August 17, 2006 Minutes

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE

SCHOOL ADMINISTRATIVE UNIT #51

BARNSTEAD – PITTSFIELD PITTSFIELD SCHOOL BOARD

MINUTES

Pittsfield School Board
August 17, 2006
Pittsfield Middle High School

I. CALL TO ORDER

Members Present: Scott Brown, Chairman

Gary Colby

Leslie Vogt

Others Present: Armand LaSelva, Superintendent

Toby Eaton, Business Administrator

Karen Erlandson, Principal, PMHS

Mark Jarvis, Director of Student Services, PMHS

Jeff DeLois, Administrator, PMHS

Tobi Gray Chassie, Director of Student Services, PES

Chairman Brown called the meeting to order at 6:05 PM.

II. AGENDA REVIEW

Mr. Colby added updates on Drake Field. Ms. Erlandson added gifts and school approval status. Mr. LaSelva added financial impact of staffing status.

III. APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MEETING MINUTES

A motion was made by Mr. Colby and seconded by Ms. Vogt to approve the minutes of the July 20, 2006 meeting. After the following corrections were made, the Board voted unanimously to approve the minutes: on page 1, change “Bricknell” to “Bicknell” and change “health, human anatomy, and physiology” to “health, human anatomy and physiology”; on page 3, change “health, physiology, and human anatomy” to “health, physiology and human anatomy”; change “science” to “biology”; and change “2007-08” to 2006-07”; on page 4, change “ad” to “and”.

IV. PUBLIC INPUT – None

V. INTRODUCTIONS

Ms. Chassie introduced Jen Golia, grade 1 teacher; Sheri Stenersen, grade 2 teacher; and Kristina Mazza, grade 3 teacher.

VI. PES ADMINISTRATION

A. Nominations

Ms. Chassie nominated Anne Eisenberg to be hired as the music teacher at PES. On a motion made by Ms. Vogt and seconded by Mr. Colby, the Board voted unanimously to hire Ms. Eisenberg.

Ms. Chassie nominated Jen Golia to be hired as a grade 1 teacher at PES. On a motion made by Ms. Vogt and seconded by Mr. Colby, the Board voted unanimously to hire Ms. Golia.

Ms. Chassie nominated Sheri Stenersen to be hired as a grade 2 teacher at PES. On a motion made by Mr. Colby and seconded by Ms. Vogt, the Board voted unanimously to hire Ms. Stenersen.

Ms. Chassie nominated Kristina Mazza to be hired as a grade 3 teacher at PES. On a motion made by Ms. Vogt and seconded by Mr. Colby, the Board voted unanimously to hire Ms. Mazza.

Ms. Chassie nominated Danielle Beckert to be hired as a grade 5 teacher at PES. On a motion made by Mr. Colby and seconded by Ms. Vogt, the Board voted unanimously to hire Ms. Beckert.

Ms. Chassie nominated Laura Smith to be hired as a physical education teacher at PES. On a motion made by Ms. Vogt and seconded by Mr. Colby, the Board voted unanimously to hire Ms. Smith.

Ms. Chassie nominated Cammy Guest to be hired as a part time educational assistant at PES. On a motion made by Mr. Colby and seconded by Ms. Vogt, the Board voted unanimously to hire Ms. Guest.

B. Resignations

Ms. Chassie recommended that the Board accept the resignation of Janet Syed, grade 5 teacher at PES. On a motion made by Ms. Vogt and seconded by Mr. Colby, the Board voted unanimously to accept the resignation of Ms. Syed.

Ms. Chassie recommended that the Board accept the resignation of Ian Pollard, physical education teacher at PES. On a motion made by Mr. Colby and seconded by Ms. Vogt, the Board voted unanimously to accept the resignation of Mr. Pollard with regret.

VII. PMHS ADMINISTRATION

A. Resignations

Ms. Erlandson recommended that the Board accept the resignation of Bechir Ben Said. On a motion made by Ms. Vogt and seconded by Mr. Colby, the Board voted unanimously to accept the resignation of Mr. Ben Said.

Discussion ensued regarding the resignation of Christy Redfield, a candidate recently hired for high school biology. Mr. LaSelva explained that under extraordinary circumstances, a person may be released from a contract but did not see this situation as extraordinary. Costs incurred while recruiting a replacement can be sought from the candidate. Mr. Brown suggested that the district to which she has been hired be contacted, if possible.

Mr. Jarvis recommended that the Board accept the resignation of Toni Biswurm from an educational assistant position. On a motion made by Mr. Colby and seconded by Ms. Vogt, the Board voted unanimously to accept the resignation of Ms. Biswurm.

Ms. Erlandson recommended that the Board accept the resignation of Margaret Grunst from the position of food service worker. On a motion made by Ms. Vogt and seconded by Mr. Colby, the Board voted unanimously to accept the resignation of Ms. Grunst.

B. Nominations

Mr. Jarvis nominated Deborah Mitchell for the position of educational assistant. On a motion made by Ms. Vogt and seconded by Mr. Colby, the Board voted unanimously to hire Ms. Mitchell.

Mr. Jarvis nominated Bea Pszonowsky for the position of Co-op/GED teacher. On a motion made by Ms. Vogt and seconded by Mr. Colby, the Board voted unanimously to hire Ms. Pszonowsky.

Ms. Erlandson nominated Barbara Gardner for the position of business/computer technology teacher. On a motion made by Mr. Colby and seconded by Ms. Vogt, the Board voted unanimously to hire Ms. Gardner.

Ms. Erlandson nominated Matthew Kamarck for the position of chemistry teacher. On a motion made by Ms. Vogt and seconded by Mr. Colby, the Board voted unanimously to hire Mr. Kamarck.

C. Faculty Handbook

Ms. Erlandson explained that the only changes that were made in the Faculty Handbook were the changes approved at the last meeting in Student/Family Handbook. Based on that information, a motion was made by Mr. Colby and seconded by Ms. Vogt, the Board voted unanimously to approve the Faculty Handbook.

D. Gifts

Ms. Erlandson explained that Kiza Amour attended a conference in Idaho and returned with three pieces of science equipment worth $3,000. On a motion made by Mr. Colby and seconded by Ms. Vogt, the Board voted unanimously to accept the equipment as a gift. The Board extended their appreciation to Ms. Armour, and Mr. Colby agreed to write her a note of thanks.

Ms. Erlandson informed the Board that the NH Department of Transportation had donated $4,600 in technology equipment to the District including two printers, five monitors, and a shredder. On a motion made by Mr. Colby and seconded by Ms. Vogt, the Board voted unanimously to accept the gift of technology equipment from the Department of Transportation.

E. Yearbook Deficit

Ms. Erlandson explained that PMHS has received a bill for $10,226.30 and that there was $8,806.28 in the account. The Board agreed to consider the status of the deficit on an on-going basis and monitor the process over the following year. If money can be found in the present budget, the Board may decide to clear the debt and start anew. Ms. Vogt informed Ms. Erlandson that DVDs that were purchased by families have not all been received. Ms. Erlandson agreed to check on the status.

Virtual High School
Mr. LaSelva explained the options made available by SERESC for access to the VHS program. Once a person is identified to be trained to teach the VHS program and the cost is calculated, plans can be finalized. There are currently 19 students anticipating the opportunity to participate in the VHS program. Mr. LaSelva will meet with interested staff on August 28th and will proceed from there.

G. Design Team

The Educational Leadership Team was renamed as the Design Team during the implementation of the Comprehensive School Reform Grant. Now that the grant is over, the name of the Design Team will revert back to the Educational Leadership Team.

H. PATCH Report

Susan Hemingway’s report was reviewed and her work acknowledged. Mr. Colby will send a card of thanks to her.

I. Bureau of School Approval

Ms. Erlandson informed the Board that she had received notification from the Bureau of School Approval that everything was in order with the exception of the fire and health inspection reports. The fire report has since been received and the health inspection is forthcoming.

J. New England Association of Schools and Colleges

Ms. Erlandson shared a letter that was received from NEAS&C stating their pleasure in learning of the progress that has been accomplished by PMHS.

K. Painting

Mr. Brown asked if the PMHS gymnasium paint project was completed and paid for. Mr. LaSelva stated that he would check on the status. Discussion ensued regarding the treatment options for the back wall of the gymnasium.

VIII. SAU ADMINISTRATION

A. Policy IMBC: Alternative Credit for Graduation

Mr. LaSelva explained that this policy addresses additional requirements of the new Standards for School Approval. The Board accepted the policy as a second reading.

B. Band Stipend

Mr. LaSelva explained that there were seven 40-minute blocks of instruction provided by the music teacher each week. The previous teacher provided the lessons for $1,000. Dr. Freeman has recommended to Mr. LaSelva that the stipend be raised to $3,000. Mr. LaSelva made some comparisons with stipends paid for athletics.

Mr. Eaton interjected with information regarding the salary and benefits differential between what was budgeted and the actual expenditure. Given the current information, the fund balance in salaries and benefits is approximately $78,800. Mr. Eaton presented information regarding the FY 2006 fund balance of $258,967.83. As data is refined further, information will be shared with the Board.

Given the information available, Mr. LaSelva recommended that the Board consider the $3,000 stipend. On a motion made by Mr. Colby and seconded by Ms. Vogt, the Board voted unanimously to accept the recommendation of the Superintendent to pay a stipend of $3,000 to the PES music teacher predicated on seven 40-minutes instructional periods per week.

C. Business Administrator

The Board welcomed Toby Eaton. Mr. Eaton stated that he has been in telephone contact with many people throughout the District and will be visiting the schools to meet people in the weeks to come.

IX. COMMITTEES

A. Drake Field

Mr. Colby stated that George Bachelder would be scheduling an appointment for the clearing of drains. The catch basin will need to be replaced.

Plans for dugouts are underway. Materials and labor will be donated and plans will be presented to the Board before work begins.

Mr. Colby explained that re-edging of the baseball field would occur with donated labor.

Mr. Colby stated that the Skate Park is paved and sealed. Fund-raising has increased the treasury to $2,200. They are working with a ramp company to acquire the first two pieces of equipment, a tabletop and half pipe. Rite-Aid has donated two trashcans. Two signs have been donated by Diamond Signs. The Committee will finalize rules that will be listed on the signs. Mr. Eaton stated concerns about the need for additional landscaping. Mowing is not easily accomplished at this time, as further work is necessary.

Mr. Brown explained that Drake Field was the location of the recent Balloon Rally. Damage was done by a recreational vehicle, which got stuck. The Rotary Club will work to make the necessary repairs. On behalf of the Rotary Club, Mr. Brown thanked the Board for the use of Drake Field for this successful event, acknowledging that it does take a toll on the field.

B. SAU Planning

Mr. Brown requested a meeting with Mr. LaSelva to plan an initial meeting with the SAU Planning Committee.

C. Negotiating Team

The Board and EAP have published letters in the local newspaper in support of the pending contract. It appears that the job action has ended, at least for the time being. The Board awaits word from the Court regarding permission for Special District Meeting.

D. Technology

Mr. Brown asked Mr. LaSelva to review the report issued by Dr. Fred Wolff, talk to the administration from both schools, and make a recommendation to the Board regarding the future of the Technology Committee.

X. NEXT MEETING

The next meeting is scheduled for September 7, 2006 at PMHS at 6:00. Agenda items will include nominations, approval of Policy IMBC, budget, yearbook, and the VHS program.

XI. PUBLIC INPUT (Second Session) – None

XII. NON-PUBLIC SESSION

On a motion made by Leslie Vogt and seconded by Gary Colby, the Board voted unanimously to enter into a Non-Public Session under the provisions of RSA 91-A:3 II (a, b, and c) [Personnel, Student, & Legal Matters] at 8:07 PM.

The Board and Administration reviewed past practice regarding the acceptance of tuition students in conjunction with a request by a non-resident to allow her child to attend PMHS as a tuition student. The Superintendent will respond to any non-resident student requests.

The Board and Administration discussed a personnel matter concerning the buy-out of accrued vacation days. The Board directed the Superintendent to proceed, as well as develop a policy.

On a motion made by Leslie Vogt and seconded by Gary Colby, the Board voted unanimously to exit Non-Public Session at 8:50 PM.

XIII. ADJOURNMENT

On a motion made by Leslie Vogt and seconded by Gary Colby, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 8:52 PM.