Kensington School Board Minutes
March 13, 2003
The Kensington School Board met on Thursday, March 13, 2003. In attendance were: Mrs. Cheryl McDonough, Mrs. Susan Belanger, Mrs. Dana Donovan, School Board members; Mr. Paul Flynn, Associate Superintendent of Schools; Mrs. Barbara Switzer, Principal.
Mr. Flynn called the meeting to order at 6:55 PM.
The monthly manifests were signed and the financial report was reviewed.
Dana Donovan moved to appoint Cheryl McDonough as Chairperson of the Kensington School Board. Mrs. Belanger seconded the motion. A vote was taken and was in the affirmative.
The minutes of the February 13, 2003 School Board minutes were unanimously approved by the board.
Mrs. Lalime gave an overview of PTO activities and reported the following:
The PTO is currently sponsoring a Yankee Candle fundraiser.
The lunch program is doing well as are popcorn sales on Friday.
PTO is contemplating having a bake sale to coincide with the Jump Rope Presentation in the spring.
Mrs. Mower reported on the groundbreaking ceremony held earlier in the day. Mrs. Mower noted a second groundbreaking ceremony involving Mrs. Lawler’s class is scheduled for Friday, March 14th. The board again thanked Mrs. Mower for all of the time and effort she has contributed to the project. The board also thanked David Buxton for his quick response in clearing snow in order to provide additional parking spaces for KES staff.
Mrs. Switzer gave her report as follows:
The March Calendar and the KES Times were reviewed by the board.
Mrs. Switzer presented the board with a letter outlining various proposals regarding the dropping off and picking up of students during the construction process. After much discussion the board asked that Mrs. Switzer proceed with dismissing students to the Resource Room at 3:05 PM. Parents who are picking up students as well as buses will enter the bus loop and proceed to the middle door for pick up. The same procedure will be in effect for the morning drop off. Arrival and dismissal procedures will be monitored by staff. The subject of staff and parent parking was also addressed. Mrs.Switzer will send a letter to parents outlining the approved procedures.
Mrs. Switzer reported that the March 19th Early Release afternoon will focus on the Emergency Response Plan. Mrs. Switzer stated that all staff would attend SAU In-service at UNH on Friday, March 21st.
Mrs. Switzer stated that the Pre-school program discussions are continuing with other SAU administrators.
Mrs. Switzer reported that approximately 150 students are participating in the after-school enrichment programs which include bird house painting, aviation, cooking, art, chess etc.
Mrs. Switzer noted the Blue Ribbon Award for volunteering would be presented to KES on Friday, March 14th.
Mrs. Switzer stated that, in conjunction with the social curriculum at KES, Kristin Withee will present a Responsive Classroom workshop for teachers in early April.
The Enrichment Committee is sponsoring a K-2 field trip to the Epping Elementary School on April 2, 2003 for the UNH presentation of The Frog Prince.
With a few corrections the board unanimously approved the Homework Policy for KES. Mrs. Switzer will make the corrections and distribute the policy to the board.
Mr. Flynn gave his report as follows:
There are three finalists chosen for the position of Assistant Superintendent of Schools. One candidate will be presented to the SAU Joint Boards on March 24th.
Interviews are ongoing for the position for the SAU #16 Assistant Business Manager.
Pat Cushing, Principal of East Kingston Elementary School, will be resigning at the end of the current school year.
Dennis Dobe, Interim Principal at Newfields Elementary School, will be offered a contract for Principal at Newfields for the 2003-2004 school year. Mr. Flynn reported that the SAU # 16 Crisis Team was mobilized because of recent issues regarding the former principal at Newfields.
Mrs. Flynn reported that Kathy McNeill will be replacing Jayne Veilleux on the Exeter School Board and Pat Lovejoy will replace Donna Bates on the the Cooperative School Board.
A formal budget committee will be appointed to the Cooperative School District.
Mr. Flynn stated that June 13th was the scheduled last day of school for students, but because of the snow day the date has been moved to June 16th. After a brief discussion relative to the two days KES was not in session because of the septic problem, it was determined that Mr. Flynn will apply for a waiver from the state. The board will revisit the topic at the April School Board Meeting.
The proposed eight early release days were unanimously approved by the board.
Mrs. Lalime noted that the Emergency Response Plan for KES will be the focus of the next PTO Meeting scheduled for April 16th.
The meeting adjourned at 8:05 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Margaret Ruggeri
School Board Secretary