ADVANCE COPY, SUBJECT TO THE APPROVAL THE PITTSFIELD SCHOOL BOARD

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

MINUTES

Pittsfield School Board
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Pittsfield Middle High School

I. CALL TO ORDER

Members Present: Mary Paradise, Chairperson
Michael Wolfe
Gary Colby
Leslie Vogt
Scott Brown

Others Present: Dr. William Compton, Superintendent
Peter Roche, Business Administrator
Karen Erlandson, Principal, PES
Jeff DeLois, Assistant Principal, PMHS
Dr. John Freeman, Principal, PES
Tobi Chassie, Director of Student Services
Lois Stevens, Coordinator of Student Services
Doug Kilmister, Principal-Elect, PES

Chairperson Paradise called the meeting to order at 6:34 p.m.

II. AGENDA REVIEW

Dr. Compton added a non-public session for legal and personnel and a sick bank request. Mr. DeLois added a request for a non-resident student. Dr. Freeman added resignations, newsletter, Concord Hospital connection, PES transition, and an announcement.

Ms. Paradise asked to have an announcement made. Ms. Stevens stated that Ms. Chassie was named as Special Education Director of Year and thanked the people who provided letters of support in that effort.

III. APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MEETING MINUTES

On a motion made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Mr. Brown, the Board voted unanimously to approve the minutes of March 20, 2008, as written. Mr. Brown, Mr.

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Wolfe, Mr. Colby and Ms. Vogt voted in the affirmative and Ms. Paradise abstained from the vote.

IV. PUBLIC INPUT – None

V. PES ADMINISTRATION

A. Resignations

Dr. Freeman recommended that the Board consider the resignation of Ellen Barbasso from her position as educational assistant. On a motion made by Mr. Brown and seconded by Mr. Wolfe, the Board voted unanimously to accept the resignation of Ms. Barbasso.

Dr. Freeman recommended that the Board consider the resignations of Sheri Stenerson and Shaunna Trudelle. A motion was made by Mr. Colby and seconded by Mr. Wolfe to accept the resignations of Ms. Stenerson and Ms. Trudelle, effective at the end of the school year. Discussion ensued. The motion carried unanimously.

Dr. Freeman submitted the leave request for Jennifer Jean for child rearing leave. On a motion made by Mr. Colby and seconded by Mr. Wolfe, the Board voted unanimously to approve the leave.

B. MAP Training

Dr. Freeman reported that the MAP Training was held on a recent early release day. Middle school teachers joined PES staff to receive initial training on Measurements of Academic Performance, a new assessment system.

C. Follow the Child Team

Dr. Freeman stated that the FTC Team has established a Math Task Force. The team, which is made up of representatives from both schools, as well as a community member will meet periodically until June 15th to assess the current status of mathematics education in our schools and make recommendations for improvement and development. Membership includes three teachers from each building, one administrator from each building, and one parent. He invited a member of the Board to participate. Mr. Brown will consider participating and will confirm attendance with Dr. Freeman.

On the April 7th early release day, the FTC Team has organized a district staff meeting. Dr. Freeman distributed an agenda that will be followed. He explained that he would conclude the agenda with an explanation of what is to come in the next several years. He invited School Board members to attend the presentation.

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D. Donuts with Dads / Muffins with Mom

A joint effort between the PTO and Chris Teague has been made to provide an opportunity for parents to celebrate reading with their students. Donuts with Dads met last week and Muffins with Mom is scheduled for April 9th.

E. Excellence in Education Awards

The Selection Team visited recently. Dr. Freeman shared the topics that were reviewed with the Team.

F. District Newsletter

Dr. Freeman explained that Rachel Wood, a parent, has volunteered to write a monthly newsletter that will be distributed via the Suncook Valley Sun. Ms. Vogt suggested that Dr. Freeman pursue financial support so that it won’t be a burden to taxpayers and several suggestions were made.

G. Concord Hospital Connection

Dr. Freeman explained that Ms. Chassie was invited to participate in training for first-year interns at Concord Hospital. Ms. Chassie further explained that she had been invited through her affiliation with Susan Hemingway, to provide information regarding special education, the Interagency Team of Pittsfield and the wrap around process employed in this district.

H. PES Transition

Dr. Freeman asked Mr. Kilmister to speak to the activities that he has participated in as he prepares for his transition to principal. He commented on the events, meetings, and teams in which he has participated that promise to make the transition smooth.

VI. PMHS ADMINISTRATION

A. Student Request

Mr. DeLois explained that a senior is requesting being allowed to complete her school year in Pittsfield, given that neither her mother nor legal guardian is living in Pittsfield. On a motion made by Mr. Brown and seconded by Mr. Wolfe, the Board voted unanimously to approve the student’s continued education at PMHS.

B. Resignation

Ms. Erlandson stated that there are resignations to consider from Kristen Wolfe and Matthew Kamark. On a motion made by Ms. Vogt and seconded by Mr.

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Wolfe, the Board voted unanimously to approve the resignations of Mr. Kamarck and Ms. Wolfe.

C. Drop Out Rate

Ms. Erlandson reported that the drop out rate has decreased to 4.8%.

D. Team Work

Ms. Erlandson praised the effort that is being made between PES and PMHS to work collaboratively on the PK to 12 continuum.

VII. STUDENT SERVICES ADMINISTRATION

A. Retirement

Ms. Chassie stated that a letter notifying the district of her retirement has been received by Susan Bradley. A motion was made by Mr. Brown and seconded with Mr. Wolfe, to accept the request for retirement with deep regret and appreciation for her work. The motion carried with Mr. Brown, Ms. Vogt, Mr. Wolfe, and Ms. Paradise voting in the affirmative and Mr. Colby symbolically voting to oppose the motion. Ms. Paradise commented on the hard work and dedication of Ms. Bradley. Although she is deserving of her retirement, her involvement with the school district will be missed.

VIII. SAU ADMINISTRATION

A. Administrative, Teacher & Support staff Nominations

Dr. Compton presented the Tenured Administrators and Teachers Contract List.
He explained that the format has been changed to provide clarity and asked for the Board’s action. On a motion made by Mr. Brown and seconded by Mr. Colby, the Board unanimously to accept the PES recommendations for nomination for continuing contracts. On a motion made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Mr. Brown, the Board voted unanimously to accept the PMHS recommendations for nomination for continuing contracts.

B. SAU #51 Location Update

Dr. Compton asked the Board for an update on the location decision. Mr. Brown suggested that a committee be formed, including himself, Mr. Colby, and several community members, to consider the decision of location for SAU #51.

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C. Reorganization of Committees

A. Drake Field & Facilities – Mr. Colby & Mr. Wolfe
B. Finance – Ms. Paradise & Ms. Vogt, with Mr. Brown as an alternate
C. Selectman Liaison – Mr. Brown
D. Budget Representative – Ms. Vogt
E. SAU Planning – Mr. Brown & Mr. Colby
F. Negotiations – Ms. Vogt & Ms. Paradise
G. Drug Awareness – Mr. Colby

Ms. Vogt noted that the Youth Risk Behavior Survey has been completed and would be of interest to the Pittsfield Community Coalition. She asked if the results could be released by PMHS.

D. 2008-2009 School Calendar

Dr. Compton presented the draft of the 2008-2009 school calendar. He reviewed the details of the calendar and explained that the administration and EAP had input into the draft. On a motion made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Mr. Colby, the Board voted unanimously to approve the calendar.

E. Sick Bank Request

A letter from an employee requesting sick bank time was reviewed. Dr. Compton explained the circumstances of the request. On a motion made by Mr. Brown and seconded by Mr. Wolfe, the Board voted unanimously to approve the twenty-five days requested by the employee, as recommended by the Superintendent.

F. FY ’08 Budget Discussion

Mr. Roche explained that the fund balance is approximately $400,000. He asked that the Board consider suspending the budget freeze. Discussion ensued regarding the freeze; the consensus of the Board was to maintain the freeze and allow Mr. Roche to make exceptions as appropriate.

G. Strategic Action Plan Report

Dr. Compton suggested that the Board review the Strategic Action Plan report. He stated that the report documents the progress that has been and continues to be made on district endeavors.

H. NHSBA Bulletin

Dr. Compton called attention to the NHSBA Bulletin and highlighted the item regarding school funding and retirement.

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IX. NEXT MEETING

The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, April 17, 2008 at 5:30 at the Pittsfield Middle High School. Agenda will include further discussion of SAU#51 location, mentoring, committee reports, and support staff nominations.

X. PUBLIC INPUT (Second Session)

XI. NON-PUBLIC SESSION

At 8:03p.m., a motion was made by Mr. Colby and seconded Mr. Wolfe to enter into non-public session to discuss legal and personnel matters. The Board was polled and voted unanimously to enter into a non-public session under the provisions of RSA 91-A:3 II (c and e) [Legal and Personnel Matters].

A motion was made by Mr. Brown and seconded by Mr. Wolfe to come out of the non-public session. The Board was polled and voted to come out of the non-public session at 8:40 p.m.

ADJOURNMENT

On a motion made by Mr. Colby and seconded by Mr. Brown, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 8:41 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Tobi Gray Chassie
Recording Secretary

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