APPROVED BY THE PITTSFIELD SCHOOL BOARD

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

MINUTES

Pittsfield School Board Meeting
Thursday, February 4, 2009
Pittsfield Elementary School

I. CALL TO ORDER

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

Others Present: John Freeman, Superintendent
Tobi Gray Chassie, Director of Student Services
Lois-Jean Stevens, Coordinator of Student Services
Rick Gremlitz, Interim Principal, PMHS
Doug Kilmister, Principal, PES’
Member of the Public

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

II. AGENDA REVIEW

The following items were added to the agenda:

o Policy IJK (Dr. Freeman)
o Minutes from February 2, 2010 (Dr. Freeman)
o YMCA (Mr. Kilmister)

III. ACTION ON AMENDED AGENDA

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

IV. APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MEETING MINUTES

A motion was made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Ms. Corliss to approve the minutes of the February 2, 2010, meeting. A recommendation was made to change the date in the footer to February 2, 2010 from August 20, 2009. The minutes were approved unanimously, as amended.

A motion was made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Ms. Vogt to approve the minutes of the January 21, 2010, meeting. A recommendation was made to change the roll call vote to “Mr. Wolfe, yes,” and on page 5, change to “it would be explained at the Budget Committee.”

V. PUBLIC INPUT – None

VI. PMHS ADMINISTRATION

A. SENIOR TRIP and GRADUATION

Class advisors, Silas St. James and Sheila Ward, were accompanied by Amanda Newton, Melissa Slayton, and other officers of the senior class to present the plans for the Senior Class Trip to Lake George, New York. The trip is planned for Friday, May 21, 2010, to Sunday, May 23, 2010. The events planned include the Million Dollar Beach, Six Flags, and Adventure Racing. Assistance will be offered to students who are unable to afford the cost of the trip.

A proposal for graduation was reviewed by Cara Gingras and Alison LaFlamme. They are requesting that scholarships be presented at Awards Night and graduation take place at Drake Field. The students are planning on a parent information session prior to graduation. Discussion ensued regarding the pros and cons of having graduation at Drake Field at 6:00 p.m.

On a motion made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Ms. Adams, the Board voted unanimously to approve the senior trip as presented.

The School Board offered their consensus on the proposed plans for graduation. Further suggestions were made by the Board to the students regarding graduation.

Ms. Ward thanked the students for the work they have done to make plans for the senior trip and graduation.

B. REPORT CARDS

Mr. Gremlitz explained that technical difficulties were experienced with the issuing of mid-year report cards. He reassured the Board that new copies would be provided to students during Friday’s advisories. A notification regarding the reissuing of report cards has been posted on the school website.

C. NEAS&C SELF-STUDY

Mr. Gremlitz called attention to the PMHS NEAS&C Self-Study Survey results that were included in the Board’s packet. The NEAS&C review team will use this document during their visit next year.

Mr. Gremlitz explained that another survey of students regarding school climate has recently been conducted by Main Street Academix.

The School Board requested that a session be planned by Mr. Gremlitz, with the help of Guidance Director Leslie Bergevin, to discuss both surveys. They suggested looking at the self-study results from ten years ago and making a comparison.

D. DONATION

Mr. Gremlitz explained that Mr. Homer Prue, a Pittsfield resident, has made a significant donation of power and hand tools to our tech education program. The items are valued at over $3,000. Mr. Gremlitz and Ms. Corliss will write notes of appreciation to Mr. Prue.

E. NECAP RESULTS

Mr. Gremlitz reported that the results for the NECAP testing done in October in grades 7, 8, and 11, were released this week. Further information will be provided at a later date after an analysis of individual student scores has been conducted.

VII. PES ADMINISTRATION

A. YMCA

Mr. Kilmister reported that the YMCA has awarded “Community Partner of the Year” to Pittsfield Elementary School. He will be attending an event next week to receive the award.

B. NECAP RESULTS

Mr. Kilmister reported that the results of the NECAP tests show a positive trend. Students take the test in grades 3, 4, 5, and 6. Three of five grades tested showing gains in reading, and three of five grades showing gains in math; for two grade levels, the mean scaled scores for math were at the state average. Further information will be provided at a later date after an analysis of the data has occurred.

C. MID-YEAR DISCIPLINE DATA

Mr. Kilmister provided a chart showing first-semester data for referrals to the Student Support Center for this year and the previous four years. He noted that the number of referrals is 40% higher than the number for this time last year. According to Mr. Kilmister, all students who have had ten or more referrals have been discussed in the PBIS Targeted Team and have individual behavior plans. Discussion ensued regarding the data and the philosophy behind addressing the issues.

D. SCIENCE CURRICULUM

Mr. Kilmister explained that teachers of science in grades K-10 have entered just about all their science units into the Atlas curriculum mapping software. This process will support the curriculum analysis and the strengthening of science process skills.

E. TECHNOLOGY, LAW, AND POLICY CONFERENCE

Mr. Kilmister reported that the Technology grant has been awarded. The grant includes participation for five people at a one-day conference, entitled “Technology, Law, and Policy.” He invited a member of the Board to accompany the group. Ms. Adams volunteered to attend the conference.

VIII. STUDENT SERVICES ADMINISTRATION

A. PARENT INVOLVEMENT SURVEY

Ms. Chassie explained the results of the preschool and school-age parent survey, conducted in the spring of 2009. Results showed a positive opinion of special education by the parents of our students with disabilities.

B. CONCORD HOSPITAL

Ms. Chassie reviewed the work that is being accomplished with the help of Sue Hemingway from Concord Hospital. She coordinates the doctors in their residency at Concord Hospital and the PMHS PATCH program. Efforts are underway to provide the residents with training in the area of special education.

C. PARAPROFESSIONAL UPDATE

Ms. Stevens reported on changes in paraprofessional assignments, which resulted in the elimination of one position and the reassignment of two paraprofessionals.

IX. SAU ADMINISTRATION

A. WARRANT ARTICLES

Dr. Freeman distributed a draft copy of the warrant articles. A motion was made by Ms. Vogt and seconded by Mr. Wolfe to approve the warrant articles as written. Discussion ensued regarding the timing of the school district meeting in relationship to the potential awarding of the grant, which will affect the wording of the articles. Consensus of the group was to keep the school district meeting on the scheduled date of March 11, 2010. The Board voted unanimously to approve the warrants as presented.

B. EXPENDITURE REPORT

Dr. Freeman distributed a copy of an updated second quarter Expenditure Report. Sally Blanchette included encumberances for all expenses known to this point. The projected fund balance at this time is $305,560.25.

C. POLICY

A motion was made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Ms. Corliss to adopt Policy EDC: Authorized Use of School-Owned Materials and Equipment and Policy EEAA. After a brief discussion, the motion carried unanimously.

A motion was made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Ms. Corliss to accept for reading Policy ECAF: Audio and Video Surveillance on School Buses, Policy EEAE; School Bus Safety Program, and Policy EF: Food Service Management. Discussion ensued regarding several changes in wording. The motion carried unanimously.

D. ADMINISTRATIVE RESTRUCTURING

Dr. Freeman explained that Mr. DeLois’ absence is expected to continue. This situation, in concert with the planned elimination of the assistant principal position, has prompted the Administrative Leadership Team to begin the shifting of job responsibilities and altering of job descriptions. Dr. Freeman thanked Ms. Stevens, Mr. Gremlitz, and Ms. Chassie for accepting additional responsibilities.

E. REDUCTION IN FORCE

Dr. Freeman explained that the administration will be presenting the result of further thinking regarding the positions to be eliminated and recommendations for 2010-2011 staffing at the next School Board meeting.

F. HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL SEARCH

Dr. Freeman explained that the Search Team has conducted one interview and will conduct four additional interviews. He stated that a finalist will be identified for the Board’s appointment as our new principal in March.

G. SUPERINENDENT GOALS

Dr. Freeman included the quarterly summary of his goals and progress toward goals.

H. POLICY IKJ

Dr. Freeman explained that when Policy IKJ was reviewed with staff, members of the faculty had questions about several scenarios where use of video is appropriate but impossible to receive five day prior notice and approval. Discussion ensued regarding specific points included in the policy. Ms. Paradise suggested waiting for the Technology, Law, and Policy Conference before making any changes in the policy.

X. COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS

A. SELECTBOARD LIAISON

Dr. Freeman noted that he has not heard from the Town Office about discussing the location of the voting. Historically, voting takes place at the Town Hall and the Board is concerned about making a change to the Pittsfield Elementary School due to safety and security issues.

B. BUDGET

Ms. Vogt reported that there may be action of the Budget Committee that will cut approximately $56,000 from the proposed budget.

XI. NEXT MEETING

The next School Board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, February 18, 2010, at 5:30 p.m. at the Pittsfield Middle High School. Agenda items will include a non- public session regarding the Superintendent’s evaluation, administration restructuring, personnel decisions, and an update on principal search.

XII. PUBLIC INPUT (Second Session) – None

XIII. ADJOURNMENT

On a motion made by Ms. Adams and seconded by Mr. Wolfe, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 7:49 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Tobi Gray Chassie
Recording Secretary