The moderator, Robert Solomon, called the session to order at 7:03 PM. Mr. Solomon led the meeting in a salute to the flag.
Mr. Solomon introduced the School District Officers as well as Mr. Paul Flynn, Associate Superintendent of Schools and Barbara Switzer, Principal of Kensington Elementary School.
Mr. Solomon explained the procedure for the meeting.
Mr. Solomon read Article 1.
Article 1. Shall the District: raise and appropriate the sum of two million three hundred twenty-two thousand dollars ($1,955,000.00) for the purpose of renovations and an addition to the Kensington Elementary School. One million nine hundred fifty thousand ($1,950,000) of such sum to be raised through the issuance of bonds or notes under and in compliance with the Municipal Finance Act, RSA 33: 1 et seq., as amended; and to authorize the School Board to invest said monies and to use up to five thousand dollars ($5,000.00) of the earnings thereon for said project; and to apply for, obtain and accept federal, state or other aid, if any, which may be available for said project and to comply with all laws applicable to said project; to authorize the School Board to issue, negotiate, sell and deliver said bonds and notes and to determine the rate of interest thereon and the maturity and other terms thereof; and to authorize the School Board to take any other action or to pass any other vote relative thereto; and further, raise and appropriate an additional forty-nine thousand dollars five hundred dollars ($49,500.00) to meet the necessary financial obligations associated with the project’s debt service for the 2002- 2003 fiscal year.
(A 3/5 vote is necessary to authorize the issuance of aid notes or bonds. The School Board recommends the adoption of this article.)
Mrs. McDonough spoke to the article stating that Mrs. Mower, Chairperson of the School Needs Committee would be willing to answer any questions relative to the proposed addition.
Mrs. Scofield addressed the meeting noting that at the Cooperative School District meeting on February 6th the question was raised as to whether or not there should be a question mark at the end of the Article. It was determined that there should be a question mark at the end of the article. Mrs. Scofield then moved to insert a question mark at the end of the Article. Mrs. Doherty seconded the motion. A vote was taken and was in the affirmative.
No amendments were offered to the Article.
Mr. Solomon read Article 2.
Article 2. Shall the District raise and appropriate an operating budget, not including appropriations by special warrant articles and other appropriations voted separately, the amounts set forth on the budget posted with the warrant, for the purposes set forth therein, totaling $1,607,689.00. Should this article be defeated, the operating budget shall be $1, 481,432.00 which is the same as last year, with certain adjustments required by previous action of the District or by law or the governing body may hold one special meeting, in accordance with RSA 40:13X and XVI, to take up the issue of a revised operating budget only.
(The School Board recommends $1,607,689.00 as set forth on said budget.)
Mrs. Scofield moved to insert a question mark at the end of the Article. Mrs. Doherty
seconded the motion. A vote was taken and was in the affirmative.
Mrs. McDonough spoke to the article explaining the major increases in the budget were attributable to the inclusion of a modular classroom, an additional classroom teacher, an aide, a part-time guidance counselor, a possible Special Education out of district placement and equipment/furniture for the modular classroom.
Mr. Kimball asked what the cost of the modular classroom was and its size. Mrs. McDonough stated the cost of the modular is $32,000.00 and the modular would be equivalent to two 900’ classrooms contained in one modular unit. Mr. Kimball asked if the size of the classrooms were equivalent to the present classrooms. Mr. Flynn answered that they are equivalent to the newer classrooms but smaller than the kindergarten classroom.
Mrs. Camacho asked if the current fourth grade classes would be combined for next year. Mrs. McDonough stated that no final decision would be made until later in the year.
Mr. Buxton asked if an amendment were offered to increase the operating budget would that money be used for a specific classroom teacher. Mr. Flynn stated the monies could be appropriated but it could not be mandated where the monies be spent.
Mr. Merrill asked for clarification of what the modular classroom would be used for. Mrs. McDonough answered that one would likely be used as a regular education classroom and one would likely be used as a special education classroom.
Mr. Wilson asked for clarification relative to prioritizing the placement of a classroom teacher. Mrs. McDonough stated the board would look at the enrollment figures for each of the classes but historically have tended to have smaller classes in the primary grades. Mr. Wilson voiced his concern relative to the student/teacher ratio stating that studies show it is educationally better with smaller student/teacher ratios.
Mr. Merrill asked what the difference was in the qualifications for an aide and a classroom teacher and whether the board had investigated securing a modular classroom from within the SAU.
Mrs. McDonough stated that the board would do their best in securing the best buy for the money.
Mr. Flynn stated that Brentwood does have modular classrooms on site during its construction process and there are two behind the Jr. High School. When asked about using one of Brentwood’s modulars, Mr. Flynn stated that Brentwood is holding on to their modulars, as their building project would not be complete for the beginning of the school year.
Mrs. McDonough stated that a classroom teacher is certified by the stated of New Hampshire and an aide does not have to be certified.
Mr. Wilson asked about fast tracking the building of two classrooms should the building addition pass in order to use the budgeted money for the modular for a classroom teacher.
Mr. Greenwood asked for enrollment figures for next year’s first and fifth grade classes. Mrs. McDonough stated they anticipated forty-six first graders and thirty-one fifth graders. Mr. Greenwood then asked if there had ever been a class with thirty-one students. Mrs. McDonough answered yes.
Mr. Petzy asked what the tax increase impact would be on both articles. Mr. Flynn stated the increase was approximately $1.43 per thousand for the proposed operating budget and Mrs. Mower offered a handout to the meeting reflecting the tax impact on a ten, fifteen and twenty year bond relative to the proposed addition.
Mrs. Boswell asked that if the proposed renovations to the Grange Hall were passed could the Grange be used by the school. Mrs. McDonough stated that because of safety concerns and liability the board would not recommend its use on a daily basis. Mrs. Boswell stated that Mrs. Roffman had, at the Town’s First Session, intimated that it would be used by the school. Mrs. Roffman clarified her response to say that it could be used in the event of an evacuation of the school. Mrs.Roffman went on to say that the Grange has been used in the past for enrichment programs.
Mrs. Boswell then asked if there was a plot plan available of the proposed addition. Mrs. Mower stated that there was not. Mrs. Mower went on to say that the School Needs Committee had pared down last year’s plan to absolute space necessity and had received two independent estimations of the cost of the addition thus arriving at the $1,955,000. 00 amount.
Mr. Greenwood proposed an amendment to Article 2 to raise the proposed operating budget by Fifty Thousand dollars ($50,000.00). Mrs. Scott seconded the motion.
Mr. Buxton stated the town recommended any amendments to an Article be put in writing. Mr. Greenwood proceeded to do so.
Mrs. Doherty asked if an aide would be needed if you added a classroom teacher. Mrs. McDonough answered no. Mrs. Doherty noted that perhaps the increase did not have to be as large as Mr. Greenwood asked. Mr. Flynn stated that because of the possible increase in the number of classes the proposed sum would be needed to accommodate possible increases in art, music and physical education.
Mr. Petzy asked for projected enrollment figures for the 2002-2003 school year. Mrs. McDonough stated the following: Kindergarten - 28, Grade One – 46, Grade Two – 31, Grade Three – 31, Grade 4 – 21, Grade 5 – 31.
Mr. Wilson again asked about fast tracking the classrooms should the proposed addition be passed thus leaving available the money budgeted for the modular classroom for an additional teacher.
Mrs. Scofield addressed the meeting stating that she has a fourth grade student but after investigating the budget and given the fact that the town will be voting on the Cooperative School District budget, the town budget and the Kensington School District budget she is comfortable and confident that the school board is making the right decision.
Mr. Merrill stated that there are too many ifs associated with the linkage of the proposed addition to the operating budget. Mr. Merrill went on to say that the cost of the addition would only increase with each passing year.
Mrs. Walker voiced her concern relative confusion on the part of the voting citizens.
Mr. Petzy asked how the proposed additional money would be placed in the budget. Mr. Flynn stated some would be placed in the teacher salary account and some in benefit and regulatory line items.
Mr. Kilcoyne called for the vote.
Mr. Solomon read the amendment. A show of hands vote was taken with thirty-eight (38) in favor of the amendment and eighteen (18) opposed to the amendment. The amendment was passed.
Discussion arose relative to whether or not the school board would recommend passage of the amended article. There was concern among many of those attending that should the board not support the amended article it could send a negative message to the voters.
Mrs. McDonough stated that the board would need to meet to discuss the issue and noted that the board is very supportive of the wishes of the meeting but has worked very hard on being fiscally responsible to the town of Kensington.
Mrs. Blood stated that she feels strongly the board has worked very hard and must be allowed to voice their opinions relative to their decisions.
Mr. Merrill asked if it were possible to rescind the amendment and add a separate Article. Mrs. McDonough stated that the time for adding additional articles to the Warrant had expired.
Mr. Kimball inquired as to whether or not a recount could be accepted by the meeting. After some deliberation it was determined by the moderator that yes it was possible.
Mrs. Blood moved to reconsider the amendment. Mrs. Scofield seconded the motion. A vote was taken and was in the affirmative.
Mr. Newman asked that should the addition pass could money which was allotted for modular classrooms be used for an additional teacher. Mrs. McDonough answered yes.
Mr. Briggs called for the question.
A show of hands vote was again taken for the amendment with twenty-three (23) in favor and thirty-three (33) opposed. The amendment was defeated.
Mr. Merrill asked if there was a timeline relative to securing a modular classroom for September, 2002. Mrs. McDonough stated she felt strongly that it would not be a problem.
Mr. Scott asked again the tax impact of Article 1 on the town. Mrs. Mower provided the answer and again offered the breakdown of the tax impact to those in attendance.
Mrs. Tuthill stated the cost of the proposed addition decreased mainly because of the decrease in square footage of the addition.
Mr. Solomon read Article 3.
Article 3. To hear reports of agents, auditors, and committees or officers heretofore chosen.
There were no reports offered.
Mr. Solomon read Article 4.
Article 4. To transact any other business which may legally come before the meeting.
There was no further business.
Mr. Petzy moved to adjourn the meeting. The motion was seconded by several people.
Mrs. McDonough encouraged all those in attendance to vote on March 12th.
The meeting adjourned at 8:32 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Margaret Ruggeri
School District Clerk