May 10, 2006 Minutes of Regular Meeting / Marlow School Board / John D. Perkins School, 7:30 p.m.

Present: Joseph Scharf, Chair
Arthur Andreasen, Board Member
Denise Bennett, Board Member
Stephanie Tickner, Board Member
Ken Dassau, Board Member
Bill Gurney, Assistant Superintendent
Timothy Ruehr, Business Manager for Towns (left 8:15)
Jill Wdowiak, Recording Secretary

Also in Attendance:
Nancy Tomasko
Marcia Levesque
Donna Chase
Mary Andreasen
Alice Scharf

1. Call to Order

Mr. Scharf called the meeting to order at 7:36 p.m.

2. Approval of Minutes

A motion made by Ms. Tickner to approve the April 12, 2006 Regular 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# 5000648-5000681) in the amount of $94,357.24 and one additional check #5000682 in the amount of $110.57. Mr. Dassau seconded the motion. A unanimous vote in favor was taken.

5. Financial Report

Mr. Ruehr presented the Financial Report with a net available surplus of $104,776.00 as of May 10, 2006. He reported that there was a deficit in the Building Services account due to a problem with the water system. There was also a deficit in the Psychological Services account that will need to be looked at in the upcoming years. Mr. Ruehr reported that tuition costs remained the same as last month. Mr. Scharf shared that the trustees of the Trust Fund approached him and wanted to know why the cost of the boiler work was not taken from that account. Mr. Ruehr explained that he was waiting for the project to be completed before taking it from that fund.

Mr. Ruehr also informed the Board that Mr. Vezina is currently reviewing the property and liability insurance. He explained that there is a "price war" going on and the insurance company wants a multi-year deal. Mr. Ruehr is not in favor of that. He also shared that next year our audit is up and that Keene and the SAU are going out to bid for services. He will bring proposals and recommendations to next months board meeting.

Employee Benefits Policy #5016 - Mr. Scharf excused himself during this portion of the meeting. Mr. Andreasen assumed the chair position. Mr. Ruehr submitted to the Board the information that they requested regarding the employee policy in other districts. Mr. Andreasen suggested that they adopt the same policy as Nelson, which consists of two paid holidays and two paid personal days. Ms. Bennett would like to see four paid holidays be given: Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day. A motion by Mr. Andreasen to amend the Employee Benefits Policy #5016 to consist of 4 paid holidays and 2 paid personal days. Mr. Dassau seconded the motion. A unanimous vote in favor was taken. Mr. Ruehr will amend the policy and present a final reading at next months board meeting.

6. Reports

1. Attendance -

Mr. Gurney reported that a 10th grader was absent from KHS for 5 days due to dental work, a 10th grader was absent for 9 days due to illness and suspension, a 12th grader was absent for 5 days to work on flood relief in Mississippi and a 12th grader was absent for 9 days with an unexcused absence. No students were absent from KMS for more than 5 days.

2. Principal - 

Mr. Brewer's report was submitted in his absence.

3. Superintendent/Asst. Superintendent/Special Ed - 

Mr. Gurney presented his report and informed the Board that they are working on filling the SPED Coordinator position along with the Cheshire Center Director. He also updated the Board on the 34 West Street relocation and will be reviewing bids on May 15, 2006.

3. Special Education - 

Report was submitted with no changes from April.

4. School Board Members - 

Ms. Tickner reported that she and Nancy Tomasko have been serving on a committee to review applicants and will be setting up interviews. They have been working on questions that will rate applicants applications. There are confused as to what position should be focused on and become priority and they would like the Board's recommendation. The Board felt that the kindergarten teacher should be focused on, as there is more flexibility with a reading specialist.

5. SAU 29 Committees - 

Mr. Ruehr updated the Board on AREA.

7. Old Business

Other - None

8. New Business

1. Approve School Board Meeting Schedule 2006-2007 - 

Mr. Scharf stated that the District meeting would be held on Thursday, March 15, 2007. A motion by Mr. Scharf to approve the amended School Board Meeting Schedule 2006-2007. Mr. Andreasen seconded the motion. A unanimous vote in favor was taken.

2. Federal Grants/Special Education Grant Consolidated Agreement FY 2007 - 

A motion by Mr. Scharf to approve the Federal Grants/Special Education Grant Consolidated Agreement FY 2007. Ms. Tickner seconded the motion. A unanimous vote in favor was taken.

[Marker][Marker][Marker][Marker]c. Authorize the Superintendent of Schools to Hire and Accept Resignations - 

A motion by Mr. Scharf to Authorize the Superintendent of Schools to Hire and Accept Resignations. Ms. Bennett seconded the motion. A unanimous vote in favor was taken.

4. School Board Scholarships - 

Will be discussed in non-public

5. Reorganization of School Board - 

Mr. Gurney explained that a Board representative would need to serve on the health and wellness committee and technology committee. The Full Board will represent those committees.

6. Other -

None

9. Future Agenda/s

 June - Appoint the School District's Attorney and Attendance Officer
 June - Assign Board Member/s to Sign July and August Manifest
 June - Audit Financial Report

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

Motion by Mr. Scharf that the Board move into non-public session at 8:16 p.m. Mr. Andreasen seconded the motion. A unanimous vote in favor was taken.

The Board returned to open session at 8:36 p.m.

Mr. Scharf asked for input from administration regarding the schools maintenance position and the possible reduction of hours. Mr. Gurney will look into this and report back at next months meeting.

11. Adjournment

The Marlow School Board adjourned at 8:38 p.m.

Jill Wdowiak
Recording Secretary

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