Milan School Board

Minutes 11/03/03

 

The Milan School Board met in regular session on Monday, November 03, 2003, at the Milan Village School, Milan, NH.  In attendance:  Andrew Mullins, Patricia Shute, and Jacqueline

Quintal.  Also:  Steven Welford, Pauline Plourde, Sarah Sarette, and Susan Enman (recording

secretary). 

 

I.          Call to Order:  Andrew Mullins called the meeting to order at 1:00 p.m.

 

II.        Approval of October 06, 2003 minutes:

 

            Patricia Shute pointed out that the word “medium” in section 7 should be written as

            “median”.  This word was misspelled three times in section 7.

 

III.       Communications:

            Jacqueline Quintal pointed out that she had requested to read the letters sent from the

            lawyers.  Andrew Mullins stated that he would like these letters brought to the school

            board meetings for review. 

           

            Andrew Mullins and Jacqueline Quintal reviewed the information they received while

            attending the law conference.  

 

            Patricia Shute mentioned that the school board sent a dish garden to Denise Doucette in

            sympathy for the loss of her father.

 

IV.       Principal’s Report:

            Sarah Sarette reviewed the test scores of grades one through six and explained how to

            read the tests results on the graph she had provided.  The principal informed the school

            board that tests would be given again in April or May, which, would allow a comparison

            with the fall testing.  Areas of weakness and strengths were discussed and how the weak

            areas could be improved.  Mrs. Sarette stated that she would be going to Concord on

            Friday to request more grant money for the reading program.

 

            The Principal handed out the school calendar.  She also mentioned that an emergency

            phone tree had been created and explained how this would work.  

 

            Sarah Sarette reported that a  matching book grant in the amount of $700.00. had been

            granted to the Milan Village School.  The school will  receive $1,400.00 worth of

            books from Wal Mart.  Mrs. Sarette notified the school board that the technology grant    would be expiring in 2004.

 

            The Principal thanked Mrs. Plourde for applying for a grant to purchase playground        equipment.   With the $9,000.00 raised from a fundraiser last year and this grant money,

            there is now approximately $20,000.00 available for the purchase  of playground equipment.  Mrs. Sarette mentioned that the students have been involved in what type

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            of playground equipment they would like.  A discussion was held on what type of   materials should be placed under the equipment.  Mrs. Plourde informed the school

            board that NHMA offers advice on safety regulations for playgrounds.  The business

            administrator agreed to follow through on contacting NHMA and would also send

            them a picture of the equipment that would be purchased.  Mrs. Sarette handed out

            a pamphlet on Gametime Qualifications along with a quote for the equipment. 

            Concern was expressed over the danger of the old rusty playground equipment.  Mrs.

            Plourde suggested that this equipment be put out to bid and the proceeds from this

            could be used  for mulch or whatever would be placed under the equipment.

 

            Mrs. Sarette pointed out the need to purchase a new freezer soon.  A discussion was

            held on the different price quotes and what each quote involved.  The consensus of

            the school board was that a walk-in freezer would be the most beneficial.  It was

            decided that the best time for installation would be during Christmas vacation.  The          principal informed the school board that she was notified that the dishwasher was not

            working properly.  Mrs. Sarette stated that  Dennis Rossignol stated that he could repair             the dishwasher and that the cost would probably be about  $40.00.   

 

                        Motion by Jacqueline Quintal – Seconded by Patricia Shute

                        MOTION:  to authorize Andre Mullins and Sarah Sarette the right

                        to discuss the quotes on purchasing a new freezer and to make the

                        decision on what freezer to purchase with the stipulation that the

                        costs does not exceed $19,000.00.

                        Vote on motion:  All in favor

 

            Mrs. Sarette asked permission to hang awards and plaques on the walls.  Patricia Shute

            asked if all the bulletin boards had been hung.  Mrs. Sarette reported that there were still

            some bulletin boards to be put up and this would be done during Christmas vacation. 

           

            Mrs. Sarette mentioned that she and Todd Butler would like to give a powerpoint

            presentation pertaining to their plans thus far for a preschool program.

            Mrs. Hebert-Sweeny pointed out that there are some preschool students at this time in

            need of special services and if Milan had a preschool program these students’ needs

            could be met in the Milan Village School.     

 

V.        Superintendent’s Report:

            *Financial Report:

            Mrs. Plourde reviewed the two financial reports (one reflecting a freeze, the other

            without a freeze in place).  The business administrator reported a fund balance of

            $84,386.00 and a fund balance in the amount of $120,008.00 if a freeze was in place.

            Mrs. Plourde pointed out the high electric expense, which, was probably due to the

            construction.   Mrs. Quintal mentioned that the night custodian seems to leave all the

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            lights on until she leaves at the end of her shift.   It was suggested to at least leave

            the gym lights off when the custodian is through in that room. 

            The tuition list was reviewed.  Mrs. Plourde stated that it is very difficult to monitor the    tuition costs because of  the high volume of  families moving in and out of the district.    The business administrator handed out the tax impact sheet that showed a decrease of $2.94 and explained how this had been calculated. 

 

            The school board members asked when the 2004/2005 budget would be presented to

            them.  Mrs. Plourde explained that the budget would probably be reviewed at the

            December school board meeting.

 

            Mrs. Quintal pointed out that it had been stated at the last SAU school board meeting

            that Milan had 197 pupils; however, the actual number of students is 244.  Mrs.

            Plourde offered to look into the number of students attending Milan Village School at       this time. 

 

            Mrs. Plourde informed the school board that she had spoken to Mark from PSNH.  Mark

            informed Mrs. Plourde that the Milan Village school would be receiving an energy rebate

            in the amount of $5,800.00.   

 

            Mrs. Plourde stated that she had received a call from Scott Clang.  Mr. Clang mentioned

            that he would like to meet with her and Mr. McPherson as there is a possibility of more

            available money to go toward the problem with the well.    Andrew Mullins informed the

            school board that he had spoken with Mark Gagne about the well.   Mr. Gagne stated

            that the water from his well had been previously tested and was running at 50 gallons per

            minute.   Mr. Mullins stated that Mr. Gagne was willing to cooperate with the school to

            share the well as long as  the school would pay all costs involved.

            Mrs. Plourde informed the school board that she had also spoken with Paul Kent

            regarding water problems.  Mr. Kent is planning on coming to Milan on Thursday,            November 06, 2003, at 1:00 p.m. board members.  Mrs. Plourde distributed pictures       taken by Mrs. Shute of water problems taken.  A suggestion was made to show Mr. Kent          these pictures. 

 

            Mrs. Plourde informed the school board that she and Mrs. Sarette had discussed the need

            to purchase a computer and flat screen monitor for the administrative assistant.    However, this would lead to an overage of $250.00 in this line item.   Therefore,       permission was needed from the school board before this purchase could be made.

 

                        Motion by Jacqueline Quintal – Seconded by Patricia Shute

                        MOTION:  to make a line item change to accommodate the purchase of

                        a new computer and flat screen monitor for the administrative assistant.

                        Vote on motion:  All in favor

                                                           

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            Mrs. Plourde informed the school board that there was $333.00 left in the nurse’s

            account for replacement furniture.  A discussion was held pertaining to what type

            of furniture would be appropriate and would meet the state regulations.  It was decided

            that the best choice would be to purchase a cot.  Andrew Mullins offered to look into

            the prices of cots  in the ambulatory catalogs he receives.

 

            Mr. Mullins asked if the stair chair had come in.  Mrs. Plourde stated that she would look

            into this matter as nobody had recalled seeing this piece of equipment. 

 

VI.       Public Comments:  None at this time.

 

VII.     Other:

            Water problems were discussed.

           

            Andrew Mullins pointed out that a couple of doors had not shut during the last fire drill.

            Mrs. Sarette stated that she and Dennis Rossignol had noticed this problem and are           aware why these doors did not shut. 

 

            Jacqueline Quintal questioned why Mr. Welford had stated at the last school board           meeting that Jill Dubey was the only person allowed to use the automatic external

            defibrillator.   Mrs. Quintal pointed out that Dennis Rossignol  is also trained to use

            this piece of equipment.  Patricia Shute stated that if a person were trained to use

            the defibrillator they should be allowed to use it.  Ms. Quintal expressed her concern

            over the liability with the use of the defibrillator.  Mrs. Shute explained the liability and

            the process of training required to be certified to use the defibrillator.

 

            Ms. Quintal asked when the AREA meeting would be held.  Mrs. Sarette informed the

            school board that the AREA meeting would be held Thursday, November 13, 2003, at

            7:00 p.m., at the Milan Village School library.  A question arose on what would be

            included on the agenda for the AREA meeting. It was suggested that a discussion

            on the Berlin and Milan calendars should be an agenda item.  Mrs. Sarette stated

            that Mr. Moulis mentioned to her that he would add an update on career and technical

            center on the agenda and would bring the current AREA agreement for discussion. 

 

            Ms. Quintal handed out  a paraprofessional schedule that she worked on and  would like to discuss this  at the next school board meeting.  Ms. Quintal also handed out a sample

            of a policy she had come up with pertaining to the cost of SAU rent.  She stated that

            she would like this issue discussed at the next school board meeting.  Ms. Quintal

            asked Mrs. Plourde how mileage reimbursement was calculated.  The business

            administrator explained how an employee’s mileage reimbursement was figured.

                                   

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            Jacqueline Quintal asked for permission to visit the third grade class.  She stated the

            purpose of her visit would be to see how the class is being conducted with two teachers

            and whether or not it is beneficial to have two teachers in one classroom.  

 

                        Motion by Patricia Shute – Seconded by Andrew Mullins

                        MOTION:  to give Ms. Quintal permission to visit the third grade classroom

                        for the purpose of evaluating the effectiveness of the team teaching program

                        and the academic and behavioral issues

                        Vote on motion:  All in favor

                       

            Andrew Mullins noted that the school board members have not seen a contract for

            Karen Cloutier.

 

            Ms. Quintal mentioned the need to purchase a buzzer and mechanism to open the door

            from the desk of the administrative assistant. 

           

            Ms. Quintal asked if there were any problems with teachers’  attendance.  Mrs. Sarette

            reported that there was a problem with one teacher being out frequently.

 

                        Motion by Jacqueline Quintal – Seconded by Patricia Shute

                        MOTION:  to go into non-public session under RSA 91-A section E

                        at 4:15 p.m.

                        Vote on motion:  All in favor

 

            Discussion was held on attendance problems with one of the teachers.

            Discussion was held on litigation issue.

            Discussion was held on what the teachers are interested in for salaries and benefits

            package.

 

                        Motion by Jacqueline Quintal – Seconded by Patricia Shute

                        MOTION:  to come out of non-public session under RSA 91-A section E

                        at 5:16 p.m.

             

VIII.    Non-Public Session – RSA 91-A Section E

 

                        Motion by Patricia Shute – Seconded by Jacqueline Quintal

                        MOTION:  to go into non-public session under RSA 91-A Section E

                        at 2:20 p.m.

                        Vote on motion:  All in favor

 

            A discussion was held pertaining to a special education student.

 

                        Motion by Patricia Shute – Seconded by Jacqueline Quintal

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                        MOTION:  to come out of non-public session under RSA 91-A Section E at

                        2:37 p.m.

                        Vote on motion:  All in favor

 

                        Motion by Jacqueline Quintal – Seconded by Patricia Shute

                        MOTION:  to go into non-public session under RSA 91-A Section E at

                        2:40 p.m.

                        Vote on motion:  All in favor

 

            A change in placement for a special education student discussed.

 

                        Motion by Patricia Shute – Seconded by Jacqueline Quintal

                        MOTION:  to come out of non-public session under RSA 91-A Section E

                        at 2:43 p.m.

                        Vote on motion:  All in favor

 

IX.       Next meeting:

            The next Milan School Board meeting will be held Monday, December 01, 2003, at 6:30

            p.m., at the Milan Village School, Milan, NH.

 

X.        Adjournment:

 

                        Motion by Patricia Shute – Seconded by Jacqueline Quintal

                        MOTION:  to adjourn the school board meeting at 5:20 p.m.

                        Vote on motion:  All in favor