Falmouth School Board Minutes

Falmouth School Board
Regular Meeting
Monday, April 9, 2007

 

  1. CALL TO ORDER:  The meeting was called to order at 7:02 p.m. in the Town Council Chambers.  Present were Linda Cote, 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. (Cerf out)
  1. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:  All in attendance recited the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

  1. ADJUSTMENTS TO THE AGENDA:  Superintendent Entwistle requested that 5C and 5D be added.  Another addition requested was 13G – first reading of policies associated with the Code of Conduct.
  1. MINUTES:
    1. Mrs. Franklin with a second from Mrs. Farber moved the Board approve the minutes of March 19, 2007.  The motion was approved 6-0.

 

  1. COMMUNICATIONS: 
  1. Report out from Town Council Finance Committee regarding Turf Field Proposal – Town Council Member Ann Goggins distributed a handout and showed a PowerPoint presentation regarding what is the nature of the turf field investment and why it is a good financial investment.  She suggested that the Town Council Finance Committee and the School Board Finance Committee work together on this proposal.   There was a lengthy discussion with questions and answers. 
  2. Educational Leadership article
  3. Maine Municipal Association article on school consolidation was distributed
  4. Letter from Cooper Higgins was left for School Board Members on the topic of the turf field proposal.  The letter was discussed during the report out.
  1. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC:  At the end of the turf field presentation two high school students, two parents, and a Falmouth school coach spoke in favor of the turf field proposal.

 

  1. RECOGNITION:  There were none.
  1. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT:
    1. Superintendent Entwistle highlighted the “new business” section on the agenda, including the approval of the ’07-’08 Falmouth School budget and the approval and process of assessing probationary and continuing contract teachers.  This process includes observations, reviews, and recommendations by principals and/or the Superintendent or Assistant Superintendent.  Superintendent Entwistle announced that he and Barbara Powers had been selected to participate in a U.S. educator delegation to travel to China for a one-week education tour in June of this year; both are honored to have been selected and look forward to sharing their experiences upon their return.    

 

 

  1. LEADERSHIP COUNCIL MEMBERS’ REPORTS:
    1. Lunt School:  Mr. Flaherty commented that the wellness committee is in full swing with several activities, including salsa dancing.  Included in his written report is a list of “dream school ideas” from Grade 1 teachers from a recent retreat.  This list will be useful as we go through the elementary school construction process.  Mr. Flaherty invited all to come by the Lunt School to see the “pillars of character” that are on display in the entrance.  This visual display has made a great impact on kids in the school setting.  Mr. Flaherty discussed the effort being made for students with peanut and/or nut allergies and thanked, Sue Raatikainen, Lunt School nurse, for all her hard work on this project.
    1. Plummer-Motz:  Mrs. Boffa highlighted a list of food service improvements that have taken place and also school nurse, Risa Garland, has teamed up with Hannafords in arranging “chefs for the day” where Hannaford employees will offer a healthy treat to students during lunch.  This is an effort to expand students’ taste bud horizons.  Mrs. Boffa gave a “thank you” to the PTO for the delicious staff appreciation luncheon and also to FEF for the grants they provided to Plummer-Motz staff members.

 

    1. Falmouth Middle School:  Mr. Rodman reported that Cindy Asherman, occupational therapist, came to a faculty meeting to discuss “Brain Gym” which is a set of three simple warm-up exercises that are designed to improve student alertness and focus in class.  The staff wellness committee is planning a cinqo de mayo celebration for May 3 and will include a 5-mile relay and a healthy barbecue.  Mr. Rodman also reported that work continues on the schedules for next year.  Mr. Lydick complimented Mr. Rodman on the outstanding job with the Parent Portal, where student grades can be accessed on-line.
    1. Falmouth High School:  Mrs. Hutton recognized the wonderful high school student achievements including the Class of 2007 top 10%, the MPA Award, WMC Award and National Merit Finalists.  Student Representative Rachel Bennett was congratulated for her achievements by Mr. Terison.  Mrs. Hutton indicated that the high school intends to follow in the middle school steps and open the Portal in PowerSchool between May 7 and May 14 of this year for parents to access student grades.  Mrs. Hutton also reported that 90% of students in grades 9 – 11 have selected classes.

 

    1. Assistant Superintendent:  Mrs. Powers announced that she had just received the official notification that the high school made AYP.  Mrs. Powers then gave a presentation on the Graduate Study Survey results.  This entire report is posted on the school website and all are encouraged to review these important findings.  Several Board Members commented on the importance of this work and indicated that all the time and effort are well worth it.  Board Members also expressed their hope that this information will be used at all levels within the district.
    1. Director of Student Planning and Learning Options:   Mrs. Palfrey informed the Board that Anna Brown, Emily Otte and Holly MacEwan are working on an EBay auction project to benefit the Essentials Pantry in Portland.  Some of the merchandise that is donated to the pantry is very “valuable” and Anna and Emily felt that EBay proceeds would be put to better use than the actual merchandise.  Mrs. Palfrey encouraged everyone to log on to EBay and check out the great designer bargains under the seller name “Essentiallearning.”  Mrs. Palfrey reported that work is ongoing with respect to reassigning the responsibilities of the Director of Student Planning and Learning Options and that a course has been started for FMS and FHS teachers using an online teaching environment (Moodle).  This course is in collaboration with MSAD 51 as well as with teachers in other states.

 

    1. Director of Finance and Operations:  Mr. O’Shea reported that he, Mark Terison and Rob Tillotson met with Scott Brown from the Department of Education to discuss the first phase of the elementary school construction project.  He also reported that several members of the building committee will be attending the 12th annual New England School Facilities and Maintenance Conference the following day (April 10).  The focus will be on supporting 21st century learning in 20th century schools.
    1. Special Education Director:  Ms. Crowell stated that there are currently 246 students receiving Special Education services and 29 students in the referral process.  Advertising for the recruitment of a new teacher for students with Autism at the Middle School has begun, and Ms. Crowell is hopeful to attract some excellent candidates.  She also reported that planning for the extended school year services program is well underway and, also, that transition meetings have begun for students who will be moving from one school to another within our district.

 

    1. Athletic Director:  Mr. Hurley pointed out that only one spring team has been on the outdoor fields in the last three weeks, and he expressed his support of the turf field proposal.
  1. COMMITTEE REPORTS:
    1. Finance Sub-committee:  Mrs. Hillman-Reed reported that Finance Sub-committee work will be accomplished under 13A on the agenda.

 

    1. Facilities Sub-committee:  Mr. Terison stated that Dan O’Shea already highlighted everything pertinent with respect to the elementary school construction project, but did mention the next Facilities Ad Hoc Meeting is April 26, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. at the Lunt School.   
    1. Policy Sub-committee:  Mrs. Franklin reported the Policy Sub-committee met last Wednesday, April 4, to review and discuss several policies that are associated in some way with the Code of Conduct.  Several of the policies needed just minor changes and several were reviewed to only amend the date on them.  These policies are on tonight’s agenda for first reading.

 

  1. ITEMS FOR INFORMATION:
    1. Current Openings:

                              Spanish Teacher – Grades 5 and 6
                              Math Teacher – Grade 7
                              JV Volleyball Coach
                              Varsity Volleyball Coach
                              JV Field Hockey Coach

  1. UNFINISHED BUSINESS:  There were none.

 

  1. NEW BUSINESS:
    1. Mrs. Farber with a second from Mrs. Cote moved the Falmouth Public School Board adopt the FY ’08 budget as presented representing a 2.98% expenditure increase over FY ’07 and is in the amount of $24,281,412.  Mr. O’Shea distributed a handout to reflect the State scenario “B” for GPA funding.  The motion was approved 6-0.
    2. Mrs. Farber with a second from Mr. Terison moved the Board approve the 1st year probationary contract teachers to 2nd year probationary status.  The motion was approved 6-0.
    3. Mrs. Franklin with a second from Mrs. Farber moved the Board approve the 2nd year probationary contract teachers to continuing contract status.  The motion was approved 6-0.
    4. Mrs. Farber with a second from Mr. Lydick moved the Board approve the 2007-2008 Schedule B Support Team Members.  The motion was approved 6-0.
    5. Mr. Terison with a second from Mrs. Farber moved the Board approve the School Governance Policy BEDH.  The motion was approved 6-0.
    6. Mrs. Farber with a second from Mr. Lydick moved the Board approve Jilda Izzo as 7th Grade Girls Lacrosse Coach.  The motion was approved 6-0.
    7. First reading of policies AC, ACAD, JICH, JICI, JK, JICC, EBCC, JFCA, JKB, JKD, JKE, JKE-R.  

 

  1.  ADJOURNMENT:  Mrs. Farber with a second from Mrs. Franklin moved the Board adjourn.  The motion was approved 6-0, and the Board adjourned at 10:03 p.m.

 

                                                                                    Respectfully submitted,

 

                                                                                    George H. Entwistle 3rd
                                                                                    Secretary

 

Last Updated: 5/16/07