Mount Desert School Department
Mount Desert School Committee
Minutes
The Mount Desert School Committee held a meeting on Wednesday, 1 April 2009, with the following members present: Chair Heather Jones, Charlie Wray, Gail Marshall, Laura Hendricks and Brian Reilly
Also present were Scott McFarland, Rob Liebow, Judith Cullen, Rebecca Heniser and Sumner Rulon-Miller
CALL TO ORDER
Heather Jones called the meeting to order at 4:03 p.m.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The approval of minutes was tabled until the next meeting.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Sumner Rulon-Miller inquired about the latest efforts to appeal the consolidation act. Superintendent Liebow pointed out that there are a number of bills currently being debated at the state level but none that appear to have any momentum.
PRINCIPAL’S REPORT
Principal McFarland presented his report to the committee
DISCUSSION ITEMS
• Blended Classrooms: Heather Jones reported to the committee that the public parent forum on the subject of a blended 2/3 classroom resulted in a great deal of support for the idea.
MOVED by Gail Marshall, seconded by Laurel Hendricks and unanimously voted to support the administration and staff decision to provide a blended classroom experience for the students. The committee also expressed support for pursuing other blending options for specials at the other grade levels.
• 8th class trip policies: Heather Jones reported to the committee that based on interviews with a variety of present and former 8th grade advisors, she has identified two main issues; 1) the large amount of fundraising that needs to be done, and 2) the time commitment that teachers need to devote to the position.
It is her recommendation that a policy include three elements; 1) set a maximum dollar value amount per student, 2) put together a small menu of trip possibilities, and 3) have parents take more ownership of the fundraising activities. Heather will work more on the language and will meet with the staff for feedback.
ACTION ITEMS
• Nomination and election of probationary teachers:
MOVED by Gail Marshall seconded by Laura Hendricks and unanimously voted to move Rebecca Heniser from probationary teacher to continuing contract status for the 2009-2010 contract year.
MOVED by Gail Marshall, seconded by Laura Hendricks and unanimously voted to move Judith Cullen from probationary teacher to continuing contract status for the 2009-2010 contract year.
• Second reading and adoption of Policy JFAA – Admission of Resident Students. MOVED by Gail Marshall, seconded by Charlie Wray and unanimously voted to adopt Policy JFAA as presented.
• Deletion of Policy JECA – Admission of Resident Students.
MOVED by Gail Marshall, seconded by Brian Reilly and unanimously voted to delete Policy JECA for the Mount Desert Elementary School only.
• Authorization for Superintendent to complete notice of votes.
MOVED by Gail Marshall, seconded by Charlie Wray and unanimously voted that pursuant to 20-A M.R.S.A. § § 1486(2) and 2307, the form of notice of amounts adopted at town meeting is hereby approved, and that the Superintendent of Schools is authorized and directed to complete said notice in accordance with the town meeting at which the school budget is approved, and to cause said notice, as completed, to be delivered to the town clerk for display at all polling places established by the selectmen for the school budget validation referendum to be held on June 9, 2009.
OTHER BUSINESS
• Principal McFarland informed the committee that there has been a request made by the SPCA of Hancock County to use the ball field for their pet fair on July 19th. The committee gave consent with the understanding that the SPCA would not be charged for the use of the field but would be responsible for the cost of clean-up and for any damage that may occur, including but not limited to the sprinkler system. The committee did not give consent for the use of the gym should the weather be inclement, rather they will need to set a rain date.
DATE, TIME AND PLACE OF NEXT MEETING
May 6, 2009 at 4:00 P.M. at Mount Desert Elementary School
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
• 8th grade class trip policies and guidelines
• Looking into the future – options to consider to meet the needs of the future
• HS voting members
• Creating a “green” partnership with COA
• Election of School Committee Chair
EXECUTIVE SESSION
MOVED by Gail Marshall, seconded by Brian Reilly and unanimously voted to enter executive session at 5:37 p.m. pursuant to 1 M.R.S.A. § 405(6)(A) for the purpose of discussing a personnel evaluation.
At 6:02 p.m. the committee came out of executive session.
ACTION ITEM: RENEWAL OF CONTRACT AND ADJUSTMENT OF SALARY FOR ADMINISTRATOR
MOVED by Gail Marshall, seconded by Brian Reilly and unanimously voted to extend Principal McFarland’s contract through June 30, 2011 at a salary of $78,178 beginning July 1, 2009. (reflects an increase of 2.5% as budgeted)
ADJOURNMENT
MOVED by Brian Reilly, seconded by Gail Marshall and unanimously voted to adjourn the meeting at 6:05 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Scott McFarland, Principal
Mount Desert Elementary School
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