Plummer-Motz School Class Sites

1. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Falmouth Town Hall. Present were Chairman Beppie Cerf, Steve Brinn, Linda Cote, Susan Nevins, Kathy Hillman-Reed, Mark Terison, Student Representatives David Sinnett and Chris Murry, Superintendent George Entwistle and approximately 15 others (Holden out).

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

3. Adjustments to Agenda:
a. Superintendent Entwistle added FHS Band Concert under ‘Communications’

4. Approval of Minutes:
a. October 4, 2004: Mrs. Hillman-Reed with a second from Mrs. Nevins moved the Board approve the minutes of October 4, 2004. The motion passed 6-0.
b. October 18, 2004: Mrs. Nevins with a second from Mrs. Hillman-Reed moved the minutes of October 18, 2004 be approved. The motion passed 6-0.
c. November 1, 2004: Mrs. Cote with a second from Mr. Terison moved the Board approve the minutes of November 1, 2004. The motion passed 6-0.

5. Communications:
a. Mrs. Cerf announced there would be an informational meeting regarding implementation of Essential Programs and Services at PATHS on November 16th starting at 6:30 p.m.
b. Mrs. Cerf referred to a brochure received from the Chairman of the State Board of Education describing the Board’s responsibilities. She noted that Jean Gulliver who lives in Falmouth is a member of the State Board of Education.
c. On behalf of the School Board, Mrs. Cerf thanked everyone in the community who voted against the tax cap and especially those who worked so hard to educate the community on the possible effects of the tax cap.
d. Superintendent Entwistle informed the meeting that the High School Band will be performing tomorrow night at 7:00 p.m. in the High School Theater.

6. Comments from the Public: There were none.

7. Recognition:
a. Jonathan Pelletier: Mrs. Cerf shared an email from a parent who wrote that student Jonathan Pelletier was most helpful to her and her son when her son broke his collar bone. Jonathan is a member of the Student Rescue Team. Mrs. Cerf introduced Mr. Williamson, teacher liaison to the Falmouth Emergency Medical Team. Mr. Williamson described the extensive procedure required to become an EMT and the valuable service being provided to the school and community. Mrs. Cerf then presented a Certificate of Recognition to Jonathan Pelletier. As well, Rescue Team Members Nicholas Madden, Brigham McKenney, and Alison Schnapp were presented certificates acknowledging the valuable service they provide to the Falmouth community.

b. The Superintendent commended the High School Theater group for a wonderful performance of a difficult play, “Arsenic and Old Lace”.

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8. Superintendent’s Report:
Superintendent Entwistle reported on the follow-up work being done on the Community Dialogue. The workshop on 11/1 where the Board helped form goals was very helpful. On 11/2, Dr. Entwistle addressed the High School faculty and then set up meetings in the other schools to keep the faculty in the loop. On 11/5 the Leadership Council continued to work on synthesis of the data. Superintendent Entwistle recognized Corinne Greene on her assignment for students who participated in the Community Dialogue. Students created an essay reflecting on their experience on October 8th and making some recommendations on a topic of dialogue. He felt the essays were extraordinary.

9. Principals’ Reports
a. Lunt School: Mrs. Johnson had no additions to her written report.
b. Plummer-Motz: Adding to her report, Mrs. Boffa informed the Board of the $10,000 National Semi-conductor Award presented to grade 3 teacher, Mrs. Palmer. The School also received a $4,000 award.
c. Falmouth Middle School: Mr. Rodman referred the Board to his written report.
d. Falmouth High School: Mrs Hutton distributed a sheet with informational items and reported on the National Merit Scholarship Advisory Board meeting she recently attended. In addition, she and five staff members traveled to San Francisco for an outstanding conference presented by the Coalition of Essential Schools.
e. Director of Quality Educational Services: Mrs. Powers provided an update on the professional development work going on in the schools.
f. Technology Integration Coordinator: Ms. Palfrey updated the Board on the 9th grade laptops which arrived Friday. On December 2 there will be a Technology Advisory Committee meeting to review the current technology plan. Falmouth is in year 2 of a 3 year plan.
g. Business Manager: In addition to his written report, Mr. O’Shea thanked Mr. Keeley for his contributions installing the field lights and the score board.
h. Director of Special Services: Ms. Crowell thanked Ms. Palfrey for training special educators in File Maker Pro which will computerize IEP’s. A Task Force for Continuous Improvement has met twice this fall and is developing a survey to be sent to parents. The Day Treatment Program that we have been working on since last year is up and running.

10. Committee Reports:
a. Finance Subcommittee: Mrs. Hillman-Reed reported that tonight’s meeting focused on planning for the fiscal year 2006 budget as well as the Facilities Subcommittee. Mr. Terison, Chair of the Facilities Subcommittee, reported the committee had toured the K-8 facilities which they found very cramped. The committee will meet again on December 1 to address high school issues.

b. Policy Subcommittee: Mrs. Nevins distributed minutes from the last meeting and explained the goal is to have the district’s Policy Manual on line by the end of the year. The Committee agreed Drummond Woodsum would do a review of the Policy Manual. Ann Chapman of Drummond Woodsum will have completed a pass through and provided a list of what policies need to be added, deleted or revised by December 6th. The last meeting also focused on the Chemical Health Policy. Ann Chapman suggested adding what Mrs. Hutton had written last spring to the policy.

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11. Items for Information:
a. Mrs. Cerf read a letter from Mr. Kraljic of the Engineering Technology Program thanking the FEF for their recent donation.

12. Unfinished Business:
a. Mrs. Cerf asked Student Representative Chris Murry about the Mock Trial. Falmouth won the competition with Cape Elizabeth and Freeport.

13. New Business:
a. Consideration of the Superintendent’s nominations for Schedule B positions. Mr. Brinn with a second from Mrs. Hillman-Reed moved the Board approve the list of 2004 winter coaches as presented. The motion passed 6-0.

14. Adjournment: Mrs. Hillman-Reed with a second from Mrs. Cote moved the meeting be adjourned. The motion passed 6-0 and the meeting adjourned at 7:55 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

George H. Entwistle 3rd, Ed.D.
Secretary

Last Updated: 12/8/05

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