Regular Board Meeting November 7, 2013
Regular Board Meeting
November 7, 2013
Maine School Administrative District 11 REGULAR MEETING
Merle E. Peacock, Jr. Board Room Thursday, November 7, 2013 7:00 p.m.
PRESENT:
Rebecca Fles, Chair, Eric Jermyn, Vice Chair, Candace Avery, Amber Carr, Katherine Chadwick, Marc Cone, Debra Couture, Joseph Gould, Andrew Grover, Penny Poolman, Diane Potter, Nicole Sacre, Patricia Hopkins, Superintendent, Andrea Disch, Business Manager
ABSENT: STUDENT MEMBERS: Joseph Gould and Katherine Chadwick, newly elected board members from the City of Gardiner, and Amber Carr, newly elected board member from the Town of Randolph were sworn in prior to the meeting. Mrs. Fles called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. and declared a quorum present.
VOTED: 12 – 0
Motion by Ms. Avery, seconded by Mr. Jermyn, to approve the agenda, as amended. Motion carried.
VOTED: 12 – 0
Motion by Mr. Cone, seconded by Mr. Jermyn, to approve the minutes of the October 3rd, Regular Board Meeting and the October 22nd Special Board Meetings. Motion carried.
RECOGNITION AND CELEBRATION
The Board recognized and commended former MSAD 11 School Board Members, Deborah Holmes, Tony Veit, and Tyler Trott for their service to MSAD 11.
The Board welcomed newly elected School Board Members, Amber Carr, Katherine Chadwick, and Joseph Gould.
COMMITTEE REPORTS A. Curriculum Committee – At its October 10th meeting, MSAD 11 Literacy Specialist, Sara Hess, presented on the District’s use of Pearson Inform when making decisions involving curriculum, instruction, assessment, and student groupings. Based on the presentation and discussion, the Committee discussed recommending the creation of a data specialist position.
1 | msad11
Regular Board Meeting
November 7, 2013
The Committee also decided the Curriculum Committee would begin meeting the second Tuesday of each month at 7 am. The Committee voted that Diane Potter should continue to chair the Committee. B. Dropout Committee – No Meeting C. Educational Plan Committee – The Educational Plan Committee has scheduled a meeting for 12:30 pm on November 18th. The Branding Committee held its second meeting on November 4th as it continues its work. D. Finance Committee – At its October 15th meeting, Hank Farrah, Principal, Runyon Kersteen Ouellette, reviewed the 2013 Annual Financial audit and findings with the Committee. The Committee reviewed and discussed the Energy Conservation and Air Quality Improvement Project Request for Qualification (RFQ). After discussion, the Finance Committee scheduled a Special Board Meeting on October 22, 2013 to select a vendor for the project. Based on the recommendation of the Interview Committee, the Board selected Woodard & Curran as the vendor for the upgrade of the burners at the Gardiner Area High School, Gardiner Regional Middle School and Laura E. Richards School. During the meeting it was brought to the Finance Committee’s attention that District tutor rates have not been adjusted since 1999. Because the rates are not competitive with those of surrounding school districts, it has become increasingly difficult to secure tutors. Based on the discussion, the Finance Committee recommended the Board increase tutor rates as follows: $18.00 /hour Non Certified $20.00 /hour Certifiable $22.00 /hour Certified VOTED: 12 – 0
Motion by Mr. Jermyn, seconded by Mr. Gould, to approve the tutor rates, as recommended, retroactive to October 1, 2013. Motion carried. E. Negotiations Committee – No Meeting F. Policy Committee – At its October 3rd meeting, Deb Couture was elected Policy Committee Chair. At the meeting and after discussion, the Committee voted to rescind the following policies: BBAB BIE BK BEDC BGBA
VOTED: 12 – 0
MSAD 11 School Board Self – Evaluation Board Member Insurance and Liability School Board Memberships Quorum Emergency Policy Adoption
Motion by Mrs. Couture, seconded by Mr. Cone, to rescind the policies as recommended by the Policy Committee at its October 3rd meeting. Motion carried.
2 | msad11
Regular Board Meeting
November 7, 2013
In addition, the Committee voted to recommend the School Board adopt the following job descriptions: Bus Driver Custodian Head Custodian VOTED: 12 – 0
Motion by Mrs. Couture, seconded by Mrs. Potter, to approve the job descriptions as recommended by the Policy Committee at its October 3rd meeting. Motion carried. G. Relations by Objective Committee – No Meeting
GENERAL INFORMATION A. GAHS Jazz Ensemble & Select Choir, Great East Festival, Springfield, MA – May 2 and May 3, 2014. B. GRMS Team Chamberlain, Boston Museum of Science and USS Constitution – November 26, 2013. C. The following positions have been appointed /hired: Bus Driver Colleen Doucette Educational Technicians Mary Ellen Guimond, Special Ed., Ed Tech I, Helen Thompson School Cafeteria Worker Erna Fitzherbert, (4 hr position) GRMS GAHS Coaches Hillary Wing Michael Gray Britney Salley Ginger Shaw Jason Cassidy Nick Wallace Andrew Dean Rob Pekins Jeff Ross John Hart Matthew Hanley Jeanne Moody Sandra Lawrence Pam Dube
3 | msad11
Spring Track/ Head Coach Girls Varsity Basketball Girls Junior Varsity Basketball Girls Freshmen Basketball Boys Varsity Basketball Boys Junior Varsity Basketball Boys Freshmen Basketball Swimming Varsity Ice Hockey Junior Varsity Ice Hockey Wrestling Winter Cheering Winter Cheering /Volunteer Winter Cheering Dance /Volunteer Advisor
Regular Board Meeting
November 7, 2013
OLD BUSINESS A. POSSIBLE RECONFIGURATION OPTIONS Superintendent Hopkins reminded the Board a meeting has been scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Thursday, November 21, 2013 to discuss reconfiguration options. The Superintendent listed the reconfiguration options that will be discussed at the meeting. Among the options:
Close Central Office and move the staff to TC Hamlin. Move the District’s PreKindergarten Programs to TC Hamlin
Close TC Hamlin and move students to Laura E. Richards School and River View Community School
Close TC Hamlin and move students to Pittston Consolidated School
Move Grade 5 students to the Gardiner Regional Middle School
Move Grade 8 students to the Gardiner Area High School
Construct a new Randolph /Pittston elementary using local funds only
Construct a new Pre-Kindergarten – Grade 5 Elementary and close all the existing elementary schools
Leave the configuration as it currently exists
B. TIF GRANT UPDATE Superintendent Hopkins reported that while the District increased the number of students qualifying for Free and Reduced Lunch, not all of the District’s schools were able to reach 50% to qualify for the TIF Grant, specifically GAHS. The Maine for School Excellence team informed the Superintendent a case has been made to the Federal Government that since the District’s K-8 feeder schools have reached 50%, Gardiner Area High School should be allowed to participate in the TIF Grant. Based on the argument presented, the Federal Government has since agreed to allow Gardiner Area High School to participate.
NEW BUSINESS A. GARDINER AREA HIGH SCHOOL ACADEMIC AND DATA ANALYSIS UPDATE Chad Kempton, GAHS Principal, and Katie Joseph, Director of Curriculum & Instruction, provided the Board with a six year data analysis of Gardiner Area High School. Mr. Kempton addressed questions as he reviewed the information with the Board.
B. TOWN OF WINDSOR REQUEST
4 | msad11
Regular Board Meeting
November 7, 2013
Superintendent Hopkins shared with the Board the request from the Town of Windsor to enter into a non-exclusive contract with MSAD 11 for its high school students. The Superintendent reminded the Board of the pros and cons of entering into such an agreement. The School Board took no action on the request.
REPORTS – EDUCATIONAL /ADMINISTRATIVE BOARD CHAIR REPORT The Board Chair updated the Board on the following:
Maine School Board Association Conference Various members of the Board attending the MSBA Annual Fall Conference on October 24th and 25th reported on workshops attended.
MSBA: Becky Fles, Vice President Becky Fles was elected Vice President of the MSBA at the Annual Fall Conference.
School Board Member Committee Assignments The Superintendent and Board Leadership will be making Committee assignments for the newly elected School Board Members.
SUPERINTENDENT REPORT The Superintendent updated the Board on the following:
VOTED: 12 – 0
KVSA Legislative Breakfast Superintendent Hopkins, Shelly Simpson, Principal of Pittston Consolidated School, Linda Ciampa, Kindergarten Teacher, Pittston Consolidated School and students from Pittston Consolidated School attended the KVSA Legislative Breakfast on November 1, 2013 to discuss STEM.
Quimby Field Trust The Quimby Field Trust has requested the MSAD 11 Board of Directors appoint an individual to the Quimby Field Trust. After discussion, the Board agreed Eric Jermyn would be Board’s appointee to the Trust.
Motion by Mr. Jermyn, seconded by Mrs. Couture, to go into executive session at 8:43 p.m. to discuss negotiations with the Gardiner Teachers’ Association, pursuant to 1 M.R.S.A. § 405(6)(D). The Board reconvened at 8:50 p.m. Motion carried.
VOTED: 12 – 0
Motion by Mrs. Fles, seconded by Mr. Gould, to go into executive session at 8:50 p.m. to discuss negotiations with the Gardiner Food Service Association, pursuant to 1 M.R.S.A. § 405(6)(D). The Board reconvened at 8:55 p.m.
5 | msad11
Regular Board Meeting
November 7, 2013
Motion carried. The Meeting adjourned at 8:55 p.m.
Attest a true record,
Patricia Hopkins, Secretary
6 | msad11
November 7, 2013
Maine School Administrative District 11 REGULAR MEETING
Merle E. Peacock, Jr. Board Room Thursday, November 7, 2013 7:00 p.m.
PRESENT:
Rebecca Fles, Chair, Eric Jermyn, Vice Chair, Candace Avery, Amber Carr, Katherine Chadwick, Marc Cone, Debra Couture, Joseph Gould, Andrew Grover, Penny Poolman, Diane Potter, Nicole Sacre, Patricia Hopkins, Superintendent, Andrea Disch, Business Manager
ABSENT: STUDENT MEMBERS: Joseph Gould and Katherine Chadwick, newly elected board members from the City of Gardiner, and Amber Carr, newly elected board member from the Town of Randolph were sworn in prior to the meeting. Mrs. Fles called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. and declared a quorum present.
VOTED: 12 – 0
Motion by Ms. Avery, seconded by Mr. Jermyn, to approve the agenda, as amended. Motion carried.
VOTED: 12 – 0
Motion by Mr. Cone, seconded by Mr. Jermyn, to approve the minutes of the October 3rd, Regular Board Meeting and the October 22nd Special Board Meetings. Motion carried.
RECOGNITION AND CELEBRATION
The Board recognized and commended former MSAD 11 School Board Members, Deborah Holmes, Tony Veit, and Tyler Trott for their service to MSAD 11.
The Board welcomed newly elected School Board Members, Amber Carr, Katherine Chadwick, and Joseph Gould.
COMMITTEE REPORTS A. Curriculum Committee – At its October 10th meeting, MSAD 11 Literacy Specialist, Sara Hess, presented on the District’s use of Pearson Inform when making decisions involving curriculum, instruction, assessment, and student groupings. Based on the presentation and discussion, the Committee discussed recommending the creation of a data specialist position.
1 | msad11
Regular Board Meeting
November 7, 2013
The Committee also decided the Curriculum Committee would begin meeting the second Tuesday of each month at 7 am. The Committee voted that Diane Potter should continue to chair the Committee. B. Dropout Committee – No Meeting C. Educational Plan Committee – The Educational Plan Committee has scheduled a meeting for 12:30 pm on November 18th. The Branding Committee held its second meeting on November 4th as it continues its work. D. Finance Committee – At its October 15th meeting, Hank Farrah, Principal, Runyon Kersteen Ouellette, reviewed the 2013 Annual Financial audit and findings with the Committee. The Committee reviewed and discussed the Energy Conservation and Air Quality Improvement Project Request for Qualification (RFQ). After discussion, the Finance Committee scheduled a Special Board Meeting on October 22, 2013 to select a vendor for the project. Based on the recommendation of the Interview Committee, the Board selected Woodard & Curran as the vendor for the upgrade of the burners at the Gardiner Area High School, Gardiner Regional Middle School and Laura E. Richards School. During the meeting it was brought to the Finance Committee’s attention that District tutor rates have not been adjusted since 1999. Because the rates are not competitive with those of surrounding school districts, it has become increasingly difficult to secure tutors. Based on the discussion, the Finance Committee recommended the Board increase tutor rates as follows: $18.00 /hour Non Certified $20.00 /hour Certifiable $22.00 /hour Certified VOTED: 12 – 0
Motion by Mr. Jermyn, seconded by Mr. Gould, to approve the tutor rates, as recommended, retroactive to October 1, 2013. Motion carried. E. Negotiations Committee – No Meeting F. Policy Committee – At its October 3rd meeting, Deb Couture was elected Policy Committee Chair. At the meeting and after discussion, the Committee voted to rescind the following policies: BBAB BIE BK BEDC BGBA
VOTED: 12 – 0
MSAD 11 School Board Self – Evaluation Board Member Insurance and Liability School Board Memberships Quorum Emergency Policy Adoption
Motion by Mrs. Couture, seconded by Mr. Cone, to rescind the policies as recommended by the Policy Committee at its October 3rd meeting. Motion carried.
2 | msad11
Regular Board Meeting
November 7, 2013
In addition, the Committee voted to recommend the School Board adopt the following job descriptions: Bus Driver Custodian Head Custodian VOTED: 12 – 0
Motion by Mrs. Couture, seconded by Mrs. Potter, to approve the job descriptions as recommended by the Policy Committee at its October 3rd meeting. Motion carried. G. Relations by Objective Committee – No Meeting
GENERAL INFORMATION A. GAHS Jazz Ensemble & Select Choir, Great East Festival, Springfield, MA – May 2 and May 3, 2014. B. GRMS Team Chamberlain, Boston Museum of Science and USS Constitution – November 26, 2013. C. The following positions have been appointed /hired: Bus Driver Colleen Doucette Educational Technicians Mary Ellen Guimond, Special Ed., Ed Tech I, Helen Thompson School Cafeteria Worker Erna Fitzherbert, (4 hr position) GRMS GAHS Coaches Hillary Wing Michael Gray Britney Salley Ginger Shaw Jason Cassidy Nick Wallace Andrew Dean Rob Pekins Jeff Ross John Hart Matthew Hanley Jeanne Moody Sandra Lawrence Pam Dube
3 | msad11
Spring Track/ Head Coach Girls Varsity Basketball Girls Junior Varsity Basketball Girls Freshmen Basketball Boys Varsity Basketball Boys Junior Varsity Basketball Boys Freshmen Basketball Swimming Varsity Ice Hockey Junior Varsity Ice Hockey Wrestling Winter Cheering Winter Cheering /Volunteer Winter Cheering Dance /Volunteer Advisor
Regular Board Meeting
November 7, 2013
OLD BUSINESS A. POSSIBLE RECONFIGURATION OPTIONS Superintendent Hopkins reminded the Board a meeting has been scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Thursday, November 21, 2013 to discuss reconfiguration options. The Superintendent listed the reconfiguration options that will be discussed at the meeting. Among the options:
Close Central Office and move the staff to TC Hamlin. Move the District’s PreKindergarten Programs to TC Hamlin
Close TC Hamlin and move students to Laura E. Richards School and River View Community School
Close TC Hamlin and move students to Pittston Consolidated School
Move Grade 5 students to the Gardiner Regional Middle School
Move Grade 8 students to the Gardiner Area High School
Construct a new Randolph /Pittston elementary using local funds only
Construct a new Pre-Kindergarten – Grade 5 Elementary and close all the existing elementary schools
Leave the configuration as it currently exists
B. TIF GRANT UPDATE Superintendent Hopkins reported that while the District increased the number of students qualifying for Free and Reduced Lunch, not all of the District’s schools were able to reach 50% to qualify for the TIF Grant, specifically GAHS. The Maine for School Excellence team informed the Superintendent a case has been made to the Federal Government that since the District’s K-8 feeder schools have reached 50%, Gardiner Area High School should be allowed to participate in the TIF Grant. Based on the argument presented, the Federal Government has since agreed to allow Gardiner Area High School to participate.
NEW BUSINESS A. GARDINER AREA HIGH SCHOOL ACADEMIC AND DATA ANALYSIS UPDATE Chad Kempton, GAHS Principal, and Katie Joseph, Director of Curriculum & Instruction, provided the Board with a six year data analysis of Gardiner Area High School. Mr. Kempton addressed questions as he reviewed the information with the Board.
B. TOWN OF WINDSOR REQUEST
4 | msad11
Regular Board Meeting
November 7, 2013
Superintendent Hopkins shared with the Board the request from the Town of Windsor to enter into a non-exclusive contract with MSAD 11 for its high school students. The Superintendent reminded the Board of the pros and cons of entering into such an agreement. The School Board took no action on the request.
REPORTS – EDUCATIONAL /ADMINISTRATIVE BOARD CHAIR REPORT The Board Chair updated the Board on the following:
Maine School Board Association Conference Various members of the Board attending the MSBA Annual Fall Conference on October 24th and 25th reported on workshops attended.
MSBA: Becky Fles, Vice President Becky Fles was elected Vice President of the MSBA at the Annual Fall Conference.
School Board Member Committee Assignments The Superintendent and Board Leadership will be making Committee assignments for the newly elected School Board Members.
SUPERINTENDENT REPORT The Superintendent updated the Board on the following:
VOTED: 12 – 0
KVSA Legislative Breakfast Superintendent Hopkins, Shelly Simpson, Principal of Pittston Consolidated School, Linda Ciampa, Kindergarten Teacher, Pittston Consolidated School and students from Pittston Consolidated School attended the KVSA Legislative Breakfast on November 1, 2013 to discuss STEM.
Quimby Field Trust The Quimby Field Trust has requested the MSAD 11 Board of Directors appoint an individual to the Quimby Field Trust. After discussion, the Board agreed Eric Jermyn would be Board’s appointee to the Trust.
Motion by Mr. Jermyn, seconded by Mrs. Couture, to go into executive session at 8:43 p.m. to discuss negotiations with the Gardiner Teachers’ Association, pursuant to 1 M.R.S.A. § 405(6)(D). The Board reconvened at 8:50 p.m. Motion carried.
VOTED: 12 – 0
Motion by Mrs. Fles, seconded by Mr. Gould, to go into executive session at 8:50 p.m. to discuss negotiations with the Gardiner Food Service Association, pursuant to 1 M.R.S.A. § 405(6)(D). The Board reconvened at 8:55 p.m.
5 | msad11
Regular Board Meeting
November 7, 2013
Motion carried. The Meeting adjourned at 8:55 p.m.
Attest a true record,
Patricia Hopkins, Secretary
6 | msad11
