Falmouth School Board Minutes

Falmouth School Board
Regular Meeting
Monday, February 13, 2006

           1.          The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Falmouth Town Hall.  Present were Chairman Beppie            Cerf, Linda Cote, Karen Farber, Beth Franklin, Scott Lydick, Kathy Hillman-Reed, Mark Terison, Student            Representatives Rachel Bennett and Chris Murry, Superintendent George Entwistle and approximately 2 others.

2.          Pledge of Allegiance:  All in attendance recited the Pledge of Allegiance.

3.          Adjustments to Agenda:  Superintendent Entwistle stated item 13 c, first reading of nursing policies, would be added. Item 13 d, Constitution and By-Laws of the Portland Technology High School was also added for review and approval.

4.          Minutes:
            a.         Mr. Terison with a second from Mrs. Cote moved the Board approve the minutes of January 23, 2005.  The motion was approved 7-0. Mr. Murry noted that under 1. the list of attendees should read “(Chris Murry out)” rather than listing his name under those present. Mr. Murry also noted that under 9 i. it should read “Gina Mancini” rather than “Gina Mancione”. Mrs. Hillman-Reed noted that under 10 a. “There will be a meeting tomorrow to discuss the stipends further,” should be removed as there was no meeting planned. The corrected minutes were approved 7-0.

5.          Communications: There were none.

6.         Comments from the Public:  Mrs. Cerf explained the proposed changes to the high school schedule are still in the preliminary stages. Any decisions made regarding this matter will be communicated clearly and in advance to all parents of current and expected high school students. She added that Mrs. Hutton’s board report would be addressing ongoing communication regarding the changes to the high school schedule. Some members of the public expressed concern regarding a lack of communication about the new schedule options.

7.         Recognition:  Items incorporated into Principals’ Reports.

8.         Superintendent’s Report:  Superintendent Entwistle reported that the proposed calendar for 2006-2007 will have it’s “first reading” at tonight’s meeting. The new format provides two separate calendars for K-8 and High School. Invitations for the Community Dialogue scheduled for March 24th at Scarborough Downs will be sent out in early March. The second edition of the Portal focusing on the results of the districts’ 18-Month Action Plan, the budget process, and the upcoming Community Dialogue will be delivered to Falmouth homes on or about March 13th. He acknowledged the tremendous effort of all those involved in the budget process. He noted that a Press Release regarding the exploration of consolidating with one or more local school districts went out to the local press. He reported that the School Board and Leadership Council members will be  taking part in a survey regarding the consolidation study. He also noted his classroom visits to 2nd Year Probationary Teachers are now complete.

9.         Leadership Council Reports:
            a.         Lunt School:  Mr. Flaherty reported that Donna Gibbs is doing well and appreciates the support. He also reported that enrollment is stable. Karen Burke, literacy professor, presented two mini-workshops on comprehension and guided reading this month. He welcomed two new staff members Karen Littlefield and Marjorie Antich. He acknowledged the great work done by all helping with Kindergarten registration running from February 13th through the 17th from 9 am to 2 pm. The H.E.A.R.T. program began today.
 
            b.         Plummer-Motz School:  Mrs. Boffa reported that the MEA testing is scheduled for March 6th through the 24th. A copy of the testing schedule was provided. She also reported that the Debbie Woods Memorial Fund has been able to provide the school with a Homework Club. This club will allow students a place for assistance with their homework and will begin after the winter break.

            c.         Falmouth Middle School:  Mr. Rodman reported that the Spelling Bee which was held the evening of February 1st was well attended. Maria Darrow placed first and fellow 8th grader Will Hayes and 6th grader Jane Yoon took second and third place respectively. He acknowledged the hard work done by all in both the   5th and 6th grade production of “The Clown Prince of Wanderlust” and the 7th and 8th grade production of “Wildcat Katie Brown”. A naturalization ceremony was held at the middle school where 47 individuals became new U.S. Citizens. He reviewed the Multi-Aged Program highlighting the growth and successes of the program now in its second year.

            d.         Falmouth High School:  Mrs. Hutton reported the theater boosters are providing a new trophy and display case to house costumes and other theater related items. The guidance department hosted a presentation about the S.A.T. for all junior parents. There will be a free S.A.T. prep course offered to all Maine State residents. A meeting was held for all Cumberland County schools to discuss how students are supported when transitioning into high school. She amended the dates for the Robotics Competition in Manchester, NH to include both March 3rd and 4th. She reported that the month of March would serve as time for feedback from all members of the Falmouth High School community regarding the three proposed new schedule options. Mr. Terison commended Mrs. Hutton for addressing the transition into high school for students as well as for approaching the scheduling concerns with an open mind.

            e.         Assistant Superintendent:  Mrs. Powers reported that CBEA will be offering to work with Michael Fulton, a national recognized consultant hired to help the Department of Education. Information on the NWEA testing was shared with elementary parents at the February 13th PTO meeting. Teachers Catherine Hobby and Sue Leonard are assisting with a Modern & Classical Language curriculum review. February 16th has been selected as the day to complete the assessment of the current French and Spanish programs. Previews of outstanding science curriculum material will be previewed by a few High School and Middle School representatives later this week at an event sponsored by The Maine Math and Science Alliance. The Social Sciences and History curriculum for K-12 will be reviewed in the 2006-2007 school year. The Everyday Mathematics program has been very successful in the 6th grade. Planning continues for the 5th grade regarding the Connected Math Program. A group of six teachers are participating in a “Leadership for Tomorrow’s Schools” cohort group including George Conant, Rick Hogan, April DeCourcey, Josh Plati, Sue Palfrey and Andrew Njaa.  She also reported the Graduate Study Group has connected with more than 60 recent graduates. The group will meet during February to take a critical look at the data collected.

            f.          Director of Student Planning & Learning Options:  Ms. Palfrey reported she attended a presentation by Lynn Miller on Academic Readiness for College. She highlighted the information learned from the presentation. She reported that the Student Centered Team is working toward creating a more comprehensive approach in addressing the transition from 8th to 9th grade. The group will meet in February to being planning a better transition program based on data they have collected. She also reported the Agile Mind Math Online Service, a new math assessment tool is being explored. This high level quality of assessment is beyond what could be created locally and Great Maine Schools is supporting the training for this program. She reported the Student Centered Team is functioning very well and continues to educate the school community about how to utilize its services. Jen Merrifield, 4th grade teacher and Suzan Nelson, High School Librarian were highlighted for their uses of technology in the classroom.

            g.         Business Manager:  Mr. O’Shea reported a computerized bus routing system is being looked at to help with the changing needs of the transportation department. He also reported maintaining the appropriate standards for storage and disposal of chemical/hazardous wastes continues to create a concern in regards to space. He also reported NESDEC representatives have begun their facilities study. A second visit is scheduled for February 27th. A full report from NESDEC is expected by the end of March 2007. He also highlighted some key parts of the Department of Education meeting in Augusta from earlier in the day.

.           h.         Director of Special Services:  Ms. Crowell reported there are currently 250 K-12 students utilizing the services of the special education program. She noted that 32 girls have passed through the Youth Alternatives Transition Program since it first began in September 2005. She reported some discussion is taking place regarding how to best serve the growing number of students with disabilities. Next year over 100 students receiving assistance from the Special Education Department will be housed at the middle school. A new evaluation tool called Response to Intervention will be evaluated during the 2006-2007 school year.

            i.          Athletic Director:  Mr. Hurley reported that the high school boys basketball team was currently ranked 2nd in Western Maine Class B. The freshman girls basketball team finished the season undefeated. The ice hockey team is having a terrific season currently ranked 4th in both class A Coaches Poll and the Big Jab Super 6 Poll. In swimming, Gina Mancini set the state record in the 100 meter breast stoke. He also reported that the Teachers Appreciation Night, a booster’s basketball tradition, was a great success. Teachers recognized were Danny Paul, Bob McCully, Sue Leonard, Dede Waite, Cooper Higgins and Jen Merrifield.

10.       Committee Reports:
            a.         Finance Subcommittee:  Ms. Hillman-Reed reported that the committee had met prior to the Board meeting. The budget process for the 2006-2007 school year is in progress. March 4th will be an all day budget workshop. The next regular meeting for the committee will be at 5:30 pm on March 20th.

            b.         Facilities Subcommittee:  Mr. Terrison reported that the committee had met prior to the Finance Committee. NESDEC’s review of the building is underway. He also updated the Board on the progress of the High School construction issues.

            c.         Policy Subcommittee:  Ms. Franklin reported that there are three Nursing policies that will have a first reading at this Board meeting.
11.       Items for Information:

    1. Memo from Cathy Breen regarding Safe Routes to School – Mrs. Breen was present at the meeting and reviewed the information contained in the memo on the topic of the Safe Routes to School Program. The Board indicated their support for her to continue moving forward on exploration of the program.
    2. New Employees:
      1. Marjorie Antich, Long term substitute – Literacy Educational Technician
      2. Karen Littlefield, Long term substitute – Transitional 1st Grade

12.       Unfinished Business:  There was none. 

13.       New Business:

    1. 2006 – 2007 Calendar  - Superintendent Entwistle explained this was the first reading of next year’s calendar. There was much discussion. It was recommended that the calendar be added to the student forum to gain more feedback. The calendar will be an agenda item again at the March 20th Board Meeting for an approval vote. In the meantime the calendar will be on the school’s website for all to view.
    2. Job Sharing Position Request  - Superintendent Entwistle recommended the job share request for approval. Mrs. Franklin with a second from Mrs. Farber moved the Board approve the request. Motion was approved 6-0, Mr. Lydick was not present. There was no discussion.
    3. First reading of nursing policies – The policies will again be on the agenda at the March 6th workshop meeting where a representative of the nursing staff will be present to answer questions. A second reading of the policies is scheduled for the March 20th regular Board Meeting.
    4. Constitution and By-Laws of the Portland Technology High School  - Mrs. Franklin requested approval of the updated constitution and By-Laws. Mrs. Farber with a second from Mrs. Hillman-Reed moved that the Board approve these documents. The motion was approved 6-0. Mr. Lydick was not present and Mr. Murray and Miss. Bennett were included in this vote (2-0). There was no discussion.

14.       Adjournment:  After motion made by Mrs. Hillman- Reed, seconded by Mrs. Cote and unanimously approved, the Board adjourned the meeting at 9:55 p.m.

                                                                                        Respectfully submitted,

                                                                                        George H. Entwistle 3rd
                                                                                        Secretary

 

Last Updated: 3/23/06