DRAFT: Subject to Board Approval

WINCHESTER SCHOOL BOARD MEETING

MARCH 6, 2008

WINCHESTER SCHOOL LIBRARY

The Meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm. by Chair, C. Duquette

Board Members Present: V. Cole, B. Moser, C. Duquette, C. Thompson, G. O'Neal

Administration Present:  T. O’Connor, D. Funkhouser

C. Thompson MOVED to approve the minutes of the February 21, 2008 Board meeting; SECONDED by: V. Cole, VOTED: 2-1-1 (B. Moser - no, V. Cole - abstained), MOTION PASSED.

V. Cole MOVED to approve the minutes of the February 7, 2008 Deliberative Session; SECONDED by: C. Thompson, VOTED: 3-1 (B. Moser - no), MOTION PASSED.

BOARD BUSINESS:

Presentation - "Exchange City":

S. Tommilla gave a presentation in her classroom, along with two other teachers, on Exchange City and answered questions of the Board.  Exchange City is a hands-on learning program that combines curriculum with a government and free enterprise laboratory.  The Exchange City experience helps students learn and apply rigorous academic standards in areas including Math, Civics and Social Studies in real-life roles as citizens of their own mini town.

G. O'Neal arrived at 6:45 pm.

Policy:

IHCA - Summer Activities - Required:

C. Thompson MOVED to approve the IHCA - Summer Activities policy as a first reading; SECONDED by: G. O'Neal, VOTED: 4-1, (B. Moser - no) MOTION PASSED.

B. Moser feels this is a riduculous policy and not necessary.  T. O'connor advised it is a requirement, according to the Ed rule 306:14 (h).

B. Moser feels the policy is setting up the ground work to where we would be responsible for students 52 weeks of the year.

C. Duquette asked T. O'Connor if this policy is required, what is the penalty if no policy is put in place?  What does Category P fall under?

                T. O'Connor will bring answers back to the Board.

JG - Assignment of Students to Classes and Grade Levels - Required:

B. Moser MOVED to approve the Assignment of Students to Classes and Grade Levels policy as amended for a first reading; SECONDED by: B. Moser,  after much discussion, VOTED: 5-0, MOTION PASSED.

Delegation to Health Insurance Committee to Select  Provider:

The Committee is requesting that the Board give them authority regarding the health care provider.

B. Moser explained the committee has three meetings scheduled.  He doesn't think they will need all three, but if a decision needs to come back to any of the Boards, they will miss the deadline.  Feels need to present proposals to staff and the Board at the same time, giving the staff plenty of time. 

C. Duquette is opposed to having the decision made at the committee level; feels it should be done at the SAU level.

After much discussion, B. Moser MOVED to approve the recommendation of the Health Insurance Committee to be responsible to select a health insurance provider and bring the proposal to the Union and the SAU Board; SECONDED BY: V. Cole, VOTED: 4-1 (C. Duquette - no), MOTION PASSED.

T. O'Connor advised that the current insurance rate with LGC will not go up more than 12.2 % next year; guaranteed highest rate.

Review of Goals:

The Board will wait and review the Goals with  Dr. Crisafulli at the next meeting.

The Board received a memo in their packets regarding the termination of coverage of specialized transportation from Medicaid.

                T. O'Connor distributed information to the Board; advised we will be losing $32,000.

T. O'Connor distributed a letter from the bus company regarding up-charges for fuel for next year and reviewed it with the Board.

FINANCIAL REPORT:

The Board received the Revenue and Expense report in their packets.

The LGC dinner will be held at Papagallos on 4/1/08.

                T. O'Connor will register four slots.

C. Thompson and G. O'Neal will meet with T. O'Connor the week after next to review the Manifest.  They will check on a date for the meeting and e-mail T. O'Connor.

C. Duquette sent information to the Board on school funding and explained.  An Amendment went in for $45,000,000; will be heavy discussion during the next couple of weeks.  Encouraged Board members to contact Molly Kelly.

CITIZENS COMMENTS:

Bill Klause explained he met with the Governor.  If the Amendment doesn't go through, nothing will happen until he is voted out or his term is up. 

D. Chamberlain explained budget is tight on plowing, but will make it.

D. Chamberlain advised building in good shape as far as roofs.

                C. Duquette thanked D. Chamberlain and his staff for all their work.

P. Bigelow advised they are planning a Family Science Night from 6:00 pm. to 7:00 pm. to be held on Thursday, April 17th. 

                C. Duquette advised the Board will move their meeting to 7:00 pm. that night.

Respectfully submitted,

Peggy Higgins