MINUTES OF MEETING
JACKSON SCHOOL BOARD
Jackson Grammar School
March 7, 2013
1. Call to Order: The March 7th meeting of the Jackson School Board was called to order at 6:30 p.m. Present were Genn Anzaldi, Fred Nemeth, William White, Dr. Carl Nelson, and Principal, Gayle Dembowski. Also present was SAU Administrative Assistant, Jim Hill, as well as four members of public/staff.
2. Approve Minutes (2-6-13 Board Meeting & 2-6-13 Budget Hearing) – Motion by Mr. Nemeth, second by Dr. White, to approve the Minutes of the Feb. 6th Board Meeting and Budget Hearing as circulated. Motion carried by unanimous vote.
In order to accommodate Paul Robert’s (Intervale Lock & Safe) schedule, the Chair opted to proceed to Item 5 on the Agenda.
5. Old Business:
- Security/Locks – Mr. Robert explained the system being proposed which
would include a video recorder/camera which has the capacity to hold a great deal of information and can be set to store information for whatever length of time is preferred. Personnel can go on any computer in the school to see who is at the door, and it will toggle into the lock. The lock is an electric strike system and does not require battery back up. The door will have a crash bar so people can still get out if the power goes off. If the power fails it will be locked, they can enter with a key.
Jim Hill questioned what takes place when a person comes to the front door. Mr. Robert said a phone will ring (it can be on all phones or only one, whichever is preferred), and the person can be seen on the computer. He noted some servicing will be required for the front door, and the Board may want to consider putting on a new door with hurricane safety glass which is nearly impossible to penetrate.
Motion was made by Mr. Nemeth, seconded by Dr. White, to approve installation of the proposed security system by Intervale Lock & Safe.
Ann Bennett questioned how it integrates with the actual lock down function. Mr. Robert said it can be used if locked all the time - a person would be buzzed in or someone monitoring the front door at all times could press a button and can lock it. Ms. Bennett questioned the manual aspect. Mr. Robert explained it is computer based and has a module that communicates with the phone.
Ms. Bennett noted we have emergency situations on occasion when we have no power. Mr. Robert explained if already in a lock down situation, it will continue to strike without any power. Staff would get in with a key, get out with a crash bar. He said nothing would change, hardware-wise, the only concern is if you are going to leave the door unlocked or not, but people can still get in with a key. Ms. Bennett questioned whether the module will interface with the phone system and was told it will. Mr. Robert questioned whether they might want to consider a hand held phone in the event the person monitoring needed to be away from his/her desk. Mr. Nemeth’s Motion carried by unanimous vote.
3. Citizen Comments: None.
4. Presentation of School Programs/FYI Items:
A. SAU – Other School Board Reports - Dr. Nelson reported that Bartlett School District passed everything at its annual meeting with the exception of demolition of the church; they reinstated the technology program back to $14,000 instead of the $7,000 originally proposed. He noted that in Conway the budget number on the ballot will be $372,000 less than what the Board is proposing. He will keep JSB updated on it. Ms. Anzaldi questioned whether it might be a good idea if Jackson had a representative at the meeting. Dr. Nelson agreed it would be wise to have someone there.
B. FYI – 2013-14 School Calendar – Dr. Nelson noted this has been approved and is included for information purposes only.
C. FYI – Bill & Betty Whitney Foundation Designated Fund – It was noted that a check was received in the amount of $9,904.24
6. Instructional Issues: None.
7. Consider Personnel Actions: None.
8. Business Affairs:
- FYI – 2012-13 Budget Status Report – Dr. Nelson provided copies of
updated budget – there were no questions or comments.
9. Administrator’s Reports:
A. Superintendent – Dr. Nelson reported Ms. Dembowski had received an email regarding campaigning on school property. Mr. Dougherty stated that issue will be addressed in court on Monday for a temporary resolution, noting there is a 1987 ordinance on town books banning electioneering; however, this is deemed unconstitutional. He noted the town does not have an established distance, and in 2007 the Attorney General recommended 200’ which puts those participating across the street. One citizen wants to be able to electioneer here within the 10’ distance, a compromise offered was to be 100’ from the building – there may be a temporary order made by the court on Monday. Dr. Nelson said the School Board can set its own rules. It was Mr.
Nemeth’s opinion that the School Board cannot infringe on an amendment of the U.S. Constitution. He felt a lot would depend on what the Judge has to say and what the Town Moderator prefers. Ms. Anzaldi said she would not be supportive of inviting people onto school grounds during school hours.
Mr. Dougherty said the town’s compromise, from a safety point, is asking the court to consider during school hours to keep electioneers off the school property. After 3:00 p.m. it would be a decision of the School Board. Mr. Nemeth said he would be more inclined to along with the Town Moderator’s decision and the decision of the court on Monday.
Dr. Nelson advised that the Board will make no decision now, but would lean toward favoring the town’s position. Mr. Dougherty said after 3:00 p.m. when school is over, then electioneering would be allowed on school property 100’ distant from the polling place. Dr. Nelson questioned what the town wants from this Board. Mr. Dougherty said a prepared statement saying the school backs the compromise being offered by the town and the town would be awaiting a decision by the court. Dr. Nelson will confer with the school’s attorney as well.
- Principal – Ms. Dembowski, noting that the Board had requested that she
provide a recommendation regarding the question of security, provided a memo which was a result of her discussions with staff and parents, setting forth her recommendation.
10. Citizen Comments: None.
11. Board Member Issues:
- Set Date for Next Meeting – Wednesday, April 10, 2013.
- Consider Change in May Meeting Date – Tuesday, May 28, 2013.
12. Signing of Manifest: Manifests were duly signed.
13. Nonpublic Session: None.
14. Adjourn: Motion was made by Mr. Nemeth, seconded by Dr. White and carried, that the meeting be adjourned at 6:59 p.m. at which time the Board proceeded to the Whitney Center to take part in the annual School District meeting.
Respectfully submitted,
Gail T. Currier, Recording Secretary
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