The Kensington School Board met on Thursday, November 14, 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, KES Principal.
The monthly financial report was reviewed and monthly manifests were signed.
After the minutes were amended to read “the October calendar” rather than the November calendar, the board unanimously approved the minutes of the October 10th School Board meeting.
Mrs. Sue Lalime, President of the PTO, was in attendance and provided the board with an overview of what the PTO’s plans are for the school year. Upcoming plans include a Harvest Social for grades 3-5 on November 15th, a parent shopping night on December 5th, and a Winter Wonderland on December 11th for children in grades K-2. Mrs. Lalime stated that a letter was sent to parents relative to fundraising and what the money would be used for. Mrs. Lalime noted that the hot lunch program is going well.
Mrs. Mower, chairperson of the building committee, presented the board with the final conceptual drawing of the addition. Mrs. Mower noted that the architectural firm is currently working on a full set of drawings. The building committee voted unanimously to recommend to the board that the project go out to bid. Mrs. McDonough asked what the determining factor was in recommending the bid process. Mrs. Mower answered that the budget was tight and monetarily it is in the town’s best interest because the architects feel they have a very good idea of the current cost of construction. Mrs. Donovan moved to accept the building committee’s recommendation. Mrs. Belanger seconded the motion. A vote was taken and was in the affirmative. Mrs. Mower stated that a number of construction companies would be interviewed and documents would be ready by January 15th to send to a select bid list. February 7th will be the deadline for bids. The bid will be awarded February 15th. March 15th is scheduled to be the Breaking of ground for the addition is scheduled for March 15th. Classrooms should be ready by August 15th. Parker Survey, Civil Engineers for the project, will appear before the planning board on December 5th to keep them informed about the project. Mrs. Mower reported on the results of the Fire Marshall’s visit to KES. A list of corrections was sent to the committee and will be addressed during the building project. Whether the school needs to be sprinkled has not been determined. Mr. Paul Kimball has resigned from the committee due to medical reasons and Mr. Scott has been assigned to replace him. The board expressed their thanks for all of the hard work and time Mr. Kimball has given to the school.
Mrs. Mower noted that a small group of individuals has started investigating setting up a non-profit charitable foundation to procure funds for the school. Mrs. McDonough encouraged the group to work closely with the PTO. Mrs. Mower was encouraged to keep the community informed relative to the building project by putting information on the Website.
Mr. Steve McDonough was in attendance and addressed the board relative to the playing fields. Mr. McDonough stated that the KYAA is currently looking for alternate playing fields because the projected addition to KES will eliminate the use of the existing fields. Additionally, Mr. McDonough voiced his personal concern that the addition of the parking lot has diminished the size of the playground, which was dedicated to Mr. Dick Drew. Also, he stated that the new addition will further diminish the size of the playground. After a lengthy discussion, Mrs. McDonough stated that indeed the size of the playground will be diminished but the memory of what Mr. Drew means to KES will not diminish. Mrs. McDonough also stated that the board will be looking at many options to honor some of those who have done so much for the school over the years.
Mrs. Switzer gave her report as follows:
The KES Times and the November Calendar were reviewed by the board.
Mrs. Switzer stated that the parent conferences were well attended.
It was reported that the PTO has given the Enrichment Committee $2,000.00.
Geography Awareness Week is scheduled for Nov. 18 – 22. All classes will participate in an appropriate activity during the week.
Mrs. Switzer noted that the school is looking forward to celebrating Friends and Family Day on November 26th.
December 12th is an all day training session for those teachers who are currently piloting the Everyday Math Program.
Mrs. Switzer reported that KES scored well above average on the Third Grade Assessment Test.
Mrs. Switzer stated that the Literacy Team is investigating several Writing Programs.
The early release scheduled for December 4th will focus on the Emergency Response Plan.
The board approved the second reading of the Homework Policy and again stated it was very comprehensive.
Mr. Flynn gave his report as follows:
The School Board Chairs Meeting is scheduled for November 20th at 5:00 PM.
Mr. Walter Pierce will be on loan to the Coop for the next 3-4 years to serve in an advisory capacity for the renovations/addition at the high school facility.
Mr. Flynn presented the board with the Annual School Meeting Timeline.
The budget timeline was also discussed and the date of November 22nd was scheduled for a budget workshop. It was determined that the public hearing on the budget will be scheduled for January 16th. The January School Board Meeting date will be changed and will take place immediately following the public hearing.
Mr. Flynn gave the board current enrollment figures.
The NESDEC Report was also presented to the board.
Under Building and Grounds it was reported that Mr. Wiggin would check on the leeching fields at KES.
Mrs. Sue Lalime, President of the PTO, noted that the PTO has scheduled an information night relative the proposed New High School on Wednesday, January 15th at 7:00 PM.
The board unanimously voted to go into non-public session in accordance with Chapter 91A:3IIc at 8:25 AM.
Respectfully submitted,
Margaret Ruggeri
School Board Secretary