Holderness School Board
Holderness Central School
March 3, 2008
Minutes
Board Members Present: Martha Macomber, Bob Heiner, Wendy Mersch, Jonathan Stewart
Administration Present: Kathy Boyle, William Van Bennekum
Others Present: 4 members of the public
Non Public session was called to order at 5:07pm.
On a motion by Mr. Heiner, seconded by Ms. Mersch, the Board unanimously voted to enter into Public session at 5:26 pm.
Agenda review - The following will be added under discussion items.
E. Suggestion from Alex Ray - Common Man
F. News regarding adequacy
Minutes -On a motion by Mr. Stewart, seconded by Mrs. Mersch, the Board voted unanimously to approve the minutes of February 4, 2008.
Privilege of the Floor #1 - A member of the public commented that the newsletter is a great way to keep people current. There was a question regarding all day kindergarten and preschool. Mrs. Macomber answered that the preschool became a stated goal in August, so that more time has been spent discussing the preschool as opposed to the Kindergarten. A member of the public asked a question regarding the foreign language program. Ms. Boyle answered that this is the first year that HCS has offered French. Mr. Van Bennekum then explained the structure of the French program. It was stated that there is proven research that children do better in reading and math when they are exposed to a second language early in life.
Principal's report - Mr. VanBennekum provided 2 proposals for extending school days. Ms. Boyle explained the background behind extending the days, and she also stated that the Terra Nova test would be cancelled in order to have more instruction time. On a motion by Mr. Heiner, seconded by Mr. Stewart, the Board unanimously voted to add 30 minutes a day to the school day, beginning on March 10, 2008.
Mr. VanBennekum acknowledged the faculty and staff for their patience and dedicated service during the winter months. Everyone has remained positive and focused through the delayed openings and cancelled school days.
The support staff was acknowledged for their patience and consideration in ensuring that the playground is well supervised and safe and secure.
Mr. VanBennekum reported that the NECAP scores were mailed home over February break.
There is a new circulation desk in the media center.
There is a new multimedia system installed in the cafeteria which teachers and staff will be able to use for classroom presentation/videos and other larger type events.
The Winter Program will conclude this Friday, March 7th. Mrs. Barney was acknowledged for orchestrating the program.
AM Kindergarten students have the option to attend the PM sessions for the remainder of the school year on any remaining school days when there is a delayed opening. This is optional for parents but does eliminate any more cancelled days due to delayed openings.
Mrs. Messier organized substitute appreciation day. The first grade class performed a "thank you" song. Many faculty and staff stopped by to say thank you. Each substitute was given a mug filled with candy.
The Musical "Blue Suede Paws" is in process and the cast has been selected. Students have auditioned and they have been assigned parts in the play. Mrs. Dauthcer and Ms. Lovett will be directing in collaboration with Mrs. Funk. Opening night is Friday, April 11th and 12th.
The Middle School math Counts team recently placed 4th out of 19 school teams. The team consisted of 8 students and they were supervised by Mrs. Long.
Winter sports have concluded for the 2007/2008 season.
March 11th is the student led conferences in Grades 6-8. March 14th is PTA bingo night. This features pizza ordered by families and an evening of Bingo and prizes sponsored by the PTA.
Empty nesters day is from 12:00 - 1:00 on Thursday, March 13th. This is a chance for those who do not have children in the school to come and tour the school and enjoy lunch.
Mrs. Jenkinson will be returning to the Kindergarten class on March 13th. Mrs. Switzer has done a remarkable job of filling in as a long term substitute and had made a life-long impact on our youngest students and their parents. Mr. VanBennekum stated that the school was very fortunate to have her in the kindergarten classroom this school year.
The 8th grade has decided that their trip will be at Lake George.
Consent Items - A/P 52 was circulated and Signed
Correspondence - none
Discussion Items
A. District Meeting - It was discussed that this meeting was posted at the town and in the newspaper. A member of the public asked it the meeting could be posted on the town web site and the school web site.
B. Calendar for 08-09 - Ms. Boyle passed out the general calendar. There was a discussion regarding the importance of keeping the vacation schedule as it appears. The vote was tabled until next month.
C. LGC letter -Ms. Boyle explained that this letter is regarding a law suit. The retirement system took money for a medical subsidy. Now, they want to pass that expense on to the towns. The School Board Association is bringing a law suit against the Local Government Center. There is a percentage each school would pay if they chose to help fight the law suit. This issue was tabled until April.
D. Ms. Boyle discussed the adequacy numbers. If they stay as they are, HCS will become a donor town. However, there is an amendment. If this passes, this would not become an issue. This would impact next year's budget season.
E. A parent expressed concern about the time commitment for DARE and the missed school days. It was discussed that the program is 5 hours a week. There was no motion taken.
F. Mr. Van Bennekum stated that the 5th grade completed a project on the atmosphere. The School Board was able to view this project.
G. Mr. Van Bennekum brought up 2 issues regarding field trips.
a. Some of the 7th graders will be going to the battle of Lexington-Concord. Since the reenactment starts at 5:00am, the students would like to stay over. This trip takes place during April break, and the chaperones will be parents. There was a discussion over the definition of a school sponsored trip. Questions were raised regarding the legal responsibility of a trip that does not use school funds. Ms. Boyle will discuss these issues with the SAU lawyer.
b. 8th grade trip - The students are ready to go on their trip. Mr. Van Bennekum asked the Board to revisit the no parent rule. He stated that, in the past, he has talked to parents about their responsibilities and the parameters of their duty as a chaperone. It was discussed that the chaperones usually are picked from the school staff first. Mr. VanBennekum will discuss it further with Ms. Kelley.
H. Alex Ray - Mrs. Macomber stated that Mr. Ray (owner of the Common Man restaurants) wanted to know if the school buses could have ads on them. The ads would have positive messages regarding supporting the schools, with a self promotion at the bottom of the message. Ms. Boyle stated that Robertson transit would need to be part of that discussion.
Recognition and Awards - Ann Barney was recognized for finishing the winter program.
Privilege of the Floor 2 - A discussion ensued regarding the ACE program.
On a motion by Mrs. Mersch, seconded by Mr. Heiner, the Board unanimously voted to end Public session at 6:55 PM.
On a motion by Mrs. Mersch, seconded by Mr. Heiner, the Board unanimously voted to reenter non-public session at 6:56 PM.
On a motion by Mr. Stewart, seconded by Mrs. Mersch, the Board unanimously voted to reenter public session at 7:53PM.
The Superintendent has been given authority to negotiate with an employee who is considering terminating their employment with the district.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:55 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Michelle McCauley
Holderness Board Secretary
| 
