RCL notes built form the December 21, 2016 School Board Meeting

1     Business Manager Jim Katkin will be retiring in the next few years.  To prepare for that, the SAU has increased its budget to provide for an Assistant Business Manager who would be able to assume his responsibilities.  This will add approximately $140,000 to the annual SAU50 budget, approximately half of which is paid by the Rye School District.

2.     There will be a meeting set up in January or February to obtain parent feedback on the new Social Studies instruction model.

3.     At the request of Selectmen Musselman, the School Board is looking at the possibility of renting unused Junior High School space to the Town.

4.     The School District obtained a legal opinion on the School Board’s ability to spend money that might be added to the budget by voters at the Deliberative Session, or by warrant article, for other purposes.  That opinion was, however, incorrect with regard to special warrant articles, where the Board may not lawfully spend that money for other than the stated purpose.

5.     Two parents with children in private schools corrected the School Board’s interpretation of a State statute requiring access to school programs for private and home schooled students. RSA 193:1 C

6.     School Board members expressed concern that a parent’s group meeting had disseminated erroneous information and was creating dysfunction by taking votes on matters over which the School Board has purview.