April 8, 2010 Minutes

APPROVED BY THE PITTSFIELD SCHOOL BOARD

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

MINUTES

Pittsfield School Board Meeting
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Pittsfield Middle High School

I. CALL TO ORDER

Members Present: Mary Paradise, Chairperson
Michael Wolfe, Vice Chairperson
Elizabeth Adams
Kathy Corliss
Clayton Wood

Others Present: John Freeman, Superintendent
Tobi Gray Chassie, Director of Student Services
Lois-Jean Stevens, Coordinator of Student Services
Rick Gremlitz, Interim Principal, PMHS
Doug Kilmister, Principal, PES
Members of the Faculty
Members of the Student Body
Members of the Public

Chairperson Paradise called the meeting to order at 6:18 p.m.

II. AGENDA REVIEW

The following items were added to the agenda:
o Oil Bids (Dr. Freeman)
o Bullying Report (Dr. Freeman)
o Prom (Mr. Gremlitz)
o Graduation (Mr. Gremlitz)
o Cafeteria Inspection (Mr. Gremlitz)
o Notification of Award (Ms. Adams)
o Statement (Ms. Adams)

The following items were deleted from the agenda:
o School Board Policies, Adoption (Dr. Freeman)
o School Board Policies, Reading (Dr. Freeman)
o Professional Staff Compensation (Dr. Freeman)
o Support Staff Compensation (Dr. Freeman)

III. ACTION ON AMENDED AGENDA

On a motion made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Ms. Corliss, the Board voted unanimously to approve the amended agenda.

IV. PRESENTATIONS

A. GRADUATION

Three PMHS seniors – Irene Vogt, Alison LaFlamme, and Jason Grant – explained that the original proposal for graduation has been modified. They proposed that graduation be held at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, June 11, on the field located between the two schools. A main reason for this scheduling is the desire to avoid a conflict with baseball and softball championship games which are scheduled to be played on Saturday, June 12.

Planning details for graduation include the borrowing of a sound system from the Pittsfield Rotary Club, a list of twenty volunteers with two teachers supervising to break down the set-up, and providing citronella candles and tiki torches to help with insect control. Awards night will be held on Thursday, June 10. Some of the awards that have been presented at graduation in the past will be presented on Awards Night to save time at graduation. PES restrooms will be used for guests. Parking is possible at both schools. Mr. Gremlitz will seek alternatives to candles and torches that will not require open flame. Ms. Paradise, with consensus of the Board, gave the Board’s approval to move forward with their plans as presented.

B. PROM

Representatives from the junior class – Kevin Chagnon, Katie Piazney, Crystal Lively, Bryce Paradise – presented a PowerPoint overview reviewing their plans for the Junior-Senior Prom. The Prom will be held from 7:00 to 11:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 15 at the Lakeview Inn in Wolfeboro. Further details were shared, including ticket price at $55 per person. Ms. Paradise, with consensus of the Board, gave the Board’s approval to move forward with their plans, as presented. Invitations were delivered to the members of the School Board to attend the Prom.

C. SOPHOMORE PROJECTS

Mr. St. James was present to explain his English class assignment that requires a presentation of final student projects to authentic audiences. He invited the members of the School Board to be the audience for school improvement issues that may be researched by the students. Mr. St. James will contact Board members by electronic mail to schedule their involvement.

V. APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MEETING MINUTES

A motion was made by Mr. Wood and seconded by Mr. Wolfe to approve the minutes of the March 17, 2010 meeting. The motion was passed unanimously.

A motion was made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Mr. Wood to approve minutes of the March 31, 2010 meeting. On page 1, WHKQ should be changed to WOKQ. On page 2, under “Communications Regarding High School Redesign”, change “continuing and ongoing” to “continuing an ongoing”. The motion passed with Ms. Adams, Ms. Corliss, Mr. Wolfe, and Mr. Wood voting in the affirmative and Ms. Paradise abstaining from the vote.

VI. PUBLIC INPUT

Heather Mahanes, a student from NHTI, stated that she was attending the Board meeting as an assignment from one of her classes. She asked several questions to clarify the membership, organization, and work of the School Board.

VII. PES ADMINISTRATION

A. RESIGNATION

Mr. Kilmister presented a letter of resignation from Jessica Barry, grade four teacher. On a motion made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Ms. Adams, the Board voted unanimously to approve the resignation with regret.

B. NEW HIRES

Mr. Kilmister explained that two custodians have resigned due to personal circumstances. Wanda Lang has been hired as a full-time evening custodian, and Sharon Ryan has been hired as a half-time evening custodian.

C. CURRICULUM FAIR

Mr. Kilmister thanked the members of the Board who attended the PES Curriculum Fair prior to the meeting.

D. TREE PLANTING

Jeff Edmunds, a PES parent who works at Millican Nursery in Chichester, has agreed to donate a tree for the Earth Day commemoration on April 22, 2010. Mr. Wolfe has agreed to dig a hole for the planting. PES Teacher Kathy Lemay is coordinating the work and choosing the tree that will be planted. Mr. Kilmister assured the Board that “Dig Safe” has been notified of the planting.

E. MUSIC AND BAND

Music Teacher and Band Director Anne Grady is currently out of school on an extended sick leave. Although she hopes to return in mid-May, her return has not been confirmed at this time. Ms. Corliss suggested that the Board send Ms. Grady a card.

F. ADEQUATE YEARLY PROGRESS

Mr. Wood congratulated Mr. Kilmister and the staff at PES for their hard work and the accomplishment of achieving Adequate Yearly Progress as a result of achievement on the fall 2009 NECAP.

G. PLAYGROUND
Mr. Kilmister reported that the PES playground was recently inspected and was found to be in sound condition. Additional mulch was recommended; Mr. Kilmister is seeking pricing.

H. THANK YOU

Ms. Adams has sent to a card of thanks Tina Nevins for her coordination of child care during the School District meeting.

I. CALENDAR
Mr. Kilmister distributed a calendar of upcoming school events.

VIII. NON PUBLIC SESSION

At 6:51 p.m., a motion was made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Mr. Wood to enter into non-public session to discuss employee matters pursuant to RSA 91-A:3, II (c). The Board was polled and voted unanimously (Ms. Adams, yes; Ms. Corliss, yes; Ms. Paradise, yes; Mr. Wolfe, yes; and Mr. Wood, yes) to enter into a non-public session.

A. EMPLOYEE ISSUE

Dr. Freeman discussed an employee issue relative to the employee’s teaching assignment.

B. NOMINATION LIST FOR PROFESSIONAL STAFF

Dr. Freeman reviewed the nomination list for professional staff.

At 7:09 p.m., a motion was made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Ms. Adams to exit the non-public session. The Board was polled and voted unanimously (Ms. Adams, yes; Ms. Corliss, yes; Ms. Paradise, yes; Mr. Wolfe, yes; Mr. Wood, yes) to re-enter into open session.

IX. PMHS ADMINISTRATION

A. MIDDLE SCHOOL ALL-NIGHTER

The officers of the grade eighth class have asked for permission to host an evening event for 7th and 8th grade students that would include an all-night experience from 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. on May 21 to 22. Ms. Paradise suggested that the students who have remained awake all night should not be allowed to cook. Ms. Adams asked that rules be in place to keep students from leaving or calling parents to come and get a student if a student must leave early. Discussion ensued regarding the potential risks involved. The Board asked Mr. Gremlitz to return to the grade eight advisors to discuss alternative activity due to concerns about middle school students remaining awake through a night.

B. PYW MURAL PROJECT

Bill Mitchell, the art teacher, produced a mural at the PYW facility that involved many students from our school. The Board commended Mr. Mitchell for his work on the mural and in general. Ms. Corliss asked Mr. Gremlitz to investigate the possibility of publicity in the newspaper.

C. PMHS ART SHOW

The Second Annual PMHS Art Show was held from March 4 through 28, at the Carpenter Public Library. The show represented original works of art by 62 PMHS art students.

D. NEW SCIENCE TEACHER FELLOW

Biology teacher, Denise Mason, was accepted last fall for a special program sponsored by the National Science Teachers Association. She has recently been named a fellow and attended a conference for the program. Ms. Mason reported that this was a very worthwhile experience.

E. CAFETERIA INSPECTION

Mr. Gremlitz reported that a surprise inspection of the PMHS cafeteria took place recently. PMHS received a perfect score for the facilities.

F. AWARD

Brandon Patterson, a PMHS junior, has won the gold medal in the New Hampshire Skills USA competition in the category of computer maintenance technology. Brandon competed against thirteen other students representing other high school technical centers across New Hampshire. Brandon will now go on to represent New Hampshire at the national competition in Kansas City, Missouri. The School Board will send a card of congratulations.

G. HAITI PROJECT

Discussion ensued regarding the Haiti Project event on April 2nd and 3rd. The issue of students being allowed to leave during the event was discussed with agreement that further discussion is in order before a similar event takes place. It is the Board’s consensus that parent notification via a timely telephone call is required when students leave an evening or overnight event prior to the conclusion of the event. Dr. Freeman will discuss this issue with the new PMHS principal, Robert Bickford, so that clarifying rules and expectations can be included in the Faculty Handbook when it is revised this summer.

H. ADEQUATE YEARLY PROGRESS

Mr. Gremlitz reported that the high school did not make Adequate Yearly Progress in math, but did in reading. In the middle school, Adequate Yearly Progress was not made in math and reading.

I. NEAS&C ACCREDITATION

Mr. Wood asked about the timing of the NEAS&C re-accreditation process. Mr. Gremlitz explained that the self-study will be completed this year and into next fall. The site visit by a team from NEAS&C will occur in March 2011.

X. STUDENT SERVICES ADMINISTRATION

A. PSU COURSE

Ms. Chassie reported that arrangements have been made for Dr. Marianne True from Plymouth State University to teach a 3-credit course on “Intentional Instruction.” The course will include the topics of differentiated instruction and Understanding by Design curriculum planning practices. The course will be held on June 28, 29, 30, July 9 and 16. All teachers from the district will be invited to participate.

Discussion ensued regarding the continued desire to have the preschool through grade twelve instruction and curriculum be continuous and aligned.

XI. SAU ADMINISTRATION

A. PROFESSIONAL STAFF NOMINATIONS

On a motion made by Ms. Adams and seconded by Mr. Wood, the Board voted unanimously to approve the professional staff nomination list, as amended.

B. OIL BID

Dr. Freeman explained that bids went out for the purchase of heating oil for the 2010-2011 heating season. A bid was received by Fred Fuller Oil Company at $2.5785 per gallon. Mr. Wolfe commented that the district has been well-served by Fuller in the past. On a motion made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Mr. Wood, the Board voted unanimously to accept the bid as presented.

C. ANTI-BULLYING STRATEGIES

Dr. Freeman provided the Board with a list of actions being taken and proposed actions intended to improve school climate and minimize student-to-student conflict. The Board discussed the issue of bullying and agreed to continue the discussion in future meetings.

D. QUARTERLY EXPENDITURE REPORT

Dr. Freeman advised the Board that the report will be provided for the next Board meeting.

E. HIGH SCHOOL REDESIGN EVENTS

Dr. Freeman provided a schedule of planned high school redesign events.

F. SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT GRANT (SIG)

Dr. Freeman explained the details surrounding the School Improvement Grant. He explained that the program requires schools to adopt one of four reform models. He recommends that Pittsfield apply for the grant, using the Transformation Model. This model includes:
o Develop and increase teacher and school leader effectiveness;
o Institute comprehensive instructional reform strategies;
o Increase learning time and create community-oriented schools; and
o Provide operational flexibility and sustained support.

Discussion ensued regarding the philosophical underpinnings of the federal money. Dr. Freeman asked the Board to consider the broad concepts of the grant program and determine whether the Board will want to approve the idea of applying for the grant. The grant application is due on May 7 and moving forward with the grant application process is recommended by Dr. Freeman. The consensus of the Board was to move forward and to apply for the School Improvement Grant (SIG).

G. INVESTING IN INNOVATION GRANT

Dr. Freeman explained that another ARRA program, the Investing in Innovation Grant (i3) is intended to “scale up innovative ideas that can improve achievement among at-risk student.” Consultant Joe DiMartino from the Center for Secondary School Redesign has invited PMHS to join a consortium of New England high schools to personalize learning and to develop performance assessment practices. Twelve to fifteen schools have been invited to participate.

H. PMHS GYM RENOVATION

Dr. Freeman provided an update on the status of planning for the PMHS gym renovation projects. It is anticipated that bids for the roof will be out at the end of April and bids for the floor and bleachers will be out by mid-May. The Board agreed to further discuss the floor options at their next meeting.

I. HEALTH INSURANCE RATES
Dr. Freeman reported that health insurance rates will be 14.7%, 3% less than the guaranteed maximum rates provided to the district in the fall.

J. 2010-2011 SCHOOL CALENDAR

A draft of the 2010-2011 school calendar was provided; following feedback from the EAP, action will be recommended at the next Board meeting.

K. AYP NOTICE

AYP notice was provided by the principals.

L. SOCCER GAME LAWSUIT

Dr. Freeman advised the Board that the lawsuit against the district relative to a 2006 soccer game has been scheduled for mediation.

M. SCHOOL BOARD USE OF EMAIL

School Board members were advised of their policy regarding email communications and the need to make public any emails that are forwarded to a quorum of Board members.

N. PMHS REDESIGN PLANS AND ADVISORIES

School Board members sent email relative to PMHS redesign plans and advisories as follows:

Monday, March 29, 2010 from Mary Paradise

Thanks, I am away for work on the 7th. Hopefully others can attend some or parts of the day. Let’s remember to allow group leadership and do a lot of listening and support for the staff during the day. Mary

Tuesday, March 30, 2010 from Lea Adams

Hi John. I would like to attend the planning meeting day until about 3 p.m. Thanks for sending the information. Lea

Tuesday, March 30, 2010 from Kathy Corliss

April 7th training: I hope to attend and will verify it with my work schedule.

Advisory: I expect to see HUGE improvements in the goals, application, function, and effectiveness of “advisory” this coming year – as I have viewed “advisory period” (form my students’ standpoint for the past 3 years), as a useless waste of time in its present unproductive, and grossly elemental form…. Thanks, Kathy

Tuesday, March 30, 2010 from Mary Paradise

Please remember that this is one perspective and as board members we need to think of things from all perspectives. Some students found it to be a good experience, others not with some in between. Some staff took this very seriously and worked very hard at doing advisory will and would find these words very discouraging. Emails to all bd. Members are considered public record. We have a lot of work going on and improvements will take time as staff prioritizes the work. See you all tomorrow. Mary

Wednesday, March 31, 2010 from Lea Adams

I agree, Kathy. Lea

O. SCHOOL BOARD RECUSAL DECISION

A School Board member sent email relative to a School Board recusal decision as follows:

Wednesday, March 31, 2010 from Lea Adams

As a newly elected member of the Board, I am bound by my electorate to be fully informed on issues for which I must vote on or recuse myself. Previously, I trusted counsel that there was information included in the prior case that pertained to me. I have not had the benefit of reviewing for myself whether that was true or, if in fact, the original recusal was even an appropriate course of action. It is customary to hear the facts, then make the decision to vote or not (recusal). Until I am given legitimate information to discern whether it is appropriate for tonight, I will be attending the meeting as planned. Sincerely, Lea Adams, School Board Member

XII. SCHOOL BOARD

A. SCHOOL BOARD RECUSAL
Ms. Adams distributed a personal statement regarding her recent recusal from a proceeding of the Board. The statement issued was as follows:

As a new Board member, I realize that there will be mistakes made due to inexperience and I have committed my first one. In reference to the Manifest Educational Hardship case, I recused myself prematurely trusting that the counsel given was the best course of action. Being an elected official, I am given the responsibility to fully evaluate situations put before the Board and to determine for myself, to the fullest of my knowledge, of whether recusal is the appropriate action for any particular case. This was not done with the full understanding of the scope of what was my responsibility to determine. In the future, if recusal is appropriate, then I will not vote, but will still be in participation of the work of the Board as is my elected duty. Excusal will also be my privilege to exercise or not. For the record, being escorted out the back door suggests a spirit of deception, albeit not intentional, on the Board/Administrator’s part and it will not be a repeated exercise in the future. I would hope this example will be utilized to reinforce the understanding of the responsibility and the authority of the office of School Board for my other colleagues on the Board.
– Elizabeth Adams
School Board Member
XIII. COMMITTEES

A. DRAKE FIELD

There has been a problem with a basketball backboard. Proper installation will be investigated.

Mr. Wolfe asked if the Tilton Hill ball field will be finished by spring. The administration has not heard of a decision. Arrangements have been made to play games at NHTI in Concord in the event that the fields could not be used.

B. BUDGET COMMITTEE

Cher Keuneoff will no longer be the chairperson of the Budget Committee. The School Board will await the appointment of a new chairperson.

XIV. NEXT MEETING

The next School Board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, April 22, 2010 at 5:30 p.m. at the Pittsfield Middle High School. The agenda will include policies, gym floor, and the 8th grade event.

XV. PUBLIC INPUT (Second Session) – None

XVI. NON PUBLIC SESSION

At 8:31 p.m., a motion was made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Mr. Wood to enter into non-public session to discuss employee and student matters pursuant to RSA 91-A:3, II (c). The Board was polled and voted unanimously (Ms. Adams, yes; Ms. Corliss, yes; Ms. Paradise, yes; Mr. Wolfe, yes; and Mr. Wood, yes) to enter into a non-public session.

A. EMPLOYEE REQUEST
The Board discussed an employee’s request for release from contract; the contract is an administrative contract.

B. STUDENT MATTER
Dr. Freeman shared a communication from a parent relative to a recent decision by the Board and the parent’s intent to appeal the Board’s decision to the New Hampshire Board of Education.

C. STUDENT MATTER
The Board discussed a letter received from a student regarding an employee. Ms. Paradise accepted the responsibility of responding to the student.

At 9:13 p.m., a motion was made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Ms. Adams to exit the non-public session. The Board was polled and voted unanimously (Ms. Adams, yes; Ms. Corliss, yes; Ms. Paradise, yes; Mr. Wolfe, yes; Mr. Wood, yes) to re-enter into open session.

XVII. OPEN SESSION

A. REQUEST FOR RELEASE FROM CONTRACT
On a motion made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Ms. Corliss, the Board voted unanimously to accept the resignation of Guidance Counselor Tamara McGonagle and to approve the release of Ms. McGonagle from her current contract effective on a date to be arranged with Interim Principal Rick Gremlitz.

B. PARENT REQUEST FOR RECONSIDERATION
The Board discussed a parental request for reconsideration of a previous Board decision relative to a student’s assignment to a school outside the school district. The parent requested that the assignment continue beyond the current school year. On a motion made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Mr. Wood, the
Board voted unanimously to deny the request for reconsideration of a student’s assignment to a school outside the school district and to affirm the Board’s original decision to approve the placement for the remainder of the current school year.

C. SCHOOL BOARD ATTORNEY
The Board discussed recent consultations with the Board’s attorney.

D. PROPOSED POLICY ON STAFF-STUDENT RELATIONS
The Board briefly reacted to a proposed policy governing staff-student relations. The policy will be considered at the next Board meeting.

E. STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE TO SCHOOL BOARD
The Board requested that the administration fill the position of student representative to the School Board as soon as possible.

XVIII. ADJOURNMENT

On a motion made by Mr. Wood and seconded by Mr. Wolfe, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 9:23 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Tobi Gray Chassie
Recording Secretary

John J. Freeman, Ph.D.
Recording Secretary,
Second Non-Public Session and
Subsequent Public
Session