Kensington School Board Minutes
November 13, 2003
The Kensington School Board met on Thursday, November 13, 2003. In attendance were: Mrs. Cheryl McDonough, Chairperson; Mrs. Susan Belanger, 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 October 16, 2003 School Board meeting.
Mrs. Switzer gave her report as follows:
The November calendar was reviewed. Mrs. Switzer reported that Enrichment classes are winding down. There are two additional enrichment sessions scheduled, one in January and one in April. Mrs. Switzer noted that Kindergarten – Grade 2 students traveled to the Music Hall for the presentation of Corduroy and students in grades 3-5 enjoyed the presentation of Summer of the Swans. The Lil' Iguanas Safety Program was held recently at the Legion Hall. Author, Tony Abbott spent November 7th at KES and spoke to all the students. Mrs. Switzer reminded the board that Friends and Family Day is scheduled for November 25th.
Mrs. Switzer stated that Parent Conferences were held on November 5th and were well attended. Parents were encouraged to visit the new addition.
Several members of the American Legion Post visited KES and participated in an assembly in honor of Veteran’s Day.
The teacher inservice day on November 10th focused on Everyday Math.
Mrs. Switzer is in hopes that the Library/Media Center will be up and running soon.
Mrs. Lalime, President of the PTO, reviewed some of the PTO’ s recent activities. Mrs. Lalime stated that the PTO is currently investigating the purchase of choral steps for the multi-purpose room. Mrs. McDonough suggested that the PTO contact the SST to see if they could possibly build them.
Mr. Flynn gave his report as follows:
The Joint Chairs will meet on November 19th to discuss the SAU #16 budget.
On Monday, December 15th the full Joint Board will meet for a public hearing on the SAU budget.
On Novmeber 29th the Reuse Committee will meet with recreation directors from area towns for discussion and input relative to the use of the annex building and grounds.
Permits are still pending with regard to the new high school building project.
Mr. Flynn stated the punchlist for the Kensington addition is being reviewed. Training on the heating/ventilation system is being set up. No warranties will be activated until the new building is turned over to the school department.
Mr. Flynn noted that there would be budgetary increases for the 2004 – 2005 school year attributable to the new addition.
The issue of security and building use was discussed. The board will review various building use forms and discuss the guidelines for use of the building at the December board meeting. The subject of non-profit organizations using the multipurpose room as well as the subject of liability was discussed. There are many issues to be addressed relative to the use of the room. It was determined that Lili Spinosa, PE teacher at KES and a member of the Kensington Recreation Committee, will serve as liaison between the school and those associations wanting to use the multipurpose room. Mrs. McDonough stressed the fact that community use of the new building is strongly endorsed by the board and asked that word reach the community via the Community Newsletter.
A budget workshop is scheduled for December 1, 2003. Mr. Flynn stated that insurance rates should be fixed by then. Mr. Flynn stated that an additional teacher would be needed for the 2004 – 2005 school year.
The most recent NESDEC report was briefly.
Current KES enrollment figures were given to the board.
The board unanimously adopted, as a first reading, 17 State and/or federally mandated policies which will be adopted by all of SAU #16.
Mr. Flynn reported that he was in receipt of correspondence voicing concern relative to the showing of a PG film at KES. There is currently no policy in place at KES relative to movies.
Mrs. McDonough stated that it is her felling that all movies should be curriculum based with the possible exception of a very special occasion. Discussion ensued as to notification of parents should a PG movie be shown as well as alternative programming for those students not allowed to see the movie. Mrs. Switzer will form a committee to set up realistic guidelines and will return to the board with those guidelines for the December board meeting.
It was asked how the staff would be made aware of the new parameters and Mrs. Switzer answered that the subject would be addressed at the next staff meeting.
The 2004-2005 school year calendar was given to the board.
Mrs. Lalime asked if early release days could be changed from Wednesdays to Fridays. Mr. Flynn answered that the SAU preferred to keep all schools on the same early release schedule so as to avoid busing issues.
The meeting adjourned at 8:00 PM
Respectfully submitted,
Margaret Ruggeri
School Board Secretary