Draft: Sept. 23, 2004
Approved:Oct.6,2004
School Committee meeting Sept. 22, 2004
Under Report of the Secretary
Mr. Radtke called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.
Members Present: Jonathan Radtke-Chairperson, Ben Meiklejohn, Tae Chong, James DiMillo (arrived at approximately 7:30pm), Teri McRae, Otis Thompson, Stephen Spring
Members not present: Walter Rumery
Mr. Radtke introduced Representatives Glenn Cummings, Ed Suslovic, and Senator Michael Brennan who were present to speak to the Committee regarding the tax cap initiative. Mr. Cummings briefly summarized state funding, property tax increases, decline in student enrollment, etc. 1999-2005. He indicated that the Portland delegation voted to double the circuit breaker and start increasing funding and a new formula that will pay for a significant portion of Jack Elementary.
School Committee members discussed various issues with Rep. Cummings and Senator Brennan:
Senator Brennan - indicated that the Governor and several legislative members are opposed to the tax cap. June referendum passed, taxes are too high and legislature will look at these issues in January.
Senator Brennan - indicated there was a competing measure in November 2003. A Palesky competing measure was not established by the legislature.
Senator Brennan –Under EPS once a community qualifies “no cap effort” then anything above that is paid by the state. Phil Harriman had been quoted as saying that Portland would receive $10 million additional funding – that is incorrect. The Governor has committed $70 million for GPA in the next year.
Senator Brennan - $70 million committed by the Governor, phased in over 5 years. June referendum is statute which takes precedent over anything else legislature does.
Representative Cummings – Governor and Education Committee are committed to this and Governor is committed to putting this in the next budget.
Mr. Radtke indicated that at the October 6, 2004 meeting the School Committee would consider a resolution taking a stand on the tax cap issue.
Superintendent O’Connor:
Constance Daigle PHS/ESL 16 years Eff. 10/1/04
Mr. Meiklejohn moved, seconded Mr. DiMillo and voted unanimously to approve the meeting minutes of the September 8, 2004 meeting.
Superintendent O’Connor reviewed the donation and thanks the contributor.
Old Business - None
New Business.
1. First reading
of the following policies.
Mr. Meiklejohn reviewed the following policies for a first reading:
A. IAA – School Committee’s Prioritized Goals
B. IKE – Promotion and Retention of Students
C. IKF – Graduation Requirements (Beginning 2006-2007)
D. IMBB – Accommodation of Sincere Beliefs in Required Instruction
Upon completion of the policy review Committee members spoke to specific policies:
· Confusion as to why goals are learning results. Responsibilities are outside the learning results – list content school system is trying to teach students.
· Does not feel policy is a set of prioritized goals. Sees no value in policy. Why is the policy needed?
· Currently policies are not in compliance with Chapter 127
· In line with Chapter 127 and doing school differently - could a 2-year requirement of foreign language be added?
· Would like PSATs added as a requirement for sophomores. Would also like SATs as a requirement.
Mr. Meiklejohn indicates that policy IKF will be reviewed annually. Superintendent O’Connor indicated that Poland High School and Noble High School doing school differently and their graduation policies mirror policy IKF.
2. Consideration
and action to approve an out of country field trip for the Portland High School
Ice Hockey team to travel to Montreal, Canada December 3-5, 2004 to compete in
a high school ice hockey tournament.
Mr. Meiklejohn moved, seconded Mr. Chong to approve an out of country field trip for the Portland High School Ice Hockey team to travel to Montreal, Canada December 3-5, 2004 to compete in a high school ice hockey tournament.
Gary Groves, Portland High School Athletic Director, and Paul Evans, Varsity Ice Hockey Coach, reviewed the proposed trip to Montreal, Canada, December 3-5, 2004. Team will travel by Maine Line Coach, funding is provided by the booster group, insurance will be the same coverage the team is under when playing games in Maine.
Vote on motion: It was voted unanimously to approve an out of country field trip for the Portland High School Ice Hockey team to travel to Montreal, Canada December 3-5, 2004 to compete in a high school ice hockey tournament.
Personnel
1. Consideration and action to approve the
following Personnel items.
Elections:
Eff 09/07/04 for the 2004-05 school year (*pending negotiations)
Kathleen Archambault Moore/SPED B-2 $31,640*
BS/Florida State, Tallahassee, FL
Change in Degree: Eff 09/01/04 for the 2004-05 school year (*pending negotiations)
Lynn Provencher Reiche/Kindergarten M-3 +$2,876*
MS/USM, Gorham, ME
Mr. Chong moved, seconded Mr. DiMillo and voted unanimously to approve Personnel items as listed.
Committee Focus on
Educational Issues – No report
Mr. Radtke indicated that a formal vote would be taken at the next business meeting scheduled for Oct. 6, 2004.
Bob Lavin addressed the Committee on several issues.
Gerry Merrill spoke regarding the tax cap issue.
Consideration and action to move into Executive Session to review the superintendent’s goals pursuant to 1 M.R.S.A. § 406(6)(A).
At 8:30 p.m. Mr. Spring moved, seconded Mr. Chong and voted unanimously to move into Executive Session to review the superintendent’s goals pursuant to 1 M.R.S.A. § 406(6)(A).
Committee took a 15-minute recess and reconvened at 8:45 p.m.
At 9:45 p.m. it was voted unanimously to come out of Executive Session
It was voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 9:46 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Jo O’Connor
Superintendent of Schools