MINUTES OF MEETING
JACKSON SCHOOL BOARD
Jackson Grammar School
December 19, 2005
1. Call to Order:
The meeting of the Jackson School Board was called to order at 7:00 p.m. Present were Sarah Isberg, Peter Benson, Angus Badger, Dr. Carl Nelson, and Anne Kebler. There was one member of the general public present.
2. Approval of Minutes: (11-21-05) – Notation was made of a misspelling in the name of the representative to Career Tech Advisory Board – should read: Michael Weeder. Motion was made by Mr. Benson, seconded by Dr. Badger and carried, that the Minutes of the 11/21/05 Meeting be approved as corrected. Dr. Badger made a request that the Minutes be circulated earlier.
3. Citizen Comments: None.
4. Presentation of School Programs/FYI Items: Dr. Nelson reported the SAU adopted a budget on Dec. 8th , reduced from the original budget request by approximately $1 million.
Conway School Board is still dealing with how they will proceed with the building shortfall for the new high school, whether just requesting approval of spending the interest on money earned, proceeding with $5 million bond, or interest and bond. Dr. Badger noted a letter had been received asking for feedback from other school boards and wished to know the feeling on this. Dr. Nelson said the Bartlett School District is planning a meeting to receive public input, they wanted more specifics, urged the Conway School Board to minimize indebtedness, maximize funding. Albany has sent a letter indicating they are reviewing it.
Dr. Badger wished to know which items have been left out that have an impact on the educational environment. Dr. Nelson stated there is a list of alternatives (about 23) including such things as the library fit out. Dr. Badger asked, from a State accreditation standpoint, whether Kennett will meet accreditation if it does not have a library. Dr. Nelson said they will have a library, they have to focus on State accreditation, it is part of the contract. He added that there is about $1.3 to $1.5 million that has been deferred at this point, and probably another $550,000 that they have indebted themselves to already, i.e. the additional loam on the athletic field. The bare minimum will be between $1.8 and $2 million.
Dr. Badger questioned the capacity of the interest model. Dr. Nelson said, not including the middle school interest, it is probably in the neighborhood of $1.3 or $1.4 million; adding in the middle school, it probably would be over $2 million. He stated he has paperwork on how it affects the tax rate. Mr. Benson said it is small for Jackson. Dr. Badger said if we would still pay less than expected when all the cost adjustments are made in the plus or minus column, he is in favor of working with the principal or even an additional bond if in the end it is less than what we expected to pay. Mr. Benson said in philosophy he agrees with that; if we go for a $5 million bond we would still be paying less. He said the three challenges are that we have people
saying we need to support the concept of the school, some people are saying we are paying more or paying less than should be our share, then we have the legality issue - this all makes it hard to come up with a “yes” for it.
Ms. Isberg said she wishes that people would focus on the ramifications of saying “no, we are not going to pay it if it goes over,” noting we are still obligated to the 20 years. She stated she does not see the benefit to be gained from that, it is hard to understand why we would not still be obligated in a cost overrun situation; we were going to enter into a contract with Conway for a new building and capital costs - she is still waiting for someone to explain how we could even enter into a legal battle.
Dr. Badger questioned the way the funding formula works, if issues were rolled over into operational costs for future years is it less or more expensive to Jackson? Dr. Nelson said probably more expensive. Dr. Badger feels that is probably a legal issue. Dr. Nelson said capital costs are 100% equalized valuation, operational costs are 65/35%. Dr. Badger pointed out that anything they build becomes the property of the Town of Conway, so it is a different formula for the physical plant which they then own.
Mr. Benson stated it all comes down to incidental to the original plan. The letter we received from Conway School Board says they would appreciate receiving written response before Feb. 1st. It is O.K. if we say nothing. If we do write a letter it is O.K. to say there is some clarification needed. We have competing opinions from legal counsel and he would like to get that resolved. Dr. Badger said if nothing else, mediation does offer a resolution. Mr. Benson said the mediation process is your public dispute resolution - if we could agree on the legality of this new $5 million bond, if it is legal, let’s move forward. Dr. Nelson said the only way that is going to get resolved (we have two opinions that are not that much
different from each other) we do not know how we would get resolution unless it is litigated.
Mr. Benson said, secondly, we need to get a firm handle on the numbers and come to some agreement as to how much is interest, how much is principal. He would be supportive, but we need some answers from Conway, need more answers regarding some agreement on the legality and what the financial structure and impacts of what this supplemental bond would be. Dr. Nelson noted that the matter of using interest is simply a vote by the Conway voters to allow the Conway School Board to utilize that interest.
Dr. Badger asked whether we can make a statement about that issue knowing that that interest will not be used against the principal. Are we comfortable supporting that? Mr. Benson stated we have the right to ask them whatever we want in terms of answers and impact right now.
Summary of items to be included in the letter: Agreement on legalities, finalization on the numbers, how much interest, how much bond. Mr. Benson suggested that some mention be made that the reason this is possible is because of SB38.
Mr. Benson said he is hearing a lot of people saying this may be the only chance to get back in the game and see if there is any interest on Conway’s part in getting into a cooperative, but noted that Jackson is the town that voted not to go with the cooperative. Feedback he is hearing is “why have we not asked Conway to at least look into forming a cooperative?” Dr. Badger said Jackson continues to have an interest in being part of a cooperative model. Mr. Benson said it is obvious that changes had to be made to the original model and this would have been best handled in a cooperative school district; we suggest the Conway School Board look at that model as they move forward.
Dr. Badger felt we need to come up with a model that resolves every common financial decision between the towns. Mr. Benson noted there is only one Board that is actively looking at that as an option [Bartlett] and they are looking for direction from their voters as to which way they should go. Dr. Badger stated we have an obligation as a Board to defend the financial interest and the concept interest for the Town of Jackson - every School Board is going to have to come up with some compromise.
Dr. Nelson will draft a letter dealing with (1) legality; (2) some more finalized numbers; (3) cautious support for the project/urging minimizing debt and maximizing funds; (4) cooperative decision making model.
5. Old Business:
A. Consider Approval of 2005-06 Board Goals - Dr. Nelson questioned the need to set up another meeting to discuss this. Mr. Benson felt they are fine as broad goals, but he prefers follow up of action items. Dr. Badger asked whether there was discussion about the Mission Statement? He noted there is before the Board a request for leave of absence and a resignation letter, we had discussed teacher hiring, retention and recruitment, and questioned Board goals. Dr. Nelson advised that would come under definition of continuous improvement process. He suggested the Board could adopt the proposal as broad goals and then add action items. It was agreed.
Ms. Isberg suggested changing Educational Program - To define Jackson’s continuous improvement process - to read” To review Jackson’s continuous improvement process.
Under Community, Governance and Communication, it was agreed to add: to focus on communications with community stakeholders and neighboring districts. Also to add: Review School Board structure, Dr. Badger noting the interest that has been shown in the possibility of a five member School Board versus a three member Board.
Dr. Nelson will redraft the goals and present them at the budget workshop. Dr. Badger requested a presentation to review where Jackson school is and the different roles that the Board plays with regard to policy, to financial resources, etc., with particular interest in playing a leadership role, using the data available to us, trying to develop the best outcomes possible, and using the data to review how we are doing. Ms. Kebler noted in January they will start analysis of NWEA data and would report to the Board the information they get from analyzing the data.
6. Instructional Issues:
A. First Reading of Policy DK – Mileage Reimbursement for Special Ed Travel - Motion was made Mr. Benson, seconded by Dr. Badger, that the Board approve Policy DK – Mileage Reimbursement for Special Ed Travel at first reading. Discussion: Mr. Benson questioned financial impact and was told that presently for Jackson there would be none. Dr. Nelson said we want everyone to have the same expectations/guidelines for parents who might have a student in a residential setting; it does not mean that in a particular case it could not be dealt with separately if it were a really difficult situation – it is just a guideline. Motion carried by unanimous vote.
7. Personnel:
A. Accept Resignation of Lucy Gatchell as Elementary Art Teacher – Motion was made by Mr. Benson, seconded by Dr. Badger, that the Board accept with deep regret the resignation of Lucy Gatchell as Art Teacher effective for the 2006-07 school year, and express deep appreciation for “making art come alive for this school.” Carried by unanimous vote. Dr. Badger stated it would be nice to have Ms. Gatchell make a presentation about what she has accomplished and where she feels the school will be going. Ms. Kebler wished it made clear that Ms. Gatchell’s decision is not out of dissatisfaction, she just wants to do something different for awhile. Mr. Benson stated he does appreciate the early warning.
B. Consider Request by Dexter Harding for One Year Leave of Absence – It was agreed this would be discussed in non public session.
8. Business Affairs:
A. 2005-06 Budget Status Report – Dr. Nelson provided copies of the budget
status report to Board members, noting that the District will be in the positive at the end of the year. Dr. Badger said he finds it difficult to comment as he has not had time to review it. Dr. Nelson explained it is really an FYI item, that that report came out just today – it does not require action at this meeting.
Review First Draft of 2006-07 Budget – Dr. Nelson provided a budget summary sheet as well as the budget by function showing where we are up and down. It was noted that the health insurance increase is a result of guaranteed maximum price of 19.4%; Jackson’s share of the bond is reduced by $94,000 (a reflection of the interest being applied against it this year); however, that will change if they spend the interest. Three proposed Warrant Articles were presented: Budget, School Bus Capital Reserve Fund (offset in part by National Forest Reserve Funds), Building Maintenance Fund.
B. Set Additional Budget Meetings - It was agreed there would be a budget
workshop on Jan. 12th at 7:00 p.m. at the Grammar School, and the budget hearing would be held on Feb. 16th.
9. Administrators' Reports:
A. Superintendent –
1. Update on Facilities Committee – Dr. Nelson noted the Jackson
School Facilities Committee met on Dec. 7th and focused on two options: Option 6 provides an addition to the end of the present school building and the use of the Trickey Barn as the large group instruction area, gathering area, and for physical education, art and music, kitchen and school library. It would be raised up and put on a foundation. It would require students walking outside. Addition at the end of the school building includes nurses’ office, conference room, using the upstairs as an instructional area. It would require full sprinkling of the present school building.
Option 8 makes the Trickey Barn the community center. Dr. Nelson pointed out the architect feels we are overbuilding it – the community center would be double the size of the present school building. In both cases the road does not have to get moved.
Mr. Benson reported estimate for Option 6 (including renovation of the Trickey Barn) is $2.579 million; for Option 8 it is $4,040,000 without any private money going toward it – with endowment it would be about $1 million less. Mr. Benson said he feels the Selectmen are committed to moving the road, regardless. Dr. Nelson is to provide to the Committee on Jan. 12th figures for square footage of the Bartlett gym, and Mr. Laurin will be refining sketches prior to that meeting. Mr. Benson pointed out that it would be tight to get it into the warrant this year; realistically we are looking at doing something major for the next budget cycle 2006-07.
Dr. Badger noted there are a lot of mandates from the State that require making improvements if we expand, and questioned if we were to just renovate the Trickey Barn whether that constitutes an expansion. (He was told in that case we would not have to sprinkle the school building.) Dr. Nelson stated the problem there would be we would not have a place for the other classrooms, no nurses’ space, no Special Ed or small group instruction area. Mr. Benson commented that the other thing that was somewhat driving these two choices was that people attending that meeting wanted to have something more than just a school related facility.
B. Principal – Ms. Kebler announced that the holiday concert will be held on
Dec. 20th at 7:00 p.m.
A contract has been entered into for a Speech Pathologist.
10. Citizen Comments: None.
11. Board Member Issues – Board Discussion:
A. Set Date for Next Meeting - The next regular meeting will be held on
January 17, 2006 at 7:00 p.m.
B. & C. Set Date/Time for School District Meeting/Budget Hearing – Motion was made by Mr. Benson, seconded by Dr. Badger and carried by unanimous vote, that the annual Budget Hearing will be held on February 16, 2006 at 6:30 p.m., and the annual School District meeting will be held on March 20, 2006 at 7:00 p.m.
Ms. Isberg had a question as to the Kennett curriculum in that it was mentioned at open house that the curriculum is the same for all level classes from lowest through advanced, but is given at difference paces rather than having more challenging curriculum. Dr. Nelson will investigate and report back.
Mr. Benson reported that Mike Weeder attended his first meeting as a member of the Career Tech Advisory Board. He has asked that Mr. Weeder report periodically to the Board.
Mr. Benson suggested a letter of thanks be sent to John Fuller School for the use of their facilities.
Mr. Benson questioned whether the Board wants to explore the possibility of going to a five member board, noting that it would require a warrant article and also effects budget. He stated a positive is Board members would be able to converse as individuals. Mr. Benson questioned what impact it would have on our voting rights at the SAU. Dr. Nelson said Jackson would have two additional people there.
Mr. Benson questioned whether the Board wants to entertain this or have it be a citizens’ initiative, noting there have been issues with retention – we have not had a race every year. He conceded that there would be fewer meetings for individuals, the workload could be spread out more. Dr. Badger agreed there are a lot of meetings, and that this Board by nature of its smallness does not involve itself in the education of the junior high and high school kids. He noted also it is daunting for the third member on a Board to run against those who have been on the Board for awhile. Also a five member board would invite discussion. He felt that issues regarding communication within the Board limit the Board’s ability to deal with issues that need to be dealt with
quickly. He is in support of it.
Ms. Isberg said she thinks all the arguments mentioned are good ones; as to moving more quickly, we can only make motions at Board meetings, but it does make it easier to discuss things outside Board meetings.
Ski Program - Mr. Benson said he has heard talk about the 6th grade skiing with Bartlett in addition to ESSC and questioned where that stands. Ms. Kebler reported there are five 6th graders who are interested in participating in the Bartlett ski team, which would mean they would be out of the building for four Thursdays. Five parents are opting to have their kids participate in the ski program with Bartlett. It is an all day event.
Mr. Benson questioned whether there is any liability to the school for the release of those students? Ms. Isberg pointed out it is not a school endorsed program, it is an individual decision on the part of each family whether to take their child out of school that day knowing they are responsible for work that is being missed. Ms. Kebler stated they are expected to complete the work they are missing. Ms. Isberg noted there is no special program provided for them specifically, it is being treated like any other absence, planned or unplanned. Ms. Kebler reported that there was a meeting at which it was made clear that no special program would be planned for those students participating in that ski program; it is not supported by the school. Dr. Badger questioned the impact on
No Child Left Behind in terms of State data. Dr. Nelson said he does not feel it would have any significant effect on us.
12. Signing of Manifest: The manifest was duly signed.
13. Nonpublic Session: At 8:45 p.m. Motion was made by Mr. Benson, seconded by Dr. Badger and carried by unanimous roll call vote, that the Board adjourn to non public session under RSA 91-A:3, II, Personnel.
Nonpublic Session Minutes
The Board discussed a staff member's request for a leave of absence.
A student matter was discussed as well.
The Board came out of Nonpublic Session at 9:11 p.m.
Peter Benson made a motion to approve Mr. Harding’s request for a year’s leave of absence. Angus Badger seconded the motion which was unanimously approved.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Gail T. Currier
Recording Secretary
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