APPROVED BY THE PITTSFIELD SCHOOL BOARD

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

MINUTES

Pittsfield School Board
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Pittsfield Middle High School

I. CALL TO ORDER

Members Present: Mary Paradise, Chairperson (arrived at 5:59)
Scott Brown
Michael Wolfe
Leslie Vogt

Others Present: Dr. John Freeman, Superintendent
Tobi Gray Chassie, Director of Student Services
Lois Stevens, Coordinator of Student Services
Richard Gremlitz, Interim Principal, PMHS
Jeff DeLois, Assistant Principal, PMHS
Doug Kilmister, Principal, PES

In the absence of Chairperson Paradise, Mr. Brown called the meeting to order at
5:30 p.m.

II. AGENDA REVIEW

Ms. Vogt added information relative to budget and a PMHS master calendar. Dr. Freeman added the Booster Club and a community forum.

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

III. APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MEETING MINUTES

A motion was made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Ms. Vogt the Board voted to approve the minutes of December 4, 2008. On page one, “Ms. Brown” was changed to “Mr. Brown”. The motion passed with the correction made.

IV. PUBLIC INPUT – None

V. PMHS ADMINISTRATION

A. Basketball Admission

Following the discussion at the last board meeting, the following admission fees have been implemented for the 2008-2009 basketball season: individual season ticket: $10; family season ticket: $25; single game admission adult: $3; single game admission student/senior citizen: $2.

B. Mid-Year Exams

Mr. Gremlitz provided a mid-year exam schedule that will be utilized.

C. Master Calendar

Ms. Vogt suggested that PMHS have a master calendar of events, such as the one developed at PES. Dr. Freeman stated that included in the work of redesigning the district website, there is a master calendar. It will be designed so that the PES and PMHS calendars will merge on the website.

Mr. Brown asked if, with the creation of the new website, email addresses will be made available. Dr. Freeman stated that some key individuals will have their email addresses posted and that a decision has yet to be made about all staff.

VI. PES ADMINISTRATION

A. Title II, Part 3 Grant

Mr. Kilmister reported that $48,000 has been granted to purchase technology and training for four interactive Smart Boards to PES classrooms. The Smart Boards will be installed in three classrooms – one grade four, one grade five, and one grade six – and one in the library.

B. Wal-Mart Mini Grant

A Wal-Mart mini grant has been awarded in the amount of $1,500 for the purpose of purchasing two outdoor basketball goals in the PES playground area.

C. Writing Focus

Mr. Kilmister explained that work is continuing to improve writing instruction at PES. Consultant, Pam Mueller, recently visited the school to work with teams of teachers.

VII. STUDENT SERVICES ADMINISTRATION

A. Educational Assistants

Ms. Stevens explained the status of hiring three educational assistants. Kimberly Allan, June Wasowski, and Jamie Brown have been hired to fill the vacant positions.

B. Teacher Evaluation

The teacher evaluation process is underway, with the second round of observations to be completed the first week back from vacation.

C. 2% Adaptive Reading Test

Ms. Chassie and Ms. Stevens explained that the NH Department of Education, in collaboration with the Institute on Disabilities, is conducting a pilot project to improve state academic assessment and better serve the needs of students with disabilities who are eligible for alternate assessments based on modified achievement standards. Ms. Stevens has organized the Pittsfield School District’s participation in the research study.

D. Middle School Special Education

Ms. Chassie reported that good progress is being made in the reorganization of the middle school special services delivery model. The program mirrors the way in which services are provided in the elementary school, which will ensure a smoother transition from PES to PMHS.

Upon her arrival, Mr. Brown turned the role of chair to Ms. Paradise.

VIII. PMHS ADMINISTRATION (continued)

A. Course Approval

Mr. Gremlitz explained the compromise that has been made relative to the English elective proposal. A meeting with Dr. Freeman, Mr. Gremlitz, and the English Department, successfully outlined some modifications to the original proposal. English 9, 10, and 11 will be offered in the traditional manner, while English 12 will be a choice of two half-year electives.

On a motion made by Ms. Vogt and seconded by Mr. Brown, the Board voted unanimously to approve the English course selections as explained by Mr. Gremlitz.

Mr. Gremlitz recommended that the Board accept the proposal of adding a World History course. On a motion made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Ms. Vogt, the Board voted unanimously to approve the course selection.

Ms. Paradise returned the role of chair to Mr. Brown.

B. Booster Club

Ms. Paradise described an option for a fundraiser that includes a poker night. The event would take place at a restaurant but would be sponsored by the PMHS Booster Club. Discussion ensued regarding the advantages and disadvantages of this fundraising opportunity. Ms. Vogt asked if other schools have sponsored such events. Ms. Paradise agreed to seek information from the company that operates the event. Mr. Brown asked Ms. Paradise to inquire as to the liability issues involved. Dr. Freeman offered to contact the school’s attorney, to which the Board agreed.

Mr. Brown returned the role of chair to Ms. Paradise.

IX. SAU ADMINISTRATION

A. School Board Policies

Dr. Freeman reminded the Board that the first reading of ten policies was approved at the previous meeting. On a motion made by Mr. Brown and seconded by Ms. Vogt, the Board voted unanimously to approve Policy BBAA: Board Member Authority; Policy BCB: Board Member Conflict of Interest; Policy BEA: Regular Board Meetings; Policy BEB: Special Board Meetings; Policy BEC: Non-Public Sessions; Policy BEDB: Agenda Preparation and Dissemination; Policy BEDC: Quorum; Policy BEDG: Minutes; Policy BHE: School Board Use of E-Mail; and Policy DJE: Bidding Requirements.

On a motion made by Mr. Brown and seconded by Mr. Wolfe, the Board voted unanimously to approve the first reading of Policy BEDH: Public Participation at Board Meetings Policy JLCC: Communicable Diseases.

B. School District Safety Program

Dr. Freeman explained that the Safety Program has been developed by the District Safety Committee. The program represents a significant updating of our existing program based on the requirements of the Department of Labor. On a motion made by Mr. Brown and seconded by Mr. Wolfe, the Board voted unanimously to approve the Safety Program as presented.

C. Memorandum of Understanding

An updated draft of the proposed Memorandum of Understanding between the School Board and the E.A.P. was presented for final adoption. On a motion made by Ms. Vogt and seconded by Mr. Wolfe, the Board voted unanimously to accept the memorandum of understanding.

D. Nomination

The position of Interim Principal of PMHS was previously posted. Rick Gremlitz expressed interest in the position. Dr. Freeman recommended his appointment for the 2009-2010 school year. On a motion made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Ms. Vogt, the Board voted unanimously to approve the appointment of Mr. Gremlitz.

E. Budget

Dr. Freeman distributed the information that was provided to the Budget Committee. He also provided a copy of the budget that was organized by object/function and 01, 02, and 03 levels.

Ms. Vogt thanked the administration for their help in presenting the budget to the Budget Committee.

Discussion ensued regarding whether the new format will be helpful to the Budget Committee.

F. Annual School District Meeting

A timeline for annual school district meeting was disseminated by Dr. Freeman. Although the Select Board has not determined their timeline, the tentative date of the Annual School District Meeting is March 12, 2009. Discussion ensued regarding the date for the public hearing, the board directed the Superintendent to propose a schedule that included public hearing dates.

G. Annual School District Report

Dr. Freeman provided a Table of Contents from last year’s Annual Report. Discussion ensued regarding the numerous reports that have been previously included and whether any should be eliminated. The Board agreed that a revision will be made by the Superintendent on what reports will be deleted and/or added.

H. Community Forum

Dr. Freeman distributed an agenda for the Community Forum planned for January 10, 2009 from 10:00 to 12:00 at PMHS. The purpose of the forum is to

gather information that will eventually be used to create a revised district mission statement. Dr. Freeman requested that Board members forward the names of individuals who might receive a personal invitation to participate.

X. COMMITTEES

A. Budget Committee

Ms. Vogt reported that the presentations provided by the administration have increased the knowledge level of the Committee members. Two additional nights have been scheduled with the Committee – one for a line-by-line analysis of the budget and one for review of the warrant articles. Ms. Vogt suggested that thought is given to how the budget will be presented to the public. She stated that highlighting the accreditation process may be a way to frame the discussions. Discussion ensued regarding the effort that has been made by the Board to “hold the line” on the increases. Discussion ensued regarding the potential effect that warrant articles may have on the tax increase.

Ms. Paradise asked Dr. Freeman to respond to a letter published in the local paper, correcting some errors that were perceived by the author.

XI. NEXT MEETING

The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, January 8, 2009 at 5:30 at the Pittsfield Middle School. The agenda will include the senior trip.

XII. PUBLIC INPUT (Second Session) – None

XIII. ADJOURNMENT

On a motion made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Mr. Brown, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 7:32 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Tobi Gray Chassie
Recording Secretary