RANGELEY — Rangeley Lakes Regional School Board of Education recently released its minutes for the Nov. 24 meeting.

Board members present at this meeting were Virginia Nuttall, Pamela Ellis (absent), Barbara Burgess, Mary Vacarro, Harold Schaetzle (absent).

Brian Foster, Superintendent; Sherry Connally, Principal, several staff members and community members were also there.

Following the call to order and the Pledge of Allegiance, the minutes of the previous meeting, Oct. 27, was accepted.

Virginia Nuttall, the board chair, reminded those attending that people who are interested in running for the new school board need to return nomination papers by Dec. 4 for the election on Jan. 19.

She also reminded board members that they need to sign the warrants and she emphasized that timeliness was needed in signing them.

Superintendent Brian Foster reported that board packets included a financial summary statement from last quarter as well as copies of the board goals from the last meeting.

Foster reviewed the Informational Letter #49 from the Commissioner regarding the current curtailment in education of $38 million. Foster noted that this represents approximately a $30,000 curtailment for all of the towns in the Union. The next board meeting will discuss a plan for reducing the current budget to meet the needed adjustment.

Foster received a letter from the Teacher’s Association and noted that board members should let Nuttall know of their interest to be on the negotiating committee.

He reported that the H1N1 Clinic was successfully completed last Friday. There was between 25 and 30 percent participation. Foster said that Vanessa Adams, school nurse, did an outstanding job organizing and scheduling the clinic. Adams is also planning a Seasonal Influenza Clinic for interested families on Dec. 11.

Finally, he announced a Union #37 board meeting for Dec. 3.

Principal Connally reported that the 1st quarter report cards went out smoothly and on time. She also announced that students participated in the first Virtual Field trip using the Tandberg technology.

Connally recently attended the MPA Conference and gath- ered information on RTI and other legal related issues.

The principal confirmed that Parent Conferences have been completed.

She announced that she will be participating in an MPA technology committee and UMF dinner presentation on assistive technology.

Basketball season has started. And the recent fall sports banquet was successful.

Wendy Stewart reviewed the history of the Ski-Tuesday Program and the proposal for this coming year. A discussion ensued concerning the lack of participation by high school students. T. Philbrick addressed questions that had been raised by Saddleback, as well as other transportation and liability related concerns. It was noted that the ski program is in its 50th year and is supported through many volunteers, and that RLRS has a good working relationship with the mountain. N. Christensen reviewed the cross-country ski program. A discussion followed regarding participation in team sports and individual sports.

The superintendent reported that he had accepted the resignation of Aimee Danforth, Ed. Tech. II in Special Education. In addition, a recent IEP meeting recommended another Ed. tech to support a recently identified student. Interviews have been held and a recommendation will be on the next board agenda.

The Superintendent nominated the following individuals for winter athletic positions: Sean Danforth for Middle School Boys Basketball coach; Phil Oliveri for Middle School Girls Basketball coach; Martin Wilson for Varsity Ski coach; and Tracy Cavalier for Cheering coach.

After Vacarro asked if background checks were current on appointments and Philbrick, athletic director, said that all fingerprinting and background checks were current and in order, the slate of nominations was accepted.

The Rangeley Skating Club request was discussed. Superintendent introduced David Rodway and the proposal from the Rangeley Skate Club requesting use of the school’s tractor with the sweeper for ice clearing during the winter skating programs. Rodway then reviewed the club’s purpose and activities.

Superintendent Foster explained that the tractor is the property of the school and the recent inquiry to the insurance company indicated that due to liability issues, it could not be housed and used at a different location. He added that the agent will be talking to the underwriters about other possible options. The possible purchase was discussed; however this would need to go out to bid.

The board asked the superintendent to research the issue further and bring a recommendation to the next board meeting.

The superintendent informed the board of the current status of the Reorganization plan. Voting for new board members will take place Jan. 19. It is anticipated that the new board will be able to form at the beginning of March.

Chairperson Nuttall asked members interested to contact her regarding their participation on the Transition Committee to work on a smooth transition to the new school district.