Kensington School Board Minutes

May 9, 2007

 

The Kensington School Board met on May 9, 2007. In attendance were Mrs. Dana Donovan, Chairperson; Mrs. Alice Mower, Mrs. Cheryl Camacho, School Board members; Mr. Paul Flynn, Association Superintendent of Schools; Mrs. Barbra Switzer, Principal.

 

Mrs. Donovan called the meeting to order at 6:09 PM.

 

The minutes of the April 11, 2007 School Board minutes were unanimously approved by the School Board.

 

Mrs. Donovan recognized Kristen Krauss who was there to finalize the particulars of the 5K Fun Run Walk for Mitochondrial Disease Research scheduled for October 13, 2007.  Kristen asked if the organization sponsoring the event would be able to access a microphone, bathrooms etc. Mrs. Switzer stated she would ask the PE Teacher from East Kingston if she could use the portable microphone for the day. The foyer of the building and the bathrooms would be accessible. Kristen stated that all participants would sign an insurance waiver to participate. Mr. Flynn will look into securing a cost for a special event rider to the school’s liability insurance. The fundraiser will be coordinated with the KES PTO Fall Festival.

 

Mrs. Roffman was in attendance and asked if the board would think about a part time teaching assistant for grade 1M and 1R for the 2007-2008 school year because of the projected enrolment figures which is to be 20 student sin each class.

 

Mrs. Donovan replied that the board would need to rely on Mrs. Switzer’s recommendations for assigning and procuring teaching assistants.

 

Mr. Flynn noted that the request for teaching assistants should be addressed to the building principal before it goes to the board. Mr. Flynn stated they would watch  enrollment figures for all classes.

 

Mrs. Switzer gave her report as follows:

·        Artist in Resident, Sarah Haskell (weaver) was at KES for three days in April and was thoroughly enjoyed by all the students during Art class.

·        The fifth grade students enjoyed their time at Sargent Camp

·        Author, Ralph Fletcher visited grades 4 and 5 on April 17th. The children have been reading his books as well as his poetry and enjoyed the visit.

·        The Health and Wellness Fair was a huge success. Mrs. Switzer thanked Stephanie Klemarczyk and Lili Spinosa for all their time and efforts in organizing the event.

·        Circus Smirkus visited PE classes from April 31st thru May 4th. The children enjoyed the visit.

·        The NWEA testing has started and will continue during the next few weeks.

·        The PTO was most generous in providing breakfast, flowers and a dinner at the Old Salt Restaurant for Staff Appreciation Day on Wednesday, May 2nd.

·        The Spring Concert is scheduled for Thursday, May 17th.

·        Ms. Knightly will oversee the Memorial Day celebration on May 23rd.

·        Grade 5 Parent Night is scheduled for May 24th and the fifth grade students will visit CMS on May 31st.

·        The NECAP Science test will be piloted in Grade 4. No scores will be released as the test will be used as an informational tool by the state.

·        The Jump Rope Show is scheduled for Saturday, June 2nd.

·        The following field trips were unanimously approved:

1.      Grade 3 to IMAX Theater on May 16th

2.      Grade 1 to Seacoast Science Center on May 24th

3.      Grade 2 to Swasey School to visit their Pen Pals on May 31st

4.      Grade 3 to Boston Common/Public Garden on June 1st

5.      Grade 5 to Old North School

6.      Grade 2K, 2L and 1R hiking on Mt. Agamenticus on June 4th

7.      Grade K, 1M hiking on Mt. Agamenticus on June 5th

The School Board approved using funds from the current operating budget to pay for the bus to the Old North School.

 

Mrs. Camacho asked Mrs. Switzer if there was any narrowing down of the goals associated with the NECAP testing for the following school year. Mrs. Switzer stated that some of the goals discussed previously required financial expenditures and would be addressed in June.

 

Mr. Flynn gave his report as follows:

·        The SAU Joint Board will meet on May 21st at 7:00 PM at EHS

·        The Chairs will meet on May 16 at the Central Office

·        The Superintendent’s Search Committee has met twice to find the new superintendent. There will be two Public Forums for community input. The first is scheduled for May 31st at 7:00 PM at EHS and the second on June 5th at 7:00 PM CMS.  Mr. Flynn noted that after determining what characteristics are important in a Superintendent and what the pressing issues confronting a Superintendent would be in the first year an ad for the position and job description would be developed.  Discussion followed as to the pro’s and con’s of an early advertisement for the job vs. a later one. 

·        The SAU #16 Offices will be moving into the old high school by the end of June.

·        The Technology Department is housed in the old High School Library

·        Mr. Flynn will meet with Mrs. Switzer to review end of the year finances and will have a final financial report for the board in June.

 

The board unanimously approved the SAU Policy JLCH- Do Not Resuscitate Orders as a Second Reading.

 

Mr. Flynn reported that he had met with Art Wiggin and the Kensington Fire Chief to determine what kind of cold storage facility should be built. Mr. Wiggin will have an estimate for the project in June.

 

Alicia Crow asked if the board could set up a Capital Reserve fund for the new kitchen. Mr. Flynn stated it would need to be put on the ballot in 2008 as a Warrant Article.

 

Mrs. Switzer will be making arrangements for Speech Language services for the rest of the school year.

 

The meeting adjourned at 7:37 PM.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Margaret Ruggeri

School Board Secretary