Falmouth School Board Minutes

Falmouth School Board
Regular Meeting
Monday, February 26, 2007

 

  1. The meeting was called to order at 7:03 p.m. in the High School ATM Room.  Present were Chairman Beppie Cerf, Karen Farber, Beth Franklin, Kathy Hillman-Reed, Scott Lydick, Mark Terison, Student Representatives Rachel Bennett and Steve Hebson, Superintendent George Entwistle and approximately 26 others. (Cote out)
  1. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:  All in attendance recited the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

  1. ADJUSTMENTS TO THE AGENDA:  Under “New Business” 13(D) was added:  Motion to support the Town Council in taking the proposed “Game On Project” dated December, 2006 regarding turf fields to the voters as a referendum question in June, 2007.
  1. MINUTES:
    1. Mrs. Franklin with a second from Mrs. Farber moved the Board approve the minutes of January 16, 2007.  Mrs. Hillman-Reed clarified in 8(A) the wording should indicate “152 district administrations.”  Mr. Lydick noted that he was present for this meeting.  The amended minutes were approved 6-0.
    2. Mrs. Franklin with a second from Mrs. Farber moved the Board approve the minutes of January 29, 2007.  The motion was approved 6-0.
    3. Mrs. Farber with a second from Mrs. Hillman-Reed moved the Board approve the minutes of February 5, 2007.  The motion was approved 6-0.

 

  1. COMMUNICATIONS:
    1. Letter from Special Education parent and donation of $250 made in appreciation of all the efforts and time of several staff members – a very appreciative “thank you” was expressed by Ms. Crowell and Chairman Cerf.
    2. Article from The Community Leader highlighting a Falmouth High School student who resides at the Youth Alternatives Girls Transition Home.
    3. Presentation by Falmouth High School Safe Passage travelers – Jack Hardy, Assistant Principal of the High School, introduced the seven students (Taylor Burns, Amy Eklund, Evan Doyle, Alex Westervelt, Jack Keely, Emily Bowden, and Eileen Brandes) in attendance for this impressive presentation.  The students each spoke about what they did, what they learned, and what affected them most during this experience.  A slide presentation was given and also a very moving video created by Evan Doyle was shown.  The group stated that they all planned on being a Safe Passage volunteer again.  Prior to introducing the students, Mr. Hardy also informed the group that Allyn Hutton has been nominated as “Principal of the Year” in recognition of her outstanding work in education on all levels – district, state and national.   
  1. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC:  There were none.

 

  1. RECOGNITION:
    1. Recognition of Jade Russell Johnson being named as a top finalist in the Lions Club International Peace Poster Contest – Jim Mullen, Lions Club President, congratulated Jade and also thanked the Falmouth Public Schools for the partnership that is shared with the Lions Club.  Mrs. Blanchette, Middle School Art Teacher, displayed a framed print of the poster and stated that extra prints are available through her for purchase.  Chairman Cerf also congratulated Jade and presented her with a Certificate of Recognition from Falmouth Public Schools.
  1. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT:
    1. Superintendent Entwistle gave an overview on the status of the relationship between Falmouth Public Schools, UNIBE and USM and also highlighted his recent trip to the Dominican Republic.  Significant progress was made on the partnership and also on an exchange piece with Falmouth students and chaperones to start this summer.  Falmouth participates will have an opportunity to learn Spanish and the Latin American culture and eco system.  More details will be forthcoming and shared with students/staff at the Falmouth High School. 

 

  1. LEADERSHIP COUNCIL MEMBERS’ REPORTS:
    1. Lunt School:  Mr. Flaherty discussed portions of his written report including Mabel Crockett’s 102nd birthday celebration with Lunt School 1st graders, the use of Sililoquy (and interactive computer-based fluency program), and a recent presentation on a phonics program called Lexia.  Mr. Flaherty also mentioned that there were 85 registrants from the recent Kindergarten registrations.
    1. Plummer-Motz:  Mrs. Boffa stated that she combined Goal 2 and 4 in this month’s report since they are so connected and briefly highlighted a Transforming Learning Communities presentation from their last faculty meeting, a Math Differentiation workshop and a Literacy Differentiation presentation.  Mrs. Boffa also stated that they are looking at restructuring and expanding their Student Assistance Team.

 

    1. Falmouth Middle School:  Mr. Rodman highlighted the Middle School Civic Rights Day that had taken place on February 26.  They had several speakers that were very informative and interesting who were also a hit with the students.  Mr. Rodman also mentioned that students will be taking MEAs next week and thanked Chairman Cerf and Barbara Powers for being judges at a recent spelling bee.
    1. Falmouth High School:  Mr. Hardy (in Mrs. Hutton’s absence) reported that on February 7, the three high school guidance counselors offered a session to support Junior parents with beginning the college search process.  There were 125 parents in attendance who were all very appreciative of the guidance that was offered.  Two new theater electives are being offered and planning has taken place for a study in the open space on the 2nd floor of the High School.  Also, work is ongoing with the Senior Class Executive Board to consider modifications to senior week and graduation plans.

 

    1. Assistant Superintendent:  Mrs. Powers explained that the attachment to her monthly report is a snapshot of current work in progress.  She felt this was a good way of making everyone aware of where things stand.  She also mentioned a graduate study group meeting will take place on March 2 and MEAs begin at Plummer-Motz in March.  Mrs. Powers will be holding a meeting with parents to clarify the differences between MEAs and NWEAs.
    1. Director of Student Planning and Learning Options:   Mrs. Palfrey summarized the program evaluation of Virtual High School.  The data suggests that the courses generally are academically demanding and require significant time but most students had a very positive experience.  The hope is to have 25 students successfully complete their course work each semester.  Mrs. Palfrey fielded several questions from the Board.

 

    1. Director of Finance and Operations:  Mr. O’Shea quickly highlighted where the elementary school construction project stands.  A meeting with Scott Brown has been scheduled for March 27 at 10:30 a.m., and Mr. O’Shea commented that Mr. Terison would be discussing the school project further later in the evening.  Also discussed were the ongoing efforts of the district to conserve energy including approximately ½ of the Middle School lights have been retrofitted with new energy efficient ballasts and virtually all lit exit signs have been replaced with LED lit signs.  Other initiatives to save money through energy costs are also ongoing.
    1. Special Education Director:  Ms. Crowell indicated that the numbers for Special Education students are holding steady and Special Educators at each school are reviewing the staffing needs for the upcoming school year.  Ms. Crowell also announced that we are very lucky to have hired Lisa Blier as the new lead teacher in the girls’ transition program.

 

    1. Athletic Director:  Mr. Hurley was not present.
  1. COMMITTEE REPORTS:
    1. Finance Sub-committee:  Mrs. Hillman-Reed reported that the committee had met prior to tonight’s regular School Board Meeting.  The discussion focused on the ’07-’08 budget and good progress has been made.  An all day budget meeting will take place on March 10 starting at 8:30 a.m. at the Falmouth Community Library.  It is expected that by that date the budget will be close to a final draft.  Also discussed were the school consolidation plans.  A template of the various plans was distributed by Dan O’Shea; this template will also be added to the school’s website consolidation link.

 

    1. Facilities Sub-committee:  Mr. Terison reported that the Ad Hoc Buildings Advisory Committee met on February 15 with Rob Tillotson, principal partner, of Oak Point Associates.  It was an opportunity to get to know Rob and ask questions.  Discussions included the next steps for the project.  It is anticipated that the preliminary concept and site selection will take about 11 months (early 2008).  It is recommended that a special referendum be held for this project, and the committee will work with the Town Council once the timing is in place.  Mr. O’Shea will check with the state to see if the cost of having a special referendum is reimbursable with State funds. 
    1. Policy Sub-committee:  Mrs. Franklin reported to the Board that the second reading of the school governance policies will take place this evening.  Mrs. Franklin also reported that the Code of Conduct is next on the list to be reviewed.

 

  1. ITEMS FOR INFORMATION:
    1. Current Openings:

                              Ed. Tech. III (long-term sub) for Middle School Life Skills Room
                              Varsity Football Head Coach
                              JV Softball Coach

    1. Turf field update
    2. Elizabeth Inniss hired as Educational Technician III (Autism) at the Middle School
    3. Gail McNally hired as long-term sub Literacy Educational Technician at Lunt School   
  1. UNFINISHED BUSINESS:  There was none.

 

  1. NEW BUSINESS:
    1. Mrs. Hillman-Reed with a second from Mrs. Farber moved the Board approve the revised school calendars for 2007-2008.  The motion was approved 6-0.
    1. Mr. Terison with a second from Mrs. Farber moved the Board approve Lisa Blier as a new teacher (Youth Alternative Program at the High School).  The motion was approved 6-0.
    2. Mrs. Franklin with a second from Mrs. Farber moved the Board accept the School Governance policies as printed with the exception that BID is actually BIB, less BEDH, less the deletion of BDDH and to delete the policies indicated at the bottom of the sheet.  The motion was approved 6-0.
    3. Mrs. Hillman-Reed with a second from Mrs. Farber made the following motion:

As a School Board, we recognize the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.  We have been supportive of the wellness initiatives that have been introduced in our Falmouth schools.  Having said this, we believe that artificial turf fields will increase the opportunities for all of our students as well as our community members to prolong recreational activities by several months on either end of our winter season out of doors.  We understand the potential for realized savings as well as the potential costs of turf fields. We believe that artificial turf is safe, cost effective and environmentally friendly.  Therefore, I move that we support the Town Council in taking the proposed "Game On Project" dated December, 2006 regarding turf fields to the voters as a referendum question in June, 2007. 

After a very lengthy discussion, the motion was approved 4-2.  The student representative vote was 1-1.

  1. EXECUTIVE SESSION:  Mrs. Farber with a second from Mrs. Franklin moved the Board enter Executive Session as per 1 M.R.S.A § 405 (6)(F)  to discuss a confidential personnel matter.  The motion was approved 6-0 and the Board entered Executive Session at 9:44 p.m.

 

      The Board came out of Executive Session at 10:02 p.m.

  1. EXECUTIVE SESSION:  Mrs. Franklin with a second from Mrs. Farber moved the Board enter Executive Session as per 1 M.R.S.A § 405 (6)(A)  to discuss employment of officials.  The motion was approved 6-0 and the Board entered Executive Session at 10:03 p.m.

 

      The Board came out of Executive Session at 10:45 p.m.

  1.  EXECUTIVE SESSION:  Mrs. Farber with a second from Mrs. Hillman-Reed moved the Board enter Executive Session as per 1 M.R.S.A § 405 (6)(F)  to discuss a confidential personnel matter.  The motion was approved 6-0 and the Board entered Executive Session at 10:46 p.m.

 

            The Board came out of Executive Session at 11:03 p.m.

 

  1.  ADJOURNMENT:  Mrs. Farber with a second from Mr. Lydick moved the Board adjourn.  The motion was approved 6-0, and the Board adjourned the public session at 11:03 p.m.

 

                                                                                    Respectfully submitted,

 

                                                                                    George H. Entwistle 3rd
                                                                                    Secretary

 

Last Updated: 3/14/07