BRENTWOOD SCHOOL BOARD MEETING

Monday, February 7, 2007, 6:00 p.m.

Swasey Central School

 

Members Present:  Anne Marie Chesno, Chair; Virginia Knutson, Vice-Chair; Liz Faria; and, Tim   

Hannan; and Michael Johnson (5:38 p.m.)

 

Administration Present:  Jerry Frew, Assistant Superintendent

 

Others Present:  Brentwood residents Jim Berlo, Cathy Blaisdell, Jim Johnson, Carol Pipinias, Gennie Rowe, and Mary Wills

 

1.    Chair Chesno called the meeting to order at 5:12 p.m.

Everyone joined in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. 

 

Discussion ensued regarding an anonymous letter posted on the Brentwood Town website and kindergarten programming.

 

2.    Non-public session

MOTION – Board Member Hannan moved that the Board enter into non-public session at 6:13 p.m. in accordance with RSA 91-A: 3 II (c).  Board Member Knutson seconded.  Roll Call Vote:  A. Chesno, yes; V. Knutson, yes; E. Faria, yes; T. Hannan, yes; and, M. Johnson, yes.  Motion carries.

 

MOTION – Board Member Hannan moved that the Board adjourn from non-public session at 6:29 p.m. in accordance with RSA 91-A:3II (c); Board Member Johnson seconded.  Roll Call Vote:  A. Chesno, yes; V. Knutson, yes; E. Faria, yes; T. Hannan, yes; and, M. Johnson, yes.  Motion carries.

.

3. Petition Warrant Article

      The February 5, 2007 Brentwood Budget Committee Meeting was recessed until 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 10, 2007.  The Committee will need to consider the Warrant Article proposed by the School Board for the purpose of security improvements to the school building.  The Board will attend the Committee meeting on Saturday morning.

      The Board discussed the legalities and necessity of holding meetings between toight and March 10^th.  A date for a Public Hearing on the Petition Warrant Articles will be set at the February 12, 2007 School Board Meeting and posted as required.

     

4. Budget Presentation

      The Brentwood Budget Committee recommended a 4.72% 2007-2008 School District budget on February 5, 2007.  The Board reviewed the budget process timeline and School District Meeting.  Once the Town has settled on a budget at the March 10, 2007 School District Meeting, the Board will settle on the services that will be provided for the school year.

      Board Member Hannan noted that the School Board’s proposed 6.6% budget was well below the Brentwood Budget Committee’s stated goals.  The Board agreed that the public should have accurate information and that articles should be placed in the Brentwood Newsletter. Anything sent home to families through the school needs to be placed in public offices, around town, and on the school website.

      Vice Chair Knutson stated that she supports Chair Chesno 100% and that it is important to note that she speaks publicly for the whole School Board.  Board Member Johnson began the discussion about the Board’s presentation at the School District on March 10, 2007.  It is important that the public understands the role and the importance of the School Board’s role in the education of Brentwood’s children.

      Chair Chesno shared two emails that she had received as well as her replies to keep all Board members informed. Chair Chesno recapped the Board’s approach to developing the Budget proposal for the 07-08 school year. 

 

5. Old and New Business

      Chair Chesno distributed copies of the January 18, 2007 approved minutes and asked the Board to amend them by eliminating one sentence.

 

MOTION:  Board Member Hannan moved to strike the statement, “The town could not support the school on its own.” Board Member Johnson seconded. VOTE - Four aye; one abstention.  Motion carries.

 

6.  Public Comment

There was no public comment at this meeting.

 

7. Adjournment

 

MOTION – Board Member Hannan moved to adjourn the Brentwood School Board Meeting at 6:30 p.m.; Board Member Faria seconded.   Vote - Unanimous