PLEASE NOTE THAT THE MINUTES WILL NOT BE FINAL UNTIL

THE BOARD HAS APPROVED THEM AT ITS NEXT MEETING.

 June 7, 2007

 

The Board of Directors of Maine School Administrative District No. 75 held a regular meeting at Mt. Ararat High School on June 7, 2007.

 

The following Directors were present:  Robert W. Hill, Chairman; Maryane Burns; Dorothy “Dee” Carrier; Dorothy Gardner; Sheila Havey; David A. Johnson; Jane Meisenbach; Andrea Najarian; Joanne Rogers; Donald R. Russell; Gwen Thomas; Kim Totten; and Roland Tufts.  Also present was Sara Todd, student representative to the Board of Directors.

 

Not present was Rebekah Stimpson. 

 

Also absent was Sam Prindall, student representative to the Board of Directors.

 

Assistant Superintendent Sally Loughlin was present, in the absence of Superintendent Michael Wilhelm.

 

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

 

            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

 

            Ø         Chairman Hill will share compliments extended to Bree Candland.

 

            Ø         An item relative to graduation will be addressed.

 

Ø         Item 4 will be tabled.

 

Ø         School health awards will be presented.

 

3.1       RECOGNITIONS & ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

 

Ø         Mike Hill – State Champion, Men’s Tennis (singles)

 

Ø         Moe St. Pierre, Food Service Director – Certified at Level III by the School Nutrition Association

 

Ø         Diane Stahl – Recognized by the Maine Parent Federation for her exemplary work with children

 

Ø         Brenda Brown; Brenda French; Craig King; George Jenkins; Diane Stahl; Michael Estes; Sandy Trach & Otis Thompson – Excellence in Coordinated School Health Award in recognition of commitment and leadership to Quality School Climate in M.S.A.D. No. 75 schools

 

Ø         Christopher Shaw – Excellence in Coordinated School Health Award in recognition of commitment and leadership to Quality Physical Environment in M.S.A.D. No. 75 schools

 

Robin Brooks, Topsham resident, read a statement relative to her concerns about the “Stay on Track” program being introduced at Mt. Ararat Middle School, in which she expressed her strong opposition to the introduction of the program.

 

Chairman Hill thanked Ms. Brooks and recognizing that this evening is not the time to discuss or evaluate the program, offered her an opportunity to meet with Middle School Principal Brenda Brown and Assistant Superintendent Sally Loughlin.

 

Chairman Hill shared a communication from a parent commending Bree Candland for her motivation of students and promotion of service learning.

 

4.         To take action relative to accepting as printed the minutes of the May 10, 2007 and May 23, 2007 regular meetings of the Board of Directors

 

            The Chair had tabled this item.

 

5.         OLD BUSINESS:

 

5.1       To undertake a second reading and approval of policies:

 

BEA-School Board Use of Electronic Mail

EGAD-Copyright Compliance

EGAD-Rule-Copyright Compliance Administrative Procedure

GCSA-Employee Computer and Internet Use

GCSA-Rule-Employee Computer and Internet Use Rules

IJNDB-Student Computer and Internet Use “Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA)”

IJNDB-Rule-Student Computer and Internet Use Rules

EC-School and Athletic Facilities Policy

JHCDA-Food Allergies Policy

 

It was moved by Mrs. Rogers, seconded by Mr. Johnson, and VOTED (unanimously) to undertake a second reading and approve policies, listed below:

 

                        BEA-School Board Use of Electronic Mail

                        EGAD-Copyright Compliance

                        EGAD-Rule-Copyright Compliance Administrative Procedure

                        GCSA-Employee Computer and Internet Use

                        GCSA-Rule-Employee Computer and Internet Use

IJNDB-Student Computer and Internet Use “Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA)”

                        IJNDB-Rule-Student Computer and Internet Use Rules

                        EC-School and Athletic Facilities Policy

                        JHCDA-Food Allergies Policy

 

6.         NEW BUSINESS:

 

6.1       To appoint Sandra Bickford to a first-year probationary contract to the position of Technology Education teacher at Mt. Ararat Middle School, at Bachelor’s, Step 4, for the 2007-2008 school year

 

It was moved by Mrs. Carrier, seconded by Mrs. Gardner, and V OTED (unanimously) to appoint Sandra Bickford to a first-year probationary contract to the position of Technology Education teacher at Mt. Ararat Middle School, at Bachelor’s, Step 4, for the 2007-2008 school year.

 

6.2       To appoint Ryan Patrie to a first-year probationary contract to the position of Grade 4 teacher at Bowdoinham Community School, at Bachelor’s +15, Step 4, for the 2007-2008 school year

 

            It was moved by Mrs. Carrier, seconded by Mr. Johnson, and VOTED (unanimously) to appoint Ryan Patrie to a first-year probationary contract to the position of Technology Education teacher at Mt. Ararat Middle School, at Bachelor’s +15, Step 4, for the 2007-2008 school year.

 

6.3       To appoint Heather Meehan to a continuing contract to the position of Special Education teacher at Mt. Ararat High School, at Bachelor’s + 15, Step 2, for the 2007-2008 school year

 

            It was moved by Mrs. Gardner, seconded by Mrs. Totten, and VOTED (unanimously) to appoint Heather Meehan to a continuing contract to the position of Special Education teacher at Mt. Ararat High School, at Bachelor’s +15, Step 2, for the 2007-2008 school year.

 

6.4       To appoint Amy D’Anna Viara to a first-year probationary contract to the position of English teacher at Mt. Ararat High School, at Bachelor’s (correction noted) +15, Step 2, for the 2007-2008 school year

 

It was moved by Mrs. Carrier, seconded by Mr. Johnson, and VOTED (unanimously) to appoint Amy D’Anna Viara to a first-year probationary contract to the position of English teacher at Mt. Ararat High School, at Bachelor’s +15, Step 2, for the 2007-2008 school year.

 

6.5       To appoint Matthew Lunt to a first-year probationary contract to the position of Alternative Education teacher at Mt. Ararat Middle School, at Bachelor’s +15, Step 2, for the 2007-2008 school year

 

It was moved by Mrs. Rogers, seconded by Mrs. Carrier, and VOTED (unanimously) to appoint Matthew Lunt to a first-year probationary contract to the position of Alternative Education teacher at Mt. Ararat Middle School, at Bachelor’s +15, Step 2, for the 2007-2008 school year.

 

6.6.      To appoint Alison Adams to a second probationary contract to the position of Foreign Language teacher at Mt. Ararat Middle School, at Bachelor’s, Step 2, for the 2007-2008 school year

 

            It was moved by Mrs. Rogers, seconded by Mr. Johnson, and VOTED (unanimously) to appoint Alison Adams to a second probationary contract to the position of Foreign Language teacher at Mt. Ararat Middle School, at Bachelor’s, Step 2, for the 2007-2008 school year.

 

6.7       To appoint Alisa Long to a first-year probationary contract to the position of Physical Science teacher at Mt. Ararat High School, at Master’s, Step 4, for the 2007-2008 school year

 

It was moved by Mrs. Carrier, seconded by Mrs. Gardner, and VOTED (unanimously) to appoint Alisa Long to a first-year probationary contract to the position of Physical Science teacher at Mt. Ararat High School, at Master’s, Step 4, for the 2007-2008 school year.

 

6.8       To transfer Helene McGlauflin to the position of Guidance Counselor at Woodside Elementary School, effective August 31, 2007

 

It was moved by Mr. Johnson, seconded by Mrs. Gardner, and VOTED (unanimously) to transfer Helene McGlauflin to the position of Guidance Counselor at Woodside Elementary School, effective August 31, 2007.

 

6.9       To appoint Rick Dedek to the position of half-time Elementary Special Education Coordinator for the term of September 1, 2007 to June 30, 2008 at an annual salary of $30,000 (prorated) and to terminate his .5 FTE teaching contract, effective August 30, 2007

 

            It was moved by Mrs. Gardner, seconded by Mrs. Totten, and VOTED (unanimously) to appoint Rick Dedek to the position of half-time Elementary Special Education Coordinator for the term of September 1, 2007 to June 30, 2008 at an annual salary of $30,000 (prorated) and to terminate his .5 FTE teaching contract, effective August 30, 2007.

 

6.10     To adjust the principal position of Brenda French, Harpswell Islands School principal, to .6 FTE and to appoint her to the position of .4 FTE special education teacher at Harpswell Islands School, at Master’s +15, Step 17 (prorated)

 

It was moved by Mrs. Rogers, seconded by Mrs. Carrier, and VOTED (unanimously) to adjust the principal position of Brenda French, Harpswell Islands School principal, to .6 FTE and to appoint her to the position of .4 FTE special education teacher at Harpswell Islands School, at Master’s +15, Step 17 (prorated), and to extend, as adjusted, her contract for one year (added to wording of original agenda item).

 

6.11     To extend the contracts of the school principals and assistant principals by one year

            It was moved by Mrs. Rogers, seconded by Mrs. Gardner, and VOTED (unanimously) to extend the contracts of the school principals and assistant principals by one year, as follows:

 

            Don Baker, Middle School Assistant Principal

            Brenda Brown, Middle School Principal

            Donna Brunette, Middle School Assistant Principal

            Richard Dedek, .5 FTE Woodside School Assistant (correction noted) Principal

            Michael Estes, .5 FTE West Harpswell School Principal

            Don Gray, High School Assistant Principal

            George Jenkins, Bowdoin Central School Principal

            Craig King, High School Principal

            Diane Stahl, Bowdoinham Community School Principal

            Otis Thompson, Williams-Cone School Principal

            Sandy Trach, Woodside School Principal

            Britton Wolfe, High School Assistant Principal

 

6.12     To approve salaries and extend the contracts of District administrators

 

It was moved Mr. Tufts, seconded by Mrs. Carrier, and VOTED (unanimously) to approve salaries and extend the contracts of District administrators, as follows:

 

                        Michael Baker, Technology Director, 2.2% increase

                        William Congdon, Elementary Technology Coordinator, 2.2% increase

                        Casey Couture, Technology Systems, 2.2% increase

                        Shelley Doody, Accountant, 2.2% increase

                        Tanji Johnston, Middle School Special Education Coordinator, 2.2% increase

                        Karen Koulovatos, Human Resources Director, 2.2% increase

                        Ron Lavender, Business Manager, 2.2% increase

                        John Lowell, Adult Education Counselor, 2.2% increase

                        Diana McCain, Adult Education Director, 2.2% increase

                        Ben Menair, High School Technology Coordinator, 2.2% increase

                        Patrick Moore, Special Education Director, $88,695 (2.9% increase)

                        Michael Nelson, Middle School Technology Coordinator, 2.2% increase

                        Alison Pols, High School Special Education Coordinator, 2.2% increase

                        Colin Roy, High School Athletic Director. 2.4% increase

                        Maurice St. Pierre, Food Services Director, 2.4% increase

                        Sue Shaw, Orion Manager, 2.2% increase

                        Karen Tilbor, Dean of Post-Secondary Planning, $51,294 (3% increase)

 

6.13     To consider a request for a one-year leave of absence from Jonathan Beede, Mt. Ararat Middle School 7th grade teacher, for the 2007-2008 school year

 

Mr. Beede’s arrival had been delayed, so this item was delayed until later in the meeting.

 

6.14     To consider any Board interest in a nomination to the Board of Directors of the Maine School Boards Association

 

                        No Board members expressed interest in a nomination to the Board of                                               Directors of the Maine School Boards Association.

 

6.15     To approve a revenue anticipation note for fiscal year 2007-2008 in the amount of $2,150,000 as described in the formal vote, Exhibit 6.15

 

Business Manager Ron Lavender reported that four bids had been received, with interest rates ranging from 4.19% to 3.76%.  The bid submitted by Maine Bank & Trust has been reviewed by bond counsel and is acceptable.

 

It was moved by Mrs. Carrier, seconded by Mrs. Rogers, and VOTED (unanimously) to approve a revenue anticipation note for fiscal year 2007-2008 in the amount of $2,150,000 as described in the formal vote, Exhibit 6.15 {[presented below},

 

(1)        That under and pursuant to Title 20-A, Section 1311 of the Maine Revised Statues, as amended and supplemented, there be and hereby is authorized the issuance of up to $2,150,000 principal amount of Temporary Notes of the District for paying current operating expenses of the District for the 2007/2008 fiscal year, which amount is reasonably required to meet current operating expenses.

 

(2)        The Notes shall be dated July 2, 2007, shall mature on June 30, 2008, shall be signed by the Treasurer and countersigned by the Chairman of the Board of School Directors, shall bear interest at the rate of 3.76% per annum, shall be payable at Maine Bank & Trust and otherwise be in such form and bear such details as the signers may determine.

 

(3)        The Notes are hereby sold and awarded to Maine Bank & Trust.

 

(4)        The Notes are hereby designated qualified tax exempt obligations of the District for the 2007 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 therefore.

 

6.16     To consider changes to the Middle School Leadership Team configuration

 

Principal Brenda Brown and Assistant Principal Donna Brunette noted that one a recommendation of the CSR site review was to restructure the Leadership Team configuration, due to fluctuating enrollments. 

 

A draft proposal was presented to the Board, and Ms. Brown noted that the technology job description was missing from the packet.  She presented an overview of the revised goals of the CSR grant.

 

After discussing whether the proposed stipended positions need to be negotiated, Mrs. Rogers stated her preference to have any action deferred until the June 21st meeting.

 

6.17     To reduce the contract of Allison Chapman, elementary music teacher, by .1 FTE

It was moved by Mrs. Carrier, seconded by Mr. Johnson, and VOTED (unanimously) to reduce the contract of Allison Chapman, elementary music teacher, by .1 FTE.

 

6.18     High School Principal Craig King told the Board that an expelled student has requested permission to attend graduation.  The student will be with family.

 

It was moved by Mrs. Rogers, seconded by Mrs. Gardner and VOTED (865 yeas, 0 nays, 69 abstentions, and 66 absent) to allow the above-referenced expelled student to attend graduation with the understanding that he will be with family members and not allowed to roam/wander about.

 

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

 

There were no nay votes.

 

Abstaining from voting was Ms. Thomas.

 

Absent was Ms. Stimpson.

 

7.         COMMITTEE REPORTS:

 

7.1       Evaluation Committee – Assistant Superintendent Sally Loughlin reported that the Committee held its final meeting of this year on May 30th.  By September 2007, feedback from the year’s work will be framed out to facilitate the continuation of this committee’s mission.

 

Ms. Burns expressed her enjoyment at participating on this committee, noting that the members have so much knowledge, practical experience, and passion for teaching.

 

7.2       The Professional Negotiations Committee will meet with the Superintendent at 6:00 p.m. prior to the June 21st Board meeting to discuss the results of his evaluation.  A recommendation for contract extension and salary will be presented as part of the regular meeting on the 21st.

 

8.         SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT:

 

8.1              Update on letter of intent with Honeywell for the performance contract

 

Business Manager Ron Lavender outlined the possible circumstance which has the potential for producing liability risks, if, after Honeywell completes its engineering study, the Board decides not to enter into a contract.  Board responsibility would be to compensate Honeywell up to $10,000 per facility or $50,000 total outlay if a contract is not entered into with Honeywell.

 

In response to a question by Mr. Russell, Mr. Lavender gave an example of the Board and administration just “not liking the relationship” as a possible reason of not entering into a contract.

 

Mrs. Carrier expressed her feeling that a step has been missed, in that the specifics of this potential liability should have been presented to the Facilities Committee.

 

6.13     To consider a request for a one-year leave of absence from Jonathan Beede, Mt. Ararat Middle School 7th grade teacher, for the 2007-2008 school year

 

Mr. Beede will travel to the Philippines in late August for the purpose of adopting a child from that country.  With other small children, one of the parents must be a stay-at-home parent for the next year.

 

Mr. Hill asked the educational impact on Mr. Beede’s students.  Principal Brenda Brown stated that the team on which he serves is a strong one.  Mrs. Rogers asked if an appropriate replacement can be found, and Ms. Brown responded that this type of vacancy would be easier to fill than perhaps Mr. Beede’s travel plans being tentative.

 

Mr. Johnson acknowledged that the Board is good at considering similar requests and feels that maybe such consideration might not be found anywhere else (with other employers).

 

It was moved by Ms. Burns, seconded by Mr. Johnson, and VOTED (unanimously) to approve a request for a one-year leave of absence from Jonathan Beede, Mt. Ararat Middle School 7th grade teachers for the 2007-2008 school year.

 

8.2       Consolidation

 

Representative Seth Berry had provided a written update on the school consolidation initiative.  Business Manager Ron Lavender highlighted some of the changes which would be instituted, as in the requirement for a special budget format.  He also noted that municipal governments whose Town Councils consider school budgets (i.e., Brunswick) would have no control over the school budget.

 

8.3       Chairman Hill established 6:30 p.m. on June 18th as the date for a special Board meeting for the purpose of hearing an employee grievance.

 

            The location of the meeting is to be determined.

 

8.4       Mrs. Carrier encouraged Board members to attend the Adult Education graduation at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 14, 2007, in the Commons.

 

9.         ADJOURNMENT:

 

The meeting was declared adjourned at 8:15 p.m.

 

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