MINUTES OF MEETING
JACKSON SCHOOL BOARD
Jackson Grammar School
March 5, 2015
1. Call to Order: The Mar. 5th meeting of the Jackson School Board was called to order at 6:30 p.m. Present were Chair, Genn Anzaldi, Jerry Dougherty, Fred Nemeth, Keith Bradley, Andrew Kearns, Dr. Carl Nelson, Kevin Richard, Pam Stimpson, and Principal, Gayle Dembowski. There were three members of staff/public present.
2. Approve Minutes (2-5-15) – Motion by Mr. Bradley, second by Mr. Nemeth, that the Minutes of the Feb. 5th 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 – None.
- FYI – 2015-16 School Calendar – Mr. Kearns inquired as to whether
Kennett High School knows how they will adjust freshman orientation day. Mr. Richard stated it would typically be the first Tuesday prior to the first day of school.
5. Old Business:
- Whitney Center – Mr. Kearns questioned whether with the warrant article
that deals with the Whitney Maintenance Trust, that money can be used if necessary for capital improvements as well? Dr. Nelson said he would have to go back and get the original warrant and read that. Mr. Kearns wished to know whether that building is being kept track of so we will know when it needs new siding, for instance. Dr. Nelson stated he thinks the wording is general, but he will check it.
1. Use of Facilities Policy – Mr. Bradley said we need to redo the policy or no one can use it. He questioned use of the building for “private gain,” noting we are not following this at all, for instance, we talk about how a school employee needs to be there at all times. Mr. Kearns said if both buildings are going to be included in one policy, we may not necessarily need staff there as long as there is staff present at one of the buildings. He said we do have some groups in there that are for-profit – that would have to be amended.
Mr. Nemeth questioned whether we need a separate Whitney use policy. Mr. Bradley stated he would like restrictions to pertain to both buildings. Ms. Dembowski noted the library book sale is a four day event and to have school staff required to be on the property all that time, that will incur more cost. Mr. Bradley posed the question: “why would you be comfortable with an event going on with the Whitney Center without someone at the school?” Mr. Dougherty said this is the policy that we have, but if it is an issue, we need to bring it up at the next meeting. Ms. Dembowski stated we have not followed the policy for some time so we need to look at that. She referred the Board to the copy of the guidelines provided last week. Ms. Anzaldi said we are aware that this policy is
invalid and we need to make changes. It was agreed the Board would review this and put it on hold for the next meeting.
6. Instructional Issues:
A. Consider First Reading of Policy DA for Whitney Community Center Funds - Motion was made by Mr. Dougherty, seconded by Mr. Bradley, that the Board adopt the Whitney Community Center Funds Policy at first reading. Mr. Kearns suggested removing the question mark next to the word (donate) as depicted on draft dated 2/23/15 of the Whitney Community Center Funds Policy. Mr. Bradley said as regards having a true budget, if you are having an income line you should have an expense line as well. Mr. Kearns said the amount received from the NH Charitable Foundation would be put into line item 1400-320-120. Mr. Bradley suggested adding “or an appropriate number would be included annually.” Motion carried by
unanimous vote.
7. Consider Personnel Actions:
A. Election of Catherine Kearns (Nordic Ski Coordinator) and Neil Stokes (Alpine Ski Coordinator) – Motion made by Mr. Kearns, second by Ms. Anzaldi, that the Board approve election of Catherine Kearns and Neil Stokes as Nordic and Alpine ski Coordinators respectively. Motion carried by unanimous vote.
8. Business Affairs:
A. FYI – 2014-15 Budget Status Report – There were no questions or comments.
B. Consider Approval of Food Service Agreement with Bartlett – Motion by Mr. Kearns, second by Ms. Anzaldi, that the Board approve the Food Service Agreement with Bartlett School District for the 2015-16 school year. Ms. Dembowski was asked her opinion. She reported that the Bartlett food is awesome; the agreement is working like a well-oiled machine. Motion carried by unanimous vote.
9. Administrator’s Reports:
A. Superintendent – Dr. Nelson reported there is an SAU Executive Board meeting scheduled for March 12th; however, that may not need to take place. The next SAU regular board meeting is planned for April 16th at 6:00 p.m. and will be a reorganizational meeting.
B. Principal
Ms. Dembowski stated that Kristen Groves gave a nice presentation to the PTO, reporting on the reading workshop model that we have been implementing SAU-wide. She explained Kristen is our lab teacher and is getting more intensive training than the rest of the staff. Ms. Dembowski noted that meeting was not as well attended as some, so they have decided to go back to trying afternoon meetings, the next one being April 15th at 3:15 p.m. Ms. Anzaldi questioned whether Ms. Groves could do a presentation for the School Board, and Ms. Dembowski said she will schedule that.
Ms. Dembowski noted half of the staff went to Somersworth today to observe their programming; Ms. Dembowski and Mr. Harding will be heading down there in April to do a site visit and observations.
Ms. Dembowski noted that student parents, Jess DellaValla and Dan Mahoud put together a talent show for the students which was well received.
10. Citizen Comments: Susan Ross-Parent wished to thank the ski coaches for the work done on the Alpine and Nordic ski programs. Mr. Kearns stated yesterday was an awesome ski event. Ms. Anzaldi commented this year the kids really stuck with it the entire time and it helped to have the high school and middle school kids come by and keep the kids on track.
11. Board Member Issues:
- Set Date for Next Meeting – Wednesday, April 8, 2015 at 6:30 p.m.
Mr. Bradley reported that the Kennett High School Robotics Club won the State Championship and will be heading to Kentucky for the nationals. Mr. Bradley will be accompanying them as his son will be competing in that competition.
12. Signing of Manifest: Manifests were duly signed.
13. Nonpublic Session: None.
14. Adjourn: Motion made by Mr. Kearns, second by Ms. Anzaldi and carried by unanimous vote, that the meeting be adjourned at 6:50 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Gail T. Currier, Recording Secretary
Agenda – April 8th:
Use of Facilities Policy
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