MINUTES OF MEETING
JACKSON SCHOOL BOARD
Jackson Grammar School
December 19, 2011
1. Call to Order: The Dec. 19th meeting of the Jackson School Board was called to order at 6:02 p.m. Present were Andrew Kearns, Keith Bradley, Genn Anzaldi, Fred Nemeth, Lauren Synnott, Dr. Carl Nelson, and Principal, Gayle Dembowski. There was one staff member present.
2. Approve Minutes – (11-21-11) – Motion was made by Ms. Anzaldi, seconded by Ms. Synnott, that the Minutes of the 11-21-11 meeting be approved as circulated. Motion carried by unanimous vote.
3. Citizen Comments: None.
4. Presentation of School Programs/FYI Items:
- SAU – Other School Board Reports - Dr. Nelson announced that Conway’s
budget has moved forward and is down by $627,000, not due to cut in programs, but is to do with retirement of bonds and some cut back in staff at Kennett Middle School. He noted Bartlett’s budget is down by $150,000 due a decrease in health insurance costs and money put away last year in case teacher retirement changed and they did not have to put that away this year. Also there was a decrease in Special Ed.
5. Old Business:
A. Review of Policy Manual and Handbook – Dr. Nelson stated Ms. Dembowski will look at the handbook and make the policies and handbook match. Ms. Dembowski said Ann Kantack has been given the job of researching health policies, comparing with other schools. Dr. Nelson will look back to see if there are old policies that possibly are no longer relevant.
B. Consider Approval of Bartlett/Jackson Tuition Contract for 2013-16 – Dr. Nelson provided transportation information, noting that if there are no Jackson students riding the bus, the Bartlett driver calls ahead and Jackson’s driver does not have to go out. Mr. Nemeth questioned the count of Bartlett kids arriving at the school (13). He was told that is probably an average.
Mr. Bradley said his point in bringing this up was that there are more Bartlett students than Jackson students on the bus. Ms. Dembowski noted the bus comes from Bartlett to Story Land and they swap off there because the driver (Mark) is going back that way. It was noted that we transport 25 Bartlett kids on average every afternoon, plus 10 stops to get to the Jackson town line. Ms. Anzaldi suggested asking for subsidizing the fuel, noting also if we did not have to make those stops we would probably get the kids back home ten minutes earlier. Ms. Dembowski noted that the every morning mini bus is not included in the report – that for almost all the transition activities we get on the bus here and travel over.
Mr. Bradley said he would like to see late buses supplied for us. Ms. Anzaldi stated noted we would then end up paying for the small bus every morning. It was noted Bartlett takes our kids from the high school to Hurricane Mt. Road. Mr. Bradley stated it is still in Bartlett’s favor, we need to approach this separately from the contract. He suggested using the wording: “Transportation will be agreed upon separately.”
Mr. Bradley felt Bartlett should be advised it looks one-sided, they should come back with a proposal that makes it look more fair. Ms. Anzaldi suggested starting the dialogue. Dr. Nelson suggested discussing it first with the bus drivers and Ms. Anzaldi agreed; however, Mr. Bradley was not in favor of involving the drivers. Mr. Nemeth wished to know what we are talking to the bus drivers about? Dr. Nelson said they would give another perspective; they are doing a good job. Ms. Anzaldi added that there is more going on than what is on the paper provided. Mr. Kearns said what is going on is a convenience issue – he questioned meeting with the bus drivers. Dr. Nelson suggested having the Transportation Committee meet with Bartlett prior to the regular
meeting. Mr. Bradley agreed the drivers are doing a great job, but it is still our tax dollars that are paying for the transportation. He suggested advising them: “It has been brought to our attention that the transportation is not equal.”
Ms. Dembowski pointed out if you add the numbers of students you probably have kids that are on the a.m. numbers and also on the p.m. numbers. Ms. Synnott said she agreed with Mr. Bradley. Mr. Kearns agreed. Dr. Nelson suggested meeting one half hour before the Bartlett meeting. Ms. Anzaldi agreed they should meet with them face to face. Dr. Nelson suggested information needed would be number of Jackson students and Jackson stops, and include the mini bus. Ms. Dembowski noted there are two Jackson students who go early to Bartlett for homework club. It was agreed this will be discussed further at the next regular Jackson meeting, then they would meet with Bartlett. Dr. Nelson will discuss this with Bartlett also.
Bartlett/Jackson Tuition Contract, Section XI – Tuition Calculations – Mr. Kearns wished to discuss the 2% rental issue. Dr. Nelson said it is an add-on which became part of the contract many years ago, it is 2% of the total we pay them. Mr. Bradley questioned why we pay a rental fee since we are already paying through tuition. Dr. Nelson said their tuition is figured as an elementary school, K-8. It was agreed Ms. Anzaldi and Mr. Kearns would meet with Bartlett at the SAU Office to discuss the rental fee.
6. Instructional Issues: None.
7. Consider Personnel Actions: None.
8. Business Affairs:
A. FYI -2011-12 Budget Status Report – It was agreed “this looks fine.”
- Review 1st Draft of 2012-13 Proposed Budget
- Review 1st Draft of Warrant Articles
See Pg. 4
9. Administrator’s Reports:
A. Superintendent – Dr. Nelson pointed out Jackson School District does not have a District Clerk. Ms. Synnott said she knows someone who might be interested and will contact that person.
- Principal – Ms. Dembowski reported the Excellence Committee is forming
an Enrichment Committee and will be meeting after the first of the year with K-3 and 4-6 representatives. The School Climate Committee has not formulated all details as yet.
Survey Results – Ms. Dembowski noted that overall the students transitioned really well. With regard to the answers “not well at all,” two dealt with home work expectations. She noted there were six responses – two not well, two well, two really well. Mr. Bradley said homework work is given for the week so they know what they have ahead of them, which he likes.
10. Citizen Comments: Ann Bennett reported the staff is wondering whether they are going to meet with the Board again this year to discuss the subject of achievement awards; people did respond to it and would like to schedule discussion.
11. Board Member Issues:
- Set Date for Next Meeting – January 17, 2012 at 6:00 p.m.
Mr. Kearns reported the Personnel Committee met with staff and asked for concerns: they are hoping the insurance flex card arrangement would continue – he advised that it will. Performance pay for contracted employees: concern as to what the percentage is based on and whether there is an increase proposed. It was explained it is multiplied by the Social Security COLA; with the non contracted it is a set percentage (3.5%), it is the same as Bartlett. Dr. Nelson stated for teaching staff, based on the rating, they get an increase of “X” number of dollars - two years ago it was $1931, which will be increased by Social Security each year. He noted last year it was zero, this year it is 3.6%, so $2001 has been budgeted, plus a $500 bonus for Distinguished
rating.
Mr. Kearns said in looking at non contracted, comparing similar positions at the school with the town, benefits are different, pay is different. The town pays approximately $2 per hour more. He pointed out with the 3.5% performance pay, the town is adjusting how they do theirs, and it is going to be lower – about 3%.
Mr. Kearns noted the issue of Maternity Leave is a concern. He stated Conway gives leave for the remainder of the school year and then the entire next school year; they have paid health insurance for one year, but not the following year. He stated we have to allow three months, and if more is wanted it is requested, and we continue to pay the health insurance throughout, but there is nothing in the policy to say that. He said the issue was attracting young, new teachers.
Ms. Dembowski noted they were also asking that they be allowed to take the following year to be granted as a leave and still have their job security. Dr. Nelson said in Conway the first year includes health insurance, for the second year they can purchase it, but the District will not pay for it - they are guaranteed a similar job at the same level as when they left. Mr. Bradley questioned if they could add the wording that they are granted the extra year of leave only if they had a rating of “Distinguished” for the prior year. The answer was no. Mr. Bradley said he is not in favor of holding their job for two years. Mr. Nemeth suggested if they request a second year, it could be at the discretion of the Board. It was agreed they would go with the wording
the same as Conway for the one year, with health insurance to be paid for one year only.
Mr. Kearns noted there was a discrepancy with sick day buy back – the numbers were different from contracted to non contracted. Ms. Bennett stated the discrepancy was in the non contracted. Mr. Kearns said he will look at it again.
Mr. Bradley reported the Calendar Committee did not remove any early release days, it stayed the same, with only two. He stated they submitted two drafts, one looking at starting before Labor Day, but it was found that violates Conway’s union contract. Dr. Nelson said if it is the 7th, 6th or 5th they can start before Labor Day, if the 4th, 3rd or 1st , they can start after. Mr. Bradley said he is disturbed that the Conway union did not look at it from an educational standpoint on what was best for the students. It was noted that SAU 9 still has to vote on the calendar, and Mr. Bradley felt it would be prudent to have significant representation from Jackson at that meeting.
8. A & B: Budget – Dr. Nelson advised they need to get all changes done and into the budget prior to next meeting. He reported the budget is going down by $161,000, or a 6.23% reduction. He reviewed the differences: Health and dental insurance – slight decrease in terms of the different plans that have been selected based on a 5.6% increase, which will go down even more. The budget overall will go down greater than the $161,000 – a swing of 4% and is a $19,000 reduction for the ESOL – one part-time aide.
Dr. Nelson stated the reduction number includes the $4,000 for supervision at the Whitney Center, explaining the Committee requested from the Whitney Oversight Committee to put money in for a supervisor position - a 5-hour a week position ($4,000). The Budget Committee also wanted money put in for Language Tutorial, bringing in a separate teacher four hours a week.
Dr. Nelson said performance pay is up $30,000 and includes for all non teaching staff a 3.5% increase; also included is the now $2001 for those receiving a Proficient rating, plus another $500 bonus for Distinguished rating per teacher. Retirement has gone up slightly; approximately $14,000 for Board NH Retirement rate increase – the money was put away but not spent. Middle School tuition is down by $105,000, going from 19 students to 13.
Contract Services – Grounds – includes $500 for Whitney Center landscaping.
Dr. Nelson said they anticipate gas and electricity to be down; fuel is locked in at $2.91 per gallon, up from $2.65, but is locked in for 18 months.
Contract services student support – high school advocacy – $8,670.
SAU District Share is up by $4700. Fuel for buses is based on $3.75 per gallon. Mr. Bradley questioned the town budgeting for fuel for the buses. Dr. Nelson explained it has to be shown as an expenditure and as a revenue.
Estimated Revenue - $220,000 in fund balance, School Building Aid - $55,000, Catastrophic Aid – zero. Adequacy Aid - $78,000 - comes directly to the school and is paid four times a year.
Dr. Nelson reported the tax rate is down by 60 cents per thousand – if all warrant articles are approved the tax rate will go down by 23 cents per thousand.
Warrant Articles: Article 1 – Budget
Article 2 - $15,000 – Capital Reserve for School Buses.
Article 3 - $97,000 to purchase a 66 passenger school bus, authorizing withdrawal of $50,000 from the Capital Reserve Fund (School Buses). Dr. Nelson said they want to take $50,000 out of the Reserve, leaving that at $43,000 plus the $15,000 in Article 2. Mr. Bradley said if we continue to put in $15,000, we will have $108,000 before we have to buy the next bus.
Ms. Synnott questioned seat belts on buses. She was told there is a conflict as to whether they are safe.
Mr. Bradley said they need to look at whether three years is the right time to replace buses. Ms. Anzaldi commented that once they get over three years old you are throwing money away. Mr. Bradley said we are paying $33,000 a year, if we made it four years, we would save $7,000 to $8,000 a year. Dr. Nelson stated Conway tried that and it did not work out. He suggested having the Bus Committee meet and ask Bob Thompson to come in with his report. Ms. Anzaldi pointed out that Jackson buses get more wear and tear because of the terrain they must travel.
Article 4 - $10,000 to be added to the Expendable General Trust Fund (School Building Maintenance Fund).
Article 5 - $3,000 to be added to the Whitney Maintenance Trust Fund – there is currently $8,000 in that fund.
Article 6 - $30,000 to be added to the Capital Reserve Fund (Special Education). It was reported there is currently $100,000 in there. Mr. Bradley noted the Board had agreed to cap it at $100,000. Dr. Nelson commented that the cost of emergency placements has increased. Ms. Anzaldi felt they should leave it in.
Article 7 - $40,000 to be added to the Expendable Trust Fund (Tuition Trust Fund). It was reported there is presently $32,000 in that fund.
Ms. Bennett asked for clarification of the performance increase and whether the 3.6% cost of living adjustment is included. Dr. Nelson said there is a 3.6% increase to the performance, if rated unsatisfactory they would get zero. Ms. Bennett stated the town is giving 3.6% for merit. Mr. Bradley stated the school gives it for performance. Mr. Kearns said this Board has always gone with the performance pay idea instead of salary adjustment. Dr. Nelson explained the $2001 gets added to their salary, which includes the COLA, and they would get a bonus one-time check for rate of “Distinguished.” Mr. Bradley pointed out it ends up being about a 5% increase.
Mr. Bradley said we discussed last year changing the Expendable General Trust Fund (School Building Maintenance Fund) (Article 4) so it could be building or grounds. Dr. Nelson stated they would have to dissolve the Expendable General Trust Fund (School Building Maintenance Fund) and create two new ones. It was reported that there is also $14,000 left in the construction account which will be used for a new boiler. Mr. Bradley requested copies of Mr. Bordash’s needs list be provided to new members.
12. Signing of Manifest: Manifests were duly signed.
13. Nonpublic Session: At 7:30 p.m. Motion was made by Ms. Anzaldi, seconded by Mr. Bradley and carried by unanimous role call vote, that the Board adjourn to non public session under RSA 91-A:3, II.
Nonpublic Session Minutes
The Board discussed a personnel issue.
Motion was made by Ms. Anzaldi to return to Public Session. The motion was seconded by Mr. Bradley and passed unanimously.
Motion was made by Ms. Anzaldi to authorize the Superintendent to settle with Sarah Parsons regarding EEOC. The motion was seconded by Keith Bradley and passed 4-0-1 (Nemeth).
14. Motion was made by Mr. Bradley to adjourn the meeting. The motion was seconded by Ms. Anzaldi and passed unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Gail T. Currier, Recording Secretary
Old Business – next meeting:
Continued discussion of Bartlett/Jackson Tuition Contract for 2013-16
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