APPROVED BY THE PITTSFIELD SCHOOL BOARD

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

MINUTES

Pittsfield School Board Meeting
5:30 p.m., Thursday, February 9, 2012
Pittsfield Middle High School

I. CALL TO ORDER

Members Present: Clayton Wood, Chairperson
Elizabeth Adams
Kathy Corliss
Mike Wolfe

Others Present: John Freeman, Superintendent
Tobi Gray Chassie, Director of Student Services
Doug Kilmister, Principal, PES (arrived at 6:15 p.m.)
Bob Bickford, Principal, PMHS
Members of the Public

Chairperson Wood called the meeting to order at 5:34 p.m.

II. AGENDA REVIEW

The following items were added to the agenda:
• PES facility needs (Dr. Freeman)
• PES security (Dr. Freeman)
• Teachers out of classrooms (Dr. Freeman)
• Nellie Mae Education Foundation update (Dr. Freeman)
• NH School Board Delegate Assembly report (Ms. Adams)
• Athletic probation (Ms. Corliss)
• School Board report (Mr. Wood)

The following items were deleted from the agenda:
• Separation agreement (Dr. Freeman)
• District meeting warrant (Dr. Freeman)

III. ACTION ON AGENDA

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

IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

A motion was made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Ms. Corliss to approve the minutes of the January 26, 2012, School Board meeting. On page 7, paragraph 6, add to read, “…draft of the School Board report…” The Board voted unanimously to approve the minutes as amended.

V. PUBLIC INPUT

Mr. Wood asked if the public was present to discuss Policy JLIF – Receipt and Use of Sex Offender Registry Information. When the members of the public responded affirmatively, he offered an explanation of the several points included in the policy.

Mr. Stephen Adams stated that he was a member of the State Legislature when RSA 651-B:7 was passed and offered some explanatory information regarding passing a policy that gives the authority of the superintendent to do things that are not legally correct.

Ms. Cara Peterson stated her understanding that the document would be vetted with the school’s attorney, which would assure the School Board of the legality.

Ms. Shirley Budgett stated that her husband is a registered sex offender, due to mistakes made when he was seventeen years old. She agreed that people should have access to the list, but she also believes that her husband should be able to enter the school to support their children. She stated that parents should take responsibility for their own children.

Ms. Erin Butler stated that she agrees that parents should be responsible for their children, but wants to know that her child is safe when she is at school and not under her supervision.

Ms. Ammy Ramsey stated that she does not think a person’s rights are being taken away. She explained that the policy would require a registered sex offender to notify the school if they wanted to enter the school.

Ms. Siobhan Plummer read a statement that expressed her desire to have the School Board approve a policy that will protect the children of Pittsfield from the potential danger that a sex offender could pose.

VI. SCHOOL BOARD

Mr. Wood stated that the policy has been reviewed by the school’s attorney. The attorney made several suggested changes to the draft policy. He further explained that consultation with the Pittsfield Police Department is necessary before finalizing the draft. Mr. Wood explained that the Marston Transportation Company would also need to be contacted.

A motion was made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Ms. Corliss to approve the draft of Policy JLIF – Receipt and Use of Sex Offender Registry Information.

Dr. Freeman stated that the attorney was unclear as to the intent of the School Board and was reluctant to offer further advice without clarity. The district’s attorney had offered to come to a School Board work session to further discuss the policy before offering advice.

Discussion ensued regarding several components of the policy. Changes were suggested, some gained the consensus of the Board and others did not.

The Board voted to approve the policy as amended with Ms. Corliss, Mr. Wolfe, and Mr. Wood voting in the affirmative and Ms. Adams voting no.

VII. PES ADMINISTRATION

A. PES SAFETY AND CLIMATE

Mr. Kilmister stated that he investigated comments that were made at the last School Board meeting by a member of the public regarding the safety of students at PES. In response, he supplied the Board with an overview of PES safety and safe school climate including elements of physical safety, prevention, and intervention.

Ms. Adams asked for clarification regarding the assignment of a full time nurse and part time nurse. Mr. Kilmister explained that the nurses are assigned in a manner that leaves PES without a nurse for one hour and PMHS without a nurse for one hour each day. This system is working quite effectively.

Mr. Kilmister advised the Board of his plans to visit a neighboring school to see the arrangements they have made to ensure security of the building.

B. NECAP RESULTS

Mr. Kilmister explained that the NECAP scores in grade three were very good. He stated his disappointment in the grade 4, 5, and 6 scores. He described several strategies that are being put in place that are intended to increase the proficiency of students in math and literacy.

In response to Mr. Wood’s question, Mr. Kilmister explained the use of Northwest Evaluation Assessment Measures of Academic Progress testing results in developing plans for struggling students.

C. PROJECT HOME

Interested individuals from New Hampshire Technical Institute will be visiting the school grounds next week to investigate possible projects for Project Home.

D. PES CALENDAR

Mr. Kilmister provided the Board with a list of important dates for February and March.

VIII. PMHS ADMINISTRATION

A. NECAP RESULTS

Mr. Bickford explained that the latest NECAP results for reading were very good. He attributed this to the hard work of teachers and paraprofessionals. Mr. Bickford listed several strategies that have had an impact, such as increasing the level of awareness of the testing, using data to guide instruction, and providing interventions for the struggling learners.

B. PMHS NEWSLETTER

Mr. Bickford provided the Board with a copy of the recent newsletter sent to parents by the principal.

C. PMHS CALENDAR

Mr. Bickford provided the Board with a list of important dates for February and March.

IX. STUDENT SERVICES ADMINISTRATION – None

X. SAU ADMINISTRATION

A. SCHOOL BOARD ROLE ANALYSIS AND STRATEGIC PLANNING

Dr. William Bryan, CSSR Vice President, offered the Board the opportunity to engage in a process of role analysis and/or strategic planning. Ms. Adams suggested the current, newly elected, and past Board members be invited to participate in the both an analysis and strategic planning process. Dr. Freeman will secure dates with Dr. Bryan.

B. FACULTY PROFESSIONALISM

Dr. Freeman acknowledged recent feedback received from outside observers relative to the faculty’s high energy, sincere work ethic, high level of professionalism, high quality of discourse, strong sense of duty, and deep caring for students.

C. NELLIE MAE EDUCATION FOUNDATION

Dr. Freeman distributed to the Board a summary of the expenditures of the Nellie Mae District Level Systems Change grant for the first three years. He also provided the Board with a copy of the draft for media release in the next two weeks. The release is expected to be on the front page of the Suncook Valley Sun on Wednesday, February 22, 2012. A local announcement and celebration is being planned by a sub-committee of the Site Council.

D. ADMINISTRATIVE REALIGNMENT

Dr. Freeman reminded the Board of the administrative changes that will be occurring and notified them that the realignment is moving forward as of this week.

E. TEACHER TIME OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM

Dr. Freeman explained a process in which staff and administrators engaged in order to prioritize initiatives. This reordering will minimize the time that teachers are outside of the classroom and students are impacted from their absence.

Dr. Freeman explained that some of the commitments are mandated by the New Hampshire Department of Education, such as a series of meetings regarding the measurement of teacher effectiveness. Discussion ensued regarding the importance of the president of the Education Association of Pittsfield (EAP) being included in much of the work being done. Not only is her position important, but EAP President Kiza Armour provides valuable assistance to the work that is being accomplished. It was pointed out that she also is very frustrated by the time she has had to spend outside of her classroom.

F. ANNUAL REPORT

Dr. Freeman asked for and received guidance regarding the inclusion of coaches’ salaries being included in the school district annual report. The Board concurred with including these salaries.

G. WARRANT ARTICLES

Dr. Freeman explained that the Department of Revenue Administration and the school attorney has stated that it is not advised to include the amount of the estimated tax impact with each article on the warrant. The Board directed Dr. Freeman to include the information.

XI. SCHOOL BOARD

A. NHSBA DELEGATE ASSEMBLY

Ms. Adams reviewed her notes from the New Hampshire School Board Association Delegate Assembly, held on January 14, 2012.

B. ATHLETIC PROBATION

Ms. Corliss asked if anyone takes steps to see if students who are removed from teams due to failing grades are helped to raise their grades. Mr. Bickford explained that the students’ advisors are well aware of probations and assist students in asking for assistance. He has asked the athletic director to become involved with the committee that is working on mastery of competencies and the reporting of progress as it will impact current procedures and adjustments will need to be proposed.

C. SCHOOL BOARD REPORT

Mr. Wood distributed the draft Report of the School Board that will be submitted for publication in the annual school district report. He asked for the Board’s review and suggestions on the final version.

XII. COMMITTEES

A. DRAKE FIELD & FACILITIES

Mr. Wood stated that several people have spoken to him about providing an opportunity for interested people in the town to discuss the facility problems at PES. He suggested developing a citizen forum to begin to investigate possibilities.

B. BUDGET COMMITTEE REPRESENTATIVE – None

C. NEGOTIATING TEAM – None

XIII. PUBLIC INPUT – 2nd SESSION – None

XIV. NON PUBLIC SESSION

At 8:27 p.m., a motion was made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Ms. Corliss to enter into non-public session to discuss a personnel matter pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II (a) (c). The Board was polled and voted unanimously (Ms. Adams, yes; Ms. Corliss, yes; Mr. Wolfe, yes; Mr. Wood, yes) to enter into a non-public session.

Dr. Freeman distributed and reviewed a draft of the separation agreement prepared to regarding a faculty member’s employment.

At 8:34 p.m., a motion was made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Mr. Wood to exit non-public session and to re-enter into open session. The Board was polled and voted unanimously (Ms. Adams, yes; Ms. Corliss, yes; Mr. Wolfe, yes; Mr. Wood, yes) to exit into a non-public session and to re-enter into open session.

On a motion made by Mr. Wood and seconded by Ms. Corliss, the Board voted unanimously to approve the execution of the separation agreement with minor modifications made at the discretion of the superintendent.

XV. NEXT MEETING

The next School Board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, February 23, 2012, at 5:30 p.m. in the PMHS Media Center.

XVI. ADJOURNMENT

On a motion made by Mr. Wood and seconded by Ms. Corliss, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 8:41p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Tobi Gray Chassie
Recording Secretary