School Board Minutes

Falmouth School Board Minutes

Falmouth School Board
Regular Meeting
Tuesday, November 28, 2006

1. The meeting was called to order at 7:02 p.m. in the High School ATM Room. Present were Beppie Cerf, Linda Cote, Karen Farber, Beth Franklin, Kathy Hillman-Reed, Scott Lydick, Mark Terison, Superintendent George Entwistle, Student Representatives Rachel Bennett (late) and Stephen Hebson and one other.

2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: All in attendance recited the Pledge of Allegiance.

3. ADJUSTMENTS TO AGENDA: There were none.

4.         APPROVAL OF MINUTES
            a.         Mrs. Farber with a second from Mrs. Hillman-Reed moved the Board approve the minutes of October 16, 2006. Mr. Terison noted on Page 3, under “i,” it should read Gilbert instead of Gilman. The amended minutes were approved 7-0.
            b.         Mrs. Franklin with a second from Mrs. Hillman-Reed moved the Board approve the minutes of November 13, 2006. The motion passed 7-0.
            c.         Mrs. Hillman-Reed with a second from Mrs. Farber moved the Board approve the minutes of November 14, 2006. The motion passed 7-0.

5.         COMMUNICATIONS:
            a.         UNIBE letter to host families – Dr. Entwistle informed the Board that he is working with USM to help obtain the appropriate Visas for hosting teachers from the January, 2008 graduating class of UNIBE.
            b.         Letter from Anne Lundh.
            c.         Why A School Doesn’t Run—or Change—Like A Business (article). Several Board Members commented that this is an excellent article and thanked Dr. Entwistle for sharing it with them.
            d.         Letter from Chris Murry.
            e.         The November 9, 2006 letter from the Superintendent of Kittery Schools was distributed.
            f.          The November 17, 2006 letter from Dr. Entwistle to FEF Board members Kathy Coster and Toni Butterfield was distributed.

6.         COMMENTS FROM PUBLIC: There were none.

7.         RECOGNITION: There were none.

8. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT:
a. Superintendent Entwistle mentioned the next negotiations meeting will take placon December 1, 2006. He asked that Dan O’Shea be included in the Executive Session later in the evening on the topic of negotiations. Superintendent Entwistle quickly highlighted the mental health affiliation stating that security within the schools includes mental health issues in addition to physical security. Kids and parents many times turn to the schools for various reason (depression, eating disorders, etc.). This new affiliation will help assist with these problems, in addition to others that may arise. Superintendent Entwistle commented that the Student Centered Team has done a great job with this affiliation. A Stipend B Overview and Process Description was distributed. Superintendent Entwistle briefly introduced the process and asked for Board Members to review the document for discussion at the December 4, 2006 Workshop Meeting. He did state that 90% of this process has been ongoing and the remaining 10% is now in place.

9.         LEADERSHIP COUNCIL MEMBERS’ REPORTS:
            a.         Lunt School - Mr. Flaherty was not present for this meeting.
            b.         Plummer-Motz – Mrs. Boffa mentioned that Tammy Serra, school counselor, will be administering a bully survey to 250 students this fall and on November 29, they will be holding a NWEA/Lexile Parent Night sponsored by the PTO. Mrs. Boffa also mentioned that Superintendent Entwistle came to the last staff meeting to give a presentation on Citizenship Education and Civic Engagement. Mrs. Boffa was pleased to inform the Board that the Plummer Motz students made the decision themselves to send all their Halloween candy to troops in Iraq. Dr. Stegemann generously paid for the shipping costs of 300 pounds of candy. The students received a letter from the troops thanking them and saying that they also shared the candy with Iraqi children.
            c.         Falmouth Middle School – Mr. Rodman highlighted various items from his written report including the start-up of a daily morning walking club and a video that was recently viewed by students entitled “Why Don’t We Do It In Our Sleeves,” (controlling the spread of germs by sneezing/coughing into our arm) which was enthusiastically received by the students. Also highlighted were the 6th grade teaching team discussions on the possible conversion to a standard based report card and 5th grade teachers spent the November 9 early release day examining spelling and vocabulary instruction. Mr. Rodman mentioned that Ed Gerety, a motivational speaker, will be addressing the students and staff on respect, consequences, bullying, drugs, alcohol and other topics coinciding with alcohol awareness day.
            d.         Falmouth High School – Mrs. Hutton reported the Fall Festival was alive and well at the high school and she has seen a positive impact on the students. The Student Council held a blood drive where 68 people donated, including 48 first-time donors. Mrs. Hutton distributed a planned list of Intersession Offerings for January. This impressive list was compiled from brainstorming sessions with staff and also ideas from students. Mrs. Hutton also reported that the Town Council formally recognized the Boys and Girls soccer teams for their accomplishments.
            e.         Assistant Superintendent – Barbara Powers reviewed the significant work being done by the literacy coaches and would like to have them present their work tothe Board some time in the future. A review of the social studies curriculum has begun and includes a focus on World History at the high school level, more emphasis on global learning and understanding for K-8, along with other changes. A “Critical Friends” review will be sooner rather than later and Mrs. Powers also reported that Christine Brown, world languages consultant, will be in Falmouth on November 29 and 30 to meet with Leadership Council and the Board.

Mrs. Farber asked if at some point this year the Board could receive a review of RTI. John Flaherty will be giving additional information on this topic at the next Workshop Meeting.

Bob McCully, High School Math Teacher, wanted to recognize Ricetta’s Restaurant for donating 15 pizzas and discounting an additional 10 remaining pizzas for the recent blood drive at FHS. He appreciated very much their generous community support.
f. Director of Student Planning and Learning Options – Mrs. Palfrey highlighted the work being done by Robin Haley as Substance Abuse Prevention Coordinator and the “Big Buddy” Program. She shared a story of a Freshman who told her with pride that he once had a “Big Buddy” and now he is able to be one for some one else. Mrs. Palfrey also commented on the excellent workshops she attended at the CES Conference, including one on “Fairness Courts.”

                        Mrs. Cerf commented that the district should try to make the “box tops” fundraiser more public since the schools have benefited greatly from this program.
            g.         Director of Finance and Operations – Mr. O’Shea discussed the school safety committee, which is meeting again on November 29. He indicated that Rob Susi has played a key role in this committee and a lot of great work is ongoing. Mr. O’Shea mentioned the second negotiation session will take place on Friday, December 1 and that the new accounting system is up and running and doing well so far. Mrs. Hillman-Reed inquired as to whether the town council is aware of the School Safety/Security Team and all the work that has been ongoing. Mr. O’Shea stated that town Representatives were a part of the committee and also that the Town Council liaison would receive all pertinent information.
            h.         Director of Special Services – Ms. Crowell informed the Board that everything is going well in Special Education. She also mentioned that a very good representation from Falmouth Schools attended a conference on RTI sponsored by the University of Southern Maine.
            i.          Athletic Director – Mr. Hurley reviewed all the great accomplishments of the Falmouth fall athletes. He also stated that he is putting together a proposal to sanction volleyball. The girls would like the team to be a varsity team instead of a JV team. He also stated that approximately 2/3 of the girls who are playing volleyball do not play in other fall sports. There is going to be a turf field update by Mr. Bohrman at the next workshop meeting on December 4, 2006.

10.       COMMITTEE REPORTS
            a.         Finance Sub-committee: Mrs. Hillman-Reed reported that the committee met prior to this meeting, and spent about 99% of their time on the annual audit. The district is in good shape financially, has strong internal controls, and overall, no weaknesses in internal reporting. Dan O’Shea has a summary report on the audit. The next Finance Sub-Committee meeting will take place on December 18, 2006 at 6:00 p.m. in the upstairs conference room at Town Hall (prior to the Regular School Board Meeting).

b. Facilities Sub-committee: Mr. Terison reported that two meetings of the Ad Hoc Advisory Buildings Committee have taken place and that ads for an architect have appeared in the newspapers. The deadline for architect submissions is December 8 and the next meeting of this group is December 14. Karen Farber will chair that meeting since Mark Terison is unable to attend. Bonnie Taylor, a Lunt School teacher, will be appointed to this committee later this evening and tours have been set up for committee members to view the East End Elementary School in Portland.

c. Policy Sub-committee: Mrs. Franklin reported the next committee meeting will take place on December 4, prior the workshop committee meeting. They will be reviewing policies related to board roles and responsibilities.

11.       ITEMS FOR INFORMATION
            a.         Joan Guild hired as ESL Tutor at the High School (10 hours a week)
            b.         Robin Penrod hired as Office Assistant at Plummer-Motz (12 hours a week)

12.       UNFINISHED BUSINESS:   There was none.

13.       NEW BUSINESS
            a.         Approval of Schedule B Co-curricular assignments
                        1.         Thomas Williamson and Martha Grant to share responsibilities of Civil Rights Team - Mr. Terison with a second from Mrs. Farber moved the Board approve the Schedule B Co-curricular assignments. The motion passed 7-0..
            b.         Approve of Schedule B winter athletic assignments
                        1.         Richard Smith - Grade 7 Boys Basketball
                        2.         Bob McCully - Grade 8 Boys Basketball
                        3.         Richard Smith - Grade 7 Girls Basketball
                        4.         Bob McCully - Grade 8 Girls Basketball
                        5.         Grace Tucci Libby - Girls Expansion Basketball
                        6.         Louise Abramson - M.S. Nordic Skiing Head (1/2)
                        7.         Cynthia Talbot - M.S. Nordic Skiing Head (1/2)
                        8.         Lindy Grigel - M.S. Nordic (Volunteer)
                        9.         Emily Stuart - M.S. Skiing Head
                        10.       Lucas Hiebert - M.S. Skiing Assistant
                        11.       John Keyes - M.S. Swim Team Head
                        12.       Josh Plati - M.S. Swim Team Assistant
                        13.       Mark Dissell - M.S. Indoor Track Head
                        14.       Tiffany Jones - M.S. Indoor Track Assistant
                        15.       Richard Hogan - M.S. Indoor Track Assistant
                        16.       David Halligan - Varsity Boys Basketball
                        17.       Jamie Hilton - JV Boys Basketball
                        18.       Chris Barber - JV Girls Basketball
                        19.       Paul Pekins - Frosh Boys Basketball
                        20.       Cooper Higgins - Frosh Girls Basketball
                        21.       Scott Rousseau - Varsity Ice Hockey
                        22.       Tim Jones - Ice Hockey Assistant
                        23.       John MacGregor - JV Ice Hockey (Booster)
                        24.       Jorma Kurry - H.S. Indoor Track Head
                        25.       Danny Paul - H.S. Indoor Track Assistant
                        26.       Michael Schwartz - H.S. Nordic Ski Coach
                        27.       James Demer - H.S. Nordic Assistant (Booster)
                        28.       Will Nelson - H.S. Nordic (Volunteer)
                        29.       Toppan Kimball - H.S. Skiing Head
                        30.       Stephanie Neal - H.S. Skiing Assistant
                        31.       John Keyes - H.S. Swimming Head
                        32.       Scott Goodwin - Grade 6 Intramural Coordinator
                        33.       David Jellis - Grade 5 Intramural Coordinator
                        Mrs. Farber with a second from Mr. Terison moved the Board approve the
                        Schedule B winter athletic assignments. The motion passed 7-0.
            c.         Approval of Bonnie Taylor as an additional member of the Ad Hoc Building
Advisory Committee – Mr. Terison with a second from Mrs. Farber moved the Board approve Bonnie Taylor as an additional member of the Ad Hoc Building Advisory Committee. The motion passed 7-0.

14.       EXECUTIVE SESSION:   Mrs. Hillman-Reed with a second from Mrs. Farber moved the     Board enter Executive Session to discuss labor contract negotiations between Falmouth School Board and Falmouth Education Association pursuant to 1 M.R.S.A § 405(6)(D). Dan O’Shea was asked to join. The motion passed 7-0. The Board entered Executive Session at 8:20 p.m.

15. ADJOURNMENT: Mr. Terison with a second from Mrs. Hillman-Reed moved the Board adjourn. The motion passed 7-0. The Board adjourned at 9:10 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

George H. Entwistle 3rd
Secretary

Last Updated: 12/13/06

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