Kensington School Board
Meeting Minutes January 9, 2008
Revised 2/06/08
The Kensington School Board met on January 9, 2008.
In attendance were Mrs. Dana Donovan, School Board Chairperson; Mrs. Alice Mower, and Mrs. Cheryl Camacho, School Board members; Mrs. Barbara Switzer, Principal; Mr. Paul Flynn, Associate Superintendent of Schools
· The meeting was called to order at 6:15 pm.
· Mrs. Mower moved to accept the minutes from December 10, 2007, Mrs. Camacho seconded, all in favor.
· Mrs. Camacho made a motion to accept the District Warrant Article #1 as read tonight during the Budget Hearing, and to present it to the public at the Deliberative Session, Mrs. Mower seconded, all in favor.
Principal’s Report
· The January calendar and KES Times were presented. The senior breakfast was a success and attendees enjoyed themselves. Mrs. Switzer extended appreciation to Mrs. Mower, Mrs. Ruggeri, and everyone involved in the planning and preparation of the event.
· Mrs. Vallone directed another terrific holiday concert this year.
· KES students participated in the National Geography Bee. Jacob Dearborn won first place and Walker Italia won second place. The Board was pleased and expressed congratulations the winners and to all participants.
· Mrs. Switzer thanked the Board for helping to evaluate the writing project which was organized by Mrs. Hill. She also extended her gratitude to Mrs. Hill for her efforts and indicated that plans for next year are already underway with a possible poetry theme.
· There have been two snow days already this year.
· Friday, author Maryann Coca Leffler, will visit students in grades K – 2.
· The Cultural Passport program will “depart” on January 22nd and “return” on January 31st. This year students will “travel” to Jamaica, and New Zealand. Randy Armstrong will return this year to work with the children for the music aspect of the journey and his colleague Genevieve, will work with students on writing and culture.
· Both the author visit and the cultural passport program are sponsored by Enrichment.
· Report cards will be issued January 25, 2008.
· January 30th is an early release day.
· The PTO has placed an order for a storage cart and core platform of portable staging which measures 12’x24’. The staging is adjustable in height and has stairs. Additional platforms can be purchased separately in the future to create a portable stage measuring 16’X32’. This gift was purchased with funds raised and saved by the PTO over the past two years. Additional funding was earned at the Fall Festival this year. The cost was approximately $6700. The PTO will continue to work to raise funds to purchase additional sections.
· Rachel Small has been working with teachers on literacy. KES teachers will participate with East Kingston and Newfields teachers in book study groups.
· Enrollment is at 214 students.
· Grade 3 teachers have requested permission to take their classes on a field trip to the Seacoast Science Center on 2/12/08. The cost for the bus will be $264.
· Mrs. Camacho made a motion to approve the field trip, Mrs. Mower seconded, all in favor.
· The fall NECAP results will be out Tuesday January 29, 2008.
Associate Superintendent Report-
· Mr. Flynn noted that next Chairs meeting is scheduled for Wednesday January 16, 2008.
A topic of discussion will be how the SAU will proceed in filling the Assistant Superintendent position which will be vacated by Mr. Stephen Kossakoski in June. A discussion regarding reassignment of some job duties may be needed. In the past, Chairs have made up a committee and conducted interviews. Mr. Flynn encouraged board members to voice any thoughts they might have on the subject to the Chairs.
· The filing period for school district offices will be January 23 – February 1, 2008. Three seats on the Co-Op board are up for election, Exeter, East Kingston, and Stratham. Mr. Flynn emphasized that the open seat is voted for by all towns, not just the town represented.
· The Co-Op Board held its budget workshop last Saturday. They have received a petition for a warrant article seeking approval of $100, 000 for a forensic audit. Mr. Flynn gave a reminder, that the deliberative session is open to all towns and it will be held February 7, 2008.
· Kensington’s deliberative session is Wednesday February 6, 2008.
· Budget Recap… There is a 4.8% increase on the proposed budget for 2008-2009. 2.6% is for legal obligations and 2.2% is for the cost of an aide (40% of a literacy/reading specialist and a special education secretary for 14 hours per week). The SAU is locked in at $2.31 per gallon for heating oil.
· Superintendent Search… Monday was the public forum for the four finalists. They were given tours of the schools and met with the public and staff. Mr. Flynn expressed that he felt it was important to say that this search has been an intense process and the committee has been diligent with funds and utilizing every possible means to publicize the position. He said the committee has done a great job. There was not a large pool of applicants but those who did apply are passionate about education. It is hoped that final interviews will take place on January 28, 2008.
· Mrs. Camacho stated the Evaluation Committee was looking into an online evaluation process, so hours are not spent tabulating responses. The evaluation should have different questions depending on the responder. Teachers do not have direct contact with the superintendent, but they do work with the associate superintendent, therefore questions may need some refinement. The SAU would also have access to the program for other types of surveys.
· Buildings and Grounds… The groundwork for the kitchen is moving forward. Mr. White is coming to look at the floor. SAU resources are being tapped first. Mr. Flynn noted that nothing will move forward without board approval.
· Mrs. Camacho moved to adjourn the meeting, Mrs. Mower seconded, all in favor.
Meeting adjourned 7:05pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Lalime
Kensington School Board Secretary