MINUTES
Ralph C. Mahar Regional School Committee
March 20, 2001
Chairperson Clifford Fournier called the Meeting to Order at 7:02 P.M.
Members Present: Clifford Fournier, John Gray, Anne Colturi, Ola Richard, Dana Kennan, Ann Reed, Peter Cross, Michael LeBlanc, Christopher Donelan, Dennis Velard
Members Absent: Jean Forward
Others Present: Eileen M. Perkins, Superintendent; Francis W. Zak, Ed.D.,Principal; Judith Keough, Vice Principal; Alex Lomaglio; Charlotte Ryan; Larry Robinson; George Brunelle; Roland Barnes; Dan Helgerson; Chris Helgerson
Staff Present: Michael Roche, Carolyn Manley, Sandra Eklund
Student Representative: A. P.
Student Advisory Committee:
Press: Pat Doubleday, Athol Daily News
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Mr. Fournier welcomed the new members and the newly re-elected members, and introductions were made.
Approval of Minutes
VOTED, unanimously, to approve the Minutes of February 13, 2001.
VOTED, unanimously, to approve the Minutes of February 27, 2001.
Bill Warrant
April 17, 2001
American Legion Post 415, Petersham
Roland Barnes presented a request from the American Legion Post 415, Petersham that the Neil Burnham Memorial, which is located on the present football field, be moved to the new football field after construction. He asked that Neil Burnham not be forgotten. Miss Perkins informed him that the architects are already aware of this situation and will keep it in mind. Dr. Zak reported that Neil Burnham has not been forgotten at Mahar. He was remembered at last year’s Memorial Day Assembly. The school was presented a rubbing of his name from the Viet Nam Memorial in Washington, DC. It was suggested that the members of the American Legion be invited back after construction is completed so that they may have input into the placement of the memorial.
Treasurer
District Treasurer, Carolyn Manley, presented information on proposals received from four banks for the position of Financial Advisor for the building project. Miss Perkins and Carolyn have worked cooperatively and received four RFPs—Sovereign Bank, Unibank, Citizens Bank, and State Street Bank. Carolyn and Miss Perkins have reviewed the information received, and Carolyn has spoken personally to representatives of each bank. Ms. Manley recommends acceptance of the proposal from Sovereign Bank as it is the lowest cost proposal while still meeting our needs for the project. Sovereign Bank has worked on several projects at schools that were similar in nature and cost.
VOTED to accept the recommendation of the District Treasurer to accept the proposal of Sovereign Bank, 75 State Street, Boston, MA to be the Financial Advisor for the Mahar Building Project. Fees commensurate with RFP provided by Sovereign Bank.
Student Advisory Committee
A. P. reported that the Key Club sponsored its District Project, a basketball game, last week. The faculty beat the students. Proceeds from the game benefit the Kiwanis Pediatric Institute. This Friday, Saturday, and Sunday are the play dates for Annie. Big Brothers/Big Sisters sponsored a weekend of bowling. March 28 the exchange students from Mexico arrive here. The Spring Dance is March 30 with a theme, "Dress Up Like Someone Famous". Grade 8 and Grade 10 students are preparing for the spring MCAS. The Fish ‘N Game Club’s Annual Banquet is Thursday evening. This is the second game supper. Everyone is tired of snow.
Mahar Building Committee
Dr. Ryan reported that we have now reached the exciting part of the project. The Committee is meeting every week. Last week they discussed alternate sources of energy with five consultant engineers. Alternate energy sources discussed included biomass or woodchip system, solar, geothermal, and conventional oil or gas systems. The Committee has studied the layout of the whole building including the roof pattern and the silhouette. They have also discussed acoustics in the auditorium consulting with local fire and safety officials, square footage in science rooms, and what kinds of computer equipment the teachers should have. The Architect provided booklets, "Schematic Design Packages" for distribution. The full report will be kept on file in the Superintendent’s Office.
VOTED, unanimously, by Roll Call, to go into Executive Session at 7:28 P.M. to comply with the provisions of any general or special law or federal grant-in-aid requirements under the provisions of Chapter 39, Section 23B of the Massachusetts General Laws, Open Meeting Law (Privacy Act-confidentiality of student records)
VOTED, unanimously, by Roll Call to end Executive Session at 7:58 P.M. and will reconvene following the Public Hearing.
PUBLIC HEARING – Proposed FY2002 District Budget
Mr. Fournier convened the Public Hearing at 8:00 P.M. He reviewed the account totals.
No town officials or interested citizens were present to ask questions. There were no questions from members of the Committee.
VOTED, unanimously, that the tentative 2001-2002 Gross Budget of the Ralph C. Mahar Regional School District be set at $8,179,524.
VOTED, unanimously, that the tentative 2001-2002 Anticipated Income of the Ralph C. Mahar Regional School District be set at $4,230,654.
VOTED, unanimously, that the tentative 2001-2002 Other Estimated Receipts and Appropriation Balances of the Ralph C. Mahar Regional School District be set at $343,800.
VOTED, unanimously, that the tentative 2001-2002 Net Budget of the Ralph C. Mahar Regional School District be set at $3,605,070, and that the Treasurers of the Member Towns be so notified.
The Chairman declared the Public Hearing closed at 8:07 P.M.
VOTED, unanimously, by Roll Call, to reconvene Executive Session at 8:07 P.M. to comply with the provisions of any general or special law or federal grant-in-aid requirements under the provisions of C.39, S. 23B, MGL.
VOTED, unanimously, by Roll Call, to end Executive Session at 8:34 P.M.
A brief recess followed.
VOTED, unanimously, by Roll Call, to go into Executive Session at 8:44 P.M. to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining or litigation if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining or litigating position of the governmental body, to conduct strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with non-union personnel, to conduct collective bargaining sessions or contract negotiations with non-union personnel under the provisions of Chapter 39, Section 23B of the Massachusetts General Laws and will come out of Executive Session to open session.
VOTED, unanimously, by Roll Call, to end Executive Session at 9:29 P.M.
Mahar Teachers' Association Report
Mr. Roche reported that he attended the Sophomore Dinner Dance last weekend. The students were very well behaved, and he was proud of them. Teachers are working on MCAS preparation with their students. They are focusing on improving academics. The Fish ‘N Game Club will present their second game supper on Thursday night. Last year’s was a big success. This year we expect over 250 people.
Sub-Committee Reports
By-Laws & School Policy
No report
Co-Curricular & Athletics
No report. Mr. Richard’s name was added to this sub-committee.
Curriculum Development & Evaluation
No report. A meeting was scheduled for March 26, 7:00 P.M. in the Library.
Discipline
No report. Dr. Zak did report that he polled every staff member who works with Middle School students regarding student uniforms. The result was 34 said Yes; 33 said No. This issue will continue to be discussed in the future. Anne Colturi was added to this sub-committee, and Peter Cross was named Co-chairperson.
Management & Budget
No report here – Public Hearing. Chris Donelan will be co-chairperson of this sub-committee.
Middle School
Peter Cross asked that the Middle School Sub-Committee schedule a joint meeting with the By-Laws & School Policy Sub-Committee to discuss a Middle School dress code.
Peter Cross reported that 66 students exhibited projects in the Science Fair. Student who won prizes will go on to the Regional Science Fair at UMASS Amherst on March 27. Career Night was held for students and their families. Several Middle School students are performing in Annie this weekend. Thirty-five students participated in the Elks Club "Why I Am Too Cool For Drugs" competition. Sarah W won a prize and will go on to regional competition. Middle School Teachers Margaret Lawless and Sylvia Jamros have been chosen as PALMS Teacher Leaders. Retention meetings are being scheduled regarding 34 7th & 8th grade students. The number last year was 47.
The next meeting is May 1, 5:30 P.M. in the Teachers’ Dining Room.
Negotiations
Chris Donelan will be co-chairman of this sub-committee.
School Council Representative Report
Chris Donelan attended the last meeting. School Council members are working on the Needs Assessment for the new School Improvement Plan. The Plan will include a dress code.
Superintendent's Report
1. Miss Perkins presented a request for a field trip from the Fish ‘N Game Club.
VOTED, unanimously, to approve the request by the Mahar Fish ‘N Game Club canoe trip to the Boundary Waters, Ely, Minnesota June 6-June 12, 2001.
2. Superintendent Perkins read an excerpt from a letter received from the Massachusetts Teachers’ Retirement Board, "your district has earned the 2000 Retirement Reporting Merit Award for superior performance in teacher retirement contribution reporting." This is due to the hard work and efficiency of Robin Hurt, Assistant Treasurer.
3. A new Clerk will begin working in the Superintendent’s Office on Monday, March 26.
4. Mr. Breuer reported to the Superintendent that the Mahar students who traveled to Mexico were extremely well behaved. He had high praise for all of them. He was very proud of them.
Principal's Report
Dr. Zak just returned from Phoenix, AZ where he attended the National Principal’s Conference. It was very informative and an enriching experience. He participated in discussions of several current issues including school safety and security, reading and assessments. Only 10% of the nation’s secondary schools offer as many AP courses as Mahar. There is no other more difficult test in the nation that the MCAS. Overall, instances of school violence have decreased significantly over the last ten years. We hear more about it in the news because people expect school to be a safe place. Only 10% of injuries to children happen at school.
Mahar provides education to prevent bullying, racism, gay bashing, name-calling and teasing.
Proposed School Calendar 2001-2002
Superintendent Perkins presented the calendar. Teachers report August 27, Grade 7 orientation is August 28; the first full day is August 29. There are 90 days in each semester. Semester break day will be Friday, January 18, 2002.
VOTED, unanimously, to approve the School Calendar for 2001-2002 as presented.
Questions - Members of Committee
No questions.
Questions - Members of the Press
No questions.
Date of Next Meeting
April 3, 2001 7:00 P.M.
8:00 P.M. – Public Hearing on School Choice
Adjournment
VOTED, unanimously, to adjourn at 10:00 P.M.
