PLEASE NOTE THAT THE MINUTES WILL NOT BE FINAL UNTIL

THE BOARD HAS APPROVED THEM AT ITS NEXT MEETING

 

January 24, 2008

 

The Board of Directors of Maine School Administrative District No. 75 held a regular meeting at Mt. Ararat High School on January 24, 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 Rogers; Donald A. Russell; Rebekah Stimpson; Gwen Thomas, and Roland Tufts.

 

Not present was Joanne Reinhart.

 

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 integrated appropriately into the agenda.

 

(add to)

3.1       Report from Cathance Preserve/Service Learning Class {Glenn Evans}

 

(table)

4.         Action on minutes 0f January 10th meeting of Board of Directors

 

(add to)

6.1       To hear a request to pursue presenting Hannaford with a proposal to use the Guiding Starts Algorithm in the District’s School Nutrition Program

 

3.1       RECOGNITIONS & ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:

 

č        Topsham Grange – donation of 70 dictionaries to Woodside Elementary School

 

č        Bowdoinham Guild of Artisans – donation of money to the Arts Alive program

 

č        School Nutrition Program – receipt of School Milk & Excellence Award and $2,000

 

č        Report from Cathance Preserve/Service Learning Class {Glenn Evans}

 

High School teacher Glenn Evans and students Keegan Brennen and Andrew Tufts presented an overview of their service learning class.  Students are helping the community while learning, producing field guides on student research done at the Preserve.  Students have also developed a card game for use with younger students.  Class members are surveying the student body regarding future uses of town property.  Students will report to a Town committee, actually influencing expenditures of town resources.

 

4.         To take action relative to accepting as printed the minutes of the January 10, 2008, regular meeting of the Board of Directors

 

            The minutes of the January 10th meeting had been prepared and distributed, but in a timely enough fashion to seek Board approval.  The minutes were tabled.

 

5.         OLD BUSINESS:

 

5.1       To consider the disposition of proceeds from the Highlands/M.S.A.D. No. 75 land exchange

 

Superintendent Wilhelm had previously announced receipt of $67,000 as the Highlands’ donation in the land swap.  Williams-Cone School playground fundraisers have asked for a portion of those funds.

 

…                    Mrs. Meisenbach arrived at 7:50 p.m.

 

Superintendent Wilhelm recommended placing these funds into the District’s fund balance.

 

It was moved by Mrs. Carrier, seconded by Mr. Tufts, and VOTED (unanimously) to accept the Facilities Committee’s recommendation to place in the District’s fund balance the entirety of the Highlands’ contribution.

 

Mrs. Carrier had hoped that the money could be used to benefit the entire District in some way and hopes that playground fundraisers and Finance and Policy committees can develop a policy for Board contributions to playground construction.

                       

6.         NEW BUSINESS:

 

6.1              To hear an update on the Food Services Program - After the Board approved an increase in lunch prices, Food Services Director Maurice “Moe” St. Pierre had been asked to report to the Board on whether participation in the program has declined.  Mr. St. Pierre noted that in his eight years as Food Services Director, he has never asked the Board to contribute district funds for his program.

 

He said that with reduced subsidy to the food services program, the difference must be made up by either raising prices or seeking District funds.

 

He concluded that statistical data indicates that raising prices made little difference in participation rates and admitted that the program cannot continue to raise the ala carte prices.

 

He cautioned the Board that he may have to return in a couple of months, asking for assistance.  Superintendent Wilhelm told him to come back and tell the Board what he needs.

 

(added)            To hear a request to pursue presenting Hannaford with a proposal to use the Guiding Stars Algorithm in the District’s School Nutrition Program

 

Mary Booth, District Health Education Coordinator, asked Board approval to at least approach Hannaford regarding use of the supermarket firm’s Guiding Stars Algorithm in the District’s School Nutrition Program.

 

It was moved by Mrs. Carrier, seconded by Mr. Johnson, and VOTED (unanimously) to pursue presenting Hannaford with a proposal to use the Guiding Stars Algorithm in the District’s School Nutrition Program.

 

6.2       To consider a request from Kady Gould, Woodside Grade 3 classroom teacher, for a leave of absence without pay at the end of her maternity leave

 

It was moved by Mrs. Carrier, seconded by Mrs. Gardner, and VOTED (unanimously) to approve a request from Kady Gould, Woodside Grade 3 classroom teacher, for a leave without pay at the end of her maternity leave.

 

6.3       To consider a request for a leave of absence without pay for one school year from Vickie Stanley, Educational Technician at Williams-Cone School

 

            Ms. Stanley is asking for an unpaid leave of absence to complete her requirements to become a certified teacher, said leave being requested from September to January, then January to June of the 2008-2009 year.

 

            Since this request is relatively unprecedented, Superintendent Wilhelm felt he could not make the decision himself. 

 

            Ms. Burns would be supportive of the reason for the leave.  She mistakenly thought the request would break up program continuity for two years, and Business manager Ron Lavender clarified that her request is worded in an attempt to comply with contract language requirements.

 

Mrs. Carrier feels the request is precedent setting, with the Board having no guarantee of this employee’s return, feeling there’s a good chance she may not come back as an Educational Technician.

 

            Mr. Johnson agreed with Mrs. Carrier, indicating he has no interest is setting a precedent for such requests from support staff.

 

            Superintendent Wilhelm admitted to being of two minds about the request – if the Board denies her request, she would lose the opportunity to return; then he does appreciate the professional development purpose of her leave.

 

Mr. McKernan understands the argument but feels denial of the leave request would send the message of a two-tiered system.

 

Ms. Burns expressed the sentiment that she would have liked for either Ms. Stanley or Principal Otis Thompson to have been present this evening.

 

            Ms. Stimpson asked if the Board can hold her position or whether she would be returning as a teacher.  Superintendent Wilhelm stated that in a year’s time, the governing school board will not be the M.S.A.D. No. 75 Board of Directors, but rather an RSU.

 

            Ms. Thomas echoed Mr. McKernan’s comments about a two-tiered system.

 

            Superintendent Wilhelm suggested tabling the request to allow time for the Board to establish guidelines and expectations.

 

            It was moved by Mrs. Rogers, seconded by Mrs. Carrier, and VOTED (unanimously) to table the item.

 

6.5       {taken out of order} To entertain a request from Georgetown to consolidate with Lisbon and M.S.A.D. No. 75 RSU

 

            Nina Roth-Wells and Kristen Maline, members of the Georgetown School Committee reported that the Committee had voted to proceed with consolidating with Lisbon and M.S.A.D. No. 75.  They reported that Georgetown’ students are high performing and that character and academic education are presented to students.  Ms. Roth-Wells indicated that parents are looking forward to their middle and high school students attending Topsham schools.  She indicated that the community doesn’t feel it’s “settling” by consolidating with this RSU.

 

            Georgetown has a K-6 school, with grades 7-12 students being tuitioned elsewhere.  Admittedly, transportation is an issue after the sixth grade.

 

            Mr. McKernan asked what assurance this board has that parents will avail themselves of Mt. Ararat middle and high schools.  Ms. Roth-Wells stated that Georgetown had voted down participation in RSU 1, as the town would have had to pay a larger share while other towns would have enjoyed a decrease in costs.

 

Noting that the Georgetown Elementary School and the Georgetown Town Offices are housed in the same building, Mr. McKernan noted that all property will become that of the RSU.  Ms. Roth-Wells stated that the Town Office maintains itself.  Mr. McKernan is concerned about the net impact of adding costs to the RSU. 

 

The comment was made that Topsham would experience a sizeable increase in costs if Georgetown is added.  Superintendent Wilhelm stated that James Rier has clarified that Topsham’s increase will not be as hefty as had originally been thought.

 

Mr. Johnson cited difficulties with trying to align the two systems’

curriculum so that the middle school will be on the same page (since Georgetown middle school-age students would arrive at Mt. Ararat in the seventh grade).

 

Mrs. Carrier voiced her enthusiasm at the outcome of talks with Lisbon and had hoped that this evening’s presentation would give her a resounding stimulus to say “yes” to Georgetown’s request.  She reiterated she wants to see a benefit to Harpswell, doesn’t want to increase the impact on Harpswell, and needs to be convinced on the overriding benefits of Georgetown’s entry into the RSU.  She fears increased costs, due to Georgetown’s being so far away.

 

Superintendent Wilhelm recalled that James Rier had stated there’s a small financial advantage to an RSU taking students with school “choice.”

 

Mr. Hill noted that James Rier has stated Georgetown receives its special education funding and that Harpswell is not eligible for that funding.

 

Student Sam Prindall expressed concerns about Georgetown’s students not entering Mt. Ararat Middle School until the seventh grade, fearing students would encounter difficulty entering the middle school in the second year.

 

Mrs. Meisenbach asked if the Topsham schools could accommodate Georgetown’s students.  The Superintendent answered affirmatively, indicating that of approximately 120 students, 67 are elementary.

 

When asked by Mr. Russell where parents might decide to send their middle/high school students, Superintendent Wilhelm indicated they would probably choose the closer school in the RSU.  It was noted that the distance from Topsham to Georgetown is 30 miles.

 

Mr. Hill understands the issue of the special education funding and feels the decision will be based on whether Georgetown’s entry is considered a risk or gain.

 

Mrs. Rogers reminded Board members that if this board votes to make Georgetown part of the Lisbon/M.S.A.D. No. 75  RSU, the final decision will still be put to the voters.  She feels that the quality of the education should be the primary consideration.

 

Ms. Thomas admitted to being troubled by the impending transportation costs.  Dr. Wilhelm related a conversation with William Shuttleworth who said that some transportation costs are covered by Arrowsic.  Dr. Wilhelm suggested that the existing contract for transportation would be continued.  He commented that the question of students attending Mt. Ararat middle or high school is one to be answered “down the road,” noting that some students are already committed to attending schools in Bath.

 

Mr. Lavender commented that transportation is just one of many cost factors to be considered.

 

It was moved by Mrs. Carrier and seconded by Ms. Thomas to deny a request from Georgetown to consolidate with Lisbon and M.S.A.D. No. 75 RSU.

 

Mrs. Carrier voiced her intention to not hurt Harpswell anymore.

 

Mrs. Rogers feels it’s not Georgetown’s “fault” to be receiving its special education funding and that it’s unfortunate the issue was brought up.  She feels the benefits of having Georgetown in the RSU would be more than just the special education funding.

 

Mrs. Carrier pointed out that a positive vote at referendum is needed, but that she’s not sure it will be a positive one if Georgetown is in the RSU.

 

Mr. Russell lamented the lack of information.

 

Mrs. Totten reminded Board members that the RPC is not getting requested information from the State.

 

Mr. Hill stated that a hearing process has been established and that a plan will be going to voters for approval at referendum, and that if any town defeats it the plan will “go away,” with the process to begin anew.

 

Ms. Thomas doesn’t want to vote “yea” and regret it.

 

Ms. Stimpson feels the Board made the right decision in approving Lisbon’s entry into the RSU, as it was in the District’s best interest to explore the option.

 

Superintendent Wilhelm reminded Board members that when it considered Lisbon’s request to enter the RSU, it had approximately the same amount of information as this evening with Georgetown’s’ request.

 

Ms. Thomas feels that a major incentive to accept Lisbon was the possibility of gaining approval for renovations to the high school.

 

Mr. Johnson feels there will be unintended consequences if the Board votes to allow Georgetown to join the RSU, saying he would need to be convinced that such acceptance would have to be best for students and constituents and that he is not now convinced.  He feels there’s not enough information on which to base a decision.

 

Ms.  Burns agreed with Mr. Johnson.

 

The motion made by Mrs. Carrier and seconded by Ms. Thomas to deny a request from Georgetown to consolidate with Lisbon and M.S.A.D. No. 75 RSU was VOTED (511 yeas, 423 nays, 0 abstentions, and 66 absent).

 

Voting yea were Ms. Burns, Mrs. Carrier, Mr. Hill, Mr. Johnson, Mr. McKernan, Mr. Russell and Ms. Thomas.

 

Voting nay were Mrs. Gardner, Mrs. Meisenbach, Mrs. Rogers, Ms. Stimpson, Mrs. Totten and Mr. Tufts.

 

There were no abstentions.

 

Absent was Mrs. Reinhart. 

 

…                    Ms. Thomas left the meeting at 8:50 p.m.

 

6.4       To hear an overview of the budget process from the Superintendent of Schools

 

Superintendent Wilhelm noted that a different format will be used this year, and that the use of “QuickTime videos” will be deployed to present information.

 

6.6       To enter executive session with the Merryrmeeting Employees Association, pursuant to 1. M.R.S.A. 405 (6(A)

 

                        This item was withdrawn.

                       

7.         COMMITTEE REPORTS:

 

7.1       MVR 10 – Mr. Johnson reported on the January 16th Cooperative Board meeting.  The Board had discussed the audit and budget, as well as announcing the open house and welcoming a new Brunswick board member.

 

7.2       Reorganization Planning Committee – Mr. Hill reported that while the RPC had decided to utilize the 50-50 formula for start-up costs, the State has now decided it will pay the start-up costs.

 

Hearings on the proposed Plan are scheduled for 10:00 and 1:00 on March 15th.

 

Mr. Johnson commended Superintendent Wilhelm for the excellent update he provided Harpswell Selectmen on reorganization plans.

 

8.         SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT:

 

8.1       Litigation – Superintendent Wilhelm announced that a settlement with Stephen Blatt Architects has been reached.   With the receipt of $402,000 from Blatt’s firm and $60,000 from the general contractor, Dr. Wilhelm believes that the District can embed any improvements into the energy contract using those funds.

 

Dr. Wilhelm lauded the efforts of the District’s attorney and former Project Manager Tom Connelie in this litigation

 

8.2       Harpswell Islands School generator – No decision has been made on replacing this generator.

 

8.3       501 (c) 3 – Superintendent Wilhelm announced that the District is in receipt of the IRS letter of certification and that the Foundation can accept donations.

 

8.4              Foundations newsletter – The Foundations newsletter will be printed by and inserted into the Cryer.  It will be mailed to all residents of all towns.  The District will save money publishing and disseminating the Foundations newsletter in this way. 

 

8.5       Jean Blaydes Madigan – After her January 22nd presentation, Ms. Madigan worked with area educators.  Ms. Madigan had spoken about teaching strategies that apply brain research findings to classroom practice.

 

8.6       Negotiations with principals – A one-year contract will be negotiated, and the process may take only one or two meetings.  These negotiations were held on Tuesday, January 29th.

 

8.7       Interviews for the vacancy of Business Manager will be held on Tuesday, January 29th, following the principal negotiations.  Superintendent Wilhelm commented that time is of the essence, as Ron Lavender’s last day with the District is February 15th.  Copies of the resumes of those to be interviewed will be provided to the interview team ahead of time.  Suggestions for questions to be asked can be emailed to the Superintendent.

 

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

 

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