NAHANT SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES
FEBRUARY 24, 2004

CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order by Chair Mrs. Reeh at 7:30 p.m. in the Nahant Town Hall.

All members were present except Mr. Wilson.

READING & APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. JANUARY 13, 2004 (REGULAR MEETING): Motion to approve as amended by Mrs. Dunn, second by Mr. Rauworth. Vote: All members in favor
B. January 13, 2004 (EXECUTIVE SESSION): Motion to approve b y Mrs. Dunn, second by Ms. Gilman. Vote: All members in favor
C. JANUARY 27, 2004 (EXECUTIVE SESSION): Motion to approve by Mrs. Dunn, second by Mr. Walton. VOTE: All in favor, Mrs. Dunn abstained.
D. FEBRUARY 10, 2004 (REGULAR SESSION): Motion to approve by Mrs. Dunn, second by Mr. Walton. Vote: All in favor
E. FEBRUARY 10, 2004 (EXECUTIVE SESSION): Motion to approve by Mrs. Dunn, second by Ms. Gilman. Vote: All in favor

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF VISITORS

CORRESPONDENCE & COMMUNITY INPUT

EXAMINATION & AUTHORIZATION FOR PAYMENT OF BILLS

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
A. SUBMISSION TO CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE: Dr. DiBella informed the Committee that she had spoken to Mr. Wallet after the last meeting and indicated that the School Department was preparing a submission for consideration by his Committee. The necessary paperwork was submitted on February 11th. Mr. Wallett informed the Superintendent that the Capital Committee has approved the proposal for the new telephone system.
B. REPORT ON FEBRUARY 11TH OPEN FORUM: Dr. DiBella described the forum as a very positive session with approximately 35 parents in attendance. Discussion included grade configuration based on enrollment and multigrade classroom versus traditional classroom. With a larger enrollment for the 2004-2005 school year, the administration is recommending 11 classroom sections with a Math/Science specialist to work across the School especially with the upper grades.

OLD BUSINESS
A. APPOINTMENT OF C.J. (NEAL) FOLEY TO NORTH SHORE REGIONAL VOCATIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT SCHOOL COMMITTEE: Motion to concur with the appointment of Mr. Foley by the Town Moderator by Mrs. Dunn, second by Mr. Walton. Vote: All in favor

NEW BUSINESS
A. APPROVE FY ’05 SCHOOL DEPARTMENT BUDGET: With the completion of the budget hearing earlier in the evening, Dr. DiBella summarized the proposed FY ’05 budget of $3,088,154.00. The budget is over the FY ’04 budget due to substantial increases in building maintenance. It is $25,809.00 over net school spending. Mr. Walton urged the Committee to reduce the budget to bring it in line with net school spending. Motion to accept FY ’05 budget as presented by the Superintendent by Mrs. Dunn, second by Mr. Coffey. Roll Call: Mr. Rauworth-yes, Ms. Gilman-yes, Mrs. Dunn-yes, Mr. Coffey-no, Mr. Walton-no, Mrs. Reeh-yes. Motion carried 4-2.

OTHER COMMITTEE BUSINESS
A. REPORT OF RENOVATION/BUILDING COMMITTEE: Mr. Rauworth reported that there are several changes regarding the work of the Renovation Committee. To allow the Finance Committee liaison to attend, meetings are now held on Wednesday evening. The Committee has directed the architect to develop other options to reduce the scope of the project.

ANNOUNCEMENTS
A. MARCH 3RD PTO WORKSHOP ON INTERNET SAFETY: The superintendent reminded the community of workshop regarding internet safety hosted by the PTO and presented by D.A. Jonathan Blodgett.
B. MARCH 1ST FY ’05 BUDGET PRESENTATION TO FINANCE COMMITTEE

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

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

Respectfully submitted,

Thomas Coffey, Recording Secretary