Kensington School Board Minutes
November 8, 2006
The Kensington School Board met on Wednesday, November 8, 2006. In attendance were: Mrs. Alice Mower, Chairperson; Mrs. Dana Donovan, Mrs. Cheryl Camacho, School Board Members; Mr. Paul Flynn, Associate Superintendent of Schools; Mrs. Barbara Switzer, Principal.
Mrs. Mower called the meeting to order at 6:15 PM.
Mrs. Donovan moved to accept the minutes of the October 11th and 19th, 2006 School Board minutes. Mrs. Camacho seconded the motion. A vote was taken and was in the affirmative.
Tucker Finerty (Gr. 6 student) was in attendance and asked permission from the board to use the multipurpose room on December 8th and 15th from 6:00 – 9:00 PM. The purpose of the request is to fundraise in order to procure the monies for his participation in the People To People World Leadership Forum in Washington, DC in the spring. After some discussion it was determined that Mr. Flynn would look into the cost of a one time occasion rider for liability insurance but noted that the event would need to be affiliated with an adult not a minor child. Also, Sue Farley, President of the PTO, stated she would investigate sponsoring the fundraiser so that the event would be covered under the PTO liability insurance. Mrs. Hall, Tucker’s mom, may also approach the Enrichment Committee asking that they sponsor the event.
The board congratulated Tucker on his participation in the program and wished him the best.
Mrs. Klemarczyk, representing the newly revised Kensington Elementary School Wellness Advisory Committee, was in attendance and addressed the board relative to the committee’s findings. It was determined that the committee interpreted the newly adopted Wellness Policy to read that low sugar, low fat nutrient dense snacks should be allowed at school functions. The historical traditions such as gingerbread houses in Grade 2 and the Microsociety Market will continue. It was also determined that no class-wide birthday snacks will be allowed but rather parents and teachers should determined together how to celebrate a child’s birthday. Additionally Mrs. Klemarczyk reported that the 60 minutes of physical activity addressed in the policy could include before and after school programs involving physical activity.
The board thanked the WAC for all of their time and efforts in interpreting the policy.
The parents in attendance applauded the decision. Mrs. Crow asked why the gymnasium could not be used during inclement weather so that the children could get more exercise rather than just sitting in the classroom playing games. Mrs. Crow suggested the children eat in classrooms in order to allow recess in the gym during inclement weather.
Mrs. Switzer addressed the question noting she thought it a good idea but would need to look at the logistics of that happening. Mrs. Switzer stated that using one half of the gym for recess while the other half is used for lunch would be very noisy. Mrs. Switzer will look into the idea more closely.
No vote on the adoption of the Wellness, Nutrition and Physical Activity Policy Appendices (JLCF-R) was taken at this time. The board took the policy under advisement.
The Board unanimously adopted the Wellness Policy (JLCF) as interpreted by the KES WAC.
Mrs. Klemarczyk will send something out to parents clarifying the interpretation of the Policy.
The Volunteer Coordinators will send something out to Room Parents with the upcoming events for the year and explain the interpretation of the policy for school sponsored events.
Mrs. Switzer gave her report as follows:
· The KES Times and November Calendar were reviewed with the board.
· Mrs. Switzer reported that the entire student population participated in the Mock Election and was run by Mary Knightly and the fifth graders. Mrs. Switzer thanked Ms. Knightly for the undertaking.
· The Enrichment Committee will sponsor a Follies Night on December 1st as well as the Cultural Passport Program, focusing on Russia, later in the year.
· Parent Conferences are being held all week.
Mrs. Sue Farley, President of the PTO gave an overview of the PTO activities for the remainder of the year:
· The Scholastic Book Fair is scheduled for all next week culminating with Family Night from 5:30 – 8:00 PM on Friday, November 17th.
· Spaghetti Dinner is planned for sometime in February
· A St. Patrick’s Day Dance is schedule for March
Mrs. Switzer continued
· Friends and Family Day is schedule for November 21st from 1:30 – 2:30 PM and encouraged the board to attend.
· The Grade 3 Report Cards have been revised to indicate no letter grade. The board unanimously approved the revised Grade Three Report Card.
· The last two Staff Meetings focused on what is working and not working at KES in regard to the Special Education program. A committee has been formed to address concerns related to Special Education at KES.
· Dr. Kossakowski will be at the staff meeting on November 14th and address the staff with regard “Technology in the 21st Century.”
· The staff continues to work with Tufts University personnel regarding the Literacy Program at KES.
· All NECAP testing has been completed and sent in for scoring.
· The children at KES are involved with the Student Council, Heart of Heart Club, Jump Roping, and Instrumental Music lessons. There will be no fall Enrichment courses and no Destination Imagination this year at KES.
Mr. Flynn gave his report as follows:
· The SAU Joint Board will meet on December 18th and will focus on the SAU Budget.
· Superintendent Hanson will leave his position in the SAU at the conclusion of the 2007-2008 School Year. A search committee will be formed in January and will consist of Administrators, teachers, parents, and community members. A packaging plan is being compiled to attract nationwide candidates.
· Mr. Flynn reported that when the COOP was founded in 1997 Exeter represented 52% of the student population but that figure decreases yearly and it is anticipated that next year Exeter will be represented with just 40% of the population. This means that the area towns will be impacted financially.
· Mr. Flynn noted that with one less teacher next year and, right now, with no new programs that the district will have a 1% budget increase. Mr. Flynn does anticipate increases in the cost of transportation, New Hampshire Retirement, property and liability insurance and health costs.
· The Public Hearing on the budget is scheduled for January 10th followed by the School Board Meeting. The First Deliberative Session will be held on February 7th at 6:00 PM with voting on March 13th. A Budget Workshop is scheduled for Monday, December 4th at 3:30 PM.
The meeting adjourned at 7:26 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Margaret Ruggeri
School Board Secretary