49,000,000 for the new building. The Warrant Article will read such that if the $49,000,000 fails it will revert back to the $35,000,000 that was appropriated three years ago.
Dr. Hanson was asked what the timeline for both projects would be. Dr. Hanson answered that a new building would be ready for the 2006 school year while the renovations would not be done until the 2007 school year.
It was asked what would happen to the existing building should the Warrant Article for a new high school pass. Mr. Hanson stated that the sentiment is to keep the fields and possibly use the building as an SAU #16 distribution/storage center.
Dr. Hanson reported that the Public Hearing on the KES Budget is scheduled for January 16th and the First Session is scheduled for Saturday, February 8, 2003.
Dr. Hanson reminded that board that the SAU #16 Emergency Planning Meeting is scheduled for October 15th and 16th.
Dr. Hanson recommended the hiring of Sherilyn Phillips for the 40% Special Education position. Mrs. Dana Donovan moved to accept Dr. Hanson’s recommendation. Mrs. Belanger seconded the motion. All voted in favor of the motion.
The meeting adjourned at 7:40 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Margaret Ruggeri
School Board Secretary