APPROVED

 

Newfields School Board Meeting – Minutes

January 17, 2004

 

 

In Attendance:

            Board Members: Jan Trueman, Michael Grant, Mark Bouzianis

            Administration: Steve Kossakoski, Dennis Dobe

            Board Officer: Robin Gray

            Visitor: Margaret Conner

 

 

  1. Call To Order- The meeting was called to order at 11:14am.
  2. Non-Public Session- none
  3. Business and Financial

3.1 Adoption of the 2004-2005 budget-Mike Grant made a motion to adopt the current 2004-2005 budget.  Mark Bouzianis second. All in favor.

Adoption of warrant articles:

Article 1: Motion to accept article as written.  Mike Grant motioned, Mark Bouzianis second.  All in favor.

Article 2: Motion to accept article as written.  Mike Grant motioned, Mark Bouzianis second.  All in favor.

  1. Old Business- Margaret Conner asked to address the board on the subject of

transportation for Kindergarten next year.  Mrs. Conner stated that she disagreed with the board about not considering transportation.  Mike Grant stated that he was not sure what the rider ship would be if transportation was offered.  He also questioned if it would be cost effective and would it be utilized.  The board cannot take any action on this issue yet.  Mr. Dobe hopes to get some answers when he has a Kindergarten parent information night on January 29.  At that time he will survey the parents.  Mrs. Conner stated that she was happy to hear that the state would reimburse the transportation costs.  Mike Grant stated that it might take up to 3 years to received any reimbursement.  Mark Bouzianis stated that transportation is mandated from grades 1-8.  The intent is to get children to come to school because of the important value of an education.  Mrs. Conner stated that Kindergarten is a vital step in education, so why not give it the same precedence.  Mike Grant stated that the board had not heard any concerns about transportation before Mrs. Conner spoke up.  When the town voted on Kindergarten, transportation was not included.  The board agreed to look at the issue and the number of Kindergarteners and the staffing issues.  The board stated that based on the information that is currently available; they do not support the transportation issue. At the last school board meeting there was no knowledge of the state reimbursement.  Mark Bouzianis stated that revenue is not available any more. He stated that the aid for Kindergarten dried up and it was not supposed to.    Mrs. Conner stated that there is some fluff money in the enrichment fund and the 504-program fund, and could some of that be used for the transportation costs.  Steve Kossakoski stated that the board would look into the issue and fund if warranted.  It is difficult for the board to make a decision now.  The cost is $40.50 per day.  The larger schools provide transportation, but the smaller schools (Brentwood, E. Kingston, and Kensington) do not.  Jan Trueman stated that the board would be glad to look into the issue.  The school budget does not follow a calendar year and there are many deadlines, from the budget, ballot vote, personnel issues, to new students in September.  Mr. Dobe will have a meeting with the Kindergarten parents and present the numbers to the community. 

     5.    New Business- none       

6.       Next Meeting:

Deliberative session: February 3, 2004, 7:00pm, Newfields Elementary School

Board Meeting: February 9, 2004, 5:30pm

7.      Adjournment: Jan Trueman motioned to adjourn, Mark Bouzianis second.  All in favor.  The meeting was adjourned at 11:40am. 

 

Respectfully submitted,

Robin Gray

School District Clerk