February 8, 2006 Minutes of Public Hearing / Marlow School Board / John D. Perkins School, 7:30 p.m.

Present:
Joseph Scharf, Chair
Arthur Andreasen, Board Member
Denise Bennett, Board Member
Ken Dassau, Board Member
Stephanie Tickner, Board Member
Richard Brewer, Principal
Wayne Woolridge, Assistant Superintendent of Schools
Timothy Ruehr, Business Manager for Towns
Jill Wdowiak, Recording Secretary

Also in Attendance: 
Marcia Levesque, Parent, Voter
Ben Levesque, Student
Donna Chase, Parent, Voter
Alice Scharf, Employee, Voter
Dan Kihson, Voter

PUBLIC HEARING
2006-2007 Marlow School District Budget/Warrant

Mr. Scharf declared the Public Hearing open at 7:33 P.M.  He welcomed the members of the public and introduced the Board members as well as Mr. Brewer, Mr. Ruehr and Mr. Woolridge.

Mr. Scharf reviewed the highlights of the 2006-2007 School Budget handout. The total proposed budget is $1,576,840, for a decrease of  -3.07%.

Mr. Scharf asked if given the fact that we will be advertising for a half time kindergarten teacher as well as a half time reading teacher, would we need to hire a reading specialist.  Mr. Brewer replied that there is no need to hire a reading specialist.

Ms. Chase asked what is the difference in skills between a reading teacher and a reading specialist.  Mr. Woolridge replied that a reading specialist would have a master's degree in reading and a reading teacher would not have to be certified in reading. The reading teacher would have more flexibility and could be an elementary teacher as well.  Ms. Levesque stated that if the half-time kindergarten teacher goes through and we hire a reading teacher, we will not meet specialist state requirements.  Mr. Woolridge replied that we have to have the services of a reading specialist.  Ms. Chase asked what is the salary formula for the two open positions.  Mr. Ruehr replied that the kindergarten position was in the middle of the pay scale, so they took the middle salary and the highest salary and chose a starting salary in the middle.  If a reading specialist is not hired, the additional $1,000 in the budget will not be needed.

Ms. Levesque asked what does the tutorial cost cover.  Mr. Ruehr explained that just like the tuition costs, it is billed separately but is all part of the same tuition cost.

Ms. Levesque asked how the Books/Periodicals in Regular Instruction based and what is the student population. Mr. Brewer explained that the population projections for next year consists of 6 kindergarteners, 10 first graders, 5 second graders, 9 third graders, 11 fourth graders, 4 fifth graders and 12 sixth graders for a total of 57 students.  The cost is calculated per student and includes textbook replacement and guided reading books.

Ms. Chase questioned the amount of money in the budget for new library books. Mr. Brewer explained that we are spending $5,000 in books that will be housed in classrooms.  Ms. Chase asked what is the status on the media specialist.  According to the minimum standards, we can have one or the other until 2008, at that time we will need to have both positions. The media generalist would oversee technology and curriculum integration. He explained that we will be working to meet the minimum standards.

Ms. Chase asked if the students are using the library books.  Mr. Brewer explained that the students aren't using them as much as he would like.

Ms. Levesque asked that aren't we duplicating things if we go to the library every week.  She suggested that as a future plan that we have a library in the school where all books are housed for everyone to read them.  Mr. Brewer replied that there were plans for an expansion that would create a library but has not been done.  Ms. Chase stated that book reports are not being encouraged and that the books are not being utilized.

Mr. Ruehr stated that if the Board decides to go back to a half time principal that approximately $20,000 will need to be added to the budget for the evaluation process but expressed that the Board is free to do what they want regarding this possible additional principal costs.

Mr. Scharf stated that there has been a request for an increase in benefits. Mr. Scharf removed himself from the discussion. Ms. Scharf submitted a letter to the Board requesting holiday pay.  Mr. Ruehr pointed out that the increase has not been included in next years budget and that any cost will be under $2,000.  Mr. Ruehr informed the Board that if they decide to grant this, it would have to be decided before the budget meeting so that it can be added.

Mr. Scharf asked what is the tuition balance. Mr. Ruehr replied that roughly it is $151,500.00 plus interest and Capital Reserve has roughly $25,000. Mr. Scharf stated that he does not want to lose sight of that and that the public is aware that there will likely be another expendable trust tuition article. Ms. Chase asked if $25,000 were left over, that it would go into the Capital Reserve account.  Mr. Ruehr replied yes, and that it would be adjusted at the district meeting.

Mr. Ruehr explained the following Warrant Articles:

Article 1:  Was Reviewed

Article 2:  Was Reviewed

Article 3:  Discussion about lowering the article from $50,000 to $25,000 was pursued.

Article 4:  Was Reviewed

There being no further questions, Mr. Scharf declared the Public Hearing closed at 8:30 PM. Mr. Scharf stated that action on the budget would not be taken until later in the School Board Meeting.

Jill Wdowiak
Recording Secretary

[Top of Page] [School Home Page]

February 8, 2006 Minutes of Regular Meeting / Marlow School Board / John D. Perkins School, 8:32 p.m.

Present: 
Joseph Scharf, Chair
Arthur Andreasen, Board Member
Denise Bennett, Board Member
Ken Dassau, Board Member
Stephanie Tickner, Board Member
Richard Brewer, Principal
Wayne Woolridge, Assistant Superintendent of Schools
Timothy Ruehr, Business Manager for Towns
Jill Wdowiak, Recording Secretary

Also in Attendance: 
Marcia Levesque, Parent, Voter
Ben Levesque, Student
Donna Chase, Parent, Voter
Alice Scharf, Employee, Voter

1. Call to order:

Mr. Scharf called the meeting to order at 8:32 p.m.

2. Approval of Minutes:

Ms. Tickner asked that the minutes of January 11, 2006 show a change in the motion to move to non-pubic session. The minutes should reflect that Mr. Scharf made that motion to move into non-public session.  A motion by Mr. Andreasen was made to approve the amended board minutes of January 11, 2006.  Ms. Bennett seconded the motion.  A unanimous vote in favor was taken.

3. Hearings of Individuals and/or Groups:

Ms. Tickner asked the Board, as a parent, how she would find out where official bus stops are located. Mr. Ruehr suggested that she call Laidlaw or his office. Mr. Brewer stated that a bus stop list is published at the beginning of every school year.  Mr. Ruehr explained that Laidlaw makes the bus stops.  Ms. Scharf told Ms. Tickner that she has a list of official bus stops and will get in touch with her regarding this.

4. Bills and Manifest:

A motion was made by Mr. Scharf to approve the bills and manifest (cks#5000534-5000570) for an amended total of $45,200.56. Checks #5000561 & 5000562 were voided.  Ms. Tickner seconded the motion.  A unanimous vote in favor was taken.

5. Financial Report:

Mr. Ruehr presented the financial report showing a net available of $41,935 as of February 8, 2006.  Mr. Ruehr informed the Board that the biggest change was due to the hiring of a substitute teacher.

The Board does not believe that we need a half-time principal just the services of a principal.  Mr. Woolridge explained that there are needs that need to be met such as the annual testing in grades 2-6 and that much deeper staff development needs to be applied.  There is also the Highly Qualified Teacher status and certification that must be met which makes it more difficult to run a school without a certified principal.  The Superintendent recommended that a half-time principal be hired.

Mr. Woolridge and Mr. Gurney have offered to come and do evaluations in Marlow.  Ms. Levesque pointed out that with new teachers on staff that not having an administrator on the premises would be difficult.  Ms. Chase would like to see the curriculum flow within the grades and would like to see a half time principal oversee that.  Ms. Levesque asked if having a half-time principal would cost $20,000.  Mr. Ruehr replied, yes, that the 2008 state standards require a certified principal be on board.

Ms. Levesque said there was talk last year about a restructuring committee being formed to create a vision for our school. Parents feel like they should be a part of the hiring process. Ms. Chase asked if the Board was open to having a meeting with parents regarding the vision of our school. Mr. Scharf stated that he is not sure he is willing to do that. Ms. Levesque asked if it would be better to organize parents and come to a board meeting or a separate meeting.  Mr. Scharf replied that a board meeting would be the place to discuss this.  He stated that $3,000 will be used to get the evaluation process started in the event that the SAU says that they can't do the evaluations.  With Mr. Brewer being in the union, he cannot supervise and evaluate teachers.  Mr. Ruehr stated that the Board needs to decide what to put in the budget. Mr. Andreasen would like to hear feedback at the board meeting and to see things in place before it is required in 2008.  Mr. Scharf wanted to look at other models and districts.  Mr. Woolridge explained that Ms. Munson would like to part of the decision making process.  He suggested that money be put into the budget and the discussion be continued.  A motion was made by Mr. Scharf to increase the budget by $20,000 for the school principal and to investigate further options.  Mr. Dassau seconded the motion. 

Ms. Scharf asked the Board to consider giving her benefits.  Mr. Scharf removed himself from the discussion and Mr. Andreasen took over as Board Chair.  Ms. Scharf read her letter to the Board requesting holiday pay, paid personal and bereavement days.  She is asking for holiday pay on those days that fall during the school year.  She also suggested restructuring the principal's position and assuming some of those responsibilities. Mr. Andreasen stated that one other full time employee would be eligible for those benefits. Mr. Andreasen suggested that the $2,000 be put into the 2006-2007 budget and this matter will be discussed further in non-public. Ms. Tickner made a motion that $2,000 be put in the budget for the purpose of covering eligible regular time employees with benefits.  Ms. Bennett seconded the motion.

Mr. Scharf assumed the Board Chair at 9:53 pm.

6. Reports:

a. Attendance:

Mr. Woolridge informed the Board that two students were absent from KHS for five or more days and that one student moved and we were unaware of it. He stated that we will be reimbursed for that.  He also shared that no students were absent from KMS for five or more days.

b. Principal:

Mr. Brewer submitted his Principal's Report to the Board. Mr. Brewer informed the Board that the boiler has been installed and is running with programmable thermostats. Repairs have been completed on the thresholds and the doors now open freely.

c. Superintendent/Assistant Superintendent:

Mr. Woolridge presented his Assistant Superintendent's Report. He updated the Board on the KHS principal search. There are three finalists for the position and on-site will be done on all applicants.  They hope to have a finalist by the end of February. 

d. Special Education:

None

e. School Board Members:

Nothing to report on AREA.

f. SAU 29 Committees:

None

7. Old Business:

a. Staff Leave - Previously discussed

b. Transportation of Students Policy #2085, 2nd Reading:

Mr. Andreasen made a motion to approve and adopt the second reading of Policy #2085. Ms. Tickner seconded the motion.  The vote was all in favor.

8. New Business:

None

9. Future Agenda/s:

Mr. Scharf asks Mr. Brewer to submit a list of his responsibilities to the Board.

March, 2006 Approve School Year Calendar, 2006-07
March, 2006 District Meeting
March, 2006 Discussion of Principal Services for 2006-2007
April, 2006 Nomination/Election of Staff
April, 2006 Review Holiday Policy

10. Non-Public Session - R.S.A 91-A:3:

Motion by Mr. Scharf that the Board move into non-public session at 10:04p.m.  A unanimous vote in favor was taken. The Board returned to open session at 10:28 p.m. 

11. Adjournment:

The Marlow School Board adjourned at 10:32 p.m.

Jill Wdowiak
Recording Secretary

[Top of Page]