PLEASE NOTE THAT THE MINUTES WILL NOT BE FINAL UNTIL

THE BOARD HAS APPROVED THEM AT ITS NEXT MEETING.

April 8, 2004

 

The Board of Directors of Maine School Administrative District No. 75 held a regular meeting in Room 201 of Mt. Ararat High School.

 

The following Directors were present:  Stephen K. Harris, Chairman; Maryane Burns; Catherine Curry; Caroline Eliot; Michael Feldman; Dorothy Gardner; Patrick Grotton; David A. Johnson; Andrea Najarian; Joanne Rogers; Jeffrey Rowe; Linda St. Laurent; Myna Stephens; and Jeffrey Steinert.

 

Also present were Bill Jack and Jared Libby, student representatives to the Board of Directors.

 

1.                  Call to order

 

Chairman Harris called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

 

2.                  Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag

 

Those present recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

 

3.                  To consider action relative to additions or adjustments to the agenda and to ask for comments from the audience

 

Agenda adjustments were noted as follows:

 

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3.1              Several additional recognitions were added to the end of the list already on the printed agenda.

 

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6.10          To approve a request from Andrew Smith, Woodside Elementary School 5th grade teacher, for an unpaid leave of absence for the remainder of the school year

 

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6.11          To approve a grant application to the U.S. Department of Education for a Small Learning Communities Grant

 

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8.4              Report on the effect of the proposed 1924-EPS cost-sharing percentages on M.S.A.D. No. 75

 

3.1              Recognitions and acknowledgements – The following recognitions and acknowledgements were noted.

 

à               Erika Stupinski – Maine Miss Basketball award

 

à               Glenn Evans & Sue Perkins, Advisers – Second place, Maine State Science Olympiad

 

à               Andy MacKellar, Will Perry, Jessica Glenn, Mike Hennessey, Sean Turner, Adam Pride, Leslie Ouellette, Stephenie Chinnapongse, P.J. Karonis, Spencer Bush, Matt Stephens, Brittany Waite, Abbey Lafond, James Morris, Deena Metzler, Alex Bernier, Kate Reichert, Kim Wironen & Amanda Hoffman – Medal winners at the Maine State Science Olympiad

 

à               Rusty Cloutier, M.S.A.D. No. 75 Buildings & Grounds – Named Deputy Fire Chief for Town of Topsham

 

à               Micaela Tepler (Grade 5, Williams-Cone); Anthony MacVean (Grade 5, Bowdoinham Community School); Chelsea Piccolo (Grade 4, Bowdoin Central School); & Beka Bryer (Grade 6, Mt. Ararat Middle School) – School-level winners of the National Geography Bee, and in the cases of Beka, Micaela & Anthony, qualifiers for the State competition

 

à               Carrot Signs – Donation of installation of the Middle School/Orion sign at the corner of Republic Avenue and Canaan Drive

 

à               Beka Bryer, 6th grader – Scored in the top ten at the State Geography Bee

 

à               Abigail Lafond, Mt. Ararat High School senior – Voluntarily running an after-school science program at Mt. Ararat Middle School

 

à               Micaela Tepler, Korin Nickerson, Ian Powell, Nick Desmosthenes, Chloe Emerson, Kate Spies, Alex Spies, and Team Leader Bobbie Spies of the Williams-Cone School Destination Imagination Team – Second place in the State competition

 

à               Anna Bruning, Dylan Pond, Catherine Tringali, Jane Oliver, Alexandra Edwards, Rebecca Lewis, and Jodie Curley, Williams-Cone School Destination Imagination Team – Fourth place in the State competition

 

à               Bill Jack, Mt. Ararat High School senior – Recipient of Maine State Principal’s Award

 

4.         To take action relative to accepting as printed the minutes of the March 24, 2004, regular meeting of the Board of Directors

 

It was moved by Mrs. Rogers, seconded by Mrs. Gardner, and VOTED (unanimously, of those present) to accept as printed the minutes of the March 24, 2004, regular meeting of the Board of Directors.

 

 

5.         OLD BUSINESS:

 

…        Mr. Feldman arrived at 6:08 p.m.

             

5.1               To hear a report on the evaluation of the Aspirations Program

 

Mrs. Rogers stated she was pleased to read about the successes of the program in the evaluation report.

 

Ms. Burns asked how the program is funded, and Superintendent Wilhelm stated it’s mostly social worker time (portion of a day at Bowdoin Central, Harpswell Islands and one day at Woodside).  The REAP grant provides up to $1,000 for supplies, and Title I funds are used to provide a smaller scale (a couple of students) similar program at Bowdoinham Community.

 

…        Mrs. Stephens arrived at 6:11 p.m.

                       

6.                  NEW BUSINESS:

 

6.1               To approve a budget for FY ’05 to take to referendum

 

Superintendent Wilhelm informed the Board that premium rates for Blue Cross/Blue Shield increased by 6.95%.  Since the Board had projected a 10% increased for budgeting purposes, this represents a savings of $121,305.

 

It was moved by Mr. Feldman and seconded by Mr. Grotton to give all $121,305 back to the taxpayers with the exception of putting back in the Resource Officer at a cost of $35,630.

 

It was moved by Mrs. Rogers, seconded by Mr. Steinert, and VOTED (635 yeas, 365 nays, 0 abstentions, and 0 absent) to amend Mr. Feldman’s motion to limit it strictly to a vote on replacing (putting back into the budget) the Resource Officer.

 

Voting yea were Ms. Burns, Ms. Eliot, Mr. Feldman, Mrs. Gardner, Mr. Harris,  Mr. Johnson, Ms. Najarian, Mrs. Rogers, Mr. Rowe, and Mr. Steinert.

 

Voting nay were Mrs. Curry, Mr. Grotton, Mrs. St. Laurent, and Mrs. Stephens.

 

Mrs. Rogers’ amended motion, funding of the Resource Officer ($35,630) but not limiting use of the funds, was VOTED (577 yeas, 423 nays, 0 abstentions, and 0 absent).

 

Voting yea were Ms. Burns, Mr. Feldman, Mrs. Gardner, Mr. Harris, Mr. Johnson, Ms, Najarian, Mrs. Rogers, and Mr. Steinert.

 

Voting nay were Mrs. Curry, Ms. Eliot, Mr. Grotton, Mr. Rowe, Mrs. St. Laurent, and Mrs. Stephens.

 

It was moved by Mrs. St. Laurent, seconded by Ms. Eliot, and FAILED (500 yeas, 500 nays, 0 abstentions, and 0 absent) to restore $35,00 to contingency with no other restorations, with the remainder going back to the taxpayers.

 

Voting yea were Mrs. Curry, Mr. Feldman, Mr. Grotton, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Rowe, Mrs. St. Laurent, and Mr. Steinert.

 

Voting nay were Ms. Burns, Ms. Eliot, Mrs. Gardner, Mr. Harris, Ms. Najarian, Mrs. Rogers, and Mrs. Stephens.

 

It was moved by Mrs. Rogers and seconded by Mrs. Najarian, that of the remaining funds, to replace the gate receipts of $30,000, and replace $27,315 for Gifted and Talented, with any remaining funds going to contingency.

 

It was moved by Mr. Grotton and seconded by Mrs. St. Laurent to amend Mrs. Rogers’ motion, to remove the gate receipts, leave Gifted and Talented, with the remainder going to contingency.

 

                        Mrs. Rogers withdrew her motion.

 

It was moved by Mrs. Rogers, seconded by Mr. Johnson, and FAILED (431 yeas, 569 nays, 0 abstentions, and 0 absent) to restore $30,000 from revenues and put it back into athletic capital improvement.

 

Voting yea were Ms. Burns, Mrs. Gardner, Mr. Harris, Mr. Johnson, Ms Najarian, and Mrs. Rogers.

 

Voting nay were Ms. Curry, Ms. Eliot, Mr. Feldman, Mr. Grotton, Mr. Rowe, Mrs. St. Laurent, Mrs. Stephens, and Mr. Steinert.

 

It was moved by Ms. Eliot and seconded by Mr. Feldman to add $35,000 to contingency, bringing it to a total of $285,000.

 

It was moved by Mrs. Rogers, seconded by Mrs. Gardner, and FAILED (421 yeas, 479 nays, 0 abstentions, and 0 absent) to add the entire remaining amount of $85,675 (after restoring $35,630 for the resource officer) to contingency.

 

Voting yea were Mrs. Gardner, Mr. Harris, Mr. Johnson, Mrs. Rogers, Mr. Rowe, and Mrs. Stephens.

 

Voting nay were Ms. Burns, Mrs. Curry, Ms. Eliot, Mr. Feldman, Mr. Grotton, Ms. Najarian, Mrs. St. Laurent, and Mr. Steinert.

 

Ms. Eliot’s original motion FAILED (69 yeas, 931 nays, 0 abstentions, and 0 absent).

 

                        Voting yea was Ms. Eliot.

 

Voting nay were Ms. Burns, Mrs. Curry, Mr. Feldman, Mrs. Gardner, Mr. Grotton, Mr. Harris, Mr. Johnson, Ms. Najarian, Mrs. Rogers, Mr. Rowe, Mrs. St. Laurent, Mrs. Stephens, and Mr. Steinert.

 

It was moved by Mrs. Rogers, seconded by Mr. Rowe, and VOTED (980 yeas, 220 nays, 0 abstentions, and 0 absent) that the remaining $85,675 be directed for local relief for taxes.

 

Voting yea were Mrs. Curry, Ms. Eliot, Mr. Feldman, Mrs. Gardner, Mr. Grotton, Mr. Johnson, Mrs. Rogers, Mr. Rowe, Mrs. St. Laurent, Mrs. Stephens, and Mr. Steinert.

 

Voting nay were Ms. Burns, Mr. Harris, and Ms. Najarian.

 

It was moved by Mr. Feldman, seconded by Mr. Steinert, and VOTED (unanimously) to approve a budget for FY ’05 in the amount of $32,178,438 to take to referendum.

 

6.2        To consider a warrant article for the budget referendum with regard to unanticipated State school subsidy

 

It was moved by Mr. Steinert, seconded by Mr. Feldman, and VOTED (unanimously) to approve warrant articles for the budget referendum as listed below, in the event the District receives additional State subsidy,   

 

ARTICLE XV:            TO REDUCE LOCAL OPTIONAL MONIES BY UNANTICIPATED STATE SCHOOL SUBSIDY

 

To see if the District will reduce the additional local appropriation raised pursuant to Maine Revised Statutes, Title 20-A, § 15614(3) for public schooling by 50% of the amount of any unanticipated State General Purpose Aid received for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2004 and ending June 30, 2005 (School Directors recommend a YES vote).

 

ARTICLE XVI:              TO SPEND ADDITIONAL UNANTICIPATED STATE SCHOOL SUBSIDY

 

To see if the District will authorize the Board of School Directors to expend in the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2004, and ending June 30, 2004, 50% of any unanticipated State School General Purpose Aid that it may receive for that fiscal year (School Directors recommend a YES vote).

 

6.3        To accept the resignation of Lisa King, Primary Functional Life Skills teacher at Bowdoin Central School, effective August 31, 2004

 

It was moved by Mr. Feldman, seconded by Mr. Steinert, and VOTED (unanimously) to accept the resignation of Lisa King, Primary Functional Skills teacher at Bowdoin Central School, effective August 31, 2004.

 

6.4        To consider a request for a leave of absence without pay from Richard Keen, Mt. Ararat High School art teacher, for the 2004-2005 academic year

 

It was moved by Mr. Feldman, seconded by Mrs. St. Laurent, and VOTED (933 yeas, 67 nays, 0 abstentions, and 0 absent) to approve a request for a leave of absence without pay from Richard Keen, Mt. Ararat High School art teacher, for the 2004-2005 academic year.

 

Voting yea were Ms. Burns, Ms. Eliot, Mr. Feldman, Mrs. Gardner, Mr. Grotton, Mr. Harris, Mr. Johnson, Ms. Najarian, Mrs. Rogers, Mr. Rowe, Mrs. St. Laurent, Mrs. Stephens, and Mr. Steinert.

 

Voting nay was Mrs. Curry.

 

6.5        To eliminate the .5 FTE position of Migrant Educator, effective April 26, 2004; to terminate Janet Connors’ contract as Migrant Educator  as of April 26, 2004; to create the position of Title I teacher for the period April 27-June 2, 2004; and to appoint Janet Connors to the position as of April 27, 2004

 

It was moved by Mr. Johnson, seconded by Mr. Steinert, and VOTED (unanimously) to eliminate the .5 FTE position of Migrant Educator, effective April 26, 2004; to terminate Janet Connors’ contract as Migrant Educator as of April 26, 2004; to create the position of Title I teacher for the period April 27-June 2, 2004; and to appoint Janet Connors to the position as of April 27, 2004.

 

6.6        To accept the resignation of Judith S. Stallworth, Assistant Superintendent of Schools, effective June 30, 2004

 

It was moved by Mr. Feldman, seconded by Mrs. Gardner, and VOTED (unanimously) to accept with regret the resignation of Judith S. Stallworth, Assistant Superintendent of Schools, effective June 30, 2004.

 

Superintendent Wilhelm noted that the District discovered a “gold mine” in Mrs. Stallworth when she was hired in 1993.  He expressed appreciation for all she’s done.  Mrs. Stallworth stated, “it’s been a pleasure.”  Mrs. Stephens indicated she’s been a delight to work with and expressed appreciation for her work with the Orion. 

 

Mrs. Gardner stated it is with sadness that she notes Mrs. Stallworth’s departure and that she will be greatly missed.  Mr. Steinert, as Chair of the Curriculum Committee, credited Mrs. Stallworth with doing most of the Committee’s work.  Ms. Eliot stated that a lot of knowledge will “walk out the door” with Mrs. Stallworth. 

 

Mrs. Stallworth received a standing ovation.

 

6.7        To consider the Superintendent’s recommendation to extend the administrator contracts of Otis Thompson and Sandra Trach for one year

 

It was moved by Mrs. Gardner, seconded by Mrs. Stephens, and VOTED (unanimously, of those present) to accept the Superintendent’s recommendation to extend the administrator contracts of Otis Thompson and Sandra Trach for one year.

 

6.8        To approve Ben Adams of Dresden as a tuition student at Mt. Ararat High School for the 2003-2004 school year

 

It was moved by Mr. Johnson, seconded by Mrs. Curry, and VOTED (unanimously, of those present) to approve Ben Adams of Dresden as a tuition student at Mt. Ararat High School for the 2003-2004 school year.

 

6.9            To approve a school calendar for 2004-2005

 

It was moved by Mr. Steinert, seconded by Mrs. Gardner, and VOTED (unanimously, of those present) to approve a school calendar for 2004-2005.

 

6.10           To approve a request from Andrew Smith, Woodside Elementary School 5th grade teacher, for an unpaid leave of absence for the remainder of the school year

 

It was moved by Mr. Johnson, seconded by Mrs. St. Laurent, and VOTED (unanimously, of those present) to approve a request from Andrew Smith, Woodside Elementary School 5th grade teacher, for an unpaid leave of absence for the remainder of the school year.

 

6.11           To approve a grant application to the U.S. Department of Education for a Small Learning Communities Grant

 

It was moved by Mrs. Gardner, seconded by Mrs. Rogers, and VOTED (unanimously) to approve a grant application to the U.S. Department of Education for a Small Learning Communities Grant.

 

…                    Mr. Feldman left the meeting at some point between discussion/action on Items 6.7 and 6.11.

 

 

7.            COMMITTEE REPORTS:

 

7.1               Curriculum Committee – Mr. Steinert noted that the Curriculum Committee will meet at 5:30 p.m. on May 13, 2004, for an update on the music curriculum.

 

7.2               Finance Committee – Ms. Najarian noted that a public hearing will be held at 6:00 prior to the May 27, 2004 Board meeting.

 

Mr. Harris thanked all participants in this year’s budget process.

 

8.            SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT:

 

8.1        Brunswick Area Student Aid Fund event – M.S.A.D. No. 75 Board members will participate as a group in the fund-raising event on May 8, 2004.

 

8.2        Meeting with Selectmen – Selectmen want to wait until after the Budget Referendum to meet again and only want to meet if a letter is received from each town, conveying that desire.

 

8.3        Correspondence – Town of Harpswell officials recently sent a letter of appreciation to the Bus Garage staff.

 

8.4        LD 1924-EPS – Superintendent Wilhelm reported on the effect on M.S.A.D. No. 75 of this proposed legislation.

 

9.                   ADJ0URNMENT:

 

The meeting was declared adjourned at 8:10 p.m.

 

 

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