Regular Board Meeting February 5, 2015
Regular Board Meeting
February 5, 2015
Maine School Administrative District 11 REGULAR MEETING
Merle E. Peacock, Jr. Board Room Thursday, February 5, 2015 7:00 p.m.
PRESENT:
Chair Becky Fles, Vice Chair Eric Jermyn, Candace Avery, Michael Bechard, Marc Cone, Debra Couture, Michael Dovinsky, Joseph Gould, Penny Poolman, Patricia Hopkins, Superintendent, Andrea Disch, Business Manager
STUDENT MEMBERS:
Cassie Trask
ABSENT:
Carrie Boudway, Amber Carr, Katherine Chadwick, Mariah Lang
Chair Fles declared a quorum present and called the meeting to order at 7:05 PM.
VOTED: Director Gould motioned approval of the agenda, seconded by Director Bechard. 10,436 – 0 1 – 0 Student Motion carried. VOTED: Director Avery motioned to approve the minutes of the January 8th Regular School Board Meeting, 10,436 – 0 seconded by Director Gould. 1 – 0 Student Motion carried.
CORRESPONDENCE
Letter received from Dr. William Cassidy recognizing David Walker and the Gardiner Area High School Band
COMMITTEE REPORTS A. Curriculum Committee – At its January 13th meeting, the Committee discussed the feedback from the Maine Department of Education regarding the District’s Confirmation of Readiness for its planned transition to proficiency based diplomas in 2018. After discussion, the Committee voted to support the application to extend the deadline to 2020. In addition, the Committee discussed new regulations regarding Pre-K programs. B. Dropout Prevention Committee – Meeting scheduled for Tuesday, February 10th.
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Regular Board Meeting
February 5, 2015
C. Educational Plan Committee – The Educational Plan Committee met on January 23rd to review progress and organize its work. The Committee plans next to meet in March. D. Finance Committee – At its January 20th meeting, the Finance Committee was provided estimated Project Cash Flows for the Performance Contract. Siemens continues to work towards finalization of numbers. It was reported that the Director of Operations and High School Principal continue to meet with contractors to find a solution that will address the Title IX/locker room issues at Gardiner Area High School. The FY 2016 Status Quo Budget was presented to members of the Finance Committee. It was explained the Status Quo Budget is the effect of merely rolling the current FY 2015 Budget into 2016 dollars making adjustments for salaries, benefits, and debt service. Administration is still in the process of creating the FY 2016 Requested Budget which is scheduled to be presented to the Committee at its February Meeting. Information regarding the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) was shared with members of the Committee. CEP allows high poverty schools to offer both breakfast and lunch at no charge to all students while eliminating the traditional school meal application process. Ms. Disch stated that she and Director of School Nutrition Services, Linda Sergent, are investigating whether the numbers will work for the District’s schools. E. Negotiations Committee – The Negotiations Committee met in January and plans to meet again in February to discuss the District’s salary levels as compared throughout the State. F. Policy Committee – Meeting Cancelled. VOTED: Director Gould motioned to move the following policies as written, seconded by Vice Chair Jermyn. 10,436 – 0 1 – 0 Student 2nd Reading BCA BDB BEC
Board Member Code of Ethics Board Officers Executive Sessions and Executive Session Law
Job Descriptions Administrative Assistant – High School Coach Gifted and Talented Teacher Gifted and Talented Educational Technician III Librarian Policies to be Rescinded: BEC-E
Executive Session Law
Motion carried. G. Relations by Objective Committee – No Meeting
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Regular Board Meeting
February 5, 2015
H. Student Representatives –Students are beginning to prepare for the Snow Ball and Annual Winter Carnival.
GENERAL INFORMATION The following has been approved by the Superintendent and is being provided as general information:
A. NEW HIRES
Kristin Clark, Special Ed., Ed Tech I, River View Community School Emily Smith, Special Ed., Ed Tech I, Laura E. Richards School
OLD BUSINESS A. PROFICIENCY BASED DIPLOMA UPDATE Katie Joseph, Director of Curriculum & Instruction, recommended that based on the feedback from the Maine Department of Education that an application requesting an extension of the Proficiency Based Diploma to 2020 be submitted to the Department of Education.
NEW BUSINESS A. STATE OF THE SCHOOLS /DEPARTMENTS – ADMINISTRATIVE UPDATES At the request of the Superintendent, each of the District’s Administrators gave a brief oral report updating the Board on their activities. B. ANNUAL APPROVAL OF THE CAPITAL AREA TECHNICAL CENTER COOPERATIVE
AGREEMENT A draft of the Capital Area Tech Cooperative Agreement was presented to the Board.
VOTED: Motion by Director Couture, seconded by Vice Chair Jermyn, to approve the Capital Area Tech 10,436 – 0 Cooperative, as presented. 1 – 0 Student Motion carried.
REPORTS – EDUCATIONAL /ADMINISTRATIVE A. BOARD CHAIR REPORT 3 | msad11
MSMA Advocacy Institute – The NSMA Advocacy Institute was held on February 1st – 2nd in Washington, D.C. The purpose of the Conference was to gain a keen understanding of why
Regular Board Meeting
February 5, 2015
effective advocacy requires strong collaboration across policy, media, and judicial spectrums.
MSBA Update – Chair Fles provided the Board with a brief MSBA update.
History of Maine School Boards and Public Education
B. SUPERINTENDENT REPORT
VOTED: 10,436 – 0
Teaching and Learning Conference - Scheduled for March 12th – 14th in Washington DC.
2015/2016 School Calendar – The Superintendent stated she is currently in the process of drafting the 2015/2016 MSAD 11 School Calendar.
MSFE Climate Committee – The Superintendent stated she currently sits on the Maine School For Excellence Climate Committee.
State of Maine NCLB Waiver – The Superintendent informed the Board the State of Maine may be in jeopardy of losing its NCLB waiver. The loss of the waiver could have ramifications on grant funding for schools unless the Legislature changes the manner in which teachers and administrators are evaluated.
Director Avery motioned to enter into executive session at 8:57 p.m. to discuss a personnel matter, pursuant to 1 M.R.S.A. § 405(6)(D), seconded by Director Dovinsky. The Board reconvened at 9:01 p.m. Motion carried.
VOTED: 10,436 – 0
Director Avery motioned with gratitude to approve a $3,000 stipend for the Business Manager in compensation for the additional work required for preparation of the District’s payroll in the payroll clerk’s extended absence, seconded by Vice Chair Jermyn. Motion carried.
The Meeting adjourned at 9:02 p.m. Attest a true record,
Patricia Hopkins, Secretary
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February 5, 2015
Maine School Administrative District 11 REGULAR MEETING
Merle E. Peacock, Jr. Board Room Thursday, February 5, 2015 7:00 p.m.
PRESENT:
Chair Becky Fles, Vice Chair Eric Jermyn, Candace Avery, Michael Bechard, Marc Cone, Debra Couture, Michael Dovinsky, Joseph Gould, Penny Poolman, Patricia Hopkins, Superintendent, Andrea Disch, Business Manager
STUDENT MEMBERS:
Cassie Trask
ABSENT:
Carrie Boudway, Amber Carr, Katherine Chadwick, Mariah Lang
Chair Fles declared a quorum present and called the meeting to order at 7:05 PM.
VOTED: Director Gould motioned approval of the agenda, seconded by Director Bechard. 10,436 – 0 1 – 0 Student Motion carried. VOTED: Director Avery motioned to approve the minutes of the January 8th Regular School Board Meeting, 10,436 – 0 seconded by Director Gould. 1 – 0 Student Motion carried.
CORRESPONDENCE
Letter received from Dr. William Cassidy recognizing David Walker and the Gardiner Area High School Band
COMMITTEE REPORTS A. Curriculum Committee – At its January 13th meeting, the Committee discussed the feedback from the Maine Department of Education regarding the District’s Confirmation of Readiness for its planned transition to proficiency based diplomas in 2018. After discussion, the Committee voted to support the application to extend the deadline to 2020. In addition, the Committee discussed new regulations regarding Pre-K programs. B. Dropout Prevention Committee – Meeting scheduled for Tuesday, February 10th.
1 | msad11
Regular Board Meeting
February 5, 2015
C. Educational Plan Committee – The Educational Plan Committee met on January 23rd to review progress and organize its work. The Committee plans next to meet in March. D. Finance Committee – At its January 20th meeting, the Finance Committee was provided estimated Project Cash Flows for the Performance Contract. Siemens continues to work towards finalization of numbers. It was reported that the Director of Operations and High School Principal continue to meet with contractors to find a solution that will address the Title IX/locker room issues at Gardiner Area High School. The FY 2016 Status Quo Budget was presented to members of the Finance Committee. It was explained the Status Quo Budget is the effect of merely rolling the current FY 2015 Budget into 2016 dollars making adjustments for salaries, benefits, and debt service. Administration is still in the process of creating the FY 2016 Requested Budget which is scheduled to be presented to the Committee at its February Meeting. Information regarding the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) was shared with members of the Committee. CEP allows high poverty schools to offer both breakfast and lunch at no charge to all students while eliminating the traditional school meal application process. Ms. Disch stated that she and Director of School Nutrition Services, Linda Sergent, are investigating whether the numbers will work for the District’s schools. E. Negotiations Committee – The Negotiations Committee met in January and plans to meet again in February to discuss the District’s salary levels as compared throughout the State. F. Policy Committee – Meeting Cancelled. VOTED: Director Gould motioned to move the following policies as written, seconded by Vice Chair Jermyn. 10,436 – 0 1 – 0 Student 2nd Reading BCA BDB BEC
Board Member Code of Ethics Board Officers Executive Sessions and Executive Session Law
Job Descriptions Administrative Assistant – High School Coach Gifted and Talented Teacher Gifted and Talented Educational Technician III Librarian Policies to be Rescinded: BEC-E
Executive Session Law
Motion carried. G. Relations by Objective Committee – No Meeting
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Regular Board Meeting
February 5, 2015
H. Student Representatives –Students are beginning to prepare for the Snow Ball and Annual Winter Carnival.
GENERAL INFORMATION The following has been approved by the Superintendent and is being provided as general information:
A. NEW HIRES
Kristin Clark, Special Ed., Ed Tech I, River View Community School Emily Smith, Special Ed., Ed Tech I, Laura E. Richards School
OLD BUSINESS A. PROFICIENCY BASED DIPLOMA UPDATE Katie Joseph, Director of Curriculum & Instruction, recommended that based on the feedback from the Maine Department of Education that an application requesting an extension of the Proficiency Based Diploma to 2020 be submitted to the Department of Education.
NEW BUSINESS A. STATE OF THE SCHOOLS /DEPARTMENTS – ADMINISTRATIVE UPDATES At the request of the Superintendent, each of the District’s Administrators gave a brief oral report updating the Board on their activities. B. ANNUAL APPROVAL OF THE CAPITAL AREA TECHNICAL CENTER COOPERATIVE
AGREEMENT A draft of the Capital Area Tech Cooperative Agreement was presented to the Board.
VOTED: Motion by Director Couture, seconded by Vice Chair Jermyn, to approve the Capital Area Tech 10,436 – 0 Cooperative, as presented. 1 – 0 Student Motion carried.
REPORTS – EDUCATIONAL /ADMINISTRATIVE A. BOARD CHAIR REPORT 3 | msad11
MSMA Advocacy Institute – The NSMA Advocacy Institute was held on February 1st – 2nd in Washington, D.C. The purpose of the Conference was to gain a keen understanding of why
Regular Board Meeting
February 5, 2015
effective advocacy requires strong collaboration across policy, media, and judicial spectrums.
MSBA Update – Chair Fles provided the Board with a brief MSBA update.
History of Maine School Boards and Public Education
B. SUPERINTENDENT REPORT
VOTED: 10,436 – 0
Teaching and Learning Conference - Scheduled for March 12th – 14th in Washington DC.
2015/2016 School Calendar – The Superintendent stated she is currently in the process of drafting the 2015/2016 MSAD 11 School Calendar.
MSFE Climate Committee – The Superintendent stated she currently sits on the Maine School For Excellence Climate Committee.
State of Maine NCLB Waiver – The Superintendent informed the Board the State of Maine may be in jeopardy of losing its NCLB waiver. The loss of the waiver could have ramifications on grant funding for schools unless the Legislature changes the manner in which teachers and administrators are evaluated.
Director Avery motioned to enter into executive session at 8:57 p.m. to discuss a personnel matter, pursuant to 1 M.R.S.A. § 405(6)(D), seconded by Director Dovinsky. The Board reconvened at 9:01 p.m. Motion carried.
VOTED: 10,436 – 0
Director Avery motioned with gratitude to approve a $3,000 stipend for the Business Manager in compensation for the additional work required for preparation of the District’s payroll in the payroll clerk’s extended absence, seconded by Vice Chair Jermyn. Motion carried.
The Meeting adjourned at 9:02 p.m. Attest a true record,
Patricia Hopkins, Secretary
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