Brentwood School District Minutes
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Swasey Central School, Brentwood, New Hampshire
PRESENT: Anne Marie Chesno (Chairperson), Tim Hannan, Virginia Knutson (Vice Chairperson), Gary Whitmarsh, School Board Members; Nathan Lunney, C.F.O.; Joan Ostrowski, Principal.
ABSENT: Elizabeth Faria.
CALL TO ORDER
Chairperson Chesno called the meeting to order at 6:04 p.m.
All stood for the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mr. Lunney circulated the manifest to be signed.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The minutes of the meeting of June 11, 2007, public and nonpublic sessions, were reviewed. After discussion, one minor correction was suggested. The minutes were accepted on a motion by Mr. Hannan; seconded by Mr. Whitmarsh and voted unanimously.
REPORT FROM THE CHAIR
Board Member Queries
Ms. Chesno asked each board member if he, or she, has received any contact from members of the community. They had not.
Superintendent Search
Ms. Chesno reported that the committee did meet with two consulting firms in public session. The committee is trying to meet every Wednesday. A job description is being drafted. Committee members will prepare bios for the webpage. Meetings are public; meeting minutes are being kept. The committee is looking at a January hire date. They plan to meet almost every Wednesday at the Tuck Building.
Correspondence
Ms. Chesno said that a request for a leave of absence for next school year has been received from a teacher. Principal Ostrowski’s recommendation was to have the leave granted. The board reviewed the teacher contract. There was discussion about setting precedent. Mr. Lunney spoke about the flexibility in the hiring process. After a lengthy discussion, Ms. Chesno polled the board. No one was in favor of granting the leave, the request was denied.
REPORT FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Ms. Ostrowski said that the enrollment numbers appear to have leveled and do not warrant the hiring of an additional first grade teacher at this time. She discussed the use of space and the first grade class size. After discussion it was agreed that if any grade class size approaches a critical limit (beyond the state recommendation), the principal will convene a meeting of the board to take action.
NONPUBLIC SESSION
Ms. Chesno called for the board to enter nonpublic session. Mr. Hannan so moved; seconded by Mr. Whitmarsh. The board entered nonpublic session to discuss a personnel issue at 7:23 p.m., under RSA 91A:3II [a] on a unanimous roll call vote. The board returned to public session at 8:04 p.m.
Mr. Lunney nominated Kathy Babine for the fifth grade position. She was elected on a unanimous vote of the board.
The board directed the SAU to move forward with analysis of the Hot Lunch Program for a potential increases to balance the budget.
The board approved the delegation of hiring authority on a motion by Mr. Hannan; seconded by Mr. Whitmarsh, and voted unanimously. It was reiterated that, if any grade class size approaches a critical limit, the principal will convene a meeting of the board.
REPORT FROM THE CENTRAL OFFICE ADMINISTRATION
Mr. Lunney reviewed the Financial Report explaining the projected fund balance for FY 2006/07. Unanticipated revenues are expected to contribute $59,000 to the fund balance. He explained the hot lunch program would exceed the fund balance by $436.05. There was discussion of money to be returned to the district.
Encumbrances were discussed, and established as: up to $4,500 for carpet replacement; up to $9,500 for propane; up to $21,000 for security improvements, $6,000 interior and $15,000 exterior -- totaling, up to, $35,000. Mr. Lunney will communicate this to the budget committee.
NEW BUSINESS
Mr. Whitmarsh asked for clarification of an item listed on the manifest.
Ms. Chesno asked Mr. Lunney to provide an update of the lighting analysis and proposed changes at the next board meeting which is scheduled to be held in September.
ADJOURNMENT
On a motion by Mr. Whitmarsh; seconded by Mr. Hannan, the meeting adjourned at 8:38 p.m.
Submitted by
Mary Lou Clinton-Stevens
Minutes approved as written, July 12, 2007.