ANNUAL WESTMORE SCHOOL DISTRICT MEETING

MINUTES

THURSDAY, MAY 1, 2008

7 PM

Greg Gallagher opened the meeting by seeking nominations for a moderator. No one came forth, so Greg was asked to moderate. He agreed if someone would take minutes. Anne Alexander agreed to take the minutes. Present from the Westmore School District Board were: John Alexander, Jami Blair, and Sharon Strange. Present from the central office of the supervisory union were: Dr. Steve Urgensen, Superintendent; Susan Watson, business manager; Kelly Brooks, Director of Special Services.

Paul Wasklewicz pointed out that the date the warning was signed was missing from the report. Randi Pickel noted that there weren’t enough reports to go around and asked that more be made available next year.

Jami Blair was nominated by Linda Michniewicz, seconded by Kathy Holmes and so voted to be school director for a term of three years.

Article 4 was moved to be discussed after a vote on Article 7.

A motion was made by Paul Wasklewicz, seconded by Linda Michniewicz, and so voted to accept the proposed salary of $375 for payment of school directors.

A discussion followed a motion to transport Westmore students attending St. Paul’s School on a space available basis and boarding and exiting the bus en route. Currently there are no St. Paul students riding the Westmore bus. A motion was made by Linda M., seconded by Paul W. to amend Article 6 to include the clause – on a space available basis. The motion passed as amended with one nay vote.

A motion was made by Albert Hoosing, seconded by Gail Brown to accept the proposed school budget of $418,569. Discussion regarding the high costs of education and special education for a small town with many people on fixed incomes ensued. Dr. Urgensen pointed out that one of the reasons for escalating costs is an increase in the number of Westmore students from 30 to 39. There was some confusion regarding tuition with a mix up occurring with the state CLA tuition rate assigned to Westmore and the actual tuition rates paid by the town. There was also discussion regarding tuition paid to private schools and to schools outside the Orleans Central Supervisory Union. Currently, tuition for elementary students attending private schools or schools outside the supervisory union is the same as tuition charged by elementary schools within the supervisory union. The tuition for secondary students (grades 7 and 8) is paid according to the state average. According to state statute, Westmore parents have school choice for grades K through 8 because we don’t have a school. Westmore is one of the towns comprising the Lake Region Union High School and tuition is paid only to Lake Region for high school. A motion was made by Linda M., seconded by Kathy Holmes and so voted to place a cap on tuition for grade 7 and 8 students who attend schools out of the supervisory union to not exceed the amount paid within the supervisory union. A paper ballot was requested for the vote on Article 7, which passed with the amendment with 19 yeas, and 5 nays.

Article 4 was then voted upon and passed with a motion by Paul W./ seconded by Anne Alexander to authorize the Board of School Directors to borrow money to pay indebtedness and current expenses of the District.

Under Article 8 Kathy Holmes asked when it would be appropriate to discuss the transportation issue. John Alexander suggested that she attend the next board meeting, May 15, 2008 at the COFEC building in Barton at 7 pm. He stated that the board has transportation issues on its agenda.

A motion was made by Randi P., seconded by Kathy H. to hold the annual school meeting following town meeting. The motion was passed.

A motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Linda M., seconded by Wayne French at 9:01 pm and so voted.

Respectfully submitted,

Anne Alexander