School Board Meeting 3-26-07 Detail

Meeting started at 7:30, Mr. Hensley absent.

A moment of silence was observed for Courtney Diacont.

Wrestling coach Dave Crowell had some opening remarks in recognition of the outstanding 2006-2007 Blue Eagle wrestling team that finished 1st at the PA state tourney. He highlighted the outstanding season with accolades and accomplishments too numerous to mention here. Sufficient to say, there were quite a few. One notable item from Coach Crowell. He mentioned that in any given year, if a team graduates 150-200 wins that would be considered a lot. This year's team will graduate 880+ wins.

Mr. Mudlock (Shafer principal) gave a presentation promoting an all day K-garten pilot program. He had a handout listing the benefits of all day kindergarten. The pilot program (if implemented) would be most likely be housed at Shafer because they (currently) have the room. It would consist of 15-18 students (one class). Parents would be asked if they want to participate. If there were more applicants than spaces, a lottery would be used. Mr. Mudlock was quick to point out that this would not take the place of the current extended day (ED) KG. Remember, that NASD has the $$ (Accountability Block Grant) for expanding its' all day KG.

Mr. Maher pointed out that this was grant money and not year to year. He was concerned that expectations (of parents in the district) would be raised based on the pilot program and would be expected in years to come. If NASD goes to an all day KG for every child in 2009-10, we will need to hire an additional 8 teachers at a cost of approx $350-400K/yr. Mr. Maher pointed out that he is "all for" all day KG but there will be additional costs down the road. These costs are in addition to the $2M/yr in operating costs that the new MS will cost. Given the very real possibility of a referendum in 2 yrs, and the citizens of NASD having a say in future budget expenditures, he would be more inclined to see all day KG in lieu of "lacrosse or swimming".

A technology presentation for the new NASD MS was given by Tracy Smith, Mike Roth and Michael Mohn. There was an interactive whiteboard set up in front of the board room. The focus of the presentation was on the building as a learning tool and the building iteself as a teaching tool. Each went through what the technology could do and what they expected in the new MS. The desired techonology:

*Core Subject Classrooms:
Interactive Whiteboard
Integrated Projector
Integrated Sound System
*One Mobile Laptop Cart Per Team
*Wireless Connectivity
*Media Center
*Video Production Center

There was a demonstration of something called the "Dashboard Building Monitoring System" whereby a student/class could access the building energy/water/etc usage. This could then be used as a teaching tool in the classroom. Mr. Heller commented that since the controls of the building are/will be digital, it will only be a matter of purachasing and implementing the software.

There wasn't much on Finance. The special budget meeting was set for April 25 at 7:00 PM in the board room. It's open to the public and the previous cuts (and anything else?) will be on the table. The PDE letter of approval of special exceptions was received. The special exceptions total $2.0M but NASD can only use as much as it takes to fill the "holes". At last report the "holes" totaled $24K, but remember that includes the Sr. Citizen tax rebate cut and other things that haven't exactly materialized.

The teacher's contract and Dr. Lesky's raise were voted on and approved. Mr. Maher voted NO on both with no discussion (apparently his concerns were raised during the executive session).

There was an addendum to Transportation Contract that was approved during item VII. Support Service Resolutions. No additional explanation or discussion.

Very little comments made during either Community Corner (other than Kelley asked about the $45K from the Accountability Block Grant and whether we could use some of the money instead of all or none. We can use some if we so desire).

Meeting adjourned at 8:50PM.

Thanks again to Brad Moulton for forwarding these notes!