MINUTES

STRATHAM SCHOOL BOARD

Wednesday, September 14, 2005

STRATHAM MEMORIAL SCHOOL

 

 

BOARD PRESENT:  Mark Poirier, Bob O’Sullivan, Luke Breton

 

ADMINISTRATION PRESENT:  Tom Fosher, Meg Driscoll, Mary Ellen Palmer, Nathan Lunney 

 

1.       CALL TO ORDER – The meeting was called to order by Chair Poirier at 6:30PM.  Chair noted the absence of two members.  Mr. O’Sullivan needed to leave early, so quorum will be lost and meeting adjourned early.

 

2.       NON-PUBLIC SESSION – None.

 

3.       APPROVAL OF MINUTES – On a motion by Bob O’Sullivan, seconded by Luke Breton, the board voted unanimously with no further discussion to approve the minutes of June 15, 2005 and August 15, 2005.  

 

4.       VISITORS – Visitors present chose not to speak.

 

5.       GENERAL CORRESPONDENCE – None

 

6.       BOARD REPORTS / POLICY

6.1      Legislative update – None

 

6.2      Joint Chairs meeting – The Joint Chairs met on Wednesday, September 7, 2005 at 5:00PM.  Mr. Poirier explained that the Joint Board Retreat that was being considered for later this month has been tabled.  There was not consistent interest or agreement on scheduling.  He expressed disappointment with the lack of measurable progress from the NCLB committee and offered hope that upcoming conferences and trainings would contribute to results generated by that group.  The next meeting of the Joint Boards is next Monday, September 19, 2005 at 7:00PM in the SST Culinary Arts Dining Hall with a tour of the new high school leaving the SST at 5:30PM.

 

6.3      Policy Update

6.3.1    JFAB Admission/Attendance of Non-Resident Students – Mr. Breton explained that, with respect to non-resident students attending school, the district currently maintains a 20 day grace allowance which differs from the 25 days adopted by the remainder of the SAU.  The policy has been in place for some time.  The version distributed at the last board meeting, before the board tonight, has only minor changes beyond the 25 days clause.  On a motion by Luke Breton, seconded by Bob O’Sullivan, the board voted unanimously with no further discussion to adopt policy JFAB as presented.

 

7.       CURRICULUM / SMS ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM

7.1      After-School Program – Nathan handed out a single page analysis of the question about after-school programming that was included in the parent survey this spring.  The result show an overwhelming majority of responders would be interested in such programs.  The survey did not gather details on what subjects would generate the most interest.  Principal Fosher will take this information back for further review.

7.2      School Activities

7.2.1    Principal Fosher reported that the school would begin NECAP testing prior to the next board meeting.  The assessment process will begin on October 3 and will be complete not later than October 26.

7.2.2    Curriculum Night is scheduled for Thursday, September 22.  Times have been set aside as follows:  5:30 for Related Arts; 6:00 for Pre, K & 1; 6:30 for 4 & 5; and 7:00 for 2 & 3.

7.2.3    Dr. George Cushing, Superintendent of SAU 50, spoke recently to an SAU-wide administrators meeting about the mosquito threat of EEE, West Nile Virus, and the experiences of his communities, especially Rye, which has an extensive mosquito control program.  Principal Fosher shared information from the Stratham Town Administrator and Dragon Mosquito Control, who provide for the Stratham mosquito control program, which is a long-standing program that includes fogging and barrier spraying around the perimeter of the school property.  Stratham is the only SAU 16 community with such a comprehensive effort.  The SAU has shared news with parents through a student handout.

7.3      Special Education – Directors Driscoll and Palmer shared a report on special education with the board.

 

8.       SUPERINTENDENT / ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT REPORT

8.1      SAU Update – Nathan reported that the High School project continues on schedule and on budget.  A new recorded update will be taped on September 22^nd and should show up on Channel 22 thereafter.  Nathan shared an SAU enrollment report and noted that the NESDEC projections were close.  The total SAU enrollment was projected to within 4 students of actual, although there were wider margins in individual schools.

 

9.       EMPLOYEES

9.1      English Language Learning (ELL) – Principal Fosher updated the board that the ELL staff member has taken fulltime employment elsewhere.  The administration is looking for a new resource for this function.  There are no students currently needing this service but the school has received one referral.

 

10.    BUILDING AND GROUNDS

10.1   Energy Costs – The district has locked in on pricing for fuel oil.  The board discussed the impact of this real cost increase.  Nathan explained that the rising cost is certainly frustrating, but the district encumbered dollars for oil at the end of last year and budgeted an increase for this year.  Together these will accommodate the increased cost without otherwise impacting the overall budget.

 

11.    PUPIL RELATED MATTERS – Principal Fosher reported that there are two homeless students resident now at the Stratham Community Church, hosted by the Seacoast Interfaith Agency.

 

12.    OLD BUSINESS

12.1   Sealed Minutes – Nathan continues to work on this project.  There are no minutes to address from the present back to March 2001.  Mr. O’Sullivan volunteered to review findings with Nathan to assist the process of reporting to the board for further action.

 

13.    NEW BUSINESS – None

 

14.    BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL

14.1   Budget Development Timeline – The board reviewed the draft of the timeline for this budget season.  The board recommended changes.  The final timeline will be adopted at the next meeting.  After brief discussion, the board suggested that the administration work to bring forward a budget proposal that reflects a 3% increase in non-salary lines.

 

15.    CLOSING STATEMENTS – Principal Fosher alerted the board that two Stratham teachers would be participating in a program that will take them to Belize.

 

16.    NEXT SCHOOL BOARD MEETING:         Wednesday, November 9, 2005 – 5:00PM Budget Workshop followed by 6:30PM Board meeting.

 

17.    ADJOURNMENT - On a motion by Bob O’Sullivan, seconded by Luke Breton, the board voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 7:23 PM.