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Minutes to be approved at the November 26, 2007 School Committee Meeting

FREEPORT SCHOOL COMMITTEE
FREEPORT, MAINE
MEETING MINUTES
November 13, 2007



Workshop
A Workshop was held on consolidation.

Call to Order
A regular meeting of the Freeport School Committee was held on November 13, 2007 in the Freeport High School Library. Chair Chris Leighton called the meeting to order at 7:10 P.M.

Roll Call
Present: Sean Crean (left at 8:00 P.M.), John Gleason, Chris Leighton, John Morang, Susan Martling, Beth Parker and Christine Munroe.

Secretary’s Report
On a motion made by Ms. Parker, seconded by Mr. Crean

It was voted:
To approve the minutes of the October 22, 2007 Regular Meeting.
Approved: 7 – 0

Special Report
Jay Harper gave a report on Educational Cable Channel 14. The studio is not yet fully functional but is in progress. Jay’s three wishes would be a full time videography teacher, wiring up the school for broadcast and wiring the high school for closed circuit TV.
John Arris and Reid Christian, President and Vice-President of the FHS Student Council spoke about activities of the Council. They will report to the School Committee once a month.

Communications
1. Melany Kuhn thanked the School Committee for total dedication to the consolidation process, inquired about Freeport students attending private schools, and asked what programs we could offer with more high school students.
2. Susan Martling updated the School Committee on the math curriculum committee on which she serves. The committee is looking at materials K-6 that are consistent. Once determined this will require materials, professional development and time scheduled in for daily instruction.
Chris Leighton expressed he’s been very pleased with FHS (as a parent). FMS prepared his son very well to do high school work. Very pleased with how professional and organized the teachers are.
Beth Parker mentioned the FMS PTC presentation by Makai McClintock on global warming.
3. Update on Proposal to Consolidate School Districts – Chris Leighton: consolidation is a process we don’t have all the answers yet. It will be challenging for any district to put forward any sort of comprehensive plan by December 1.
John Gleason: Cannot dismantle school governance and reassemble it in eight weeks in a responsible way. Asks public to keep an open mind as the RPC continues to work in subcommittees up to November 30th. Issues are important and have long standing impacts. The next RPC meeting is November 14 at Durham Elementary School.




Superintendent’s Report
Superintendent Tomaszewski reported on the following:
-Brenda White named School Nurse of the Year.
-Dan Queior nominated for the 2008 TEAM/ITEA Teacher Excellence Award.
-Ellie Chase awarded a $2,000 grant through the Easter Foundation of Garrison, NY.
-Kevin Henthorn, a senior at FHS, selected as the recipient of the Film of the Year Award at the Phoenix Short Filmfest.
-Mast Landing Health Fair. Bill Yeo was the keynote speaker. He spoke about some of his climbs and cycling treks.
-Aspiration Grants awarded include: Goal Setting with Travis Roy, Read to Succeed, Wabnaki Technology Project, and Growing Up Healthy


New Business
1. On a motion made by Mr. Gleason, seconded by Mr. Morang

It was voted:
To appoint Chris Leighton as Chair for the Freeport School Committee.

Approved: 5 – 0
Abstention: 1 (Leighton)
2. On a motion made by Mr. Morang, seconded by Mr. Gleason

It was voted:
To appoint Beth Parker as Vice-Chair for the Freeport School Committee.

Approved: 5 – 0
Abstention: 1 (Parker)

3. On a motion made by Mr. Gleason, seconded by Mr. Morang

It was voted:
To authorize the Superintendent and Chairperson to execute contracts/grants in the name of, and on behalf of, the Freeport Public Schools for the period of November, 2007 through November, 2008
Approved: 6 – 0


4. On a motion made by Mr. Gleason, seconded by Ms. Parker

It was voted:
To appoint Drummond Woodsum as school attorneys.
Approved: 6 – 0






5. On a motion made by Mr. Gleason, seconded by Ms. Munroe

It was moved:
To appoint representatives to committees.

On a motion made by Mr. Morang, seconded by Mr. Gleason

It was voted:
To table this item.
Approved: 6 – 0



6. On a motion made by Mr. Gleason, seconded by Mr. Morang

It was voted:
To appoint the following individuals to the respective stipend positions for the 2007-2008 school year:
A) John Thomas – FMS Nordic Skiing
B) Michael Loughlin – FHS Varsity Nordic Skiing
C) Russell Milholland – FHS Nordic Skiing Volunteer
D) Susan Wiemer – High School Cheerleading Volunteer
Approved: 6 – 0


Signing of Bills and Vouchers

Adjournment
On a motion made by Mr. Leighton, seconded by Ms. Parker

It was voted:
To adjourn at 9:00 P.M. Approved: 6 – 0



Respectfully Submitted,




Elaine M. Tomaszewski
Superintendent of Schools