February 19, 2015 Minutes

APPROVED BY THE PITTSFIELD SCHOOL BOARD

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

MINUTES

Pittsfield School Board Meeting
Thursday, February 19, 2015
Pittsfield Middle High School

I. CALL TO ORDER

Members Present: Mike Wolfe, Chair
Arthur Morse
Gary Mullen
Ray Ramsey

Others Present: John Freeman, Superintendent of Schools
Tobi Gray Chassie, District Administrator
Danielle Harvey, Dean of Instruction
Donna Lehmann, Director of Student Services
Kathy LeMay, Director of Interventions & Title I Manager
Sarah Rollins, Director of College and Career Readiness
Member of the faculty
Members of the public

Mr. Wolfe called the meeting to order at 5:35 p.m.

II. AGENDA REVIEW

The following items were added:
• NH Department of Homeland Security Audit (Ms. Chassie)
• EastConn Presentations (Ms. Chassie)
• Group Shoveling (Dr. Freeman)
• Bond Attorney (Dr. Freeman)

III. APPROVAL OF AMENDED AGENDA

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

IV. APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MEETING MINUTES

A motion was made by Mr. Ramsey and seconded by Mr. Mullen to approve the minutes of February 5, 2015. Minutes were approved, as written, with Mr. Ramsey, Mr. Mullen, and Mr. Wolfe voting in the affirmative and Mr. Morse abstaining from the vote, due to his absence from the meeting.

V. PUBLIC INPUT

Ross Morse reported that the district’s progress report was mailed today, February 15, 2015. He said it includes information on the PES logic model, the journey map ceramic project, and the awarding of phase two of the NMEF grant.

VI. STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE – None

VII. PUBLIC FORUM

Mr. Wolfe opened the public forum on the topic of the proposed biomass energy project. Dr. Freeman distributed a document, which covered potential questions the public may have regarding the project. A copy of the warrant articles was also distributed, which includes the warrant on the biomass project.

Kevin Foss asked if a sketch would be available at the annual school district meeting, to which Dr. Freeman said he was attempting to have one drawn. Mr. Foss asked if other companies were pursued. Dr. Freeman stated that Harriman was used because of a long and successful history with that company.

VIII. DEAN OF INSTRUCTION

A. SUMMER ACADEMIES

Ms. Harvey reported that there has been a task force working to develop a new opportunity for PMHS students. Summer Academies are high quality, engaging, and hands-on learning opportunities that provide interest-based a community supported experiences to students in grades six through twelve. Business teacher, Jen Massey, has been hired as the director. The topics that have been selected are play production and fitness.

B. PMHS SEMESTER COURSES

Ms. Harvey stated that all classes next year will be offered as semester sections. This will allow students to work on three to four competencies at a time, instead of five to seven.

Ms. Harvey explained to the Board that an option of guided study hall will be added to the course selection guide for next year. This will be a strategy used to help students who are struggling to master competencies.

C. 21st CENTURY SKILLS/WORK STUDY PRACTICES

Ms. Harvey explained that a rubric, used to assess work study practices used by students, have been revised. She explained the way in which the work study practices have been organized so that teachers can assess students’ performance across classes. A component of the students’ portfolio will be earmarked for the monitoring of the work study practices.

IX. DEAN OF OPERATIONS

A. GIRLS ON TRACK PROGRAM

Mr. Hamilton’s report included information regarding an interactive program for girls in grades six through eight. The program includes a ten week curriculum that focuses on physical and emotional well-being of adolescent girls and culminates with a celebratory five kilometer running event.

B. SCHOOL ATTENDANCE

Mr. Hamilton’s report also included a notification that attendance letters have been sent to parents and guardians of students with excessive tardiness, unexcused absences, and total absences.

X. DIRECTOR OF COLLEGE AND CAREER READINESS

A. COURSE SELECTION GUIDE

Dr. Rollins distributed copies of the proposed course selection guide for 2015-16. She highlighted items that were new and/or updated. She asked that the Board remove page 7, which includes information that is not complete. She asked for the Board’s approval of the course selection guide, except for page 7.

On a motion made by Mr. Ramsey and seconded by Mr. Mullen, the Board unanimously approved the course selection guide, with the exception of page 7.

XI. DIRECTOR OF INTERVENTION

A. POSITION OPENING / RECRUITMENT

Ms. LeMay reported that there were four strong candidates for the vacant librarian position at PES. She is planning to hire someone and have them begin directly after vacation.

B. TITLE I REVISIONING

Ms. LeMay stated that the scope and goals of the Title I program are being determined. She is in the process of gathering information and suggestions from all stakeholders in order to identify the highest area of need and the areas that might have the most impact.

C. TITLE I COMMUNICATIONS

According to Ms. LeMay, the Title I team has been working on improving the consistency and frequency of communication to classroom teachers and families. She shared a system of communication that has been implemented with the staff.

XII. DISTRICT ADMINISTRATOR

A. POSITION ANALYSIS

On a motion made by Mr. Mullen and seconded by Mr. Ramsey, the Board approved the position analysis for the student support specialist positions, with Mr. Mullen, Mr. Ramsey, and Mr. Wolfe voting in the affirmative and Mr. Morse abstaining from the vote.

B. CELEBRATION

Ms. Chassie reminded the Board that district celebration is planned for the evening of March 7th at 6:00. A dinner and program, including acknowledgement of the awarding of the NMEF grant for phase two, the awarding of the League of Innovative School NextGen grant, and the progress made on the PES logic model.

C. EASTCONN PRESENTATIONS

Ms. Chassie reported to the Board that a team of professionals from the district have been contracted to provide a day and a half presentation on student centered learning for an educational resource center in Connecticut. Dr. Freeman and Ms. Chassie will be presenting a half day workshop on community engagement and an overview of student centered learning in late March. In early April, they will joined by Ms. Harvey, Mr. Hamilton, Sheila Ward, Jenny Wellington, Susan Bradley, and Ross Morse for another day of training on components of student centered learning.

Ms. Chassie pointed out that the original Nellie Mae Education Foundation grant request had included a request for startup money to create a professional development agency for the school district, hoping that the work would help sustain the district after the life of the grant. Although that part of the grant was not approved, this opportunity marks the district’s opportunity to provide professional development for other districts. A contract for over $3,000 has been signed by the superintendent.

D. EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT TEAM

Ms. Chassie reported that the NH Department of Homeland Security was onsite on Wednesday, February 18, 2015, for the purpose of conducting a facilities audit. The visit was accompanied by Robert Martin, Fire Chief; Jeff Caine, Police Chief; Rob Freese, Emergency Director; George Szelste, PES Head Custodian; and Jim Dawson, PMHS Head Custodian. A final report will be submitted to the district in the next few weeks.

E. LEAGUE OF INNOVATIVE SCHOOLS

Mary Hastings, a coach from the Great Schools Partnership, has been assigned to PMHS as a result of receiving the NextGen grant from the League of Innovative Schools. She is proving to be an asset to the administrative leadership team and we look forward to continuing our work with her.

XIII. SUPERINTENDENT

A. WARRANT ARTICLES

Dr. Freeman distributed a copy of the warrant articles prepared for the annual school district meeting. On a motion made by Mr. Mullen and seconded by Mr. Ramsey, the Board unanimously approved the articles to be presented to the town for consideration.

B. ROOF SHOVELING

Dr. Freeman stated that signs of stress were beginning to be observed from the snow on the roof at PES last week. At PMHS, there were no issues of concern. Dr. Freeman explained that a contractor was sought to remove snow on PES, including two local vendors. He ultimately authorized the expenditure of $10,500 to remove the snow. He stated that he made the decisions based on the potential consequences, but realized that due to the freeze and amount of the contract, pre-authorization was required by the School Board. He asked the Board for their approval.

On a motion made by Mr. Mullen and seconded by Mr. Ramsey, the Board voted unanimously to approve payment to Darrah Enterprises for $10,500. Mr. Morse stated his appreciation for Dr. Freeman’s proactive approach to a potential problem and the remainder of the Board agreed.

Mr. Wolfe pointed out a potential problem spot on the PMHS gymnasium roof. Dr. Freeman stated that it will be investigated first thing in the morning.

C. BOND ATTORNEY

Dr. Freeman explained that if the town approves the bond for the biomass project, it will be necessary to hire a bond attorney. Attorney David Barnes has been recommended and will cost between $5,000 and $7,500. On a motion made by Mr. Ramsey and seconded by Mr. Morse, the Board voted unanimously to approve up to $7,500 to hire a bond attorney if the warrant is passed.

D. BIOMASS PROJECT

Dr. Freeman distributed a letter from Paul Nickerson and asked him if he would like to speak. Mr. Nickerson spoke to the Board about the furnaces that would be installed and suggested cast iron furnaces. He questions the warranty and the lifespan of possible furnaces. Dr. Freeman explained that there would be a bidding process, which would include warranties and other details that are questioned by Mr. Nickerson. Mr. Nickerson suggested that the $350,000 estimate to replace the furnace at PES, was extraordinarily high. He stated he is in favor of the pellet furnace, but wants to make sure decisions will be informed by accurate information.

The Board agreed to pay for an insert in the Suncook Valley Sun, as well as a bulk mailing, in order to inform the public of the decision that they will be considering at the annual school district meeting.

XIV. SCHOOL BOARD

A. BUDGET

Mr. Ramsey reported that the budget process went well. The other members thanked him for his work on the Budget Committee.

B. SCHOOL BOARD

There are two vacancies for School Board. Only Mr. Mullen has filed his intent to run for the office. Mr. Wolfe understands that Linda Freese has expressed interest in becoming a write-in candidate for School Board. Mr. Arthur Morse will be a write-in for the moderator of the school district.

C. BIOMASS PROJECT

Mr. Morse suggested that Dr. Freeman investigate the procedure that would need to be followed if the bond was not approved, but another meeting was requested for a second consideration.

D. ANNUAL SCHOOL DISTRICT MEETING

Mr. Wolfe suggested that the Board ask voters to continue with the agenda of the annual school district meeting while voting is occurring for the bond.

XV. NEXT MEETING

The next School Board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, March 5, 2015, at 5:30 p.m. at the Pittsfield Middle High School.

XVI. PUBLIC SESSION (2nd Session) – None

XVII. DEAN OF INSTRUCTION (Continued)

A. WHAT’S COOL ABOUT MANUFACTURING

Ms. Harvey announced to the Board that students who worked on a video called, “What’s Cool About Manufacturing,” won third prize in a state-wide contest. In collaboration with The Globe, students worked with technology education teacher, Paul Sherwood, and technology integrator, Carin Foss, to produce a video that was submitted. Governor Hassan announced the awards on Tuesday in a taped press conference.

XVIII. ADJOURNMENT

On a motion made by Mr. Mullen and seconded by Mr. Ramsey, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 6:54 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Tobi Gray Chassie
Recording Secretary