APPROVED MINUTES – THE PITTSFIELD SCHOOL BOARD

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
SCHOOL ADMINISTRATIVE UNIT #51

BARNSTEAD – PITTSFIELD PITTSFIELD SCHOOL BOARD

MINUTES

Pittsfield School Board

Thursday, April 17, 2008

Pittsfield Middle High School

CALL TO ORDER

Members Present: Mary Paradise, Chairperson

Michael Wolfe

Gary Colby

Leslie Vogt

Scott Brown

Others Present: Peter Roche, Business Administrator

Karen Erlandson, Principal, PMHS

Dr. John Freeman, Principal, PES

Tobi Gray Chassie, Director of Student Services

Lois Jean Stevens, Coordinator of Student Services

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

AGENDA REVIEW

Ms. Erlandson added a request for the conceptual approval of a proposal, the correction of some previously reported statistics and the result of the youth risk survey. Mr. Roche requested that the Fire Department’s presentation be moved to the front of the agenda. Dr. Freeman added a resignation and transfers. Ms. Stevens added a resignation. Ms. Vogt added an update on the membership of the Budget committee. Mr. Brown added information on the SAU Planning Committee.

FIRE DEPARTMENT

Chief Gary Johnson and Lt. Nicholas Abell were present at the meeting to offer their services to assist the District in meeting fire and life safety codes that have recently been approved by law. Lt. Abell reviewed a report summarizing the inspection completed on September 6, 2007 and a plan outlining target dates for each project. Chief Johnson explained the way in which fire and life safety codes

Pittsfield School District 1 April 17, 2008

are passed. He also offered the services of the Pittsfield Fire Department to organize the physical structure for graduation so that it would meet fire and life safety codes. The School Board thanked Chief Johnson and Lt. Abell for their assistance.

APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MEETING MINUTES

On a motion made by Mr. Colby and seconded by Mr. Wolfe, the Board voted unanimously to approve the minutes of April 3, 2008, with the correction of Karen Erlandson designated as Principal of PMHS, rather than PES.

PUBLIC INPUT – None

PES ADMINISTRATION

Transfers

Dr. Freeman reminded the Board that the Master Contract demands the Boards approval of transfers within the district. Dr. Freeman recommended that the Board approve Jan Freeman transferring from grade one to grade two and Tiffany Pease transferring from special education teacher/case manager in grade five to grade six. On a motion made by Ms. Vogt and seconded by Mr. Wolfe, the Board voted unanimously to approve the transfers as recommended.

Childcare Leave

Dr. Freeman reported that Sharon Schlosser, who has been on childcare leave, has notified the district that she will not be returning. A letter of resignation is expected. In the meantime, the position will be advertised as an anticipated opening.

Excellence in Education Awards

Mr. Brown thanked the administration and staff of PES for their efforts in the nomination for Elementary School of the Year. Dr. Freeman’s report noted that PES was selected as a “finalist” in this year’s program, although another school will be named as the Elementary School of Excellence for 2008. The disappointment felt by everyone involved was acknowledged.

PMHS ADMINISTRATION

Resignation

Ms. Erlandson reported that a food service worker resigned by telephone today, effective today. Dr. Compton will be requested to write a letter to the employee documenting the termination of employment.

Pittsfield School District 2 April 17, 2008

Advisories

Ms. Erlandson reported that Silas St. James would become the chairperson of the Advisory program, replacing Carin Plante.

Correction

Ms. Erlandson reported that the drop out rate for 2006-2007 was 5.1% and a cumulative rate over four years, ending in 2006-2007, was 18.9%

Youth Risk Behavior Survey Community Level Report

Ms. Erlandson offered to have Jeff Martel come to a future meeting to review the contents of the Youth Risk Behavior Survey Community Level Report. Ms. Paradise stated that she would add it to the agenda of the May 1, 2008 meeting.

Request for Project

Ms. Erlandson reviewed a proposal from Mr. Derek Hamilton, requesting permission for students to paint the bleachers at Drake Field on the early release afternoon of May 12, 2008. The Board was in consensus that the project be approved. Ms. Erlandson will return to the Board with a proposal for expenditures required.

Road Clean Up

Mr. Brown asked if students might be interested in helping with the effort to clear the roadsides near town. He will provide information to Ms. Erlandson for her to share with students who may be interested in helping.

STUDENT SERVICES ADMINISTRATION

Resignation

On a motion made by Mr. Brown and seconded by Mr. Wolfe, the Board voted unanimously to approve the resignation of Mary Ann Weiss from her position as special education paraprofessional. Although the letter states the effective date as April 18, 2008, her actual last day was April 15, 2008.

Mentoring

Ms. Chassie distributed information regarding the Teacher Induction Program that will be implemented at PES and PMHS. It will be added to the agenda for the next meeting.

Pittsfield School District 3 April 17, 2008

SAU ADMINISTRATION

SAU Planning Committee

Mr. Brown distributed a draft of a letter that will be sent to the property owner of 175 Barnstead Road, informing them of the possibility of the breaking of the lease for the space currently occupied by the SAU.

Budget

Mr. Roche distributed a report that reviews the current balance, the available funds, and a list of administrative priorities for expenditures. The Finance Committee met to discuss this issue and requested that the administrative team have a meeting and bring forth recommendations, which was done. Ms. Vogt explained that timing is of the essence if the bid process is to be implemented for any of the proposed projects. Ms. Vogt reiterated a request that the SAU update the Capital Improvement Plan before June 30, 2008.

The Board requested that Mr. Roche prepare bids for the Fire Department’s recommendations, fixing the PMHS roof, replacement of PES windows, trim at PES, painting of PMHS front door, and repair of the roof near the cupola. It was requested that Mr. Roche write a letter to the Pittsfield Fire Department informing them of the intent of the Board to go out to bid for the items they have recommended.

Fuel Bid Update

Mr. Roche explained that the bids for fuel have been issued and are due to the SAU by May 16, 2008. Mr. Brown requested that when the bids come in, inquiries be made as to the speculation of the future prices. Also, the Board asked Mr. Roche to investigate “down-side protection”.

Teacher Appreciation Week

Mr. Roche explained that Dr. Compton will be acknowledging staff during Teacher Appreciation Week, may 5 through 9, 2008.

COMMITTEES

Drake Field & Facilities – Mr. Colby & Mr. Wolfe

Mr. Wolfe stated the Milliken Nursery has offered to make a donation of plants for around the dugouts at Drake Field.

Budget Committee Representative – Ms. Vogt

Ms. Vogt reported that the following people were appointed for the Budget Committee: Richard Munn, Scott Palmer, and Helen Schiff.

Pittsfield School District 4 April 17, 2008

SAU Planning – Mr. Brown & Mr. Colby

Mr. Brown reviewed the names of the people he is considering asking to participate on the SAU Location Committee.

NEXT MEETING

The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, May 1, 2008 at 5:30 at the Pittsfield Middle High School. Agenda will include teacher induction program, Youth Risk Behavior Survey, special education transfers, PMHS discipline statistics, PMHS honor roll, budget update.

Ms. Vogt described the efforts of the Pittsfield Community Coalition regarding informing the public about the results of the Youth Risk Behavior Survey and some information forums regarding drugs, alcohol, and tobacco.

PUBLIC INPUT (Second Session) – None

ADJOURNMENT

On a motion made by Mr. Brown and seconded by Mr. Wolfe, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 7:15 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Tobi Gray Chassie

Recording Secretary

Pittsfield School District 4 April 17, 2008