March 2, 2005

These minutes are not approved until accepted by the School Directors at their next meeting.

Present

v Georgia Board Members: Doug Bergstrom, Chair; Alice Sturgeon, Dan Harvey, Ron King (arrived at 6:18).

v Administrators: Phil Higgins, Superintendent; Frank Calano, Middle School Principal; and David Young, Elementary School Principal

v Transcriptionist: Wendy Larose

v Others: None others present.

I. Call to Order

Doug Bergstrom called the School Board Meeting to order at 6:10 p.m.

Motion (Sturgeon/Harvey) to leave all committee assignments as is. Motion passed unanimously.

II. Approve Minutes

A. Regular meeting – February 15th. In Section 8, Diane Reilly should be Diane Leyden.

Motion to approve the regular meeting minutes with change noted (Harvey/Sturgeon). Motion passed unanimously.

III. Review Correspondence

A. No correspondence.

IV. Public Comments

A. No public comment.

V. Reports

A. Principals:

¨ Frank Calano: Melissa Fischer will be at next meeting to review the 3-8 grade survey. Today there was an assembly on bullying.

¨ David Young: Trimester ends March 17^th. Todd Granger has been working to figure out custodial capacity based on square footage. Todd is reviewing a proposal on floor scrubbers for buildings and grounds to look at.

A. Superintendent:

¨ No update.

B. Board

v There was a motion made at the beginning of the meeting to keep committees status quo. Dan will work with Chris Mitiguy to set up a transportation meeting and bring information back to the board. In April, the school will meet with the new transportation company.

VI. Old Business

A. Classroom Specials

v David Young introduced Kathy Hanson, Deb Mungeon and Judy St. Hillaire. Kathy had written a letter about her concern of the increased level of classroom specials and the burden it puts on the kids. Doug asked for clarification on the extras. Kathy said anything beyond the basics of library, gym, reading, writing, etc. Assemblies, movies, field trips seem to have become excessive in Kathy’s mind. David commented that Judy and Deb have worked hard to make their education come alive so you can touch and see the focus of their education. Ron expressed the concern that there should be more coordination of special activities within one day instead of breaking them out sporadically. David said there needs to be discussion on how to integrate the activities. Deb Mongeon commented that field trips should be enriching a foundation that’s already laid in the classroom. Judy St. Hillaire said that if you look at the National Science standards, they are asking teachers to have students become more socially involved. Doug Bergstrom expressed concern that only two classes in the third and fourth grades had the opportunity to participate in active learning. The use of field trips varies among teachers. Ron recommended using the Parent Volunteer Coordinator to work with parents prior to the field trips.

B. Town Meeting Day Follow Up

v The favorable vote was only 20 more than an unfavorable vote. Doug said we need to be very conservative building the next budget. The meetings were not well attended. David passed out the PR list and wanted to discuss what worked and what didn’t. Staff felt the flyer and phone calls were most effective communication tool. Frank Calano said the action plan should be tied and referred to as soon as the budget passes. There was some discussion on when town meeting should happen in relation to the voting.

VII. New Business

A. Educational Overview – tabled until next meeting.

VIII. Policy Review

A. Selection of Instructional Materials Policy – 2^nd Reading

¨ Tabled until next meeting.

B. Selection of Library Materials Policy – 2nd Reading

¨ Tabled until next meeting.

IX. Confirm Upcoming Meetings

Regular Meeting: March 15, 2005 @ 6:00 p.m., Georgia School Library

Motion made to go into executive session at 7:54 p.m. (Harvey/King) to go into executive session for personnel matter.