NOT APPROVED
Newfields School Board Meeting –Minutes
In Attendance:
Board Members: Michael Grant, Jan Trueman
Administration: Steve Kossakoski, Dennis Dobe
Board Officers: Maggie Doane, Robin Gray
Visitors: Bill Podszus, Sarah Kalil, Barb Clark, Meline Doherty, Kathy, Couett, Jackie Horgan
1. Call to Order – The meeting was called to order at 5:53 p.m. Mike Grant asked for nominations for chairman of the school board for the next year. Mike Grant nominated Jan Trueman. Jan Trueman second. All in favor. Jan Trueman accepted the nomination.
2. Non-public Session – none
3. Approval Of The Minutes-Steve Kossakoski had some changes for the March 10, 2003 minutes. Steve Kossakoski asked to clarify some wording in item 10.2. Jan Trueman motioned to approve the March 10, 2003 minutes as amended. Mike Grant second. All in favor.
4. Visitors- Meline Doherty asked about the Enrichment Fund balance. Mr. Dobe stated that the auction brought in over $8,000 and there is not much money remaining in the account from last year. The Enrichment Fund goes towards items such as guest speakers and some compensation for some field trips as well as other items. Meline Doherty asked about the spending of the account. Steve Kossakoski stated that the spending is the discretion of the principle, but both the principal and the Assistant Superintendent much sign the forms. Bill Podszus stated that he would like to thank Mr. Dobe for dropping of the information about the school happenings.
5. Business And Financial –
5.1 Maggie Doane stated that the cash on hand is $296,766.51 as of March 31, 2003.
She stated that the School Building Maintenance Fund was $1,785.52 and that the School Building Fund was $4,726.14.
5.2 Budget Update- Steve Kossakoski stated that the overall balance of the budget is
estimated at $71,000, and that the salary of the principal has been adjusted and is over expended by $19,510 due to paying for the formal principal and Chet Lee. There is change in the maintenance line of approximately $8,000. The LP Gas has been over expended by $3,900. The benefits line has had a decrease of approximately $14,000.
5.3 Auditors- Steve Kossakoski stated that Mr. Dobe, Jane Johnson and himself are meeting with the auditor on Wednesday to go over some items so that everything is done correctly and that the school can move forward and everyone is on the same track.
5.4 Treasurers Conference- Maggie Doane asked if she could attend a treasurers conference in North Conway, NH on May 1 & 2. The registration fee is $50. Mike Grant made a motion to have Maggie Doane attend the conference and reimburse her the registration fee. Jan Trueman second. All in favor.
6. Curriculum
6.1 Health curriculum- Mr. Dobe stated that Cindy Cubit, the school nurse has started the family life curriculum.
6.2 DARE Graduation- Mr. Dobe stated that the DARE program ended on April 1st followed by a graduation. Art Reed held the graduation during the day and it was very well attended. Art Reed stated that he had a great experience with the children and on April 2nd the DARE class went on a field trip to the Boston Museum of Science paid for by the DARE program.
7. Superintendent/Assistant Supt. Report- Steve Kossakoski stated that a new principal has
been chosen for the Co-op middle school. Mr. Tom O’Malley has been chosen. He has taught at all age levels and will be of great value. Steve Kossakoski stated that there is a Chairs meeting on Wednesday and one of the topics of discussion will be the way Iodine pills will be distributed if requested. Another topic of discussion will be the Technical Plan. Steve Kossakoski stated that the new Exeter High School project will move forward in the fall. Kensington will add a new 6-room addition. Jerry Frew has been chosen to be the new Assistant Superintendent. He was chosen from 24 applicants.
8. Principal’s Report-
8.1 Staff training- The staff had their last presentation form Dr. Cohen on March 19th. The staff also had an in-service day at UNH. Mr. Dobe stated that there is a workshop in Connecticut in the summer that some of the staff will attend. It is a week long intensive program teaching about a responsive classroom. It is offered through a Federal Grant. Mike Grant asked about the differential learning program. Mr. Dobe stated that some evidence of the program has already been started in the school. Barb Clark had some questions about the everyday math program. Mr. Dobe stated that is a language-based program that will be staggered through the grades. Next year kindergarten, 1St and 3rd grade will start the program. Grade 2 has already started the program this year. Barb Clark asked about the math for the 4th & 5th grades next year. Mr. Dobe stated that it could be upgraded and that they are taking a look at it.
8.2 Lunch program- Mr. Dobe stated that the lunch program is working well. Kim Army is doing a wonderful job and she has been brought on in a formal way. She is getting paid for 3 hours per week. She handles the account, the bank runs, and the food purchases. Mr. Dobe and Kim Army meet every week.
8.3 Technology- The computer technician has been in updating the system and doing a great job. Casey Ashton’s father’s company donated 13 computers. 10 computers were donated to the SAU by Ocean Bank and the SAU decided to give them all to Newfields. There will be a committee for the technical budget. There is a 3-year plan to implement the curriculum. There will be a computer lab as well as computers in the classrooms.
8.4 School activities- Mr. Dobe stated that this is School Safety Month. The school has already had a speaker on Operation Lifesaver talking about railroad safety. On April 28th there will be an evacuation walkthrough. On April 29th there will be a lock down walkthrough. Mr. Dobe has been talking to the classes about the lock down, reassuring and explaining how it has to be done.
The book fair is going on this week.
In May testing will start. In 3rd grade will be the Terra Nova. There is also some SAU wide testing that is taking place.
Barb Clark states that the principal report was excellent and professional.
9. General Correspondence- none
10. Personnel
10.1Nomination of professional staff – Mike Grant motioned to accept the entire staff to return for the year 2003-2004. Jan Trueman second. All in favor. Next years kindergarten class has 20 confirmed students and registration is still on going.
10.2 Principal’s contract- Steve Kossakoski presented a 1-year contract to the school board for Mr. Dobe for the year 2003-2004. Mr. Dobe will have a background check. The contract included a 4% increase in salary. The current salary is $65,000 and would increase to $67,600. Mr. Dobe would have the same benefit package as the teachers. He would work 205 days per year but also be available for the summer program. The contract is from July 1, 2003- June 30, 2004. Mike Grant motioned to accept the contract by the SAU as written. Jan Trueman second. All in favor.
11. Building and Grounds
11.1 Electrical work- Mr. Dobe stated that there was an electrical outlet that had shorted
out in the 4-5 classroom. An electrician was brought in and it was fixed. He also fixed
some outlets in the food service area. There was also a problem in the staff workroom.
The electrician spent one day at the school and everything is fixed.
11.2 Furnace Maintenance contract. – The back part of the school was without heat for one day and Dowling was called in. Everything was fixed and the filter changed. The contract with Dowling was renewed with one change. Mr. Dobe suggested that the filter be changed 6 times per year rather that the 2 times per year that is in the contract.
11.3 Cabinet for computer room- Mr. Dobe stated that there is not a suitable spot for computer accessories. Mr. Dobe asked Mr. Buxton to write up a proposal to build a cabinet with shelving.
12. Pupil Related Matters-
12.1 Sargent Camp- Mr. Dobe stated that the 5th grade class had a great time at Sargent Camp. It was a great place for the children to meet other children from surrounding schools. Mr. Dobe stated that Mrs. Bzdafka was feeling ill and didn’t attend until Wednesday. Mrs. DuPont was there the entire time. Mr. Dobe wanted to give Rich Gilbert a huge Thank You for attending and helping with the boys. Mrs. Bromley and Ms. Rosenbleeth worked with all the 4th graders.
13. Board Reports/Policy- tabled until next meeting.
14. Old Business-none
15. New Business- the money was approved for planning the parking lot. Mark Bouzianis will
start the process.
16. Next Meeting- May 12, 2003 at 5:30 pm.
17. Adjournment- The meeting was adjourned at 7:12pm. Jan Trueman motioned first, Mike
Grant second. All in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Robin Gray