NOT APPROVED
Newfields School Board Meeting –Minutes
In Attendance:
Board Members: Jan Trueman, Mark Bouzianis
Administration: Arthur Hanson, Steve Kossakoski, Dennis Dobe
Board Officers: Robin Gray, Maggie Doane
Visitors: Jackie Horgan, Michael Quinn, Lisa Kahlke, Sarah Kalil, Barb Clark, Joe Army,
Kim Army, Meline Doherty, Tracy Hager, Marla Podszus, Bill Podszus
1. Call to Order – The meeting was called to order at 5:34 p.m.
2. Non-public Session – none
3. Approval Of The Minutes- Mark Bouzianis made a motion to accept the minutes from February 19, 2003 and March 5, 2003. Jan Trueman second. All in favor.
4. Visitors- none.
5. Business And Financial –
5.1 Monthly financial report- Maggie Doane stated that the cash on hand is $307,162.89. The School Build fund is $4, 722.25. The School Building Maintenance Fund is $1,784.06
6. Curriculum
6.1 Read Across America Week.- Mr. Dobe stated that Christy Machulski did a fantastic job organizing the week full of activities. On Monday there was a breakfast with green eggs and ham as well as a door decorating contest. On Tuesday it was crazy sock day. On Wednesday it was guest reader day. There were at least 20 students from UNH (all athletes) and the theme was sports. There was a pep rally and then all the UNH students went into different classes and read to the students. On Thursday was dress up as your favorite literacy character day. The week was full of activities and inspired students to read.
6.2 Kindergarten Program/Enrollment Update- Mr. Dobe stated that in light of the past weeks events that he has not had a chance to have a meeting with the kindergarten committee. He will meet with Mrs. Kettlewood and the committee soon.
6.3 Technology Update-There is a computer specialist working with the teachers. There were 13 computers donated with 16” monitors. The memory will have to be updated. A plan will be developed to distribute them.
7. Superintendent/Assistant Superintendent Report
Dr. Hanson spoke about the new high school/renovation of the current high school and that the tax impact was the same. Dr. Hanson stated that there are 3 candidates for the Assistant Superintendents position and there will be interviews soon for the Principal of the Co-operative Middle School. Steve Kossakoski stated that East Kingston and Stratham the school budget passed.
8.1 Traffic Pattern Update-The new traffic plan was started for drop off and pick up and
It was a success. Mr. Dobe was pleased with the new plan. He stated that it is safer and that Mrs. Bzdafka, Mrs. Kettlewood, Mrs. Favara and Mrs. Wellington have all stepped forward and are helping with the children.
8.2 NPO News- Mr. Dobe wanted to thank the NPO for all their help. They helped in the
Read Across America Week and they pulled together childcare and refreshments for the Parent Informational Meeting.
8.3 1st Ten Days- Mr. Dobe stated that it had been a rough ten days but the support and
commitment of the staff have been wonderful. Mr. Dobe stated that everyone is united around the same goal and that is education. He would like to commend the teachers and he is addressing the needs of the students, parents and of the staff. Mr. Dobe stated that the past 2 days were very smooth and quiet.
8.4 School Activities- Mr. Dobe stated that there was a meeting on Thursday to keep all
the parents in the loop and to ensure them that the school is a safe environment for the children. Mr. Dobe also emphasized open and free communication with the parents. Elaine McLean was brought back full time for as long as the need is there. The CISM Team met with the parents. The police will be at the school all week and a letter was sent to Mr. Ring stating that he is not allowed on school property. A locksmith was called in and all the lock will be changed. The cameras that were in the school were dismantled and the wires will be checked out to make sure they lead only to the cameras.
9. General Correspondence- none
has to hire a principal for next year. The school has two options. They could have a
search with a committee and accept applications or they could offer Mr. Dobe a one
year contract. Mark Bouzianis stated that he felt there was no reason for an outside
search. Jan Trueman agreed with Mark Bouzianis and stated that Mr. Dobe had a
calming demeanor. Steve Kossakoski will write up a contract and present it to the
board at the next meeting.
10.2 Teacher Nominations- All teachers’ contracts must be renewed by April 15. As of
right now there is not enough Kindergarten children to support a 2 sessions. The numbers are not high enough right now. Some moving around of teachers might be necessary.
11. Building and Grounds
11.1 Maintenance- The school is in great shape. Mr. Dobe stated that the schools janitor
a great help moving things around and packing boxes.
11.2 Recent Work- Mr. Dobe stated that a wind storm had activated an alarm and that Simplex came out to reset it. He stated that there is an electrical short in the kitchen. Mr. Dobe stated that due to the high volume of snow this year, a banister wasdamaged during snow removal. The town has agreed to pay for the repairs. The multi-purposed room door has been fixed.
12. Pupil Related Matters- Mike Grant motioned to go into non-public session under RSA 91-
A:3 II c at 6:25pm. Jan Trueman second. Roll call vote. All Ayes. The board
discussed a pupil related matter. Mike Grant motioned to leaved non-public session at
6:31pm. Jan Trueman second. Roll call vote. All Ayes.
13. Board Reports/ Policy-
13.1 Policies for second reading
13.1.1 ACE: Procedural Safeguards (consider NHSBA policy)
13.1.2 ACE-R: Notice of Procedural Safeguards (duplicate of ACE, delete)
13.1.3 ACE-R-1: Notice of Program Accessibility (move to appendix)
13.1.4 AD: Philosophy of Education (review)
13.1.5 BA: Annual Goals and Objectives (new)
13.1.6 BAAA: School Board Policies and Administrative Procedures (new)
13.1.7 BCA: Organization (review)
13.1.8 BEDB: School Board Agenda Visitor’s Proposal (review)
13.1.9 BGB: Adoption of Policies (consider NHSBA policy)
13.1.10 BFC(b): Adoption of Bylaws (delete)
Mark Bouzianis motioned to accept the policies. Jan Trueman second. All in favor.
14. Old Business-none
15. New Business- Bill Podszus asked about the auditors report and that it had the same
suggestions for the past 2 years. Jan Trueman stated that the suggestions were adhered to for a while but then went back to the old ways. She assured him that everything is now done correctly. Mr. Dobe complemented Kim Army on the wonderful job that she is doing with the school lunch program and managing the books as well. Mr. Dobe suggested that the board formalize her position and compensate her for her time. He suggested that the money come from the surplus from the program. She works approximately 3-5 hours per week. Mr. Dobe and Ms. Army meet every Friday and go over the books and the menu. The school board supports the idea.
Jan Trueman made a statement that she has been a resident of Newfields for a long time and that she and the school board were blindsided by the events that happened. She appreciated the support from the SAU office and Chet Lee. Jan Trueman stated that she is speechless and would like to apologize to the people in town. Jan Trueman stated that the town has hit bottom and things will look up soon. She asked the reporters to let the community know that everything is under control and that the town wants to get back to normal.
. 16. Next Meeting- April 14, 2003 at 5:30 pm.
17. Adjournment- the meeting was adjourned at 6:35pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Robin Gray