Superintendent's Report to Board
August 13, 2008
Victoria Burns, Superintendent
1. I received the results of the Bureau of Labor Standards’ inspection in a report dated July 9, 2008 and responded immediately. I am not appealing the violations or the abatement order, but I did appeal, on behalf of MSAD #15, all of the financial penalties. After consultation with Mr. Towle, Director of Finance and Operations, I have created a corrective plan to remediate any violations before the abatement period mandated by the Bureau of Labor Standards. The full report with corrective actions will be shared with the Facilities Committee at its first meeting in September.
2. Mr. Towle will update you on the mold removal at the Middle School and the High School construction at the August 13 Board Meeting.
3. The Department of Education sent Information Letter 6-Ensuring Safety in Our Schools (enclosed): A Sample School-Based Emergency Management Plan to update schools on what must be contained in Crisis Plans. A signed checklist (enclosed) must be completed by each school and sent to the State by October 3, 2008. Principals are aware of the checklist and will update school crisis plans for Board approval before October 3. National Incident Management System training for school administrators is being coordinated through Mike Barter, Gray Fire Department, and is scheduled in August. A Crisis Plan meeting with first responders will be held prior to the start of school.
4. I received an email from Peter Martell, Gray Little League, regarding the donation of a batting cage at the Middle School. The acceptance of this gift will be on the August 13 School Board Agenda.
5. Administrators have met several times this summer to outline the procedures related to the Activity Bus. I am writing a letter to parents stating that information regarding the Activity Bus will be available by the first day of school. Tentatively, the Activity Bus is scheduled to start Monday, September 8th, on Mondays through Thursdays. I will have the complete packet of information available for you at the first Board meeting in September.
6. I am sending a letter to K-12 parents outlining the two new programs available at MSAD #15: School Messenger and the Activity Bus. This letter will be sent with each school’s introductory August letter.
7. I want to welcome Niels Mank as the new Manager of Transportation and Facilities. Mr. Mank will begin his work at MSAD #15 on August 11. His last position was as Transportation Director at Union 7, Saco/Dayton School Department. Mr. Mank has also been an Operations Manager for Custom Coach and Limousine. He has a Bachelors of Science in Marketing from New Hampshire College.