A third classroom of kindergartners was formed when the estimated 35 students jumped to 47 by August 23 for Sippican Elementary School. School started on August 27. Principal Evelyn Rivet discussed the details at Wednesday’s committee meeting.
Two classes were originally planned, but a third was needed with the hiring of a permanent substitute.
“A decision was made to split the two classes and create a third section,” Rivet said. Funding for the position will come from the difference between the new hires and a paraprofessional leave of absence, with an approximate $5,000 needing to be absorbed from other areas of the budget yet to be determined.
In addition, five new teachers were hired for the new school year, and one transferred from another area to a teaching position.
Superintendent Doug White and Dr. Elise Frangos discussed the strategic planning development event coming up on September 19 and 21. The event on September 21 will involve focus groups made up of members of the community, especially older adults who will be asked questions about how they see the future playing out in the school district and what challenges lay ahead.
Anyone interested in participating can visit www.oldrochester.org and sign up. More than 100 people have signed up so far.
The questions ask residents what they feel are the key elements that will need to be in place in order for the district to continue to provide a high-quality educational program over the next five years. Another question asks what the resident sees as the major challenges that the district will face as it strives to attain these goals.
The overall program is administrated by the New England School Development Council of Marlborough and will be facilitated by consultants John Kennedy and Marge Clark.
Prior to the meeting, committee members were taken on a tour of the school by Facility Director Gene Jones, who updated the members on recent improvements and equipment that will need attention in the future.
Caitlin Meager, Director of Food Services, reported an approximate surplus of $4,500 from last year. The committee discussed putting it in a fund, in the budget, for future repair of equipment in the cafeteria. Meager said that a second hot lunch option will be offered this year to students.
A discussion followed regarding arrears in payment for school lunch. No child is ever denied lunch, regardless of the financial situation. The committee discussed creating a policy on how to handle the situation. The policy subcommittee will discuss it and come up with a recommendation at their next meeting. White said the new policy should be applied district wide.
Jones reported that all fire fighting systems were inspected and tested this summer. Systems included the kitchen fire suppression system, fire sprinkler, kitchen hoods, and stationary fire extinguishers. Ten windows in the 1954 wing were replaced. New security cameras in the main foyer were installed and tested. The security vestibule in the main entrance was completed with a locking sliding window for the office.
The committee reviewed and approved a donation from kindergarten parents to donate two cherry trees to the school in honor of Suzanne White, a recent retiree and former first grade teacher. Also approved was a donation of $230 to Project Grow from Anne Burnett, author of Step Ahead of Autism.
Dr. Mendes and Dr. Reynolds from Wareham Pediatrics were appointed as the new doctors for the school.
The committee adjourned to go into executive session
By Joan Hartnett-Barry
