August 13, 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, John Moulis, Marion Huntley, Georgia Caron, Dan Record, Corinne Cascadden, Tim Forestall, Jane Provencher, Ken Proulx, Roland Pinette, Cheryl Pinette, Dolores Charest, Brian Leclerc, Donna Couture, Claude Pigeon, Tom McCue, Nancy Brannen, parents and students, and members of the press.
MINUTES On a motion by Nicole Plourde, seconded by Martha Laflamme, the Board voted to approve the minutes of the July 16, 2008 meeting, public and nonpublic sessions.
The motion passed unanimously. The minutes of the July 30, 2008 meeting were tabled.
FINANCIAL REPORT Marion Huntley reviewed the latest financials with the Board.
WARRANTS A motion was made by Nicole Plourde, seconded by Martha Laflamme, to approve the warrants dated August 11, and August 18, 2008 for the amounts of $12,711.81 and $40,688.14 respectively. On a roll call vote, Martha Laflamme and Nicole Plourde voted in the affirmative, and Mitch Couture abstained.
COMMENTS Brian Leclerc suggested looking into having a four day week at least during the winter season and eliminating Spring break and extending the Christmas break for the 2009-2010 school year.
COUTURE CONST Claude Pigeon gave the Board information on new school construction costs. He said it ranges from $120 - $400 per square foot without including contents, land, engineering, or legal costs. The cost of renovation has so many variables that it is difficult to determine a cost range. He indicated adding grades 7 & 8 to the high school could be possible and not too costly. However, the next step requiring changes at the Hillside/Junior High complex would be a bigger issue. It doesn't lend itself as easily to renovations and current educational methods and would be more expensive. More discussion ensued and more information was provided.
DUMMER TUITION The Superintendent provided sample language of tuition agreements. He was not able to meet with Superintendent Bousquet. Discussion ensued. The Milan, Dummer, and Berlin school committees will meet on the second floor of the Dummer Town Hall on Monday, October 6, 2008 at 6 p.m. This AREA meeting enables the boards to discuss aspects of the education programs provided by the AREA.
GUIDANCE POSITION The Hillside School guidance position was discussed. Some Board members thought the guidance opening in question was at the Junior High School, they were not aware that the Hillside Guidance person had transferred to the Junior High School. Dan Record talked about the needs for both Hillside and Junior High School counselors. On a motion by Nicole Plourde, seconded by Martha Laflamme, the Board voted to fill the open guidance position at Hillside School. On a roll call vote, all members voted in the affirmative.
PBIS Donna Couture informed the Board that the PBIS presentation on September 17, 2008 would include someone from the APEX grant. Nicole Plourde asked what steps were being taken to incorporate PBIS at the junior high level. The Superintendent indicated that the person from APEX would address other levels. Nicole Plourde asked if we were going to do it this year. The Superintendent stated that he was looking for a grant. Donna Couture clarified that the APEX person will not be speaking about incorporating the junior high into the program. Dan Record explained the interest survey that was taken by K-8 and that of those grades interest was low given other initiatives. However, grades 7 & 8 had a higher level of interest
and may be a good place to start. Donna Couture indicated that it could not happen this year since the opportunity for grants is closed. It may be a possibility in the future.
SUPER REPORT The Superintendent requested a 30% increase in the current rate of bus passes for all levels. No motion was made; the rates will remain the same.
COMMENTS Tom McCue informed the Board of his appreciation for receiving the board minutes, agenda, revenue, and expenditure reports.
NEW BUSINESS Mitch Couture asked about joint efforts on recycling. The Superintendent indicated that he met with other city departments and that no decision had been made. He will meet with them again next Monday or Tuesday and will get the information to the Board electronically at that time.
Nicole Plourde indicated the key to this year is transparency. She wants to give the teachers options of purchasing their own supplies and bringing in the receipts for reimbursement.
NON PUBLIC On a motion by Nicole Plourde, seconded by Martha Laflamme the Board voted to go into nonpublic session at 7:25 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 Nicole Plourde, seconded by Martha Laflamme, the Board voted to come out of nonpublic session at 10:10 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. No additional votes were taken in nonpublic session.
STAFFING On a motion by Nicole Plourde, seconded by Martha Laflamme, the Board voted to accept the following staffing changes:
RESIGNATIONS:
Anne Cote - Title I Tutor - Brown School
TEACHER NOMINATIONS:
Barbara Baker - Title I Supervisor - Hillside
Brenda Lambert - Grade 1 - Brown School
Emily White - Kindergarten - Marston School
NOMINATIONS:
Andrew Lefebvre - Athletic Director - BJHS
Christine Lindsey - Intramural Athletic Director - Hillside
Nathan Roberge - Intramural Athletic Director - Hillside
Bonnie Lowry - Guidance Secretary - Berlin Junior High School
All nominations are contingent on the applicant passing a criminal record check.
ADJOURN On a motion by Martha Laflamme, seconded by Nicole Plourde, the Board voted to adjourn it's meeting at 10:15 p.m. The motion passed unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Secretary, Berlin Board of Education
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