Kensington School Board Meeting Minutes
December 10, 2007
The Kensington School Board met on December 10, 2007.
In attendance were Mrs. Dana Donovan, Mrs. Alice Mower, and Cheryl Camacho, School Board members; Mrs. Barbara Switzer, Principal; Mr. Paul Flynn, Associate Superintendent of Schools
The meeting was called to order at 10:40am
Alice Mower made a motion to approve the minutes from November, Dana Donovan seconded, all in favor.
There were no visitors this month.
Principal’s Report
Mrs. Switzer reviewed the school calendar and extended an invitation to board to attend senior breakfast on Friday 12/14 from 8:30 – 9:30. This is the third year KES has hosted this event for community members. Last year approximately 40 seniors attended and the hope is for as many or more this year.
The Holiday Concert will be 12/17 (snow date 12/19). Friday 12/21 will be the national geography bee. Mr. Flynn will read questions.
There is a lot of illness at KES, today there were 26 students out ill as well as several staff members.
Enrollment remains the same. There are two new students in the 3rd and 5th grades, but consequently they filled the spots vacated by students who moved.
The PTO is considering gift ideas for the school. They are considering a portable stage, but discussion regarding storage still needs to be had.
Fund Raising - The Student Council annually donates to the Children’s Chamber Fund. This year they held a Game Night. Approximately 150 children participated. The PTO popped popcorn and the kids raised $275.00. The kids did an awesome and successful job! The Nicholls family has organized a sock drive for local homeless shelters and the box for donations is in the hall at school.
The KES Staff has requested that parents and students refrain from purchasing gifts for them. In lieu of gifts they have asked that contributions be made to a food drive for needy local families. The generous donations will be distributed on 12/21/07.
Mrs. Hill’s class is also coordinating a package to send to Iraq. It will include a music CD of songs and music performed by KES students and recorded by Ken Fraser. Mrs. Mower thought that such a positive student sponsored event should be recognized in the Community News.
Associate Superintendent’s Report
Mr. Flynn provided board members with figures of projected numbers for future classes at KES. Mr. Flynn said all schools within the SAU received their projection figures as well.
The Joint Board will meet Monday 12/17/07. There may be some conflict with holiday concert at KES.
The Joint chairs made no recommended changes to the sau budget. The budget figures were sent electronically to everyone involved. Mr. Flynn told the board they will receive a packet which will have confirmed meeting date for the sau budget hearing as well as reports for viewing. The hearing should be at 6:30 with the regular meeting to follow at 7:00pm.
Superintendent Search – Interviews are still ongoing this week. There should be 2 to 3 candidates entering round 2. It is expected that on January 7th these individuals will visit all the schools in the sau and will meet with staff. In the event of bad weather, this meeting will take place January 14th, 2008.
A search is also underway at the Main Street School to find a replacement for Mr. Ford. He will be retiring in June after 21 years of service.
Co – Op - The Co-op board is working on their budget. Exeter’s contribution to the budget has been declining due to fewer students. More financial responsibility has shifted to other towns.
KES Budget - It is a work in progress. Principal Switzer has brought up some items she would like incorporated and figures will continue to be worked in preparation for the hearing…a reading specialist whose full time status might be able to be supplemented by a grant and an aide for the first grade. The district may have to hold off on hiring a second aide until final enrollment numbers are in over the summer.
Mr. Flynn reminded the board that staffing adds the most to budget figures not only because of additional salary but also due to increased medical and retirement benefits.
Mr. Flynn has spoken with Mrs. Ruggeri regarding the student Activity Fund. There is hope to incorporate a stipend for the Cross Country Coach, which would be similar to what is now given to the coach in East Kingston. Mr. Flynn obtained a figure to use as a guide if necessary. The district may have to hold off on hiring a second aide until final enrollment numbers are in over the summer. Mr. Flynn reminded the board that next year is a contract negotiation year.
Kitchen – It is still uncertain whether there will be any additional operating costs for running a new kitchen. It is believed that the kitchen should be self sufficient and should be financed by lunch participants. KES is already supporting the cost of lighting and heat in the kitchen space, but if propane is needed and factoring in the additional draw from appliances, the figures may increase.
Mr. Flynn would like the board to meet on Friday January 4, 2008 at 10:00 for a final budget workshop and also to review the default budget.
The KES Budget Hearing and Board meeting are scheduled for Wednesday January 9, 2008 at 6:00, with a regular meeting to follow directly after. A last reminder was that the figures for maintenance have increased due to the repair and replacement of parts of the roof and windows.
Deliberative Session - The Deliberative Session will be held 2/06/08 at 6:00 with a regular meeting to follow. shed and kitchen added substantially to maintenance roof, windows,…
Building and Grounds – Mr. Flynn met with Mr. Wendall, an electrician, and a plumber to look over the proposed kitchen space, to see what might be accomplished internally as opposed to hiring a contractor. In coordination with the sau food service director, Mr. Flynn obtained some helpful information regarding food storage and floor plan ideas.
He hopes to have a plan to review by the January meeting and will email the board any findings.
Motion to Adjourn was made by Alice Mower and Cheryl Camacho seconded, all in favor. Meeting adjourned at 11:42 am.
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan M. Lalime
Kensington School Board Secretary