NOT APPROVED
Newfields School Board Meeting Minutes
Article 1.
September 12, 2005
In Attendance:
Board Members: Jan Trueman, Carolyn Bellisio, Mark Bouzianis
Administration: Steve Kossakoski, Dennis Dobe
Board Officers: Ms. Doane, Treasurer
Secretary: Jo Anne Coon
Visitors: Mr. & Mrs. Woodworth, Mr. Poulin
1. Call to Order – The meeting was called to order at 5:42 p.m.
1.1. Board Secretary Candidate – Jo Anne Coon
Discussion about appointing candidate. Mr. Bouzianis made a motion to appoint Ms. Coon as Board secretary. Mrs. Bellisio seconded the motion. All in favor.
1.2. District Clerk Opening
Discussion about Ms. Doane completing this year as school district clerk. Ms. Doane will continue to be the clerk at school district meetings this year.
2. NON-PUBLIC SESSION – may be called at any time in accordance with Chapter 91A-311, a, b, c, d.
3. Approval of Minutes
3.1 August 8, 2005
Discussion about the minutes from August 8, 2005. Mr. Bouzianis asked for an adjustment be made to item 11.4 on page 2. It should say, “Mr. Bouzianis motioned not to accept transfer of responsibility for the playground form the Newfields Playground Committee to the Newfields School District.” Mrs. Bellisio made a motion to approve the minutes with the correction. Mr. Bouzianis seconded the motion. All in favor.
4. Visitors
No comment.
5. Business and Financial
5.1 Monthly financial report
Ms. Doane reported that the cash on hand to date is $112, 816.48. There is $8, 008.27 in the building maintenance account. There was a transfer of all accounts from Bank of America to Citizens Bank.
5.2 Oil and Propane contracts
Mr. Dobe presented the contracts from Hartmann Oil and Eastern Propane. There was some concern about logistics of the contracts. There was discussion about which direction to take. The board decided that they needed more information about the contract from Hartmann Oil before a vote on the heating contract. Mr. Bouzianis made a motion to grant Mrs. Trueman with the authority to sign the Hartmann Oil contract for oil and propane with the following changes:
1. The price per gallon of propane will be set at $1.46 per gallon for year one of a two-year contract
2. The cost to purchase the two 1,000 gallon propane tanks at the end of the two-year contract will be included
3. A statement regarding who will bear the cost of removing the propane tanks at the end of the two-year contract, if required, will be included.
Mrs. Bellisio seconded the motion. All in favor.
5.3 End of Year (2004/2005)
Mrs. Doane reported that at the end of the 2004/2005 school year, there was $32, 751.44. After all the bills are paid, $18, 974.99 will go back to the town.
6. Curriculum
6.1 School Goals
Mr. Dobe discussed the school goals the staff will be working on this year.
6.2 Curriculum Update
Mr. Dobe reported on current NES curriculum initiatives.
7. Superintendent/Assistant Superintendent Report
7.1 SAU Update
Dr. Kossakoski and Mrs. Trueman discussed the minutes from the SAU chairs meeting.
7.2 Enrollment Update
Currently, NES is down 16 students from last year. Discussion followed about the specific statistics per grade level and the number of students who just left 5th grade this past year. There was a discussion about the number of students enrolled in kindergarten. Dr. Kossakoski reported that 5 Newfields students are attending the Seacoast Charter School (3 in grade 5, 1 in grade 4, and 1 in grade 3).
8. Principal’s Report
8.1 Opening of School
Mr. Dobe reported that the opening of school was quiet and smooth. There was a discussion about the timing of the beginning of the school day due to bussing issues during the first week of school.
8.2 Fall Testing
Mr. Dobe made a presentation about the different assessments being administered this fall. The Gates-McGinitie, DRA, DIBELS, and NECAP will be administered at the appropriate grade levels.
8.3 NES “Silver Arrow” Merchandise
Mrs. Woodworth discussed the “Silver Arrow” merchandise which the NPTO will be selling as a fund raiser.
8.4 School Activities
Mr. Dobe discusses the up-coming school activities. There was a question and discussion about the World Languages program. The 5th grade is being offered an exposure to French while the other grades are offered Spanish.
9. General Correspondence
None.
10. Personnel
There was discussion about a letter received from NEA-UNISERV Director requesting information for upcoming collective bargainning sessions with the new support staff union. I
11. Building and Grounds
11.1 Kindergarten Ramp
Mr. Dobe reported that a ramp thas been installed for egress from the kindergarten room.
11.2 Water Heater Replacement
Mr. Dobe reported that the water heater was replaced. A bill has not been received yet.
11.3 Playground Maintenance by Volunteers
Mr. Dobe reported that volunteers completed maintenance on the playground before school started and thanked the Newfields Playground Committee for their assistance.
11.4 Parking Lot Update
Mr. Bouzianis reported that Mr. Oddo has solicited bids and schedule a bidder's walkthrough of the property. Mr. Oddo will be asked to provide the Board with an update at the next meeting.
11.5 Preparing for Winter Heating of Building
Dr. Kossakoski and Mr. Dobe reported that Mr. Oddo will be conducting an inspection of thermostats and weather proofing of the building before heating season arrives.
11.6 Safety Concerns in Parking Lot
Mr. Dobe reported that he will have crosswalk at the rear of the building re-painted to ensure student safety.
11.7 Parking Lot Maintenance
Mr. Dobe thanked the Newfields Highway Department for upgrading the shoulders around the parking lot at NES.
11.8 NYAA Field Maintenance
Mrs. Trueman presented a bill received from the NYAA concerning maintenance of the field. Discussion followed and the decision to pay was tabled for now.
11.9 Rental Property
Mrs. Trueman discussed a phone call she received inquiring about renting out one of the properties they own. Discussion followed. Mrs. Bellisio made a motion that the school board will not consider renting either of the two properties that the school owns. Mr. Bouzianis seconded the motion. All in favor.
11.10 Building Use Forms
Mrs. Trueman received building use forms from the Girl Scouts, a Religious Education class, and the NYAA. Discussion followed and all are in agreement that these are appropriate.
12. Pupil Related Matters
None.
13. Board Reports/Policies
13.1 Board Goals
The Board Goals will be discussed at the next meeting.
13.2 Chair Meeting Update
NA- see item 7.1
13.3 Newfields Policy Manual: First Reading
13.3.1 JEC Manifest Educational Hardship
Policy read. No revisions.
13.3.2 JICD Student Conduct/Disc. & Due Process
Policy read. No revisions.
13.3.3 JICD-R Memorandum of Understanding
Discussion followed reading. The word “Exeter” needs to be replaced with “Newfields.” This was just an oversight when it was typed up.
13.3.4 JICE Student Publications
Policy read. No revisions.
13.3.5 JICH Drug & Alcohol Use by Students
Policy read. No revisions.
14. Old Business
None
15. New Business
None.
16. Next Meeting
16.1 Board Meeting: October 10, 2005, 5:30 PM
This was rescheduled to October 17, 2005, 5:30 PM since there is no school on October 10th.
17. Adjournment
17.1 Mr. Bouzianis made a motion to adjourn at 7:48. Mrs. Bellisio seconded the motion. All in favor.