School Board Members: Al Letizio, Barbara Coish, Beverly Donovan, Beth Valentine
Superintendent: Dr. Frank Bass
Assistant Superintendent: Roxanne Wilson
Business Administrator: Toby Eaton
Owner’s Representative: Glenn Davis


Chairman Al Letizio called the Public Session of the Windham School Board to order at 7:00 p.m.

School District Master Plan/Kitchen Facility Report

Chairman Letizio spoke of the current food service program to Windham schools.  He discussed the low percentage of users (15%) of the lunch program.  He noted the School Board has been discussing the problems with the program for a long time.  He also stated that a lunch program should have at least a 60% user rate.  He is very concerned with the safety/handling of the food once it leaves Pelham.  He spoke of the correct temperatures that certain foods need to maintain.

It was noted that the town is under the impression that the new high school facility will be able to provide food service to all of Windham Schools.  Mr. Letizio feels this will not be the best scenario, as this would still rely on the traveling of food from the high school to other schools in the District.

Glenn Davis spoke of his visits to Windham Middle School, Center School and Golden Brook to see if their kitchen facilities were adequate enough to support their own food service preparation.  He stated that GBS and WCS kitchens were too small and would require some construction.  Windham Middle School had the most adequate facility – noting that the septic design would be able to handle such a program.  The Board discussed the possibility of Middle School servicing themselves and Golden Brook and the High School servicing Center School.  Fire protection would have to be addressed at Middle School.  The water flow was monitored at Middle School and found to be more than adequate.  A ventilation system would be needed. 

Mr. Davis noted that at a minimum you would need units that can maintain heat and stated he was surprised it has passed inspection thus far.

Mr. Letizio stated he thought the School Board should adopt a vision that is right for schools other than the high school.  He felt that the next school to be built should also have a kitchen.  In the meantime, the other schools need a short term solution.  To that end, he stated that each school should be preparing their own food in order to provide the best quality and safety for the students.

Dr. Bass noted that the Board could consider outfitting Middle School now and have that school service Golden Brook and their kindergarten program (which will be mandated by the State) – he noted state monies could be used to expand the cafeteria at Golden Brook.

Beth Valentine noted that they should look at Golden Brook as a kindergarten and preschool facility with ½ day schedules; therefore they would not need a lunch program.  She noted it might not make sense to invest in Golden Brook for that purpose and also noted that Center School configuration with expanding might be tough.

Mr. Letizio stated in his professional opinion, you can get creative and build a kitchen – noting they could set something up to get the job done.  He noted a lot of food items are of high quality now and in a frozen form and can be very easily prepped in convection ovens and pass-through warmers.

Mr. Davis stated the septic is a problem at Golden Brook and Center School.  He stated we should take it to the next step to see what we need to do to accommodate the other schools.

The Board agreed that would need to know the numbers necessary to outfit Middle School and then discussed using monies at year’s end from the budget.

Mr. Davis noted he was concerned that people have expectations that the high school will be providing food for all Windham schools. 

Mr. Letizio’ recommendation, looking at gross budgeting, is to outsource the food service program at all schools – noting this is the most effective way to do it.  The kitchen would be self-funding.

Beverly Donovan stressed that they needed to have the CIP discussion.  She is concerned with taking high school project monies and moving them to Middle School (kitchen).

Mr. Letizio agreed with Mr. Donovan, but further suggested waiting on the purchasing of dedicated equipment for the high school kitchen until we know more information

The Board discussed the low participation rate in the lunch program and noted that it is a reflection on the community.  Mr. Letizio stated they could potentially fix this problem before the high school opens.

Dr. Bass commented on the atmosphere in the lunch room at the school and noted if you have a really good lunch program it creates an excitement in the cafeteria.  The have something to look forward to each day.

Mr. Davis will still be getting bids for all the equipment to outfit the high school kitchen.  The lead time is 16 weeks on equipment.  There is money in reserves to purchase the equipment.

Beth Valentine stated she would be interested in cost breakout.  She also stated it would make perfect sense to outfit Windham Middle School and to use the surplus from year’s end budget for this purpose.  She suggested putting Center School kitchen in the CIP.  She also suggested having a timeline for this.

Mr. Letizio suggested recapping tonight’s discussion for the public to hear at the next business meeting.  He noted Mr. Anderson would also be at that meeting.

Beverly Donovan noted she would need to know if they can leave money in that area in the high school project.

Harvey Contract

Dr. Bass announced that Mr. Letizio and members of the Board signed the Contract with Harvey Construction.  Mr. Davis stated it has been a long time coming as they were waiting for a few things – it was a combination of working with them on the budgets and individual items.  He –p;[noted he is comfortable with the numbers.  He further noted that Harvey incorporated everything he had asked for.

Beth Valentine questioned if there were any major add alternatives they will be looking at.  Mr. Davis stated there was a list and that it is his intention to have one more Building Committee meeting and then come back to the Board to present it.  The Board agreed to have Mr. Davis meet with the Building Committee first to discuss the list of adds then get their recommendations and present it to the School Board.

Middle School Transition

Dr. Bass stated that after the School Board made their decision last week regarding the transitioning process, they knew they had to move quickly with regard to the current 7th and 8th graders. 

Julie Litchman, Guidance Counselor from Middle School, spoke of the many upcoming events planned for the 7th and 8th graders.  She noted that this week, Principal Manley, will be visiting Middle School during a lunch period to meet with the 8th graders and to answer any questions they may have regarding their high school.  They will be having a pizza party for them in the cafeteria along with a virtual presentation of the high school.  The 7th grade will also have the same opportunity the following week.  She noted they want to generate excitement for the students and to build the momentum for the high school.  She will be purchasing t-shirts with the new high school logo and colors for each student at the school. 

The School Board agreed to approve the purchasing of the t-shirts.  Mr. Davis also will be conducting talks about once a month to give updates and answer questions with the students.  Their intention is to generate a newsletter and to have students meet with Glenn in the writing of the newsletter.  An essay contest to pick the students will be held.

Mrs. Litchman stated there would be a transition dance on March 28th for current 8th graders and 8th graders Woodbury Middle School at Salem High School.  She spoke of coming up with some sort of scavenger hunt for them to participate in an effort to get them to mingle with Salem students.  The high school advisors will be on hand to facilitate.

Dr. Bass also stated that high school students will come to Middle School during lunches to build excitement as being the first class to go through the new school. 

Mrs. Litchman also noted there would be a joint meeting with Integration and Communication.

Mr. Letizio questioned when students would be able to get up to the site to see the project.

Dr. Bass originally thought this could be accomplished in early June.  Mr. Davis stated he felt the fall would be the best time to this, perhaps conducting tours on Saturdays so parents can attend as well.

Beth Valentine noted in order to keep excitement going, there should be a regular update – suggesting a video tour of the progress.

Roxanne Wilson stressed they will need to have events spaced from September through the school opening and suggested having the kids have some ownership of the school by planning and implementing a wall mural.

Beth Valentine spoke of the need to have proper communication at Salem for the students.

Dr. Bass stressed the importance of showing them real things they can do at the high school.  He spoke of guests coming to Windham students from smaller play groups, band alternatives, etc.

Safety and Security

Dr. Bass recapped what was previously discussed last August in Principal McGuire’s safety report.  He stated it would not be that costly of a project and noted that Pelham is doing something similar at all three of their schools.

Al Letizio stated his concern over outside doors being breached and suggested a chime system be in place at the front offices.

Dan Moulis, Assistant Principal at Middle School, noted there were no motion sensors in the newer part of his building and stated this is a concern also.

Mr. Letizio requested having a security professional look at the report and give their input on the situation and then have prices for everything presented to the Board.  The Board members agreed with this and Dr. Bass will follow-up.

Kindergarten

Dr. Bass and Al Letizio attended a meeting with the state to discuss kindergarten and to look at what the impact would be for Windham and Pelham.  People from other towns without kindergarten in the state also attended the meeting. 

Dr. Bass stated that numbers were floating around the meeting and they were told they could received 75% state aid for kindergarten.  It was also stated there would be money for implementation at about $2,500 per student.

Mr. Letizio stated he got the sense that this could tie into the political season and be to Windham’s advantage.  There were also discussions of building a new 5th and 6th grade school which would free up space at Golden Brook for kindergarten.

Barbara Coish stated she worries about state funding as they are cutting back in many areas.

Roxanne Wilson noted that in Weare, they only received funding if the money was used only for kindergarten classroom purposes.

Beth Valentine stated it did not make sense to throw money into relocatable classrooms.  She noted it would not be feasible at all to think that we could have it up and running in 2009.

Mr. Letizio stressed that he thought there could be millions of dollars available for our community and that the Board should come up with a master plan and present it to them.  Dr. Bass and Mr. Letizio feel they should preempt this and give them a counter proposal.  Dr. Bass will have conversations with Senator Larsen and invite him to Windham along with other Windham Senators for a meeting.

Other Business

It was noted that Dr. Bass and Al Letizio went to the State to testify against Bill HB1330.

Beverly Donovan requested the Board know before hand if they will be testifying on an issue.

Dr. Bass noted there would be a luncheon on the 22nd to look at the whole windmill concept.  He stated the Commissioner of Education, Lavalle Brensinger, PSNH and the student who is suggesting this project with all be there.  He will update the Board on the progress.

It was also noted that the Chairman and Vice Chairman will be meeting with Salem School Board to start discussions about the contract.

Beth Valentine discussed the flyer which is usually put together to inform voters, in more layman’s terms, about the Articles which will be presented in March. 

Beverly Donovan requested the teacher Articles also be included in the flyer. 

Beth Valentine will work on drafts and present them to the Board at the next meeting.  Mrs. Valentine also suggested doing a cable interview with updates on the high school and our NECAP results in order to generate positive news about Windham.  It was suggested that Mike Nikitas, Windham Resident, do the cable spot.

Consent Agenda

General Fund    Voucher #1066        $162,091.07
                       Voucher #1064        $420,288.75
                       Voucher #24            $50,898.48

High School Bond Project
                       Voucher #1065        $1,383,212.69

Motion to accept the Consent Agenda was made by Beth Valentine with a 2nd by Barbara Coish.  Approved 4-0


Motion to return to non-public session at 9:35 p.m. under RSA 9A-a:3II(c) was made by Beth Valentine with a  2nd by Beverly Donovan.  Beth Valentine – yes; Barbara Coish – yes; Beverly Donovan – yes; Al Letizio – yes.


Respectfully submitted – Diane Figaro