Kensington School Board Minutes
April 12, 2006
The Kensington School Board met on Wednesday, April 12, 2006. In attendance were: Mrs. Dana Donovan, Mrs. Alice Mower, Mrs. Cheryl Camacho, School Board members; Mr. Paul Flynn, Associate Superintendent of Schools; Mrs. Barbara Switzer, Principal.
The meeting began at 6:12 PM.
Mrs. Camacho nominated Alice Mower for Chairperson of the board. Mrs. Donovan seconded the motion. A vote was taken and was in the affirmative.
Mrs. Mower thanked Mrs. Donovan for her service as Chairperson of the board.
Mrs. Switzer gave her report as follows:
· The Enrichment Committee raised more than $10,000.00 at their recent Auction.
· Artist in Resident, Michael Kaduto who is a storyteller/songwriter, will visit KES on April 13 and 14th and work with children in Grades K-4.
· Mrs. Switzer reported that she had visited Sargent Camp and the children were enjoying their stay and the weather is great.
· Report Card conferences are going on this week and parents will receive the NECAP test results. After some discussion it was determined that Mrs. Switzer will meet with staff regarding the test results and she will report back to the board with a synopsis of the results as well as input from staff.
· The following Physical Education field trips were unanimously approved by the board after adding one additional chaperone to the kindergarten trip:
May 22nd – Kindergarten and Grade1 will be going to Gymnastics at Brentwood Commons.
May 30th – Grades 2 and 3 will go to Results swimming pool
May 25, June 1 – Grade 4 will participate in an Archery experience at KES
May 31st – Grade 5 will be working with an instructor from Karate International Martial Arts Center at KES.
· Mrs. Switzer noted she had received a request from Mike Scott to use school grounds for a Boy Scout demonstration. The board voiced their concerns regarding a proposed cooking area and the erection of a 10’ tower. Mr. Flynn will contact Mr. Scott for clarification of the request.
· The board discussed the problem of mosquitoes on the playground. Mr. Flynn stated that there are growing concerns relative to EEE Virus. The SAU Policy addressing this concern will be sent to all parents.
The minutes of the March School Board meeting were unanimously approved by the board.
Mr. Flynn gave his report as follows:
· The Chairs meeting is scheduled for April 19th.
· The SAU Joint Board meeting is scheduled for May 15th.
· Mr. Flynn noted that the SAU Central Office staff may move their offices to the old High School.
· Mr. Flynn reported that an SAU wide Homework Policy is being formulated as well as a new Wellness Policy. It was noted that a new minimum standard will be in effect next school year and will require that at least one First Aid Certified person will be in each building for all school sponsored activities.
· It was reported that the NECAP test results for the Cooperative Middle School were good.
· Open House for the new High School is scheduled for October 5th.
· The Cooperative Middle School will schedule three Open Houses (one for each grade) in the fall.
· Mr. Flynn stated that there will be no reduction in staff at KES and all staff will be renominated for the next school year.
· Mr. Flynn noted that the new water tanks are going to be set in the next few weeks. It is anticipated that the future water testing will be in normal range with the new tanks.
· Mr. Wiggin will remove the tires from the playground and remove the wooden benches. New wood chips will be put down.
· The Special Education due process case may be appealed.
· Mrs. Spinosa donated a stove and refrigerator to the school. Mrs. Mower will send a thank you letter.
· Mr. Flynn will provide the board with final budget figures in June. At that time the board can decide to encumber funds for projects that they may want to begin.
The meeting adjourned at 7:37 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Margaret Ruggeri, School Board Secretary