NAHANT SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES
8/26/03

CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 5:00 p.m. by Chair Mrs. Reeh in the Nahant Town Hall.

MEMBERS ABSENT: Mr. Wilson

Mr. Mike Gilbert from MA. Association of School Committees was scheduled to conduct a training session regarding school committee rights and responsibilities. Due to the delayed arrival of some members, he completed one section on Roles & Responsibilities and responded to questions from members, The training session will be completed at a later date.

READING AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES: The approval of the July 22, 2003 regular meeting minutes was tabled to the next meeting. Motion to table by Mr. Rauworth, seconded by Mrs. Dunn. Vote: All in favor

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF VISITORS

CORRESPONDENCE AND COMMUNITY INPUT: A letter of correspondence from Mr. Robert Munnelley read a letter regarding repairs to the heating system at Johnson School that he distributed after the 7/22/03 meeting. The Superintendent responded to several of the issues raised by Mr. Munnelley particularly the urgency for HVAC repairs at the School.

EXAMINATION AND AUTHORIZATION FOR PAYMENT OF BILLS

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
A. UPDATE ON PLANNING FOR THE 2003-2004 SCHOOL YEAR: Dr. Littlefield reported that we have been busy all summer. She praised the custodians for the tremendous job they have done to get the building on target for the new school year. She noted that the first day for students in grades 1-6 is 9/3 while kindergarten students and parents will attend an orientation on 9/4 with the first full day of class on 9/5.
B. UPDATE ON STAFFING: Dr. Littlefield stated we have hired a new part-time music teacher, a part-time speech therapist, and a full-time school secretary. Additionally, grades 4, 5, & 6 will meet with a Spanish teacher twice a week.
C. UPDATE ON FINAL FY ’04 STATE BUDGET: Dr. DiBella explained that the FY ’04 state budget and local aid allocations were finalized in late July. When the dust settled, Nahant found itself with a local aid cut of $123,000. Mr. Cullinan stated he is not overly alarmed because he believes free cash, added revenues, and savings on North Shore Voc tuition will offset this amount. Based on his recommendations we completed personnel staffing for the 2003-2004 school year.

OLD BUSINESS: There was discussion regarding posting meeting notices on the Town website and the Johnson School website. The practice of posting on the Johnson School website has already begun and we will contact the Town’s web master as soon as possible to post there as well. A calendar of School Committee meetings for 2003-2004 will be developed and posted, too.

NEW BUSINESS
A. APPROVE EXTENSION OF SUPERINTENDENT’S CONTRACT: Motion by Mrs. Dunn, second by Mr. Coffey to approve the extension of the superintendent’s contract as written, signatures to be withheld, pending approval from Town Counsel to verify correctness of language inserted. Vote: All in favor.
B. ACCEPT RESIGNATION OF INGRID KAINEN: After many years of service, Mrs. Kainen has resigned to accept a position in the Worcester Public Schools. Motion to accept resignation of Ingrid Kainen by Ms. Gilman, seconded by Mrs. Dunn. Vote: All in favor

OTHER COMMITTEE BUSINESS
A. REPORT OF LONG RANGE PLANNING COMMITTEE: Ms. Gilman that the Committee has been busy and should have some things ready to present by the end of September. However, They have lost their FinCom member and are looking for a replacement. The next meeting will be September 15th at 5:30 p.m.
B. REPORT ON SWAMPSCOTT CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS MEETING: Mrs. Dunn stated they recently had a very positive meeting on 8/13. Some items that were discussed included, the length of the agreement (5-10 years) and tuition rate. Swampscott proposed that Nahant pay 100% of the per pupil expenditure. Nahant will return to the next meeting with a counter proposal. The next meetings will be 9/8 & 9/29.
C. REPORT OF BUILDING/RENOVATION COMMITTEE: Mr. Rauworth reported at a recent meeting the Committee reviewed a spreadsheet prepared by the Mt. Vernon Group that outlined options for building renovations. It included several different grade configurations for the Johnson School, the estimated cost, and DOE reimbursement. (see attached). The Renovation Committee has invited the School Committee to its’ 9/8 meeting for further discussion.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

ADJOURNMENT: Motion to adjourn by Mrs. Dunn, second by Mr. Cofffey. Vote: All in favor

The meeting was adjourned at 9:10 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Thomas Coffey
Recording Secretary