Director of Special Services, Chris Lassonde, will share the work of this focus group, which has been meeting for the past two years. It serves as another way for the district to get feedback from parents.
(Information/Decision) Assistant Superintendent Mike Jette will report out on the work of the World Language Task Force. This group was formed at the Board’s request in the spring of 2016 to investigate best practices in world language instructional programs. In addition, the Board had tabled the discussion to re-address the challenge of low enrollment in the Mandarin Program. At the March 27 meeting, the Board decided to end new enrollment starting in grade 7 for 2017-18.
The Board needs to finalize its agenda items for the May 22 retreat. Please note that the Board will need to conduct some routine business, including a manifest approval and nominations at this meeting as well. In addition, Superintendent McGee will review the logistics of the event.
This is the first reading of the final section of the policy review based on the analysis from the NHSBA. In Section K: School Community Home Relations there is a single change, with an additional legal requirement. In Section L: Education Agency Relations there are no proposed changes.
Superintendent McGee will review key dates for the School Board for the end of the School Year.
Annually, the Superintendent requests the Board delegate permission to hire over the summer months. This allows the school district to act more quickly and competitively in the hiring process. This year, I am requesting permission to hire professional staff from June 13 through August 21.
Superintendent McGee will provide an update on the FY16 Adequacy Grant. On May 1, the State of New Hampshire made payment to the Bedford School District of the $4.3 million shortfall from FY16.
Assistant Superintendent Jette will recommend priority areas for graduate coursework requests for next year. This practice allows us to bring certain courses and programs to the top of the request list to ensure there is enough funding for areas that are deemed to be a priority.
Superintendent McGee will provide a hard copy of the approved BEA Collective Bargaining Agreement and a Memorandum of Understanding to correct an error in the 2018-19 salary schedule.
Each year, the School Board must decide whether to support the district’s application for funding for our Adult Education Program. These funds support the cost of instructors in the program.
Business Administrator Maggie Duprey will share the status of these bids. As a result of asbestos found in the bathroom, the cost of the project will be higher than budgeted. The Board will be asked to decide how to proceed.
Superintendent McGee will review the process for replacing a Board member. Given Board member Schappler’s resignation, the Board will need to determine the process and timeline it wants to follow to replace him.