THESE MINUTES ARE SUBJECT TO BOARD APPROVAL AT THE NEXT BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
CHESTER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL BOARD OF EDUCATION
March 22, 2012

The regular meeting of the Chester Board of Education was held on Thursday, March 22, 2012. In attendance Lianne Rutty, Amy Safran, David Fitzgibbons, Jim Gordon, Peg Reyer, Wendy King, Ashley Marsh (arrival 7:45) and Nicole Sypher. Also in attendance were Dr. Ruth Levy, Superintendent, Ian Neviaser, Assistant Superintendent, Michael Barile, Principal, Mr. Garth Sawyer, Business Manager and Kelley Frazier, Clerk.

CALL TO ORDER
Ms. King called the meeting to order at 7:04pm.

CONSENT AGENDA
Nicole Sypher moved to approve the minutes from the January 26, 2012, the Minutes from the Budget workshops on February 8th and 16th and the Accounts Payable report. Peg Reyer seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote.

PUBLIC COMMENT
None

OTHER ITEMS:
PRINCIPAL’S UPDATE- CES Students
Student Presentation
Mr. Barile introduced Rocket Otte and Madison Hawkins sixth grade students who gave the school update in Math for all grade levels. They also presented an art work working with clay and the new kiln. Mrs. Lenz discussed working with different clays and the new kiln.

REPORTS:
Financial Status Report – Mr. Garth Sawyer
Mr. Sawyer gave a brief update of the financial status for Chester Elementary School. The school is meeting their goals financially. The Chester Elementary School budget is projecting an operating surplus. We will keep the Board informed of any developments as they arise.

Cafeteria Report – Mr. Sawyer
Mr. Sawyer gave an update on the status of the Cafeteria Budget Updates. We are still projecting the board subsidy, but no additional funds are expected. The amount will be adjusted at the end of the year.

Mr. Sawyer reviewed the requested budget transfers.

Amy Safran made a motion to approve the 2011-2012 budget transfers as recommended by Mr. Sawyer. David Fitzgibbons seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

Supervision District
The Supervision District Committee approved their budget for the 2012-2013 school year.

Finance
The Finance Committee will meet on March 27, 2012.

Curriculum
The Curriculum Committee met on March 20, 2012. They discussed a manufacturing class which is a joint venture with Region 4 and Whelen Engineering. It is an introductory course in the manufacturing process. It is felt that this program is the tip of the iceberg of allowing students to explore different careers.

Joint PK-12 Policy Committee
This Committee reviewed Resident/Non-Resident attendance. The also reviewed several other policies which were last reviewed before 1998 for consideration if they need to be updated.

Ms. King reviewed Committee assignments.

ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT - I. Neviaser
Mr. Neviaser noted that the third annual art show which was held at Central Office went well. He estimated 200 people attended this show. He noted that all schools are completing the CMT’s. It has gone well. There have been a few problems with the online system, but those issues have been resolved. There will be more supplemental testing than anticipated.

Review of Strategic School Profile for 2010-11
Mr. Neviaser discussed the Strategic School Profile report. This is on the state website. He noted that this is last year’s information.

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT - R. Levy
District Update
Dr. Levy noted that the Art show was great. She encouraged everyone to stop by Central Office to see the work of the students.

Dr. Levy noted that in regards to technology that if we are maintaining, we are falling behind. Every time we do not fund technology and programs to help our students it is a step backwards. It is harder to find the resources to fund five year plans.

Small regional districts have had many challenges legislatively. If you consolidate the State will assist you. In 2016 they will decrease funding if you choose not to consolidate. Dr. Levy feels that there will be a push to bring districts together. She feels that every child will have their own educational plan. There is a meeting next Monday to discuss language changes in the bullying legislation.

Discussion and Possible Vote to Adopt Proposed 2012-13 Chester Elementary School Budget to be Presented to the Town
Dr. Levy presented the reductions in the budget based on more current information.

The proposed budget has a 1.48% increase.

The budget will be presented on April 3, 2012 to the Board of Finance at the Chester Meeting House.

Ms. King discussed class size. Mr. Barile looked at the need and the numbers in the classroom. Dr. Levy’s recommendation is to maintain the teaching staff for fifth grade. The needs are high in the fifth grade and we need to keep the class size low. The District has a policy for class size. The class size recommendation is 14-16 for K-3 and 16-19 for 4-6, but there is latitude based on the needs of the students. She noted that the makeup of this class is conducive to the class size.

Mr. Barile also noted that the paperwork for the roof has been submitted. James noted that it is $52,000 over 2 years. This replacement will take place in 2014 – 2015. At this time the roof will be over 25 years old by the time it is fully replaced. This is a two year program under the town’s five year Capital Plan.

On a motion duly made and seconded, the Board unanimously VOTED to recommend to bring the Chester Elementary School Budget for school year 2012-13 to the Chester Board of Finance in the amount of $4,225,900(four million, two hundred twenty five thousand, nine hundred dollars). The motion passed.

PUBLIC COMMENT
None

ADJOURNMENT
On motion duly made and seconded, the Board unanimously VOTED to move into Executive Session at 8:15pm to vote on staff non-renewals. The motion passed.

The Board Moved out of Executive Session at 8:19pm.

On a motion duly made and seconded, the Board unanimously VOTED to approve the Non Renewal Notice as presented. The motion passed.

On a motion duly made and seconded the Board unanimously VOTED to adjourn at 8:20pm.

Respectfully Submitted,

Kelley Frazier, Board Clerk

FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
9.1 Present CES 2012-13 Adopted Budget at Chester Meeting House (April 3 @ 7:00pm)