Oct2007
School Board Minutes of Regular Meeting October 2007

October 10, 2007 Minutes of Regular Meeting / Marlow School Board / John D. Perkins School, 7:30 p.m.

Present:
Joseph Scharf, Chair
Stephanie Tickner, Board Member
Nancy Tomasko, Board Member
Ken Dassau, Board Member (arrived 7:45)
Phyllis Peterson, Principal
Wayne Woolridge, Co-Superintendent of Schools
Timothy Ruehr, Business Administrator for Towns (left 8:35)
Jill Wdowiak, Recording Secretary

Also Present:
Rachael Summe-Leonard (left 7:45)
Alan Chmiel (left at 7:45)
Marcia Levesque

  1. Call to Order:

Mr. Scharf called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.

  1. Status of Students at Keene High School:

Ms. Summe-Leonard distributed and reviewed the Student Attendance, Discipline and Academic Performance of Marlow Students at Keene High School in the 2006-2007 Report.

  1. Approval of Minutes:

A motion was made by Ms. Tomasko to approve the Board minutes of September 5, 2007 (Retreat), September 12, 2007 (R) and September 18, 2007 (S). Ms. Tickner seconded the motion. A unanimous vote in favor was taken.

  1. Hearings of Individuals and/or Groups:

Ms. Levesque asked the Board about the status of sending 6th grade students to Keene Middle School. Mr. Scharf replied that this would be discussed later in the meeting.

  1. Bills and Manifests:

A motion was made by Mr. Scharf to approve the bills and manifests (cks # 5001135-5001162) in the amount of $38,958.28. Ms. Tomasko seconded the motion. A unanimous vote in favor was taken.

  1. Financial Report:

Mr. Ruehr presented his report showing a net available balance of $50,632.00 as of October 10, 2007. He explained that 31 students were budgeted for at Keene High School and 46 students are currently attending and 28 students were budgeted for at Keene Middle School and 11 students are currently attending so the end result is a wash. Ms. Levesque asked what the difference was between an IEP and a 504 plan. Mr. Ruehr replied that they both mean that there is a disability of some kind but a 504 is figured into regular education and not special education costs. Mr. Scharf asked Mr. Ruehr if we should submit a deficit warrant article for building repairs? Mr. Ruehr replied that because we saved money in benefits and salaries, we have money in the budget to cover the building projects. He would like the Board to think strongly about putting money into the Capital Reserve Account rather than into our Tuition Trust Fund Account because the tuition fund has a sufficient balance.

  1. Reports:

  1. Principal:

Ms. Peterson presented her report and updated the Board on the upcoming Open House that will take place on November 7th from 6:00-7:00. She also shared that the library update is really coming along and that Jenn Brown has done an excellent job. Ms. Peterson shared with the Board her concerns with the flashing at the corners of the building. Mr. Scharf will look into getting the flashing fixed. Ms. Scharf also informed the Board that she would follow up on inviting Marlow students from Keene Middle School to come and talk to the Board.

  1. Co-Superintendent:

Mr. Woolridge shared with the Board that our bus company, formerly Laidlaw, has been bought out by First Student. He added that we should see no decrease in service. Mr. Woolridge updated the Board on the upcoming SAU Public Hearing that will be held on December 17th at CIRTT and the AREA Meeting that will be held on October 22nd at CIRTT. Mr. Woolridge also shared that Larry Adams from Keene Middle School will be providing student information meetings after the first marking period.

  1. School Board Members:

Ms. Tomasko asked the Board to think about a date for the library dedication.

Mr. Scharf explained that the Board needs to take a look at the number of students at Marlow School, the approximate cost as well as looking over student enrollment for the next five years. He added that we need to look at cost savings, possible configurations and to explore all avenues. Mr. Scharf asked that this item be placed on next month's agenda. Mr. Ruehr will look into the financial impact and report back to the Board.

Ms. Tickner asked the Board to look at half-day kindergarten vs. full day. Mr. Dassau brought up possible grade configurations for 2008-2009.

  1. S.A.U. 29 Committees:

None

  1. Old Business:

  1. Other:

None

  1. New Business:

  1. NHSBA Resolutions:

None - The Board did not join this year

  1. Mr. Woolridge presented the new Homeless Policy:

A motion was made by Mr. Scharf that we accept the Homeless Policy as presented. Ms. Tickner seconded the motion. A unanimous vote in favor was taken.

  1. Mr. Woolridge presented the new Philosophy Policy:

A motion was made by Mr. Scharf that we accept the Philosophy Policy as presented. Ms. Tickner seconded the motion. A  unanimous vote in favor was taken.

  1. Mr. Woolridge presented the new Intruder Alert Policy:

A motion was made by Mr. Scharf that we accept the Intruder Alert Policy as presented. Ms. Tickner seconded the motion. A unanimous vote in favor was taken.

  1. Mr. Woolridge presented the new Safety Policy:

A motion was made by Mr. Scharf to approve the Safety Policy as presented. Ms. Tomasko seconded the motion. A unanimous vote in favor was taken.

  1. Future Agenda/s:

November - Establish Tuition Rates
November - Select New Board Member
December - 6th Grade KMS Report

 

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

A motion was made by Mr. Scharf that the Board move into non-public session at 8:40 p.m. under the provisions of R.S.A. 91-A:3 to discuss staff/student personnel. The motion was seconded by Ms. Tomasko. A unanimous vote in favor was taken. Accompanying the Board was Mr. Woolridge, Ms. Peterson and Ms. Wdowiak.

A motion was made by Mr. Scharf that the Board return to open session at 9:30 p.m. A unanimous vote in favor was taken.

  1. Adjournment:

Mr. Scharf adjourned the board meeting at 9:33 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,
Jill Wdowiak
Recording Secretary

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