Tuesday, January 31, 2006 – 7:00 PM
CMS Cafeteria
PRESENT: Patty Lovejoy, Robin Scott, Ray Trueman, Sally Oxnard, Kris Magnusson, Greg
Kann, Roy Morrisette, Lucy Cushman and Kim Casey
ADMINISTRATION: Arthur Hanson, Walter Pierce and Victor Sokul
1. CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Chair Lovejoy called the meeting to order at 7:03 PM followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
2. ANNOUNCEMENTS/PUBLIC INPUT: None
3. REPORT & RECOMMENDATIONS: Chair Lovejoy gave an overview of the process and that the board decided back in August/September to not vote on the recommendations of the EHS Transmission Committee at the Special Meeting (tonight). They wanted to allow time for deliberation and further public input and the vote on the recommendations of the EHS Transition Committee will occur at the February 14, 2006 regular board meeting. Also, she noted the protocol for tonight’s meeting. Mr. Sokul is presenting to the board and the board will have the opportunity to ask questions throughout. At the conclusion of the presentation, members of the audience will be able to make statements or ask questions.
3.1 EHS Transition: EHS Principal Victor Sokul made his presentation regarding the recommendations of the EHS Transition Committee (see Attachment #1 pdf). He also answered several questions from the board during the presentation. At the conclusion of Mr. Sokul’s report, he made a closing statement, which indicated that the process has been a good one, albeit with some bumps in the road. He stated that he fully intends to honor the spirit and intent of, not only the EHS Transition Committee’s recommendations, but also the EHS faculty. He further noted that the board has to allow him, as principal of EHS, latitude in the operation of the high school.
Anne
Plumer-Fisher read from a prepared statement that the board had received at the
beginning of the meeting (see Attachment #2 pdf). The following also spoke
indicating that they are very pleased with the work of Mr. Sokul and the
Transition Committee: Roy Morrisette, Kim Casey, Patty Lovejoy, John Hazekamp,
Bill Thompson, Kris Magnusson and Sally Oxnard. Liz Faria noted that she
attended all Transition Committee meetings and that the committee recommended
design one (how departments are placed in the new school) and that the board
should listen to the committee.
At 8:05 PM, Chair Lovejoy recessed the meeting. At 8:20 PM, the board reconvened.
3.2 Approval of PowerSchool Lease: The Superintendent requested approval for the ERCSD to execute a lease for the PowerSchool software program to be used throughout the SAU. He also indicated that all SAU schools would participate in the purchase of PowerSchool and would reimburse the ERCSD for the initial purchase (see Attachment #3 pdf). Kris Magnusson asked the superintendent to explain to the viewing audience the benefits of the PowerSchool program, which he did. On a motion by Roy Morrisette, seconded by Greg Kann and unanimously voted with no further discussion to give the superintendent approval to execute a lease with PowerSchool.
3.3 Approval to Apply for Grants and to Accept RUS Grant and to sign any contracts associated with this grant: The superintendent request approval to apply for grants and to specifically accept the RUS Grant and to sign any contracts associated with the grant. He indicated that government regulations require the board to vote on these matters. Kris Magnusson requested that grant information and the signing of contracts are brought before the Finance Committee. After discussion, it was decided this would occur, although it may be after the execution of the signing of the contracts in order to be certain that we meet timelines. On a motion by Sally Oxnard, seconded by Robin Scott and unanimously board voted with no further discussion to give the superintendent approval to apply for grants and to specifically accept the RUS Grant and to sign any contracts associated with the grant.
3.4 Transportation: Walter Pierce discussed a request for an additional stop in a new development in Brentwood. Walter noted that if the board approves this, then they are going outside the transportation policy. Considerable discussion took place and Ray Trueman indicated that he felt it was a violation of the RSA to add additional agenda items to a special board meeting. The superintendent responded that in his opinion, agenda items can be added by the board to any publicly posted meeting. After further discussion, on a motion with regrets by Sally Oxnard, seconded by Kim Casey and with no further discussion voted 7-1-1 (Magnusson No and Trueman abstention), the board denied the request because it does not comply with the transportation policy.
4. NON-PUBLIC SESSION: None
5. ADJOURNMENT: On a motion by Roy Morrisette, seconded by Sally Oxnard and unanimously voted with no discussion to adjourn at 8:50 PM.
Minutes taken by
Arthur L. Hanson
Superintendent