Andover School Board Minutes – April 6, 2021

This meeting was held in person and remotely pursuant to Governor’s Emergency Order #12, dated March 23, 2020.

As a preface to the meeting, Board Chair Aimee Menard presented the “Presiding Member’s Script To Ensure Meetings Are Compliant With The Right-to Know Law During The State Of Emergency.”

In-Person Board Present: Aimee Menard, Adam Jones, Dean Barker

Remote Board Present: Brandon Adams, solo; Theresa Georges, solo

Administration Present: Mark MacLean, Hilary Denoncourt, Kathleen Boucher, Dennis            Dobe, Judith Turk

Public Present: Remote participants

Finance Report: Hilary presented the finance report. Dean made the motion to approve the finance report. Adam made the second. All were in favor and the report was approved.

Public Comment: None

Board Chairperson’s Report: Aimee thanked everyone for their participation in a successful annual meeting. She reminded attendees of the Town Meeting to be held on April 13. She highlighted that two AE/MS students, Ember and Azalea Morgan, were featured on New Hampshire Chronicle regarding their trip to New York City to support their environmental cause. 

 

As a follow up, an organization has offered energy audit services to AE/MS if requested.

Principal’s Report: Dennis provided various school and facility updates along with both current enrollment numbers for both hybrid and remote learners at AE/MS.

Old Business

AE/MS Reopening Plan, Phase III: Adam provided a brief review of the committee work and spoke of the Governor’s current order to reopen fully (five days) as of April 19, 2021. The AE/MS plan was in the works prior to this mandate. 

 

Discussion took place regarding maintaining the 1:45 PM dismissal for continued enhancement of remote programming. The teachers were commended for their hard work and flexibility. 

 

The motion was made by Aimee to transition to Phase III beginning on Monday, April 12, for five-day, in-person school attendance. Dean made the second. All were in favor and the motion was approved. 

 

For the upcoming week, Tuesday the 13th will be a remote learning day due to the Town Meeting taking place in the school building.

MVHS Tuition Agreement Joint Review Committee: Adam provided the current status of the committee and the goals of the group moving forward: surveying Andover families and soliciting information/feedback; providing an informational article to The Andover Beacon, and holding a community session. The present contract expires in 2024.


New Business


Spring Sports Update: Spring Track Registration is in process for middle school students. Brian Reynolds will return as the team coach to be supported by Stephanie Bendixsen, under the leadership of Athletic Director Michael Jensen. Community baseball and softball opportunities will be made available for those who wish to participate.

Superintendent’s Report: Mark spoke of the Board Reports to take place on April 13. The organizational meeting will take place at the Board Session on May 4. 

 

He spoke of his involvement as a presenter at an administrative conference and as a participant on some committee panels. He recognized Adam for his work on the reopening plan. 

 

There will be an SAU Board Meeting on May 5 at 7 PM; location to be determined. Dinner will be served at 6 PM. He reinforced the 1:45 PM dismissal time as essential for the teachers to be able to pivot to full remote learning for those students involved. He thanked Theresa for her service to the Andover School Board.

Assistant Superintendent’s Report: Mark spoke on Randy’s behalf, stating that continued work is taking place with allocations pending in the Grants Management System for adequate, appropriate distribution.

Action from Non-Public Session: Aimee made the motion to nominate the Andover Elementary/Middle School Staff as presented for the 2021-2022 school year. Adam made the second. All were in favor and the nominations were approved. 

 

Mark announced the resignation of Special Education Teacher/Case Manager Alita Phelps.