MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ MEETING OF October 6, 2022
Current Board Members-
North Berwick- Lauren Janousek, Lynn Manley, Kate Whalen
Berwick- Travis Doiron, Elva Lovejoy, Denise Mallett
Lebanon- Stephanie Hagenbuch, Nancy Neubert, Victoria Travers
A meeting of the Board of Directors was held in person in North Berwick, Maine on October 6, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. with all members attending except Ms. Mallett. There were eight in the audience.
The vice chair shared the public input statement.
Public Input: None at this time.
Ms. Hagenbuch made the motion and it was seconded by Ms. Janousek to approve the minutes of September 22, 2022 as amended. All members voted in favor except Ms. Neubert and Ms. Manley, who abstained, and the motion passed.
Student Report: Ms. Echo Balistreri reported that students are excited that new activities are becoming available now that covid restrictions are lifted. Seniors are filling out student aid applications and want to make a difference before they leave Noble High School. For example the garden by the athletic wing has been cleaned up, tulips have been planted to help fight the stigma of mental health. The athletic entrance now looks really nice. The only concern that Echo has heard is about building temperature. Classrooms are either too hot or too cold.
Superintendent Beauvais spoke about the School Safety Overview. Each building has a Safety Committee that meets several times a year. These committees work on “Safety” which could mean anything from camera’s in the building or the ice in the parking lot and everything in between. Ms. Beauvais spoke about workshops offered by Maine School Safety Center, on ALICE, and CrisisGo training for staff. Administrators from each school spoke briefly about their buildings.
Business Manager Denise Van Campen spoke to the September 2022 Financial Summary. All categories are where they are expected to be at this time of the year.
Bus Lease Approval. Ms. Van Campen brought forward the proposal of a new bus lease. Last budget year, 3 new bus leases were approved. In June the State of Maine approved MSAD #60 to receive 5 new buses. Ms. Van Campen explained the lease and reimbursement process with the board.
Ms. Neubert made the motion: I move that the Vote entitled, “Vote to Authorize Lease Purchase of Five (5) new school buses in the Principal Amount of $511,280,” be adopted in form presented to this meeting. Ms. Travers seconded the motion, all members voted and the motion was passed.
Ms. Beauvais spoke of the October 1, 2022 enrollment. The Board asked a few clarifying questions.
MSBA Annual Delegate Assembly. Ms. Beauvais asked if any Board member would be interested in attending this year's workshop. There was some discussion between members.
Employment Update:
Last year at this time we had hired 8 substitutes and this year we have 18. This is a very good start. We have 4 bus drivers in training who are in the process of passing their tests.
Other Business:
Mr. Doiron asked why the seventh grade students are not allowed to bring computers home. He would like to figure out how to get students allowed to bring computers home. Mr. Dones responded that middle school had added a statement about this in the latest newsletter. The change in practice reasoning included: students were often not charging laptops or forgot them at home so they were unable to fully participate in class. Chromebooks are being damaged and NMS is trying to deter costs on families. Most homework does not require technology. The school will monitor this practice moving forward.
Ms. Hagenbuch is really impressed with the artwork in the town square of Noble High School. She additionally mentioned to Mr. Dones the newsletter and website look really good. Ms. Hagenbuch shared that she is creating a citizen question box for each town hall.
Second Public Input: None.
Ms. Neubert 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 8:15 pm
Respectfully submitted,
Audra Beauvais