April 11, 2013 Minutes

APPROVED BY THE PITTSFIELD SCHOOL BOARD

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
SCHOOL ADMINISTRATIVE UNIT #51
PITTSFIELD SCHOOL BOARD

MINUTES

Pittsfield School Board Meeting
5:30 p.m., Thursday, April 11, 2013
Pittsfield Middle High School

I. CALL TO ORDER

Members Present: Mike Wolfe, Chairperson
Nicole Manteau, Vice-Chairperson
Gary Mullen
Ray Ramsey (exited at 5:50 p.m.) (returned at 6:35 p.m.)

Others Present: John Freeman, Superintendent
Lois Stevens, Director of Student Services
Doug Kilmister, Principal, PES
Bob Bickford, Principal, PMHS
Members of the public
Students

Chairperson Mike Wolfe called the meeting to order at 5:32 p.m.

II. AGENDA REVIEW

The following items were added:
• Sick bank request (Dr. Freeman)
• Correspondence regarding the school social worker (Dr. Freeman)
• Correspondence regarding the skate park (Dr. Freeman)
• Field trip incident (Ms. Manteau)
• PES gym usage AAU Basketball (Mr. Kilmister)
• Coaching position (Mr. Bickford)
• Girls basketball excursion (Mr. Bickford)
• Town survey students results (Mr. Bickford)

III. ACTION ON AGENDA

On a motion made by Ms. Manteau and seconded by Mr. Mullen, the Board voted unanimously to approve the agenda as amended.

IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

A motion was made by Mr. Mullen and seconded by Mr. Ramsey to approve the minutes of the March 28, 2013, School Board meeting. Nicole Manteau asked that the “h” be removed from her name and asked if the time she left the meeting should be added. Also, on page three, paragraph two, end quotation marks need to be added after the word “classroom.”

The board voted unanimously to approve the minutes as amended.

V. PUBLIC INPUT

A. Community Liaison Ross Morse stated that the recent Internet Safety Forum was poorly attended. An Alert Now message had been put out to inform the community of the meeting. The Internet Safety component will be a requirement at the iPAD rollout on April 30, 2013. On Monday, April 8, 2013, information about the iPAD handout on the 15th and information about the roll out on April 30 was distributed. Ms. Manteau asked if students were required to take iPADs. Mr. Morse and Ms. Stevens explained no students are required to take an iPAD. Ms. Stevens explained that the availability of IPADs was an opportunity to be exposed a form of technology that may later be useful to students. Mr. Morse expressed thanks to Technology Integrator Carin Foss for her time commitment on this project.

B. Select Board Member Larry Konopka explained he was in attendance to see how the School Board worked. Introductions of current school board members and administration were made.

C. PMHS Student Quinn Steeves attended the School Board meeting to obtain a signature regarding his Eagle Scout project.

VI. PES ADMNISTRATION

A. DATA ON CHRONIC ABSENTEEISM
Mr. Kilmister explained that a shift in focus on improving attendance was being implemented by reviewing cases of chronic absenteeism. Letters have been sent home to students and parents with improved attendance as well as letters of concern for absentees.

B. PLAN FOR TEACHER TEAMS IN GRADES FIVE AND SIX
A plan to have the fifth and sixth grade students taught by two-teacher teams is being developed. This format will allow students a smoother transition between the elementary school and the middle school.

C. ENERGY CONSERVATION
It is expected that PES Head Custodian, George Szelest, will present energy conservation recommendations received from an energy audit from Rockingham Electric. The energy audit is provided at no cost. Mr. Mullen asked if all unused electrical devices are turned off during vacations. Principal Kilmister stated that this was standard practice.

D. PES PTO TRIES OUT NEW FUNDRAISERS

PES PTO President Ammy Ramsey and Vice President Lisa English are offering new fundraising opportunities this year. The PTO recently hosted a family game night and over seventy people participated. In May, the PTO will host a chili/soup cook off.

E. GIFTS FROM CONCORD LITHO

PES has accepted a donation of four cases of rejected notepads from Concord Litho. PES appreciates these notepads.

F. AAU BASKETBALL

A local AAU Basketball team is currently using the PES gym for practice without cost. Mr. Kilmister requested a sense of the Board if this practice met with the Board’s approval. As the practices are scheduled when staff is in the building, the district assumes no cost. The Board agreed that the use without charge was acceptable. Ms. Manteau asked if the requirement that a person certified in CPR was required to be present. Mr. Bickford stated that this is a district policy for school events involving students.

G. CALENDAR

Mr. Kilmister provided the Board with dates of highlights for April and May.

VII. PMHS ADMINISTRATION

A. SITE COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE

PMHS Student Noah Manteau, a representative from the Site Council, stated that the Council held a meeting last week and reviewed the Restorative Justice proposal. The proposal was not acted upon at that time, but will be scheduled to come forward at the next Site Council meeting.

On Tuesday, April 2, 2013, the Site Council met with Technical Assistance Consultant Arnie Clayton to learn how to use group process protocols to review proposals brought to the Site Council. The protocols are intended to increase student voice and contribute to time efficiency in acting on proposals. Mr. Wolfe asked Noah Manteau if he thought the protocols were helping to expand the opportunity for student voice. Noah Manteau answered in the affirmative, stating that he thought they were working well.

B. MASTER SCHEDULE DRAFT PROPOSAL

Mr. Bickford stated that Technical Assistance Consultant Joe DiMartino has been meeting with faculty and administration to develop a master schedule that more fully meets the needs of students. Mr. Bickford provided some background information and a description of changes being considered.

Ms. Manteau stated that she is in favor of the proposal for Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, which allows students to have student access to Concord Regional Center classes without missing classes at PMHS. She stated that she has concerns about the current late-start schedule on Wednesdays and is not in favor of the new Wednesday proposal. Ms. Manteau has concern that Wednesdays would largely be a competency recovery day without the scheduling of regular classes.

Mr. Bickford explained that currently high school students are required to come to school on late-start Wednesday morning if they are not passing two or more of their classes with a 2.5 or better. It appears to Mr. Bickford that students are now working harder during the week, so they are not required to attend Late Start Wednesday.

On Wednesdays, Mr. Bickford explained, there would be an opportunity for honors challenge as well as competency recovery. It is suggested that the Site Council and Judicial Committee would also meet on Wednesdays. There is a plan for extending advisory time on Wednesday afternoons to ensure that all advisory activities can be completed. The scheduling team is still exploring potential classes and activities that will occur on Wednesdays.

Ms. Manteau asked if Concord students would still miss advisories under the new scheduling plan. Mr. Bickford said that they would. Ms. Manteau explained that her students are have difficulty completing their work with five days; the proposed schedule would only give them four days to complete their class work.

Dr. Freeman asked what would happen if a student doesn’t need competency recovery or want to take part in the enrichment activities; do they not come to school? Mr. Bickford responded it is still a required day of school.

Ms. Manteau stated that she doesn’t favor the proposed schedule; she thinks other parents will also have problems with schedule as well. The proposed schedule seems to feature less time spent in classes in addition to the time teachers and students are pulled away currently.

C. GRADUATION/AWARD NIGHT ADJUSTMENTS

A proposal has been made to shift all awards and scholarships to the annual Senior Awards Night rather than being presented during the graduation ceremony. The Foss Family Scholarships will still be presented at graduation. Ms. Manteau and Mr. Wolfe supported this idea.

D. TOWN WIDE SURVEY

PMHS students participated in the Master Plan Community Survey during advisory, as requested by Survey Organizer Ralph Odell.

E. FINE ARTS MUSEUM TRIP

A disciplinary incident occurred during a recent field trip to Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts; Art Teacher Bill Mitchell reported that one or more students may have been using an illegal substance on the bus. The bus driver pulled the bus over, and chaperones moved to the back of the bus. An investigation was subsequently completed, but was hampered because students were allowed to go home before the investigation could take place. Interview information has been turned off to the Pittsfield Police Department. Ms. Manteau asked if there is now a policy about what is expected if this happens again, so that staff members will know what is expected of them. The expectation moving forward guidance will be placed in faculty handbooks regarding expected procedures for field trip supervision.

F. GIRLS BASKETBALL EXCURSION

A request for the girls’ basketball team to attend an overnight event in Maine was presented. The trip has been put on hold because the necessary paperwork has not been completed. School district policy IJOA requires Board approval for overnight trips.

Mr. Wolfe stated that the Board won’t make an exception and that following the policy doesn’t appear to create a hardship for the team. Ms. Manteau stated that the policy doesn’t burden the team and that the policy should be followed. Mr. Bickford stated that Athletic Director Peter Tuttle requested that the policy be waived. Dr. Freeman recommended tentatively supporting the proposal and withholding final approval until details have been provided in accordance with Board policy.

On a motion by Ms. Manteau and seconded by Mr. Mullen, the Board tentatively approved the concept of the girls basketball team trip to Maine with final approval contingent with completion of the process outlined in School Board Policy IJOA.

G. JV BASEBALL

Because of a low number of players for the JV baseball team, Athletic Director Peter Tuttle held a baseball coaches’ meeting to determine if the JV Baseball team should continue.

Ms. Manteau stated that she disagreed with what Mr. Bickford presented regarding the number of eligible players. It is her understanding that it had been worked out to have three teams and schedules, but now because of the change, JV players will now be forced to sit on the bench at varsity games. It is her understanding that Mr. Tuttle expressed to the coaches that he had had difficulty scheduling enough games and this is the reason why it was determined to not have a JV team. It is Ms. Manteau’s belief that the JV coach would like to continue to assist the teams.

Dr. Freeman recommended honoring the JV coach’s contract. No Board action was required to do so. The Board affirmed its intent to honor the contract of the JV baseball coach.

H. CALENDAR

A calendar of events for April and May was provided by Mr. Bickford.

VIII. STUDENT SERVICES

A. FOCUS MONITORING

The school district has received the New Hampshire Department of Education Focus Monitoring report. Ms. Stevens reported she has reviewed the report and has submitted documentation to challenge some findings. The district is in the process of correcting all student findings of non-compliance. Ms. Stevens explained that special education personnel have been participating in professional development on writing measurable goals and objectives, which are required in individual education plans.

B. OUT OF DISTRICT

Ms. Stevens updated the Board on the status of two students currently in out-of-district placements.

C. CEC NATIONAL CONFERENCE

Ms. Stevens reported that five special educators accompanied her to the Council fo Exceptional Children’s National Conference. Attendees found the conference very informative and learned about strategies and practices that may be implemented.

IX. DISTRICT LEVEL STYSTEM CHANGE / DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION

No Report

X. SAU

A. SCHOOL BOARD STRATEGIC PLAN
Dr. Freeman presented the latest draft of the proposed School Board Strategic Plan. Ms. Manteau asked to postpone action to allow for new Board members to review it. No action was taken.

B. PES SIDING & WINDOW REPLACEMENT PROJECT

Dr. Freeman presented a proposal from the Harriman architectural firm for design and management of the window and siding replacement at PES. Dr. Freeman stated that Mr. Bisson of Harriman has contributed to many projects in the schools over past years.

On a motion by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Mr. Mullen, the Board voted unanimously to approve the proposed contract with Harriman for the PES project as presented.

C. RESIGNATIONS

Letters of resignation from Guidance Director Leslie Bergevin, Principal Bob Bickford, and Principal Doug Kilmister were presented.

On a motion by Ms. Manteau and seconded by Mr. Mullen, the Board voted unanimously to accept the resignations of Ms. Bergevin, Mr. Bickford, and Mr. Kilmister. Mike Wolfe expressed the Board’s appreciation for the contributions made by these individuals and for their strong effort and service to the Pittsfield School District in the remaining months of their employment.

D. PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYEE NOMINATIONS

Dr. Freeman presented a revised professional nomination list and pointed out revisions to the Board. Dr. Freeman recommended approval.

On a motion by Mr. Mullen and seconded by Mrs. Manteau, the Board approved the revised professional nomination list as presented.

XI. PUBLIC INPUT – 2nd SESSION

A. Mr. Morse informed the Board that Pittsfield Listens has hired a new coordinator, Molly Messenger.

B. Parent Keri Griggs stated that Social Worker Jane Johnson, whose position has been grant-funded and is being eliminated for the 2013-2014 school year due to lack of funding, works with needy families and at the Pittsfield Youth Workshop. Ms. Griggs stated that Ms. Johnson is considered the

families’ voice. Ms. Griggs advocated for the continuation of the position of school social worker. Ms. Griggs stated that many parents feel more comfortable with Ms. Johnson than with other staff members at the school. She stated that understands the budget constraints, but is worried about what will happen to families. The Board thanked Ms. Griggs for sharing her concerns.

XII. NON-PUBLIC SESSION

At 6:55 p.m., a motion was made by Ms. Manteau and seconded by Mr. Mullen to enter into non-public session to discuss a student matter and to hold a hearing to determine whether a manifest educational hardship exists for a student in accordance with School Board Policy JEC and pursuant to RSA 91-A:3, II (c). The Board was polled and voted unanimously (Ms. Manteau, yes; Mr. Mullen, yes; Mr. Ramsey, yes; Mr. Wolfe, yes) to enter into non-public session for the purpose stated.

The Board received and reviewed a written request submitted by a parent for consideration of the placement of a student in a public school in another school district due to her belief that the student’s current placement in the district constitutes a manifest educational hardship.
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The parent joined the meeting and a hearing commenced in accordance with Policy JEC with Mr. Wolfe presiding. The parent provided information to support her request. Mr. Bickford provided information regarding the student and statements made, either in writing or orally, by the parent. Opportunities for questions and additional statements were provided to the parent. Discussion ensued. When no further questions or comments were forthcoming, the hearing concluded.

Following the hearing, the Board deliberated on the matter.

On a motion made by Mr. Mullen and seconded by Ms. Manteau, the Board voted unanimously that the student’s current assignment does not constitute a manifest educational hardship and that the request for a placement in a public school in another district be denied.

At 7:35 p.m., a motion was made by Ms. Manteau and seconded by Mr. Mullen to exit the non-public session and to re-enter into open session. The Board was polled and voted unanimously (Ms. Manteau, yes; Mr. Mullen, yes; Mr. Ramsey, yes; Mr. Wolfe, yes) to exit the non-public session and to re-enter into open session.

XIII. SAU (continued)

E. CORRESPONDANCE SOCIAL WORKER

The Board received two letters from parents – Keri Griggs and Melissa Hanscom – stating concern about the elimination of the social worker position. The social worker has been a position in the district for four years through various grant funding over the years.

Ms. Manteau asked how will people know who to call. Dr. Freeman stated that parents can call the school, but that Social Worker Jane Johnson did most of her work outside of the school and was very available to parents and families. Ms. Stevens stated that the services of the social worker will be missed and the district will have to find ways to help families. A concern was raised by Ms. Manteau about whether adequate coverage would be available in the absence of the social worker. Ms. Stevens stated that, although a challenge, we will find a way to meet the needs of our students.

F. CORRESPONDANCE SKATE PARK

Dr. Freeman received a letter of concern from Town Administrator Paul Skowron regarding a Select Board interest in repairs that are needed at the skate park. Dr. Freeman investigated the situation and advised the Board that in gaps have developed in the equipment. The custodial staff will correct the issue.

G. SCHOOL SAFETY FORUM

A follow-up School Safety Forum is scheduled for 6:00 to 6:45 p.m. on Wednesday, April 17, in the PES Cafeteria.

H. ADMINISTRATIVE RESTRUCTURING

District plans to implement the most recent administrative restructuring continue to progress. An informational meeting is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 17, in the PES Cafeteria.

I. GOOD TO GREAT TEAM

The Good to Great Team met. This group includes about sixteen school and community members. The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, May 9.

J. STUDENT LED CONFERNECES VIDEO

Funded by the Nellie Mae Education Foundation, the first in what we expect to be a series of video productions focusing on various aspects of the school redesign work took place this week. Dr. Freeman stated that he looks forward to sharing this video with the Board.

K. NEXT MEETING

Due to vacation schedules, the Board cancelled its meeting of Thursday, April 25.

The next School Board meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 9, 2013, in the PMHS Media Center.

L. ADJOURNMENT

On a motion made by Mr. Mullen and seconded by Mr. Ramsey. The Board voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 7:40 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Lois-Jean Stevens
Recording Secretary