STRATHAM SCHOOL BOARD - SPECIAL SESSION - MINUTES
STRATHAM, NEW HAMPSHIRE
June 25, 2008
On Wednesday, June 25, 2008, the Stratham School Board met in a special session at the Stratham Memorial School.
PRESENT: Gary Giarrusso, John Hazekamp, Wendy Poutre, Bruce Scamman, (Chairperson), School Board Members; Arthur Hanson, Superintendent of Schools; Margaret Driscoll, Director; Tim Harrington, Food Service Director.
ABSENT: Katherine McDonnell.
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mr. Scamman opened the meeting at 7:09 a.m.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Deferred.
3. VISITORS
No visitors were present.
4. GRENERAL CORRESPONDENCE
None.
5. BOARD REPORTS / POLICY
5.1 Board Committee Reports
1. Finance
Mr. Giarrusso told the board he reviewed the financials to see if the
programs were subject to audit under Federal Circular A-133, guidelines for
audits of municipalities and nonprofits, and there is nothing that affects the
Stratham School District.
2. Legislative Reports
No update.
3. a. Policy -- First Reading: The board reviewed the draft of policy KCM, the Food
Services Policy. This policy is unique to Stratham; NHSBA had no sample policy on
this issue. The price of lunch will be added to the policy. Deficits were discussed,
and the amount of the balance that will be allowed, and the process that will be
followed in the event of a deficit. This will be SAU-wide. It was suggested that the
policy go home on the back of the lunch calendar and it will be on the website. It was
suggested that a policy be drafted on the collection procedures.
(5.4) Hot Lunch Pricing: Mr. Harrington distributed lunch price increase information.
The data included prices for paid lunches; no free or reduced. He explained prices
have not been increased for seven years. Mr. Giarrusso spoke of the balance
being reduced if equipment is replaced. Mr. Harrington said that he ended last
year in the positive even with the replacement of the refrigerator and freezer. It
was noted that an increase to $2.00 for student lunch would not be unreasonable
when the cost of insurance and replacement costs are factored in. Mr. Scamman
said that the board was comfortable with $2.00, and Mr. Harrington can make the
decision.
Staff lunch was discussed, and how it impacts the student pricing. Mr. Harrington
will email the past five year revenues to the board.
Mr. Giarrusso moved to set a maximum price for breakfast of $1.25, and a
maximum price for student lunch at $2.00; seconded by Ms. Poutre, and voted
unanimously.
3. b. Second Reading -- Audio and Video on School Buses – Policy EEAJ was
discussed and changes were recommended. Wording for student privacy issues
will be added.
4. Visioning Committee Report -- Mr. Giarrusso attended the meeting on Monday and the
draft report is still being reviewed and minor changes are being made. The rest of the
editing will be done via email, the draft distributed the beginning of August, and will
come to the board in September. Mr. Scamman suggested a special night meeting for
the presentation of the report and notify parents of the meeting. Since the deadline will
be exceeded, the public will be informed of the extension of the timeline.
5.2 Continuation of Wednesday Morning Work Sessions -- Mr. Scamman said as we go into the
fall there is much work to be done. It was the consensus of the board to not have
prolonged evening meetings, and to keep the morning monthly session. Mr. Giarrusso
suggested having a limited focus at the work session and not the regular agenda items.
5.3 Chair’s meeting with Lara Nelson -- Mr. Scamman said that he will be meeting with the new
Assistant Superintendent, and the other members of the board are invited. He will email the
meeting information.
6. CURRICULUM
No report.
7. SUPERINTENDENT / ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT REPORT
Regional Preschool -- Dr. Hanson reported that the Chairs met last Wednesday night. A
committee is being put together to study the regional preschool matter. Ms. Dowey will send
out the concept, and if anyone is interested in serving to let him know. Ms. Driscoll will be on
the Committee and perhaps a school board member, because of the financial implications.
There could also be a member of the public.
7.1 To Authorize SAU as Fiscal Agent for Grant Authority (Title 1 Funds for 2008 / 2009)
Dr. Hanson explained that the Title 1 funding is dispersed through the SAU. Ms. Driscoll
explained the use of the funds for early literacy work. Mr. Giarrusso explained that this is
reported in the A-133 report. Mr. Hazekamp moved; seconded by Mr. Giarrusso to
authorize the SAU as fiscal agent for grant authority for the 2008 / 2009 fiscal year.
The vote was unanimous.
8. SAU ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM
No report.
9. EMPLOYEES
Leave Of Absence Request -- Mr. Scamman distributed a communication from Paul Flynn with
the findings from the attorney on the request of a probationary teacher’s for leave of absence.
Mr. Giarrusso moved; seconded by Ms. Poutre to grant the request for a leave of
absence for the 2008 / 2009 year. The vote was unanimous.
l0. BUILDING AND GROUNDS
None.
11. PUPIL RELATED MATTERS
None.
12. BUSINESS AND FINANCE
None.
13. OLD BUSINESS
None.
14. NEW BUSINESS
None.
15. CLOSING STATEMENTS
Mr. Scamman distributed coupons from the Texas Road House for a fundraiser for the Safe
Place Shelter.
16. NEXT SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
The next meeting of the board will be August 13, 2008, at 6:30 p.m.
17. NONPUBLIC SESSION
At 8:45 a.m., Mr. Giarrusso moved to enter nonpublic session under RSA 91-A:3 [a];
seconded by Ms Poutre. The roll call vote was affirmative. The board returned to public
session on a motion by Mr. Hazekamp; seconded by Mr. Giarrusso, at 9:17 a.m.
18. ADJOURNMENT
The board adjourned at 9:18 a.m. on a motion by Ms. Poutre; seconded by Mr.
Hazekamp and a unanimous vote.
Submitted by:
Mary Lou Clinton-Stevens
Meeting Handouts
Attachment 1 – Policy KCM, Draft Food Service Policy, KCM
Attachment 2 – Policy EEAJ, Video and Audio Recording on School Buses
Attachment 3 – Lunch Price Increases
Attachment 4 – Paul Flynn’s Email re. LOA Request
Action Items are underscored
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