NAHANT SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES
9/9/03

CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 7:02 p.m. by Chair Mrs. Reeh in the Nahant Town Hall.

MEMBERS PRESENT: Mr. Rauworth, Mr. Coffey, Mr. Walton, Mr. Wilson, Ms. Gilman, Mrs. Dunn, Mrs. Reeh

READING AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES: The minutes of the 7/22/03 regular meeting were approved, as amended. Motion to accept by Mrs. Dunn, seconded by Mr. Coffey. Vote: All members in favor

The minutes of the 7/22/03 executive session were approved. Motion to approve by Mrs. Dunn, second by Ms. Gilman. Vote: All in favor

The minutes of the 8/26/03 regular meeting were approved. Motion to approve by Mr. Rauworth, second by Mrs. Dunn. Vote: All in favor

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF VISITORS

CORRESPONDENCE AND COMMUNITY INPUT: Mr. Peter Rogers spoke regarding Swampscott contract negotiations, particularly tuition rates. Mrs. Reeh read a letter from the Nahant Teachers’ Association thanking the Committee for sponsoring the breakfast on the first reporting day for teachers, Sept 2nd.

EXAMINATION AND AUTHORIZATION FOR PAYMENT OF BILLS: This was in process during the meeting.

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
A. UPDATE ON NORTH SHORE EDUCATION CONSORTIUM: Dr. Testaverde reviewed some issues which are happening at the North Shore Education Consortium which may have a financial impact to Nahant at some point. The Consortium is under stress at this time to vacate their current premises, which is the Holten Richmond Building in Danvers. During the past year, there has been a debate in the Town of Danvers as to whether or not the building should be renovated to house the Danvers Middle School. It has been voted upon and the Town has asked the Consortium to vacate the building no later January 2004. The Executive Director has been in search of space to purchase for their many programs. They have decided to purchase the former North Shore Community College building on Sohier Road in Beverly. Dr. Testaverde stated that tuition rates will rise for non-members districts only. However, membership fee will increase. Motion by Mr. Rauworth, second by Mrs. Dunn that the School Committee resolves to support the capital proposal put forth by the North Shore Education Consortium. Vote: All members in favor
B. REPORT ON OPENING DAY OF THE 2003-2004 SCHOOL YEAR: Dr. DiBella stated it was an excellent opening day on Wednesday, September 3rd. We opened the 2003-2004 school year with an enrollment of 206 students. The PTO again sponsored coffee and pastry for parents which was well attended.
C. UPDATE ON PERIWINKLE PRE-SCHOOL: Dr. DiBella read a letter regarding the status of the mold in the Periwinkle Pre-School. The superintendent stated she had met recently with Laura Michaud to discuss what may or may not be the cause of the mold problem.

OLD BUSINESS

A. Mr. Walton asked for an update on the status of the Superintendent’s contract. Mrs. Dunn reported that town counsel reviewed and approved the document. Therefore it is ready for signatures.
B. Mr. Coffey inquired about the status of the School Committee calendar on the Nahant web site. The super reported that the Committee’s calendar was now on the town website, www.nahant.org.

NEW BUSINESS
A. DISCUSSION OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE GOALS FOR 2003-2004: This item was discussed and will be put on the 9/23/03 agenda.

OTHER COMMITTEE BUSINESS
A. REPORT OF SWAMPSCOTT NEGOTIATIONS SUB-COMMITTEE: The Nahant sub-committee met on 9/2 to review information about enrollment and tuition rates. There was an excellent dialogue about the actual cost of educating students in Swampscott. The next meeting of both committees is scheduled for Monday Sept 29th in Swampscott.
B. REPORT OF BUILDING COMMITTEE: The Renovation Committee invited the School Committee to its meeting on Monday September 8th. The discussion focused on various options for the grade structure at the Johnson School and the various cost associated with each option. The Renovation Committee is sponsoring an open meeting with the community to discuss these issues on Oct 20th.
C. SWAMPSCOTT BUS: Mr. Walton requested clarification about the scheduled departure time from the middle and high school. The superintendent reported that the drivers are instructed to depart each school when the vehicle is full or no later than 2:30 p.m.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

ADJOURNMENT: Motion by Mrs. Dunn, second by Mr. Coffey to adjourn to executive session for the purpose of discussing potential litigation, not to return to regular session. Roll Call: All members in favor

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

Respectfully submitted,

Thomas Coffey
Recording Secretary