ADVANCE COPY, SUBJECT TO THE APPROVAL THE PITTSFIELD SCHOOL BOARD
STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
SCHOOL ADMINISTRATIVE UNIT #51
BARNSTEAD – PITTSFIELD PITTSFIELD SCHOOL BOARD
MINUTES
Pittsfield School Board
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Pittsfield Middle High School
I. CALL TO ORDER
Members Present: Scott Brown, Chairperson
Leslie Vogt
Mary Paradise
Others Present: Peter Roche, Business Administrator
Karen Erlandson, Principal, PMHS
Dr. John Freeman, Principal, PES
Tobi Chassie, Director of Student Services
Chairperson Brown called the meeting to order at 5:32 p.m.
II. AGENDA REVIEW
Mr. Brown explained that the SB-2 Public Hearing would take place in the Library
at 7:00. Ms. Erlandson added informational items. Dr. Fr eeman added
informational items and NECAP information. Mr. Roche added the SAU location,
fire department update, and SAU inventory, time permitting.
Mr. Brown introduced Mr. Mike Wolfe, a candidate for a seat on the School Board.
He was thanked for his interest in participating in the process.
III. APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MEETING MINUTES
On a motion made by Ms. Vogt and seconded by Ms. Paradise, the Board voted
unanimously to approve the minutes of February 7, 2008, as written.
IV. PUBLIC INPUT – None
Pittsfield School District 1 February 21, 2008
V. PES ADMINISTRATION
A. Nomination
Dr. Freeman introduced Mr. Doug Kilmister as the candidate for PES Principal.
He explained the process that was undertaken to find a principal. The interview
team of sixteen community and staff members, unanimously and strongly
recommended Mr. Kilmister, currently an English teacher at PMHS, to assume
the responsibilities of PES principal on July 1, 2008.
Mr. Brown and Ms. Paradise commented on the efficient and successful
process that was conducted. Mr. Brown stated that although a vote will be
taken tonight, with two members absent, he would revisit the vote in the
anticipation of gaining a 5-0 vote. On a motion made by Ms. Paradise and
seconded by Ms. Vogt, the Board voted unanimously to accept the
recommendation to hire Mr. Kilmister as principal of PES. Mr. Brown welcomed
Mr. Kilmister to his new role in the Pittsfield School District.
B. 5-9 Curriculum Coordination
Dr. Freeman thanked Mr. Brown and Ms. Vogt for their participation in the
February 4, 2008 5-9 Curriculum Coordination meeting. He stated that their
presence and encouragement conveyed to the participants the importance of
this work in developing a cohesive, consistent curriculum for all children.
C. NECAP Data
Dr. Freeman distributed a collection of data that demonstrated a comparison of
NECAP scores. He invited the members of the Board to review the data and
make any inquiries that might arise.
VI. PMHS ADMINISTRATION
A. Read Across America
Ms. Erlandson reported that in acknowledgment of a national reading
celebration, PMHS would have a celebration of reading on March 3, 2008
during Advisories. At that time, the staff and students will bring a book and
share in an exchange of stories.
B. Showcase
Ms. Erlandson distributed a copy of a letter that will be provided to parents
inviting them to the PMHS Showcase 2008 on March 5, 2008 from 4:00 to 7:00.
There will be displays of students’ academic and co-curricular achievements,
along with several special events.
Pittsfield School District 2 February 21, 2008
Mr. Brown explained that members of the Board would take turns at a table,
providing the public with information regarding SB-2.
C. NECAP Data
Ms. Erlandson reviewed some preliminary data on the NECAP scores that have
been received. She explained that work would continue to align curriculum and
work on standards.
VII. STUDENT SERVICES ADMINISTRATION – None
VIII. SAU ADMINISTRATION
A. FY ’09 Budget
Mr. Roche explained that the Administration met to consider the Budget
Committee’s recommendation to cut another $155,000. The Administration cut
$100,366 and now looks to the Board for direction in the additional $55,000 cut.
Mr. Brown stated that the Budget Committee recommended specific areas in
which to cut the budget. Ms. Vogt explained the process the Budget Committee
used to get to make their recommendations.
Discussion ensued regarding issues surrounding the decreases being
recommended by the Administration for the budget. Mr. Brown suggested that
the Board have a work session to develop a presentation for the School District
Meeting. Mr. Brown directed the Administration to revisit the recommended
budget cuts, with attention to propane and building maintenance. Ms. Vogt
requested information that justifies the continuation of the assistant principal at
PMHS. Mr. Brown requested gathering information on surrounding towns and
their administrative organization.
B. Fire Department
Mr. Roche presented information regarding safety projects that were found to
be deficient during the recent inspection. A plan was presented to complete
tasks required by September 2009 and September 2010.
C. SAU Location
Mr. Roche distributed and explained a projection of costs in moving the SAU to
the music room, the Annex, or remaining in the current location. He suggested
that the Board might want to consider moving to the Annex, but without
completing the HVAC system.
Mr. Brown stated that a meeting is scheduled for March 10, 2008 with the
Barnstead School Board to discuss issues surrounding the inventory of the
SAU.
Pittsfield School District 3 February 21, 2008
IX. RECESS
On a motion made by Ms. Paradise and seconded by Ms. Vogt, the Board v oted
unanimously to recess until after the SB-2 Public Hearing.
On a motion made by Ms. Paradise and seconded by Ms. Vogt, the Board voted
unanimously to come out of recess at 7:56 p.m.
X. COMMITTEES – None
XI. NEXT MEETING
The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, March 6, 2008 at 5:30 at the Pittsfield
Middle High School.
XII. PUBLIC INPUT (Second Session)
XIII. NON-PUBLIC SESSION
At 7:56 p.m., a motion was made by Ms. Paradise and seconded by Ms. Vogt , to
enter into non-public session to discuss legal matters. The Board was polled and
voted unanimously to enter into a non-public session under the provisions of RSA
91-A:3 II (e) [Legal Matters].
A motion was made by Ms. Paradise and seconded by Ms. Vogt to come out of the
non-public session. The Board was polled and voted to come out of the non-public
session at 8:05 p.m.
A motion was made by Ms. Paradise and seconded by Ms. Vogt, the Board voted
unanimously to affirm the telephone poll and unanimous support of the Board
regarding legal action.
Discussion ensued regarding the comments heard during the SB-2 hearing. A
motion was made by Ms. Paradise and seconded by Ms. Vogt, the Board voted
unanimously not to support SB-2.
XIV. ADJOURNMENT
On a motion made by Ms. Vogt and seconded by Ms. Paradise, the Board vot ed
unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 8:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Tobi Gray Chassie
Recording Secretary
Pittsfield School District 4 February 21, 2008