Kensington School Board
Unapproved Minutes of meeting on August 19, 2008
Approval of minutes is an agenda item at the Board's monthly meeting.
Board Members Present: Cheryl Camacho, Alice Mower
Administration Present: Paul Flynn, Barbara Switzer
Visitor: Mike Motherway
Ms. Camacho called the meeting to order at 10:30 a.m. She then noted that the purpose of the meeting was for the Board to hear an update on all the work that had been going on during the summer plus plans for the opening of school. The Board will hold another regular business meeting on Wed. Sept. 10.
Mr. Flynn briefed the Board on the work that had been done on the kitchen. Everyone present toured the kitchen area. The plumbing and electrical work is 90% complete. The sinks, dishwasher, and most of the other appliances are in. An underground propane tank has been installed. Mr. Flynn indicated that the project should be finished very close to the start of school, or shortly thereafter. The project is on budget.
As things stand right now, the kitchen should be up and running by Oct. 1. Mr. Flynn explained that the plan calls for operating the kitchen for a week or so in late Sept. to get everyone used to the new program. The plan is to provide complementary meals for about one week. Once that has happened, the program should open with a projected meal cost of $2.25 per day. Mr. Flynn indicated that he hopes to have someone hired shortly to serve as the cook/manager. He also indicated that the plan calls for working with the Food Service Dept. at the Coop to help get things up and running. Kensington will reimburse the Coop for the service.
Mr. Flynn reported on other work at the school. Heat detectors will be upgraded. Wiring in the computer lab area has been upgraded. The boilers have been cleaned. The septic system has been serviced. Floors have been cleaned and waxed. A large portion of the roof on the front side of the building has been replaced. Landscaping will be completed prior to the opening of school. A special thank you goes out to Art Wiggin for all of his hard work.
Ms. Switzer reviewed plans for the opening of school. She also outlined some of the curriculum projects on tap for the new year. Ms. Switzer informed the Board that the fourth grade team of Mary Knightly and Sue Haug will be switching students for social studies and math respectively. These teachers have done this in the past and there is a collective feeling that the approach will be in the best interest of this particular 4th grade class. Ms. Switzer will keep the Board informed.
With respect to enrollment, Ms. Switzer is projecting a total population of 214 students. Class size in grades 1 – 5 range from 17 to 21. Kindergarten appears to becoming in at 16 and 11 respectively.
Mr. Flynn gave a recap of what has been happening at the SAU level. He noted that both Superintendent Morgan and Asst. Supt. Nelson began their new jobs on July 1. Mr. Flynn went on to say that approx 60 new professional hires were processed this summer. The new hires cover retirements, leaves of absence, and newly created positions. It has been a busy summer.
Mr. Flynn went on to update the Board on activities at the Coop. He mentioned that 6th and 9th graders will be reporting to school on Aug. 26. All schools open for students on Aug. 27.
Mr. Flynn reported that Kensington is almost fully staffed. The one area that has been difficult to fill is a 2 day per week computer/technology integration position. Efforts to fill the position are continuing.
In closing, Mr. Flynn reminded the Board that school buses are now equipped with both audio and visual recording devices. Current policies have needed to be update. Mr. Flynn reviewed the updated policy with the Board. A second reading will take place on Sept. 10.
No other business came before the Board. Ms. Mower made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Ms. Comacho. All voted in favor. The meeting adjourned at 11:50 a.m.
Submitted by: Paul Flynn