Members Present: Chairman Atwood, Dr. C.P. Littlefield, Mrs. Moran, Ms. Blades, Mr. Baker, Mrs. Conner, Mr. Levine, Mrs. Corradino, Mrs. Dube Carpenter, Mr. Buell, and Mrs. Piccolomini

Also Present: Dr. McGinn, Principal Mrs. Perry, Mrs. Brophy, Spectators and Press

Roll Call: Roll call was taken. Mrs. Grazio was absent. The majority vote was 5.5.

Pledge of Allegiance: Chairman Atwood led the Committee in the Pledge of Allegiance.

It was moved by Mr. Levine and seconded by Ms. Blades to accept the agenda as amended. The amendments were to add a discussion on the superintendent’s search subcommittee, to add a brief update on the Melanson and Heath audit, to add a discussion on School Committee policies, and to add a discussion on FY07 budget meetings. Motion carried. (unanimous approval)

Mrs. Perry, Mrs. Carter and Mr. O’Leary came to the meeting with several fifth grade students. They did a brief presentation on an interdisciplinary project on tessellations. This project included math, language arts, art and technology skills. The students showed samples of their work, discussed the history on tessellations and shared poetry selections.

It was moved by Mr. Levine and seconded by Mr. Buell to accept and file the correspondence. Motion carried. (unanimous approval)

It was moved by Mr. Levine and seconded by Mr. Buell to approve the minutes of November 29, 2005. Motion carried. (unanimous approval)

It was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mrs. Moran to approve the minutes of December 6, 2005. Motion carried. (for: Piccolomini, Blades, Dube Carpenter, Moran, Buell, Conner, Littlefield, Baker)(abstained: Corradino, Levine, Atwood)(for: 7.9)(abstained: 3.0)

It was moved by Mrs. Moran and seconded by Mr. Levine to approve the minutes of December 13, 2005. Motion carried. (for: Piccolomini, Blades, Atwood, Moran, Buell, Conner, Littlefield, Carradino, Baker)(abstained: Levine, Dube Carpenter)(for: 8.7)(abstained: 2.2)

It was moved by Mr. Levine and seconded by Mrs. Moran to approve the minutes of December 20, 2005 as amended. They were amended to add to the discussion of the Chief Financial Officer: Ms. Blades expressed concern of corrupting the process and not getting the best candidate. Motion carried. (for: Piccolomini, Blades, Atwood, Moran, Conner, Littlefield, Carradino, Baker, Levine, Dube Carpenter)(abstained: Buell)(for: 9.8)(abstained: 1.1)

It was moved by Mr. Levine and seconded by Mrs. Conner to accept the donation from the PTO to the Page School in the amount of $15,324 for school supplies. Motion carried.

It was moved by Mr. Levine and seconded by Mrs. Moran to accept the donation of two overhead projectors from a Page School parent. Motion carried. (unanimous approval)

The School Committee invited Mr. Case to the meeting to discuss a position for him as a part time consultant to the District’s business office. Mr. Case has 35 years of experience in the field of education, including his service as assistant superintendent and acting superintendent for the Newburyport school system. He has served on the Newbury Finance Board and has worked as a financial consultant for the Amesbury school system. Members would like to see Mr. Case navigate the district through the upcoming budget process as well as oversee day to day operations in the business office.

It was moved by Mrs. Moran and seconded by Dr. Littlefield to direct Dr. Compton to meet with Mr. Case to develop a contract to bring Mr. Case on board. There was a friendly amendment to have this done as soon as possible. Motion carried. (unanimous approval)

Mr. Trembowicz reviewed the proposal of providing the District with a website. Members asked questions regarding the cost to the District. Mr. Trembowicz said that there should be no financial obligation to the District. Mr. Levine questioned the cost of the staff’s time. Mr. Trembowicz said that there has to be a District person appointed and a person appointed in each of the schools that would responsible for giving the information to EdNets.

It was moved by Mrs. Dube Carpenter and seconded by Mr. Levine to have an analysis provided to the School Committee of the requirements to get the site up and running. Once the information is received the Committee will review it and make a decision. Motion carried. (for: Piccolomini, Dube Carpenter, Moran, Corradino, Levine, Buell, Atwood, Littlefield)(opposed: Blades, Conner, Baker)(8.2)(opposed: 2.7)

Mrs. Conner wanted this discussion tabled so that the Committee could move on to other business. Some members said that this was not the time to have this discussion due to the time constraints with the budget..

Mrs. Perry and Mrs. Adams reviewed the Page School Improvement Plan with members. They discussed the following strategic goals:

It was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mr. Levine to accept and file the Page School Improvement Plan. Motion carried. (unanimous approval)

It was moved by Dr. Littlefield and seconded by Mr. Buell to approve for a second reading the policies on Promoting Civil Rights and Prohibiting Harassment, Bullying, Discrimination, and Hate Crimes and the Emergency Operations Plan. Motion carried. (unanimous approval)

It was moved by Dr. Littlefield and seconded by Mrs. Moran to table any action on the School Security Policy and to bring it back to the next meeting after the Superintendent and Mrs. Brophy review it and implement the changes recommended by Attorney Finnegan. There was an amendment to review the policy with principals to see what additional costs would be necessary. Motion carried. (unanimous approval)

Mrs. Dube Carpenter wanted it stated in the record that Mrs. Brophy has been working diligently on these policies for month. Mrs. Dube Carpenter is very concerned that there is no school security policy in place.

It was moved by Mrs. Moran and seconded by Mr. Levine to continue the meeting after 10:00 p.m. Motion carried. (for: Blades, Moran, Corradino, Levine, Buell, Atwood, Conner, Littlefield, Baker)(opposed: Dube Carpenter, Piccolomini)(for: 8.7)(opposed: 2.2)

Mr. Buell said to strike the discussion on School Committee policies under new business.

Mr. Warren would like to meet with the Superintendent’s Search Subcommittee on January 11^th or January 18^th. Mrs. Moran said that the School Committee members of the subcommittee have to meet before to form the rest of the subcommittee. Mrs. Moran would like the full subcommittee to meet with Mr. Warren on January 18^th. Mr. Buell resigned from the subcommittee.

Chairman Atwood updated the Committee on the audit being done by Melanson and Heath. He said they are still working on it. Mr. Baker would like to have a completion date.

Some members would like to hold a budget workshop on January 21^st. It is not clear that there will be a quorum.

It was moved by Mrs. Moran and seconded by Mr. Buell to accept the assistance offered at no cost from MASS and MASC. Motion carried. (for: Atwood, Conner, Littlefield, Buell, Levine, Moran, Corradino, Blades, Dube Carpenter, Piccolomini)(abstained: Baker)(for: 10.1)(abstained: .8)

It was moved by Mr. Levine and seconded by Ms. Blades to enter into executive session for the purposes of contract negotiations. Motion carried by roll call vote. (for: Atwood, Conner, Littlefield, Buell, Levine, Moran, Corradino, Blades, Dube Carpenter, Baker)(opposed: Piccolomini)(for: 9.8)(opposed: 1.1)

Mr. Buell left the meeting at 10:20 due to a conflict of interest with contract negotiations. The majority vote changed to 5.0.

It was moved by Mr. Levine and seconded by Ms. Blades to adjourn the meeting at 10:45 p.m. Motion carried. (unanimous approval)

Members Present: Chairman Atwood, Dr. C.P. Littlefield, Mrs. Moran, Ms. Blades, Mr. Baker, Mr. Levine, Mrs. Corradino, Mrs. Dube Carpenter, Mrs. Grazio, Mr. Buell, and Mrs. Piccolomini

Roll Call: Roll call was taken. Mrs. Conner was absent. The majority vote was 5.5. Mrs. Dube Carpenter arrived at 7:55 p.m. The majority vote changed to 5.7.

It was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mrs. Piccolomini to accept the agenda as amended. The amendments were to add a discussion on Ed Nets and to add the flyer from the Haverhill Chamber of Commerce and Chairman Atwood’s email to the correspondence. Motion carried. (unanimous approval)

Chairman Atwood gave members information that he received from the Haverhill Chamber of Commerce inviting members to hear David Driscoll speak on February 16^th at the Merrimac Library.

It was moved by Mr. Levine and seconded by Mrs. Grazio to accept and file the correspondence.

It was moved by Mr. Levine and seconded by Mr. Buell to approve the minutes of January 3, 2006. Motion carried. (for: Piccolomini, Blades, Atwood, Baker, Littlefield, Buell, Levine, Moran, Corradino)(abstained: Grazio)(for: 9.0)(abstained: 1.1)

It was moved Mr. Buell and seconded by Mr. Levine to approve the first reading to accept the school security policy. There was a friendly amendment to have the first reading include the first five paragraphs. There was a second amendment to have all doors locked or monitored by a school employee or an agent at all times. Motion failed. (for: Buell)(opposed: Piccolomini, Blades, Grazio, Moran, Corradino, Levine, Atwood, Littlefield, Baker)(for: 1.1)(opposed: 9.0)

There was a third amendment to edit the following statement: If the name is not on the emergency card or no picture I.D. is shown the child will not be released unless approved by parent either orally or in writing. The amendment was to remove the word orally. Mr. Buell did not accept the amendment.

It was moved by Dr. Littlefield and seconded by Mrs. Moran to receive a policy statement that the Committee may adopt that will not include procedures. There was an amendment to have the definitions included. Motion carried. (for: Piccolomini, Blades, Grazio, Moran, Corradino, Levine, Atwood, Littlefield, Baker)(abstained: Buell)(for: 9.0)(abstained: 1.1)

It was moved by Dr. Littlefield and seconded by Mr. Buell to support Chief Dennis in providing school security officers if funding becomes available. There was a friendly amendment to get information regarding school security officer’s grant and what it would entail. Motion carried. (unanimous approval)

Mrs. Grazio said that the District has received six applications and the deadline for applications is January 26^th. Ms. Blais resigned from the Committee. Mrs. Grazio said that the subcommittee would be meeting to review the applications and set up the interviews.

Dr. Compton informed the Committee that he has hired a full time accountant for the business office. Kathleen McWilliams will start on January 30^th with a salary of $60,000. She has a bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Massachusetts .

Dr. Compton informed the Committee that the District has been in compliance with net school spending both in FY05 and FY06.

It was moved by Mr. Levine and seconded by Mrs. Moran to approve the warrant report of December 20, 2006. Motion carried. (unanimous approval)

It was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mrs. Piccolomini to approve the warrant report of January 3, 2006. Motion carried. (unanimous approval)

Dr. Compton informed the Committee that the FY06 budget number needs to be voted again since the District received additional money from the towns. He will have that information for the next meeting.

Chairman Atwood has received no further updates from Melanson and Heath on the operations audit.

Dr. Compton gave members a FY07 budget analysis with recommendations on what a level services budget would cost. It will cost $32,035,974. This is a 16% increase over last year. The level services option also means a 31.71% increase in assessments to the towns. This includes contractual agreements, increases in fixed costs in utilities and health insurance. This analysis does not restore staffing cuts, eliminate user fees or offer full day kindergarten. Food service operations and the tech plan budget are not included. The Committee will review this analysis along with the proposed FY07 budget that they received in November of 39.9 million dollars. The 39.9 million represents restoring the staffing cuts and other reductions that have been made over the last three years. It also eliminated fees to parents, full day kindergarten, revolving accounts and grants.

Mrs. Grazio commented that the level services budget is not enough and in her opinion the Committee should endorse a budget that will bring Pentucket back to a level of excellence. She said that voters should be given the opportunity to fully fund the schools. Ms. Blades said that current staffing levels throughout the District are unacceptable. The Committee scheduled a meeting on January 21^st to go over these proposals with the administrators. Members requested a choice analysis and details on the utility costs.

It was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mr. Baker to have PRSD put a warrant on Groveland to go through the SBA to get a feasibility study for the Bagnall School . There was an amendment to ask all three towns to do a feasibility study. Motion withdrawn.

Dr. McGinn gave the Committee an update on the search for a new Special Education Director.

The subcommittee will consist of three special education parents, three staff members, one School Committee person and the Assistant Superintendent. Dr. McGinn asked for a recommendation on the salary scale.

It was moved by Dr. Littlefield and seconded by Mrs. Piccolomini to set the top salary at $95,000. There was a friendly amendment to have the range be $80,000 to $95,000. Motion carried. (unanimous approval)

It was moved by Mrs. Grazio and seconded by Ms. Blades to direct the administration to review the Director of Pupil Services job description and to have the School Committee make recommendations. Motion carried. (unanimous approval)

The Budget Open Hearing Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 7^th. There will be a business meeting on Tuesday, February 28^th.

It was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mr. Levine to enter into executive session for the purposes of contract negotiations and potential litigation. Motion carried by roll call vote. (for: Piccolomini, Blades, Dube Carpenter, Moran, Corradino, Levine, Buell, Atwood, Littlefield, Baker)(opposed: Grazio)(for: 10.1)(opposed: 1.1)

It was moved by Mrs. Grazio and seconded by Mr. Baker to adjourn the meeting at 10:03 p.m. Motion carried. (unanimous approval)

Members Present: Chairman Atwood, Dr. C.P. Littlefield, Mrs. Moran, Ms. Blades, Mr. Baker, Mrs. Corradino, Mrs. Dube Carpenter, Mrs. Grazio, Mr. Buell, and Mrs. Piccolomini

Also Present: Dr. Compton, Dr. McGinn, Principals, Ms. O’Brien, Spectators and Press

Roll Call: Roll call was taken. Mrs. Conner and Mr. Levine were absent. The majority vote was 5.1.

It was moved by Mrs. Piccolomini and seconded by Ms. Blades to accept the agenda. Motion carried. (unanimous approval)

Members received a proposed FY07 budget in November. The cost of that budget was $39,788,403. They received a FY07 budget analysis on January 17^th. The cost of that analysis was $32,035,974. Members requested this meeting with principals to discuss the budget for FY07.

It was moved by Mrs. Dube Carpenter and seconded by Mrs. Piccolomini to have the Technology Plan be a separate warrant. There was an amendment to have a warrant for the three towns and to have the district wide cost be place on a separate warrant for the elementary schools. Motion failed. (for: Piccolomini, Dube Carpenter, Moran, Buell)(opposed: Blades, Grazio, Corradino, Littlefield, Baker)(abstained: Atwood)(for: 4.4)(opposed: 4.9)(abstained: .8)

Dr. McGinn reported that the cost for this long term plan would be $375,000. It is a three year plan. The plan is in the proposed budget of $39,788,403. It is not in the budget analysis representing $32,035,974.

Mr. Atwood suggested the plan be on a separate warrant. Mr. Buell was concerned about having the staffing to implement the plan. Dr. Littlefield would like to see the plan in the budget. His comment was that it is an exceptional piece of work.

It was moved by Dr. Littlefield and seconded by Mr. Buell to include the Technology Plan in the operating budget. Motion withdrawn.

It was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mrs. Grazio to start the budget deliberations using the figure of $39,788,403 put forth by administration on November 27, 2005. Motion carried. (for: Blades, Grazio, Corradino, Buell, Littlefield)(opposed: Piccolomini, Dube Carpenter, Moran, Atwood, Baker)((for: 5.2)(opposed: 4.9)

Mrs. Grazio reminded members that the base budget is the budget that was voted last year ($27,500,652). The supplemental is the amount over appropriation from last year which causes the budget and the assessments to increase.

It was moved by Mrs. Piccolomini and seconded by Ms. Blades to appropriate money in the budget for full time kindergarten scholarships. Motion failed. (for: Blades, Grazio)(opposed: Piccolomini, Dube Carpenter, Moran, Corradino, Buell, Atwood, Littlefield, Baker)(for: 2.2)(opposed: 7.9)

It was moved by Mrs. Moran and seconded by Mrs. Dube Carpenter to keep the kindergarten program the way it is – part time free, fee based option for full day. Motion carried. (unanimous approval)

Taking the full day kindergarten program out of the schools reduced the proposed budget by $1,200,000. Modular classrooms will still be needed at the Bagnall and the Donaghue School . It was noted that the Bagnall School did not have any funds available for scholarships.

It was moved by Mrs. Dube Carpenter and seconded by Mrs. Piccolomini to remove all revolving accounts and grants from the proposed budget. That reduced the proposed budget $2,940,000. Motion carried. (for: Piccolomini, Dube Carpenter, Moran, Corradino, Buell, Atwood, Littlefield, Baker)(opposed: Grazio, Blades)(for: 7.9)(opposed: 2.2)

Mrs. Champion said that if the Committee is looking at equitable class sizes across the district that the Bagnall will need three modular classrooms. Many members would like to see the class sizes equitable district wide. Mrs. Corradino suggested that the district start with the Department of Educations recommendations.

It was moved by Mrs. Moran and seconded by Mrs. Piccolomini to bring forward to the School Committee the Department of Educations recommendations. Motion carried. (for: Piccolomini, Blades, Dube Carpenter, Moran, Corradino, Buell, Atwood, Baker)(opposed: Grazio, Littlefield)

It was moved by Mrs. Dube Carpenter and seconded by Mrs. Moran to have the relocation of preschool from the Bagnall be part of the strategic plan as opposed to fiscal year 2007. Motion carried. (Piccolomini, Dube Carpenter, Moran, Corradino, Atwood, Littlefield, Baker)(opposed: Blades, Grazio)(abstained: Buell)(for: 6.8)(opposed: 2.2)(abstained: 1.1)

Removing the modular classrooms from the proposed budget offered a deduction of $1,250,000.

It was moved by Ms. Blades and seconded by Mr. Buell to look at specific dollars in the proposed budget that can be pushed off to the towns for capital improvements. Motion withdrawn.

Mr. Bakers offered an amendment to do a Groveland warrant for $114,000 to do renovations to the heating system and to renovate the gym floor. The amendment was not accepted.

It was moved by Mr. Baker and seconded by Mrs. Dube Carpenter to have the middle school, high school, and district wide capital improvements stay in the FY07 budget and to have all the elementary capital improvements go to the towns. Motion carried. (unanimous approval)

Removing the elementary capital improvements from the proposed budget reduced the number an additional $296,000.

It was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mr. Baker to remove the camera security system from the high school capital improvement plan. Motion carried. (for: Piccolomini, Blades, Grazio, Dube Carpenter, Moran, Corradino, Buell, Atwood, Baker)(opposed: Littlefield)(for:9.3)(opposed: .8)

Removing the security cameras from the high school reduced the propose budget $49,995.

Members had a brief discussion on user fees. Mr. Baker commented that he was in favor of the fees. Ms. Blades said that some people cannot afford them and she does not want to be a community of the “haves and the have nots”. Mr. Difelice said that the enrollment has dropped this winter in athletics.

It was moved by Mr. Buell to have any student who does not live in the district pay a per pupil fee to participate in activities. There was no second to the motion.

Mr. Buell asked Mr. DiFelice to do a report on the cost, contract and how many students participate in activities that do not live in the district.

It was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Ms. Blades to eliminate user fees (athletic, academic, and transportation). Motion carried. (for: Piccolomini, Blades, Grazio, Corradino, Buell, Littlefield)(opposed: Moran, Atwood, Baker)(abstained: Dube Carpenter)(for: 6.3)(opposed: 2.7)(abstained: 1.1)

It was moved by Dr. Littlefield and seconded by Mr. Buell to have an analysis done on whether or not it was cost effective to have choice students in the district. This analysis should include information on class size, MCAS performance and whether or not it affects AYP. Motion carried. (unanimous approval)

It was moved by Dr. Littlefield and seconded by Mr. Baker to have a report done on how many students we pay for in vocational schools, what are the community assessments, how many apply, and do we have any vacant spots. There was a friendly amendment to include the criteria for admission. Motion carried. (unanimous approval)

The Committee agreed to continue this budget discussion on Tuesday, January 24, 2006.

It was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mrs. Grazio to adjourn the meeting at 12:00 p.m. Motion carried. (unanimous approval)

January 24, 2006

PENTUCKET REGIONAL SCHOOL COMMITTEE

High School

January 24, 2006

Members Present: Chairman Atwood, Dr. C.P. Littlefield, Mrs. Moran, Ms. Blades, Mr. Baker, Mr. Levine, Mrs. Corradino, Mrs. Conner, Mrs. Dube Carpenter, Mrs. Grazio, Mr. Buell, and Mrs. Piccolomini

Also Present: Dr. Compton, Dr. McGinn, Principals, Ms. O’Brien, Spectators and Press

Call to Order: Chairman Atwood called the meeting to order at 7:38 p.m.

Roll Call: Roll call was taken. The majority vote was 5.7. Mr. Baker arrived at 7:45 p.m. The majority vote changed to 6.1.

Pledge of Allegiance: Mr. Buell led the Committee in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Agenda

Motion/Vote

It was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mrs. Piccolomini to accept the agenda as amended. The amendments were to add the letter from the students and the email from Mr. Buell and Mr. Henrick to correspondence. There was an amendment to introduce Ms. McWilliams the district’s accountant. The full day kindergarten grant was added to the agenda as well as the request to have the FY06 budget revoted. Motion carried. (unanimous approval)

Mr. Buell wanted his email response to Mr. Henrick put in the record. It read:

Dear Mr. Hendrick:

Thank you for your communication. I will be sure to contact Ms. Bennett immediately, to tell her how highly I and my constituents think of Dr. Littlefield. Pentucket would be lucky to have as good a superintendent as Dr. Littlefield, and I will be sure to tell Ms. Bennett that in my six years on the Pentucket School Committee, Dr. Littlefield has displayed the utmost character and leadership. I would certainly hope that Dr. Littlefield would pursue whatever career or position that was best for him and his family. I am sure you would do the same. I for one would walk away from my current job if a new and better opportunity or challenge presented itself.

In closing, I find your email to be completely inappropriate, and repugnant. Its content has no substantive value to the Pentucket School Committee, and is transparently a personal attack on my colleague. If you choose to communicate your sentiments to me again, please do so only if they are pertinent to official business of the School Committee. Otherwise, please leave me out of your petty attacks on Dr. Littlefield, and find something else to do with your time.

/s/ Guillaume Buell

Mrs. Grazio suggested that it may be helpful to spectators to have Chairman Atwood give a brief synopsis of each item in correspondence section of the packet.

Correspondence

Motion/Vote

It was moved by Mr. Levine and seconded by Mr. Buell to accept and file the correspondence as amended. Motion carried. (unanimous approval)

Mr. Buell removed the Ed Nets document from the correspondence for discussion. He wanted to schedule a discussion/decision on Ed Nets. He also would like it sent to Attorney Finnegan for his legal opinion.

Motion/Vote

It was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mrs. Dube Carpenter to forward Ed Nets proposal to Attorney Finnegan for his legal opinion. Motion carried. (for: Piccolomini, Dube Carpenter, Moran, Corradino, Buell, Littlefield)(opposed: Blades, Grazio, Levine, Conner, Atwood)(for: 6.3) (opposed: 4.9)

Mr. Baker arrived at 7:45 p.m.

Motion/Vote

It was moved by Dr. Littlefield and seconded by Mrs. Piccolomini to reconsider the previous motion. Motion carried. (unanimous approval)

Motion/Vote

It was moved by Mrs. Piccolomini and seconded by Mrs. Moran to reconsider the agenda. Motion carried. (unanimous approval)

Mr. Baker added a discussion on the School Committee meetings notices and the way in which they are sent to the towns.

Delegation – Glenn Koocher and Tom Scott MASC/MASS Initiative

Mr. Koocher and Mr. Scott reviewed the program with members. They discussed:

Why the program is in existence.
What districts participate.
Why Pentucket was invited to participate.
What Pentucket should anticipate getting from the program.
Examples of high leverage issues during leadership transitions.
How Pentucket can assist other districts.
Overview of the Program.
Operating principles for success.
The roles of the consultants.

Mr. Koocher summarized by informing members that it would be approximately 6 meetings totally 11 hours of commitment. Members seemed very pleased with the presentation and the program.

Chairman Atwood introduced Ms. McWilliams the district’s accountant. She will begin in this new position on January 30, 2006.

Warrant Report

Motion/Vote

It was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mr. Baker to approve the warrant reported dated January 17, 2006. Motion carried. (unanimous approval)

Minutes

Motion/Vote

It was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mrs. Moran to approve the minutes of January 17, 2006 as amended. The first amendment was on page two regarding the motion in support of Chief Dennis providing school security officers if funding becomes available. The motion was clarified to say that this is for informational purposes only. The next paragraph was edited to say that Ms. Blais reluctantly was unable to committee to the CFO’s subcommittee. On page 4 the first motion was edited to have the administration make the first recommendation on the Director of Pupil Services job description. Motion carried. (for: Piccolomini, Blades, Grazio, Dube Carpenter, Moran, Corradino, Levine, Buell, Atwood, Littlefield, Baker)(abstained: Conner)(for: 11.2)(abstained: .8)

Interim Superintendent’s Extended Contract

Motion/Vote

It was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mrs. Moran to approve the Interim Superintendent’s Extended Contract. Motion carried. (unanimous approval)

Revised FY06 School Budget

Motion/Vote

It was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mr. Levine to approve the FY06 revised school budget. Motion withdrawn. The percentages will be reviewed by the central office.

Dr. McGinn gave members a copy of the Request for Proposals Transition to Full Day Kindergarten Grant. Dr. McGinn will provide more information next week regarding the sliding scale fee. There was no action taken on the grant.

Motion/Vote

It was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mrs. Piccolomini to direct the administration to give the School Committee a memo with recommendations on the Full Day Kindergarten Grant. Motion carried. (unanimous approval)

Mrs. Towns gave members the proposal she received from Instant Signal and Alarm Co., Inc., for the camera, intercom system. The installation and sale of the units are $1000 for each door. The district is looking to have nine systems purchased and installed.

Motion/Vote

It was moved by Mrs. Dube Carpenter and seconded by Mrs. Moran to add $9,000 to the budget for the camera intercom systems for all schools. Motion carried. (for: Piccolomini, Blades, Grazio, Dube Carpenter, Moran, Corradino, Levine, Buell, Atwood, Littlefield, Conner)(abstained: Baker)(for: 11.2)(abstained: .8)

Chairman Atwood informed the Committee that the rates from MIAA would be available February 9, 2006. Mr. Greenberg estimated the increase in premiums to be approximately 20%. If the district uses the 11.2% increase (after Mrs. Moran’s discussion with MIAA), the district would save $294,000.

Motion/Vote

It was moved by Ms. Blades and seconded by Mrs. Grazio to begin building the supplemental budget. Motion failed. (for: Blades, Grazio, Levine)(opposed: Piccolomini, Dube Carpenter, Moran, Corradino, Conner, Atwood, Littlefield, Baker)(abstained: Buell)(for: 3.3)(opposed: 7.6)(abstained: 1.1)

Motion/Vote

It was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mrs. Conner to establish class size guidelines for the FY07 budget as follows: Integrated preschool 10 – 1, half day kindergarten 18 – 1, 20 – 2 with an aide, full day kindergarten 20 – 2 with an aide, grades 1 – 3, 20 – 1, grades 4 – 8, 22 – 1, grades 9 – 12, 25 – 1, writing lab 15 – 1. There was a friendly amendment to have integrated meeting preschool 15 – 1 or 20 – 2. Motion withdrawn.

Dr. McGinn called the Department of Education to inquire on the recommendations of class size. They are only available at the kindergarten level and the recommendation for kindergarten is 25 – 1.

Some members felt that smaller class sizes are not the answer and that it is more important to have updated text material. Some members felt that the class sizes should be consistent district wide at the elementary levels. Mrs. Towns mentioned that increase class sizes are due to increase enrollment at the high school as well as the cuts that have been made over the last three years.

Motion/Vote

It was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Dr. Littlefield to direct the administrators to work together to propose staffing levels (teachers, aides) that will require no modular classrooms in fiscal year FY07 and that will maintain building and grade appropriate class sizes district wide. Motion carried. (for: Piccolomini, Grazio, Dube Carpenter, Moran, Corradino, Levine, Buell, Conner, Littlefield)(opposed: Blades, Atwood, Baker)(for: 9.3)(opposed: 2.7)

Motion/Vote

It was moved by Mr. Baker and seconded by Mrs. Moran to continue the budget discussion going over the proposed FY07 budget line by line. (starting with page one, line one)(Motion carried. (for: Piccolomini, Blades, Grazio, Dube Carpenter, Moran, Levine, Conner, Atwood, Baker)(opposed: Corradino, Buell, Littlefield)(for: 9.0(opposed: 3.0)

Motion/Vote

It was moved by Mrs. Dube Carpenter and seconded by Mrs. Moran to continue the meeting after 10:00 p.m. Motion carried. (for: Piccolomini, Dube Carpenter, Moran, Corradino, Levine, Buell, Conner, Atwood, Littlefield, Baker)(opposed: Blades, Grazio)(for: 9.8)(opposed: 2.2)

Motion/Vote

It was moved by Dr. Littlefield and seconded by Mr. Baker that for informational purposes only from this day forward that any and all reports filed with NEASC be shared with the School Committee. Motion carried. (unanimous approval)

This motion was made due to the concerns of some members that budget cuts may affect the high school accreditation.

Some members agreed that it was their decision what the budget increase should be. It was said again that if the Committee pursued a budget of 32 million, that would result in a 16% increase from last years budget of 27 million and that it would be an increase of 32% to the towns.

Motion/Vote

It was moved by Mr. Baker and seconded by Mrs. Moran to increase the base budget 10%. Motion withdrawn.

Adjournment

Motion/Vote

It was moved by Mrs. Moran and seconded by Mr. Buell to adjourn the meeting at 10:25 p.m. Motion carried. (unanimous approval)

Respectfully submitted,

Marianne Naffah

Recording Secretary

January 31, 2006

PENTUCKET REGIONAL SCHOOL COMMITTEE

High School

January 31, 2006

Members Present: Chairman Atwood, Dr. C.P. Littlefield, Mrs. Moran, Ms. Blades, Mr. Baker, Mr. Levine, Mrs. Corradino, Mrs. Conner, Mrs. Dube Carpenter, Mr. Buell, and Mrs. Piccolomini

Also Present: Dr. McGinn, Principals, Ms. O’Brien, Spectators and Press

Call to Order: Chairman Atwood called the meeting to order at 7:38 p.m.

Roll Call: Roll call was taken. The majority vote was 5.7. Mrs. Grazio was absent.

Pledge of Allegiance: Mr. Buell led the Committee in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Agenda

Motion/Vote

It was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mrs. Piccolomini to accept the agenda as amended. The following items were added: Grants, House 1 Budget, and update on the Audit. Motion carried. (unanimous approval)

Correspondence

Motion/Vote

It was moved by Mr. Levine and seconded by Mr. Buell to accept and file the correspondence. Motion carried. (unanimous approval)

Mrs. Moran asked to have MGT of America put on a future agenda for discussion and Ms. Blades asked to have Mr. Baker’s email discuss with the FY07 budget.

Mrs. Moran informed the Committee that there is a meeting Saturday, February 4^th at 10:00 a.m. in the middle school auditorium on the recommended changes from the Regional Agreement Task Force.

Minutes

Motion/Vote

It was moved by Mr. Levine and seconded by Mrs. Moran to approve the minutes of January 21, 2006. Motion carried. (unanimous approval)

Full Day Kindergarten Grant

Motion/Vote

It was moved by Ms. Blades and seconded by Mrs. Dube Carpenter to approve the Full Day Kindergarten Grant for submission. Motion carried. (unanimous approval)

Dr. McGinn asked members to approve the district’s application for $90,000 for FY06. The district is allowed to apply for up to $15,000 per full day classroom. The grant proposes that the majority of funds be used to buy supplies and materials for our 6 existing full day classrooms. There are no positions funded in this proposal.

Contract Gene Case

Motion/Vote

It was moved by Mr. Levine and seconded by Mrs. Moran to approve Eugene E. Case, Business Operations Consultant’s Contract. Motion carried. (unanimous approval)

T. Blais/Merrimac PTO Donation

Motion/Vote

It was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mrs. Moran to accept Ms. Blais request to accept gifts from the Merrimac PTO. Motion carried. (unanimous approval)

FY06 Budget

It was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mr. Levine to approve the additional FY06 operating assessments (language correction) to the towns for the FY06 budget. Motion carried. (unanimous approval)

Mr. Johnson, Department of Revenue, sent a letter to the Groveland Board of Selectman informing them that the language on two warrant articles was incorrect because it did not state from which available fund source to transfer from. The mistake should not have cash flow implications for the district. The vote will have to be retaken at the April town meeting in Groveland. The district should receive the money in June. Mr. Johnson invited School Committee members, town officials and the administration in to a meeting to discuss the district’s financial problems.

Ms. O’Brien informed the Committee that she received notice from the Department of Education regarding a change in our expected circuit breaker reimbursement for 2006. This change was due to noncompliance with areas of pupil and financial records discovered during our recent audit in December 2005.

In the spring of 2005, this district received an extraordinary relief payment of $295,247. The audited amount of extraordinary reimbursement is $65,402, a difference of $229,845. In July, the amount billed was $520,949 and following the audit in December this amount was reduced to $341,570, a difference of 179,379. The total reduction in anticipated revenue this year is $390,711. The district has also been overpaid $18,512 for a grand total deficit of $409,223.

FY07 Budget

Motion/Vote

It was moved by Mrs. Moran and seconded by Mr. Buell to support a level services program FY06 to FY07 and to include a clerk and an accountant in the business office and a full time assistant principal at the high school. Motion withdrawn.

Discussion followed:

Mrs. Moran said that she did not want to negate previous votes and that her motion did not include the 43 staff members unless they were needed to provide level services. Mr. Baker said that if the 43 staff members were cut the district would save over a million dollars.
Some members were in favor of a level services program and some were not. Ms. Blades said that a level services budget is unacceptable if it means the high school is in danger of losing its accreditation. She said next year’s budget must address unsafe classroom sizes in science labs, lack of school security and late buses. She said the district needs to ask the towns for what the schools need.
Dr. Littlefield suggested a compromise on the fees charging half the current amount. This would create 175k in revenue.
Each administrator reviewed their budgets line by line. Their decisions were guided by the goal of providing students with the same level of services being provided this year. The administrators defined level service to mean staffing required to provide students with the same services currently offered. Mrs. Townes was not in attendance.

Motion/Vote

It was moved by Mr. Levine and seconded by Mr. Baker to continue the meeting after 10:00. Motion carried. (unanimous approval)

The original proposed FY07 budget was 39.8 million dollars. That figure has been reduced to 34.9 million. Dr. Compton presented the Committee with a budget analysis at the last meeting in the amount of 32 million.

Most members agreed to meet on February 7^th to hear from Mrs. Townes before making any final decision on the FY07 budget. The open hearing is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

Motion/Vote

It was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mr. Baker to continue the meeting after 10:30 p.m. Ms. Blades left the meeting. Meeting was dissolved due to a lack of quorum.

Respectfully submitted,

Marianne Naffah

Recording Secretary

February 7, 2006

PENTUCKET REGIONAL SCHOOL COMMITTEE

High School

February 7, 2006

Members Present: Chairman Atwood, Mrs. Moran, Mrs. Grazio, Mr. Baker, Mr. Levine, Mrs. Corradino, Mrs. Conner, Mrs. Dube Carpenter, Mr. Buell, and Mrs. Piccolomini

Also Present: Dr. McGinn, Mr. Case, Principals, Ms. O’Brien, Spectators and Press

Call to Order: Chairman Atwood called the meeting to order at 6:38 p.m.

Roll Call: Roll call was taken. The majority vote was 4.6. Ms. Blades and Dr. Littlefield were absent. Mr. Levine arrived at 6:50 p.m. The majority vote changed to 5.1.

Pledge of Allegiance: Mr. Buell led the Committee in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Agenda

Motion/Vote

It was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mrs. Moran to accept the agenda as amended. The following items were added: Introduce Gene Case, and Elementary Lease Subcommittee. The executive session was amended to add pending litigation. Motion carried. (unanimous approval)

Correspondence

Motion/Vote

It was moved by Mr. Levine and seconded by Mr. Buell to accept and file the correspondence. Motion carried. (unanimous approval)

Minutes

Motion/Vote

It was moved Mr. Buell and seconded by Mr. Baker to approve the minutes of January 24, 2006. Motion carried. (unanimous approval)

Donation Fine and Performing Arts Foundation

Motion/Vote

It was moved by Mrs. Moran and seconded by Mrs. Piccolomini to accept the donation from the Fine and Performing Arts Foundation. Motion carried. (unanimous approval)

Elementary Lease Subcommittee

Mrs. Grazio informed Chairman Atwood that she would be unable to continue to be on the Elementary Lease Subcommittee due to other commitments and time constraints. Mr. Buell offered to take her place.

Motion/Vote

It was moved by Mrs. Corradino and seconded by Mrs. Piccolomini to appoint Mr. Baker to Chairman of the Elementary Lease Subcommittee. Motion carried. (unanimous approval)

FY07 Budget

The Committee asked Mrs. Townes to go through her budget line by line highlighting her recommendations for a level service budget. The total reductions in category 1 were ($304,125), category 2 ($96,504), category 3 ($81, 200) for a total of ($481,829).

Mrs. Townes said that 10.4 teachers have been cut over the last three years. This has resulted in larger class sizes and fewer class selections. Mrs. Townes continues to reduce psychology classes, journalism, creative writing, consumer science and an additional tech ed class. The high school had been cited by the state for not offering enough Learn to Work and off campus learning opportunities. Mrs. Townes did advocate for additional custodial positions and a second full time assistant principal.

Budget Open Hearing Public Forum

Mrs. Grazio would like to put back everything that is needed to restore the programming, staffing, supplies, etc. to what it was three years ago with no fees, and let the voters decide what they will pay for.

Discussion followed:

Mrs. Dube Carpenter mentioned that a 39.8 million dollar budget would result in a 60% increase for the average taxpayer.
Mr. Buell said that there is a lack of leadership from Representative Stanley, Senators Badour and Tarr, and Governor Romney and he urged everyone to contact their state representatives and demand more money for the schools.
Mrs. Scott, Foreign Language Teacher at the high school, said that her textbooks are over 10 years old and she is spending 10% of her net salary on school supplies.
Again some people were in favor of fees, perhaps lowering them and some were not.
Mrs. Collins and Mrs. Brophy are concerned that the district is not adequately providing hands on curriculum for the students that need it. They said that this is adding to the issues of depression, suicide, and self mutilation.
There was a court ruling on February 2, 2006 that mandated the district to adopt a two-thirds town budget approval requirement. This is in effect immediately. This ruling came from the Essex County Superior Court in favor of the Pentucket Association of Teachers. The teachers sued the district for not applying state law in its budget process. Members requested that Attorney Finnegan be invited to the February 21^st meeting to discuss this issue.
Mr. Stasiuk suggested that members review the immediate needs of the district this year.

Chairman Atwood said the budget discussion will continue on February 28^th and a vote will be taken. The budget can not be voted until 10 days after the public hearing and there needs to be a two-thirds vote of the full Committee, regardless of how many are present and voting.

Executive Session, Chapter 39, Section 23 B.3

Motion/Vote

It was moved by Mr. Baker and seconded by Mr. Buell to enter into executive session for the purposes of contract negotiations and pending litigation. Motion carried by roll call vote. (for: Grazio, Dube Carpenter, Moran, Corradino, Levine, Atwood, Baker)(opposed: Conner, Buell, Piccolomini)(for: 7.1)(opposed: 3.0)

Adjournment

Motion/Vote

It was moved by Mrs. Moran and seconded by Mr. Levine to adjourn the meeting at 10:00 p.m.

Motion carried. (unanimous approval)

Pentucket Regional School District School Committee Minutes 2006
January 3, 2006
January 17, 2006	January 21, 2006	January 24, 2006
January 31, 2006	February 7, 2006	February 21, 2006
February 27, 2006	February 28, 2006	March 7, 2006
March 14, 2006	March 21, 2006	March 28, 2006

May 2, 2006	May 4, 2006	June 6, 2006
June 14, 2006	July 6 2006	July 18, 2006
August 1, 2006	August 15, 2006	September 19, 2006
October 3, 2006	October 17, 2006	October 24, 2006
November 21, 2006	December 5, 2006	December 13, 2006
December 19, 2006