MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ MEETING OF January 19, 2023
Current Board Members-
North Berwick- Lauren Janousek, Kate Whalen, Lynn Manley
Berwick- Travis Doiron, Elva Lovejoy, Denise Mallett
Lebanon- Victoria Travers, Stephanie Hagenbuch, Nancy Neubert
Student Representative- Echo Balistreri
A meeting of the Board of Directors was held in person in North Berwick, Maine on January 19, 2023 at 6:15 p.m. with all members attending except Ms. Mallett and Ms. Manley. There were 6 in the audience.
Mr. Doiron made a motion and it was seconded by Ms. Neubert to enter executive session for pursuant to 405§6(B) expulsion of a student. All members voted in favor and the motion passed. In at 6:21 pm. Out at 6:54 pm.
Mr. Doiron made the motion and it was seconded by Ms. Neubert to expel the student under consideration. All members voted in favor and the motion passed.
The vice chair shared the public input statement.
Public Input: None
Ms. Lovejoy made the motion and it was seconded by Ms. Neubert to approve the minutes of January 5, 2023. All members voted in favor and the motion passed.
Student Report: Ms. Echo Balistreri, student board representative, shared with the board the student report:
The past couple of weeks have not been very exhilarating. All I have to report on is that finals have been occurring this week, causing the student body to be a bit tired and possibly grumpy.
Financial Update:
Ms. Denise Van Campen, business manager, shared with the board the financial report. All areas are well within the budgeted amounts.
The superintendent then shared the first reading of policy BBABB, Student Representatives to the Board. There was quite a lot of discussion regarding how students are chosen to be board representatives. We will revise the draft policy and bring it back the next board meeting
Superintendent update:
New bus driver passed her test yesterday so we have another driver in the mix. Still struggling with athletic transportation due timing and lack of spare drivers.
Educational Update:
Student attendance ranged from 93% to 95 % present over the last two weeks. Staff attendance ranged from one person out per day up to three out for illness.
Employment Update:
The Superintendent shared the nomination of Mark Lahey as a school psychological service provider for the 23/24 school year. Mr. Doiron made a motion and it was seconded by Ms. Lovejoy to approve the nomination of Mark Lahey as a SPSP for the upcoming school year. All members voted in favor and the motion passed.
Ms. Lovejoy made the motion and it was seconded by Ms. Travers to accept the resignation of Ms. Hannah Farley in Lebanon.
Ms. Hagenbuch made the motion and it was seconded by Ms. Lovejoy to accept the resignation of Ms. Katie Reilly, English teacher at Noble High School who was on a year’s leave of absence. All members voted in favor and the motion passed.
Other Business:
Ms Hagenbuch asked about the potential for sheriff presence at future elections that occur during the school day. We will look into that idea.
Ms. Hagenbuch shared her thoughts about coverage of all subject areas in the elementary schools. The board discussed different aspects of the elementary program and how the schedule impacts learning particularly in the area of science and social studies. There was a conversation as well about the many pieces of an elementary schedule and what adjustments could be made. More to come.
Shannon Swiger, director of Teaching and Learning met with York County Community College representatives who are excited about utilizing our district to partner for field work placement for students seeking ed. Tech certification. Looking at being more creative in making the work more enticing and practical to draw more candidates. More conversations will follow.
Public Input:
PTO updates:
Berwick PTO:
Started delivering their Muddy Mile Sponsor Packets to local businesses.
Packets due back by 4/4/23.
Actual Muddy Mile event will be held 5/25 & 5/26.
Penny Wars first week of Feb. All funds raised will go directly towards Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week this year.
Lebanon PTO:
Read-A-Thon begins Jan 30.
Bingo Night fundraiser has begun and that will be held in March.
Penny Wars are in May.
North Berwick PTO:
Hula-Hut Competition to be held at the NBES gym 1/27 from 5-7 - all are welcome to spectate.
1st annual Adult Prom on Sat 2/11 at the Wells Trailblazers.
Ms. Neubert made the motion and it was seconded by Ms. Janousek to adjourn the meeting. All members voted in favor and the motion passed.
Adjourned at 7:54 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Audra Beauvais