PLAINFIELD SCHOOL DISTRICT

Plainfield School Board Meeting

Monday, December 17, 2007

Plainfield Elementary School

MINUTES

The meeting was called to order at 6:32 pm. Present were Board members Reynolds, Cogan, Ferguson, Forman and Bucklin. Also present were Superintendent Collins, Principal Langsner, Account Supervisor Beth Bierwirth, and members of the public. Representing the Finance Committee were Sarah Brookes-Governo, Scott MacLeay, and Thom Lappin.

Announcements, Communications

Board member Cogan announced that the Building Committee has met with the parking lot designer to discuss redesigning the proposed parking lot with the intent to lower construction costs.

Consent Agenda

A. Minutes December 10, 2007

Upon a motion made and seconded, the School Board voted unanimously to accept the minutes of the December 10 , 2007 meeting.

Business for Discussion and/or Action

A. AREA meeting update

Superintendent Collins reported the following from the recently held AREA meeting:

• An overview of the Lebanon Jr. High construction project was presented. The cost of the construction will not adversely affect the tuition rate. In fact, the tuition rate is down next year because the average daily membership for Lebanon students is up.
• AREA members spoke of the collaboration between Lebanon, Grantham and Plainfield Principals. They have been meeting to find ways to ease the transition for students from eight to ninth grade. Collins mentioned that Plainfield students are noted to be typically especially well prepared in Spanish and Soccer.
• The Plainfield School staff is invited to attend Lebanon curriculum workshops.

B. 2008-2009 Draft Budget

Superintendent Collins said that several additional charts and summaries are included with the Draft Budget which the administrative team hopes will address the concerns raised during the last meeting. Collins explained that Special Education Director Nancy Brogden will attend the meeting on January 7, 2008 to address the Board’s questions about the Special Education budget.

The Board spoke briefly about the Information Services budget. They would like clarification on discretionary versus non-discretionary funds in this area.  They would also like to have more information on the proposed mobile lab. How will it help the program? What are other schools doing and what do other school’s Information Services budgets look like?

Superintendent Collins reported that approximately $253,000 has been spent from the bond money to bring the building up to fire code.  He went on to explain that a new fire panel will cost about $50,000 and could be bought with the remaining bond money, if the Board wishes. Collins said that the existing fire panel is old and replacement parts are impossible to find. The Fire Chief and the Fire Marshall did not say the existing panel is an immediate hazard but that the panel should be replaced within the next five years. Collins explained that if the Board does not have a firm commitment to use the rest of the bond money then the bond project should probably be closed soon.

The Board discussed the tractor proposal. The consensus of the Board was to use present a warrant at the 2008 Annual Meeting to request the purchase of a new tractor.

Superintendent Collins outlined a new plan for the school to acquire an Assistant Principal. The new plan involves using the current Assistant to the Principal, who is interested in advancing her degree so she would be qualified to be an Assistant Principal. While she is taking classes she could be hired as a part-time Assistant Principal at a lower rate than hiring someone with experience. This plan would involve hiring a half-time math teacher to take over some of her classes, but this would be a benefit to the math department, as more math classes could be offered with two half-time math teachers. Collins explained that this request should be on a warrant.

Board member Cogan asked if there would be an increase in the budget this year for the Building Reserve Fund. Board Chair Reynolds explained that the plan is to have a warrant to transfer money out of surplus funds, if available, as has been done successfully in the past. The idea, she explained, is to have enough money in the Building Reserve Fund to pay for the parking lot expansion. Board member Ferguson asked about the projects still left to be done on building improvement and how they would be funded next year. Superintendent Collins explained that the plan is to get as much of that work done with the extra $20,000 in the budget intended for building repair.  Superintendent Collins asked where the Board stands on the finish painting needed in areas that just have the fire-proof paint. Board Chair Reynolds said that in her opinion this painting is just cosmetic and she would rather see money spent on replacing windows and doors or making other repairs that are more urgent. Board member Cogan said the he and the Building Committee agree.

There being no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 8:28 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Annette Moore

Recording Clerk