Kensington School Board Minutes

September 8, 2005

 

The Kensington School Board met on September 8, 2005. In attendance were: Mrs. Dana Donovan, School Board Chairperson; Mrs. Cheryl Camacho, School Board member; Mrs. Barbara Switzer, KES Principal; Mr. Paul Flynn, Associate Superintendent of Schools.

 

Approval of the minutes of the June 8, 2005 were tabled until the next School Board Meeting as one board member was absent and Mrs. Camacho was not in attendance at the June meeting.

 

Several classroom teachers were in attendance to share with the board the proposed new report cards for Grades 3, 4 and 5. Mrs. Roffman reported that the Grade One report card will not change at this time due to the fact that Mrs. Mosher is on maternity leave. Any changes to the Grade One report card will come at a later date. The Grade Two report card will change to reflect the GLE’s and be more generic for the math grade. It was proposed that there will no longer be an effort grade on the Kindergarten and Grade One report cards. Mrs. Greenwood will present the new report card to the board in October.

 

Rachel Small reported that the Intermediate teacher met weekly for approximately eight weeks to determine the changes to be made to their report cards. Achievement keys will change. Letter grades will no longer be given. A more comprehensive skill based format will be used to grade Literacy and Math.

 

Mr. Flynn stated that the Science and Social Studies section of the report card could be changed to be made more comprehensive as well.

 

After much discussion it was determined that the report card will be tweaked in order to reflect subjects more consistently. Mrs. Switzer will speak with Mr. Flynn and members of the board.  The revised report card will be given to the board. The board will discuss the pro’s and con’s of the format and will formalize it in October.

 

Current enrollment figures were given to the board.

 

Mrs. Switzer gave her report as follows:

            Opening of school went fairly smoothly at KES.

Mrs. Switzer felt that “Meet Your Teacher” afternoon was a success but the time may be cut back next year to one and one half hours rather than two hours.

The Back To School Picnic was schedule for the previous evening and was well attended.

Curriculum Night is scheduled for Wednesday, September 14^th from 6:30 – 8:00 PM. Mrs. Switzer invited the board and Mr. Flynn to attend.

Mrs. Switzer reported that many staff members attended summer workshops/conferences over the summer.

 

The following field trips were unanimously approved by the board:

            Grade 4 will visit Strawbery Banke on October 19^th.

            Grade 4 will visit the New Hampshire State house on June 8^th.

            Kindergarten and Grade One will visit Apple Annie’s on September 28^th.

 

A letter from Lili Spinosa, KES Physical Education Teacher, was given to the board requesting that she be allowed to charge for jump roping. The board took the request under advisement. Mr. Flynn will speak with Mrs. Spinosa regarding the request as further clarification will be needed

 

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

 

A joint board meeting is scheduled for September 19^th

Swasey School, East Kingston and KES showed student enrollment growth for the 2005-2006 school year. Newfield’s enrollment declined. Mr. Flynn gave the enrollment figures for all SAU #16 schools.

 

The High School Project is progressing satisfactorily. The entire building is now enclosed. A committee has been set up to determine room configuration.

 

Mr. Flynn thanked Art Wiggin, Barbara Switzer and Margaret Ruggeri for their rolls in getting the school ready for the new school year. Mr. Flynn reported that Art Wiggin has cut down some of the hazardous trees on school property. The white peak on the front of the school has been sided. Loss of water pressure in the building was investigated and it was found that a pipe had cracked. A new line was installed as well as a new interior water tank. The cost will be between $5,000 and $6,000. An old water tank was discovered under 2/3 grade classroom and will be used for irrigation.

 

Mr. Flynn indicated that the district still has the $10,000 Estate Gift and could possibly be used for a shed.

 

Mr. Flynn asked that the Board consider thinking about setting School Board Goals for the 2005-2006 school year.

 

Mr. Flynn indicated that Lana Hoyt was hired to fill the School Psychologist position left vacant when Frank Spencer took on a full time position at Stratham.

 

The Kensington School district has been served a Due Process Notice. Mrs. Switzer, KES Principal; Pat Dowey, Special Education Coordinator; and the District’s attorney are working on the case and will keep the board informed. A resolution meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 13^th at KES. A Mediation Meeting is scheduled for September 19^th in Concord, a Pre-hearing is scheduled for September 21^st and the Hearing is scheduled for October 6^th or 7^th in Concord.

 

Matt Mower held summer computer classes for several senior citizens of Kensington at KES. It was suggested that the board compensate Matt monetarily. Cheryl moved to compensate him for his time. Dana seconded the motion. A vote was taken and was in the affirmative. Mr. Flynn will handle the expenditure.

 

The matter of securing keys for Cheryl Camacho will be addressed by Mr. Flynn.

 

Mrs. Donovan reported that she had been notified that the Kensington Conservation Committee met with the Selectmen and it was determined that the Elementary School would be allowed to us a .97 acre portion of land owned by the school’s abutters to relocate a septic system should the need arise.

 

The meeting adjourned at 8:50 PM.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Margaret Ruggeri

School Board Secretary