Kensington School Board Minutes August 23, 2007
(Amended and Approved September 12, 2007)
The Kensington School Board met on Thursday August 23, 2007. In attendance was: Alice Mower and Cheryl Camacho, School Board Members, Principal Barbara Switzer, and Assistant Superintendent Paul Flynn.
The meeting was called to order at 1:05pm.
Attendees reviewed and discussed enrollment numbers for this school year. There are currently 214 students enrolled at KES for 2007-2008. Mr. Flynn indicated that the numbers SAU wide looked good and were stable.
Liz Gobin will be the classroom aide for both first grade classes. Mrs. Camacho questioned the need for an aide for grade 4. Mrs. Switzer indicated she had not heard anything from staff regarding this.
Susie Gilbert, KES Librarian, will assume additional duties as Special Education Secretary. Funds from the KES Special Education Budget, as well as funds encumbered, will cover additional salary.
Candice Smith and Kettie Davis have accepted positions at other schools. Interviews have been conducted and a candidate has been offered the position of teaching assistant at KES. The candidate is certified in grades K thru 8. Grade 3D has been moved to Rachel Small’s old classroom and Tammy D’Agostino’s classroom (next to the library) will be used for Computer and Literacy classes.
Mr. Flynn reported that new teacher orientation for the SAU was held this morning.
6th and 9th graders will start school on Tuesday August 28th and the rest of the grades will begin on Wednesday August 29th. KES kindergarteners will begin on Tuesday September 4th. He also reported that end of year financials were discussed in June, the budgets have been set, and any surplus will go back to the town in the fall.
The Back-to-School cookout for KES staff will be held Monday August 27th from noon to 1:00pm. Tuesday August 28th, staff will solidify schedules as well as participate in “Meet Your Teacher Day” at KES.
A written request was made by the Fitzgerald family for an enrollment waiver-in-residency, for their two children, until the end of September. A motion to allow the waiver was made by Alice Mower, seconded by Cheryl Camacho, and was passed unanimously.
Mr. Flynn stated that Kensington Selectmen brought forward questions regarding the shed which was constructed on the back of the multipurpose room this summer. A misunderstanding led to no building permit being pulled for the job. Once the matter was brought to light, Mr. Arthur Wiggin completed the appropriate papers and a permit was obtained. The Board noted the error and will be certain to seek the appropriate permits for compliance on the future kitchen renovations.
From the Principal:
KES will offer an after school Cross Country program again this fall. Practices should begin the 2nd week of school. This year there will be 6 meets which will take place in East Kingston 9/19 +10/24, Stratham 9/26 + 10/17, Brentwood 10/03, and Danville 10/10/07. Due to high demand, there may be an issue regarding availability of buses on such short notice. KES spent $326 on buses for 3 meets last year. The Board expressed their support of the activity for students. They agreed to a bit more research on cost and availability before discussing buses for Cross Country meets at their next meeting.
Mrs. Switzer asked the Board if it planned to continue to implement the Indoor Recess policy put in place last spring. She expressed that many students do not like the policy. While some of the younger students enjoy the time, due to larger numbers, the older students are much more crowded and confined. The Board will continue the discussion regarding Indoor recess in September.
Mr. Flynn reported that the roof over Mrs. Hodgen’s and Mrs. Hill’s classrooms had been replaced, as well as new siding. Repairs were within the budget of encumbered funds and the hope is to continue with the roof and repairs in the furnace room area.
A floor plan from Alternative Sales was presented for the kitchen and lunchroom space. Alternative Sales proposed using electricity instead of propane due to cost. The Board plans to seek a cost estimate from the building architect since he knows the building best. They also plan to seek a recommendation from Mary Russell of East Kingston, as East Kingston has the best model kitchen for comparison purposes. At the conclusion of this meeting the Board will tour the space and look at the floor plan provided. Mrs. Mower reported that the Kensington Education Foundation had raised the $50,000 required for the matching grant and funds should be received shortly for the kitchen completion project.
Mrs. Camacho made a motion for the Board to authorize a $150 stipend to Matthew Mower for teaching the summer computer class, Mrs. Mower seconded, all in favor.
Mrs. Switzer expressed her gratitude and appreciation to the parents who volunteered their time and efforts taking care of the back gardens.
The next meeting of the Kensington School Board will be held Wednesday,
September 12th at 6:00pm.
The meeting adjourned at 2:25pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan M. Lalime
School Board Secretary