Vice President DiPrima called the education meeting of the Board of Education of March 4, 2004, to order at 7:30 p.m. Board members present: John Abrams, Laurel DiPrima, Rosemary Grier, Cindy Koerner, and Joe Leane. Absent: Sue Ramstedt. Rich Benson arrived at 7:35 p.m. The minutes of the February 19, 2004, business meeting were approved.

Items of Public Interest

• The Lincoln Junior High Jazz Band performed before the education meeting. Jazz band members were recognized at the meeting for their outstanding performance at the North Shore Jazz Festival.

Other Reports

Education Foundation: An update was presented highlighting a successful fundraiser dinner dance and the approval of ten teacher grant proposals.

Questions or Statements from the Floor – None.

Priority Items

1. Lincoln Junior High School staff members provided an overview of various co-teaching models relating to team teaching, inclusion classrooms, collaboration, and advantages for students.
2. Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Lois Andrews presented an update on the future of standardized testing. A discussion by the Board followed with consensus for administrative re-evaluation of standardized testing.
3. Business Services Director Greg Kurr presented a recommendation for student fees for the 2004-05 school year. The Board held a discussion on transportation services and fees relating to this service; implementation of fees in multiple programs; Board of Education Policy 280 - Fees; and the relationship between the fee structure and budget deficit reduction (BDR) efforts. Administration was directed to revise the fee structure in support of budget deficit reduction efforts. The Board is expected to take action on student fees at the March 18 meeting.

Action Items*

• Accepted the resignations of two teachers and an accounting assistant.*

Superintendent’s Report
Superintendent Bruce Brown presented an update on referendum campaign activities.

New Business
The following new business was discussed:

• Canvass of referendum election results.
• Reorganization meeting of the Board of Education.
• Contracts and bids relating to Westbrook School should the referendum be successful.
• The No Child Left Behind Act.