NOT APPROVED
Newfields School Board Meeting –Minutes
In Attendance:
Board Members: Mark Bouzianis, Jan Trueman
Administration: Steve Kossakoski, Dennis Dobe
Board Officers: Maggie Doane, Robin Gray
Visitors: Martin Poulin
1. Call to Order – The meeting was called to order at 5:41 p.m.
2. Non-public Session – called at end of meeting
3. Approval Of The Minutes-Mark Bouzianis motioned to accept September 8, 2003 minutes after a few changes (section 8.1 change the word realize to release; section 11.3 change the last sentence to “Ask Eastern if they will lower their prices”; and section 12.1 add “Dennis is working with the bus company to resolve the problems”.) Jan Trueman second. All in favor.
4. Visitors- none
5. Business And Financial –
5.1 Maggie Doane stated that the cash on hand is $64,964.70 as of September 30. Maggie Doane stated that the building fund was $4,744.80. The School Building Maintenance Fund is $1,792.21. Maggie Doane questioned where the warrant article money was that the town had voted on back in March and the School Board was to receive in September. She will ask the town for it.
5.2 Purchase Property-The purchase of the Janeway/Weilder property is complete. The previous owners asked if they could store some personal items in the house for a while. They would need a rider on their insurance policy to state that fact.
5.3 Grant Expenditures- Mr. Dobe stated that the school grants have been used to purchase textbooks and the Advanced Student Learning was for educational training and literacy training.
5.4 Adoption of 2003-2004 budget calendar-Sue Haden checked out the dates on the calendar and all is ok. The first budget workshop is tonight. The budget calendar was reviewed and Mark Bouzianis motioned to accept the budget calendar. Jan Trueman second. All in favor.
5.5 Out of district tuition- will be discussed in non-public session.
6. Curriculum
6.1 Enrichment committee-The enrichment committee had its first meeting, about 5 parents showed up. Dennis Dobe stated that they had a lively discussion and the next meeting will be on October 27th.
6.2 Standardized test results-the school tested above average. Mr. Dobe stated that it is an important measurement for improvement.
6.3 Literacy initiative-Mr. Dobe stated that those teachers that are not involved in the Everyday Math Program are involved in a Literacy Program. Some teachers will attend Barrington Elementary on October 28th to observe and study the program that is in place there.
7. Superintendent/ Assistant Supt. Report
7.1 SAU update-Steve Kossakoski stated that the new High School is still slated for a 2006 opening. Kensington Elementary had major renovations. They added 6 classrooms and a gym. The next chairs meeting is on Thursday.
7.2 Enrollment- There is no change in the enrollment since last month.
8. Principal’s Report
8.1 NPTO activities and gifts- The first meeting was a well-attended meeting. The last
fundraiser raised about $4,000. The NPTO volunteered to assist the school for
fundraisers because they are so labor intensive for the school personnel. The tentative
date for the auction is March 20, 2004. The NPTO has decided to give the school $500
to refurbish or replace the school sign.
8.2 Technology integration and training-Mr. Dobe had some computer training on how
to use the software to analyze the data from the 3rd grade test results. The school now
has 5 laptop computers that are for teacher or student use.
8.3 Open House- Mr. Dobe stated that the school was full of parents and students. The
students were proud to show off their work and their school.
8.4 Lunch Program- The lunch program is now self-contained. There has been an
increase to $1.75 because there was no money left to cover personnel costs. Students
can now purchase a lunch ticket. The lunches now have a huge variety. The lunch
program is not open on Friday’s because of the NPTO pizza lunch.
9. General Functions
9.1 Historical society- Dianna Toth from the Newfield Historical Society contacted the
school board to inquire about some items that were being stored in the basement of
the school. The items are an old light fixture and a model of the old part of the school.
The Historical Society would like them donated if possible. The school board would
like to know if they would be on display and where would they be on display. Mark
Bouzianis motioned to lend the Historical Society the items as long as they would be
on public display somewhere in town. Jan Trueman second. All in favor.
Steve Kossakoski stated that there was a request for the out of town resident tuition,
but the residents fall with in the 40-day rule.
10. Personnel
10.1 Professional staff evaluations- Mr. Dobe stated that the staff evaluations have begun.
He is currently doing the 60-day probation review for the new staff. Mr. Dobe is
reviewing their SAU goals and personal goals and is also doing observations of the
Non-tenured staff. He will be done by the end of this month.
11. Building and Grounds-
11.1 Recent work: lighting, plumbing, general maintenance
Mr. Dobe stated that the exterior lighting is complete. The emergency interior lights
were not working and they have been fixed. There was a small plumbing job that has
been fixed. There are some leaks on the roof in the Kindergarten room. Dowling
came and changed the filters. Jan Trueman stated that a neighbor of the school
claimed that the exterior lighting is so bright at night that she does not need lights on
in her house at night. Mr. Dobe will investigate and see what he can do. Steve
Kossakoski, Jan Trueman and Dick Wendell (maintenance for the Co-0operative
Middle School) met to discuss getting into a routine maintenance plan with some of
the surrounding schools. The maintenance crew would have a set rate and do
preventative maintenance and get estimates when needed. Mr. Wendell will come to
the November meeting with a proposal.
11.2 Snow Blower Quotations- Mr. Dobe received estimates ranging from $1300 to
$1900. Mark Bouzianis motioned to purchase the Simplicity Snow Blower for $1300.
Jan Trueman second. All in favor.
11.3 Phone System- Mr. Dobe stated that there has been a few problems with the new
phone system. It is maintained by the SAU. The problems are being addressed.
11.4 Engineering Study update- A survey will be done in November. There is a meeting
on November 12th at 9 am to discuss the engineering plans.
12. Pupil Related Matters- none
13. Board Reports/Policy
13.1 Policies for revision 3rd reading
Jan Trueman motioned to adopt the following policies. Mark Bouzianis second. All in
favor.
Policies to adopt: DBF/DBG/DBH
EEBB
EGA
EGAG
EHB
EI
GBAA
13.2 Policies for deletion
Mark Bouzianis motioned to delete the following policies. Jan Trueman second. All
in favor.
Policies for deletion: DG
DM
ECC
14. Old Business- none
15. New Business- Chief Art Reed asked the board for the key to the Janeway/Weilder
property to possibly do some police training. There will be no live ammunition or no
chemicals involved. They realize that there is still some personal property left in the house
that will not be touched or removed.
16. Next Meeting- November 10, 2003, 5:30 pm
Mark Bouzianis motioned to enter non-public under session Chapter 91 A:3II, c at 7:05pm
Jan Trueman second. Roll call vote. All in favor. Steve Kossakoski reviewed the status of
an outstanding tuition bill. The school district attorney will be asked to pursue the matter.
Mark Bouzianis motioned to leave non-public at 7:20 pm. Jan Trueman second. Roll call
vote. All in favor.
17. Adjournment- Mark Bouzianis motioned to adjourn at 7:25. Jan Trueman second. All in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Robin Gray