Staff Writer
The Eastern Aroostook RSU School Board convened for a regular meeting on Jan. 20, at the superintendent’s building in Caribou. RSU board members in attendance were George O’Bar, Dale Gordon, Scott Willey, Michelle Albert, Katherine Anderson, David Strainge and Frank McElwain, RSU 39 superintendent. Kent Forbes was absent from the panel. Also present at the Jan. 20 meeting were three Caribou High School students representing the school’s student government. Jared Sleeper, CHS Student Council president; D.J. Flynn, vice president and Erin Buck, secretary, each addressed the RSU board members giving updates on school events including, fund-raising, National Honor Society activities, athletics and updates regarding music programs, highlighting the recent success of CHS musicians in the All-Aroostook and All-State competitions.
RSU Board Chairman Willey thanked the students for their presentations, commending them on how well they represent their school in the role of ambassadors.
Board members voted to approve the adoption/revision of a slate of policies:
Board member compensation and expenses. A stipend of $25 per meeting for each board member is authorized. This payment will be made for attendance at all regular, special, and subcommittee meetings.
Dismissal for storm days. Teachers and ed techs may be dismissed, once their area is cleared, when students are dismissed early due to storms. This will be done at the discretion of the building principal. Administrators and secretaries may be dismissed once all busses have returned to the bus garage area. This also will be at the discretion of the superintendent.
Budget adoption process. Adoption of the annual budget is to be accomplished prior to June 30 for the fiscal year beginning July1. The proposed budget shall include, in addition to operating expenses and expected income for the ensuing year, the sums required for meeting bonds falling due, interest on the bonds and on other obligations, rentals and other fixed charges. The proposed budget shall be thoroughly explained and the public shall be given an opportunity to be heard. Only those amounts pertaining to operating expenses, reserve or contingency funds, or capital outlay expenditures shall be subject to change by the voters.
Audits/financial monitoring. The school system’s books shall be audited annually by the Maine Department of auditors or by an outside auditor approved by the board, based on the July1 to June 30 fiscal year. The superintendent/designee shall be responsible for working with auditors in their conduct of annual or other audits as required.
RSU 39 Superintendent McElwain informed the panel he had received and accepted the resignations of two longtime educators in the Caribou schools — Barbara Southers, CHS English/literature teacher and Bea Thompson, elementary teacher at Hilltop.
McElwain also stated Carol Cote of Limestone had been hired as a mid-level cross-country coach for Limestone team; Wendy Bencivenga will be assistant coach for this program.
Administrators updated the board members as to student programs and events taking place at their respective buildings. Building principals included Leland Caron, Limestone Community School; Sherry Belanger, Teague Park Elementary; Mark Jones, Caribou High School; Jane Kilcollins, Hilltop Elementary;
Susan White, Caribou Middle School; Dan McDonald, Caribou Learning Center; and Ralph Conroy, Caribou Technology Center. Lois Brewer, RSU 39 curriculum coordinator spoke on the impressive work that is done through the enrichment programs offered through the 21st Century After-School program.
Following the adjournment and an executive session, the RSU board entered into a workshop session to discuss 2010-2011 budget goals.
