Kensington School Board Meeting Minutes

September 11, 2003

 

The Kensington School Board met on Thursday, September 11, 2003. 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.

 

The board unanimously approved the minutes of the June 11, 2003 and the August 14, 2003 School Board minutes.

 

Mrs. Sue Lalime, PTO President, presented the board with a list of PTO fundraisers and activities for 2003- 2004 school year. 

 

Alice Mower, Chairperson of the Building Committee, gave a brief overview of the construction progress. Mrs. Mower stated that there was a slight moisture problem with the floors but was corrected by bringing in heaters. The electricians are scheduled to work the following weekend and if their work on wiring the fire alarm is completed the system will be tested during the week of September 15th. Mrs. Mower noted that Fire Chief Simpson has been very cooperative and his basic concerns are safety issues. The lease for the modular classroom terminates at the end of September. The matter of the keying system was raised by Mr. Flynn and will be addressed by the board. The board will also develop a policy regarding the use of the building and whether a janitor will need to be on hand to open/close the building.

 

Mrs. Switzer gave her report as follows:

·         The opening of school went smoothly. Mrs. Switzer reported that the staff has been very flexible in regard to the new addition and stayed out of the school over the summer. Mrs. McDonough asked that Mrs. Switzer relay to the staff the board’s thanks for their support in the addition effort. Mrs. Switzer thanked Mr. Flynn, Mr. Wendell, Art Wiggin and Mr. Otto for all of their support and efforts over the summer.

·         There have been minimal bus problems. Approximately 45 students are being picked up on a daily basis.

·         The arrival/dismissal procedures, put in place during the 2002-2003 school year, are working well.

·         There were only two parent complaints relative to student assignment when the lists were posted during the week of August 18th.

·         Brooke Petrucelli has been hired as KES’ Technical Integration Assistant and will be working at KES two days per week.

·         Three special education assistants will be on board for the 2003-2004 school year.

·         Kensington will be hiring a Media/Generalist consultant who will be setting up the library as well as helping to work on the Website design.

·         James Goodwin will be working as a part time custodian from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM daily.

·         Supt. Hanson, Mr. Flynn, Asst. Superintendents, Mr. Kossakoski and Mr. Frew visited KES during the second week of school.

·         Mrs. Switzer stated the early release afternoon scheduled for September 24th would focus on Everyday Math.

·         The board reviewed the October calendar and the KES Times.

 

Mrs. Switzer reported on the following Enrichment Committee sponsored activities:

·         The Kindergarten, first and second grade classes will see the production of Corduroy on October 17th and grades three, four and five will see Summer of the Swans on October 28th.

·         There will be a child safety program (Lil’ Iguanas)  held on October 22nd at the legion post.

·         Three – four week enrichment programs are scheduled throughout the school year.

 

Mrs. Switzer reviewed the Kensington Elementary School Goals for the 2003-2004 school year.

 

Ms. Tammy Miller, Grade 3 teacher, will be teaching computer courses for KES teachers over the next six weeks.

 

The board unanimously approved the following field trips:

            Grades Kindergarten, first, and second will visit the Music Hall Theatre on October 17th.

            Grades three, four and five will visit the Music Hall Theatre on October 28th.

            Grade 2C and 2L will visit the Town Office Building under the supervision of Police Chief

            Sheehan.

 

The results of the NHEIAP tests will be released on Friday, September 12th. Results will be shared with the board at the October School Board Meeting.

 

October 1st is Curriculum Night from 6:30 – 8:15 PM. Teachers will provide parents with an overview of their child’s classroom curriculum and expectations for the 2003-2004 school year.

 

Mrs. McDonough asked Mrs. Switzer to please have teachers investigate and perhaps attend conferences on the John Collins Writing Workshops. Mrs. McDonough stated the program is a very comprehensive and worthwhile program and one that should possibly be adopted at KES.

 

Mr. Flynn gave the Superintendent’s Report as follows:

·         All SAU #16 staff convened at the Coop for a “back to school” program on September 26th. Norm Bossio was the featured speaker and was very well received by all SAU staff.

·         SAU Chairs will meet on September 17th at 5:00 PM and the Joint Chairs will meet on Monday, September 22nd.

·         Swasey School is addressing issues with some of the contractors relative to their building addition.  Swasey School picked up sixty new students over the summer months.

·         Mr. James Eaves is the new East Kingston Elementary School principal.

·         Dennis Dobe has begun his first full year as principal at Newfields Elementary.

·         Stratham Memorial School’s enrollment this year is 600+ students.

·         Enrollment at the COOP is approximately 1300 students and 1600 at the high school.

·         The ERCSD has been approached by the Town of Fremont relative to enrolling tuition students.

·         The securing of building permits for the new high school is a lengthy one.

 

Mrs. Donovan moved to accept the Technology Integration Policy as read. Mrs. Belanger seconded the motion. A vote was taken and was in the affirmative.

 

Mr. Flynn stated that the board would need to address its goals for the 2003-2004 school year. Mrs. McDonough stated that the Literacy Program’s context should be explored. Mr. Flynn stated that the 2004 –2005 School District might need to incorporate the cost of plowing the new parking lot and additional janitorial costs into its budget. Mr. Flynn reminded the board that it is a Collective Bargaining year for Kensington.  A Charter School has been approved for the Exeter Area. Mr. Flynn will keep the board informed of any developments related to the school. Discussion relative to the NEASC Standards will also need to be addressed.

 

Mrs. McDonough stated that the Kensington School Board would continue to coordinate its policies with that of the SAU.

 

The meeting adjourned at 8:25 PM.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Margaret Ruggeri

School Board Secretary