NAHANT SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES
MARCH 9, 2004

CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m. by Vice Chair Mrs. Dunn. Mrs. Reeh and Mr. Rauworth were absent.

READING & APPROVAL OF MINUTES: The minutes of the February 24, 2004 regular meeting were approved. Motion to approve by Mr. Coffey, second by Mr. Walton. Vote: All in favor-Mr. Wilson abstained.

The minutes of the February 24, 2004 executive session were approved. Motion to approve by Mr. Coffey, second by Mr. Walton. Vote: All in favor-Mr. Wilson-abstained.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF VISITORS

CORRESPONDENCE & COMMUNITY INPUT

EXAMINATION & AUTHORIZATION FOR PAYMENT OF BILLS

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
A. UPDATE ON INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC PROGRAM PROPOSAL: Ms. Petrov, Johnson School music teacher is exploring the feasibility of this program for the school. Ms. Petrov is contacting come colleagues and will report back to the Superintendent shortly. Ms. Petrov feels the only issue may be scheduling.
B. UPDATE ON LIBRARY: Dr. DiBella explained that we are relying on parent volunteers for this project. There has been progress made but unfortunately there has been some delay in completing the cataloguing of the books.
C. REPORT ON READ ACROSS AMERICA DAY: Dr. DiBella stated it was a wonderful day at the Johnson School. There were many readers from various Town departments, including two members of the School Committee.
D. REPORT ON PTO WORKSHOP ON INTERNET SAFETY: Approximately 15 parents attended this workshop regarding critical issues around internet safety. All parents received an internet safety guide which is available at the Town Library and the Johnson School office.
E. REPORT ON BUDGET PRESENTATION TO THE FINANCE COMMITTEE: On March 1st, Dr. DiBella presented the proposed Fy ’05 budget to the Finance Committee. She informed the FinCom of the potential need for a reserve fund transfer in the FY ’04 budget to cover unanticipated cost for the long-term absence of a teacher.
F. UPDATE ON FY ’04 BUDGET: Dr. DiBella reviewed the status of the FY ’04 budget and called attention to The Heating Account. She explained that a transfer of funds is required to cover the most recent heating invoice in the amount of $12,080. Motion by Mr. Coffey, second by Ms. Gilman to transfer $2,526.00 from Professional Development-Salaries to Heating. Roll Call: All in favor
G. UPDATE ON SUBMISSION TO CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE: Dr. DiBella explained that it appears that the next step for the School Committee is to ask the Board of Selectmen for an article regarding the telephone system for Town Meeting. Dr. DiBella drafted an article and stressed that the Capital Improvement Committee endorsed our submission for the telephone system and suggested the School Committee approve the draft article. After discussion, a motion was made by Mr. Walton, second by Mr. Wilson to postpone a vote on this item to the next meeting. Roll Call: Ms. Gilman-no, Mr. Wilson-yes, Mr.Walton-yes, Mr. Coffey-yes, Mrs. Dunn-no. Motion passed, 3-2.

OLD BUSINESS

NEW BUSINESS

OTHER COMMITTEE BUSINESS
A. REPORT OF RENOVATION/BUILDING COMMITTEE: In Mr. Rauworth absence, there was no report of the Renovation/Building Committee. However, the Superintendent reviewed a meeting she, Dr. Littlefield, and Dr. Testaverde had with Laura Michaud and the architects earlier in the day. She noted that in response to concerns raised by comment about excess space at the School, the Renovation Committee is now exploring the feasibility of demolishing the junior high wing and building an addition in the old section of the building. In light of this development, the school administration reviewed program and space needs in accordance with the Ed. Specifications approved by the School Committee 2 years ago. The message to the architects and Committee is simply that the specifications are still current with the need for additional space for increased speech services.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

ADJOURNMENT: Motion to adjourn by Mr. Coffey, second by Mr. Walton. Roll Call: All in favor

The meeting was adjourned at 8:20 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Thomas Coffey, Recording Secretary