Mr. Scharf called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m.

2. Approval of Minutes:

A motion made by Mr. Scharf to approve the March 16, 2006 school board minutes. Mr. Andreasen seconded the motion. A unanimous vote in favor was taken.

3. Hearing of Individuals and/or Groups:

None

4. Bills and Manifest:

A motion was made by Mr. Andreasen to approve the bills and manifest (cks# 5000611-5000647) in the amount of $39,562.34. Ms. Tickner seconded the motion. A unanimous vote in favor was taken.

5. Financial Report:

Mr. Ruehr shared verbally with the Board the financial report with a net available balance of $106,615 as of April 12, 2006. He shared with the Board that there were increases in revenue surplus based on Medicaid that will continue to grow. Mr. Ruehr stated that there was a $3,000 deficit in the building maintenance account but feels that the overall finances are good shape.

Employee Benefits Policy #5016 - Mr. Ruehr reviewed the changes in the first reading of the Employee Benefits Policy #5016 and suggested taking the vacation portion out because it does not pertain to anyone on staff. Mr. Ruehr also reminded the Board that the holiday increase have already been budgeted, with the exception of personal days.

Mr. Scharf removed himself from the discussion and Mr. Andreasen assumed the chair position. Mr. Andreasen suggested that two personal days be given to the secretary position in order to be consistent with other schools in the district. He would also like to review what holidays are taken in other districts before making a decision. Mr. Andreasen asked Mr. Ruehr to provide the Board with a list of holidays. This policy will be brought back next month for a second reading. Mr. Scharf assumed the chair position at 7:58 p.m.

6. Reports:

a. Attendance -Mr. Gurney reported that four students were absent from KHS for five or more days. Four were absent due to illness and one was absent due to an out of school suspension. He also reported that one KHS has
withdrawn. No students were absent from KMS for more than 5 days.

b. Principal - Mr. Brewer presented his report and updated the Board on the current positions that need to be filled. Ms. Munson suggested that the principal position be hired first and for that person to hire the other positions according to that person's vision. Mr. Andreasen suggested that we don't wait to hire so that we won't miss out on potential applicants.

c. Superintendent/Asst. Superintendent/Special Ed - Ms. Munson and Mr. Gurney presented their reports to the Board. Ms. Munson explained that they are currently reviewing and analyzing the special education program and how it will be handled on all levels. A report with suggestions will be given at the end of the year.

Ms. Munson suggested that any Board member who would like to serve on the search committee for the Special Education Director should notify Paul Cooper. She also informed the Board that new principals have been hired
in Marlborough and Chesterfield. Ms. Munson shared that the NECAP results are in and that she is working with teachers to help them analyze the data.

c. Special Education - The Monthly Special Education Report was submitted to the Board. One student has entered the special education program for a total of 12 students.

d. School Board Members - None

e. SAU 29 Committees - SAU 29 Relocation Committee sent out the RFP the first week of March and they expect it to come back by May 12th.

7. Old Business:

a. Discussion of Principal Services for 2006-2007 - Mr. Gurney distributed a handout with staffing options for next year. Mr. Andreasen asked Mr. Gurney if he feels that we can attract a half time kindergarten teacher. He felt that by choosing Option A, that we can secure a good leader for the school. Ms. Munson reminded the Board that when a principal is hired, that person will be responsible for evaluations and will not be eligible for union membership. She stated that if you hire someone as leader of the building, they are excluded from the teacher's union. Mr. Andreasen voiced his concerns about the evaluation process with a new principal. Ms. Munson reminded the Board that the SAU provides assistance, support and involvement in the evaluation process. The Board asked if the principal's contract could be non-renewed if the person hired was not a good match and who would make that recommendation. Mr. Gurney replied that the Board would report their concerns to him and that he would then report to Ms. Munson who would make the final decision. Ms. Munson informed the Board that you have a 3-year period to determine if it is a good match.

Ms. Chase questioned the Board on the reading teacher/specialist. She asked if the reading specialists have a degree. Ms. Munson explained that the reading specialists require special training and certification. She also noted that the position could be changed depending on the applicants.

Ms. Bennett asked if the half time kindergarten teacher would be excluded from benefits? Mr. Ruehr explained that full benefits are paid with a 60% position but felt it could possibly be paid with a 50% position.

Ms. Huntley stated that in some districts they pay partial benefits while the employee pays a portion. Mr. Ruehr said that benefits can be offered but that it could become a complex situation.

Ms. Levesque asked who evaluates the principals? Ms. Munson replied that the SAU evaluates them. Ms. Huntley asked if the 40% principal position would receive benefits? Mr. Ruehr replied that the position can be
structured independently since the position is not part of the collective bargaining agreement.

Ms. Chase questioned how hard it would be to fill a kindergarten and principal position without benefits. Ms. Munson suggested that a half-time principal position be advertised and go from there. Ms. Ceranowicz suggested that the positions be job shared. Ms. Levesque suggested that we focus our emphasis on the leadership position and find someone who is solid and who will stay.

Ms. Munson asked for a motion to get the advertising process started. Mr. Scharf made a motion that Administration conduct a preliminary search for a part-time principal. Mr. Dassau seconded the motion. A unanimous vote in favor was taken.

Ms. Levesque wanted to clarify that a principal will be hired first. Mr. Gurney suggested that another ad be placed for all these positions. Mr. Ruehr will post the positions.

b. Other - None

8. New Business:

a. Nomination/Election of Staff - nominate this list as provided. Mr. Scharf moved to accept the list of nominations as amended. A unanimous vote in favor was taken.

b. Reaffirmation of School District Policies - A motion was made by Mr. Scharf to Reaffirm the School District Policies. Ms. Tickner seconded the motion. A unanimous vote in favor was taken.

c. Reorganization of School Board - Mr. Scharf moved that no changes be made to the Marlow School Board. Mr. Dassau seconded the motion. A unanimous vote in favor was taken.

d. Action to be Taken as a Result of the District Meeting – Previously done.

e. Staff Hiring Procedure - Will be discussed at a later time.

f. Other - None

9. Future Agenda/s:

May - Approve School Board Meeting Schedule 2006-2007
May - Federal Grants/Special Education Grant Consolidated Agreement FY 2007
May - Authorize the Superintendent of Schools to Hire and Accept Resignation

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

Motion by Mr. Scharf that the Board move into non-public session at 9:08 p.m. Mr. Andreasen seconded the motion. A unanimous vote in favor was taken.

The Board returned to open session at 9:11 p.m.

11. Adjournment

 The Marlow School Board adjourned at 9:12 p.m.

Jill Wdowiak
Recording Secretary

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