POLICY COMMITTEE
Unapproved Minutes for the Meeting of June 25, 2007
The Policy Committee met at 5:50 pm on June 25, 2007 in the Board Room. Committee members in attendance were James Carnie, Jonathan Kenyon, Ken Colby, Gene White, and Sue Oerman. Committee members Bill Felton and Tim Peloquin was unable to attend. Also in attendance were: Dr. Kenneth Dassau, Superintendent of Schools; Dr. David Hodgdon, Assistant Superintendent of Schools, and Colline Dreyfuss, School Board Chair. Member of the public present: Richard Bauries.
Meeting was tape by Richard Bauries
Discussion about Katie Chambers being here when there are changes that she can only answer the questions on.
Arrival of J. Kenyon at 6:54 pm.
Problems reading the red notations on the polcy.
S. Oerman had the comment why is Finance skipped in the procedures and what is the difference between $5,000-$20,000 and over $20,000.
J. Kenyon said that Facilities Committee wanted “mailing lists” taken out. Allowing the Business Manager to open the receiving bids so that there would be the opportunity to have everything together before going to the Board. Questions to Bidders could be answered ahead of time instead of delaying the project.
J. Carnie commented that the policy passed a long time ago and that $100 was the amount. Bidding process is not the Business Managers job. The Board makes the decision – the bids should be sealed. J. Carnie is not excited about the Business Manager doing the School Board’s job. J. Carnie does not want outside conversations with the bidders ahead of time. The bids should be opened in front of the Board and discussed in the open. Maybe a sub level but does not want wheeling and dealing. The bids need to be sealed.
G. White commented how about what happened about the Truck Bid. There were all of these questions that happened that could have been avoided if the Business Manager had the opportunity to get the necessary information ahead of time.
K. Colby commented that we have to be very specific when putting out to bid. K. Colby gave the example of the dumpster truck.
Arrival of K. Dassau at 6:15 pm
J. Carnie talked about the replacement on replacing an Employee.
J. Kenyon commented that sometimes you asked for the specifics and you still get a hiccup. For example, the Master Plan Bid. J. Kenyon said that nothing here takes the power away from the Board. We are nickel and dimes through the process. Emergency situations you might need more information. It would be easier to gather the information.
G. White updated K. Dassau as to where we were on the situation.
J. Kenyon commented that we are putting the Plan out by 2 months if we have additional steps and procedures. All bids to the Board level – ungainly shift. Facilities portion into the Board.
J. Carnie still feels that over $20,000 the Board should open. J. Carnie gave the example of the Project Manager position. That the Board did not get enough information ahead of time and that the specifications were not met.
K. Colby wants the wording concerning the money issue.
C. Dreyfuss arrives at 6:31 pm.
J. Carnie wants to admend the wording to $5,000 and have the category of $5,000 and more than $20,000. There was some confusion on the amendment. The wording would be less than $5,000, $5,000-$20,000 and More than $20,000.
C. Dreyfuss explained what the Facilities committee thoughts were that $5,000 and below comes to the Facilities committee and no board involvement. $5,000 to $20,000 we would be getting quotes and over $20,000 would be the bid process. That it would not be cost effective to try and get bids. Most businesses get quotes.
J. Carnie commented that the wording is too much. Make Categories of items. Levels 1 & 2. Level 3.
G. White agrees with J. Carnie – wording is too much.
K. Colby suggested that we have Bid categories. Category I, Category II, Category III.
Refered from Facilites to Finance.
6. Amendment:
VOTE 5002
7. Original motion with the amended categories and that we want to review the changed wording before taking to the full board.
VOTE 5002
K. Colby leaves at 6:46 pm
8. Policy IKF – High School Graduation Policy
D. Hodgdon commented that it is required by the State. Change
is 19 ¾ to 20 credits. Changes in Categories. Shifting in items. D. Hodgdon can
verify that from School to School –
J. Kenyon commented that the requirement is ½ credit or demonstrates proficiency. J. Kenyon wants to change the awarding of credit for “Demonstrates Proficiency” in the subject matter as per Policy.
J. Carnie disagrees with the policy – alternative credit options is about MC2.
D. Hodgdon said that we have a Policy on Alternative Credit Options.
J. Carnie commented that the Programs whether it is the Guidance leader and/or Joe Smith need something to show that MC2 meets the necessary 20 credit to graduate.
C. Dreyfuss commented that programs are done out of the country, plus we have home schoolers and MC2.
J. Kenyon commented that there is documented data showing the MC2 credit. Same State testing as the High School.
J. Carnie wants the State testing break out of MC2, to make sure they are doing the 20 credits.
J. Kenyon mades a motion to accept IKF with the change of “Demonstrates Proficiency into Awarding of Credit. G. White seconded.
J. Carnie commented that we are putting the cart before the horse. J. Carnie wants the table the motion. G. White seconded.
VOTE: 3103
The next meeting is scheduled for July 23, 2007 at 5:45 pm in the Teacher’s Room. We will discuss the Revised Bidding Policy, High School Graduation Policy and possibly JLDBA. J. Smith is invited to this meeting
10. Motion made by G. White to adjourn. Seconded by J. Carnie VOTE: 4003
Respectfully submitted,
Sue Oerman