Kensington School Board Minutes

February 7, 2007

 

The Kensington School Board met on February 7, 2007. In attendance were: Mrs. Alice Mower, Chairperson; Mrs. Dana Donovan, Mrs. Cheryl Camacho, members; Mr. Paul Flynn, Associate Superintendent of Schools; Mrs. Barbara Switzer, Principal.

 

Mrs. Mower called the meeting to order at 6:17 PM.

 

The board unanimously approved the minutes of the January 10, 2007 School Board meeting with the following corrections/additions:

1.      At 7:45 PM, on a motion by Mrs. Camacho; seconded by Mrs. Mower and with a unanimous roll call vote, the board moved  into Non-Public session in accordance with RSE 91-A:3 II(a), the board returned to Public session at 7:55 PM with adjournment at 7:56 PM..

2.   The date of the SAU #16 Joint Board was incorrectly reported. The date of the

      meeting is February 19, 2007.

 

Mrs. Crow was in attendance and asked why the children are still not using the multipurpose room for recess during inclement weather.

 

Mrs. Switzer noted that she had not yet discussed the proposal with staff but would do so in the immediate future. She questioned the logistics of having recess in the gym and stated that having the children in the multipurpose room for recess would require a lot of planning. Mrs. Crow suggested that the children stay in their classroom during lunch. Mrs. Switzer noted that would be an option.

 

Mrs. Donovan asked that the discussion of the request to have children participate in recess in the gym during inclement weather be placed on the fast track and offered to sit in on the discussion. A meeting is scheduled for Friday, February 9^th at 10:30 AM.

 

Mrs. Mower asked if volunteers could be utilized to help with recess. Mrs. Switzer noted that it has been difficult to get consistent help with recess.

 

Mrs. Switzer gave her report as follows:

·        The Spelling Bee finals are scheduled for February 14^th.

·        Jump for Heart is also scheduled for February 14^th.

·        The PTO Enrichment Auction is scheduled for February 16^th.

·        The PTO Spaghetti Dinner has been cancelled and rescheduled for Tuesday, March 13th.

·         Read Across America is scheduled for February 23^rd.

·        The NECAP test results were distributed to staff. The results were reviewed at a staff  

              meeting on February 6^th. Staff will decide if there are some things that can be done  

             differently and Mrs. Switzer will provide the board with more information at the

             March School Board meeting.

Mrs. Camacho asked if the test results showed growth from last year. Mrs. Switzer answered that last year provided a base-line but staff did not look at over-all scores last year.

Mr. Flynn noted that the state will list the Annual Yearly Progress of all schools in June.

• Mrs. Switzer provided the board with a list of the KES Goals . The focus remains on reading and writing. Committees have been set up to look at all subject areas. The Technology Action Team will address ways to use the website for better communication between school and community and the Wellness Committee will look at ways to deal with stress.
• The Fifth graders are scheduled to attend Sargent Camp the week of April 9^th – 13^th.
• The Abraham Lincoln videoconferencing program was most successful and the students enjoyed the program.

 

Paul Flynn gave his report as follows:

• There is a Chairs Meeting scheduled for February 14^th at 5:00 PM.
• The Joint Board will meet on February 19^th for the purpose of discussion of the Evaluation Process associated with the Superintendent.
• The Central Office staff will move to the old High School after renovations are complete.
• The Annex will be torn down and those programs currently held there will be housed in the old High School building.  
• Mr. Flynn gave an overview of the School District Officer positions open throughout the SAU.

 

Mrs. Donovan moved to accept the following SAU Polices as a First Reading. Cheryl Camacho seconded the motion. A vote was taken and was in the affirmative:

            IHBBA            Limited English Proficiency Instruction

            KB                   Title I Parent Involvement in Education

            LEB                 Advanced College Placement

 

Under Buildings and Grounds, Mr. Flynn reported that it is expected the district can wire the entire school for Wireless Networking for under $1000.00

 

Mr. Flynn reported that Mary Knightly, Sue Hodgen and Sue Hill would be retiring at the end of the 2007-2008 School Year. Mrs. Donovan moved to accept the resignations with deepest regret. Mrs. Camacho seconded the motion. The vote was taken and was in the affirmative.

 

The meeting adjourned at 7:22 PM.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Margaret Ruggeri

School Board Secretary