NAHANT SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES
APRIL 27, 2004

CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order by Mrs. Reeh at 7:20 p.m. for the purpose of entering into executive session to discuss strategies for collective bargaining with the intention to return to open session. All members were present. Motion by Mr. Rauworth, second by Ms. Gilman to enter into executive session. Roll Call: all in favor.

Due to technical difficulties the committee decided to hold the executive session prior to the open session.

Mrs. Reeh called the open session to order at 7:40 p.m.

REORGANIZATION OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
A. ELECTION OF OFFICERS: Mrs. Reeh congratulated Mr. Wilson on his re-election and offered tribute and thanks to Mrs. Dunn for her service on the School Committee for the past six years. She noted Joann’s work on the policy sub-committee and the negotiations committee for the renewal of the Swampscott agreement. Mrs. Reeh then turned the meeting over to the Superintendent in accordance with School Committee policy regarding the re-organization meeting. The Superintendent called for nominations for Chair.

There were 3 nominations: Ms. Gilman, Mr. Walton & Mr. Coffey. In the tally there were 3 votes for Ms. Gilman, 2 votes for Mr. Walton and 1 vote for Mr. Coffey. Ms. Gilman was elected Chair and presided over the balance of the election. She called for nominations for Vice Chair. Mr. Wilson and Mr. Coffey were nominated. There were 2 votes for Mr. Wilson and 4 votes for Mr. Coffey. Mr. Coffey was elected Vice Chair. She then entertained nominations for Recording Secretary. There was 1 nomination-Mr. Walton. Mr. Walton was elected unanimously. With the conclusion of the election of officers the meeting continued with approval of minutes.

READING & APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. APRIL 13, 2004 (REGULAR MEETING): The minutes of the April 13, 2004 regular meeting were approved. Motion to approve by Mrs. Reeh, second by Mr. Rauworth. VOTE: All in favor

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF VISITORS

CORRESPONDENCE & COMMUNITY INPUT: Peter Barba spoke in support of the 6th grade trip to Canobie Lake Park.

EXAMINATION & AUTHORIZATION FOR PAYMENT OF BILLS

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
A. REVIEW MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING: The superintendent explained that the memorandum of understanding represented an inter-agency agreement between the district attorney’s office and local police and social service agencies regarding policies and procedures related to school and student issues. She noted that she reviewed the memorandum with Drs. Littlefield and Testaverde and referenced School Committee policies and the Johnson School Behavior Code. The Committee expressed its support however it was suggested that Jim Hardy from the MASC review the document prior to Committee approval.
B. REVIEW 2004 TOWN MEETING: The Superintendent expressed her appreciation for the Town’s support of our FY ‘05 budget and for the new telephone system. She also noted that she has received two responses from our request for volunteers and financial support for the library. The first financial donation is from a Verizon employee and will be matched dollar for dollar by Verizon.
C. UPDATE ON FY ’05 STATE BUDGET: The Superintendent noted that the House of Representatives recently released their version of the FY ’05 state budget. The Chapter 70 local aid appropriation for Nahant is consistent with the governor’s budget proposal.

OLD BUSINESS: Mr. Walton noted that he had received word that there is a leak in the cafeteria roof. The Superintendent noted she would investigate the matter noting that the contractor is due a retainer for the job and it will be withheld until the leak is fixed.

NEW BUSINESS
A. APPROVE 2004-2005 SCHOOL YEAR CALENDAR: The Superintendent distributed the proposed calendar for the2004-2005 school year. It notes that school will begin prior to Labor Day with the anticipated last day of school as June 22 which includes 5 extra school days as required by the DOE. Committee members questioned why school was beginning prior to Labor Day. Labor day falls later than usual for the 2004-2004 school year.
B. REQUEST FOR OUT OF STATE TRIP: Discussion about the Canobie Lake trip for 6th grade. Members questioned the reason for bringing this request to Committee. The Superintendent noted new policy regarding requesting permission for all out of state trips. Following discussion about required instructional hours, the Committee approved the trip.
C. REQUEST NOT TO MAINTAIN K-12 SCHOOL SYSTEM: The Superintendent explained that the DOE requires school systems that do not operate a k-12 program request approval by the DOE each year.

OTHER COMMITTEE BUSINESS

ANNOUNCEMENTS

ADJOURNMENT: Motion to adjourn by Mrs. Reeh, second by Mr. Rauworth. Vote: All in favor

The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

John Walton, Recording Secretary