APPROVED BY THE PITTSFIELD SCHOOL BOARD

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

MINUTES

Pittsfield School Board Meeting
Tuesday, February 02, 2010
Pittsfield Elementary School

I. CALL TO ORDER

Members Present: Mary Paradise, Chairperson
Leslie Vogt
Kathy Corliss
Michael Wolfe
Elizabeth Adams

Others Present: John Freeman, Superintendent
Tobi Gray Chassie, Director of Student Services

Chairperson Paradise called the meeting to order at 5:10 p.m.

II. WARRANT ARTICLES

Dr. Freeman distributed various documents intended to assist the School Board in their discussion of warrant articles. These documents included the October 2, 2008, and December 3, 2009, memoranda from Dr. Freeman regarding facilities and CIP update, correspondence from Dan Bisson of Harriman Architects and Engineers, and a copy of the proposed warrant articles.

Ms. Vogt summarized the opinion of the Budget Committee relative to the warrant article regarding replacement of the PMHS gym roof. She also explained that there will be a fund balance due to the difference in the preliminary health insurance estimate and actual costs. Discussion ensued regarding the issues surrounding the utilization of the fund balance for the project, if the grant is not awarded.

Discussion ensued regarding the bidding process and the construction considerations, if the projects move forward. Dr. Freeman agreed to talk to Mr. Bisson about the timing of the proposed projects.

Discussion ensued regarding the order and explanation of the warrant articles, in particular those related to the PMHS gym roof and gym floor.

The Board agreed to present the warrant articles as drafted with added comment regarding the withdrawal of two articles based on the outcome of the energy conservation grant application.

III. HOUSE BILL 372

Ms. Paradise read correspondence from Senator Barnes reviewing proposed changes to the laws governing School Boards. The bill proposes a requirement of board members to participate in three hours of training annually regarding educational law and three hours of educational policy. Discussion ensued regarding the proposed bill; consensus was in opposition of the proposed bill. Ms. Paradise agreed to contact Senator Barnes to inform him of the sentiments of the Pittsfield School Board.

IV. HANDOUTS FOR PUBLIC HEARING

Dr. Freeman distributed documents that will be shared with the public at the hearing on Wednesday, February 3, 2010. The documents include Proposed 2010-2011 School District Budget, Anticipated 2010-2011 School District Revenues, Anticipated 2010-2011 Warrant Article Tax Impact, Article V – Negotiated Agreement Between the Pittsfield School Board and the Education Association of Pittsfield, and Article VI – Replacement and Insulation of PMHS Gym Roof.

V. NEXT MEETING

The next School Board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, February 4, 2010, at 5:30 p.m. at the Pittsfield Middle High School.

VI. ADJOURNMENT

On a motion made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Ms. Corliss, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 6:05 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Tobi Gray Chassie
Recording Secretary