MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ MEETING, February 18, 2021
A meeting of the Board of Directors was held virtually at Noble High School on February 18, 2021 at 7:00 pm, with all members present virtually and in person except Ms. Potter and Ms. Hagenbuch.
Ms. Neubert shared the public input statement.
Public Input: None at this time however, Ms. Mallett asked about how to remind folks that public input is a great opportunity for their input.
Ms. Erin Kinsey, student representative, shared that some students are struggling with the current mode of education due to the pandemic. Stressors, such as schedule changes etc, have increased. The teachers are doing a good job with providing office hours and times to check in with students one on one. They have been open to any students who want to chat. The limited opportunities for students and for families in general is difficult. The balance of safety and stress is difficult.
Ms. Hopper made the motion and it was seconded by Ms. Corliss to accept the minutes February 4, 2021 as amended. All members voted in favor except Mr. Doiron who abstained and the motion passed.
The superintendent shared that there was a $400 donation from Brandon and Rebecca Brow to the Backpack Program. This donation was very much appreciated.
Ms. Mallett shared a letter that she has drafted to the Governor and Dr. Shaw to ask that teachers be placed on a priority list. The board discussed the importance of getting our students back in school and how having teachers vaccinated would be supportive. The board agreed to support the letter and sign off.
Ms. Denise Van Campen, business manager, then reviewed the current amount of PPE materials we have on hand. We are in good shape.
Update on athletics… Games began this week in basketball. Both the boys and girls teams played. Intramural at the high school will begin soon.
Transportation update: We have been able to hire a new driver and will re-establish a run in Berwick that will Eliminate the shuttle runs downtown.
Attendance update:Attendance for staff 94-98%
Attendance for students 91-98%
Ms. Amy Creighton, Director of Nursing, shared that the Knowlton school outbreak status has been closed. She also shared that we did have an exposure by an individual associated with NHS athletics. All close contacts have been notified and we do have students and coaches who will need to quarantine for ten days.
We have a facilities and finance committee meeting with the Building Committee on Monday at 4:30. Then on Tuesday the facilities and finance committee will meet with the cost centers from 9-12 to hear about their budgets.
The budget binders are ready to be picked up at the central office from 8-12 tomorrow. And if not, then just let us know and we can meet you next week.
Other business:
Tri Town Book mobile received a $1500 grant from KSB to provide a book to our seniors… The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse. It’s a story that provides hope during these really difficult times. Ms. Laura Cashell, the Tri Town Book Mobile coordinator, was featured on WMTW at noon on Feb. 17th and here’s the link to see the broadcast. The story was also featured in the Weekly Sentinel and BCTV.
Ms. Mallett noted that we will be receiving an update on the state of the district at this point. We will be providing it at our March meeting.
Mr. Doiron asked if we had received any information from the state regarding testing in the community and through the school. Thus far we have not received any information. Hopeful that more information will be forthcoming.
Ms. Neubert made the motion and it was seconded by Ms. Corliss to adjourn. All members voted in favor and the motion passed.
Adjourned at 7:38pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Audra Beauvais