MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ MEETING Sept. 3, 2020
A meeting of the Board of Directors was held virtually and in person at Noble High School on Sept. 3, 2020 at 7:00 pm, with all members present. Virtually present: 18
Mr. Doiron made the motion and it was seconded by Ms. Potter to go into executive session for contract negotiations pursuant to1 MRSA §405(6)(D) Labor Contract Negotiations- Teacher Union. All members voted in favor and the motion passed. In at 6:35 out at 6:45
Mr. Doiron made the motion and it was seconded by Ms. Potter to go into executive session for contract negotiations pursuant to 1 MRSA §405(6)(D) Labor Contract Negotiations- Support Staff . All members voted in favor and the motion passed. In at 6:46 pm out at 6:56
Mr. Doiron made the motion and it was seconded by Ms. Potter to go into executive session for contract negotiations pursuant to 1 MRSA §405(6)(A) Employment of Employee All members voted in favor and the motion passed. In at 6:56 out at 6:59
Ms. Neubert read the information regarding public input. Ms. Austin read the statements and questions for public input.
Public Input Questions and responses are here.
Ms. Neubert made the motion and it was seconded by Ms. Potter to accept the minutes of August 4th as amended. All members voted in favor except Ms. Hopper who abstained and the motion passed.
Ms. Neubert made the motion and it was seconded by Ms. Potter to accept the minutes of August 6th. All members voted in favor and the motion passed.
Ms. Neubert made the motion and it was seconded by Ms. Potter to accept the minutes of August 17th as amended. All members voted in favor except Ms. Manley who abstained and the motion passed.
Educational Programming: Review Start of School for Fall 2020
82% of families have signed up for the hybrid plan. We have toured the district and are really in good shape to get things going next week with the orientation period.
Transportation update. Almost all of our buses are at capacity. We are continually working to provide the appropriate social distancing on the buses. We are working to be sure that we meet all safety precautions as we also try to meet the needs of our community.
A draft of standard operating procedures in case we do have a positive case of Covid-19 was shared with the board. There are several steps within the process and the CDC will be our direct contact and supports.
The Superintendent shared with the board that our building nurses are being fitted with the N95 masks through the Berwick Fire Department. We have a protocol that we will follow.
The Superintendent shared with the board the Protective Personal Equipment (PPE) that every staff member received. It included a full package of masks, face shields, hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes and a treat. The staff was very appreciative of the gesture.
Donation by Lucas Monroe… 1447 masks! He is working to gather enough masks for every single student in the district. We have distributed those that he has provided throughout the schools.
The Superintendent also shared an update regarding the athletics at this point.
Athletics protocols were discussed. Mr. Watson, Athletic Director, shared the work that he and his coaches have been doing over the summer to prepare for the potential return to play. Live Streaming will also be available. Anticipated that Wednesday, September 9th will bring a memo from the Maine Principals Association.
Health and safety in our buildings is the primary concern
Mr. Doiron made the motion and it was seconded by Ms. Potter to authorize the School Revolving Renovation Fund . All members voted in favor and the motion passed.
The Superintendent shared with the board that we had several teacher new hires. Taylor Combs Grade 7 ELA, Abigail Ackley Grade 7 math, Amy Tucker Remote ELA NMS, Holly Street Remote 3rd grade, Douglas Hamway Remote 6/7 Science and Helen Stamos English HS. Ms. Neubert made the motion and it was seconded by Ms. Corliss to hire the new teachers as presented. All members voted in favor and the motion passed.
Ms. Denise Van Campen, our business manager, shared with the board an update regarding the employee payroll deferment program. This is not an elimination of the taxes, it is a deferral that will need to be repaid. Although the government has given this out as an option for businesses, it is not mandatory and we currently feel that the problems with the program outweigh the benefits and therefore we will not be offering it. .
Potential for a brief meeting on Monday September 14th.
Ms. Corliss made the motion and it was seconded by Ms. Neubert to adjourn. All members voted in favor and the motion passed.
Adjourned at 8:22 pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Audra Beauvais