*** School District Officers, Agents and Employees***

***  MARLOW SCHOOL Board***

*** N.H. SCHOOL ADMINISTRATIVE ***
UNIT 29 ADMINISTRATION

*** STAFF ***

*** OFFICERS ***

*** ENROLLMENTS ***

Elementary:

Kindergarten - 12, Grade 1 - 1, Grade 2 - 12, Grade 3 - 7, Grade 4 - 10, Grade 5 - 10, Grade 6 - 16; totaling 68 pups

Middle School:

Grade 7 - 12, Grade 8 - 8; totaling 20 pups

High School:

Grade 9 - 16, Grade 10 - 7, Grade 11 - 19, Grade 12 - 5; totaling 47 pups 58

TOTAL ALL PUPILS: 135

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*** School Compliance Statement ***

This school district receives federal financial assistance. In order to continue receiving such federal financial assistance, this school district will not discriminate in their educational programs, activities or employment practices on the basis of race, language, sex, age, or handicapping condition, under the provisions of Title IX of the 1972 Educational Amendments; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

Complaints regarding compliance with Title IX regulations should be submitted in writing to the Title IX liaison for School Administrative Unit 29, the Personnel Manager, 34 West Street, Keene, New Hampshire.

Complaints regarding compliance with Rehabilitation Act of 1973 - Section 504 should be submitted in writing to the Director of Special Education, 34 West Street, Keene, New Hampshire.

Phillip G. McCormack, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools

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*** School Warrant ***

ARTICLE 1: To choose all necessary school district officers:

• One member of the school board for the ensuing three years
• A moderator for the ensuing year
• A clerk for the ensuing year
• A treasurer for the ensuing year from July 1, 2003

*** Results of Election 2003 ***

ARTICLE 1: To hear the reports of agents, auditors, committees or officers chosen, and to pass any vote relating thereto.

ARTICLE 2: To see what sum of money the District will vote to raise and appropriate for the support of schools, for the salaries for school district officials and agents, and for the statutory obligations of the District, or to take any other action in relation thereto. (The Marlow School Board recommends approval of the sum of $1,490,370.)
ARTICLE 2 - PASSED / VOICE VOTE

ARTICLE 3: To see if the District will vote to authorize and empower the school board to borrow up to $83,695 representing the State of New Hampshire share of special education costs for the 2003-2004 school year pursuant to R.S.A. 198:20-D upon such terms and conditions as the school board determines in the best interests of the District: said sum, together with the costs of borrowing, to be repaid by the State of New Hampshire, pursuant to R.S.A. 186:C-18, or to take any other action in relation thereto. (The Marlow School Board supports favorable action on this warrant article.)
ARTICLE  3 - PASSED / VOICE VOTE

ARTICLE 4: To see if the District will vote to appropriate and authorize the School Board to transfer up to $25,000 of its unencumbered funds, if any, remaining on hand at the end of the fiscal year, June 30, 2003, the sum of $25,000 to be deposited in the Tuition Trust Fund established by the voters at the 1993 District Meeting for the purpose of paying future year regular/special education tuition, or to take any other action in relation thereto. (The Marlow School Board supports favorable action on this warrant artiste.)
MOTION TO PASS OVER ARTICLE 4 - MOTION PASSED / VOICE VOTE 

ARTICLE 5: Whereas NH School Districts face ever tightening budgets; and Whereas NH School Districts are finding it increasingly difficult to raise and appropriate sufficient dollars on the local level to provide their students a quality education; and Whereas newly enacted and existing federal mandates have placed an undue and heavy financial burden on local school district budgets:

Be It Therefore Resolved: That the voters of the District vigorously oppose any and all unfunded and under-funded federal educational mandates, including but not limited to, those contained in the recently enacted No Child Left Behind Law as well as those mandates historically unfunded within the IDEA/Special Education Laws. (The Marlow School Board supports favorable action on this warrant article.)
ARTICLE 5 - PASSED / VOICE VOTE

ARTICLE 6: To transact any other business that may legally come before this meeting.

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*** School 2002/2003 Proposed Budget ***

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*** Independent Auditor's Report ***

To the Members of the School Board
Marlow School District
Marlow, New Hampshire

We have audited the accompanying general purpose financial statements of the Marlow School District as of and for the year ended June 30, 2002 as listed in the table of contents. These general purpose financial statements are the responsibility of the School District's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these general purpose financial statements based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statement are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test bask evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

The general purpose financial statements referred to above do not include the general fixed asset account group which should be included in order to conform with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. As is the case with most municipal entities in the State of New Hampshire, the Marlow School District has not maintained historical cost records of its fixed assets. The amount that should be recorded in the general fixed asset account group is not known.

In our opinion, except for the effect on the financial statements of the omission described in the preceding paragraph, the general purpose financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Marlow School District as of June 30, 2002; and the result of its operations for the year then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Our audit was made for the purpose of forming an opinion on the general purpose financial statement of the Marlow School District taken as a whole. The combining and individual fund financial statements listed as schedules in the table of contents are presented for purposes of additional analysis and are not a required part of the general purpose financial statements of the Marlow School District. Such information has been subjected to the auditing procedures applied in the audit of the general purpose financial statements and, in our opinion, is fairly presented in all material respects in relation to the general purpose financial statements taken as a whole.

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*** School Treasurer's Report ***

for the Fiscal Year July 1, 2001 to June 30, 2002
Marlow School District

Summary

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*** Minutes of 2001 Marlow School  District Meeting ***

The annual school district meeting at the John D. Perkins, Sr. Elementary School was called to order at 7:12 p.m. by Joseph N. Feuer, Moderator. The flag salute and prayer offered by Rev. Frederick W. Schuster followed.

On March 12th, the following were elected: School Board Members -- three year terms: Joseph Scharf and William Rescsanski; Joseph N. Feuer, Moderator; Barbara Briggs, Clerk, and Deborah Washburn, Treasurer, received one-year terms.

Members of the school board present included: Arthur Andreasen, Kenneth Dassau, William Rescsanski, Joseph Scharf, and Stephanie Tickner.

Representing SAU #29 were Dr. Phillip McCormack, Thomas Kane, and Tim Ruehr.

ARTICLE 1: Motion made and seconded that the District accept the reports of agents, auditors, committees and officers chosen as printed in the annual report. Passed by voice vote.

ARTICLE 2: Motion made and seconded that the District raise and appropriate the sum of $ 1,169,209.00 for the support of schools, for the salaries for school district officials and agents, and for the statutory obligations of the District.

Discussion followed regarding the approximate 23% increase in health insurance premiums; 5% average teacher raise; new hires; shared positions in Physical Education, Spanish and Reading; current unfilled Physical Education and Art positions; books and equipment, postponement of computer upgrades; tuition increases; identification of Special Education students; guidance services and curriculum; and IEPs completed by school psychologist.

Motion made and seconded to increase the budget in order to raise the school secretary's salary to $20,000 per year. Discussion followed relative to the secretary's salary, benefits, number of hours and total weeks worked. Question moved, seconded and passed. Written ballot requested. Amendment passed on written ballot of 25-3.

Additional topics included Sand Pond feeder bus route, and food services program.

With the passage of the amendment, the amount to be raised was increased by $2,357 for a new total of $1,171,566.00. Passed by voice vote.

ARTICLE 3: Motion made and seconded that the District establish a capital reserve fund pursuant to R.S.A. 35 for the purpose of major renovation/ reconstruction of the school buildings and grounds and related costs, and to appropriate and authorize the School Board to transfer up to $25,000.00 of its unencumbered funds, if any, remaining on hand at the end of the fiscal year, June 30. 2002, to the said Capital Reserve Fund.

Discussion followed relative to the number of potential areas that might need to be looked into as the building is getting older, i.e. the roof, storage, and rewiring. A warrant article would be required next year to add money to the Capital Reserve Fund. Question moved, seconded and passed. Motion passed by voice vote.

ARTICLE 4: Motion made and seconded that the District appropriate and authorize the School Board to transfer up to $25,000.00 of its unencumbered funds, if any, remaining on hand at the end of We fiscal year, June 30, 2002, the sum of $25,000.00 to be deposited in the Tuition Trust Fund established by the voters at the 1993 District Meeting for the purpose of paying future year regular/special education tuition, or to take any other action in relation thereto. If there is an insufficent undesignated fund balance as of June 30, 2002 to fund this appropriation and the appropriation in Article 3 (Capital Reserve transfer), Article 3 will be funded fast, with any additional surplus to be applied to this warrant article.

Following a brief discussion, the motion passed by voice vote.

ARTICLE 5: Motion made, seconded that the meeting be adjourned. Passed by voice vote.

Meeting adjourned at 9:15 p.m.

Following the meeting, the following were sworn in: Joseph Scharf, William Rescsanski, Joseph N. Feuer, and Barbara Briggs.

Results of the Marlow School District Election held on March 12, 2002 were as follows:

*** SCHOOL BOARD 3-YEAR TERM ***

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*** School Administrative Report ***

The passage of the new federal legislation, No Child Left Behind, places an emphasis on school improvement and accountability. In both regards, the staff at John D. Perkins Elementary School is appropriately ready to respond. This is primarily due to the staffs hard work and its long-term goal of improvement in student performance through improved curriculum, effective use of resources, and effective teaching strategies.

There are a number of ways in which schools are held accountable. One way is to rely on test data. Analysis of this data can prove helpful in several ways. First, it provides an opportunity to assess what students know and are able to do. Second, it provides an opportunity to evaluate the relative strengths of the school's programs and curriculum. Third, it helps to identify ways in which resources should be directed to produce school improvement.

Review of this year's test results on the state mandated testing program (NHEIAP) shows Marlow's students performing well in comparison to results for other schools across the state. The New Hampshire Department of Education comparatively reports schools' scores as the percentage of students scoring at the "Basic or better level". The Department of Education equates this with performance "at grade level or better". Due to the small class sizes in Marlow, results on the test are reported in three-year averages. At the third grade level, scores show 80 percent of Marlow's students performing higher than the average for the state (74 percent) in English/language arts. In mathematics (the only other area tested in third grade), Marlow's score of 65 percent is lower than the state average of 78 percent At the sixth grade level, with the exception of mathematics, Marlow scores exceed the state averages. In English, Marlow's scores are 13 percent higher than the state average, 2 percent in science and 3 percent in social studies. In mathematics, the average is 5 percent less than the state average.

Another way of measuring student success is through an analysis of classroom performance. Marlow had 40 students enrolled at Keene High School this past year. An analysis of this group's performance shows Marlow students performing well in most of the core subject areas. Fifty-two percent of the students enrolled in English earned a grade of "B" or better. Approximately 20 percent of the students taking an English class were taking it at the honors level. In science, 59 percent of the students earned a grade of "B" or better. Thirty-eight percent of those taking a science class were enrolled in an honors or advanced placement level class. In social studies, 60 percent of the students earned a grade of "B" or better. In world language (French or Spanish), 54 percent of the students earned a grade of "B" or better. Mathematics is the only area in which less than half of the students (47 percent) did not receive a grade of "B" or better.

Analysis of data such as that given above has helped the staff identify mathematics instruction as an area in need of improvement. In addition to work that has been done to review the math curriculum, the staff decided to use some of its federal funding to provide additional instruction in math. The plan is that this supplemental instruction will help students develop skills needed to be more successful in math.

Marlow, like several other districts in SAU 29, received considerably more federal funds this year. This money can be spent on programming; supplemental or remedial instruction; professional development for staff; and accessibility to state-of-the-art technology. With respect to professional development, these funds have been used to allow teachers to participate in training sessions related to student management, effective teaching practices, and the teaching of reading and writing. The district (through Mr. Brewer and Mr. Ruehr, SAU 29 Business Manager for Towns) also applied for, and received considerable funding ($80,000+) from federal sources to complete badly needed repairs to the roof.

As you can see, a number of positive things related to improvement -- student performance, staff development and facilities -- are occurring at the school. Continued parental and community involvement is critical to the momentum that has been established. The school staff reports on the positive impact that volunteerism and community support have had on initiatives at the school This is greatly appreciated and should not be taken for granted. Please visit the school, attend school-related events, or attend a school board meeting.

I also encourage you to attend this years annual district meeting on March 13 at 7:00 p.m. in the gymnasium at the school This year the proposed budget reflects a considerable increase that is driven primarily by high school tuitions and special education placements. It is at this meeting that you will be able to discuss and vote on the proposed budget.

Phillip G. McCormack, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools

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*** Principal's Report ***

Our current population is as follows: kindergarten - 12, grade one - 1, grade two - 12, grade three - 6, grade four - 9, grade five - 10, and grade six - 7, for a total population of 57.

We have had several changes in school staff since last March. Our new physical education teacher is Mr. Leo Echavaria. Mrs. Amy Hathaway is our long-term substitute in art for Mrs. Linda LaMothe, who is out with health issues. Mrs. Sandra Cunningham, our kindergarten teacher, is now our Title I teacher in the afternoon.

We have been able to make several improvements to the property this year. The last stage of rock covering has been completed thanks to the help of Tony Davis and his crew at the town barn. They were able to grade the fill brought to the school last year over the remaining exposed rocks on the hill adjacent to the play structure. That hill was planted with conservation mix in the fall and will be replanted in the spring.

Last summer we applied for a federal grant to replace the school roof. The grant was approved and the school was awarded $81,400. Walker and Company, Inc. of Hinsdale was contracted to perform the work which was' completed in December of last year. The roof replacement included a new walkway covering in the front of the building.

We continue to use federal funds to support student learning. As in previous years, Title I funds are being used to enhance language arts instruction for children who need extra help. Because of additional funding this year, we are also able to bring help in math to students in grades 1 through 4. Both Mrs. Judy Seaver and Mr. Merek Bennett have been hired with those funds to assist Mrs. Cunningham with those two programs. Title VI funds were used this past year to purchase quality microscopes, a telescope, and a spotting scope. The microscopes and the telescope are used in the science curriculum. The spotting scope has proven to be invaluable and is mounted at our nature observatory where it is used to observe animals in then natural habitat

Volunteerism continues to be an important element in the school The PTA has been very active this year. Through their fundraising efforts, they were able to put in a memory garden at the nature center with more mulch and plants. This was showcased during the Marlow Garden Club Tour. They also obtained a rain barrel for summer watering at the nature center. Fundraising also provided snowshoes for the school, paid for seed to cover a hill on the playground, and provided gift certificates for workers who prepared the hill. The PTA also sponsored a Thanksgiving dinner at the school attended by 112 people, arranged a craft workshop for students to make Christmas gifts, and put on a Game Night for students. Teacher appreciation week saw the teachers' room filled with food and goodies, and teachers enjoyed a wonderful dinner at Open House thanks to the efforts of the PTA.

Other volunteers continue to be assets to the school. Mrs. Dicks has contributed hours of her time, along with Mrs. Reynolds, Mrs. Boucher, Mrs. Dave Elliott, and Mrs. Mike Elliott, to produce the school yearbook. Many thanks to Dave Stewart who is still maintaining our school website. The site continues to be a conduit linking the community with the school

Respectfully submitted,
Richard Brewer

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*** Chairman's Report ***

I would like to begin by thanking the staff at the John D. Perkins School and also the administrators and staff at SAU 29 for all their hard work on our behalf. I would also like to take this opportunity to welcome Wayne Woolridge as our new Assistant Superintendent. He replaces Tom Kane who accepted a superintendent's position in Massachusetts.

Beth Sharp was this year's recipient of the school board scholarship. Beth is attending Leslie College.

Last year we approved a warrant article to establish a capital reserve fund in anticipation of replacing the roof at the school. Over the summer, Richard Brewer wrote and submitted a grant for that purpose. The grant was approved and the district was awarded over $80,000 for replacement of the roof. In addition, the roof in the front of the building was extended to cover the sidewalk, thus, protecting students from ice falling off the building. Thank you, Richard.

Our budget this year is up quite a bit. This is due to a number of factors. As you know, the largest part of our budget has always been tuitions and special education. Realizing that our budget could be severely impacted by students moving in or special education out-of-district placements was the reason that the tuition reserve account was established. This year, we have seen not only an influx of new students at the middle and high schools, but we also have three special education out-of-district placements. As bad as our situation is, it could have been worse had we not established the tuition reserve account. Without the account, we would not only be looking at an increase next year, but a deficit this year. As always, I urge all of you to lobby the federal government to fund special education at promised levels. This year, we are proposing a warrant article opposing the implementation of mandated programs that are not fully funded.

As of this writing, we have not finalized the budget. Iran, however, assure you that this is a no-frills budget and that the overwhelming majority of the increase is, as I have stated, due to special education and tuition. I hope we can count on your support.

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