Not Approved
Newfields School Board Meeting-Minutes
May 12, 2003
In Attendance:
Board Members: Mike Grant, Tammy Howard, and Jan Trueman
Administration: Dr. Steve Kossakoski, Dr. Arthur Hanson
Board Officers: Robin Gray, Maggie Doane
Visitors: Laurie Conley, Pam Poulin, Barbara Eastman, Dawn Higley, Jackie Horgan, Judy Mraz, Beth Cargill, Bobbie Howe, Marianne Klemarczyk, Jodi Halpern, Matt Bennett, Lynne Stollstorff, Cindy DeSalvio, Cathy Couett, Kelly Medley, Sarah Kalil, Barb Clark
1. Call to Order: Mike Grant called the meeting to order at 5:41p.m.
2. Non-Public Session: Called at end of meeting.
3. Approval of minutes:
3.1 April 14, 2003: Some changes need to be made. In item 10.1- There are 18-20 students for Kindergarten next year and registration is still on going, and in item 13.2- The board had no objections to paying Mr. Buxton and he has written up a proposal to build a cabinet with shelving. Jan Trueman motioned to approve the minutes as amended. Mark Bouzianis second. All in favor.
4. Visitors
4.1 Mrs. Couett- Mrs. Couett stated that in the future she might home school her children and requested that the school board allow her child to participate in any extra curricular programs at the school. She asked that the board review its policy for home-schooled children. She wants her children to still be a part of the community. Jan Trueman asked if Mrs. Couett wanted her children to attend off site field trips. Mrs. Couett stated no. She was interested in Art, Music, Gym and any in school specials. Barb Clark asked what the current Home School Policy is. Steve Kossakoski stated that home school children were not allowed to participate in any school programs. The school has had no problems with home-schooled children in the past. Barb Clark asked the board to consider revising the home-schooled policy. The board will consider it. Mark Bouzianis motioned to let Mrs. Couett’s children to participate in any extra curricular activities at the school. Mike Grant second. All in favor.
5. Business and Financial
5.1 Monthly financial report- Maggie Doane stated that the cash on hand was $320,026.31. The School Building Fund is $4,729.73. The School Building Maintenance Fund is $1,786.78
5.2 Budget update- Steve Kossakoski stated that the unexpended balance is approximately $86,000 for the end of the year.
5.3 Preparation for end of year encumbrances- Steve Kossakoski stated that the board needs to be thinking about the encumbrances for next year such as oil, LP gas, trash removal. Mr. Dobe stated that the drainpipe problem has resurfaced. He has asked Roto-rooter to come and examine the system with a camera. Mr. Dobe would like to have phones installed in all the classrooms and would like a voice mail message system for the teachers. He will get an updated quote. Mr. Dobe would also like to get a bid for exterior lighting.
5.4 Preparation for purchase of property- Jan Trueman stated that the board needs to get started on a purchase and sale agreement for the property.
5.5 Health insurance provider 03-04. The board received a note from Mrs. DuPont that the staff has agreed to switch insurance carriers to a Blue Cross Two Tier policy. Mike Grant motioned to accept the switch. Mark Bouzianis second. All in favor.
5.6 Treasurers Report-Conference- Maggie Doane stated that the conference was very informative and that she learned a lot about government financing and school financing. Maggie Doane stated that the school district needs someone to represent the school on the NHPDIA State Board. Maggie Doane volunteered for the position.
6. Curriculum
6.1 Grade 3 team presentation-Mr. Dobe presented the format for next years Grade 3. Ms. Halpern will teach Language Arts (spelling, grammar, writing), Social Studies and Science. Mr. Bennett will teach Math and Reading. Mr. Dobe stated that this format will build commonality between the classrooms. A visitor asked if the teachers will move or the kids will move. Mr. Dobe stated that the children will move and bring their trappers with them. It will help them get ready for the 4/5 grades next year and it will teach them organizational skills. Mike Grant stated that the two teachers will still receive training in each other’s specialty. Mrs. Couett stated that some students do not transition well and they might be too young to change classes. She also asked what happens to the student who needs a structured environment. Mr. Bennett stated that the students will be developmentally ready by October or November. Mr. Dobe stated that the children will move classes twice a day. The plan will benefit the children and the teachers. Mr. Dobe, Ms. Halpern, and Mr. Bennett will visit the classrooms and discuss with the children how the schedule will be set up next year. Mr. Dobe stated that there will be a parent meeting on the subject and if any one has any further questions either call or e-mail him. (See attached tentative schedule for grade 3).
6.2 Grade 4/5 teaming structure- Mr. Dobe explained the adding of another 4/5 grade team for next year. Mrs. Bromley will teach the 4/5. Mr. Dobe explained that she is a new teacher and that multi-age teaching is a real skill and that Mrs. Bromley is teaching 4th & 5th graders now. In the future the 4/5 combo class may be dissolved but the children will still change classes. (See attached 4/5 team structure.)
6.3 Kindergarten program update- Mr. Dobe stated that the Kindergarten parent information night was great. Mrs. Kettlewood has done a fabulous job. The incoming parents have a good idea about the Kindergarten program. Now there are 19 students registered. Beth Cargill asked if the program will ever become a full day kindergarten. Mr. Dobe stated that it would not because of space and resources. Mr. Dobe stated that Kindergarten is mainly for social preparedness. Children start reading in the 1st grade. There will be one teacher and one aide in the classroom next year.
6.4 Responsive Classroom materials review.
7. Superintendent/Assistant Supt. Report
7.1 SAU update-Steve Kossakoski stated that in E. Kingston the principal Pat Cushing is leaving and will be replaced by Jim Evans.
8. Principal’s Report-
8.1 Safety program activities- Mr. Dobe stated that there will be a helmet safety program on Friday May 16th. Bike Day will be held a Co-ed Sportswear on Saturday May 17th. Mr. Dobe wanted to thank Ann Mikulich for organizing the program.
8.2 Standardized testing-The testing is proceeding and it is very intensive and hard for the children, but the data is important for the school and for resources information. Grades 2, 4, and 5 are taking the Terra Nova.
8.3 Book Fair/Memorial Fund- The book fair will allow the school to purchase new books for the library. A memorial fund has been set up in the name of Ms. Mayo (a former teacher at NES). The fund will purchase a complete set of books from the Caldecott Collection. A stamp will be placed inside each new book.
8.4 School Activities-It is a busy time of year and all activities are in the weekly newsletters. Field Day will go on this year.
9. General Correspondence- none
10. Personnel-non public session called at end of meeting.
11. Building and Grounds
11.1 Sandbox project-Mr. Dobe has observed the children playing in a large pile of dirt on the edge of the playground. The fantasy play in the sand was wonderful. A NES family has stepped forward to build a sandbox for the children. The NPO, School, NYAA and parents have all volunteered and it should be ready before the end of school.
11.2 Flower barrels and garden refurbishment-The flower barrels have been a difficult project to coordinate. The have all been collected and refurbished. The children will do a plant project and plant flowers in the barrels. They will be kept on school grounds unless a family would like to care for one.
11.3 Parking lot expansion engineering study-Mark Bouzianis has been getting quotes. A long-term plan is needed. The property has to be surveyed and money should be encumbered for the project. Morning drop off and afternoon pick-up are of a great safely concern. A long-term solution is needed. The school board needs to meet with the town planning board.
11.4 Lighting-Mr. Dobe feels the exterior lights on the side of the school (where his office is) needs to be improved. He will get a few bids.
11.5 Facility use requests-Girls On The Run have requested a facility use request. They would use the school in bad weather and for bathroom use. City Year would like to hold a car wash fund raiser on Memorial Day weekend.
12. Pupil related matters-none
13. Board reports/policy
13.1 Policies for revision-first reading
13.1.1 IHGB Dual Enrollment (formerly Home Schooling)-The policy was changed 2 years ago. It will be reviewed again.
13.2 New policy-first reading
13.2.1 Distribution of Potassium Iodide-a letter will go out to all parents in the back to school packets in September. It will be the parent’s choice if a child will receive the pills. In case of an emergency, the school will be evacuated and then the pills will be distributed. This is a state driven policy.
14. Old Business-none
15. New Business-none
16. Next Meeting: June 9, 2003, 5:30 PM
17. Adjournment- A non-public session was call at 7:52pm by Mike Grant. Second by Mark Bouzianis. All in favor. The board discussed a personnel issue. In attendance: Steve Kossakoski, Dennis Dobe, Jan Trueman, Mike Grant and Mark Bouzianis. Mark Bouzianis motioned to leave non-public at 8:10pm. Mike Grant second. Roll call vote. All in favor. Meeting adjourned at 8:10pm
Marianne Klemarczyk wanted to thank Mr. Dobe for the very informative weekly newsletters.
Respectfully submitted,
Robin Gray
School District Clerk