October 21 , 2008

Landaff Board of Education                                         October 21, 2008

Landaff Blue School                                                                  6:00 PM

813 Mill Brook Rd

Landaff, NH 03585

Minutes

Present: Board Members Mary Beaudin, Kelly Jesseman and Chairman Jason Cartwright; Head Teacher Claire Cochrane, Superintendent Bob Patterson, and SAU Business Manager Sandy Stone.

• The meeting was called to order at 6:08 PM.

• Blue School parent Kim Lavoie was present to address the board. First, she thanked the board for bringing French instruction to the Blue School. Next, she voiced concern about C Cochrane’s increased involvement with special education and the time it takes her away from instruction at school. Mrs. Lavoie left at 6:12 PM.

M Beaudin discussed the fact that Landaff needs a representative at special ed meetings at Lisbon Regional School for Landaff students. She asked if C Cochrane has been attending recent meetings at Lisbon, and C Cochrane replied that she has attended several this past week. The board discussed this and noted that the Landaff school district has to do the best job possible for the Landaff taxpayers and cannot leave these decisions to Lisbon Regional without Landaff representation. J Cartwright added that the board’s desire is for these meetings to take place outside of school hours when possible, but that the board knows this is not always feasible.

• The minutes from the September 2008 meeting were approved with one correction. It was noted that Sue Ford spoke to the group before M Beaudin arrived.

• S Stone handed out financial and tuition reports. She noted that the district has an estimated deficit of $21,000.00 at this time.

She shared a letter from Blue Mountain School concerning tuition for the Landaff student who attends. It stated that tuition has increased to $11,600.00. S Stone noted that in the budget, only $8600.00 was encumbered for the expense.

J Cartwright asked if Blue Mountain has an obligation to notify Landaff of changes in tuition. M Beaudin answered “No”. M Beaudin also noted that the tuition is still below the Lisbon rate, therefore, the district is still saving money.

S Stone reported to the board that in tuition agreements, the state DOE needs signed copies of the agreement from both parties. She noted that the SAU can’t find any, so she brought agreements for the board members to sign. The papers were signed.

J Cartwright asked what should be done to offset the deficit. S Stone replied that the special ed capital reserve fund would need to be used if the deficit is due to a special ed issue, and the board would need to have a public hearing for unanticipated expenses. If the deficit is not due to special ed, the board would have to have a deficit appropriation warrant article at the town meeting.

After reviewing the tuition list, M Beaudin asked about a certain student discussed last meeting and if he is really living with his mom in Landaff. S Stone replied that they have not been able to contact the mother and the student is not giving an answer. One name on the tuition list was corrected.

• C Cochrane let the board know that the missing storm window was discovered in the woods, unbroken, by Mr. Howard. She then reported they had trouble with the first new locks put on the white building, so there are newer ones.

M Beaudin asked if the ladies’ club has donated money to the school yet, and no one was aware of any such donation.

• B Patterson discussed private transportation issues with the board. Drivers for special ed students are supposed to have commercial licenses and a vehicle inspected by the transportation department. For regular ed, the school should look to school policy. There was much discussion about  this issue and the difficulties it would impose on such a small school district.

B Patterson stressed the importance of the next e board meeting and encouraged J Cartwright and M Beaudin to attend.

• There were no board reports.

• C Cochrane reported that there is no price yet for the repair or replacement of the outside lights that are damaged. M Beaudin stated she thought the vandals would pay for the damage. She stated that C Cochrane should get the cost and then a letter from the board should be sent to the parents of both vandals requesting payment. J Cartwright asked if the parents were aware already. C Cochrane stated that she did not know, and it was determined that they were not. M Beaudin stated that the parents should have been made aware right away. C Cochrane stated she would get the letters out promptly.

The board members asked about the police report and if there had been any follow up. B Patterson stated he would contact F Troop to see if a trooper had been by the school for investigation. He stated he would also ask F Troop if the two local troopers in Landaff could be contacted for future issues.

The board asked that the minutes reflect that the new playground has been completed.

C Cochrane went on to report that there are currently 17 students. One student transferred to Lisbon and two moved out of Landaff. She also let the board know the NECAP testing is done and Mrs. Salmela proctored the testing.

M Beaudin requested that C Cochrane have the students write a thank you to Carol Wharton and Debbie Brown for the gardening work at the school.

J Cartwright noted that he would take care of the thank you notes for Richard Fenoff, HG Woods and the Town of Landaff.

• Non-public session RSA 91:3A I, II was entered at 7:10 pm. Student issues were discussed. Session ended at 7:35 PM.

• D Cartwright requested a later meeting time due to a conflict. Everyone agreed on 6:15 PM for future board meetings. C Cochrane submitted December 12th as a tentative date for the school play.

Respectfully submitted,

Denise Cartwright,

Landaff School Board Clerk