MAINE SCHOOL ADMINISTRATIVE DISTRICT NO. 9
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
MINUTES
Date: December 11, 2007
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Place: Mt. Blue High School Library
Handicapped Accessible
Members
Present: Susan Black, Kevin Umlauf(E) ,Raymond Glass, Charisse
Keach(E), Jo Josephson, Yvette Robinson, Joyce Morton, Francis Orcutt, Ted
Ellis, Robert Pullo, Neil Stinneford, Angela LeClair, William Reid, Robert
Flick, Mark Prentiss
Also Present: Michael Cormier, Sue Pratt, Ed
Ferreira, Darlene Paine, David
Leavitt, Gary Oswald, Joe Moore, Nichole Goodspeed, Cheryl
Pike, Arline Amos, Tracy
Williams, Ray Therrien, Glenn Kapiloff,
Angel Allen
I. Call to Order by Ray Glass at 7:00 PM
II. Consideration of the Minutes:
Minutes of the Meeting of November 27, 2007
Motion to approve: Neil Stinneford Seconded: Bob Pullo
Vote: 10/0/3 (Joyce Morton, Ted Ellis, Susan Black)
III. Report of the Chairman: Nothing at this time
IV. Committee Reports:
Administrator Evaluation Committee – Bob Pullo reported that the group had met and would give a report in executive session later in the meeting.
Contract Resolution Committee – Neil Stinneford reported that this group also met and would have recommendations later in the meeting during executive session.
Mallett Building Committee - Joyce Morton reviewed the last copy of the Architects Minutes from the November 28, 2007 meeting. She shared that the group would meet again on December 12, 2007. Ray Glass recognized Yvette Robinson who read a prepared statement to the Board. This was followed by discussion on the building process and building committee work.
Motion: That the committee fully explore all the viable options, and specifically that of the Mallett Renovation. Bob Flick Seconded: Yvette Robinson
Vote: Unanimous
Following this vote Greg Webber spoke to the Board as the Mallett Committee Chair. He assured the Board that the process will be thorough and all options will be considered. His motivation in doing this work is; what is best for students in MSAD 9. He felt the vote was unnecessary as the process was in the preliminary stage at this point.
MBHS/FRATC Building Committee: Dr. Cormier shared the progress on the MBHS/FRATC project. He shared the visioning process and timelines for that work. This project is moving ahead even faster then he had anticipated.
V. Old Business
A. Personnel
1. Appointments:
Dr. Cormier announced that he appointed Jon Richard as a half- time computer technician
B. School Report Card Presentation – Mt Blue Middle School - Gary Oswald shared two positive aspects of the report and two areas of concern. Overall the MEA scores are good and the school made AYP. The MEA’s are at or above the state average. The one area that needs some focus is the area of writing. Another issue that shows an area of improvement is the school climate issue. He identified the issue of work on the grading practices as an area where the school will need to focus more energy.
C. School Report Card & Tech Center Review – FRATC - Glenn Kapiloff shared the highlights of a state review process recently completed and the issues that the center received commendations and recommendations. This information was from a verbal report out done on November 8, 2007.
He followed this by a presentation on the School Report Card in relation to the center. He shared the news of many articulation agreements that exist from the programs at the tech center. He sees an increase in the number of these events. Another real strength for the center is the community involvement with business and the work of the programs advisory boards. He did say that a big challenge for the center is the alignment to academics and impact the new graduation requirements have on student’s ability to take part in the tech center programs. The Tech programs reach students who learn using a hands-on approach and this meets the needs of some students. He shared that the center is hopeful to add more programs in the future up to 3 or 4 that will be based on interest.
VI. New Business
A. Field Trip:
German Exchange Trip: Motion to approve: Neil Stinneford
Seconded: Bob Flick
Vote: Unanimous
Wrestling Trip: Motion to approve: Neil Stinneford
Seconded: Bob Pullo
Vote: Unanimous
B. Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent Evaluations & Contracts (Executive Sessions)
Motion to enter into executive session to conduct evaluations of the Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent and discuss the content of their contracts in accordance with 1 MRSA § 405(6)(A).: Bob Pullo
Seconded: Bob Flick
Vote: Unanimous
Entered executive session at 8:33 PM
Exited executive session at 9:16 PM
Motion to approve a change in contract language under section 11 of the contract(s) as follows: “This contract may be terminated by mutual agreement of the parties at anytime or by the resignation of the Superintendent (or Assistant Superintendent) upon a minimum of 120 days written notice to the Board.” And to increase the mileage reimbursement by $50 per month starting on July 1, 2008: Neil Stinneford
Seconded: Bob Pullo
Vote: Unanimous
C. Assistant Superintendent’s Report: Mrs. Pratt reported that we have some celebrities amongst us with Joyce Morton recently winning the gingerbread house contest at Chester Greenwood Day festivities and Darlene Paine and her daughter placing 3rd in the same contest.
D. Superintendent’s Report: Dr. Cormier asked the Board to approve the note to borrow funds for the new approved school bus.
Motion to approve financing from TD BankNorth at 3.66% for 5 years for the amount borrowed of $86, 927: Neil Stinneford
Seconded: Susan Black
Vote: Unanimous
Dr. Cormier also asked for permission to provide office space at Central Office for the Director of the Western Mountain Educational Collaborative starting this month.
Motion to approve: Neil Stinneford
Seconded: Susan Black
Vote: Unanimous
VII. Adjournment at 9:20 PM.
Next Scheduled Meetings:
January 8, 2008 - 7:00 p.m. - MBHS - Library - Board Meeting
January 17, 2008 - 6:30 p.m. - Strong Elementary School - RPC Meeting
January 22, 2008 – 7:00 p.m. – MBHS – Library – Board Meeting
MAINE SCHOOL ADMINISTRATIVE DISTRICT NO. 9
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
MINUTES
Date: November 27, 2007
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Place: Mt. Blue High School Library
Handicapped Accessible
Members Present: Susan Black
(E), Kevin Umlauf, Raymond Glass, Charisse Keach, Jo Josephson, Yvette Robinson,
Joyce Morton( E), Francis Orcutt, Ted Ellis(U), Robert Pullo, Neil
Stinneford, Angela LeClair, Robert Flick, Mark Prentiss, William Reid
Also Present: Michael Cormier, Sue Pratt, Ed Ferreira, Darlene Paine, David Leavitt, Gary Oswald, Joe Moore, Nichole Goodspeed, Cheryl Pike, Arline Amos,
Tracy Douglass, Ray Therrien,
Glenn Kapiloff, Angel Allen
I. Call to Order at 7:00 pm by Ray Glass. Dr. Glass welcomed the public and recognized members of the RPC that were present.
II. Consideration of the Minutes
Minutes of the Meeting of October 23, 2007.
Motion to approve the minutes: Francis Orcutt Seconded: Bob Pullo
Vote: 11/0/1 (Kevin Umlauf)
III. Report of the Chairman - None
IV. Committee Reports
RPC Meeting - Dr. Cormier reported that later in the agenda,
more information would be presented.
EAC Meeting - Charisse Keach gave the highlights of the meeting including; the discussion in prep time available for planning for teachers, the NWEA reports, and calendar discussions, as well as, an update of the Regionalization Planning Committee.
V. Old Business
A. Personnel
1. Resignations: Dr. Cormier accepted resignation from the following people:
Karen Smith Special Education Teacher at MBMS
Bethany Storer Ed. Tech. in Special Education
Lena Toishi Elementary French Teacher
B. Review Regionalization Plan: Dr. Cormier explained the process we have been involved with indicating the next step being that the Board is asked to vote to submit a plan. The vote is not to approve or disapprove the plan, but to move it forward and submit it to DOE as an incomplete plan. The parts that are included in the plan have been approved by the entire RPC. The dates when they approved the parts of the plan are included for reference. Dr. Glass asked if there were questions or comments from the audience. Spencer Thompson. Ed David, Helen Wilkey, Betsy Hyde, Ben Milster, Mike Pond were all present from the Regional Planning Committee.
Discussion: Question about the local school committee being marked as not applicable. The governance subcommittee voted to use this option as part of the plan. This option is a portion of the plan, just as the decision that there will be a 25 member Board is part of the plan. Questions about some components of the plan, with reference to the financial components of the document were asked. Questions were asked about the contract charts and where it shows the expiration dates for the Superintendent of Coplin and the Superintendent of Highland Plantation. Another question about school choice being for Highland and Coplin Plantations only and it was explained that they would continue to have school choice because they presently have this.
Clarification on the process: Voting to submit the plan, is it approval of the plan? It was explained that this School Board is only voting to submit the plan. They don’t get to edit or change the plan. When the answer comes back, the law is presently being interpreted that the school board must work on the plan although the RPC anticipates working more on it. Dr. Cormier explained that as he sees it, if the Board votes not to submit this plan, they are in fact voting to breaking the law which calls for them to submit the plan. The vote is to submit and not to approve it. Question about what the needs are for the next phase when the answer comes back to the Boards. Would the RPC be able to revisit the components that are in the plan? Dr. Cormier believes that the State will not approve until the final plan is done and this one is going in as incomplete. Dr. Glass understands that in the process this School Board would never have the opportunity to vote for the plan or against it. The citizens would be the group that votes on the finished plan. The dates for voting can be January, June, or November. One piece of the final plan that is not yet complete is what would happen if one of the SAD‘s votes it down or if one of the other units votes down the plan. Dr. Cormier explained that the SAD approval of the plan would be like a school budget vote with the total voters counted for approving or disapproval. The new budget process will start this year. The new budget process will look very different then the present one. Is there a choice in the district using the new process? It was explained that this budget approval process will start this year and every three years the voters will get to decide if they want to continue the new referendum process.
The work that is still to be done in the plan: Finances, one or more parties voting no, Special Ed, Voc Ed. and Adult Ed.
The Board was reminded that this plan will be submitted as incomplete at this point and so it can be changed when it returns. Concerns were expressed about some of the proposal components. Concerns were expressed about the workability of the governance components. Other expressed their belief that the large board is workable. Yet others had questions about the 60% issue for voting.
Neil Stinneford read a statement addressing his concerns. Others spoke for or against submitting the plan as is. More questions about process were asked.
C. Authorization to Submit the Regionalization Plan:
VOTED: That the provisions included in the school reorganization plan prepared by the Reorganization Planning Committee to reorganize MSAD #9, MSAD #58, Coplin and Highland Plantations into a regional school unit with an operational date of July 1, 2009, are determined to be necessary within the meaning of Section XXXX-36(5)(M) and that the Superintendent of Schools be, and hereby is, authorized and directed to submit the INCOMPLETE school reorganization plan to the Commissioner of Education on behalf of this school administrative unit by December 1, 2007.
Motion: Bob Flick Seconded: Charisse Keach Vote: 8/4 (Francis Orcutt, Yvette Robinson, Neil Stinneford, Bob Pullo)
VI. New Business
A. Field Trips:
Quebec Trip:
Motion to approve as presented: Bob Pullo Seconded: Kevin Umlauf
Vote: Unanimous
France Trip:
Motion to approve: Bob Pullo Seconded: Jo Josephson (second withdrawn)
Motion to approve without including district funds to pay for substitutes: Bob Pullo
Seconded: Neil Stinneford Vote: 6/5/1(Charisse Keach)
B. Distribute and Overview of School Report Cards: Dr. Cormier reviewed the format of the School report card booklet and pointed out changes. The school administrators will start presenting the various sections in the upcoming meetings.
C. Assistant Superintendent’s Report: Mrs. Pratt handed out a list of all the district concerts in the MSAD 9 schools this December and encouraged the Board members to attend one or more of these events. She also provided the Board with a count of home-schooled children. The trend is showing a decline in the number of children.
D. Superintendent’s Report: Dr. Cormier gave a review of some boiler issues and the impact these will have on our financial status. CCHS has one boiler in need of replacement now and AHS has one that will need to be replaced or repaired next year. The other factor that is concerning is the diesel fuel cost exceeding the budgeted amount by $.44 per gallon. David Leavitt is looking at alternative resources for alternative energy to try to help the financial impact of these situations.
VII. Adjournment at 8:30 PM
Next Scheduled Meetings:
November 29, 2007 – 4:00 p.m. – FRATC – Rainbow Café – MBHS/FRATC Building Committee Meeting
December 11, 2007 – 7:00 p.m. – MBHS – Library – Board Meeting
December 25,
2007 -7:00 p.m. - MBHS - Library - Board Meeting?????
January 8, 2008 - 7:00 p.m. - MBHS - Library - Board Meeting
January 10, 2008 - 6:30 p.m. - Strong Elementary School - RPC Meeting
MAINE SCHOOL ADMINISTRATIVE DISTRICT NO. 9
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
MINUTES
Date: October 23, 2007
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Place: Mt. Blue High School Cafeteria
Handicapped Accessible
Members Present: Susan Black (E), Kevin Umlauf (E), Raymond Glass, Charisse Keach, Jo Josephson, Yvette Robinson, Joyce Morton, Francis Orcutt, Ted Ellis, Robert Pullo, Neil Stinneford, Angela LeClair, Robert Flick, Mark Prentiss, William Reid
Also Present: Michael Cormier, Sue Pratt, Ed Ferreira, Darlene Paine, David Leavitt, Gary Oswald, Joe Moore, Nichole Goodspeed, Cheryl Pike, Arline Amos, Tracy Douglass, Ray Therrien, Glenn Kapiloff, Angel Allen
I. Call to Order at 7:00 PM by Chairman, Ray Glass.
II. Consideration of the Minutes
Minutes of the Meeting of September 25, 2007
Motion to approve the minutes: Charisse Keach Seconded: Joyce Morton
Vote: 12/0/1 (Neil Stinneford)
III. Report of the Chairman: None
IV. Committee Reports
MBHS/FRATC Visioning Process: Bob Flick and Bob Pullo both participated in the visioning workshops and reported that the process was very good and that the architect’s should have a good picture of the needs for a school of the future for MBHS/ FRATC.
RPC Meeting: Dr. Glass reported that the group meets weekly and is starting to make some decisions. Dr. Cormier shared that the group has named themselves: Western Mountain Regional School Unit. There was some discussion about the size of the proposed board being 25. More decisions will occur this week at the RPC meeting. Many Board members commented about the pros and cons of the anticipated governance of the new Board.
WMEC Committee: Dr. Cormier will report out later in the meeting.
V Old Business
A. Personnel
1. Resignations:
2. Dr. Cormier announced the following resignations.
Rita Thomas has resigned as a Bus Driver/Custodian.
Diane Dunham has resigned as a Study Hall Monitor at the High School.
3. Appointments: None
4. Nominations:
Dr. Cormier nominated Chris Davis for a 1st year probationary contract to teach Digital Media at FRATC.
Motion to approve the nomination: Neil Stinneford Seconded: Charisse Keach Vote: Unanimous
B. Energy Savings Update - David Leavitt shared information about the energy work that has occurred along with data on savings in energy from the last year. He provided a graph of the data and spoke about the current initiatives he sees as needed to even provide additional savings.
C. Western Maine Educational Collaborative Update – Mike Cormier gave some highlights of the work the WMEC has done in its first year of organization. He provided details about the many aspects of the group and the impact the work has had on students in the 11 school systems that are members.
VI. New Business
A Field Trips
Motion to approve a field trip to Portsmouth for CBS Grade 5: Bob Flick
Seconded: Ted Ellis
Vote: Unanimous
Motion to approve a field trip to Washington DC: Bob Pullo
Seconded: Angie LeClair
Vote: Unanimous
Motion to approve a field trip to Acola- Norristown PA: Charisse Keach
Seconded: Ted Ellis
Vote: Unanimous
Motion to approve a field trip to Bethel ME for the Class of 2008: Bob Flick
Seconded: Bob Pullo
Vote: Unanimous
B. Franklin Community College Network Report - Ray Therrien, Adult Education Director, provided an overview of the changes and work of the FCCN and adult educations role in this work. He provided a detailed graph showing the funding for scholarships in the network as well as details on the various components and implementation of the network.
C. MEA Updates – Susan Pratt, Assistant Superintendent presented a Powerpoint show with details about the grade 3-8 MEA’s for 2006-2007. She shared grade level reports and comparisons about the schools and the state. Also included was a highlight of the data and how the district used the data to inform teaching.
D. Assistant Superintendent’s Report: Mrs. Pratt announced the up-coming Franklin 4 Kids forum at UMF on November 1st. She asked if any members wished to attend. She also reminded Board members of a Mallett Building Committee meeting on Oct. 30th at 6:00 pm. She recognized Glenn Kapiloff so he could share the information about the State Review and an Advisory Board Meeting on November 5th. He invited the Board to attend.
E Superintendent’s Report: Dr. Cormier reminded the Board of the MSBA conference on Thursday and Friday and asked about car-pooling. He also requested that the Board only meet once during November and that be on November 27th. This will likely be a public hearing on the RPC plan.
VII. Adjournment at 9:03 PM
Next Scheduled Meetings:
October 25 – 26, 2007 – MSBA Conference in Augusta
November 14, 2007 – 3:30 p.m. – MBMS – Library – EAC Meeting
November 13, 2007 – 7:00 p.m. – MBHS – Library –
Board Meeting (???)
November 27, 2007 – 7:00 p.m. – MBHS – Library – Board Meeting
MAINE SCHOOL ADMINISTRATIVE DISTRICT NO. 9
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
MINUTES
Date: September 25, 2007
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Place: Mt. Blue High School Library
Handicapped Accessible
Members
Present: Susan Black, Kevin Umlauf (arrived at 7:15), Raymond Glass, Charisse
Keach, Jo Josephson, Yvette Robinson, Joyce Morton, Francis Orcutt, Ted Ellis,
Robert Pullo (arrived at 7:05), Neil Stinneford (E), Angela LeClair,
William Reid, Robert Flick, Mark Prentiss
Also Present: Michael Cormier, Sue Pratt, Ed
Ferreira, Darlene Paine, David
Leavitt, Gary Oswald, Joe Moore, Nichole
Goodspeed, Cheryl
Pike, Arline Amos, Tracy Williams, Ray
Therrien, Glenn Kapiloff,
Angel Allen
I. Call to Order at 7:00 PM by Ray Glass.
II. Consideration of the Minutes
Minutes of the Meeting of September 11, 2007
Motion to approve: Joyce Morton Seconded: Mark Prentiss
Vote: 9/0/3 (Susan Black, Charisse Keach, Ted Ellis)
Bob Pullo arrived at 7:05 PM
III. Report of the Chairman: None
IV. Committee Reports
MBHS/FRATC Visioning Process - Several members of the committee shared the experience and what they learned about the process and its impact on the renovation/construction of MBHS/FRATC. The process involves many community, MSAD No. 9 staff, and Board members.
RPC Meeting - Most all the members of the RPC represented on the Board talked about their feelings at the first RPC meeting. The attitude that this consolidation work can be done in a positive way to impact students was expressed by various members. The comment was made that the pre-work done over the last few years by Dr. Cormier and Mr. Clark set the stage for this general positive attitude and feelings of cooperation. The RPC has set Thursdays as the meeting night and decided to meet at Strong Elementary School from 6:30-8:30 every Thursday until December. The next meeting will occur this week in Strong.
V. Old Business
A. Personnel
1. Resignations
2. Appointments
Dr. Cormier announced he has appointed the following Ed. Techs:
Sarah Raymond Ed. Tech II Mallett
Tim Kane Ed. Tech II MBHS
Dr. Cormier nominated Melissa Underwood to the Grade 3 position at Mallett School
Motion to accept the nomination: Bob Flick
Seconded: Bob Pullo
Vote: Unanimous
B. Update on Consolidation
Dr. Cormier shared information on the Regional Planning Committee, which met on September 20, 2007, in the Bass Room, at Franklin Memorial Hospital. Several of us, Susan Pratt, Quenten Clark, Bill Cumming, and Dr. Cormier attended a workshop in Portland on September 24, 2007 put on by Drummond and Woodsum on next steps. The Department of Education is paying for this workshop. He shared that he enclosed a copy of the approval for our moving ahead with consolidating with Coplin and MSAD # 58. Dr. Cormier explained the status of Highland Plantation and asked if the Board wished to vote on allowing them to join the Consolidation.
Motion to accept Highland Plantation as part of the Consolidation Planning: Jo Josephson Seconded: Bob Flick Vote: Unanimous
Dr. Cormier gave more information about the RPC’s work and the information learned at the Drummond and Woodsum workshop.
C. Possible Funding Sources for Architectural Services
Dr. Cormier shared a plan he has with funding the two construction projects architectural services contracts until there is voter approval for the projects. Once the voters approve the projects, these costs become part of the project, which will be reimbursed under the state construction project. He had budgeted $100,000 for these expenses, but the total for this year is likely to be $400,000. The plan calls for these funds to be earmarked:
Budgeted: $100,000
Contingencies: $80,000
Staff Adjustments: $75,000
Debt Refinance: $56,000
District Text: $50,000
Freeze Accounts: $39,000
Total: $400,000
VI. New Business
A. Library Services Report - Mary Buckley shared a presentation about the changes in library resources and what the update on resources has affected, including the update on the age of both fiction and non-fiction at the high school library. She shared the usage data for the district libraries. This very informative presentation was intended to update the Board on the status of Library services in MSAD 9
B. Northwest Evaluation Assessment (NWEA) Report – Susan Pratt presented a program on the new standardized testing program the district is using to assess grades K-10. She gave examples of the way the program works and what data comes back to teachers, students, and parents. This program is a computerized growth model assessment that is tied to the Maine Learning Results for Language Arts, Mathematics and Science for grades 3-10 and Language Arts and Mathematics for Grades 1 and 2. Kindergarten students will use the program to be assessed on skills and this assessment will provide on-going data to teachers in Kindergarten.
C. Assistant Superintendent’s Report – Mrs. Pratt shared information about some programming that has occurred around the district so far this year and the accomplishments of these programs including: FRATC - Firefighter Program students participated at Farmington Fair and one group earned a 2nd place award at the Firemen’s Muster with the second group earning an 8th place award. The most important aspect was the true professionalism the students showed doing this event. Mrs. Pratt commented that she would feel proud to allow any of these fine students to serve their communities in the firefighting field.
Mrs. Pratt spoke about a program presented by King Arthur Flour at MBMS. Alyce Cavanaugh as the School Health Coordinator brought this program to the middle school. She introduced Mrs. Gray from King Arthur Flour and watched as the students were fully engaged in this presentation. The best part of all this was that 250 loaves of fresh bread were brought into the school on Monday by the middle school students to give to local food pantries. This was a great program and many staff, community, and students made this big project happen.
Mrs. Pratt acknowledged that Mrs. Angel Allen would be a part of a presentation in Denver at the Essential School Conference and would present the impact that the 1 to 1 computing had on high schools. This work is part of her role in MSAD 58 but the information might also be useful to MSAD 9 as we move ahead. Her presentation is called:” Engaged Learning - Teaching and Learning 21st Century Style”.
D. Superintendent’s Report - Dr. Cormier verified with Board Members attendance at the State School Board’s Conference at the end of October.
He also asked if the Board wished to have only one meeting a month until December due to the vast majority of them meeting as part of the Regional Planning Committee once a week. They decided for October anyway, they would meet only once on the fourth Tuesday. They would reassess this at that time.
VII. Adjournment at 8:32 PM
Next Scheduled Meetings:
October 9, 2007 – 7:00 p.m. – MBHS – Library – Board Meeting
October 23, 2007 – 7:00 p.m. – MBHS – Library – Board Meeting
MAINE SCHOOL ADMINISTRATIVE DISTRICT NO. 9
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
MINUTES
Date: September 11, 2007
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Place: Mt. Blue High School Library
Handicapped Accessible
Members Present:
Susan Black (E), Kevin Umlauf, Raymond Glass, Charisse Keach
(E), Jo Josephson, Yvette
Robinson, Joyce Morton, Francis Orcutt, Ted Ellis (U),
Robert Pullo, Neil Stinneford,
Angie LeClair, Bill Reid, Robert Flick,
Mark Prentiss
Also Present: Michael
Cormier, Sue Pratt, Ed Ferreira, Darlene Paine, David Leavitt,
Gary Oswald, Joe Moore,
Nichole Goodspeed, Cheryl Pike, Arline Amos,
Tracy Douglass, Ray Therrien,
Glenn Kapiloff, Angel Allen
I. Call to Order by Ray Glass at 7:05 P.M..
II. Consideration of the Minutes
Minutes of the Meeting of August 14, 2007
Motion to approve as written: Bob Pullo Seconded: Bob Flick
Vote: 10/0/2 (Joyce Morton, Kevin Umlauf)
III. Report of the Chairman - None
IV. Committee Reports - None
V. Old Business
A Personnel
1. Resignations
Dr. Cormier has accepted a resignation from Charlie Twitchell a district bus driver aid, and a letter of intent to retire this fall from Ted Viles a district custodian. Also, Vicki Farsaci a Reading Recovery Teacher at Mallett has moved out of the area, and Sandy Miller the Graphic Design teacher at FRATC has relocated.
2. Appointments
Dr. Cormier notified the Board that he has appointed the following individuals:
Paul Ouellette Custodian Mallett
Lauren Jacobs Ed Tech II MBHS
3. Transfers
Dr. Cormier recommends approval of a request of transfer for Lisa Brita from a classroom teacher at the Mallett School to a Reading Recovery Teacher at the Mallett School.
Motion to approve: Bob Flick Seconded: Bob Pullo
Vote: Unanimous
B. Update on Consolidation: Dr. Cormier shared that there is conversation occurring with Highland Plantation about being a part of the plan. This may be a formal request in the near future. He reported that just this week he and Mrs. Pratt did a complete tour of the MSAD 58 district with Quenten Clark. Mr. Clark will be doing the same tour only in MSAD 9 on Sept. 21st. The Superintendents are meeting with the Facilitator, Bill Cumming on Wednesday to discuss the first meeting of the RPC and what the role of the Superintendents will be in the process.
C. Authorization to sign contracts with PDT Architects for the High School/Tech Center Projects:
Dr. Cormier presented the contract from PDT and asked Board approval to sign this contract for the high school/tech center project.
Motion to approve: Bob Pullo Seconded: Yvette Robinson
Vote: Unanimous
Dr. Cormier asked that the Board approve the resolution to request reimbursement for funds expanded for architectural services so that when the project is approved, the expenses will be reimbursed. This language is as follows:
REIMBURSEMENT RESOLUTION
VOTED: That the Board of Directors of Maine School Administrative District No. 9 (the "Issuer") hereby declares its official intent pursuant to Section 1.150-2(e) of the Income Tax Regulations that the Issuer reasonably expects to use the proceeds of tax exempt financing to reimburse certain original expenditures from the Issuer's general fund, that were made within 60 days prior to adoption of this vote or that are to be made after adoption of this vote, which original expenditures have been or will be incurred in connection with the Mt. Blue High School and Foster Regional Applied Technology Center construction and renovation project (the “Project”) and that the Issuer reasonably expects that the maximum principal amount incurred by the Issuer to finance the Project will not exceed $37,738,067, and that this declaration of official intent shall be kept in the permanent records of the Issuer and shall be reasonably available for public inspection.
Motion to approve: Bob Pullo Seconded: Kevin Unlauf
Vote: Unanimous
D Update on Construction Projects
Mrs. Pratt shared the present status of the Mallett School Project. Steven Blatt Associates have been doing the process on school construction called “New vs. Renovation”. This process requires the firm to do a thorough analysis of the present site, the structure, and the surroundings. Most of this work is complete however another component involved is looking at the other sites within MSAD 9 for possible locations. This work should be completed soon. The architect is scheduling to meet with the Mallett School staff in the next couple of weeks.
Dr. Cormier shared that PDT has completed the “New vs.Renovation” phase of the High School/FRATC project. The work occurring at this point is the visioning work and this will happen on Friday and Saturday this week with another session in October.
VI. New Business
A. Field Trip Requests
Cross Country to Manchester, NH.
Motion to approve; Bob Pullo Seconded: Bill Reid
Vote: Unanimous
Cross Country to Berlin, NH.
Motion to approve: Bob Pullo Seconded: Bob Flick
Vote: 11/1 ( Neil Stinneford)
MBHS Jazz Band and Syncopations to Montreal, Canada
.
Motion to approve: Bob Pullo Seconded: Jo Josephson
Vote; Unanimous
B. Textbook Notification
Notification of approval to purchase the following textbooks:
Holes by Louis Sachar for the Alternative Education at MBMS- John Schoen
Komm mit by Holt, Rinehart, and Winston for German AP- Ewan Good
Breaking the Spanish Barries, Level Two by John Conner for Spanish III-
Lisa Dalrymple
Breaking the Barrier- by John Conner for Advanced Spanish- Lisa Dalrymple
Kaleidoskop by J Moella, W. Adoph, B. Mabee, and S. Berger for German AP- Ewan Good
Interaction by Susan St. Onge and Ronald St. Onge for French AP –
Gordon LePage.
C. Special Education Process (Ed Ferreira and Brian Foster)
Mr. Ferreira and Brian Foster both presented information on the process for referral and decision making during the Special Education process. The focus was the process and what happens when students exit Special Education. They explained the various support services available to students outside of Special Education including the Afterschool program and the Extended Year Program.
D. Opening of School Report- Dr. Cormier asked permission to advertise and hire an Ed.Tech II for the Kindergarten classroom at Cushing School.
Motion to approve: Francis Orcutt Seconded: Jo Josephson
Vote: Unanimous
The enrollments are very high this year and warrant this process. Dr. Cormier said the data is showing a fairly stable student enrollment at this point in the year. This is good news because enrollments have been declining over the last few years.
He reported that both he and Mrs. Pratt had visited all of the schools and the atmosphere is positive, the buildings look great and school is off to a great start.
E. Assistant Superintendent’s Report – Mrs. Pratt shared the new School Health Coordinator - Alyce Cavanaugh has several projects going but she wanted the Board to know about one that is occurring next week. All middle school students will have a program done by King Arthur Flour on bread making. The students will be able to make bread at home and bring them to school to be judged. The bread will then be donated to local food pantries.
Mrs. Pratt also shared the on Monday, Sept. 17th the district 1st and 3rd grade students will attend Agricultural Day at the Fair. She invited interested Board members to join and see what occurs at this event.
Mrs. Pratt gave an update on what has occurred with the 4 year old program issue. She met with representatives of UMF, DOE, Head Start, and CDS. The DOE will be hosting a ˝ day conference in early November at UMF to give information about 4-year programming. She will make sure all Board members are notified of this event. She is also gathering data on cost and models.
F. Superintendent’s Report - Dr. Cormier gave the Board an update on the grants that Adult Ed and Ray Therrien has been a part of including the partnership with Cianbro to provide training for metal trades at the Nichole’s Facility in Wilton. This program has been so successful; other programs will be added soon. The Community College Network has been awarded a $60,000 grant for work they are doing in the partnerships with Adult Ed. and other members of the network.
Dr. Cormier collected names of Board members who plan to attend the State School Boards Association Conference on Oct. 25 and 26.
VII. Adjournment at 8:17 PM