The
Kensington School Board met on Thursday, April 11, 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 6:55 PM.
Monthly manifests were signed and the financial report was reviewed by the board.
A number of fourth grade parents were in attendance to voice their concerns relative to combining this year’s fourth grade classes into one fifth grade class for the 2002-2003 school year. Mrs. McDonough stated that she understands their concerns but no decisions have been made relative to the composition of classes at this time. The board will continue to monitor enrollment figures and will investigate all options at a later date.
The topic of school security was raised by the same parents due to a recent alleged incident at the school. Parents asked if there is a visitor policy in place at the school. It was determined that there is no policy in the Parent/Student Handbook at this time. Several parents voiced their concern to the board relative to their children being frightened to come to school due to the aforementioned incident where a parent went to the playground to retrieve her child. Mrs. McDonough stated that security for all students and faculty is foremost in the minds of the board and that all safety issues will be addressed over the summer months. A parent asked what the board proposed to do to insure safety for all students for the remainder of the school year. Mrs. McDonough stated the board would do what they could legally and in the meantime are reliant upon Mrs. Switzer to watch the situation. The board directed Mrs. Switzer to place a sign on the front door indicating that all visitors are to sign in at the office. Discussion ensued relative to parents entering school and going to classrooms unannounced. The board will address the use of identification tags for all staff and visitors as well as alternative precautions. The PTO will send a questionnaire to parents relative to school safety issues.
An additional grade four parent arrived and voiced his concern about combining the two present grade four classes.
Mrs. Mower addressed the board and presented a list of committee members for their approval. Mrs. Mower also asked the board for approval to interview architects and to expend an amount just under $8,000.00 for a set of conceptual drawings of the proposed addition.
After a brief discussion, Mrs. Donovan moved to approve the list of Building Committee members. Mrs. Belanger seconded the motion. A vote was taken and was in the affirmative. Mrs. McDonough stated she would like to see the Building Committee interview several architects for the position and recommend one architect to the board. Mrs. McDonough stated the board would address the issue of expending monies for drawings at that time. Mrs. Donovan moved to give the Building Committee authority to start the interview process and return to the board with its recommendation. Mrs. Belanger seconded the motion. The vote was taken and was in the affirmative.
Mrs. Mower asked the board’s advice relative placing a Warrant Article on next years’ ballot regarding a tax reduction on the school’s portion of taxes. Mrs. McDonough stated Mrs. Mower would need to address the question to the Board of Selectmen as you can not extract just the school’s portion of taxes for reduction.
Mr. Wilson stated that he would like to go on record that combining the two fourth grade classes into one fifth grade class next year would be a bad idea and that input should be received from faculty regarding the issue. Additionally, he asked about the timeline for the addition. Mr. Flynn stated that modular classrooms would be needed for September but are in hopes that the addition will be underway by next spring.
Mr. Kimball thanked the board for allowing him to participate in the NESDEC Workshop he recently attended. Mr. Kimball will have a report on the workshop for the next school board meeting.
Dana Donovan moved to approve the minutes of the March 13, 2002 School Board Meeting. Mrs. Belanger seconded the motion. The vote was taken and was in the affirmative.
Mrs. Switzer gave the Principal’s Report as follows:
· Mrs. Switzer reviewed the April calendar as well as the KES Times with the board.
· Mrs. Switzer noted that the Microsociety Unit held recently in Grades 1-3 was very successful and well attended by parents.
· The Americans All play presented by fourth and fifth graders was held on March 27th and was a huge success. Mrs. Switzer commended Mrs. Vallone on the production.
· The Jump for Heart Program was held on April 3rd with eighty students participating.
· The early release on March 20th was held at the East Kingston Computer Lab and focused on First Class.
· The SAU In-service on March 25th was held at the COOP. Mrs. Switzer received much positive feedback from the staff.
· Teacher Appreciation week is scheduled for the week of May 6-10th.
· Mrs. Switzer noted that the New Hampshire Educational Improvement and Assessment Program will be administered to Grade 3 students the week of May 6th- 10th.
· Mrs. Switzer commended Mrs. Beauchemin for all of her hard work in organizing Spring Hat Day.
· Mrs. Switzer reported that the fifth graders are at Sargent Camp this week. Mrs. Switzer spent the day there and noted that students are happy and enjoying their stay.
There was one field trip request – Mrs. Lawler’s class to visit their pen pals at Swasey School in Brentwood sometime in May. A discussion ensued relative to the use of private automobiles on field trips. Mrs. McDonough stated that at a previous meeting it was determined that all field trips should use school buses and that private vehicles be used only as a last resort. Mrs. Switzer stated that practice would limit the number of field trips. Mrs. McDonough noted that because of liability reasons the board would like to see buses used for all field trips and the board would look at the number of times children are out of the building for trips and their justification.
Mrs. Donovan moved to approve the Grade 2 field trip contingent upon the use of a bus. Mrs. Belanger seconded the motion. The vote was taken and was in the affirmative.
Mr. Flynn gave the Superintendent’s Report as follows:
· Mr. Flynn reported that Brentwood is in the middle of a large construction project and intends to hold on to their modular classrooms at this time.
· Mr. Flynn noted that Dick Poelaert, East Kingston School Board member is recovering from a serious illness.
· Exeter Elementary School is in the process of installing an elevator.
· Enrollment figures in Stratham stands at approximately 600 students.
· Mr. Flynn reported that the Exeter Taxpayer Association has asked that the U.S. Court of Appeals reconsider their decision. Mr. Flynn went on to say that the Association has 90 ninety days to petition the Supreme Court should the reconsideration be denied. Depending on the decision relative to the lawsuit, the Bond Banks may issue bonds prior to the December timeline. Mr. Flynn is currently investigating placement of the modular classrooms and will keep the board apprised of his inquiries of school abutters.
· Mr. Flynn stated the 5th graders will be visiting the Coop in late May for transition activities.
· Mr. Flynn reported that Jim Tufts should be congratulated as the Exeter Hockey team won the State Championship.
· Mr. Flynn has sent all materials related to securing a bond for the addition to the state.
· Mr. Flynn stated that he, Mrs. Switzer and the board would continue to monitor the enrollment figures for all classes.
The board received a letter from KYAA asking permission to place a portable toilet at the rear of the KES playground for the months of May and June. Dana Donovan moved to approve the request contingent on the fact that they stay locked during school hours. Mrs. Belanger seconded the motion. A vote was taken and was in the affirmative.
Mr. Flynn thanked Mr. Kimball for his interest in the school and for attending the NESDEC Workshop on renovating buildings.
Mr. Flynn also thanked Mr. David Buxton for his generous donation and spreading of mulch recently. Mr. Flynn stated he has found the Kensington community and PTO always most supportive of the school.
Mr. Flynn reported that Dick Wendell had a circulator replaced on the burner recently and thanked him for his availability to KES when needed.
The board unanimously voted to enter into Non-Public session in accordance with Chapter 91S:3II,a at 8:25 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Margaret Ruggeri
School Board Secretary