Draft: Subject to Board Approval
WINCHESTER SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
WINCHESTER SCHOOL LIBRARY
MARCH 20, 2008
Board Members Present: C. Duquette, B. Moser, W. Hildreth
Absent: V. Cole
Administration Present: D. Crisafulli, D. Funkhouser, P. Bigelow, T. O'Connor
The meeting was called to order at 6:30 pm by Chair, C. Duquette.
As all Board members were not present, C. Duquette asked that the minutes be included in the next Board packets.
BOARD BUSINESS:
Budget Review:
T. O'Connor brought the MS-22 to the Board for 2008-2009. The MS-22 is the report of amounts voted on with the numbers adjusted down. It is required to be file 20 days after the vote.
B. Moser had a problem with the fact that it appears it costs alot more for the kids to go to the Elementary school then the high school. He thinks it looks bad for us.
Dr. Crisafulli explained it is because you don't have your own high school.
T. O'Connor explained from this type of look at it, one might conclude the cost is a lot more per student, but from the state requirement, the amount is not calculated from this paper. T. O'Connor explained further.
C. Duquette MOVED to approve the MS-22 as presented by our Business Manager, Tom O'Connor; there was no SECOND.
C. Duquette advised could have a Board meeting before the SAU meeting on March 31st. C. Duquette and T. O'Connor will discuss to see if a meeting is needed.
Beacon of Light:
D. Funkhouser, D. Crisafulli and the Board presented the Beacon of Light award to Stephanie Tomilla who has taught in Winchester for 20 years.
D. Funkhouser read a copy of a letter that he wrote endorsing Stephanie as a candidate for a program on the Civil War and to demonstrate why he thinks she should receive the Beacon of Light award. He advised that S. Tomilla is a scholar and locally Winchester history is living through her. Feels she is the one that carries the banner for Winchester history.
C. Duquette thanked S. Tomilla on behalf of the Board, for all her current and past work and her efforts above and beyond.
Access Program:
The Board received information in their packet. D. Crisafulli worked with Jeremy and summarized the information for the Board.
G. O'Neal arrived at 6:50 pm.
G. O'Neal asked if the programming is in addition to the ELM Center programming or counter to.
Jeremy advised definitely not counter to. He is willing to work with any group for the betterment of the students.
G. O'Neal explained that was his concern. The program at the ELM Center is very important.
Jeremy explained he has been in contact with the ELM Center to advise the Access Group is willing to work together.
G. O'Neal feels perhaps it is a good idea to have information on the web site to let everyone know about the programs available.
C. Duquette asked about the 21st Century Grant.
D. Crisafulli advised it has been written; now waiting to hear back. It is competitive; will know sometime in late April.
C. Duquette would this be part of the Access Program or separate?
D. Crisafulli advised it would be part of it.
C. Duquette thanked Jeremy for coming. The Board has heard great things.
C. Duquette brought information for refresher of NHSB Association Orientation and Refresher Workshop. If G. O'Neal and W. Hildreth want to go, they should let Dr. Crisafulli know.
Litigation:
The Board received information regarding litigation involving the NH Retirement System. The Winchester School District has joined in the litigation with other school districts.
G. O'Neal met with T. O'Connor to review the Manifest and recommended approval.
G. O'Neal MOVED to approve the Manifest in the amount of $392,989.82; SECONDED by: C. Duquette, VOTED: 2-1-1 (B. Moser - no, W. Hildreth - abstained)
MOTION PASSED.
C. Duquette and G. O'Neal will sign the Manifest and then V. Cole will sign it advising that the motion passed by majority votes. B. Moser explained there was no need to
have another meeting.
T. O'Connor will meet with V. Cole for her signature.
PRINCIPAL'S REPORT:
The Board received D. Funkhouser's report in their packets.
D. Funkhouser explained all the Kindergarten numbers should be 16.
B. Moser MOVED to allow D. Chamberlain to throw away or give away to anyone who can use them, items from the Surplus Items List dated 3/13/08, but will not throw away the band uniforms; SECONDED by: G. O'Neal, after discussion, VOTED: 4-0, MOTION PASSED.
C. Duquette advised if items such as chairs, are broken, D. Chamberlain can go ahead and throw them away. He doesn't need to come back to the Board.
ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT:
The Board received Dr. Crisafulli's report in their packets.
*The Board received additional information from D. Crisafulli regarding instructional change and restructuring in an effort to improve testing scores and answered questions of the Board.
*D. Crisafulli advised at one of the April meetings, Administrators from Keene would like to come to discuss the students in Winchester.
*Exchange City Program presentation will be held on April 3rd from 6:00 pm. to 7:00 pm; the Board meeting will begin at 7:00 pm.
*The Science Fair will be held on April 17th; 6:00 pm. to 7:00 pm; the Board meeting will begin at 7:00 pm.
*The Board received a letter from Doris Mitchell regarding her retirement.
C. Duquette proposed that Doris Mitchell receive the Beacon of Light in May.
The Board received information regarding Special Ed placements
J. Bischoff has advised there are many placements coming in. She doesn't know about them until they are done. Dr. Crisafulli advised there is very little in the reserve account. Need to look elsewhere for monies.
Dr. Crisafulli explained things seem to be okay now, but placements are coming in quicker than she's anticipating.
T. O'Connor has not yet put together the paperwork for the $105,000 to cover the deficit, as voted on.
B. Moser feels cannot put money in Special Ed account this year. Voters chose not to fund it. Feels it would be against what the voters wanted.
G. O'Neal feels this is why he made the motion; knew this would happen. He is willing to stand up for it.
Board Committee/Rep. Reports:
Finance Committee:
G. O'Neal explained he meets every week with T. O'Connor.
Select Board Rep.
C. Duquette advised the Town has discontinued the Town Manager form of government.
Keene School Board:
C. Duquette advised Keene High is coming in April to explain how the Winchester students are doing.
SAU Board:
Monday March 31st the SAU meeting will be held here at 7:00 pm.. C. Duquette explained it is very important that whoever can come, does come. Topics discussed will include the SAU Default Budget, Surry and K. Chamber's resignation.
C. Duquette asked D. Chamberlain to have the room ready.
C. Duquette highly recommends Board members go to the web site on the Surry withdrawal to read the report and have questions ready.
Future Agenda Items:
*Crossing Guard
*Reorganization of Board - Committee Assignments
*Exchange City
*Science Fair (4/17/08)
*Heating, air conditioning and power consumptions - ways to do it more cheaply.
MINUTES:
G. O'Neal MOVED to approve the minutes of the March 6, 2008 Board meeting as printed; SECONDED by: C. Duquette, VOTED: 2-1-1 (B. Moser - no, W. Hildreth - abstained), MOTION PASSED.
G. O'Neal MOVED to approve the MS-22 as prepared by T. O'Connor; SECONDED by: C. Duquette, VOTED: 2-1-1 (B. Moser - no, W. Hildreth - abstained) VOTED: 4-0, MOTION PASSED.
CITIZEN'S COMMENTS:
None.
G. O' Neal MOVED to adjourn the meeting at 8:18 pm; SECONDED by: B. Moser, VOTED: 4-0, MOTION PASSED.
Respectfully submitted,
Peggy Higgins