Plummer-Motz School Class Sites

1. The meeting was called to order at 7:10 p.m. in the Falmouth High School library. Present were Chairman Beppie Cerf, Steve Brinn, Linda Cote, Truth Holden, Susan Nevins, Kathy Hillman-Reed, Student Representatives David Sinnett and Chris Murry, Superintendent George Entwistle and approximately 16 others (Terison out).

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

3. Adjustments to Agenda:
a. Superintendent Entwistle explained that due to illness and conflicts, recognition of the National Board Certified Teachers would move to January 18, 2005.

4. Approval of Minutes:
a. November 15, 2004: Mrs. Hillman-Reed with a second from Mrs. Nevins moved the Board approve the minutes of November 15, 2004. The motion passed 6-0.
b. December 6, 2004: Mrs. Nevins with a second from Mrs. Hillman-Reed moved the minutes of December 6, 2004 be approved. The motion passed 6-0.

5. Communications:
a. Mrs. Cerf asked if anyone was interested in attending a conference on Jan. 6, “Sports Done Right: A Call to Action on Behalf of Maine’s Student Athletes”.
b. Mrs. Cerf asked for a Board volunteer to serve as the legislative contact person.
c. Superintendent Entwistle thanked several Middle School students and art teacher, Mrs. Blanchette, for great new art work on walls in the Central Office.

6. Comments from Public: There was none.

7. Recognition:
a. National Board Certified Teachers: This was deferred to 1/18/05 meeting.
b. Robin Haley was recognized and presented with a certificate of recognition as the Fall 2004 Forecaster North Coach of the Year.
c. Spike Herrick was congratulated and presented with a certificate of recognition for being named the Maine State Golf Coach of the Year.
d. Superintendent Entwistle commended the Highe School Music Department for the November 16th band performance as well as the winter choral concert on December 16th.

8. Superintendent’s Report:
a. The Superintendent reported he has presented updates on the Community Dialogue to the faculties of Lunt, Plummer-Motz and the Middle School. The Leadership Council continues to work synthesizing data and clarifying goals. A design-draft was attached to the agenda identifying five goals which will be posted on the website. Superintendent Entwistle shared the seven (7) targets that have been established for the next 18 months.

9. Principals’ Reports:
a. Lunt School: Ms. Johnson highlighted recent enrichment activities at Lunt School and reported the school has received $1,300 in memory of Mrs. Edwards who recently passed away. This money will be used for the purchase of books for the literacy program.

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b. Plummer-Motz School: Mrs. Boffa reported Plummer-Motz School has been nominated to the No Child Left Behind – Blue Ribbon Schools Program. She highlighted enrichment activities going on and thanked the FEF for their generosity in funding grants.
c. Falmouth Middle School: Mr. Rodman reported the school has tentatively committed to participating in the March 2005 MEA online testing program. A final decision will be made in January. He commended Jerry Barry, Larry Jackson, Madeline Sarantidis, and Renovia McKinney for wonderful band and choral performances. Mr. Rodman recognized several students for recent accomplishments.
d. Falmouth High School: Mrs. Hutton noted 24 seniors participated in the “Keep Maine Warm” program recently. The Financial Aid meeting postponed due to weather was rescheduled for January 5th at 6:30 p.m. Mrs. Hutton has been holding Principal Luncheons with individual advisor groups providing an opportunity to listen to students. The guidance staff, administration and transition team have been working to develop a plan for the remainder of this year and next year to best meet the needs of our students. Progress reports were mailed home last week.
e. Director of Quality Education Services: Responding to a question regarding report cards, Mrs. Powers indicated there would be two sets of measures included on the report cards: how the student was meeting standards and classroom grades. There will be another meeting for parents in February regarding meeting standards. Mrs. Powers then reported the Local Assessment System is in place; No Child Left Behind annual assessments for grades 3, 5, 6, and 7 will be administered in late March; several teacher leaders are doing an item analysis on the MEA data; and significant curriculum work is going on in high school science, elementary social studies and middle and high school math.
f. Technology Integration Coordinator: Ms. Palfrey reported the technology team has been gathering data on laptop use in the district and will share this information at the January 3 workshop. She then highlighted a few uses of technology that support teaching and learning in the district.
g. Business Manager: Mr. O’Shea noted a draft audit report had been received which indicated General Fund expenditures were $13,085 less than the budget; General Fund revenues were $48,540 in excess of anticipated revenues; and the net increase to the General Fund balance was $61,625. Updated enrollment projections will be done by Planning Decisions, Inc. Several proposed housing developments may have an impact on the district. Mr. O’Shea talked about the Governor’s tax reduction proposal whereby $250 million would be phased in for education over four years to reach the 55% State share. FY06 budget development is ongoing.
h. Director of Special Services: Ms. Crowell will provide a report quarterly.
i. Athletic Director: Mr. Hurley listed open coaching positions He also provided the number of participants and game results for the Middle and High School winter sports. He added the “Sports Done Right” conference will be held on January 6, 2005 at 9:00 a.m. and asked for Board representation. Responding to a question on expansion teams, Mr. Hurley stated money was put in the budget for these teams.

10. Committee Reports
a. Finance Sub-Committee: The committee has established an FY06 budget timeline. The School Board and Town Council will hold a joint meeting on January 10 for dinner and a discussion on the direction of the 2006 budget.
b. Facilities Sub-Committee: In Mr. Terison’s absence, Mrs. Hillman-Reed reported that the district has hired David Ray, an attorney with Bernstein, Shur, Nelson & Sawyer, to help mediate issues regarding the high school construction.

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c. Policy Sub-Committee: The next meeting will be held on January 18th. The committee is working on the policy manual and hopes to decrease its size.

11. Items for Information
a. List of New Hires
b. Fall 2004 FEF Allocations and thank you letter to FEF: Mrs. Cerf expressed her appreciation to the FEF for their generosity. She pointed out the second annual rummage sale would be held in May and the road race in June.
c. Superintendent Evaluation Process/Timeline: The Board is in the process of evaluating the Superintendent and will meet with him in Executive Session on January 3rd.
d. Drop Out Prevention Report: Mr. Mazjanis asked for Board member representation on the Committee. The Committee looked at any students who choose not to attend Falmouth Public Schools, hoping to determine the reason for that choice. The Committee realized more data is needed. One observation noted 65% of students had attended FPS only. Another observation pointed out the transfer rate has been stable over 7 years. The Committee is concerned that 7% of students who are eligible to attend FPS choose not to attend FPS. Falmouth’s drop out rate of .5% is below the State and National average. The Committee will continue to gather better data on student decisions, attendance rates, and adjusting to Falmouth schools as well as putting support systems in place. They will report to the Board again later this year.

12. Unfinished Business: There was none.

13. New Business
a. Consideration of the PATHS budget for 2005-2006: Mr. O’Shea distributed the PATHS budget explaining that Part I consists of the operating costs and Part II is the capital budget. Each sending school must vote by the end of December. This represents a 2.24% increase for Falmouth. Presently 20 students are participating in PATHS. Mrs. Holden with a second by Mrs. Cote moved the Board adopt the PATHS budget for 2005-2006. The motion passed 6-0.
b. Consideration of the Superintendent’s nominations for following Schedule B positions
1. Smith, Richard – Middle School Girls Expansion Basketball Coach
2. Hogan, Richard – Middle School Asst. Indoor Track Coach
3. Njaa, Andrew - Support Team Chair for V. Webster

14. Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 8:50 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

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

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Last Updated: 12/8/05

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