Recap of 10/16/07 Meeting

Alison DesLauriers joined us to discuss the budget process, among other things. Budget committee members are elected at the annual school meeting and Chester needs more involvement. There are currently 6-7 members, they have meetings, ask questions and act as the educational and budgetary watch-dogs for the school budget. The principal and the school board finance committee present the budget to them. At this time, Tom is working on next year’s budget. He plans on getting feedback from parents and the community. We have an opportunity to advise him of our interests and items of importance.

Many stall doors are missing from the boys’ bathrooms. Apparently this is the result of past misbehaviors. Tom will have them reinstalled in the interest of privacy for our male students but, if similar misdeeds occur, it may be reevaluated.

The lack of parking for parents close to the school was discussed. Tom will get a sign made for the current parking space next to his.

Tom has created a Student Support Team to help students in trouble. When made aware of a child experiencing life difficulties, this team can find assistance and help where needed

Alison discussed the Tech Center as well. There are misperceptions in the community that the students that attend the Center are getting only vocational education. However, most go on to attend college and pursue higher education and careers. She would like to see parents made aware of the opportunities there.

Tom would like us to include in our section of the newsletter a series of frequently asked questions by parents. This will be further discussed.

Student involvement in the newsletter was brought up. Should they be able to take it over, produce one of their own or contribute to it? Concerns of censorship were brought up. Tom encouraged students to submit articles to him for inclusion and stated he would not censor them, within reason.

In this vein, having a climate study of the students was discussed. This will need further investigation.

Security was discussed. Parents questioned the reason for installing cameras. There is not a preventative aspect to them so they are for help in bullying situations and location of a threat. Tom and Alison stated that their installation was a decision made last year in a reaction to a need for some type of action to be taken. It was requested that Tom outline in the newsletter exactly what actions the school is taking regarding security. It was agreed that this is a huge nationwide social issue that needs in-depth analysis and discussion in order to determine causes and courses of action.