BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: Greg Nichols

ADMINISTRATION PRESENT: James Chittum, Beth Driscoll

OTHERS PRESENT: Amanda D'Urso, Keirsten Huttig, Ed Pilko, Noah Ullman

1. Meeting Call to Order :  The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Brad Bremer.

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

3. Consideration of the Minutes: 

       a. Lisa Fragale moved to approve the Minutes of the Regular Board of  Education Meeting of 
           March 5, 2008.  Susan Read Stanton seconded the motion.  
           Approved with one abstention (Jeanne Jones). 

4.  Public Comment:  None

5. Correspondence: 

       a. Foothills Adult & Continuing Education Newsletter – Superintendent Chittum    reviewed the newsletter.

6. Budget:

a. Quarterly 2007-2008 Budget Update – Superintendent Chittum reviewed the    budget update.  There will be an unexpended balance in the Salaries and the Part-   Time Custodian accounts.  This will help projected shortfall in Overtime.      Librarian money is included in Aide Salaries.  Property Services includes a well    monitor and shows a deficit of ($759.00).  Unanticipated private school     outplacements totaled ($25,413.72).  State grant should cover this with the help of   the special appropriation provided by the Board of Finance.

b. Capital Spending – A capital request is proposed to replace the furniture in the library.  The estimated cost is $5,300.  Bids will be sought, if approved.  Susan Read Stanton moved to approve the Capital Project Request for $5,316 to purchase new furniture for the school library.  John Rigby seconded the motion.  Unanimously approved.

There is no change in the Capital Projects Fund since the last meeting.  The  Capital Committee is looking to reallocate unexpended funds.  The $11,000 left in  the Computers & Technology Fund could be used for the first year of the  Technology Replacement Plan.  The issue is to be discussed with the Board of  Finance

c. 2008-2009 Budget Proposal – The Board of Finance asked some questions about  the proposal, which Superintendent Chittum responded to.  Progress is being   made.  Transportation cost decrease of $3,950 could be moved to the Audit  account and Special Education Outplacement.  Susan Read Stanton moved and  Lisa Fragale seconded the motion to move the $3,950 from the Transportation  account.  $100 will be applied to the Audit account and $3,850 to the Special  Education Outplacement account.  Unanimously approved.

7. Unfinished Business:

 a. Policy:  Use of Smith Hill Park Playscape – A discussion revolved around     restricting use of the playscape from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. when school is in    session.  Alternate language in the policy was proposed.  A letter will be drafted    addressing safety concerns by school administration.  Sherri Gray moved to    approve the policy containing the alternate language alerting community members   of the extensive use of the playscape between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. by     students on days that school is in session.  Jeanne Jones seconded the motion.     Unanimously  approved.

 b. Extension of C. J. Lawler Associates Contract – C. J. Lawler's contract requires    an extension at a cost of $32,000.  Superintendent Chittum will show a power    point presentation with questions and answers at the scheduled town meeting.

8. New Business:

a. Healthy Food Certification Statement – The Healthy Food Certification Statement   needs to be completed and submitted to the State Department of Education.     Sherri Gray moved to approve and submit the Healthy Food Certification     Statement.  John Rigby seconded the motion.  Unanimously approved.

b. Consideration of Movement on Salary Scale – To be discussed in Executive    Session.

c. Consideration of Section 125 Plan Document – Premium conversion must be    offered to be in compliance with State statutes.  Susan Read Stanton moved to    approve the Section 125 Plan  Document.  Sherri Gray seconded the motion.     Unanimously approved.

d. All-Day Kindergarten – All-day kindergarten is proposed and has been added to    the proposed 2008-2009 budget.  Superintendent Chittum suggested to table the    vote to approve until the May 2008 Board Meeting.  This will allow parents a    chance to question the program and attend the meeting in May.  John Rigby    moved to reschedule the vote on an all-day kindergarten until the May 2008    Board of Education Meeting.  Jeanne Jones seconded the motion.  Unanimously    approved.

9. Superintendent's Report: 

a, Sixth Grade Trip to Cape Cod – Beth Driscoll reported on the sixth grade trip to  Yarmouthport, Massachusetts.  Much work goes into the trip on the part of the  teachers.  Nature's Classroom is the destination this year.  Classes will be diverse  and support our curriculum.

10. Committee Reports:

a. Building & Grounds – The committee will meet at 4:00 p.m. on April 22^nd.

b. CABE – No report.

c. Curriculum – No report.

d. Education Connection – No report.

e. Facilities Study – No report.

f. Personnel & Policy – No report.

g. Shared Services – No report.

h. Strategic Plan – No report.

i. Transportation – No report.

11. Other Matters: 

 a. In May, Superintendent Chittum will present "a year in review".

 b. John Rigby moved to enter Executive Session for consideration of movement on  the salary scale as requested by a teacher.  Brad Bremer seconded the motion.   Unanimously approved.  Entered Executive Session at 8:43 p.m.  The motion  was made by Susan Read Stanton and seconded by Sherri Gray to exit Executive  Session.  Unanimously approved.  Exited Executive Session at 8:48 p.m.

Sherri Gray moved to deny the request for a teacher's retroactive salary  adjustment and to approve movement on the salary scale to MA Step Max   beginning July 1, 2008.  Jeanne Jones seconded the motion.  Unanimously  approved.

12. Adjournment – The motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Sherri Gray and seconded by John Rigby.  Unanimously approved.  The meeting adjourned at 8:58 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,