Minutes 12/5/19

MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ MEETING December 5, 2019

A meeting of the Board of Directors was held at Noble High School in North Berwick, Maine on December 5, 2019 at 6:00 pm, with all members present except Ms. Mallett, Ms. Hopper and Mr. Doiron. There were 62 in the audience.

Ms. Neubert made the motion and it was seconded by Ms. Corliss to enter into executive session pursuant to 1MRSA§406(D), Contract Negotiations. All members voted in favor and the motion passed. In at 6:05 pm. Out at 6:58 pm.

Mr. Doiron entered the meeting at 6:11 pm.

Mr. Doiron, Berwick board member, shared the explanatory statements regarding public input.

Public Input: Mr. Leon Murray shared with the board his concern regarding a DHHS referral involving a child. Mr. Murray noted that the High School Principal and Superintendent hadn’t responded. Mr. Murray stated that someone from DHHS shared that MSAD 60 over-reports. Mr. Murray is asking for a face to face meeting with Superintendent and the Principal for clarifying the information.

Ms. Potter made the motion and it was seconded by Ms. Beal to accept the minutes of November 21st with the addition of the Student Notes. All members voted in favor except Mr. Doiron who abstained and the motion passed.

The Superintendent discussed with the board the financing of buses for next year. He shared with the board the process and the number of buses that will be considered. We will be looking for five large and 1 small buses in our replacement cycle. The timeframe for knowing the funding process is twofold. The Volkswagen grant will potentially provide 70% of the funds for two buses and the other four buses will be considered under the State replacement cycle, if the district receives funds.

The Superintendent shared with the board the update from the New England Association of Schools and Colleges regarding the follow up from their accreditation process. The Committee was pleased to learn of the school’s progress, specifically citing the following:

the plans to use an internal survey to glean additional information regarding student perceptions of the rigor of the 21st century learning expectationsthe requirement for all teachers to collect feedback from students twice per year, beginning in January 2020the budget proposal that includes a model team expansion for grades 8 and 9 the use of School Messenger to allow for communication to families in three different ways: email, phone calls (transcripts read aloud), and texts the grant from Engage New England, via the BARR Family Foundation, with project coaching from Springpoint, and the 2019-2020 local budget that supports the inclusion of grant- funded Multiple Pathways

As well, the Committee was pleased to note the following

the newly revised system of standards and proficiency- based teachingthe teachers’ beginning work on cross-referencing their own remediation policies as articulated within their course syllabi with the school’s base policythe requirement for all teachers to offer honors options within core courses in grades 8-10 and the new template that delineates schoolwide, common expectations for the development of the honors optionsthe Multiple Pathways program that now includes full teaching and support staff across all content areas.

The Superintendent shared the name of Christa Boeykens who is the candidate we’d like to present for taking over the role of Excel Teacher at NMS this month. Ms. Beal made the motion and it was seconded by Mr. Doiron to accept the nomination of Ms. Christa Boekyens. All members voted in favor and the motion passed.

The Superintendent then shared a letter of resignation from Ms. Lora Lenahan, Assistant Director of Special Education, effective immediately. Mr. Doiron made the motion and it was seconded by Ms. Beal to accept the resignation of Ms. Lora Lenahan. All members voted in favor and the motion passed.

The Superintendent then shared his letter of retirement, effective June 30, 2020, from the head leadership position here within the district. He gave high praise to the district and shared with the board his genuine appreciation. Ms. Potter made the motion and it was seconded by Mr. Doirin to accept Mr. Connolly’s letter of retirement with extreme regret. All members voted in favor and the motion passed.

Track Captain’s Leadership Retreat was to have occurred this past weekend, however the students were unable to go due to Coach Lawerence’s knee injury. Hopefully they’ll be able to go in the future.

The Superintendent then shared with the board a budget timeline for the FY 21 budget process.

Ms. Neubert made the motion and it was seconded by Ms. Beal to adjourn. All members voted in favor and the motion passed.

Adjourned at 7:34 pm.

Respectfully Submitted,

Steve Connolly

Secretary of the Board