APPROVED

 

NEWFIELDS SCHOOL BOARD

Monday, August 14, 2006 – 5:30 PM

NEWFIELDS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

 

In Attendance: 

Members:  Ms. Carolyn Bellisio, Mrs. Jan Trueman, Mr. Joe Army.

Administration:  Mr. Steve Kossakoski, Mr. Dennis Dobe.

Secretary:  Mrs. Jo Anne Coon.

Visitors:  Mr. Ed Oddo. 

 

1.  CALL TO ORDER – 5:30. 

 

3.  APPROVAL OF MINUTES

3.1    June 13, 2006

Mrs. Trueman makes motion to accept minutes.  Ms. Bellisio seconds the motion.  All in favor. 

 

4.  VISITORS 

4.1    Mr. Ed Otto, update summer projects. 

Mr. Otto discussed the summer projects with the board.  The following projects were completed within or under budget: demolition next door, balkhead (without labor), grease trap in the kitchen, painting, and new chairs and rack.  The following projects were completed above budget: tiling of floors, window replacement, fan for multi-purpose room, and equipment for the custodians.  Discussion followed. 

 

5.  BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL

5.1    Monthly financial report

At the end of July, there was $316,954.27 cash on hand.  There was $7,173.36 in the building fund and $6,557.53 in the parking lot fund. 

5.2    School Board Clerk

There aren’t interested candidates at this time.  Discussion followed. 

 

6.  CURRICULUM

6.1    Curriculum Update

Mr. Dobe updates the board on literacy.  The focus has changed from reading decoding and comprehension to writing.  Discussion followed. 

6.2    NWEA Spring Testing Results

Mr. Dobe is working on clarifying some of the results.  More information will be provided next month. 

 

7.  SUPERINTENDENT/ASSISTANT SUPT. REPORT

7.1    SAU Update

Mr. Kossakoski discussed sale of Annex.  Also, the new high school will be ready for the start of school. 

7.2    Review of SAU 16 goals

Mr. Kossakoski reviewed the SAU 16 goals that were set up at the last joint meeting.  Discussion followed. 

7.3    Enrollment Update

As of August 14th, enrollment was at 168. 

7.4    Kindergarten Enrollment

At this time, there are less than 20 students enrolled in kindergarten.  Kindergarten will stay at one session. 

 

8.  PRINCIPAL’S REPORT

8.1    Staff summer training

Mr. Dobe presents list of summer training activities staff participated in to the board. 

8.2    Opening of school

Mr. Dobe discusses loose ends being tied up in the building, positions filled, budget items received, and handbook ready for the printers with the board. 

8.3    School activities

Mr. Dobe presented the following list of school activities: Kindergarten picnic on August 23rd, Grade 1 picnic on August 25th, school opens on August 29th, and the American Music Assembly on August 30th. 

8.4    Chaperones for field trips

Mr. Dobe presents the field trip policy and the request form to the board.  Discussion followed regarding the number of chaperones on school field trips. 

8.5    School goals

Mr. Dobe presents the school goals to the board.  Last year’s goals were rolled over to this year and the new writing initiative was added. 

8.6    School approval status

Mr. Dobe discusses the questionnaires that have been received.  The Fire Inspection and Health Inspection reports will be used.  The Kitchen staff will be attending a sanitation workshop.  The inspections and the sanitation workshop have been scheduled. 

 

9.  GENERAL CORRESPONDENCE

            None at this time. 

 

10.  PERSONNEL

10.1    Professional staff nomination: Hannah Pasquale, Art

Steve Kossakoski nominates Hannah Pasquale for the 20% art position.  Mr. Dobe presents information about candidate to the board.  Mrs. Trueman makes a motion to accept the nominate.  Mr. Army seconds the motion.  All in favor.

10.2    Support Staff update

Ms. Meg Libby and Mrs. Kate Murphy will not be returning for the coming school year.  Mrs. Ann deLeon will be working as the world language assistant. 

 

11.  BUILDING AND GROUNDS

11.1    Demolition project update

Mr. Otto discusses the demolition project next door.  The project has been completed. 

11.2    Land clearing and maintenance, next steps.

Mr. Otto discussed maintenance for the lots next door and possible next steps for the lots.  Discussion followed. 

11.3    Summer projects update

Mr. Otto discussed the summer projects with the board.  The following projects were completed within or under budget: demolition next door, balkhead (without labor), grease trap in the kitchen, painting, and new chairs and rack.  The following projects were completed above budget: tiling of floors, window replacement, fan for multi-purpose room, and equipment for the custodians.  Discussion followed.

11.4    Playground status

Mr. Dobe discusses the current arrangements for the playground.  Currently, there is no signed lease agreement on file between NES and the NYAA.  Discussion followed. 

 

12.  PUPIL RELATED MATTERS

            None at this time. 

 

13.  BOARD REPORTS/POLICY

13.1    NHSBA Resolutions

The board reviews the policy.  Discussion followed.  The board agreed to support all items except for #6, #7, #10, #20, and #24. 

13.2    School Board goals

The board will discuss their annual goals at the next meeting.  Members are asked to bring the previous goals and ideas for new goals this year.  Discussion followed. 

13.3    Policies: Second reading.

13.3.1    EEAJ Video and Audio Recording on School Buses

Mrs. Trueman makes motion to accept policy.  Mr. Army seconds the motion.  All in favor. 

13.3.2    Wellness Policy

Tabled until the next meeting. 

 

14.  OLD BUSINESS

14.1    Continuation of discussion regarding defibillator

Mr. Dobe presents new information regarding the device to the board.  Discussion followed.

 

15.  NEW BUSINESS

            None at this time. 

 

16.  NEXT MEETING

            16.1  Board Meeting: September 11, 2006

 

17.  ADJOURNMENT

Mrs. Trueman makes motion to adjourn at 7:15.  Mr. Army seconds the motion.  All in favor.