MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ MEETING OF May 18, 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 May 18, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. with all members attending except Mr. Doiron, Ms Manley and Ms. Neubert.
Ms. Neubert entered the meeting at 7:10 pm.
There were 9 in the audience.
The vice chair read the public input statement.
Public Input:
Mr. Josh Tabor, shared with the board a question regarding the policy forms that were up for review and additionally do we want forms to be a part of policy or should they just be procedural.
Minutes: The board reviewed the minutes from May 4, 2023. Ms. Janousek made the motion and it was seconded by Ms. Hagenbuch to approve the minutes as amended. All members except Ms. Mallett voted in favor and the motion passed.
Student Report:
Costa Rica Trip with Irene Guzman-Rothwell:
Ms. Guzman Rothwell and two students, Trevor Beams and Sofia Dillon shared with the board a presentation regarding the Costa Rica trip that took place over the April vacation.
Financial Summary April 2023:
Ms. Denise Van Campen, business manager for the district shared the financial report for April of 2023.
Title 20-A Section 1485(4) Authorization to Transfer Funds: Ms. Elva Lovejoy made the motion and it was seconded by Ms. Hagenbuch. Pursuant to section 1485(4) of Title 20-A, the Superintendent of Schools be authorized to transfer not more than 5% of the total appropriation for any cost center in the current fiscal year operating budget to another cost center or among other cost centers, provided that the total current fiscal year operating budget shall not be increased by such transfers. All members voted in favor and the motion passed.
Policy Second Reading:
The policy committee met on May 16, 2023 to discuss the following policies:
JICK-R Bullying and Cyberbullying Prevention in Schools Administrative Procedure
JICK-E1 Reporting Form
JICK-E2 Responding Form
JICK-E3 Remediation Form
Ms.Hagenbuch made the motion and it was seconded by Ms. Lovejoy to approve policies JICK-E1, E2 and E3 as presented. All members voted in favor and the motion passed.
Employment:
New Hire:
Anthony Thompson: ELKS Resource Room. Ms. Hagenbuch made the motion and it was seconded by Ms. Lovejoy to approve the employment of Anthony Thompson. All members voted in favor and the motion passed.
Neal Spaulding: NMS Math. Ms. Hagenbuch made the motion and it was seconded by Ms. Lovejoy to approve the employment of Neal Spaulding. All members voted in favor and the motion passed.
Carly Torrance: NMS Math. Ms. Lovejoy made the motion and it was seconded by Ms. Neubert to approve the employment of Carley Torrance. All members voted in favor and the motion passed.
Heather Janson: NHS Math. Ms. Hagenbuch made the motion and it was seconded by Ms. Lovejoy to approve the employment of Heather Janson. All members voted in favor and the motion passed.
Spencer Biddle: NHS MP Social Studies. Ms. Janousek made the motion and it was seconded by Ms. Lovejoy to approve the employment of Spencer Biddle. All members voted in favor and the motion passed.
Hans Large: NHS Social Studies. Ms. Neubert made the motion and it was seconded by Ms. Lovejoy to approve the employment of Hans Large. All members voted in favor and the motion passed.
Melissa Adams: IEP Team Coordinator. Ms. Lovejoy made the motion and it was seconded by Ms. Neubert to approve the employment of Melissa Adams. All members voted in favor and the motion passed.
Resignation:
Nancy Wall: ELKS Special Education Teacher. Ms. Lovejoy made the motion and it was seconded by Ms. Travers to approve the resignation/retirement of Nancy Wall. All members voted in favor and the motion passed.
Amy Bayha: VEH Assistant Principal. Ms. Hagenbuch made the motion and it was seconded by Ms. Lovejoy to approve the resignation of Amy Bayha. All members voted in favor and the motion passed.
The Superintendent shared that Ms. Barbara Schwartz, long time educational technician at the Knowlton School, is retiring. We appreciate her long time support.
Other:
The Superintendent shared that the survey regarding the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (Title One Funds) funding is up on our website and looking they are looking for feedback.
The Assistant Superintendent shared with the board an overview of the Special Olympics York County event that occurred today at the Bourbon Football Stadium. 24 different teams from 11 communities competed today in the first Special Olympics in four years. There was a 3 year hiatus due to the pandemic. It was a wonderful day with over 325 athletes. Ms. Kristin Hardingham, Physical Therapist for MSAD 60, organized the games and was phenomenal in her ability to organize and keep the games flowing. There were a variety of local folks who were present today and shared their support and expertise.
Maine Association for People Transportation (MAPT). Ms. Mallett shared an overview of the events that occurred her at NHS over April break. There was a bus obstacle course with a variety of challenges. The camaraderie and inspiration that she found at that event really encouraged and impressed her. The job is difficult but she found some very heartfelt reasons why people take on the role of a driver.
Ms. Hagenbuch shared reminders regarding the information about science and social studies among the elementary schools.
Fingerprinting and background checks for Adult Education teachers. Clarification please.
Ms. Mallett shared the invite to adult education graduation on June 1st, 2023. It’s a wonderful event to participate in.
Can we get a District calendar of events for our board members so that they can see what’s out there. The board members would like to be made aware.
Discussion regarding sport and events information and making it more available to the board and others.
Public Input:
Mr. Tabor of North Berwick asked regarding the microphone request from last week. We will be following up.
Adjournment:
Ms. Janousek made the motion and it was seconded by Ms. Travers to adjourn the meeting. All members voted in favor and the motion passed.
Adjourned at 8:11 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Audra Beauvais