August 18, 2016
A meeting of the Berlin Board of Education was held in the Berlin High School library at 6:00 p.m. Present for the meeting were Nicole Plourde, Scott Losier, Denise Valerino, Louise Valliere, Corinne Cascadden, Julie King, Amy Huter, Tim Forestall, Tammy Fauteux, Martha Miller, Kevin Carpenter, Debora Payeur, John and Lana Downing, and a member of the press.
MINUTES On a motion by Denise Valerino, seconded by Scott Losier, the Board voted to approve the minutes of the July 14, 2016 meeting public session. The motion passed unanimously.
WARRANTS On a motion by Denise Valerino, seconded by Louise Valliere, the Board voted to approve the warrants dated, August 7, August 8, August 21, and August 22, 2016 for the amounts of $1,200.58, $6,896.67, $40,259.66, and $654,304.97 respectively. On a roll call vote, all members voted in the affirmative.
FINANCIAL REPORT The Board reviewed and approved the financial report. The Superintendent informed the Board of the summer projects that were in the process of being completed before the start of school. The major projects included BHS and BMS gym floors, ADA Ramp, Fire Alarm System and new restrooms at the BMS/Hillside Complex.
COMMENTS John Downing of Milan NH informed the Board that he did not approve of the Transgender policy that was being brought to the Board for approval. He feels it would create problems and is concerned that it not only involves restrooms but locker rooms as well. He stated that if the Board approves the policy, he would pull his 16 year daughter out of the high school.
1st RDG POLICY JBAB The Superintendent informed the Board of the issues involved with the Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Students policy that was presented. She informed the Board that this policy was optional by the NHSBA and that she recommended it be tabled to see how other school districts are handling the issue. A motion was made by Louise Valliere, seconded by Denise Valerino to table the policy indefinitely. The motion passed unanimously.
POLICY GBCD On a motion by Louise Valliere seconded by Denise Valerino, the Board voted to approve the revisions to Policy GBCD – Criminal History Records Check as presented. The motion passed unanimously.
POLICY BCB On a motion by Scott Losier, seconded by Denise Valerino, the Board voted to approve the revisions to policy BCB – Board Member Conflict of Interest as presented. The motion passed unanimously.
HOME VISITATION The Superintendent informed the Board of a pilot program being offered through Project AWARE that encourages home visitation between teachers, families, and students. At this time 27 staff members are trained to participate in this program. Studies have shown that these visits have increased student achievement and parent involvement.
CBL INITIATIVE The Superintendent informed the Board of a Computer Based Learning Initiative position that she would like to implement at BHS. On a motion by Louise Valliere, seconded by Denise Valerino, the Board voted to approve the CBL position at BHS. On a roll call vote, all members voted in the affirmative.
SUPER’S REPORT The Superintendent informed the Board of the following issues:
- Opening Day Staff Breakfast
- School Safety Report
- Update on Head Start Partnership
- Emergency Management Training
- AREA Withdrawal Committee Update
COMMENTS None
MEMBER BUSINESS Nicole Plourde hoped that all schools will be up and ready for a new school year. The principals assured her they would be up and running.
NON PUBLIC On a motion by Denise Valerino, seconded by Louise Valliere, the Board voted to go into nonpublic session at 6:40 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 Denise Valerino, seconded by Louise Valliere, the Board voted to come out of nonpublic session at 7:17 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. No additional votes were taken in nonpublic session.
STAFFING On a motion by Denise Valerino, seconded by Louise Valliere, the Board voted to approve the following staffing changes:
RESIGNATIONS:
Jamie Knight – Educational Assistant - BMS
NOMINATIONS:
Teri Woodward – Title I Educational Assistant – Hillside
Anne Rodgers – Title I Educational Assistant – Hillside
Danielle Adams – Title I Educational Assistant – Brown School
Lisa Bagley – Title I Educational Assistant – Hillside School
Monika Koppel – Educational Assistant – Brown School
Matthew Soprano – Soccer Coach – Hillside School
TEACHER NOMINATIONS:
Isaac Fithian – Math- Berlin High School
Renney Morneau – SPED – Berlin High School
Timothy Hearn – Math – Berlin High School
RE-NOMINATIONS:
Berlin Middle School
Dana DeBlois – Athletic Director
Jamie Welch – Outdoor Club
Jill Poulin – Student Council
Jessica Mather – NJHS
Amy Welch – Yearbook
Anthony Mullins – Math Club
Amy Welch – Destination Imagination
Dana DeBlois – AM Courtyard Duty
The motion passed unanimously.
All nominations are contingent on the applicant passing a background check.
ADJOURN On a motion by Louise Valliere, seconded by Denise Valerino, the Board voted to adjourn it’s meeting at 7:20 p.m. The motion passed unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Secretary, Berlin Board of Education
MINUTES
BERLIN BOARD of EDUCATION
NONPUBLIC SESSION
August 18, 2016
On a motion by Denise Valerino, seconded by Louise Valliere, the Board voted to go into nonpublic session at 6:40 pm in accordance with RSA 91-A3II (a), (b), and (c). On a roll call vote, all members voted in the affirmative.
The Board discussed staffing.
The Superintendent provided a legal opinion on a matter.
On a motion by Denise Valerino, seconded by Louise Valliere, the Board voted to come out of nonpublic session at 7:17 p.m.~ The motion passed unanimously.~
Respectfully submitted,
Secretary
Berlin Board of Education~ ~~~~~
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