Kensington School Board Minutes

February 12, 2005

 

The Kensington School Board met on Thursday, February 12, 2005. In attendance were: Mrs. Cheryl McDonough, School Board Chairperson;  Mrs. Alice Mower, School Board member; Mr. Paul Flynn, Associate Superintendent of Schools; Mrs. Barbara Switzer, Principal.

 

The meeting was called to order by Mrs. McDonough at 6:05 PM.

 

Mrs. Mower moved to approve the minutes of the January 13, 2005 School Board Meeting. Mrs. Donovan seconded the motion. A vote was taken and was in the affirmative.

 

Mrs. Mower presented a plaque and a desk clock to Mrs. Donough on behalf of the Kensington School District in honor of her nine years of service as the Chairperson of the Kensington School Board. Mrs. Mower thanked Mrs. McDonough for all she has done for the Kensington Elementary School, its staff and students.

 

Mrs. Switzer thanked Mrs. McDonough, who has resigned from the Kensington School Board (effective February 13^th) for her expertise, kindness and knowledge of all issues relative to the running of KES. Mrs. Switzer acknowledged that her job was made easier because of Mrs. McDonough constant support.

 

Mrs. McDonough stated she feels that Mrs. Switzer has moved the school forward since coming to KES and that she has been very good for both staff and students.

 

Mrs. McDonough stated the board is in receipt of a letter requesting that a student be allowed to remain at KES for the rest of the school year even though he is residing in another town. The board unanimously approved the request as the student is a fifth grade student.

 

Mrs. McDonough noted that the board had also received a letter from a third grade parent questioning their authority in not allowing the Third Grade Field Trip to Ellis Island and letting a minority of third grade parents persuade them from allowing the trip. Mrs. McDonough stated there is no such thing as a minority when dealing with children. Additionally, Mrs. McDonough pointed out that  the School Board does have the authority to approve or not approve field trips.

 

Mr. Flynn thanked Cheryl for all she has accomplished while on the board and reminisced about the nine years that Mrs. McDonough served on the board.  Mr. Flynn conveyed best wishes from Dr. Hanson, Mr. Frew, Dr. Kossokoski, and other Central Office personnel. Mr. Flynn stated that Mrs. McDonough has always been very supportive of the Superintendent and everything associated with the SAU.

 

Mrs. McDonough said that SAU #16 is a great SAU.

 

Mr. Flynn gave his report as follows:

·         Victor Sokul has accepted the position of Principal at Exeter High School and comes to the SAU from Keene High School.

·         COOP held its Deliberative Session the previous week and there were no changes to the Warrant.

·         Mr. Flynn stated that a current Junior Class student addressed the COOP Board with his concerns that his class will be Seniors next year and may be neglected because of the opening of the new high school. All involved will work hard to make it a good year for the seniors.

·         A number of trouble spots regarding the addition are being addressed. They include: leaks, floor tiles lifting, undefined odors, and trouble with the software which regulates the heating system.

·         Mr. Flynn stated that he is in receipt of $10,000.00 from the Eastman Estate and is in hopes of using it to help equip the new kitchen.

·         The building fund is almost exhausted.  Any remaining funds may go towards purchasing white boards for classrooms.

 

The following Kensington/SAU 16 Policies were unanimously approved by the board as a Second Reading:

            KCB- Community Involvement in Decision Making

            KEB- Public Complaints about School Personnel

            KEC-Public Complaints about the Curriculum or Instructional Materials

            KED-Public Complaints about Facilities or Services

            KF-Use of School Facilities

            KH-Solicitations in Schools

            KHB-Advertising in the Schools

            KI- Visitors to the Schools

            LC-Educational Research

            BDF-Advisory Committees to the Board

            IHAE-Physical Education

            IJNDB-Technology Integration

            JEC-Manifest Education Hardship

            JH-Student Absences and Excuses (revised)

            JH-R1-Grades K-8 Student Absences and Excuses-Rules

            JH-R2-Exeter High School Student Absences and Excuses-Rules

            JHB-Truancy

JHB-R-Truancy

            JHC-Student Release Precautions (revised)

            JICD-Student Conduct, Discipline and Due Process (revised)

 

Mr. Flynn again thanked Mrs. McDonough for her service on the School Board and said the children owe her a debt of thanks.

 

Mrs. McDonough asked that Mrs. Lawler thank the teachers for her. She also stated that whatever good is accomplished is ultimately done for the children.

 

The meeting adjourned at 6:40 PM.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Margaret Ruggeri

School Board Secretary