The Kensington School Board met on Thursday, February 13, 2003.
In attendance were: Mrs. Cheryl McDonough, Chairperson; Mrs. Susan Belanger, School Board member; Mrs. Dana Donovan, School Board member; Mr. Paul Flynn, Associate Superintendent of Schools; Barbara Guth Switzer, Principal.
Mrs. McDonough called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.
The monthly manifests were signed and the financial report was reviewed.
The board unanimously approved the minutes of the January 16, 2003 School Board meeting.
Sue Lalime, PTO President, gave an overview of PTO activities. Mrs. Lalime stated that the PTO would be sponsoring a Yankee Candle fundraiser in March, a Spring Egg Hunt in April, and an Internet Safety meeting in the spring. Mrs. Lalime also stated that the teachers are using their monetary allotments from the PTO to purchase classroom materials.
Alice Mower, Chairperson of the School Needs Committee, stated that bids were accepted from eight construction companies. Mrs. Mower reported that the architect, Frank Marinace would like to offer the contract to Brookstone Builders, as they were the lowest bidders. Mrs. Mower noted that because of the low bid the Design Committee is able to put some things back into the project that had earlier been deleted such as a full parking area, a sports floor for the all purpose room, replacement of the oil tank with a new one, and a new phone system for the entire school. Mrs. Mower stated that a pre-construction meeting is scheduled for the following week.
Soil testing proposals were given to the board for their approval.
David Buxton asked is any fees were built in for the building and electrical inspector. Mr. Flynn noted that there is money in the contingency fund for all fees associated with the project.
Mrs. Donovan moved to accept the amount of $1,588,045.00 from Brookstone Builders as their bid for the building addition. Mrs. Belanger seconded the motion. The vote was taken and was in the affirmative.
Mrs. Switzer gave her report as follows:
Mrs. Switzer reported on the recent early release afternoon which focused on the Everyday Math Program was most informative. Mrs. Switzer noted that there would be Valentine parties in the primary grades on February 14th, the NAEP Testing is scheduled for February 17th for grade four students and I Love to Read Day is scheduled for February 21st.
Mrs. Switzer reported that administrators from Newfields, East Kingston, and Kensington are investigating the feasibility of a pre-school program. There is a meeting scheduled for March 5th with Superintendent Hanson and Associate Superintendent Flynn to discuss it further.
Kensington Elementary School will once again receive the Blue Ribbon Award for volunteerism. The award will be presented at a breakfast meeting on March 14th.
Mrs. Switzer gave an overview of the following curriculum initiatives at KES:
· In conjunction with the social curriculum at KES, five classroom teachers will be participating in a Responsive Classroom Conference in March.
· All staff participated in an Everyday Math Workshop in East Kingston on Wednesday, February 5th.
· Dr. Kossakoski will present a Power Point Presentation to the staff relative to the E2T2 Grant on Monday, March 3rd.
· The SAU Literacy Curriculum has been written. KES will be assessing their curriculum to ensure that it is in line with the SAU.
· The Enrichment Committee has finalized the After-school Enrichment Program for March. Mrs. Switzer reported that Len Cabral, African American Storyteller, was well received by both staff and students for his recent presentation. The Artist In Residence Grant has been completed. Mrs. Switzer thanked Joni Praded, Michelle Estey and Julie Hall for their time and effort in writing the grant.
Mr. Flynn gave his report as follows:
Mr. Flynn reported that Brentwood now has their new addition but have a few items on the punch list which needs to be addressed. Mr. Flynn also noted that Brentwood kept their modular classrooms. Brentwood follows the traditional School District Meeting as does East Kingston and Stratham.
Mr. Dennis Dobe, Assistant Principal at Stratham Memorial School, has been assigned Interim Principal at Newfields Elementary School.
Interviews for the 7or 8 finalists for the Assistant Superintendent of Schools position will be held in the next few weeks.
A large-scale public relations push is on for the proposed New High School versus a renovation project. Mr. Flynn noted that the cost of renovating the existing building could exceed the cost of a new high school.
There are approximately 18 applicants for the principalship at the Cooperative Middle School.
Mr. Flynn noted that there have been some unforeseen expenses at KES recently due to the problem with the septic system and the burner. Mr. Flynn thanked Art Wiggin, Dick Wendell and David Buxton for their efforts to rectify these problems. Mr. Flynn stated that the board might need to compensate Mr. Wiggin for all of the extra hours he has put in this winter addressing said problems.
Mr. Flynn stated that there has been an objectionable odor in the rooms at the front of the school which are being investigated.
Current KES enrollment figures were given to the board.
The Homework Policy which was addressed earlier in the year will be reviewed and finalized at the March School Board Meeting.
The meeting adjourned at 7:55 PM
Respectfully submitted,
Margaret Ruggeri
School Board Secretary