NAHANT SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 23, 2003

CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order by Vice Chair Mrs. Dunn at 7:00 p.m. in the Nahant Town Hall.

MEMBERS ABSENT: Mrs. Reeh and Mr. Wilson

READING & APPROVAL OF MINUTES: The minutes of the September 9, 2003 regular meeting were approved. Motion to approve by Mr. Rauworth, second by Mr. Coffey. Vote: All in favor

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF VISITORS

CORRESPONDENCE & COMMUNITY INPUT:

EXAMINATION & AUTHORIZATION FOR PAYMENT OF BILLS: This was completed during the meeting.

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
A. PRELIMINARY REVIEW OF 2003 MCAS RESULTS: Dr. DiBella reviewed the preliminary 2003 MCAS results. She stated she is very pleased with the results and commended the teachers and students in preparing for the test. At the next meeting she and Dr. Littlefield will present a more thorough analysis with recommendations for curriculum priorities for the year.
B. JOHNSON SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE/CURRICULUM NIGHT: Dr. DiBella explained we have recently been informed that Swampscott High School’s Curriculum Night which was originally to be held on Sept 25th has been rescheduled for Sept 23rd. In order to accommodate Johnson School families who want to attend the Swampscott Curriculum Night, we will move our Curriculum Night to Tuesday, Sept 30th.
C. REPORT OF INDOOOR AIR QUALITY RE-ASSESSMENT: This item was deferred to the next meeting.
D. REPORT ON MOLD TESTING IN JOHNSON SCHOOL: On an authorization from Dr. DiBella, Liberty Consulting Inc conducted mold testing in the corridor adjacent to Periwinkle PreSchool. The testing revealed no contamination to the hallway or nearby classrooms in Johnson School.
E. UPDATE ON PERIWINKLE PRE-SCHOOL OPENING: Periwinkle PreSchool is scheduled to open on Thursday, September 25th after follow-up testing in early September revealed a significant reduction in the level of mold contamination. Insurance companies for the Johnson School and Periwinkle are pursuing avenues for reimbursement of the costs associated with testing and replacement of equipment and supplies.
F. DISCUSSION REGARDING CAPITAL OUTLAY PRIORITIES: Dr. DiBella began the discussion by stating that three years ago efforts began to address long standing facility and program needs at the Johnson School. She and Dr. Littlefield both feel it is imperative that some of the critical items on the list remain first priority to provide a safe and educationally challenging environment for our students and staff. The communication system in the building is a safety issue. There are areas of the building in which the intercom system is not operable and due to the age of the system it cannot be repaired properly. For safety purposes each classroom should be equipped with a telephone to enable direct communication with the main office. In addition, the lack of a proper library/media center remains an issue. Although the Renovation Committee will ultimately address these issues, Dr. DiBella said she feels these items could be done now through a capital outlay process. She will return to the Committee with cost estimates prepared by Flansburgh and Mt. Vernon Group.

OLD BUSINESS
A. DISCUSSION OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE GOALS FOR 2003-2004: Due to the absence of two members, this item was deferred to the next meeting.

NEW BUSINESS
A. IMPROVING COMMUNICATION WITH BOARD OF SELECTMEN: Mr. Manning and Mr. Frary, members of the Board of Selectmen were invited by the School Committee to attend this meeting to explore ways to improve communication between the two boards.

OTHER COMMITTEE BUSINESS
A. REPORT OF SWAMPSCOTT NEGOTIATIONS SUB-COMMITTEE: Mrs. Dunn reported they have not met since the last School Committee meeting. However, the next meeting will be 9/29 at 3:30 p.m. prior to the 5 pm meeting in Swampscott.
B. REPORT OF LONG RANGE PLANNING COMMITTEE: Mrs. Gilman reviewed her outline of data gathering tasks and members prioritized items on the list. Data needs related to Swampscott negotiations, enrollment projections, and grade structure were noted #’s 1,2,and 3. This information will be used to help the Committee and administration.
C. REPORT OF RENOVATION/BUILDING COMMITTEE: The Renovation Committee is preparing for the next community meeting about grade configuration at the Johnson School while awaiting word from SBAB about the reimbursement rate for our repair project.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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

The meeting was adjourned at 9:25 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Thomas Coffey
Recording Secretary