MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ MEETING October 15, 2020
A meeting of the Board of Directors was held virtually and in person at Noble High School on October 15, 2020 at 7:00 pm, with all members present except Ms. Corliss and Ms. Hopper. Virtually present: Ms. Manley, Ms. Schaeffer, and Ms. Hagenbuch.
Ms. Neubert shared the public input statement.
Public Input: None at this time
Ms. Potter made the motion and it was seconded by Ms.Neubert to accept the minutes of October 1, 2020 as amended. All members voted in favor and the motion passed.
The Superintendent shared with the board the lease purchase agreement for the 3 new full size buses and 1 new Mini. Mr. Doiron made the motion and it was seconded by Ms. Potter to authorize lease purchase of three (3) new 77 passenger school buses and one (1) new mini school bus in the principal amount of $339,706.00. All members voted in favor and the motion passed.
The Superintendent then shared an educational update. Regarding absenteeism for staff and students, we are remaining in the mid to high 90th percentiles as we have been for the past several weeks.
Each K-5 elementary school has a 30 minute special each day with a two week rotation.
North Berwick, Hussey School and the Knowlton School… have art, music, PE, library and computer.
Lebanon has art, music, PE, library and second step. The ⅘ building has art, music, PE and computer that is rotated through so that they have a special everyday.
In the elementary remote program, there are no dedicated specialists but teachers are integrating high leverage practices to address the arts and PE into their programming. We also have one computer specialist who is developing (in addition to coding) programming for our remote learners. The focus of remote learning is on reading, writing, mathematics, science and social studies.
Parent feedback from the quarantining situation at the 4 / 5 school was very positive and affirms that the work that the district is doing to lay out appropriate policies and procedures in regards to the pandemic is well received and followed.
We have another current situation with one classroom in North Berwick under quarantine. This occurred on October 13th. We were able to isolate the students who are impacted and minimize whole school impact.
The Superintendent then shared with the board the intent to retire letter of Ms. Jana St. Germaine (effective June 30, 2021). Ms. St. Germaine has been in the district for 31 years teaching in Lebanon. Ms. Potter made the motion and it was seconded by Ms. Neubert to accept the retirement letter of Ms. St. Germaine with regret and best wishes. All members voted in favor and the motion passed.
There will be a board workshop on October 29th at 6:00 pm to focus on the hybrid program at the 8-12 level.
Superintendent’s Report:
The Superintendent shared with the board that all building safety plans have been submitted and the annual concurrence pages are signed. Transportation is still waiting on a signature or two but it is in progress.
The Superintendent shared with the board the recent professional development that was provided on Friday October 9th. We focussed on trauma informed practices, self care at the elementary level and at the high school the focus was self care and implicit bias. Bethany Cunningham was the trainer for the self care piece. Mallory Cook, from Leaders for Just Schools, was the speaker for the implicit bias training.
MSBA workshop on October 30 and 31, Ms. Neubert made the motion and it was seconded by Mr. Doiron to nominate Ms. Mallett as the delegate representing the district this year. All members voted in favor and the motion passed. She also encouraged other folks to attend as well. We will send the information to any board member who may wish to attend.
We will follow up with subcommittees in the near future.
Facilities and Finance: Mr Doiron and Ms Potter
Building Construction: Mr Doiron, Ms Neubert and Ms Hagenbuch
Policy Committee: Ms Schaeffer and Ms Hagenbuch
Negotiations: Ms Corliss and Ms Hopper
Code of Conduct: Ms Schaeffer
Ms. Neubert made the motion and it was seconded by Mr. Doiron to adjourn. All members voted in favor and the motion passed.
Adjourned at 7:50 pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Audra Beauvais