NAHANT SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES
FEBRUARY 10, 2004

CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 7:04 p.m. by Chair Mrs. Reeh in the Nahant Town Hall.

READING & APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. JANUARY 13, 2004 (REGULAR MEETING): These minutes were tabled to the next meeting pending further amendment.
B. JANUARY 27, 2004 (REGULAR MEETING): Motion to accept by Mr. Rauworth, second by Mr. Coffey. Vote: All in favor with Mrs. Dunn abstaining

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF VISITORS

CORRESPONDENCE & COMMUNITY INPUT
A. LETTER REGARDING AN INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC PROGRAM FOR THE JOHNSON SCHOOL: A letter from Mrs. Patricia McDevitt, a Johnson School parent, regarding reinstating an instrumental music program at the Johnson School.

EXAMINATION & AUTHORIZATION FOR PAYMENT OF BILLS

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
A. REPORT ON WORKSHOP ON INTERNET SAFETY PRESENTED BY ESSEX COUNTY DA BLODGETT: Dr. DiBella reported on a workshop she attended recently presented by Essex County District Attorney Jonathan Blodgett regarding internet safety. She stated the workshop was very informative and focused on the dangers unsupervised access to the internet poses to children. Dr. Littlefield and the PTO are sponsoring this workshop next month for Johnson School parents.
B. INFORMATION ON DOE NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND WORKSHOP: Dr. DiBella reviewed information from a recent DOE sponsored workshop. She noted that proposed changes in Title I eligibility guidelines may adversely affect our grant. Our current $18,145 grant covers the cost of an instructional aide and instructional supplies and materials. The Superintendent also reviewed the NCLB requirements for Highly Qualified Teachers.
C. INFORMATION ON FY ’05 CHAPTER 70 AID: The Superintendent reviewed Nahant’s Chapter 70 allocation in the Governor’s FY ’05 budget. Despite the dire predictions in the Fall, Nahant’s Chapter 70 Aid is level funded for next year.
D. FEBRUARY 11TH OPEN FORUM: The superintendent informed the Committee that the second open forum about options for the grade configuration on the Johnson School will be held on Wednesday, February 11th. Notices have been distributed to students and the meeting is posted on the web site.

OLD BUSINESS

NEW BUSINESS
A. APPOINTMENT OF C.J. (NEAL) FOLEY TO NORTH SHORE REGIONAL VOCATIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT SCHOOL COMMITTEE: This item was tabled to the next meeting.
B. CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS: Dr. DiBella once again addressed the need for a fully functioning communication/telephone system for the school. She stated that we have located a system on the State bid list that matches our needs. Mr. George Wallett from the Capital Outlay Committee has assured the Superintendent he would review any information submitted. In addition, she distributed a breakdown of the physical plant analysis performed by the Mt. Vernon Group which addresses various electrical issues throughout the building. According to this analysis the total funds required to bring the entire electrical system up to code would be $1,075,000.00.

OTHER COMMITTEE BUSINESS
A. REPORT OF RENOVATION/BUILDING COMMITTEE: Mr. Rauworth informed the Committee that the Renovation Committee will begin meeting on Wednesday instead of Monday.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

ADJOURNEMNT: Motion by Mrs. Dunn, second by Mr. Wilson to enter into executive session for the purpose of discussing strategies for collective bargaining, not to return to public session. Roll Call: all members in favor

The meeting was adjourned at 8:55 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Thomas Coffey
Recording Secretary