PLEASE
NOTE THAT THE MINUTES WILL NOT BE FINAL UNTIL
THE
BOARD HAS APPROVED THEM AT ITS NEXT MEETING
May
10, 2007
The Board of Directors of
The following Directors were present: Robert W. Hill, Chairman; Maryane Burns;
Dorothy “Dee” Carrier; Dorothy Gardner; Sheila Havey; David A. Johnson; Donald
R. Russell; Rebekah Stimpson; Kim Totten; and Roland Tufts.
Not present were Jane Meisenbach, Andrea Najarian;
Joanne Rogers; and Gwen Thomas.
Also present were Sam Prindall and Sara Todd,
student representatives to the Board of Directors.
1. Call
to order
The
meeting was called to order by Chairman Hill 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
Linda Baker,
Mt. Ararat High School teacher and representing the school’s Gay &
Straight Alliance, related that on May 8th “Straight Day” disrupted
the educational process. Chairman Hill
will look into having this issue placed on the next Board meeting agenda.
Additions
to the agenda were noted, as follows:
5.1 To endorse
Dawn Prindall’s letter to the Commissioner regarding high school construction
5.2 To approve
the necessary resolution for the transfer of school property to the Town of
6.4a To accept
the resignation of Jody Surace, Woodside
Elementary School special education teacher, effective August 31, 2007
6.15 To approve
funds from contingency in the amount of $8,300 to cover the costs to renew the
Wastewater Overboard Discharge Permit for
√ Chairman
Hill added congratulations to the middle school for its production of “
3.1 RECOGNITIONS & ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:
√ MVR
10 Students of the Quarter
Ashley Thompson (Accounting)
Aaron Carrigan (Automotive Technology)
Lucas Knippa (Building Trades/Carpentry)
Sasha Labbay (Early Childhood Development)
Ashley Marquis (General Trades)
Josh
Desjardins (Metal Fabrication/Welding)
Mike Racine (Outdoor Power Equipment)
Brian Andaesen (Pre-Apprenticeship}
Nate Wallace (Commercial Arts)
Alex Titcomb (Building Trades/Masonry)
√ Eric
Pulsifer, Doreen Swanholm & Stacey Vannah – M.S.A.D.
No. 75 Big Carrot award for going above and beyond to promote health and
fitness
√ Carmen
Palmer & Mt. Ararat High School Math Team – Third in
State in Division A, fifth in State overall; in southern league: second in the Larger School Division, and
fourth overall
√ Connor Fitzsimmons, Tim Baker & Joshua
Lalonde – Chosen to participate on “2007
√ German
V students – Third place in Culture Bowl
√ Ryan
Freiberger, Sean Perkins, Erik Brooks, Jacob Wolkins & Megan Bryant – Placed in
top ten in State on American Association of German Teachers’ National German
exam
√ John
Brassil – Appointed to a one-year appointment as a member of
the College Board Advanced Placement English Language Development Committee
4. To
take action relative to accepting as printed the minutes of the April 19, 2007,
and April 26, 2007, regular meetings of the Board of Directors
Ms. Stimpson noted that she abstained from voting
on approval of the March 22, 2007,
minutes.
It was moved by Mrs. Carrier, seconded by Mrs.
Gardner, and VOTED (664 yeas, 0 nays, 67
abstentions, and 269 absent) to accept as printed the minutes of the April
19, 2007, regular meeting of the Board of Directors.
Voting yea were Ms. Burns, Mrs. Carrier, Mrs.
Gardner, Ms. Havey, Mr. Hill, Mr. Russell, Ms. Stimpson, Mrs. Totten, and Mr.
Tufts.
There were no nay votes.
Abstaining from voting was Mr. Johnson.
Absent were Mrs. Meisenbach, Ms. Najarian, Mrs.
Rogers, and Ms. Thomas.
It was noted that Elinor Multer’s presentation at
the April 26th meeting was not part of the Facilities Report. Instead, her remarks had been made under the
comments section of the agenda.
It was moved by Mrs. Carrier, seconded by Mr.
Johnson, and VOTED (unanimously) to
accept as amended the minutes of the April 26, 2007, regular meeting of the
Board of Directors.
5. OLD
BUSINESS:
5.1 To endorse
Dawn Prindall’s letter to the Commissioner regarding high school construction
It was moved by Mrs. Carrier, seconded by Mr.
Johnson, and VOTED (unanimously) to
endorse Dawn Prindall’s letter to the Commissioner regarding high school
construction.
5.2 To
approve the necessary resolution for the transfer of school property to the
Town of
It was moved by Mrs. Carrier, seconded by Mrs.
Gardner, and VOTED (unanimously) to
approve the necessary resolution for the transfer of school property to the
Town of
This action completes the process of transferring
the
6. NEW
BUSINESS:
6.1 To
accept the resignation of Nina Sylvia, high
school art teacher, effective at the conclusion of the 2006-2007 school year
It was moved by Mrs. Carrier,
seconded by Ms. Havey, and VOTED
(unanimously) to accept the resignation of Nina Sylvia, high school art teacher, effective at the conclusion
of the 2006-2007 school year.
6.2 To
accept the resignation of Anne Wallace, high
school life & physical science teacher, effective at the conclusion of the
2006-2007 school year
It was moved by Mr. Johnson, seconded
by Mr. Tufts, and VOTED (unanimously) to
accept the resignation of Anne Wallace, high
school life & physical science teacher, effective at the conclusion of the
2006-2007 school year.
6.3 To accept the resignation of Nancy Gilbert, high school special education teacher, effective at
the conclusion of the 2006-2007 school year
It was moved by Mr. Johnson, seconded
by Mrs. Carrier, and VOTED (unanimously)
to accept the resignation of Nancy
Gilbert, high school special education teacher, effective at the conclusion
of the 2006-2007 school year.
6.4 To
accept the resignation of Phil Kerber, middle
school alternative education teacher, effective at the conclusion of the
2006-2007 school year
It was moved by Ms. Burns, seconded
by Ms. Havey, and VOTED (unanimously) to
accept the resignation of Phil Kerber, middle
school alternative education teacher, effective at the conclusion of the
2006-2007 school year.
6.4a To accept
the resignation of Jody Surace, Woodside
Elementary School special education teacher, effective August 31, 2007
It was moved by Mrs. Carrier, seconded
by Mr. Johnson, and VOTED (654 yeas, 0
nays, 77 abstentions, and 269 absent) to accept the resignation of Jody Surace, Woodside Elementary School
special education teacher, effective August 31, 2007.
Voting yea were Ms. Burns, Mrs.
Carrier, Mrs. Gardner, Ms. Havey, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Russell, Ms. Stimpson, Mrs.
Totten, and Mr. Tufts.
There were
no nay votes.
Abstaining
from voting was Mr. Hill.
Absent were Mrs. Meisenbach, Ms.
Najarian, Mrs. Rogers, and Ms. Thomas.
6.5 To hear a presentation on a potential
pilot to support employee wellness
Superintendent Wilhelm asked that
this item be deferred until later in the meeting.
6.6 To
hear a proposal from Bill Fitzsimmons regarding creating a 501(3)c to support
the extracurricular program
Topsham resident Bill Fitzsimmons had
requested to make a presentation on the creation of a non-profit organization
to support the extracurricular program.
Board members had received his written presentation.
Mr. Fitzsimmons proposes targeting
businesses for annual donations to support his concept. He feels there’s a need and there are
resources to support his proposal, by utilizing one-time only, annual
solicitation of businesses. They would
not be asked to donate again that year to donate to further funding of school
activities. This would be a tax benefit
to businesses, and perhaps free advertising could be offered on printed
programs, with differing levels of donations dictating the amount of free
advertising. $20,000 would be his
first-year goal. He indicated that a
discussion with Craig King, Colin Roy, and the Superintendent was generally
favorable.
Mrs. Carrier asked whether Mr.
Fitzsimmons had presented his proposal with the Boosters. He responded that the Boosters don’t want to
enter into the proposal.
Mrs. Carrier presented a scenario in
which there was (for instance) no football program and a group wanted to
reinstate it, would the group have to go to Mr. Fitzsimmons to create a
program. He responded by stating that
the School Board is responsible for funding as it sees fit and that his funds
would be “extra” and for items not ordinarily funded by the Boar.
Chairman Hill foresees potential
conflict, with the involvement of District employees.
Mr. Fitzsimmons
felt that Dr. King and Dr. Wilhelm were supportive.
Superintendent Wilhelm suggested that
the comments made at the meeting are being characterized differently by Mr.
Fitzsimmons. Dr. Wilhelm clarified that
when the initial discussion was held, the concept had not been reduced to
paper. He also noted that questions had
been raised about individual sports not being able to fundraise independently.
Mr. Fitzsimmons conceded that perhaps
he is mis-characterizing that discussion.
Ms. Burns
spoke of the pressure placed on K-12 fund-raising efforts.
Mr. Johnson asked Mr. Fitzsimmons
what his motivation is, and he responded by saying he just wants to do it.
Mr. Johnson stated that Athletic
Director Colin Roy doesn’t support the concept.
He further noted that the Boosters distributes funding equitably and
that this new proposal would undercut other fund-raising efforts. Mr. Johnson remarked that each of his
children found it beneficial to be involved in raising money for the sports in
which they participated.
Superintendent Wilhelm related the
coaches’ perspective that they don’t want students out fundraising – but that
it is “team building” when they raise what they do.
Mrs.
Carrier fears that this will become political.
Mr. Fitzsimmons reiterated that he’s
not trying to compete with the Boosters, but reminded Board members that Mr.
Roy has a “wish” list. Mrs. Carrier
countered by saying that Mr. Roy does not want to become involved in the
concept.
Mrs. Totten indicated that she
doesn’t want groups to have to approach another Board for funding, fearing that
many small groups (such as drama) will be adversely affected.
Sam Prindall cautioned that it would
be foolish to discard the concept and urged the Board not to “throw away” the
idea.
Ms. Stimpson felt that putting
restrictions on others’ fund-raising efforts will bring down the concept.
Mr. Russell expressed his feeling
that the concept has merit but is a long way from being “approvable” and asked
who would do the actual physical work (of soliciting donations).
Mr. Fitzsimmons said he would and
that there’s a benefit to an annual campaign, admitting that the first year
would be hard, but that in succeeding years a follow-up letter could be sent.
In response to a question raised by
Chairman Hill, Mr. Fitzsimmons stated that his group would have no problem
coming under the “umbrella” of the District’s 501(3)c.
Superintendent Wilhelm stated that
the District’s organization has just signed incorporation papers.
Mr. Hill fears there’s the potential
for small groups to be excluded. Mr.
Fitzsimmons said it’s not his intent to exclude any but that his proposal is
directed toward program development.
Mr. Hill encouraged a stakeholders
meeting. Superintendent Wilhelm feels it
would be better for the District to host such a meeting.
When asked what his proposed timeline
is, Mr. Fitzsimmons stated he envisions a September start-up.
Ms. Burns
would support “fleshing out” this proposal.
Mrs. Gardner cautioned that the Board
should have nothing to do with alcohol, as the proposal had mentioned “social”
gatherings.
Sam Prindall admitted that “stepping
on toes” is scary and that “communication” will help further Mr. Fitzsimmons’
concept.
Superintendent Wilhelm will pull
together a meeting to further discuss the proposal.
6.7 To
authorize the Superintendent of Schools to enter into a follow-on agreement
with
It was moved by Mrs. Gardner,
seconded by Mr. Johnson, and VOTED
(unanimously of those present, as Mrs. Carrier was out of the room) to
authorize the Superintendent of Schools to enter into a follow-on agreement
with St. John’s Catholic School for the 2007-2008 school year and to authorize
a stipend for the Food Services Director for managing this extension of the
District’s Food Services Program.
6.8 To
appoint teachers to a second probationary contract for the 2007-2008 school
year
Chairman Hill asked whether any Board
member needed to abstain from voting on this item. It was moved by Ms. Burns, seconded by Mr.
Tufts, and VOTED (unanimously) to
appoint teachers to a second probationary contract for the 2007-2008 school
year, as follows:
Katie
Benner
Leslie
Byrne
Karen
Erdmann
Anna
Agell
Betty
Hartley
Krista
Varney
John
Wironen
Robin
Kroc
None
Lorrie
Gage
Jennifer
Pidgeon
Jan
Waite
Mark
Dugal
Beth
Lamberson
Claudia
McCorkle
Christy
Barbour
Laurie
Ovadia
Anita
Jerosch
Erika
McKenney
Jason
Knight
Laurie
Ovadia
Courtney
Reichert
Rebecca
Sargent
Catherine
Sleeman
Cindy
Brown Smith
Emily
Vail
6.9
To appoint teachers to a third and continuing
contract for the 2007-2008 school year
Chairman Hill asked whether any Board
member needed to abstain from voting on this item. It was moved by Mrs. Carrier, seconded by Ms.
Havey, and VOTED (unanimously) to
appoint teachers to a third and continuing contract for the 2007-2008 school
year, as follows:
DeeAnn
Cornelison
Karen
Nesbitt-Collin
Sandra
Garner
Amanda
Alexander-Hart
Rebecca
West
Doreen
Young
None
Jennifer
Lamson-Laplume
Lennie
Mullaney
None
Amber
Gervais
Elinor
Goodwin
Danielle
Hall
Jill
Heuss
Chris
Lajoie
Tracy
Doviak
Rebecca
Roberts
Lexine
Mainwaring
Heather
Meehan
Douglas
Ware
The Center (District-wide)
Lauren
Radovich
6.10 To approve a Technology Plan for M.S.A.D.
No. 75
Technology Director Mike Baker noted
that the State requires school districts to have in place a three-year technology
plan. Board members had received a copy
of the Plan.
It was moved by Mrs. Gardner,
seconded by Mrs. Gardner, and VOTED
(unanimously) to approve a Technology Plan for M.S.A.D. No. 75.
6.11 To
authorize the School Lunch Program to increase the price of the Type A lunch
from $1.75 to $2.00 for all elementary schools and from $2.00 to $2.25 at the
middle and high schools, and to increase the price of the adult Type A lunch
from $3.00 to $3.50, effective for the 2007-2008 school year
It was moved by Mrs. Carrier,
seconded by Ms. Havey, and VOTED
(unanimously) to authorize the School Lunch Program to increase the price
of the Type A lunch from $1.75 to $2.00 for all elementary schools and from
$2.00 to $2.25 at the middle and high schools, and to increase the price of the
adult Type A lunch from $3.00 to $3.50, effective for the 2007-2008 school
year, with the proviso that Food Services Director Moe St. Pierre will present a report mid-way through the 2007-2008
year relative to whether free or reduced-price meal participation has
increased.
6.12
To approve submission of a grant application to the
Libra Foundation to fund an arts residency
It was moved by Mrs. Carrier,
seconded by Mr. Johnson, and VOTED
(unanimously) to approve submission of a grant application to the Libra
Foundation to fund an arts residency.
6.13 To approve
submission for renewal of the Healthy
It was moved by Mr. Tufts, seconded
by Mrs. Carrier, and VOTED (unanimously)
to approve submission for renewal of the Healthy
6.13
To appoint Angela
Green as special education teacher at
It was moved by Mr. Tufts, seconded
by Mr. Johnson, and VOTED (unanimously) to
appoint Angela Green as special
education teacher at West Harpswell School for the 2007-2008 contract year, at Master’s, Step 9.
6.15 To approve
funds from contingency in the amount of $8,300 to cover the costs to renew the
Wastewater Overboard Discharge Permit for
Director of Facilities & Projects
Chris Shaw presented this request and answered Board members’ questions.
It was moved by Mrs. Carrier,
seconded by Mr. Johnson, and VOTED
(unanimously) to approve funds from contingency in the amount of $8,300 to
cover the costs to renew the Wastewater Overboard Discharge Permit for
7. COMMITTEE
REPORTS:
7.1 Policy
Committee – Proposed technology policies discussed at the Policy Committee
meeting prior to this evening’s Board meeting will be presented for a first
reading at the May 23rd Board meeting. The Superintendent will prepare a Q & A
fact sheet on the policies.
7.2 Curriculum
Committee – Mr. Hill reported that the Curriculum Committee met on May 2nd
to discuss alternatives to the
7.3 Meeting with Association – This
meeting was scheduled for May 21st.
7.4 Consolidation
– Superintendent Wilhelm presented a brief update.
6.5
To hear a presentation on a potential pilot to
support employee wellness
Superintendent Wilhelm has been
meeting for about a year with three other districts and Anthem to develop a
proposal to support employee wellness.
He indicated that private companies doing something similar would usually
see a reduction in premiums.
The pilot would provide health
“coaches” to support individual employees who had identified health issues
needing monitoring (blood pressure, BMI, smoking, exercise, etc.). It would be expected that employee absenteeism
would be reduced.
Anthem doesn’t provide claims
experience, which would enable the
District
to solicit bids from other insurance providers.
The District would need 85%
participation of all employees in order to become involved in the pilot. Dr. Wilhelm noted that when the group last
met, they agreed each would see if administration could garner bargaining unit
support.
Chairman Hill asked if there would be
special space requirements, and Superintendent Wilhelm said this would not be
necessary.
Ms. Stimpson asked whether staff had
been approached regarding their potential support.
Superintendent Wilhelm indicated he
had met with the Association’s Executive Board and received the consensus to
proceed.
Mrs. Carrier expressed concerns about
the cost of $180 to the District for each employee who wants to participate.
Superintendent Wilhelm stressed the
need to provide an incentive for employees to improve their health.
8. SUPERINTENDENT’S
REPORT:
8.1 501(3)c – As noted earlier, the
District has signed incorporation papers.
8.2 Consolidation update – presented
earlier
9. ADJOURNMENT:
The meeting was adjourned at 8:20 p.m.
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