MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ MEETING OF November 18, 2021
A meeting of the Board of Directors was held in person in North Berwick, Maine on November 18, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. with all members present except Ms. Travers, Ms. Hopper and Ms. Manley. Mr. Doiron was present remotely.
Public Input: None at this time
The board reviewed the minutes from November. 4, 2021.
Ms. Stanton made the motion and it was seconded by Ms. Hagenbuch to approve the minutes of November 4, 2021 as amended. All members voted in favor except Ms. Mallett who abstained and the motion passed.
The Assistant Superintendent reviewed the October Financial Report with the board members.
The Superintendent then shared with the board second reading of the following policies:
BBA: SCHOOL BOARD POWERS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
BCA: BOARD MEMBER CODE OF ETHICS
BEDH: PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AT BOARD MEETINGS
KE: PUBLIC CONCERNS AND COMPLAINTS
Ms. Mallett made the motion and it was seconded by Ms. Lovejoy to approve policies BBA, BCA, BEDH and KE as presented. All members voted in favor and the motion passed.
The Superintendent shared with the board three proposals from the facilities and finance committee regarding space issues at North Berwick Elementary School. Proposal #1: Add two double classroom modulars on the grounds of No. Berwick Elementary School/Ryan Home. This would cost approximately $395,500 (does not include monthly heat, electricity, etc.). Proposal #2: Relocate fifth grade (three sections) to Mary Hurd Academy/lower level. This option would cost approximately $150,000. Proposal #3: Relocate fifth grade (three sections) to E.L. Knowlton School. The final option cost would be approximately $15,000. The Facility and Finance Committee is recommending option 3, relocation to Knowlton School. This does not resolve the problem long term.
Educational Updates:
Superintendent Beauvais reported some updates:
MSAD 60 will hold a Vaccine Clinic for children ages 5-11 at NMS on Wednesday, November 17, 2021 and will hold one at Lebanon Elementary Schools on Friday, November 19, 2021. Approximately 50 children attended the Noble Middle School Clinic. Thank you to the elementary school staff that volunteered to help out. It was very comforting for students to see familiar faces.
Attendance:
The student attendance for the past 2 weeks has ranged from 85%-97%. The staff attendance was 85%-94%.
The dashboard seems to be working well keeping families and staff updated on COVID cases. Todate we have addressed 120 positive cases this year (September 1, 2021- November 18, 2021), compared to last year full year there were 140 cases.
Employment:
Ms. Beauvais announced the nomination of Ms. Amy Fuller as guidance counselor for North Berwick Elementary School. Ms. Hagenbuch made the motion and it was seconded by Ms. Lovejoy to accept the nomination of Ms. Fuller. All members voted in favor and the motion passed.
The Superintendent shared the retirement of Sue Pennell effective after Christmas break. Ms. Pennell is a teacher at the Knowlton School. Ms. Neubert made the motion and it was seconded by Ms. Lovejoy to accept the retirement of Ms. Pennell. All members voted in favor and the motion passed.
The Superintendent shared the resignation of Heather Tyler, guidance counselor at Noble High School. Ms. Stanton made the motion and it was seconded by Ms. Lovejoy to accept the resignation of Ms. Tyler. All members voted in favor and the motion passed.
Other Business:
Update on the student demonstration slated for November 19, 2021. Students are looking to raise awareness about sexual assault and harassment. Three students have organized this, they are looking to have a moment of silence and have talking points to start positive discussions. They are looking for 15 minutes and the students have been forthcoming with their peers asking that they be respectful and not come outside unless they are serious as this is not a time to cut class.
Ms. Malette made a motion and it was seconded by Ms. Lovejoy to adjourn the meeting. All members voted in favor and the motion passed. Out at 9:00 pm
Respectfully submitted,
Audra Beauvais