Wentworth School Board
Thursday, January 26, 2006
Wentworth Minutes
Board Members Present: Deb Gelsi, Kathleen Mack, Laurie Dustin
Administration Present: Ethel Gaides, Jeff Keene
Others Present: Maria Young, Laurie Melanson, Richard Young, Alison Bagley, Phoebe Sanborn, Tanya O’Brien, Erin DeCotis, Brian DuBois, Bernice Sullivan, Brooke Duchette, Gaudette, Karen Fryer, Lisa Horne, Carl Chareteketti, Lee Morrison
Mrs. Gelsi motioned to begin Public session at 5:07 PM.
Mrs. Gelsi began the meeting by giving approval to the teachers association to make a presentation, as long as no names were mentioned.
Mrs Gelsi gave a summery of her memorandum (attached). She also explained that the enrollment numbers show that the student to teacher ratio for Wentworth Elementary School is far below SAU 48, and other SAU’s (attached). She also explained that the testing scores are way below others in the SAU. (attached) She stated that, given these facts, if something doesn’t change, the School Board will have a difficult time justifying a $2 million budget in 2007.
Mrs. Fryer gave her presentation. She stated that the goals of the school are to meet the needs of the students. She stated that the teachers of WES care about the students. Her graph represented the curriculum taught, and the gaps in the curriculum that need to be addressed. The graph represented the curriculum for science and social studies.
A discussion ensued regarding teaching a combined classroom. Mrs. Gelsi explained that students can benefit from this. Mrs. Fryer explained that, since the classroom have not staying consistent through the years, there would be problems with teaching combined grades. Mrs. Fryer stated that the teachers are asking for 2 teachers for the one year in order to remedy the gaps.
Mrs. Gelsi reminded the public that enrollment will be dropping by 50% in the next few years. She also reminded the public that this meeting was held as a courtesy, and it was held for teachers to state their view points. She reminded the public that the budget was at a 54% increase last year, and that the Special Education costs are extremely high.
The public voiced concern regarding giving the town the opportunity to make a decision regarding the number of teachers at WES. Mrs. Gelsi responded that there is a meeting for the town on February 6th. Mrs. Gelsi also made it known that she does not want to cut a teacher. She stated that she would recommend a motion for a warrant article, but the town has to make a decision regarding paying for an extra teacher.
A discussion ensued regarding Special Education costs. Mrs. Gelsi explained that special education costs need to be accommodated according to the law. She also explained that WES has the highest special education rate in the region.
A discussion ensued regarding enrollment numbers. In particular, Mrs. Gelsi stated that WES is losing 14 students next year, and that WES has budgeted for 8 students to join Kindergarten
Mrs. Horne brought the discussion back to the curriculum, and voiced her concerns regarding playing “catch up” due to the gaps. A member of the public explained that some students get sent to High School without a whole piece of their curriculum.
Mr. Morrison recommended to the Board that they listen to what the public wants, and that they can’t count on projected enrollment. Mr. Morrison also recommended that the town should vote to cut a teacher from the budget. He stated that calling a state representative would not be helpful, and that the school can operate in the red. He stated that when WES has operated in the red for long enough, people are forced to change legislation.
There was a motion to end public session at 6:00 PM.
There was a motion to enter into Non –Public session at 6:01 PM.
The budget was discussed.
There was a motion to enter public session at 6:15 PM.
The School Board decided to put the teacher back into the budget. There would be one teacher for grades 1 and 2, one teacher for grades 3 and 4, one teacher for grade 5, one teacher for grade 6, one teacher for grade 7, and one teacher for grade 8.
It was also decided to add back the $36,000 for out of district placement.
The meeting ended at 6:20 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Michelle McCauley
Secretary