August 21, 2008 Minutes

APPROVED BY THE PITTSFIELD SCHOOL BOARD

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
SCHOOL ADMINISTRATIVE UNIT #51

BARNSTEAD – PITTSFIELD PITTSFIELD SCHOOL BOARD

MINUTES

Pittsfield School Board

Thursday, August 21, 2008

Pittsfield Middle High School

CALL TO ORDER

Members Present: Mary Paradise, Chairperson

Michael Wolfe

Gary Colby

Leslie Vogt

Scott Brown

Others Present: Dr. John Freeman, Superintendent

Rick Gremlitz, Interim Principal, PMHS

Jeff DeLois, Assistant Principal, PMHS

Doug Kilmister, Principal, PES

Tobi Gray Chassie, Director of Student Services

Lois Jean Stevens, Coordinator of Student Services

Chairperson Paradise called the meeting to order at 5:33 p.m.

INTRODUCTIONS

Dr. Freeman formally introduced Mr. Rick Gremlitz as the Interim Principal of PMHS.

Mr. Gremlitz introduced Anne Cote, who is being nominated as the health education teacher at PMHS.

Dr. Freeman stated that the position of Spanish teacher has been filled and will be reviewed later in the agenda.

AGENDA REVIEW

Dr. Freeman added information on health insurance and energy conservation. Mr. Kilmister added details regarding the NWEA-MAP testing.

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On a motion made by Mr. Colby and seconded by Mr. Wolfe, the Board unanimously approved the agenda as amended.

APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MEETING MINUTES

A motion was made by Mr. Brown and seconded by Ms. Vogt to approve the minutes of July 17, 2008, as written. The motion passed with Ms. Vogt, Mr. Wolfe, Mr. Colby, and Mr. Scott voting in the affirmative, while Ms. Paradise abstained due to her absence from the meeting.

PRESENTATION

Dr. Freeman introduced several members of the faculty, present to review curriculum development that occurred throughout the summer.

Linda Schou thanked the members of the School Board for their support of the training that was accomplished this summer on Developmental Design. She explained that the majority of the middle school team, along with administrators and Tiffany Pease, representing the elementary school, participated in the training the middle school team eagerly looks forward to implementing the program this year. Ms. Pease further explained that her participation provided the possibility of a smooth transition for sixth graders coming to seventh by incorporating some changes in implementation in the spring to better prepare the students.

Sheila Ward reviewed the work that was facilitated by Linda Kirztenbaum in developing a curriculum map for literacy, which is aligned with the NH Standards. She also thanked the members of the School Board for their support of this training. Ms. Schou explained that content area teachers were incorporated into the process. Kathryn Loud, a newly appointed teacher, thanked the faculty for warmly welcoming her into the curriculum development projects. She reviewed the collaborative process that was used to develop the curriculum maps. Ms. Ward explained that the work uncovered a problem area in providing appropriate support services for the most struggling readers, which has already started being addressed.

Ms. Paradise stated the Board’s appreciation for the work that was accomplished this summer. She recognized that the summer at both PES and PMHS has been rich with professional development and curriculum development.

PUBLIC INPUT – None

PES ADMINISTRATION

Mr. Kilmister stated that he has been impressed with the level of activity at PES. His transition has been smooth and he is enjoying his work at the school.

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PES Staff Handbook

Mr. Kilmister reviewed the changes that have been made, which include internal communications, instructional videos, safe practices, and teams. Mr. Brown stated that he appreciated that the staff handbooks addressed staff attire. He also expressed concern about establishing criteria for the use of cell phones. Mr. DeLois explained that the PBIS Universal Team will be including the issue of cell phones in their future discussions. Ms. Paradise asked that Dr. Freeman consider this issue during his upcoming review of policies. On a motion made by Mr. Colby and seconded by Mr. Wolfe, the Board voted unanimously to approve the 2008-2009 Staff Handbook with the changes reviewed.

NWEA – MAP Testing

Mr. Kilmister explained that there will be a window from the second week of September to the middle of October for MAP testing. Grades 3 through 6 will take the test at the beginning of the window and grades K, 1, and 2 will take it concurrently with the students taking NECAPs. The second window will open prior to April vacation. A pilot of the science testing will occur in early January.

PMHS ADMINISTRATION

Mr. Gremlitz stated that he, too, has felt very welcome to PMHS.

PMHS Staff Handbook

Mr. Gremlitz stated that he worked collaboratively with Mr. Kilmister to word the section on staff attire consistently with PES. He further explained that changes have been made on the grading system and pets in the building. A motion was made by Mr. Colby and seconded by Mr. Brown to approve the PMHS Staff Handbook with the changes reviewed. Discussion ensued about the importance of teachers being good role models for students and the impact that dress has on respect, credibility, acceptance, and authority. The motion passed unanimously.

NEAS & C Accreditation Process

Mr. Gremlitz reviewed the process that will be used to determine the continued accreditation of PMHS. He explained that the first step is developing the Steering Committee and that two people have been recruited to chair the team: MaryAnn Hatab and Kiza Armour. He stated that the steps that will follow include a self-study, revising the school’s mission statement, developing a rubric of expectations, the appointment of sub-committees on seven standards (mission and expectations, curriculum, instruction, assessment of student learning, leadership and organization, school resources and community resources), and the writing of the school and community report.

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Orientation

Mr. Gremlitz reviewed the agenda for the annual orientation for incoming 7th graders and transitioning 9th graders on Tuesday, August 26, 2008. He extended a welcome to the members of the Board to invite any of the program events.

Competencies

Ms. Vogt asked for the status of the writing of the content competencies. Mr. DeLois explained that they are about 90% complete but that it is not expected that they be provided to the Department of Education.

NON- PUBLIC

At 6:22, on a motion made by Mr. Brown and seconded by Mr. Colby, the Board was polled and voted unanimously to move into non-public session under the provisions of RSA91-A:3 II (b) [hiring of a person].

The board discussed athletic coaching with Mr. Anthony.

At 7:11 p.m., a motion was made by Mr. Wolfe seconded my Ms. Vogt to conclude non-public session and to re-enter open meeting. The Board was polled and voted unanimously to conclude non-public session and to re-enter into open meeting.

STUDENT SERVICES ADMINISTRATION

Resignations

Ms. Stevens stated that letters of resignations have been received from Christy Hanson and Melissa McKeen. On a motion made by Mr. Brown and seconded by Mr. Colby, the Board voted unanimously to accept the resignations of Ms. Hanson and Ms. McKeen.

Hiring

Ms. Stevens has been working diligently to hire paraprofessionals to fill all vacant positions at both schools

.

Ms. Stevens reviewed the candidates being nominated for a variety of positions, including Melissa Webster for the pre-school, Rene Leung for 5th grade one on one, Kelly Long for 5th grade one on one, Holly Hinkley for middle school, Mary Christy for high school, Pam Martin for middle school and Keith Rogers for high school. On a motion made by Mr. Colby and seconded by Mr. Wolfe, the Board voted unanimously to hire Ms. Webster, Ms. Leung, Ms. Long, Ms. Hinkley, Ms. Christy, Ms. Martin, and Mr. Rogers.

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Incentive Funds Grant

Ms. Chassie reported that the Merrimack County Board of Commissioners, in conjunction with the NH Division of Children, Youth, and Families, has awarded the Pittsfield School District and Pittsfield Police Department $25,000. The grant was proposed to hire a full time social worker but the award will only support a part-time person. Discussion ensued regarding the longevity of the grant and whether it was beneficial to hire someone for one year, not knowing if

the grant would be renewed. It was decided, by consensus, that it would be worthwhile to hire a part-time social worker.

PBIS

Ms. Chassie stated that training had occurred on Monday, August 18, 2008, for the PMHS PBIS Universal Team. The training provided the team with the information they will need to begin their work in developing a program.

Out of District Placements

Ms. Chassie described the status of out-of-district placements for the 2008-2009 school year. There has been one student move in, who was already placed in an out-of-district placement and will continue. Two students are returning to PMHS from out-of-district placements. Two additional students with significant special needs have moved into the district.

SAU ADMINISTRATION

Refusal of Employment

On a motion made by Mr. Brown and seconded by Mr. Wolfe, the Board unanimously accepted the refusal of employment from Ursula Askins-Huber.

Employment Affirmation

Anne Cote has been hired to fill the position of health and anatomy and physiology. David Olivares has been hired to fill the position of Spanish teacher. On a motion made by Mr. Brown and seconded by, the Board unanimously affirmed the hiring of Ms. Cote and Mr. Olivares, as recommended by Dr. Freeman.

Adult Breakfast and Lunch Prices

It was recommended by Dr. Freeman that the Board consider raising the price of lunches for staff for the 2008-2009 school year. It was recommended that adult prices be raised from $1.25 to $2.00 for breakfast and from $2.50 to $3.00

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for lunch. On a motion made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Mr. Brown, the Board unanimously approved the recommended adult breakfast and lunch prices.

Bid Specifications

Dr. Freeman recommended the Board consider a list of bid specifications for PES on a motion made by Ms. Vogt and seconded by Mr. Wolfe, the Board voted unanimously to accept the bid specifications as recommended by Dr. Freeman.

Bid Awards

For the PES windows, there was one bid from Portland Glass for $35,252. For the PES carpet replacement, there were two bids. One was from Holmes of Chichester and one from George’s of Epsom. Dr. Freeman recommended that the bid from George’s of Epsom be accepted as George’s has provided satisfactory service in the past and did not include an extra charge for moving of furniture. For PES playground resurfacing, six bids were received. For PMHS pavement repairs, there were three bids. For the PES walkway paving there were six bids. Dr. Freeman recommended that the Board consider postponing the walkway paving until spring. There were no bids received for the PMHS cupola repairs, which includes vinyl siding and painting.

On a motion made by Mr. Brown and seconded by Mr. Wolfe, the Board voted unanimously to accept the bid from Kingsbury Landscaping for $7,900 for PES playground resurfacing.

A motion was made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Ms. Vogt to approve the bid from Claremont Paving for the PMHS pavement repair for $3,000. Discussion ensued and it was stated that they come highly recommended and the district is familiar with their work. The motion carried unanimously.

On a motion made by Ms. Vogt and seconded by Mr. Wolfe, the Board voted unanimously not to award a bid for the PES walkway paving at this time.

On a motion made by Mr. Colby and seconded by Mr. Brown, the Board voted unanimously to reaffirm the bid of $35,252 from Portland Glass for the PES replacement windows.

On a motion made by Mr. Brown and seconded by Mr. Wolfe, the Board voted unanimously to accept the bid from George’s of Epsom for $3,000 for the PES carpet replacement.

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Opening Staff Meeting

Dr. Freeman cordially invited Board members to participate in the meeting at 8:00 at PMHS with all staff in attendance.

Computer Theft

Dr. Freeman explained that a laptop computer was stolen from the vehicle of a staff member. $500 received from the employee’s insurance company was turned over the district. With the receipt of the police report, Dr. Freeman recommended that the employee not be held responsible for the remaining $700, to which the Board agreed.

Drake Field Electrical Outlets

Dr. Freeman will investigate the possibility of covering and locking the electrical outlets at Drake Field.

Capital Improvement Plan

Dr. Freeman explained that the Town Planning Board requested a copy of the district improvement plan, although it is not needed until October. Dr. Freeman stated that he has communicated with Richard Hunsberger, Planning Board Chairperson, to advise him that every effort will be made to provide the plan by early October.

2009-2010 Budget

Dr. Freeman distributed a list of potential areas of reduction for the 2009-2010 district budget. He reviewed the items on the list. Dr. Freeman reviewed a potential timeline for the 2008 Budget Adoption process. The Board expressed their approval of the proposed timeline. Discussion ensued regarding the list of potential areas of reduction.

Health Insurance

Dr. Freeman explained that the rating process for 2009-2010 is in process. The company suggests that the insurance be purchased in conjunction with SAU#86 – Barnstead, to reduce cost. The consensus of the Board was to notify the company that they are interested in combining a cost plan with Barnstead.

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Energy Conservation

Dr. Freeman distributed a letter from Pennichuck notifying the district of a public statement to consider the increase in rates of the Pittsfield Aqueduct Company, Inc.

Mr. Brown asked the Board to consider ways in which energy could be saved. In anticipation of the discussion, Dr. Freeman researched possible school energy conservation practices and distributed a list. The list included the areas of appliances, computers, heating and cooling, and lighting. Dr. Freeman will provide public announcements of the efforts that will be made by the district to conserve energy. He will also continue investigating other possibilities that are being considered in other districts.

COMMITTEES

Drake Field & Facilities

Mr. Colby asked that the athletic director consider the condition of Drake

Field to ascertain the need for repair after the balloon rally. Mr. Brown will work with the Rotary to ensure that the necessary improvements are made.

A pile of fill is next to the shed and will be removed.

Finance – None

Selectman Liaison – None

Budget Representative

Ms. Vogt stated that the next meeting is scheduled for October. She suggested recruiting people for the vacancies who have children in school and will, therefore, have personal experience with the workings of the schools.

SAU Planning – None

Negotiations – None

Drug Awareness – None

NEXT MEETING

The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, September 4, 2008 at 5:30 at the Pittsfield Middle High School. Agenda will include reports regarding the start up of school and special education placement status.

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PUBLIC INPUT (Second Session)

NON-PUBLIC SESSION

At 8:27 p.m., a motion was made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Mr. Brown to enter into non-public session to discuss two employee compensation matters. The Board was polled and voted unanimously to enter into a non-public session under the provisions of RSA 91-A:3 II (a) [compensation of an employee].

The Board discussed a request for consideration of merit compensation by a support staff employee.

The Board discussed reimbursement for in-district travel of the superintendent.

A motion was made by Mr. Brown and seconded by Mr. Wolfe to conclude non-public session and to re-enter open meeting. The Board was polled and voted unanimously to conclude non-public session and to re-enter into open meeting at 8:38 p.m.

OPEN SESSION

Mr. Wolfe made a motion at affirm the current step and track placement of a support staff employee, seconded by Mr. Brown; the Board unanimously affirmed.

Mr. Colby made a motion to compensation the superintendent for in-district travel in the amount of thirty dollars per month, seconded by Mr. Wolfe; the Board unanimously approved.

ADJOURNMENT

On a motion made by Ms. Vogt and seconded by Mr. Brown, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 8:40 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Tobi Gray Chassie

Public Session

Recording Secretary

John Freeman

Non-Public Session and

Subsequent Open

Session

Recording Secretary

Pittsfield School Board 9 August 21, 2008

Respectfully submitted,

Tobi Gray Chassie

Recording Secretary

Pittsfield School Board 10 August 21, 2008