Kensington School Board Minutes
May 10, 2006
The Kensington School Board met on Wednesday, May 10, 2006. In attendance were: Mrs. Alice Mower, Chairperson, Mrs. Dana Donovan, Mrs. Cheryl Camacho, Mrs. School Board members; Mr. Paul Flynn, Associate Superintendent of Schools; Mrs. Barbara Switzer, Principal.
The meeting began at 6:40 PM.
The minutes of the April 12, 2006 School Board Meeting were unanimously approved by the board.
Mrs. Switzer gave her report as follows:
· The KES Times was given to the board.
· Mrs. Switzer reviewed some of the upcoming activities with the board.
· Mrs. Switzer reported that the Fifth graders will have their picture taken for a plaque which will hang in the foyer of the school.
· Student Council sponsored a “60’s, 70’s, 80’s Day” recently and was enjoyed by both staff and students.
· The Enrichment Committee will meet in June for a wrap-up meeting.
· The fourth grade students will be taking the Science Component of the NECAP tests in late May.
· Volunteer Appreciation Social is scheduled for Wednesday, May 17th from 12:00 – 1:00 PM. Approximately 90 invitations were sent out.
· Staff will participate in individual Exit Interviews with Tufts University staff on Wednesday, May 17th.
· Placement meetings for the 2006-2007 school year are ongoing.
· The Spring Concert is scheduled for Thursday, May 25th.
· Mary Knightly will oversee the Memorial Day celebration on Friday, May 26th.
· The following field trips were unanimously approved by the board with the condition that the fifth grade visit to the Old North School in June be under police supervision as they will be walking to and from the North School:
May 26th – Grade 3C and 3D will visit Boston Public Gardens, Swan Boats and the Ritz Carlton Hotel.
May 31st – Grade 2K and 2L will visit their Pen Pals at Swasey School in Brentwood
Early June- Grade 5 will visit the North School
Mrs. Switzer shared with the board that both she and staff feel that they would .like to discontinue giving out the Presidential Awards on recognition night to fifth graders. Mrs. Switzer explained that because the new report cards do not have letter grades it would be more difficult to determine who would get an award. Staff is uncomfortable with giving the award as there are some students who will never be eligible to get one. Mrs. Donovan disagreed with the rationale presented and would like to continue issuing the award. Mrs. Donovan stated the school has already eliminated the honor roll at KES and she feels those children who work very hard and are academically astute deserve to be acknowledged. Mrs. Camacho agreed that it is an honor to receive the award and children should be recognized for their ability. Mrs. Mower agreed and it was determined that the Presidential Award will continue to be presented to fifth graders who meet the criteria.
Report Card surveys were sent out to parents. Mrs. Switzer will disseminate the information and the results will be presented to the board at the June meeting.
Guidelines for students attending Sargent Camp were given to the board. Mrs. Donovan stated she was not adverse to having a child attend camp for just one day. Mrs. Switzer feels that children should participate in the full program or not go at all. The board has taken the matter under advisement and will discuss it further in June. Mrs. Mower thanked Mrs. Switzer for her prompt attention to the matter.
Mr. Switzer noted that any student going to visit the Vernal Pool on school grounds will need to have permission from parents because of the concern over mosquitoes.
Mr. Flynn gave his report as follows:
· The SAU Joint Board meeting is scheduled for May 15th. The vote for Chairperson of the joint boards will take place at this meeting. Mr. Flynn stated that 06-07 is the final year of Dr. Hanson’s current contract. The joint chairs may discuss adding a year to the contract.
· Mr. Flynn acknowledged Teacher Appreciation Week noting the PTO had provided a breakfast at school and dinner at the Old Salt for the KES staff.
· The new high school is still on scheduled. Mr. Flynn reminded the board they could tour the school if they wanted to. It was noted that the entire high school staff will be in the same building for the first time in quite awhile.
· The Charter School will be housed in the Annex and will add grade 11 with approximately 100 students enrolled. Grades 1 and 2 will be added to the Elementary Charter School.
· The Kensington School Board voted unanimously to approve the SAU#16 as the Fiscal Agent for any Federal Grants received.
· It was reported that the list of Schools in Need of Improvement associated with the NECAP test results will become available around May 22nd. There is a possibility that Kensington could be on that list.
· Mr. Flynn noted that the new water tanks have been installed. We will be testing for arsenic levels in the next few weeks.
· Per recommendations from the school’s insurance company, Mr. Wiggin has removed the tires from the playground as well as the wooden benches. New wood chips were put down.
· Mr. Flynn reviewed the Financial Summary with the board explaining the reasons for over expenditures in many of the line items. In June the board will decide if they want to encumber any funds for the kitchen or for a storage shed.
The meeting adjourned at 8:12 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Margaret Ruggeri, School Board Secretary