Errol School Board
Minutes
The following people attended the meeting of the Errol
School Board held at
Clara Grover.
Theresa Choquette seconded the motion. All in favor.
Mr. Low stated that AVER is very
aggressively marketing the
Enrollment projection papers were handed out to the Board members for their information. An increase is projected.
Mr. Low pointed out to Mrs. Urso that a local forester Kevin Evans, is available to speak to the students about a career in forestry management.
Mr. Low updated the Board on the steps necessary for preparing for emergencies. Hopefully an emergency won’t arise, but everyone should know what they need to do if such an occasion occurs.
The budget for 2005-2006 is very modest in increases. Different members of the SAU # 20 office will receive a small raise in the coming year.
Mr. Low turned the meeting over to Mrs. Ploude, to give the Board members a line by line explanation of each item mentioned in the budget.
Mrs. Ploude explained that Mrs. Hebert-Sweeny would answer any questions about Special Education the people might have. Mrs. Herbert-Sweeny explained that the school is required to educate a special education student until the age of 21 years. Teaching job skills and self-esteem is essential so a student can, if possible, be a productive adult in today’s world and be able to contribute to their expenses
Mrs. Cote wanted to know if it was just a 1 year program. Mrs. Hebert-Sweeny explained it was until the student was 21 years old.
Mrs. Plourde explained that a part-time librarian Linda Shoemake has been hired. A Physical Education or a music teacher hasn’t been found.
Mrs. Plourde explained each item on the Interim Financial Report. Some of the items would increase or decrease or stay the same, by the time all bills have been paid and all revenues received.
Mrs. Hebert-Sweeny explained that the transportation of a high school special education student will be paid by another agency, so there will be no cost to the school.
Mrs. Urso told about the Thanksgiving meal prepared and enjoyed by all of the students
and staff.
A “General Fund” checking account has been set up to receive any monetary donations to
the school. This money will be used for student activities and materials.
The freezer had broken down but is now working. It will be checked on a regular basis.
The hinge of the handicapped stall door in the girl’s room needs to be fixed. The staff is asking for a solution. The recently paved driveway has settled down, making a big dip in the area that could be dangerous to the staff and students. It was suggested that pictures should be taken. The Northern Paving Company will be told in a letter, written by Mr. Low, about the problem. Right now a cone has been put in the area as a caution.
Testing is being done with students in grades 5-8, to get a base line score in subjects that each student needs improvement.
The
Christmas program will be December 21, between
Mrs. Choquette wanted to know what the Builders Club was doing. Mrs. Cote explained that the club was going strong.
Mr. Low stated that before Mrs. Urso orders any supplies, she should check with the SAU # 20 office to see if there is any in stock. This will cut down on expenses and reduce any overstock items.
Mr. Low stated that health insurance overall has increased.
Mr. Low said that raises should be given for how valuable an employee is to the school. He suggested that $8,000 of the budgeted $10,000, for a physical education teacher and a music teacher, be divided between the staff taking on the extra duties.
Theresa Choquette made the motion to divide the $8,000 between the staff.
Gloria Coffin seconded the motion. All in favor.
Mrs. Plourde said that
She also pointed out that Mrs. Urso does 15% of a day on guidance, 35% teaching and 50% as principal.
Mrs. Hebert-Sweeny explained that Alison Davis, an Occupational Therapist, has been working with Special Education students for 2 ˝ days a week. Linda Shoemake is a Special Education teacher that comes to the school, Mrs. Carol Tremblay works with her.
Mrs. Urso explained that if the students need help in subjects, the teachers do summer tutoring for 6 weeks. She also said that staff volunteers for after school help.
Mr. Low mentioned that a secretary for the principal be hired to work 8 hours a week.
The secretary would answer the phone; sort the mail and anything else to help. With the increase in oil prices, Mr. Low suggested looking at the feasibility of getting a wood furnace.
Mrs. Plourde suggested changing the name of the Special Education Trust Fund to a Tuition Trust Fund. She explained that if new children moved in the area, there would be money to pay the extra tuition costs instead of over spending for the budget.
Adjourned: Gloria Coffin made the motion to adjourn at