Draft: April 16, 2008

Approved: May 7, 2008

School Committee meeting April 16, 2008

Under Report of the Secretary

Business Meeting

Mr. Coyne called the meeting to order at 7:08pm

Members present: Robert O’Brien, John Coyne, Jaimey Caron, Susan Hopkins, Sarah Thompson, Lori Gramlich, Jules Szanton, Rebecca Minnick, Peter Eglinton , Kate Snyder

Members Absent: Joshua Tingley, Joel Daley

Report of the Chair

Mr. Coyne announced:

• May 1^st Student Art show opening at City Hall.
• April 9^th school committee workshop discussed minutes according to Roberts Rules should reflect motions and votes.
• Reviewed budget meeting dates and budget referendum to be held on May 13^th . Prior to the evening’s meeting city council finance committee met and voted to send the schools’ budget on to the full city council for consideration.
• Spoke about establishing a committee to work on the facilities plan.

Report of the Superintendent

Interim Superintendent Whynot-Vickers:

• Announced a pilot program for 08/09 Aim High, funds provided by an anonymous donor, to be housed at CBHS for 8th grade ELLs transitioning to high school who need more time and intensive help to get on the track for college. Aim High is an exciting district pilot program which will be housed at Casco Bay High School for the school year 08-09. ELLs from any middle school will be eligible to attend Aim High.
• Mentioned Deering High School trip to Guatemala – Safe Passage. Students left April 12^th.
• Casco Bay High School juniors in Appalachia to help build houses with Habitat for Humanity.

Report of the Secretary

1. Consideration and action to approve the meeting minutes of April 2, 2008 meeting.

Ms. Minnick moved, seconded Ms. Snyder and voted unanimously to approve the minutes of April 2, 2008 meeting.(Student voted with majority)

Report of Committees

1. Policy Committee/Legislative Affairs –Ms. Snyder – committee met prior to the evening meeting. April 30^th workshop – will discuss city’s comprehensive plan and how it helps in city’s decision-making.

2. Finance Committee - Mr. Eglinton - City Council Finance Committee held a public hearing on the school committee’s budget prior to the evening’s meeting. They voted unanimously to accept the budget and forward on to the full council.
3. Personnel Committee - Ms. Gramlich – continuing conversations with PEA and Living Contract Committee. Spoke about superintendent’s search and upcoming public forums.
4. Portland Education Partnership- Ms. Thompson – Partnership board will be meeting on Thursday, April 17^th.
5. Building Committee - Mr. Caron – next meeting will be April 24^th.
6. Other Committees and/or member concerns –Ms. Snyder asked about projected opening date of new school. Interim Superintendent Whynot-Vickers –facility would be available in spring of 2011 with first class entering in the fall of 2011.

Consent Items - None

Old Business

1. Consideration and action to approve policy JHB – Truancy.

Mr. Caron moved, seconded Mr. O’Brien to approve policy JHB – Truancy

Ms. Snyder reviewed policy.

Vote: It was voted unanimously to approve policy JHB – Truancy. (Student voted with majority)

2. Consideration and action to approve an MOU between Portland Public Schools and Long Island Schools for a five year period beginning July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2013.

Ms. Minnick moved, seconded Mr. Eglinton to approve an MOU between Portland Public Schools and Long Island Schools for a five-year period beginning July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2013.

Interim Superintendent Whynot-Vickers spoke to motion.

Vote: It was voted unanimously to approve an MOU between Portland Public Schools and Long Island Schools for a five year period beginning July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2013.(Student voted with majority)

New Business

1. First reading of the 2008-2009 school calendar – Linda Cohen, City Clerk, spoke to committee regarding the possibility of having the November election day as a non-school day for 2008-2009.
2. First reading of policy EBCF – Automated External Defibrillators (AED) – Ms. Snyder reviewed policy.

Personnel

1. Consideration and action to approve the Personnel items listed below:

Leave of Absence Effective 9/1/08 for the school year

Ellen Handelman Lyseth/K-3 .4 LOA Child rearing

Vote: Ms. Thompson moved, seconded Ms. Minnick and voted unanimously to approve the Personnel items listed (Student abstaining)

Committee Focus on Educational Issues

Interim Superintendent Whynot-Vickers spoke to committee about bringing vacancies to the board for approval prior to postings.

Public Comment Prior to 11:00 PM on any items not on the evening’s agenda

Amanda Rowe and Steven Scharf addressed the Committee

Adjournment

Ms. Thompson moved, seconded Ms. Gramlich and voted unanimously to adjourn the business meeting at 8pm. (Student voted with majority)

Respectfully submitted,

Jeanne Whynot-Vickers

Interim Superintendent of Schools