MINUTES OF MEETING
JACKSON SCHOOL BOARD
Jackson Grammar School
December 17, 2007
1. Call to Order:
The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. Present were Jerry Dougherty, Peter Benson, Bob Thompson, Angus Badger, Jon Edgerly, Dr. Carl Nelson, and Anne Kebler. Becky Jefferson was present for the budget review portion of the meeting.
2. Approval of Minutes (11-19-07): Mr. Benson asked that the following be reflected: Pg. 7, 7th para. – “Mr. Benson left the room and re-entered after discussion on Item 5, C, 1 – Whitney Trust Draft Agreement, had ceased.” Pg. 11, 4th full para. – Fire Chief’s name should be spelled Dubie. Motion was made by Mr. Thompson, seconded by Mr. Benson and carried by unanimous vote, that the Minutes of the Nov. 19th meeting be approved as amended.
3. Citizen Comments: Betsey Harding commented that regarding renovation to the old building, when she was on the School Facilities Committee they reviewed various options. She referred to a report by Banwell Architects dated 11/06, which included new construction and renovations, and at that time they estimated to put in a sprinkler system would cost $4.00 per square foot, for a total of $31,200. However, Mr. Dougherty pointed out her numbers were off, that it is 3100 sf and the fire alarm would cost $13,600, renovations $200,000. Ms. Harding said if we are going to be spending money to redo the fire escape we would be smart to be in compliance with State regulations as much as feasible. She suggested they should
redo the front also so that the bathrooms are accessible, and the second floor so that it is useable. She said in looking at energy issues, it is smarter to go up, and we have that space and she would like to use it. She said one of the options the Board will be looking at is putting in an extra fire escape and continue to utilize the second floor. From an environmental standpoint it makes sense to not take up exterior land space that we do not need to, and she feels they should go up.
Mr. Benson pointed out that the challenge to get the upstairs into full compliance is very expensive. Ms. Harding suggested putting in a lift similar to the one in the church, by widening the staircase. Mr. Dougherty stated they would not get even close to the size of that that is in the church; the cost would be so high compared to the space it would achieve, it would be difficult to defend the expenditure.
Mr. Thompson said when they studied this last June, the Board gave clear direction they wanted everything on one floor - it is recommended due to access and ADA compliance. He noted that when we were looking to attach the Whitney Center onto the school, the facilities committee Ms. Harding was a part of made a recommendation – that was changed to everything being on one floor. He said it was at the recommendation of the architect that the design team looked at it and decided to make a recommendation for one floor, primarily for ease of handicapped access, and would be saving about $200,000 by not putting in a stairwell or vertical lift - whatever we do on one floor, it would be $250,000 less than going up with the
vertical lift. An incline lift was discouraged by the State. He noted everything is going to be sprinkled. The Committee gave strict direction to look at one floor only.
Mr. Dougherty stated also, having the upstairs useable does not solve Special Ed space, nurse's office, etc. Cost-wise, it makes much more sense to be on one level. Steve Weeder noted also K-1 cannot be up there if anyone else is up there, and it cannot be their home room.
4. Presentation of School Programs/FYI Items:
A. SAU – Other School Board Reports – Dr. Nelson stated that on Jan. 15th the Joint Boards will meet and review Program of Studies. This will be held at the Mineral Springs Café and will be catered by the Culinary Arts class.
5. Old Business:
A. Goal Setting Date – Mr. Benson said he does not know what purpose there would be in doing that, the earliest would be January and elections are in March. Dr. Badger suggested that might be something to address as we go through the consultant process - part of the process will be developing a process that will help the entire staff to coordinate goals – it could be a work session. Ms. Kebler stated typically it is in Oct., reviewing the previous year’s goals; last year they revised the goals from the year before. Mr. Benson suggested it might make more sense to do it in March or April, noting these are Board goals, in March we may have five different people setting goals for the year and he is not comfortable setting goals for someone else.
Dr. Badger explained the process described by consultant, Jack Calhoun. Reports are made back to the Board on a monthly basis as to compliance and meeting the goals. Mr. Edgerly said he feels we should wait until March when we would have a fresh Board. Mr. Thompson questioned Dr. Nelson and Ms. Kebler as to whether there is anything essential that we need goal setting to accomplish if we do not do it until after March? Ms. Kebler stated the goals that were set have not been met; the communication goal that was developed has been improved. Dr. Nelson stated they could go through them and outline successes, make recommendations, then could re-up it in March or April. Mr. Thompson said what he is hearing is that from here on it might work better to have it in the spring. Dr. Badger requested it be on the agenda for the next meeting.
Mr. Thompson requested report of where we are at with the consultant. Dr. Badger stated Jack Calhoun was the original consultant, he did not have time to make a bid on the work we asked him to do; however, as Chairman of the Harrison School Board he has offered to host us in a site visit if we wanted to see how they operate.
B. Consider First Reading of Policies – KE – Public Complaints, and KEB – Public Complaints about School Personnel, Employees, Students, or Administration – Motion was made by Dr. Badger, seconded by Mr. Benson, that the Board accept Policies KE and KEB at first reading.
Dr. Badger said he thinks the issue in a small town is that the public complaint process is that we do not have a Superintendent that we directly supervise - the Board is absent in the process from triage complaints, making it difficult. Since we only partially supervise the Superintendent, he would like to hear from Dr. Nelson as to how it is handled by other small towns. He said in a small town, if complaints are not heard, he can appreciate people will get frustrated and stop complaining. He stated we have five children leaving 5th and 6th grades and the Board was never aware of any complaints. He feels the Board needs to be involved somehow, but is not sure how.
Mr. Benson said in the absence of any hard information regarding people leaving the District, that is something we cannot use as to how this process should work. He feels this process is clear, and if there is a complaint he would hand someone a copy of this policy and say “this is the process.” He said small or large, we all govern in the same way. The only change he would make is that we delineate Board of Education as Jackson School Board.
Dr. Badger said he would like to hear public input on whether this system has worked for them; the point of the policy is to be a successful manager of complaints, and not having had one complaint come before this Board in the last two years, either everybody is perfectly happy and the system has worked perfectly, or it is not working. Mr. Dougherty said it is important to educate people that this would be our policy and this is the process they would go through - it is also our policy when individual Board members receive a complaint.
Ms. Kebler said within the last two years complaints have gotten to the level of the Superintendent. Mr. Benson noted they have also gotten to the level of the Board. Ms. Kebler noted the process is happening this way and we usually have been able to resolve the complaints pretty well. Mr. Dougherty said he thinks the issue is “how do you know it has been resolved?” Mr. Thompson said he is wondering if it would be better if we wait until we go through the consulting process because we may learn how this could be worked in a different way; rather than stick a new Board with revamping policy that has just been approved, we might be better to wait till we have more information. Mr. Dougherty said he is not sure how we would have a process different from this; this
is a good process, how that is known to people might be able to be changed, but he does not see how else it could be structured.
Mr. Benson said he hears comments - more queries than complaints. He said the complaints covered by the policy are major complaints, and this process spells it out very well. It is great to let people know this, but he does not know how much feedback we will get. These are internal guidelines and we are externalizing them. Mr. Edgerly said the process is there, it has some shortcomings within, but as regards the lay out and the idea behind the format, it is a sound formula to follow through. Mr. Dougherty agreed.
Dr. Badger disagreed, stating this is the public’s process not ours, and asking whether it mediates complaints is totally acceptable. He said the issue becomes, as a School Board, are you able to reflect on this process, do you know how many complaints there have been, did they get to a point where they felt they were not satisfied with the result and not comfortable taking the next step? This policy mostly involves the parents – he would like to get public comment. Mr. Dougherty said the problem is, you are talking about communication, when the complaint comes through, it would have to be non public and how does that serve the public?
Mr. Thompson asked Dr. Badger how he would suggest getting parent feedback? Dr. Badger said the issue is whether there was an issue of parents feeling their kid’s needs were not met in this school. He said these people got to the point where they were not satisfied with the education their kids were getting, and decided this process could not resolve their complaint, therefore, they are spending $12,000 a year to send their child somewhere else. He said he is disturbed that these parents did not talk to the Board. Ms. Kebler stated she worked with one of the parents for two months.
Mr. Dougherty stated those issues are not pertaining to this, we should have a policy for what a School Board member does when a parent comes to him with a complaint. Dr. Badger said if a parent did not get a satisfactory reply, but did not want to go into non public session before the Board, we have to consider if the policy is too difficult for people to work their way through. Mr. Benson said he has heard of things going on in this District that have come to every level. He said we voted on it as a Board, it moved through the process. It is the fairest way – we have a three-way situation – Principal, Superintendent, Board. People who have had complaints know about every piece – we have followed this process and it has worked. He does not think
harking back on children leaving the District is productive. Dr. Badger said the only known is we did not hear anything. Mr. Benson stated then it is not a complaint. Dr. Badger said I am acknowledging there are serious complaints and they do not end up at the Board for a satisfactory response. He said it bothers him when the system is not easy for people to navigate; that then stews in the community - our policy is not moving stuff along to resolution. Ms. Kebler stated if there are that many complaints in this community, they have not come to her. Mr. Dougherty questioned whether Dr. Badger agrees there should be a hierarchy in the process of where they go, and what the steps should be? Dr. Badger said he does not have an answer, but felt it is reasonable to ask the public whether this system has worked for them.
Dr. Nelson commented this is the first reading, it will be on the agenda again for second reading and a vote. Mr. Dougherty agreed that maybe the Board could do a better job about educating the public on how to go through the process.
Motion was made by Dr. Badger, seconded by Mr. Benson and carried, to amend the motion to address just Policy KE, and change channeling for complaints (#4) to read Jackson School Board. Motion carried as amended by unanimous vote.
Policy KEB – Motion was made by Mr. Thompson, seconded by Mr. Edgerly, to accept Policy KEB – Public Complaints About School Personnel, Employees, Students or Administration, at first reading.
Mr. Thompson said he feels this policy could be better served by getting some input from the consultant - there are different districts with policies and a consultant could weigh in on this. They can be amended. Mr. Benson suggested the first sentence be changed to include “Any complaint presented to the Jackson School Board.
Dr. Badger questioned whether there are any complaints of very serious nature that are exceptions to the rule of the first paragraph? Dr. Nelson said the only issues would be if the complaint was in reference to violation of some law, and that would be continued as part of that policy. Motion carried by unanimous vote.
6. Instructional Issues:
A. Consider Second Reading and Adoption of Policies – BHE - School Board Use of Email - Motion by Mr. Benson, second by Mr. Edgerly, to approve Policy BHE at second reading.
Mr. Dougherty explained the Board can use Email, but should not use it as a deliberation tool. Mr. Benson commented it is contradictory. Mr. Thompson questioned whether the Chairman feels we have used Email as a deliberation tool in an inappropriate way. Mr. Dougherty stated there had been one case in Sept.; however, he thinks we can self-police ourselves on that. Mr. Benson agreed he too has been guilty of it. The motion carried by unanimous vote.
7. Consider Personnel Actions: None.
8. Business Affairs:
A. 2007-08 Budget Status Report – FYI
B. Review 1st Draft of 2008-09 Proposed Budget – [Budget Hearing scheduled for 2/7/08]
Dr. Nelson reviewed highlights of the proposed budget: Health/Dental Insurance – up $55,223 because of guaranteed maximum rate increase at 13.7%, also a number of plan changes (i.e. bus drivers).
Salaries – New hire – Increased $3,932 (excl. additional cust/maint) – covers new hire – Aide, teacher change.
Performance Pay increased $26,301 – is allocated for teaching staff. Dr. Nelson noted the Personnel Committee has not recommended any changes in this this year, but has recommended some other changes at the end of the budget.
Middle School Tuition went down from 14 to 10 students – a reduction of $33,899.
HS Bond and HS Maintenance Trust Fund have gone up because equalized value has gone up. Ms. Jefferson noted also for the high school bond, credit for interest it had been earning went away.
Dr. Nelson explained Special Ed ($25,960) is IEP driven, Special Ed. ESY ($625) is IEP driven.
He noted stipend for Odyssey of the Mind was in the budget for many years, was taken out, and is requested to go back in. Now called Destination Imagination.
Library Services has been revised from previous draft to $1,000.
School Board Expenses - $1,000 – mostly due to number of meetings. Ms. Jefferson cautioned if the Board is considering doing retreats for goal setting, etc., that would not be included in this budget.
Additional cost for operation/maintenance of plant-construction – Dr. Nelson noted this number is the same number as in last year’s budget (was based on the $4 million project), that when homing in on actual costs, they will be able to give a more realistic figure. It is for one-half year. Dr. Badger said he feels we will have to renovate and bring the building up to code by Sept. 1st – he does not feel we will have any other option.
School Lunch Program ($24,096 – partially offset by revenues) has been put in place (backup packet shows additional $7,000 the District will have to pick up). Ms. Kebler explained these numbers were drawn from modeling what Freedom does with its satellite program. Mr. Thompson noted this is assuming we would charge $3.00 per student for lunch. Ms. Kebler had called the State food program - assuming reimbursement will come back to this District, if we charge only $2.50 we would lose around $3,000 in the program (by estimates). Mr. Thompson wished to remind people that Mr. Murdough had made it clear that we could put parents in touch with certain businesses as an alternative; local businesses could provide lunch as long as their facilities were inspected by Dept. of Public
Health. Ms. Kebler said the impression she got from that question was, this year we need to provide some program. Ann Bennett agreed that was Mr. Murdough’s response, but she had Emailed the State and got a very different response – there is a whole level of accountability beyond just State inspection.
Library – It was reported that the Dept. of Education letter stated we needed a certified Library Media Specialist by Sept. 1st, or someone who could go through alternative certification. Mr. Benson noted he and Ms. Kebler had met with the Library Trustees, they agreed to the idea that the contracted library services should be provided by a contracted School District employee – the next question was “is the person who is providing the service now willing to get certified?” He noted that protections would be written into any contract we would have with this person that he/she would stay with the District for a specified amount of time. It will cost more money for the District, an estimated $4,000, which would handle certification for the first year (it
is a 2-year process). Ms. Kebler noted reimbursement for course would come from Professional Development.
Mr. Thompson pointed out that there is also the option of having a person come in and oversee what is going on over there. Dr. Nelson stated one of the items not in there is the Personnel Committee looked at upgrading some remuneration packages and has made recommendations in a confidential memo to the Board.
Dr. Badger said regarding staff, he had asked that the Personnel Committee look at a full time Principal; we also have a staff member that is not in the budget. Dr. Nelson advised a decision needs to be made on the budget at the January 22, 2008 Board meeting. Mr. Dougherty suggested setting up a personnel meeting and then a budget meeting, noting it has been recommended that staff person stay in next year’s budget; the issue of full time Principal was not discussed, we have not met regarding that.
Mr. Thompson asked whether there are any ideas Board members want explored. Mr. Benson said he is opposed to the longevity in terms of recommendation and feels it is not a good indicator of performance. The other pieces he has no problem with. It was noted Jackson’s performance pay is based on merit.
Revenue – School Building Aid: Unknown pending Board decision. Contribution to the Trust Fund – Unknown pending Board decision.
Estimated tax rate information was provided – proposed tax rate increase - $0.73 per $1,000.
C. Review 1st Draft of Warrant Articles -
#1 – Bond article for construction of an addition to and renovation of Jackson Grammar School OR an article To raise and appropriate “X” amount for the construction of an addition to and renovation of Jackson Grammar School. Dr. Nelson explained that any bond issue must be the first article on the warrant. He has included in that the interest payment, or interest and principal depending on what it turns out to be when it is sold. He noted if the Board chooses not to do a bond, there is the option of having a warrant article to raise and appropriate the money (and does not have to be Article #1). Under this scenario they would get the money over a 5-year period.
#2 – Budget
#3 - $15,000 for Capital Reserve Fund (School Buses) - It was explained that, traditionally, part of that has come from National Forest funds.
Dr. Nelson is recommending considering putting in a deficit article. He said he does not know the amount, but if they include it they have warned the public, and if they see the need for it in March, it is done; if they do not need it, would just pass over the article at the annual meeting.
Maintenance Trust Fund - $245,722, Plus 2007-08 Funds of $100,000 – There was question of whether the roof work would be included with the Maintenance Trust Fund or combine it with the money raised through the bond for the project because of the 30% State Aid. Note was made that we were to pay the architect out of that fund and Dr. Nelson said also any work on the fire escape would need to come out of there as well.
Dr. Badger questioned, because we are such a small school, and because of limited number of staff members and how we allocate staff, do we get to build in a different fiscal flexibility to handle that? Ms. Jefferson said in the case of Special Ed there is a Special Ed reserve fund and we hope that can cover the SPED Deficit. She said before the next budget session we will have some answers to those questions. Currently there is $62,000 not encumbered, but have to encumber fuel, electric. There is the potential that we are over.
Dr. Badger questioned Ms. Bennett regarding 5th & 6th grade having one computer per child and whether that is a model that is looked at as continuing? Ms. Bennett said with the 4th grade moving downstairs, each child has had access to a computer.
D. Consider Use of School Bus – Motion was made by Mr. Benson, seconded by Mr. Thompson, to consider use of the school bus to deliver Alpine skiers to Mt. Cranmore from Kennett High School. It was noted that the Jackson bus is already going straight by Cranmore and has space. Dr. Badger questioned whether there is any proposal to pay for this. Dr. Nelson stated no. Dr. Badger stated we are tuitioning our kids there – we are not in a cooperative. The motion carried with four votes in the affirmative and Dr. Badger voting in the negative.
9. Administrators’ Reports: Dr. Nelson reminded the Board the consultant will be here on January 19th at 4:30 p.m.
A. 1 – Space Options – It was reported that Shawn Bergeron now feels if there are certain specifications that are met in upgrading and supporting that fire escape (as determined by him), he could approve that as a means of egress, making it possible to use the second floor. He indicated he felt the older kids would be better on the second floor, because they are more mobile and tend not to trip 5th & 6th graders could possibly occupy that area. Cost would be about $15,000 to $20,000 (about one-half of the original figure).
Dr. Badger said Mr. Bergeron was very clear he would not make a recommendation he did not feel professionally comfortable with. He appreciated that spending $35,000 is not a taxpayer’s idea of good money spent, and is willing to work on it - discussion predicated on the fact that the fire alarm system is a well tested smoke alarm system. Dr. Nelson stated Pope Security is coming to do that test. Mr. Bergeron is looking for a letter saying we have complied with making the sprinkler system tamper-proof, and having a fully tested smoke alarm system, and replacing the fire alarm system. He is prepared to bring the external fire escape up to compliance, as determined by him. It was noted it is not currently compliant to have wood walls like we have in the other class rooms. Setting a time line: Mr. Bergeron will approve this space for use up until a certain time.
Town Hall - Dr. Nelson said Selectmen are not in a position to provide a fire alarm system because the building would have to be minimally heated, so we are not going to be able to use the Town Hall as it exists. Mr. Dougherty said the main issue is the lack of smoke detectors – in order to put the type in that do not go off all the time the building needs to be heated. Mr. Weeder said he has discussed this with Pope Security before and thinks they have gotten over that hurdle in other situations – they may use a different device, a smoke detector system with no heat.
Mr. Dougherty said the other major issue with the Town Hall is the electric system. Dr. Nelson said he is under the impression that they did say they needed some work on that system. Mr. Edgerly said it is his understanding that the biggest issue the fire chief has is the boiler room. Mr. Dougherty said his interpretation from the Selectmen is we are on our own, leaving us with no Town Hall to use for gym space. Dr. Nelson noted also we have not received the radon test results back for the school basement.
Dr. Nelson questioned what direction the Board wants to move in. Motion was made by Mr. Benson, seconded by Mr. Edgerly, that the Board put out for quote repair of the fire escape to meet all building inspector requirements, a fully tested smoke detector system, and repair to the sprinkler system to make it tamper-proof as soon as possible.
Dr. Nelson referenced Shawn Bergeron’s report – conclusions: second floor means of egress having one code compliant stairway, heating system, sprinkler system being tamper-proof. Mr. Thompson said we need to do what we need to do for the fire escape so we can use the second floor for the duration of the school year; we need to put Shawn Bergeron in touch with someone who can do the work as soon as possible. Mr. Weeder offered to meet with him, then if interested he could follow up with a quote. Ms. Kebler said she talked to Pope Security who will not be able to do anything until after the first of the year. They have been called to come in and give an estimate. She will call again on Tues. Mr. Weeder also offered to call Pope.
Ms. Kebler noted the staff has done a good job of consolidating in the basement; an estimate has been obtained from Duraclean to clean the basement for $450, and is scheduled for the 27th. Dr. Badger said he is comfortable with authorizing that spending. Dr. Nelson acknowledged it is an emergency situation and the Board has to act to get this remedied. Motion was made by Mr. Benson, seconded by Mr. Edgerly, to amend his original motion to authorize the Board Chair to authorize the two issues – fire escape and smoke detector system - as soon as possible, and all other steps necessary to bring it within town inspector compliance. Carried by unanimous vote.
B. Principal – Ms. Kebler reported Heather Woodward is out on maternity leave and Ms. Antonolli is ready to come on board. Mr. Benson offered the Board’s best wishes to Ms. Woodward.
10. Citizen Comments: None.
11. Board Member Issues – Board Discussion:
A. Set Date for Next Meeting – Jan. 22, 2008 @ 6:00 p.m.
B. Public Relations Committee
C. Special School District Meeting - Motion was made by Mr. Edgerly, seconded by Mr. Thompson, that the Board set the date for the Special School District Meeting for January 9, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. at the Town Hall. Carried by unanimous vote.
D. Approval of Warrant Article for Special School District Meeting – Motion was made by Mr. Thompson, seconded by Mr. Edgerly, to approve Article 1 for the Special Meeting Warrant for the purpose of authorizing the Board to accept the gift from the Whitney Foundation as presented. Carried by unanimous vote. [To see if the District will approve the proposed agreement with the Whitney Foundation and authorize the school board to accept, from the Foundation, the gift of a building to be built on school property subject to such additional terms and conditions as the school board shall determine are in the best interest of the district.]
Dr. Badger noted that last year we had a town vote, it became critical to have a signed document by the NH Charitable Trust, and questioned whether we need that again. Dr. Nelson stated in his opinion they do. Mr. Thompson said there are a number of recommended changes and a number of questions that Atty. Loughman had. One change was #6 on Pg. 2 dealing with a 7 member oversight committee – the Whitney Trust group recommended adding the word “determine allocation…” Ms. Bennett said that is making clear that the oversight committee determines how the allocation will be allocated. Mr. Thompson said Atty. Loughman ended up with a combination of 15 recommendations and questions and he feels the Board needs to go through them, although they appear to be
just basic questions.
#1 – She wants specific designation of map and lot numbers – Map 12, Lot 46.
#2 – Copy of relevant documents to make sure assets are sufficient – Mr. Dougherty stated the funds do not cover what is proposed. He said he has a problem that Ms. Loughman views this completely different from his view - the agreement is good faith intentions on how the building will be used and he feels it covers what’s needed. Mr. Benson stated he could not comment. Mr. Dougherty stated he does not feel there is anything here that should be altering our agreement. Dr. Badger said some of it is just definitions, the biggest issue has to do with the oversight committee and its lines of authority. He said he views them as a sub-committee of the School Board, noting that once we own the building, he sees the final arbiter of the building being the School
Board, and suggested putting in some language that identifies the sub-committee.
Ms. Bennett said her understanding of where we were prior to this meeting was that we created a document, it has been reviewed by NHCT legal counsel, went to Barbara Loughman, who incorporated changes. She said in terms of the responsibility of that committee, in terms of the language and intent of the Whitney gift, it was discussed at length by the Whitney Trustees, assuring the spirit and language of the Whitney gift. There is a sub-committee that is going to, in an oversight fashion, make sure the spirit of this gift is honored. Mr. Thompson said this is the language that existed for over a year; Barbara Loughman signed off on this language last March. Mr. Dougherty said he reads this that she is establishing how our deed would be written. Dr. Badger said he feels Ms.
Loughman had a fundamental misunderstanding of what we were trying to do; our document seemed to imply that we were creating a separate entity with the oversight committee - we need to look at the agreement to make sure we were establishing an oversight committee.
Mr. Weeder said we need to give confidence that there will be a citizen voice in the control of keeping the community as part of the Whitney Community Center. Mr. Dougherty stated what does not change is the authority of the governing body on the piece of land. Mr. Weeder said it has to be somehow stated that this is the outline prior to these changes - a work in progress. Dr. Badger said it would be a 7-member oversight committee reporting to the School Board, advisory to the School Board. Mr. Benson read from the dictionary the definition of oversight: “Watchful care or management; supervision.” Mr. Dougherty said the only other legal authority over that land is if the School Board leases it to an entity - if the Whitney Trust is satisfied with
it, we should be as well.
Mr. Thompson summarized the three changes: (1) Map/Lot numbers, or address; (2) change Whitney Trust “shall recommend” to “shall direct” through the grant. Ms. Bennett stated “shall direct” changes the intent. She will get clarification on this wording. (3) Insert bullet – “the voters of Jackson School District approve this agreement at an annual or special School District meeting.” Ms. Bennett said it sounds O.K.; as a voter going into the meeting she would expect an agreement to be read and agreed upon. Dr. Nelson pointed out this agreement needs to get done before Jan. 9th.
Motion was made by Mr. Thompson that we add to the agreement the map/lot or address, change the word “recommend” to “direct” under item 3, and add the bullet under item #10. There being no second, no action was taken.
Motion was made by Mr. Thompson, seconded by Dr. Badger, to add the proper address or map/lot number to item #1 of the agreement, and add final bullet under item #10 to reflect that this is going to a special School District meeting.
Amendment: Motion by Dr. Badger, second by Mr. Thompson, that the motion be amended to reflect “to authorize the Chair of the Board to work with the Whitney Trust to finalize the language of Section #3 to properly reflect the authorization of allocation of funds through the NH Charitable Trust.” The motion carried with four votes in the affirmative and Mr. Benson abstaining as he had recused himself from the discussion.
Dr. Badger stated this is the last meeting of the calendar year and a lot of stuff is still on the table. He said the School Board is working hard, staff is working hard, and recognized staff for a “fantastic job which is very much appreciated by the Board.”
Dr. Badger said regarding the vote on January 9th, it is a really important vote and he would encourage the community and staff and Board to organize themselves, noting it cascades a number of decisions for the school, would give people who do not agree a chance to be heard. He stated if it goes in our favor it will reduce the cost of work to be performed on our school building; if it does not pass, it is important that we, as a school committee, be prepared for that. He said he sees this Board, in the event of not having a community center on this property, voting on a large renovation which would meet the needs of the school, but would be more expensive – we would then be looking at a building that currently barely meets our needs. Passage of that second vote would be
absolutely critical for us to continue to operate K-6. He stated that vote in March could not be taken for granted. He encouraged everybody if they meet people who are not in favor of having the community center on this property, if they are not going to vote for it, to then urge supporting us with a larger renovation bond in March. Mr. Dougherty echoed those sentiments and thanked the entire staff for how they have dealt with the space issues in the school.
Budget work session meeting Jan. 9th at 3:00 p.m. at the SAU Office.
Mr. Benson said people who have heard of this meeting are questioning what “oversight” means and coming to a mutually agreeable understanding of what oversight means would go a long way - he encouraged defining what oversight means. Mr. Dougherty agreed it comes down to exactly that.
12. Signing of the Manifest: All documents were duly signed.
13. Non Public Session:
14. Adjourn: 8:55 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Gail T. Currier, Recording Secretary
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