BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: None

ADMINISTRATION PRESENT: James Chittum, Beth Driscoll

OTHERS PRESENT: Keirsten Williams

1. Meeting Call to Order :  The meeting was called to order at 7:03 p.m. by Brad Bremer.

2. Pledge to the Flag:  The Board recited the pledge.

3. Consideration of the Minutes:  Susan Read Stanton moved to approve the Minutes of the Regular Board of Education Meeting of February 4, 2009.  Barney Adams seconded the motion.  The motion was unanimously approved.

   a The motion was made by Sherri Gray and seconded by Lisa Fragale to approve the Minutes of the Special Board of Education Meeting of February 25, 2009.  The motion was unanimously approved.

4. Public Comment :  None

5. Correspondence:  None

6.   Budget:

     a. Capital Spending – Jay Chittum and Beth Driscoll will be meeting with people  about library furniture next week. Three thousand dollars from the technology  replacement plan was used for a new firewall.  The architect fee of $30,000 will  be expended soon (the invoice has not been received yet).  The Board hopes that  the balance remaining will carry over to next year.

7. Unfinished Business: 

     a. 2009-2010 Proposed Budget – The Board of Finance is concerned with the 2009-2010 budget increase.  The Board of Education discussed the educational impact of any cuts.

     b. Request for Additional Special Education Funding – The Board of Finance requested more information on the unanticipated special education costs.  Jay Chittum presented three options to present to the Board of Finance.  The Board of Education reviewed the options, and Superintendent Chittum will present to the Board of Finance.

The motion was made by Sherri Gray to temporarily adjourn the meeting to allow Brad Bremer and Jay Chittum to attend the Board of Finance meeting.  Barney Adams seconded the motion.  The motion was unanimously approved.  The meeting adjourned temporarily at 7:59 p.m.

The meeting was reconvened at 8:37 p.m. with a discussion of Brad Bremer and Jay Chittum's meeting with the Board of Finance.  A Special Board of Education Meeting was scheduled for March 18^th at 7:00 p.m. to discuss 2009-2010 budget cuts.

     c. CCS Renovation Project – There is a tentative plan for a Town Hearing on April 7, 2009.  The motion was made by Susan Read Stanton and seconded by Louise Plager to form the ad hoc Renovation Project Advisory Committee, members to be appointed by the board chairman.  The motion was unanimously approved.

8. New Business: 

     a. Consideration of Policy Series 1000 – Community Relations for First Reading – Jay Chittum presented Policy Series 1000 – Community Relations for first reading.  Minor editing adjustments were suggested.  The second reading will be held at the April meeting.

9. Superintendent's Report – Beth Driscoll discussed current events and happenings at CCS.  Jay Chittum reviewed his report.

10. Committee Reports:

     a. Building & Grounds – Repair of ceiling tiles in Grade 3-6 classrooms and the  Art/Music Room has been finished.

     b. CABE – No report.

     c. Curriculum – No report.

     d. Education Connection – Will be meeting on March 5^th.

     e. Facilities Study – The proposed building renovation project was discussed. Barney Adams shared questions which would need to be addressed as we communicate information about the project to the community. Jay Chittum and Brad Bremer will work with Barney Adams to develop answers to the questions.

     f. Personnel & Policy – The committee met today and finished the 2000 Series -  Administration

     g. Shared Services – Their budget increase is 1.03%.

     h. Strategic Plan – No report.

     i. Transportation – No report.

     j. Educational Foundation – Barney Adams reviewed his findings on setting up an Education Foundation in Colebrook.

11. Adjournment – The motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Jeanne Jones and seconded by Louise Plager.  The motion was unanimously approved.  The meeting adjourned at 9:55 p.m.

 Respectfully submitted,