PLAINFIELD SCHOOL DISTRICT

Plainfield School Board Meeting

Monday, September 10, 2007

Plainfield Elementary School

MINUTES

The meeting was called to order at 6:31 pm. Present were Board members Reynolds, Cogan, Ferguson, and Bucklin. Also present was Superintendent Collins, Finance Director Beth Bierwirth and members of the public.

Public Comments

Ten members of the eighth grade class submitted a petition with 22 signatures requesting that the class be given the option of going to Montreal for their class trip. These students stated that they understand more fundraising will be necessary for this particular trip. A parent of an eighth grade student asked that the Board review the steps that occurred leading up to the two choices given to the students and why they were not asked to vote. She also wanted the Board to review the eighth grade trip policy and procedure. This parent felt that lack of communication has led to some confusion. Another parent stated that she did not feel that the eighth grade trip should fall under the guidelines of a regular school field trip. Superintendent Collins told the group that Principal Langsner is planning on having a meeting with eighth graders soon to discuss this issue and a separate meeting with parents in the evening. Notices will be given out to students announcing these meetings as soon as the dates are firm.

Announcement, Communications

Board member Ferguson announced that she sent notes of appreciation from the Board to the following: Nancy Brogden for her valuable insight at the recent Board retreat; Darrel Beaupre and Thom Lappin for the extra time they put in to completing the cupola; Judy Houde Hardy for her extensive work on the Athletic Committee; Mike Schafer for the use of Dad’s House for the retreat.

Consent Agenda

A. Minutes August 20, 2007

Upon a motion made and seconded, the School Board voted unanimously to accept the minutes of the August 20, 2007 meeting with the following changes: change the second sentence under Student and Parent Handbook to, “Discussion of some topics was tabled until the Board Retreat on Wednesday, August 22, 2007 when Principal Langsner would be available for input.”

B. Nominations

Upon a motion made and seconded, the Board voted unanimously to accept the following nominations as soccer coaches: Rich Pullen, 7/8 Girls Assistant Coach; Mherdad Didehbani, 7/8A Boys co-coach.

Upon a motion made and seconded, the Board voted unanimously to accept Mary McKernan as the Assistant to the Principal.

Summer hires: Superintendent Collins told the Board he hired Lynn Garfield as a part-time aide for a preschool child.

Reports

A. Finance Report

Finance Director Beth Bierwirth reported on the bond project, stating that the balance remaining on the bond is approximately $103,000 and she anticipates another $20,000-$25,000 needed to complete the project. Superintendent Collins explained that any remaining building improvement projects that are fire related could be done with remaining bond money so he could request state aid reimbursement for as much as possible. Collins mentioned a new project that needs to be considered in the next five years - updating the electronic panel board in the custodian’s office - which could cost between $20,000 - $50,000.

Bierwirth explained that all preliminary audit data was taken from the school on July 26 and 27. She is hoping the audit will be completed by October 1. As she mentioned last Spring, the financials need to be read and certified by a CPA. Carol Capola of Municipal Resources, who works with Bierwirth on finance matters, has agreed to do this so there will not be qualifications on the audit.

Bierwirth gave the Board a quick verbal review of the year-end expense and revenue reports and explained that all Board members will receive an audited actual report when the audit is completed. The preliminary audit shows $157,000 surplus anticipated. This surplus will be returned to the town to reduce taxes.

B. Principal’s Report

Superintendent Collins explained that Principal Langsner could not make tonight’s meeting but gave him some notes to pass on to the Board.

·        The school opening went smoothly and the new dismissal procedures seem to be working well.

·        Lack of substitutes is a problem. Langsner would like to get some information on how Plainfield School compares to other schools on substitute pay.

·        A parent meeting on the eighth grade class trip will be scheduled soon.

·        A school security information meeting will be held this Wednesday, September 12. Representatives from the local police department will be present.

C. Superintendent’s Report

Superintendent Collins told the Board that Plainfield School met AYP (Adequate Yearly Progress) this year and expressed thanks to the school staff for working so hard to obtain this. Collins explained that he will meet soon with superintendents from Lebanon and Grantham on the AREA agreement and he also hopes to get Lebanon High School tuition information to the Board soon.

Business for Discussion and/or Action

A. Board Goals

The Board looked at the draft of the Board Goals, developed at the Board Retreat on August 22. They made several changes to the draft. Special Education teacher Laura Spratt explained to the Board that she was on the committee that developed the six-year curriculum revision plan. She said that the committee spent many hours considering different plans and feel very confident that the six-year plan will work best for Plainfield School. Superintendent Collins will bring a second draft with revisions back for Board approval at the next meeting.

B. District Profile

Board members and Superintendent Collins discussed the profile and assigned tasks to get it completed soon. Several suggestions were made for the School Board message, including AYP and school facility improvements.

C. School Board Outreach

The Board looked at the draft done by Board member Ferguson on community outreach by the School Board. A few changes were suggested.

D. Facility Update

Collins related the following:

·        The sprinkler installers will return to complete the job on September 26.

·        The replacement windows for egress have not been installed yet.

·        The egress door in the art room is installed but the hardware is not.

·        Still working on the river erosion grant.

There being no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 8:26 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Annette Moore

Recording Clerk