PLEASE NOTE THAT THE MINUTES WILL NOT BE FINAL UNTIL

THE BOARD HAS APPROVED THEM AT ITS NEXT MEETING.

 

June 8, 2006

 

The Board of Directors of Maine School Administrative District No. 75 held a regular meeting at Mt. Ararat High School on Thursday, June 8, 2006.

 

The following Directors were present:  Joanne Rogers, Chair; Maryane Burns; Dorothy “Dee” Carrier; Marie Dickson; Dorothy Gardner; Robert W. Hill; David A. Johnson; Jane Meisenbach; Andrea Najarian; Jeffrey Rowe; Jeffrey Steinert; Kim Totten; and Roland Tufts.

 

Also present were Tasha Cornish and Sara Todd, student representatives to the Board of Directors.

 

Not present was Gwen Thomas.

 

1.         Call to order

 

            The meeting was called to order by Chairman Rogers at 6:30 p.m.

 

2.        Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag

 

            The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was recited by those present.

 

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:

 

4.      Table action on minutes

 

3.1      RECOGNITIONS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:

 

         Welcome Gwen Thomas – new Board member from Bowdoin

 

         Jeff Rowe – In recognition of three years of service representing Bowdoinham on the M.S.A.D. No. 75 Board of Directors

 

         Sandy Trach, Woodside Elementary School Principal – Published in From the Playroom, a publication of the Children’s Institute, Inc.

 

         Mt. Ararat Girls Track Team –2nd place in the KVAC Track Championship

 

         Krystal Douglas – KVAC 1st place in the 1,600 meter and 3,200 meter

 

 

         Vantiel Duncan – KVAC 1st place in girls shot put and 2nd place in discus

 

         Ali Reese – KVAC 2nd place in shot put

 

         Erica Woods, Krystal Douglas, Megan St. Laurent and Kayla Morong – KVAC 1st place in the 4x800 relay

 

         Mt. Ararat Boys Track Team – 3rd place at the KVAC Track Championship

 

         Kurt Prescott – KVAC 1st place in the triple jump

 

         Caleb Levesque – KVAC 1st place and league record in the 800 meter

 

         Ryan Farrar, Raleigh Swan, Matt Swan and Caleb Levesque – KVAC 1st place in 4x800 relay

 

         Ryan Farrar, Kurt Prescott, Caleb Levesque and Will Perry – KVAC 2nd place in 4x400 relay

 

         Raleigh Swan – KVAC 2nd place in the 1,600 meter

 

         Eric Bowie, Will Hirnak, Jamie McCracken and Gabe Pelletier, Woodside Elementary School “Back at You” Destination Imagination Team—15th of 52 teams at the Global Competition

 

         Nan Hinds {Bowdoinham Community School literacy teacher}; Linda Libby {High School foreign language teacher}; Lance Libby {Bowdoinham Community School fourth grade teacher}; Jan Bohlin {High School math teacher}; Jean Weatherbee {Woodside Elementary School Occupational Therapist}; Donna Nunnally {Harpswell Islands School third grade teacher}; Marge Schlaack {Mt. Ararat Middle School sixth grade teacher}; and Doug Rollins {High School Social Studies teacher} – In recognition of their dedication and service to the children of M.S.A.D. No. 75 on their retirement

 

These retirees were recognized for their years of service to the District, and the Board of Directors hosted a brief reception for them.

 

4.        To take action relative to accepting as printed the minutes of the May 25, 2006, {regular} and May 31, 2006 {special} meetings of the Board of Directors

 

It was moved by Mrs. Rogers, seconded by Mr. Hill, and VOTED (unanimously) to table action on the minutes of the May 25, 2006 {regular} and May 31, 2006 {special} meetings of the Board of Directors.

 

 

5.        OLD BUSINESS:

 

5.1      To undertake a second reading and approve Learning Results policies as follows:

 

         Policy on Standards and Assessment IG

         Promotion and Retention of Students IKE

         Basic Educational Program & Basic Instructional Program Secondary IGA

         Pupils Graduation Exercises IKFB

         Equivalent Instruction Through Home Instruction IHBGA

 

It was moved by Mrs. Gardner, seconded by Mr. Johnson, and VOTED (unanimously) to undertake a second reading and approve Learning Results policies as listed above.

 

5.2      To undertake a second reading and approve Wellness Policies AEA

 

It was moved by Mr. Johnson, seconded by Mr. Tufts, and VOTED (unanimously) to undertake a second reading and approve Wellness Policies AEA.

 

6.        NEW BUSINESS:

 

6.1      To transfer Marybeth Latti from the position of Middle School Learning Center teacher to the position of 7th grade math

 

It was moved by Mr. Steinert, seconded by Mr. Johnson, and VOTED (unanimously) to transfer Marybeth Latti from the position of Middle School Learning Center teacher to the position of 7th grade math.

 

6.2      To appoint Nancy Baker Miller to the .6 FTE special education social work position at Mt. Ararat Middle School

 

It was moved by Mrs. Carrier, seconded by Mr. Johnson, and VOTED (unanimously) to appoint Nancy Baker Miller to the .6 FTE special education social work position at Mt. Ararat Middle School.

 

            6.3      To appoint Tom Millay to the position of 8th grade language arts

 

It was moved by Mr. Johnson, seconded by Mrs. Gardner, and VOTED (unanimously) to appoint Tom Millay to the position of 8th grade language arts.

 

 

6.4      To appoint Nan Rubin to the position of speech pathologist at Mt. Ararat Middle School, effective September 1, 2006, at CAS, Step 20

 

It was moved by Mr. Johnson, seconded by Mr. Tufts, and VOTED (unanimously) to appoint Nan Rubin to the position of speech pathologist at Mt. Ararat Middle School, effective September 1, 2006, at CAS, Step 20.

 

6.5      To appoint Mimi Sorg, high school special education social worker, to the position of general education social worker at Mt. Ararat High School

 

            It was moved by Mr. Steinert, seconded by Mr. Johnson, and VOTED (unanimously) to appoint Mimi Sorg, high school special education social worker, to the position of general education social worker at Mt. Ararat High School.

 

6.6      To transfer John Evans from a District-wide full-time social worker position to a full-time high school social worker position

 

It was moved by Mr. Hill, seconded by Mr. Johnson, and VOTED (unanimously) to transfer John Evans from a District-wide full-time social worker position to a full-time high school social worker position.

 

6.7      To consider a request from Erika Stump, high school English teacher, for a leave of absence without pay for the 2006-2007 school year

 

It was moved by Mrs. Gardner, seconded by Mr. Tufts, and VOTED (unanimously) to approve a request from Erika Stump, high school English teacher, for a leave of absence without pay for the 2006-2007 school year.

 

Mr. Johnson suggested that the Policy Committee look at the issue of leaves of absence, indicating he would like to hear from administrators their thoughts surrounding granting such requests. 

 

6.8      To accept the resignation of Jennifer Davis, Williams-Cone School 1st grade teacher, effective August 31, 2006

           

It was moved by Mrs. Carrier, seconded by Mr. Tufts, and VOTED (unanimously) to accept the resignation of Jennifer Davis, Williams-Cone School 1st grade teacher, effective August 31 2006.

 

 

6.9      To convert the vacant .5 FTE foreign language position at Mt. Ararat Middle School to a .25 FTE Health position and a .25 FTE Art position

 

It was moved by Mr. Hill, seconded by Mr. Johnson, and VOTED (unanimously) to convert the vacant .5 FTE foreign language position at Mt. Ararat Middle School to a .25 FTE Health position and a .25 FTE Art position.

 

6.10    To accept a proposal from John Wasileski regarding the exchange of property owned by M.S.A.D. No. 75 for property owned by The Highlands and other considerations

 

Superintendent Wilhelm announced that an agreement has been reached on this issue.  An exchange of the two pieces of property will be executed, allowing for expansion of the ball fields.  The Highlands will maintain the emergency access currently in place.  M.S.A.D. No. 75 will incur no liability for costs associated with any sewer upgrades.  The Highlands will make a donation to the District in the amount of $67,500.  The Mt. Ararat High School Golf Team will have continued use of the Highland Green course.

 

Mrs. Carrier noted that in the warrant she signed tonight, there was an expenditure to the Highland Green for golf team expenses.  She asked for clarification on what this was for, assuming that no expenses would be incurred by the team.  {Inquiries into this revealed that the payment to the Highland Green golf course was for supplies that were purchased from the shop for use by the high school golf team.  No fees have ever been levied to the Team for use of the course.}

 

It was moved by Mr. Hill, seconded by Mr. Tufts, and VOTED (854 yeas, 0 nays, 77 abstentions, and 69 absent) to accept a proposal from John Wasileski regarding the exchange of property owned by M.S.AD. No. 75 for property owned by The Highlands and other considerations, with the modification suggested {as outlined above, consisting of Mrs. Carrier’s inquiry}.

 

Voting yea were Ms. Burns, Mrs. Carrier, Mrs. Gardner, Mr. Hill, Mr. Johnson, Mrs. Meisenbach, Ms. Najarian, Mrs. Rogers, Mr. Rowe, Mr. Steinert, Mrs. Totten, and Mr. Tufts.

 

There were no nay votes.

 

Abstaining from voting was Mrs. Dickson.

 

Absent was Mrs. Thomas.

 

6.11    To approve a revenue anticipation note for fiscal year 2006-2007 in the amount of $1,700,000 as described in the formal vote, Exhibit 6.11 {correction noted}

 

            It was moved by Mr. Steinert, seconded by Mr. Johnson, and VOTED (unanimously) to approve a revenue anticipation note for fiscal year 2006-2007 in the amount of $1,700,000 as described in the formal vote, Exhibit 6.11, as follows:

 

(1)       That under and pursuant to Title 20-A, Section 1311 of the Maine Revised Statutes, as amended and supplemented, there be and hereby is authorized the issuance of up to $1,700,000 principal amount of Temporary Notes of the District for paying current operating expenses of the District for the 2006-2007 fiscal year, which amount is reasonably required to meet current operating expenses.

 

(2)       The Notes shall be dated July 3, 2006, shall mature on June 29, 2007, shall be signed by the Treasurer and countersigned by the Chairman of the Board of School Directors, shall bear interest at the rate of 3.84% per annum, shall be payable at TD Banknorth, N.A., and otherwise be in such form and bear such details as the signers may determine.

 

(3)       The Notes are hereby sold and awarded to TD Banknorth, N.A.

 

(4)       The Notes are hereby designated qualified tax-exempt obligations of the District for the 2006 calendar year pursuant to the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.

 

(5)       That all things heretofore done and all action heretofore taken by the District, its officers and agents in the authorization of said Notes are hereby ratified, approved and confirmed and the Treasurer and Chairman of the Board of School Directors are each hereby authorized to take any and all action necessary or convenient to carry out the provisions of this voting, including delivering said Notes against payment therefor.

 

6.12    To approve the District Office Staff Wage and Benefits Schedule for fiscal year 2006-2007

 

It was moved by Mrs. Carrier, seconded by Mr. Tufts, and VOTED (unanimously) to approve the District Office Staff Wage and Benefits Schedule for fiscal year 2006-2007.

 

6.13    To extend the contracts of the following school principals for one year:

 

         Don Baker, Assistant Principal, Mt. Ararat Middle School

         Brenda Brown, Principal, Mt. Ararat Middle School

         Donna Brunette, Assistant Principal, Mt. Ararat Middle School

         Richard Dedek, Assistant Principal, Woodside Elementary School

         Michael Estes, .5 FTE Principal, West Harpswell School

         Brenda French, .5 FTE Principal, Harpswell Islands School, and .5 FTE Special Education Administrator

         Don Gray, Assistant Principal, Mt. Ararat High School

         George Jenkins, Principal, Bowdoin Central School

         Diane Stahl, Principal, Bowdoinham Community School

         Otis Thompson, Principal, Williams-Cone School

         Sandra Trach, Principal, Woodside Elementary School

 

It was moved by Mrs. Carrier, seconded by Mr. Steinert, and VOTED (unanimously) to extend the contracts of the above-listed school principals for one year.

 

6.14    To approve two-year contracts for the following school principals:

 

         Craig King, Principal, Mt. Ararat High School

         Britton Wolfe, Assistant Principal, Mt. Ararat High School

 

It was moved by Mr. Tufts, seconded by Mr. Steinert, and VOTED (unanimously) to approve two-year contracts for the above-listed school principals.

 

7.         COMMITTEE REPORTS:

 

7.1       Facilities Committee – Facilities Director Doug Stevens reported that the Facilities Committee met on May 31st and heard a proposal to construct a 16x20 shed for storage use by the Orion.  The Committee also heard the Bowdoin Recreation Committee’s request to construct two baseball fields on Bowdoin Central School’s soccer field.  One would be utilized for T-ball, the other for softball.  This will not interfere with the soccer program.  The Recreation Committee has a cadre of volunteers and some donated materials.

 

It was moved by Mrs. Gardner, seconded by Mrs. Carrier, and VOTED (unanimously) to authorize the Bowdoin Recreation Committee to proceed {as outlined above} with plans to construct two baseball fields on the soccer field at Bowdoin Central School.

 

 

7.2      Technology Integration Committee – Assistant Superintendent Sally Loughlin reported on the June 1st meeting.

 

7.3      M.S.A.D. No. 75 Harpswell Withdrawal Committee – Mrs. Rogers reported on the May 30th joint meeting, where the Board’s committee had made a proposal that the Board would look at a proposal wherein the District would entertain running the Harpswell schools if the Withdrawal Committee would bring to the table a proposal showing that the Town would run them.  Mrs. Rogers expressed her surprise at learning that the Harpswell Withdrawal Committee had forwarded to the Commissioner of Education an “agreement,” on which neither the Board nor the joint committee had voted. 

 

Mr. Rowe asked what has been communicated to the Commissioner.  Superintendent Wilhelm noted that Commissioner Susan Gendron has been informed that nothing has been agreed upon (no vote taken by the Committee or the Board) and that the negotiations are not at an “impasse.”  She had been willing to consider an extension with mediation.

 

8.        SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT:

 

8.1      Bullying policy – The District must have such a policy in place by September 1.   A Policy Committee meeting will be scheduled to address that and the leaves of absence policy.

 

8.2      June 22nd Board meeting – Superintendent Wilhelm stated that a review of the Board’s goals and how the District has met them will be an agenda item for this meeting.

 

8.3            Graduation – Graduation will be held at 1:00 on Sunday, June 11th .

 

8.4            Mt. Ararat Middle School mediation – The District had thought that it would be scheduled for the first week in August, but it will now be put off until September.

 

8.5            Superintendent’s evaluation – Forms were distributed for Board members to assess the Superintendent’s performance this past year.

 

8.6            Election of Chair and Vice-Chair – This will appear on the June 22nd agenda.  With Jeff Steinert’s resignation from the Board, thought must be given to the process of the Towns’ taking turns in Board leadership roles.  {A Topsham representative was to have served as Chair of the Board for 2006-2007.}

 

8.7      Tabor – Superintendent Wilhelm has been asked by Ron Barker of MSMA to address the Citizens United (anti-Tabor coalition) and speak against the Tabor Initiative.  There was no objection from Board members for Dr. Wilhelm to do this.

 

9.        ADJOURNMENT:

 

The meeting was adjourned at 7:52 p.m.  The Board then met in workshop session with the Topsham Board of Selectmen at the Topsham Public Library.

 

/bb/minutes682006