HOLDERNESS SCHOOL BOARD
DECEMBER 1, 2003 MINUTES
ATTENDING: Board members: Ty Gagne
Martha Macomber
Jim Scales
Ed Swanson
John True, Superintendent of Schools
Sandra McLaughlin, Principal
Trudy Pelletier, Board Secretary
Public: Peter Webster
NONPUBLIC SESSION
The Board was in Nonpublic Session from 5:30 – 6pm. Ty Gagne reported the
board discussed nominations for Basketball coaches: Shane Sirles - Grade 5 and 6
girls; Ann Barney – Grade 7 and 8 girls; Dave Horton – Grade 5 and 6 boys; Bob
Miller – Grade 7 and 8 boys. A maternity leave request by Heather Goodwin was
discussed (3/04 – 6/04 and 9/94 – 6/05).
Public Session began at 6:03pm. A motion was made to approve all the
nominations for Basketball coaches. All in favor. . It was moved by Jim Scales,
seconded by Martha Macomber, to approve the maternity leave of Heather
Goodwin. All in favor. This position will not be filled for the 04-05 school year.
AGENDA REVIEW AND DISPOSITION
Negotiations will be discussed in Nonpublic session following the meeting.
MINUTES OF OCTOBER 6, 2003
It was moved by Martha Macomber, seconded by Ed Swanson, to approve the
minutes of November 3, 2003. All in favor.
PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR #1
Peter Webster expressed appreciation for the opportunity to discuss the budget with the School Board representative to the Town Budget Committee.
Shane Sirles joined the meeting at 6:06pm.
PRINCIPAL’S REPORT
Sandra McLaughlin reported on the following items from the Principal’s Report:
The relationship with the Holderness School continues to be strengthened. A Big Brother type program will start with Holderness School students helping lower grade students with homework after school for ½ hour, then using the athletic facilities at the Holderness School with them until 5 – 5:30pm. They are also making arrangements for Holderness School students from other countries to visit Social Studies classes at HCS.
Annie Eisenberg did a wonderful job on the winter concert with very little advance notice.
There is concern with the amount of money some students bring on field trips. This highlights the discrepancy between those that have it and those that don’t, and results in some students waiting on the bus while other students make purchases in the gift shops. A letter will go home to parents explaining the new policy of students no longer going through the gift shop at the end of a field trip.
The Thanksgiving baskets were put together by the Support Staff and well received. HCS is receiving requests for Christmas baskets and will fill the clothing requests.
The Reading program will receive help from Plymouth State University professors. They will meet with the middle school staff to review the needs. Teachers from schools with successful reading programs will also visit HCS for consultation.
The criteria for success at HCS and additional extracurricular opportunities are identified as requested by the Budget Committee and the School Board.
CONSENT ITEMS
Claims and payroll approvals are in progress during the meeting.
DISCUSSION ITEMS
A. Grant Update
1) The Rural Grant (for safety and technology needs) will be used for more
round tables in the cafeteria and a large 9 X 12 screen for use at assemblies
and public meetings.
2) The Title I Grant went to the state. This covers the Math tutor and the
remainder will be used for a computerized remedial program for Math and
Reading.
3) The Generator grant is now finalized.
B. Budget Work Session 2004-2005 is moved to the end of the School Board
meeting.
RECOGNITION AND AWARDS
The Board recognized Annie Eisenberg for her work at the Winter Concert on short notice. She has made a very nice transition to the Music position.
The Board recognized Sue Montour and Maryanna Swanson who did a lot of work on their own time preparing for and cleaning up after the Holiday Fair.
PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR #2
None.
DISCUSSION ITEMS
B. Budget Work Session 2004-2005
Budget Committee dates were reviewed.
Line 25: Increased to $29,000 due to long-term leaves.
Line 145: Decreased to $700.
Line 2: There will be one less teacher (maternity leave) and the .8 Music teacher is increased to full time.
Line 3: 8.8% - 13.3% increase.
Line 128: Same as 2003-2004 ($1312)
Line 339: The balance is $35,575. This is a capital reserve fund to cover unexpected costs due to new incoming students.
There was discussion about the value of music education. Research shows that it improves both math and reading decoding skills.
ADJOURNMENT
The School Board returned to Nonpublic session at 6:46pm to discuss negotiations.
Respectfully Submitted,
Trudy Pelletier
Board Secretary
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