1. Call to Order:
The meeting of the Jackson School Board was called to order at 6:33 p.m. Present were Sarah Pendleton, Peter Benson, Bob Thompson, Carl Nelson and Anne Kebler. There were two members of staff/public present.
2. Approval of Minutes: Motion was made by Mr. Benson, seconded by Mr. Thompson and carried by unanimous vote, to approve the Minutes of the Sept. 15th meeting as written.
3. Citizen Comments: Helene Matesky of Bear Lane, reported there is a helicopter pad being built up the street from her residence, on the side of a hill, on private property, within ¼ mile of the school. Ms. Matesky said she has looked into zoning laws and the permitting process - there is no permitting process and there are no regulations dealing with safety issues. She said the State says it is up to the town to regulate where a helicopter pad can be located. She feels it is not a permissible use in a rural, residential area.
Ms. Pendleton expressed her appreciation to Miss Matesky for having come forward with this nformation, but stated that as a School District there is not much we can do about it – it does not abut School District land. Ms. Matesky said she is just letting people know of its existence and felt that the town should decide where helicopters can land.
Mr. Benson noted a Planning Board meeting and public hearing are coming up soon and if anyone has an opinion they could express it at those meetings. It was Ms. Matesky’s contention that “just because something is left out of zoning, does not necessarily mean it is permissible.” Mr. Benson said there are many salient points raised on zoning issues, including the common good of the people. He explained that Jackson’s master plan has just been rewritten which fits, in general, very well with the character of the community; zoning should take its cue from the development of any master plan. He agreed it is a safety, quality of life, and an aesthetic issue. Ms. Matesky asked that Board members help to get the word out on this situation.
4. Presentation of School Programs/FYI Items:
A. SAU – Other School Board Reports – Dr. Nelson said the next public information meeting for the Conway School District bond issue will be held on Thursday, Oct. 23rd, at 6:30 p.m. at Conway Elementary School. The next SAU Executive Board meeting is scheduled for Nov. 13th at 7:00 p.m. at the SAU Office.
5. Old Business: None.
6. Instructional Issues: None.
7. Personnel: None.
8. Business Affairs:
A. 2003-04 Budget Status Report – Dr. Nelson advised he did not receive a budget status report, but will mail it to Board members as soon as it is available. He stated there are no particular problems.
9. Administrators' Reports:
A. Superintendent – Dr. Nelson reported that Phase I of the heating system repairs/renovations should begin in about two weeks. All materials are on back order. Workmen are designated to begin work on Nov. 11th, school will be closed and it is hoped that that portion of the work can be completed and there will be no disturbing of classes. Ms. Kebler said she does not anticipate that the heat will have to be off.
Dr. Nelson noted that they have started budget work in SAU #9 and will schedule a budget meeting with the Board at the appropriate time.
B. Principal – Ms. Kebler reported that she and Joe Voci have been working on a transition plan for 6th grade. On Tuesday Jackson students will go to Bartlett for the Artist-In-Residency Program. Ms. Kebler indicated things will be done somewhat differently this year – Jackson 4-5-6 grades teacher will meet in December with the Bartlett Middle School teachers to make sure what expectations are; Mr. Voci will come to Jackson for a pizza party in January; they will sponsor another cross country ski program. Ms. Kebler noted they usually do a ropes course, but that may change this year.
There have been discussions about getting the two 6th grades together for their class trips. Ms. Kebler noted Bartlett does the Chiwanki program every other year, which must be scheduled a year in advance. She said they may do Nature’s Classroom on the Cape this year for 6th grade, the students will have an opportunity to do Plymouth Rock, the oceanside, etc.
Ms. Kebler reported that in terms of reimbursement for last year’s 6th grade trip, which was cut short due to walk out of instructors, that company is out of business and we cannot get any refund from them. It was noted that fortunately we had only paid half of the cost and there is some money left over.
Ms. Kebler noted that Bartlett has already done a 6th grade trip to Boston this year; there have been discussions of Jackson partnering with Bartlett for class trips, but there will have to be some coordination to make this a success.
Ms. Kebler reported that K-3 did a history field trip to Livermore with 32 attending. Peer Mediation training will be held this week. The fall festival is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 24th, and the 6th grade class is sponsoring a Halloween party on Oct. 21st. Open House will be Oct. 27th.
Ms. Kebler said she had received a report that one bus stop was not particularly safe so she accompanied Carol Bennett on a bus trip to check it out. She reported that after visiting the stop that was reported as not being safe, both felt it was the best option in terms of the stop. It had been reported that there is a potential problem with the location of the sun at that point, but there is advance notice of a bus stop there. Ms. Kebler said she will do the same with the other bus so that she can be more familiar with all the bus stops.
Bus Stop on Dundee Road Update – It was reported that one student is being picked up every other week at that stop; the two other Jackson students have chosen to get a ride at another bus stop. Ms. Kebler noted that because they have to pass a Bartlett student they pick him up also – Jackson is currently transporting about 30 kids between here and Bartlett, Bartlett is picking up that one Jackson student.
Ms. Kebler reported the barn is now totally empty – everything is out thanks to 8th and 6th graders, George, who worked very hard, and parents of 6th graders who helped a lot. Much of it went to the dump; however, the 8th grade made about $800, the 6th grade about $500, from the sale.
10. Citizen Comments: Calley McCrave said she would like the heating contractors to know that in her classroom, if you sit on the floor (which many times her students do) there is a vibration from the motor in the heating room, a small motor attached to the ceiling that is very loud, and it does not make for a good learning environment. Ms. Kebler will report this to the company who will be repairing the heating system.
11. Board Member Issues – Board Discussion:
A. Set Date of Next Meeting – It was agreed the next Board meeting would be
held on November 17th.
B. NHSBA Delegate Assembly – FYI.
Ms. Pendleton questioned the Board’s feeling on the Bruce Hill monitoring issue. [Mr.Hill would like to test the air quality on the buses.] Mr. Thompson said he had a conversation with Mr. Hill and he is comfortable with his proposal. Mr. Benson also felt it would be fine. Motion was made by Mr. Thompson, seconded by Mr. Benson, to allow Bruce Hill to test his air quality monitoring equipment for the bus for one day. Carried by unanimous vote. Ms. Pendleton will so notify Mr. Hill. It was noted this will not take place while the kids are on the bus.
Mr. Thompson wished to know where the basement renovation stands. Dr. Nelson stated it will wait until they go out to bid again in January. Ms. McCrave said she did see some water in the cellar at the northern corner. Mr. Benson reported he has been checking it each time there has been any significant rain and has found only a very little amount of wetness there.
12. Signing of Manifest: The manifests were duly signed.
13. Nonpublic Session: None.
14. Adjourn: Motion by Mr. Thompson, second by Mr. Benson and carried, that the meeting be adjourned at 7:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Gail T. Currier, Secretary
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