September 9, 2009
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 Martha Laflamme, Nicole Plourde, Nathan Morin, Mitch Couture, Corinne Cascadden, Marion Huntley, Gary Bisson, Beverly Dupont, Dan Record, Amy Huter, Jane Provencher, Roland Pinette, Cheryl Pinette, Ken Proulx, Craig Melanson, Ted McCormick, Brad Salvas, Tom McCosh, 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 August 19, 2009 and August 26, 2009 meetings, public and non public sessions. The motion passed unanimously.
FINANCIAL REPORT The Board reviewed the Financial Report.
COMMENTS None
TUITION RATES On a motion by Nathan Morin, seconded by Nicole Plourde, the Board voted to approve the following tuition rates for the 2010-2011 school year:
Elementary $11,255
Junior High $13,314
High $11,982
The motion passed unanimously.
NON RESIDENT The Superintendent gave the Board background on policies and RSA’s regarding non resident participation in school programs. Discussion ensued. The Board supported the Superintendent’s position not to allow non resident students to participate in our school programs.
FUTURE ENROLL The Superintendent informed the Board of the potential of 105 new correction officers relocating to the Berlin area with the opening of the new federal prison. The average age of these officers would be 37. She suggested the district have a back up plan in case we experience an increase in enrollment. She opened up the topic for discussion with the Board to obtain their input. The Board would like the administration to investigate the option of grades seven and eight going to the high school if the current trend of enrollment decline continues. They feel this would free up space at Hillside to house grades two through six and for Brown to house kindergarten through grade one with an all day kindergarten. The Board would like the administration to explore this option. Discussion ensued.
SUPER REPORT The Superintendent extended the Board an invitation to the homecoming parade on October 2nd.
The Superintendent gave the Board the first day enrollment count and an update on the opening of the 2009-2010 school year.
The Board was informed of the BHS Senior class trip to NYC in November; at this time 70 students are attending with 6 chaperones.
Discussion ensued regarding the Berlin/Gorham/Milan School Meeting on October 6, 2009 at 6:00 p.m. with the Milan and Dummer School Boards.
The Superintendent informed the Board of the school board training session that will be held on September 30, 2009 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the BHS library.
COMMENTS Ted McCormick spoke of concerns regarding moving the 7th and 8th grades to BHS. His concern was relative to educational needs of students and current initiatives which are working. He cautioned the Board on making quick decisions or making decisions based solely on numbers.
WARRANT On a motion by Nicole Plourde, seconded by Nathan Morin, the Board voted to approve the warrant dated September 14, 2009 for the amount of $29,981.07. On a roll call vote, all members voted in the affirmative.
NEW BUSINESS Nicole Plourde recommended approaching the city council on the purchase of property at 241High St to allow more room for the school which could include parking. On a motion by Nicole Plourde, seconded by Martha Laflamme, the Board voted to approach the city council and request the option of purchasing the building at 241 High Street be investigated. The motion passed unanimously.
The Board was informed of a mini college fair that will held at BHS on September 15, 2009 for juniors and seniors who would like to speak with representatives from different colleges. The Board and administration are invited to attend.
Kudos were extended to the Superintendent in her dealing with students on the first day.
NON PUBLIC On a motion by Martha Laflamme, seconded by Nathan Morin, the Board voted to go into nonpublic session at 7:15 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 8:40 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:
NOMINATIONS:
David Morrissette – Grade 8 Soccer Coach – BJHS
Holly Paquette – Athletic Director – BJHS
Jessica Henderson – Junior Honor Society Advisor – BJHS
Don Picard – Athletic Director – Hillside School
Kevin Meehan – Breakfast Duty - BJHS
RE-NOMINATIONS:
David Griffin – Grade 7 Field Hockey Coach – BJHS
Gerald Perreault – Grade 8 Grade 8 Field Hockey Coach – BJHS
Steve Enman – Grade 7/8 Cross Country
All nominations are contingent on the applicant passing a criminal record check.
NON RESIDENT Tuition for Non Resident Piecemeal Participation was discussed. On a motion by Martha
Laflamme, seconded by Nicole Plourde, the Board voted to charge prorated tuition for home school students who live in districts who have an AREA or tuition agreement with Berlin Public Schools and who participate in Berlin Public Schools programs ( academic and extra curricular). Participation in Berlin Public Schools programs must be in accordance with NH RSA’s and NHIAA regulations. The motion passed unanimously.
ADJOURN On a motion by Martha Laflamme, seconded by Nicole Plourde, the Board voted to adjourn it’s meeting at 8:47 p.m. The motion passed unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Secretary, Berlin Board of Education
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