NOT APPROVED
Windham School
Board
Public Session
– Planning Department
January 2, 2007
School Board Members: Beverly Donovan, Beth Valentine, Barbara Coish,
Bruce Anderson, Al Letizio
Superintendent: Dr. Elaine Cutler
Business Administrator: Brian Gallagher
Asst. Superintendent: Roxanne Wilson
Call to Order
Chairperson Bruce Anderson called the public session of the Windham School Board to order at 7:10 p.m. All those in attendance stood to salute the flag and to observe a moment of silence.
Mary Ann Horaj swore in new School Board member Al Letizio. Call of the roll followed.
Board Buddies Windham Middle School
The following Windham Middle School students addressed the Board: Matt Canone, Michael Melino, Maddie Smith, Swaitha Maripuri, not present were Matt Vincent, Milissa Higgins and Andie Missert
The students spoke of their attendance at a recent teacher’s conference regarding the palm pilot program at their school. They also spoke of the Christa McAuliffe Center and Winder Wonderland Dance – which raised over $2,000 for Windham Helping Hands.
Good News from Windham Schools
Al Letizio – Center School – discussed the school’s involvement in the Guinness Book recording breaking event.
Beth Valentine – Middle School – discussed the winter concerts, 7th grade assembly from the PTA along with an upcoming Salem High School dance for incoming 8th graders. She also noted that the stock market game winners will be attending a luncheon in their honor.
Beverly Donovan – Golden Brook School – discussed the schools involvement in the Guinness Book record breaking event along with the teachers from the school attending a professional development initiative.
Adoption of Minutes
Motion to Approve the Non-Public November 28, 2006 minutes was made by Barbara Coish with a 2nd by Beverly Donovan. Approved 4-0.
Motion to Approve as Amended the Non-Public December 5, 2006 minutes was made by Beverly Donovan with a 2nd by Barbara Coish. Approved 4-0.
Amendment:
In Heading strike the word “Budget”
Motion to Approve as Amended the Public December 5, 2006 minutes was made by Barbara Coish with 2nd by Beverly Donovan. Approved 4-0.
Amendment:
Page 2 Line 41: replace
“it” with the Trust Fund be
Page 2:
Insert heading under Business Meeting/Public Session
Page 4 Line 14:
change 2:00 to 12:00
Page 4 Line 32:
name spelling change
Page 5 Line 37: NEWEA to NWEA
Motion to Approve as Amended the Public December 19, 2006 minutes was made by Barbara Coish with 2nd by Beverly Donovan. Approved 4-0.
Amendment:
Page 1 line 37 Spelling:
Brenssinger (changed throughout)
Page 2 Line 32:
name spelling change
Page 4 Line 4; Line12; Line41: name spelling change
Vendor and Payroll Manifest/Consent Agenda:
Chairman Anderson noted that both were being circulated for signatures.
Other Business Items
Review and Approval of Warrant Articles – The draft School Warrant Articles were assigned for discussion at Deliberative Session by the Board members.
Warrant #2 will be discussed by Beth Valentine
Warrant #3 will be discussed by Beth Valentine
Warrant #4 will be discussed by Al Letizio.
Beverly Donovan noted that she would like wording added to this Article “will not raise taxes….” Beth Valentine questioned if there was a way to make it more clear to the voters. Bruce Anderson noted that it should somehow state that it “does not raise taxes”. Al Letizio suggested “……shall the Windham School Board raise and appropriate…..” It was decided that Brian Gallagher will work with legal counsel regarding the wording.
Warrant#5 will be discussed by Barbara Coish
Al Letizio spoke of the importance of this Warrant – noting that currently there is not a maintenance fund for large items
Warrant #6 will be discussed by Barbara Coish
Brian Gallagher explained how Golden Brook School was the school listed, as the facility to use funds for septic repair – noting that Middle School is in need of these funds for their septic repair. This Warrant is seeking permission to use said Golden Brook funds.
Warrant #7 will be discussed by Beverly Donovan. It was noted that there are 600 students to one art teacher – there are scheduling issues.
Warrant #8 will be discussed by Beverly Donovan. It was noted that the District has one Librarian (Diana Greenleaf) with each school having one assistant.
Warrant #9 will be discussed by Beverly Donovan.
Warrant #10 will be discussed by Bruce Anderson. It was noted that this Warrant requested a modest increase in the budget. Brian Gallagher noted it was reasonable.
High School Update and Committee Reports
Member of the Public, Jane Higgins, inquired if there would be any request of taxpayers for the high school project. Bruce Anderson responded by stating there was a meeting tomorrow night to discuss this. He noted the Board would have to post its intents by January 9, 2007. Dr. Cutler explained how and why it would need to be published.
10 Minutes Recess
Ratification of the Instructional Assistant Contract
Bruce Anderson noted the Contract will be forwarded to the Union – noting they will have until January 9, 2007.
Al Letizio stated he was looking forward to the meeting tomorrow night to discuss the high school with the new architect and Building Committee. He noted it would be held at the SAU @7:00 – an alternate site may be Middle School – a notice would be posted.
Committee Reports Continued
Barbara Coish – Communications – FYI’s are continuing. Beth Valentine noted the website will be updated. The PowerPoint presentation from the 19th was not up yet.
Beverly Donovan – Integration – A future date for this Committee will be set by the new architects
Beth Valentine – Art/Music – Noted this Committee was inactive at the moment – the initial charge is complete.
Bruce Anderson noted we need to assign a Board Representative for the Athletics Committee to replace Galen Stearns. Elaine Cutler explained the charge of the Athletic Committee to Al Letizio. Mr. Letizio questioned if funds have already been appropriated. Bruce Anderson stated the School Board needs to understand how many fields will be needed. He would like a discussion regarding such for the next meeting. It was noted the members of the Athletic Committee included: Mark Cherbeneau; Chris O’Neil; Phil Masco and Cheryl Hass.
Beth Valentine stressed that the athletic information will be critical for the site work. Noting fields should be put in first to allow for the proper growing season.
Bruce Anderson – Curriculum Committee – This Committee will be meeting with the Building Committee to discuss what information will be needed for the new architect.
Beth Valentine suggested considering of a consultant from Right Road. She also recommended the Building Committee have more authority to execute the project. She noted Sanborn Regional Charge Orders. Ms. Valentine requested the Board members review this and that copies of the Sanborn Charge be distributed to the Building Committee for their review.
Bruce Anderson commented on a recent article printed in the Windham Independent regarding the high school project. He stated he wanted the public to know the truth and not rely on misinformation they may read in newspapers. He noted the following:
Barbara Coish noted the Board would need to vote publicly to the hiring of Lavalle/Brenssinger.
Motion to Hire Lavalle/Brenssinger as the District Architects was made by Al Letizio with a 2nd by Barbara Coish. Approved 5-0.
Beth Valentine questioned if it would make sense to have other legal counsel look at the Lavalle/Brenssinger Contract. Bruce Anderson thought this was good idea. Dr. Cutler noted they would bring this to another legal counsel for further review, once the contract is close to completion.
Al Letizio stated he was happy to be back on the Board and was proud to be working with this group of people. He questioned, with regard to the previously mentioned newspaper letter, the motivation of people who do things like this. He stressed that people should read it as entertainment and he hopes the Board does not see more of this.
Curriculum Presentation from Windham Middle School
Gretchen Williams discussed the Enrichment Program currently in place at the middle school. She spoke of her passion for technology in enrichment classes - noting the middle school was fortunate to have so much technology. Technology has made a huge difference. Beth Valentine stated the middle school was so fortunate to have someone like Ms. Williams.
Board Policy:
Selection of Materials
First reading of Policy IJL regarding media materials, recommended by Diana Greenleaf, Medial Specialist for Windham District Schools was made. This Policy is available for review at the SAU.
Safety Committee Report from Beth McGuire
A letter was presented to the Board, from Principal McGuire, regarding the formation of a Safety Committee. The first meeting of this Committee will be held on January 10, 2007 at 3:00 at Golden Brook School. A report of findings will be presented to the Board
in March 2007.
Administrative Monthly Reports
Project Budget Worksheet – Brian Gallagher noted he has worked with Harvey Construction to provide a Cost to Date Estimate from the construction experience. He noted this would provide a better snapshot for the Board as they move forward with the Project.
Operating Budget – Brian Gallagher noted the trend was compatible from where they were last year. He is happy to report they are online with the operating budget.
Investment Report – Mr. Gallagher noted the bond will continue to earn interest – noting it is solid.
Monthly Attendance Report – Dr. Cutler noted two (2) new students entered the District. She also noted she does not have an answer yet regarding the discrepancy in enrollment numbers for grades 9-12. She will get back to the Board with this answer.
Superintendent’s Report – Dr. Cutler provided the Board with her monthly report for their review. Bruce Anderson requested Roxanne Wilson fill out her own monthly report for the Board.
Information and Proposals from Board Members
School Councils – WCS will be meeting on 1/9/07; WMS identified their goals. There will be a parent presentation on 3/8/07. The Council spoke of extending the Medieval Event into the evening for parents to enjoy; GBS discussed their newly formed Safety Committee.
TGIF – Noting the Budget was accounted for.
CIP – This was present to the Planning Board. It was noted the town and school were working together.
NHSBA – Next meeting will be 1/16/07 to discuss changes at the state level. It was noted they are looking for a school board member to participate on an advocacy group.
Future Meetings
January 3, 2007 Joint Meeting with Building Committee
January 9, 2007 Deadline for Citizens Petition Articles
January 10, 2007 Joint Meeting with Building Committee
January 16, 2007 Budget Hearing
January 16, 2007 Workshop Meeting following Budget Hearing
January 24, 2007 First Day of Filing Period for Candidates
February 2, 2007 Last Day of filing Period for Candidates
February 6, 2007 Business Meeting
February 9, 2007 Deliberative Session – Golden Brook Elementary
Future Agendas
Building Use Policy Development
Master Planning for Athletics
High School Updates
Beth Valentine questioned if there would be a meeting to speak of the new plans for the project. Dr. Cutler suggested this could be decided tomorrow night. Bruce Anderson suggested speaking about this at the 1/16/07 workshop meeting.
Al Letizio spoke of the Citrus Bowl, which was held recently in Orlando, Florida. He noted that students from Windham and Salem attended and spoke of how proud the communities were to see them march in Orlando.
Motion to Adjourn the public session under RSA 91-A:3II(b) at 9:22 p.m .was made by Al Letizio with a 2nd by Barbara Coish. Al Letizio-aye; Beverly Donovan-aye; Barbara Coish-aye; Beth Valentine-aye and Bruce Anderson-aye.
These minutes are submitted in draft form – Respectfully, Diane Figaro