February 18, 2009
PUBLIC HEARING The public hearing for the proposed 2009-2010 school budget was held at 6:00 p.m. in the Berlin High School library. The Board chair summarized what is included in the budget. Questions from the audience included:
Lucie Remillard asked if the only immediate issue at BHS is the boiler and what the issues were at Brown School.
Ted McCormick's questions included psychological services, ice time/slope charges, and whether football was included.
Questions were also raised on maintenance accounts, software support, and an IT position.
The hearing closed at 6:25 p.m.
A meeting of the Berlin Board of Education was held in the Berlin High School library beginning at 6:25 p.m. Present for the meeting were Mitch Couture, Martha Laflamme, Nathan Morin, Nicole Plourde, Brian Leclerc, John Moulis, Marion Y. Huntley, Beverly Dupont, Dan Record, Gary Bisson, Tim Forestall, Corinne Cascadden, Jane Provencher, Georgia Caron, Roland Pinette, Ken Proulx, Angela Duquette, Lucille Lambert, Amy Huter, Cheryl Pinette, Ted McCormick, Lucie Remillard, Hunterr Payeur, Sarah Dumoulin, Debbie Dupuis, Stacia Lozier, Matt MacArthur, Colleen MacArthur, Joe Fortin, and members of the press.
MINUTES On a motion by Martha Laflamme, seconded by Nicole Plourde, the Board voted to approve the minutes of the February 4, 2009 meeting, public and non public sessions. The motion passed unanimously.
WARRANTS On a motion by Nicole Plourde, seconded by Brian Leclerc, the Board voted to approve the warrants dated February 9, and 23, 2009 for the amounts of $13,698.49, and $307,855.86, and $1800.00 respectively. Discussion ensued. On a roll call vote, Mitch Couture, and Martha Laflamme abstained; Nicole Plourde, Brian Lecerc, and Nathan Morin voted in the affirmative.
FINANCIAL REPORT The Board reviewed the Financial Report.
COMMENTS Joe Fortin, Graphic Arts teacher at BHS requested approval of a Graphics Technology field trip that was beyond the 20 mile radius. This trip is done every other year with approximately 20 students attending. On a motion by Nicole Plourde, seconded by Brian Leclerc, the Board voted to approve the trip as an exception to the current policy. The motion passed unanimously. Further discussion ensued on the 20 mile radius policy.
COOS YOUTH On a motion by Nathan Morin, seconded by Nicole Plourde, the Board voted to approve participation in the additional wave of data collection for the Coos Youth Panel as described in the letter included in their packet. The motion passed unanimously.
BUDGET REQUEST On a motion by Brian Leclerc, seconded by Martha Laflamme, the Board voted to approve the administrative FY10 budget request of $16,617,716; along with $1.5 to $1.7 million bonding for school building improvements. On a roll call vote, all members voted in the affirmative.
SUPER REPORT The Superintendent gave the Board an update on current projects. Brian Leclerc asked that the Superintendent inform Asst. Chief Goudreau of the progress on the windows. The Superintendent will do so.
Tim Forestall requested use of local funds for a dance as a school-wide celebration for NECAP results and other goals which the students have met. They have most of the required funds budgeted. The balance would come from benefactors. Performances would be appropriate for school audiences. On a motion by Nicole Plourde, seconded by Martha Laflamme, the Board voted to approve the use of local funds to sponsor a school-wide celebration dance. On a roll call vote, all members voted in the affirmative.
COMMENTS None
NEW BUSINESS Nicole Plourde questioned the school picture bid and requested it be addressed at the next Board meeting.
The 20 mile radius field trip policy will be revisited at the first meeting in April.
The administration will report back on the process for a laptop check out of schools procedure.
NON PUBLIC On a motion by Nathan Morin, seconded by Nicole Plourde, the Board voted to go into nonpublic session at 7:10 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 Nathan Morin, seconded by Brian Leclerc, the Board voted to come out of nonpublic session at 7:25 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. No additional votes were taken in nonpublic session.
STAFFING Corinne Cascadden and Gary Bisson gave information to the Board on minimum standards for media services and how the elementary standards differ from the High School. A shared services model was explained. Discussion ensued. On a motion by Nicole Plourde, seconded by Martha Laflamme, the Board voted to table this issue pending further discussion at their next meeting. The motion passed unanimously
ADJOURN On a motion by Nathan Morin, seconded by Brian Leclerc, the Board voted to adjourn it's meeting at 7:40 p.m. The motion passed unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Secretary, Berlin Board of Education
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