School Board Minutes of Regular Meeting December 2008


December 10, 2008 / Minutes of Regular Meeting / Marlow School Board / John D. Perkins School, 7:30 p.m.

Present:

Joseph Scharf, Board Chair Stephanie Tickner, Board Member, Vice Chair Marcia Levesque, Board Member Wayne Woolridge, Co-Superintendent of Schools Timothy Ruehr, Business Administrator for Towns Jill Wdowiak, Recording Secretary

Also in Attendance:

Dorothy Frazier

1.    Call to Order

Mr. Scharf called the board meeting to order at 7:34 p.m.

2.             Status of Students at KMS - Dorothy Frazier

Ms. Frazier, Principal of Keene Middle School distributed and presented comparative data of Marlow students at Keene Middle School. She explained that this data is for grades seventh and eighth and was collected from 8/27/08 to 10/1 0/08.

3.             Approval of Minutes

A motion was made by Ms. Tickner to approve the board minutes of November 12, 2008 (R). Ms. Levesque seconded the motion. A unanimous vote in favor was taken.

4.             Hearings of Individuals and/or Groups

None

5.             Bills and Manifest

A motion was made by Mr. Scharf to approve the bills and manifests (cks # 5001553­5001554) in the amount of $762.20 and (cks # 5001555-5001587) in the amount of $115,549.85. Ms. Tickner seconded the motion. A unanimous vote in favor was taken.

6.    Financial Report

Mr. Ruehr presented the financial report for Marlow showing a balance of negative $10,146.00 as of December 10, 2008. He explained that this balance is mainly due to additional student tuitions. Mr. Ruehr informed the Board that this financial report included all the work that has been done on the oil tank, so we are really not in bad shape and that we are really close to even.

Budget Overview for 2009-2010

Mr. Ruehr distributed and reviewed the Marlow 2009­2010 School Administration Budget Overview to the Board.

7.    Reports

a.             Principal

Ms. Peterson's report was submitted to the Board for them to review, in her absence.

b.            Co-Superintendent

Mr. Woolridge informed the Board that one student was absent from Keene Middle School for five or more days due to vacation. Mr. Woolridge shared with the Board that State CAT Aid has been cut. He also explained to the Board that the Commissioner denied a waiver for the renovation of Keene Middle School, which lTIeanS that renovating would cost Keene taxpayers more than to build new.

c.             School Board Members

None

d.            S.A.D. 29 Committees

Previously discussed

8.    Old Business

Other - None

9.    New Business

a.    Surry

Mr. Woolridge updated the Board on Surry's request to join SAD 29. He explained that we would receive revenue of $30,000 if we were to accept Surry into our district but Mr. Harper figures that the total business expenses would be around $45,000. He also shared that both Chesterfield and Keene boards said no to accepting Surry but the SAD Board would have to vote on December 22nd in order to move it forward. Mr. Woolridge added that each Board would have to agree to put it on their warrant. Mr. Scharfs concern is that the staff at the SAD office will be spread too thin.

b.   Home Education Participation in District Activities #2036, Review

Mr. Woolridge asked the Board to review this Policy and let him know if any changes need to be made.

c.    Other

Ms. Levesque shared with the Board that Marlow has had a bad reputation with realtors of not being a good elementary school. She explained that we have a lot of houses for sale in Marlow and thinks we should take a proactive approach and invite realtors to take a look at our school in order for them to see all the positive changes that have taken place. Ms. Levesque feels that we have a lot to offer at this school and it would be a way to draw more kids into the community. Both Mr. Woolridge and Mr. Ruehr agree that the real benefit is that a lot of positive changes have been made at the school. Mr. Scharf explained that the physical building does not prove that point and suggested that we put together a portfolio that shows test scores that are good. Mr. Ruehr added that perhaps we make it a community night that would include teachers in order to get the word out. Mr. Woolridge suggested that a brochure could be done and given to realtors in order 1'0 build positive feedback and school pride.

10.                  Future Agenda/s

 January - School Calendar

11.                  Non-Public Session -R.S.A. 91-A:3

None

12.                  Adjournment

Mr. Scharf adjourned the board meeting at 8:41 p.m

Respectfully Submitted,
Jill Wdowiak
Recording Secretary