Regular Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, March 3, 2004
6:30pm at the School
Those Present:
Colleen Walker, Chairperson; Sabrina Doak;
Vickie Merrill; Randolph Howell; Paul
Seaman; Tom Soule, Principal; and Ronald L. Gleason, Superintendent
of Schools.
Susan Hummer, Jan Driver, and Beth Harrington were also in
attendance.
I. Call to Order
C. Walker called the meeting to order at 6:34pm
II. Recognition
R. Gleason recognized J. Driver and K. Babcock for their willingness to be presenters at a recent MADSEC workshop.
III. Presentations
None
IV. Public Comments Session
None
V. Previous Minutes (February 4, 2004)
C. Walker moved to approve the February 4, 2004 meeting minutes as amended; P. Seaman seconded.
Vote: Approved 5 to 0.
VI. Policy Review
None
VII. Financial Report
60% of the FY’04 budget has been expended at the 67% mark of the fiscal year.
VIII. Administrative Reports
Principal:
- Current School Enrollment
|
Kindergarten |
30 |
Fifth Grade |
49 |
|
First Grade |
29 |
Sixth Grade |
46 |
|
Second Grade |
33 |
Seventh Grade |
47 |
|
Third Grade |
37 |
Eighth Grade |
47 |
|
Fourth Grade |
31 |
Total |
349 |
- We are currently in the middle of administering the MEAs to all students in grades 4 and 8. Although they have reduced the number of subject areas being assessed (writing, reading, math, science and technology), the time needed to complete the test has increased. I have included the test session order and time estimates for each session.
- The greenhouse is complete except for a heat source which will be installed in the near future. It is a very nice facility and is currently being used for a variety of needs including our advanced math group.
- We have also started a grant funded “Boost” program. The goal of this program is to have all students reading on grade level when they exit the third grade. We identify students who are not currently in special education or Title I, but who are in need of additional support in reading. It is off to a great start!
- We will be interviewing for the long term substitute for Mrs. Stiles next week. We are in hopes of finding an outstanding candidate.
- We are searching for a long term substitute for one of our part-time custodians who is out on a medical leave. We expect this leave to be 6-8 weeks in length.
- Our Cheerleaders are competing in a Busline League competition tonight at Madomak Valley High School. Good luck to all of them!
- We, as a district, are working on a standards based reporting system, discussing trimesters, and continuing to focus on our local assessment system.
- I am continuing to research the Pine Tree League (instead of the Busline League) as a division that we might compete in for soccer and basketball. I have spoken to AD’s and principals in the Pine Tree League over the years, but they have had a full schedule and have been reluctant to add additional schools. The schools include but are not limited to St. Johns in Brunswick, Richmond, Litchfield, Sabattus, Durham, Pownal... However, there seems to be some movement and interest in Woolwich’s participation. I am interested in this move because most of our games would be closer to home and their league offers festivals that include math meets, art festivals, music festivals, etc.
- Our DC trip Auction may well go down as one of the largest in its history. As always, the auction leaders have spent an amazing amount of time organizing this incredible event and this year is no exception. I will report back at our next meeting as to its success, but many thanks already to organizers Jennifer Oddleifson and Tracy Wilson for an outstanding commitment to our 8th graders and this trip!
Superintendent:
R. Gleason read a letter from L. Stiles informing the school committee that she would be resigning from her athletic director’s position. R. Gleason will write a letter of acceptance with regrets and thanks for a job well done.
IX. Committee Reports
Long Range Planning and Governance Committee
A meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 16th at 5:30pm at the Bath Central Office. All school committee members are encouraged to attend.
Building Committee Update
R. Gleason, T. Soule, and C. Durfee met last week to finish drafting a new construction/renovations application which is due to the Department of Education on June 1, 2004.
Superintendent Search Committee Update
V. Merrill reported that a second round of interviews were held on Saturday, February 28th for two candidates. A meeting is scheduled for Friday, March 12th to discuss reference checks on the two candidates. The Woolwich School Committee would like to see at least two candidates brought to the full Union Board.
X. Old Business
Review FY’05 Proposed Budget
The school committee asked for clarification for several lines and scheduled a board workshop to work on the budget on Thursday, March 11th at 5:00pm at the school.
Foreign Language Program
T. Soule was going to research several schools, but has not had an opportunity. One school that he talked with (Bristol) had dropped their foreign language program. There was a lot of discussion about what level we should begin with, elementary or middle school. The school committee would like to see a plan from T. Soule and W. Dorr.
Goal Setting Review/Update
Postponed
C. Walker moved to continue the meeting beyond the 2 hour limit; V. Merrill seconded.
Vote: Approved 5 to 0.
XI. New Business
None
XII. Establish Next Meeting Date and Agenda
Wednesday, April 7, 2004; 6:30pm at the school
1. Review FY’05 Budget
2. Goal Setting Review/Update
3. Foreign Language Program
4. Contract Interpretation
5. Establish Public Hearing Dates
XIII. Executive Session (If Requested)
Session 1:
C. Walker moved to enter Executive Session at 8:45pm to discuss a contract matter; S. Doak seconded.
Vote: Approved 5 to 0.
C. Walker moved to exit Executive Session at 9:21pm; S. Doak seconded.
Vote: Approved 5 to 0.
NO PUBLIC ACTION TAKEN
Session 2:
C. Walker moved to enter Executive Session at 9:26pm to discuss the secondary tuition contract with Bath School Department; V. Merrill seconded.
Vote: Approved 5 to 0.
C. Walker moved to exit Executive Session at 9:35pm; S. Doak seconded.
Vote: Approved 5 to 0.
NO PUBLIC ACTION TAKEN
XIV. Adjourn
C. Walker moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:36pm; R. Howell seconded.
Vote: Approved 5 to 0.
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