June 4, 2008
A meeting of the Berlin Board of Education was held in the Berlin High School library beginning at 6:00 p.m. Present for the meeting were Mitch Couture, Martha Laflamme, Nicole Plourde, Melissa Wedge, Nathan Morin, John Moulis, Marion Huntley, Steve Michaud, Corinne Cascadden, Gary Bisson, Tim Forestall, Ken Proulx, Dan Record, Beverly Dupont, Jane Provencher, Roland Pinette, Cheryl Pinette, Richard Lafleur, Paul Grenier, Thomas McCue, Ted McCormick, Larry Laflamme, Natalie Laflamme, Tom Mooney, and members of the press.
MINUTES On a motion by Melissa Wedge, seconded by Nathan Morin, the Board voted to approve the minutes of the May 21, 2008 meeting, public and nonpublic sessions. The motion passed unanimously.
WARRANTS A motion was made by Nicole Plourde, seconded by Melissa Wedge, to approve the warrants dated May 26, June 2, and June 9, 2008 for the amounts of $1,812.75 $4,910.69, and $151,958.68, respectively. Discussion ensued regarding a transportation invoice and bus repair. On a roll call vote, all members voted in the affirmative.
COMMENTS Paul Grenier informed the Board that he had spoken with the City Councilors regarding why they cut $800,000 from the school budget and where it would come from; some councilors felt more information was needed. He suggested the Board and Council meet prior to making reduction decisions. He noted that the new Council was still in the learning process and that honest dialogue between the two bodies was needed. He felt it was important to rescue this process and that he would be happy to facilitate in whatever way he could if that would be helpful.
NECAP/AYP Mrs. Dupont reviewed the NECAP/AYP results for Hillside and Berlin Junior High School with the Board. Gary Bisson explained the high school’s results and what will be done in the future to improve the results. Corinne Cascadden gave information on Brown and Bartlett Schools. Steve Michaud and Jane Provencher spoke on the Special Education sub groups. The Board was informed of a meeting scheduled on June 10, 2008 with a representative from the Department of Education regarding our first year of DINI. The Board was also informed that 10% or $75,000 needs to be set aside for DINI purposes, since we are in year one of DINI. Ken Proulx commented that 69% of NH High Schools did not make AYP.
In an attempt to bring the AYP issue into perspective, he explained more about the exams and how data can be misperceived.
SUPER REPORT The Board gave their support of the JCWA trip to the British Isles that is scheduled during February, 2009. Ted McCormick reminded the Board that the trips abroad do not cost the district any money. He also wanted to inform the Board that individual teachers, educational assistants, administrators, and coaches spend their own money on behalf of the students. He feels the public should be made aware of this.
The Superintendent informed the Board of an Art Show that is being held on June 5, 2008 at the Hillside Cafeteria as part of the Michael Jordan Scholarship Grant.
The Superintendent also reminded the Board that the high school graduation will be at 3:00 p.m. on June 6, 2008.
COMMENTS Richard Lafleur thanked the Board and Administration for dealing with the upcoming issues. He stated the Council wants to work with the Board. He feels we all need to work together to make reductions as painless as possible. He thanked the Board for working with the Council and wants it to continue. He also stated that his family is still in contact with the students they met during their England trip.
Mitch Couture stated he respected the suggestion made by Paul Grenier and will do as he suggested. He is still stunned by Monday night’s decision; but he still wants to work with the Council, perhaps at next week’s work session.
Nathan Morin felt reasonable actions were done to date and felt quite insulted. He is, however, willing to meet again to work together.
Nicole Plourde understands the learning curve involved with the new Council, but felt bullied. She hoped these games were over and thought things would be better than this and was very disappointed. She shared an editorial from 1933.
Martha Laflamme thanked Mr. Grenier, appreciated his efforts, and apologized to the two councilors in attendance since comments made were aimed at those not in attendance. She felt the Board had worked well with the Council and Mayor to date. She felt any further cuts would be irresponsible and that she won’t be bullied or pressured.
Melissa Wedge stated that she agreed with all comments previously made.
Mitch Couture challenged the citizens to speak with their councilors to voice their opinion relative to supporting the education they want to see. We need the support of the community.
Paul Grenier stated that had the $800,000 been removed prior to the public hearing, attendance and comments at the public hearing would have been different.
NON PUBLIC On a motion by Nicole Plourde, seconded by Melissa Wedge, the Board voted to go into nonpublic session at 7:30 p.m. in accordance with RSA 91-A3II (a), (b), (c). On a roll call vote, all members voted in the affirmative.
On a motion by Martha Laflamme, seconded by Nicole Plourde, the Board voted to come out of nonpublic session at 8:20 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. No additional votes were taken in nonpublic session.
ADJOURN On a motion by Martha Laflamme, seconded by Nicole Plourde, the Board voted to adjourn it’s meeting at 8:30 p.m. The motion passed unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Secretary, Berlin Board of Education
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