PLEASE NOTE THAT THE MINUTES WILL NOT BE FINAL UNTIL

THE BOARD HAS APPROVED THEM AT ITS NEXT MEETING.

 

January 10, 2008

 

The Board of Directors of Maine School Administrative District No. 75 held a regular meeting at Mt. Ararat Middle School on January 10, 2008.

 

The following Directors were present:  Kim Totten, Chair; Maryane Burns; Dorothy “Dee” Carrier; Dorothy Gardner; Robert W. Hill; David Johnson; Scott McKernan; Jane Meisenbach; Joanne Reinhart; Joanne Rogers; Donald A. Russell; Rebekah Stimpson; and Gwen Thomas.

 

Not present was Roland Tufts.

 

Also present were student representatives Sam Prindall and Lisa Rogers.

 

1.         Call to order

 

            The meeting was called to order by Chairman Totten 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

 

Agenda adjustments were noted as follows and were integrated appropriately into the agenda.

 

                (add)

6.1a       To appoint Kerry Gallivan to a one-year contract to the position of Technology Director, effective February 4, 2008

 

(add to)

6.2         To acknowledge the intended retirement of Priscilla Platt as Williams-Cone School librarian

 

                (delete)

6.6         To consider the inclusion of Georgetown in the RSU being contemplated by Lisbon and M.S.A.D. No. 75

 

(add)

6.7          To create a 30-hour Educational Technician III position at Harpswell Islands School to assist a student with a disability for the remainder of this school year, with costs of $12,943 to be taken from Contingency

 

(add)

6.8         To enter executive session to discuss negotiations with the Merrymeeting Teachers Association, as permitted by 1.M.R.S.A. (6)(D)

 

James Trusiani, Topsham Selectmen and member of the Lisbon/M.S.A.D. No. 75 RPC, expressed his disappointment at the loss of Ron Lavender as Business Manager of the District.  He thanked Mr. Lavender for his knowledge and professionalism, noting that his resignation is a great loss to the District.

 

Mr. Trusiani thanked Mr. Lavender for his work with the District, noting the loss of other administrative staff, citing the negative impact of the unknowns surrounding school consolidation.  Noting Mr. Lavender’s offer to assist with the transition of replacing him, Mr. Trusiani further commended Mr. Lavender for his willingness to continue to assist the District, not knowing what will happen with consolidation.

 

Mr. Trusiani concluded by stating that Mr. Lavender has “served us well” and hopes that the District will be able to find a suitable replacement.

 

3.1      RECOGNITIONS & ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:

 

č        Welcome from Brenda Brown, Principal of Mt. Ararat Middle School – Principal Brown updated the Board on the status of the “Stay on Track” program.

 

4.        To take action relative to accepting as printed the minutes of the December 13, 2007, regular meeting of the Board of Directors

 

It was moved by Mrs. Carrier, seconded by Mrs. Gardner, and VOTED (789 yeas, 0 nays, 134 abstentions, and 77 absent) to accept as printed the minutes of the December 13, 2007, regular meeting of the Board of Directors.

           

Voting yea were Ms. Burns, Mrs. Carrier, Mrs. Gardner, Mr. Hill, Mr. McKernan, Mrs. Meinsenbach, Mrs. Reinhart, Mr. Russell, Ms. Stimpson,  Ms. Thomas, and Mrs.  Totten.

           

There were no nay votes.

 

Abstaining from voting were Mr. Johnson and Mrs. Rogers.

 

Absent was Mr. Tufts.

 

Noting that poor weather conditions had prevented her attendance at the December 13th meeting, Mrs. Rogers would like for the Policy Committee to study the issue of cancellation of Board meetings in a timely fashion.

 

Mrs. Totten noted that there were several items on that agenda on which a decision had to be made that evening.  Mrs. Rogers said that in such a case it’s important for all Board members to be able to safely travel to the meeting.

 

5.        OLD BUSINESS:

 

5.1      To hear a follow-up report from the high school regarding the Chinese teacher exchange program

 

Assistant Principal Josh Ottow distributed updated costs of participating in the program.  He noted that the Chinese teacher would be transported on a school bus on its route by her residence, thereby incurring no transportation cost.

 

Mrs. Carrier indicated she doesn’t object to the program and asked whether the program would be a line item or taken from the high school’s site allocation.  Principal Craig King noted that salaries don’t come from site allocation.

 

Superintendent Wilhelm noted that if the Board approves participation in the program, costs of it will be plugged into the budget and a decision made then.  Mr. Ottow noted that a decision on the school’s acceptance will be made in mid-April.

 

Mrs. Totten said this would allow time to look at the budget.  Mr. Ottow also anticipated that the teacher will not be here for the entire 12 months of the year, as teachers in the program usually return home in the summer.

 

Mr. Hill asked the process for identifying a host family, to which Mr. Ottow responded that ideas have been discussed but no plan has been decided upon.  He noted that the school’s Eagle Exchange program might provide a host family.

 

Mr. Johnson noted that the District has always been on the cutting edge of such programs.  He suggested that Board members heed Mrs. Carrier’s earlier remarks, as the dollars may have to be taken from an existing program.  Mr. McKernan asked, if the costs have to come from an existing program, whether administration has looked at “trade offs.”  Superintendent Wilhelm noted that such scrutiny is premature at this point, as the Board would be looking at District-wide “trade offs.”

 

Ms. Burns thinks this project is “prime” for a business sponsorship or assistance from the District’s Education Foundation.

 

5.2      To hear a report from Tyler Totten regarding his Eagle Scout project

 

Tyler presented a culminating report on the conclusion of his Eagle Scout project.  He fundraised for 300 hours, and approximately 1,000 hours spent constructing the dugouts at the middle school.  Topsham resident Paul Rossignol allowed him to use his shop.  Tyler acknowledged generous donations from Lowe’s and Hancock Lumber.  Bath Iron Works donated signage for the dugouts.  He showed Board members a slide show produced during the project and thanked everyone for their help.

 

Superintendent Wilhelm acknowledged this project as an ambitious one which is an incredible asset to the District.  He thanked Tyler for choosing the District as the recipient of his project.

 

 

6.        NEW BUSINESS:

 

6.1             To transfer Pam Estrella, Harpswell Islands School .5 FTE Kindergarten teacher and .5 FTE Title V teacher, to the position of full-time Kindergarten teacher retroactive to December 14, 2007

 

It was moved by Mrs. Carrier, seconded by Mrs. Gardner, and VOTED (unanimously) to transfer Pam Estrella, Harpswell Islands School .5 FTE Kindergarten teacher and .5 FTE Title V teacher, to the position of full-time Kindergarten teacher retroactive to December 14, 2007.

 

6.1a    To appoint Kerry Gallivan to a one-year contract to the position of Technology Director, effective February 4, 2008

 

It was moved by Mrs. Carrier, seconded by Mr. Hill, and VOTED (unanimously) to appoint Kerry Gallivan to a one-year contract to the position of Technology Director, effective February 4, 2008.

 

6.2      To acknowledge the intended retirements of:

 

                        Dick Delano (Middle School 6th grade teacher)

Jill Snyder (Elementary ESL and literacy teacher)

Judy Banionis (Elementary literacy teacher)

Donna Therriault (Bowdoinham Community School 4th grade teacher)

Susan Ratigan (Harpswell Islands School 5th grade teacher)

                        Priscilla Platt (Williams-Cone School librarian)

 

The intended retirements of the above-noted staff were DULY ACKNOWLEDGED.

 

            8.6      (taken out of order) Main Street Upper Village Plan

 

This plan has been developed over the last couple of years, and Superintendent Wilhelm has been involved in its formation.  The Plan proposes certain uses for certain areas of the upper village.  A “mixed use” recommendation is being proposed for part of the property which abuts the Mt. Ararat campus.

 

Liz Armstrong noted that the Committee recognizes the incredible value of the schools.  She further noted that with the closure of BNAS, this plan ties in with the recommendations of the Local Redevelopment Authority for use of the Navy property in Topsham.

 

Mr. Hill noted that at all meetings the question was always focused on future impact on the schools.  He noted that he is comfortable with the Plan, which will be acted upon at the January 23rd Topsham Town Meeting.

 

Superintendent Wilhelm hopes that the Board goes on record as being cognizant of the work done by the Committee and that it supports the work done to date.  Ms. Armstrong expressed her belief that the recommendations will be beneficial to the educational program of M.S.A.D. No. 75 students.

 

It was moved by Mr. Hill, seconded by Mrs. Gardner, and VOTED (unanimously) that the Board endorse the Main Street Upper Village Plan, as presented.

 

            6.3      To hear a report on the high school “Challenge Day” experience

 

With the assistance of students Carolyn Glaude and Elizabeth Taylor, high school social worker Mimi Sorg and Health teacher Stacey Vannah presented an overview of the experience and showed a video of a similar experience at another school.  The program is aimed at breaking down some of the barriers in the society of high school students, enabling them to see other students in a different light.  The “crossing the line” exercise depicted in the film was especially touching, as students who had ever been teased, bullied or humiliated were invited to “cross the line.” 

 

The Board provided the presenters a healthy round of applause.

 

6.4      To accept the resignation of Ron Lavender as Business Manager of M.S.A.D. No. 75

 

Mrs. Totten is saddened that the District is losing people who have such experience and have gone above and beyond performance expectations.  She cited that the scale of school consolidation is contributing to this.  She feels that “the State” doesn’t know what administrative staff does, but that without them there would be nothing to bring to the Board.    She concluded by saying that Mr. Lavender will be sadly missed.

 

Mrs. Carrier noted that it had been she who made the original motion to employ Mr. Lavender ten years ago.  She noted that she has been the recipient of Mr. Lavender’s answer to numerous stress-filled questions.  She applauded his ability to handle all situations with a gentlemanly approach.

 

Mrs. Rogers is sorry to have to accept Mr. Lavender’s resignation.

 

Mr. Johnson thanked Mr. Lavender for going above and beyond more often than anyone should have to, citing the 1997 Ice Storm and middle school construction as examples of some of Mr. Lavender’s stellar work efforts.  He commended Mr. Lavender as the ultimate professional, noting that he was always available.  In conclusion he professed his utmost respect for Mr. Lavender.

 

In an emotionally presented statement Superintendent Wilhelm noted that Mr. Lavender’s resignation is a “sad day” for him personally, noting that his contributions and help have been enormous.

 

Mrs. Gardner noted that Mr. Lavender on the outside (of M.S.A.D. No. 75) is as “real” as he is on the inside (of the job).

 

Mrs. Totten further thanked Mr. Lavender for his assistance when she served as Chair of the Finance Committee.

 

It was moved by Mrs. Carrier, seconded by Mr. Johnson, and VOTED (unanimously) to accept the resignation of Ron Lavender as Business Manager of M.S.A.D. No. 75.

 

Mr. Lavender received a standing ovation of some duration.

 

6.5      To adjust middle school track stipends and to increase the Varsity Cross Country stipend from Category 6 to Category 7

 

            Sandy Bickford, Middle School Athletic Director, presented the rationale for this request.

 

            It was moved by Mrs. Rogers, seconded by Mrs. Gardner, and VOTED (unanimously) to adjust middle school track stipends and to increase the Varsity Cross Country stipend from Category 6 to Category 7.

 

6.6      To consider the inclusion of Georgetown in the RSU being contemplated by Lisbon and M.S.A.D. No. 75 {Item had been deleted from the agenda.}

 

6.7      To create a 30-hour Educational Technician III position at Harpswell Islands School to assist a student with a disability for the remainder of this school year, with costs of $12,943 to be taken from Contingency

 

It was moved by Mrs. Carrier, seconded by Mr. Hill, and VOTED (956 yeas, 0 nays, 67 abstentions, and 77 absent) to create a 30-hour Educational Technician III position at Harpswell Islands School to assist a student with a disability for the remainder of this school year, with costs of $12,943 to be taken from Contingency.

 

Voting yea were Ms. Burns, Mrs. Carrier, Mrs. Gardner, Mr. Hill, Mr. Johnson, Mr. McKernan, Mrs. Meisenbach, Mrs. Reinhart, Mr. Russell, Ms. Stimpson, Ms. Thomas and Mrs. Totten.

 

There were no nay votes.

 

Abstaining from voting was Mrs. Rogers.

 

Absent was Mr. Tufts.

 

6.8      To enter executive session to discuss negotiations with the Merrymeeting Teachers Association, as permitted by 1.M.R.S.A. 405 (6)(D)

 

                        This item will be taken up at the end of the meeting.

 

7.         COMMITTEE REPORTS:

 

7.1       Curriculum Committee of January 10, 2008

 

            Mr. Hill noted that the Committee meeting this evening consisted of discussion of increasing the health curriculum requirement at the high school from a half-credit to a full credit.

 

            The Committee heard science instructors request adoption of a new text for Advanced Placement Environmental Science.

 

            It was moved by Mr. Hill, seconded by Mrs. Gardner, and VOTED (unanimously) to accept the Curriculum Committee’s recommendation for adoption of Advanced Placement Environmental Science textbook.

 

7.2      MVR 10 Cooperative Board meeting of December 19, 2007

 

Superintendent Wilhelm noted that Region Ten is investigating the start-up of a public safety program.

 

7.3      Reorganization Planning Committee meeting of January 2, 2008

 

Mr. Hill, one of the co-chairs of the RPC, reported that the Committee is continuing its work, having met on January 2 in Lisbon.  Action taken at that meeting included adjustment to the  weighted vote of Topsham Board members, recommending dates for re-negotiation of employment contracts, and adjusting language for bonds and lease-purchase agreements.

 

The RPC will meet next on January 14.  Mr. Hill noted that Jim Rier of the Department of Education has met with the RPC’s Financial Sub-committee to discuss the ramifications of Georgetown joining the proposed RSU, if both school boards make the decision to allow that.

 

While the local newspaper had reported that Georgetown had changed its mind and expressed an interest in consolidating elsewhere, it was clarified that the reporting had not been accurate.  Superintendent Wilhelm states that if Georgetown does decide to pursue consolidation with the Lisbon/M.S.A.D. No. 75, both districts will have to vote on accepting Georgetown.  Such a vote will appear on the agenda for the next meeting of this Board.  Information provided by Mr. Rier will be made available to the Board.

 

8.        SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT:

 

8.1      Financial Report – Business Manager Ron Lavender presented the Financial Report.

 

Mr. Lavender thanked the Board for the kind remarks directed toward him earlier this evening.  He reiterated that he plans to stay with the District as long as he can and accomplish as much as possible to assist with transitioning to a new Business Manager.  He expressed regret that he was not able to tender his resignation at the end of the year and thanked the Board, Dr. Wilhelm and District Office staff for a great ten years.

 

8.2      Generator – Superintendent Wilhelm noted that the Harpswell Islands School generator is no longer useable and that he has asked Town Administrator Kristi Eiane to determine whether the Harpswell Selectmen feel the need to continue to have Harpswell Islands School available as an emergency shelter.  Dr. Wilhelm is awaiting word from the Harpswell Town Office on this question.

 

8.3      Litigation – Superintendent Wilhelm reported that litigation with Stephen Blatt Architects is nearing conclusion.  A settlement of $60,000 has been received.

 

8.4      Land transfer – Superintendent Wilhelm reported that the land swap between M.S.A.D. No. 75 and the Highlands is complete.

 

6.8            To enter executive session to discuss negotiations with the Merrymeeting Teachers Association, as permitted by 1.M.R.S.A.(6)(D)

 

At 8:40 p.m. it was moved by Mrs. Rogers, seconded by Mr. Hill, and VOTED (unanimously) to enter executive session to discuss negotiations with the Merrymeeting Teachers Association, as permitted by 1.M.R.S.A. (6)(D), session to include Sally Loughlin and Ron Lavender.

 

The executive session ended at 9:12 p.m.

 

It was moved by Mrs. Rogers, seconded by Mr. Hill, and VOTED (unanimously) to ratify a new two-year contract with the Merrymeeting Teachers Association.

 

9.        Adjournment – The meeting was adjourned at 9:15 p.m.

 

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