January 18, 2007 Minutes


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									<h1 class="entry-title">January 18, 2007 Minutes</h1>
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					<p>STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE</p>
<p>SCHOOL ADMINISTRATIVE UNIT #51</p>
<p>BARNSTEAD – PITTSFIELD                                              PITTSFIELD SCHOOL BOARD</p>
<p>MINUTES<br />
Pittsfield School Board</p>
<p>January 18, 2007</p>
<p>Pittsfield Middle High School</p>
<p>I.                     CALL TO ORDER </p>
<p>Members Present:          Scott Brown, Chairman</p>
<p>                                          Christopher Ward</p>
<p>                                          Gary Colby</p>
<p>                                          Leslie Vogt</p>
<p>                                          Mary Paradise</p>
<p>Others Present:               Dr. William Compton, Superintendent of Schools</p>
<p>                                          Toby Eaton, Business Administrator</p>
<p>                                          Karen Erlandson, Principal, PMHS</p>
<p>                                          Jeff DeLois, Administrator, PMHS</p>
<p>                                          John Freeman, Principal, PES</p>
<p>                                          Tobi Gray Chassie, Director of Student Services, PES</p>
<p>Chairman Brown called the meeting to order at 5:33 p.m.</p>
<p>II.                   AGENDA REVIEW</p>
<p>Mr. Ward added the item of Alumni Association.  Ms. Erlandson added three informational items.  Mr. Eaton added an informational item regarding the fund balance.  Mr. DeLois added a Sportsmanship Committee report.</p>
<p>III.                  APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MEETING MINUTES</p>
<p>On a motion made by Ms. Vogt and seconded by Mr. Ward, the Board voted unanimously to approve the minutes of the January 4, 2007 as written.  </p>
<p>IV.               PUBLIC INPUT – None </p>
<p>V.                 PES ADMINISTRATION</p>
<p>A.     New Hire Recommendation</p>
<p>Dr. Freeman nominated Greg Kelley for the position of educational assistant.  On a motion made by Ms. Vogt and seconded by Mr. Ward, the Board voted unanimously to approve the hiring of Mr. Kelley. </p>
<p>VI.               PMHS ADMINISTRATION</p>
<p>A.     New Hire Recommendations</p>
<p>Ms. Erlandson nominated Bryan Goodman for the position of educational assistant.  On a motion made by Mr. Colby and seconded by Mr. Ward, the Board voted unanimously to approve the hiring of Mr. Goodman.</p>
<p>Mr. DeLois nominated Roger Metcalf for varsity softball coach and Robert Stockman for varsity baseball coach.  On a motion made by Mr. Ward and seconded by Ms. Vogt, the Board voted unanimously to approve the hiring of Mr. Metcalf and Mr. Stockman.</p>
<p>Mr. DeLois reported that Coach Audrey MacFadden has notified him of her inability to continue as varsity spirit team coach.  He is recruiting for a replacement.</p>
<p>B.     Drop Out Prevention</p>
<p>Ms. Erlandson explained that five members of the faculty have received training and will be working as a committee to develop a plan to positively affect the drop out rate, which has decreased over the past few years.  Mr. Brown asked if the committee would be reviewing the strategies being utilized in neighboring communities.  Ms. Erlandson explained that Mr. Jarvis has investigated a program (Plato) designed to help students recover credits.</p>
<p>C.    Course Competencies</p>
<p>Dr. Paul Ezen will be making a presentation to the staff at PMHS on course competencies on the Monday, January 22, 2007 early release day.</p>
<p>D.    Comprehensive School Reform Grant</p>
<p>Ms. Erlandson reported that she has received some additional money and an extension of time from the Comprehensive School Reform Grant.  She distributed a copy of the final report, which was due, in spite of the additional funds being dispersed.  The report summarized the success of the grant in </p>
<p>helping to improve PMHS by following the best practices of “Breaking Ranks.”</p>
<p>E.     Sportsmanship Committee</p>
<p>The first meeting was held on Thursday, January 11, 2007.  The group developed many ideas, several of which were immediately implemented.  The next meeting is scheduled for February 7, 2007.</p>
<p>VII.              SAU ADMINISTRATION</p>
<p>A.  Capital Reserve Accounts</p>
<p>Mr. Eaton distributed information regarding the fund balances in the Building &#038; Equipment Capital Reserve, Drake Field Capital Reserve, Special Education Disability Capital Reserve, and Buildings Maintenance Fund.  Discussion ensued regarding the use of the monies in each reserve fund.  On a motion made by Ms. Paradise and seconded by Mr. Colby, the Board voted unanimously to put forth Article IV to add $25,000 to the School Buildings &#038; Equipment Capital Reserve. </p>
<p>B.     Meeting Schedule</p>
<p>Dr. Compton provided a listing of the meetings that have been scheduled in accordance with the budget process, including public hearings and informational sessions. </p>
<p>·        January 10     Town Budget Committee (PES)     7:00</p>
<p>·        January 17     Town Budget Committee (PMHS   7:00</p>
<p>·        January 18     School Board Meeting                     5:30</p>
<p>·        January 25     Board Planning Meeting                  5:30</p>
<p>·        February 1     School Board Meeting                     5:30</p>
<p>·        February 8     Public Hearing                                   7:00</p>
<p>·        February 15   School Board Meeting                     5:30</p>
<p>SB-2 Public Hearing             7:00</p>
<p>·        February 20   Public Hearing                                   7:00</p>
<p>·        March 1          School Board Meeting                     5:30</p>
<p>·        March 7          PMHS Open House              6:30</p>
<p>Budget Information Meeting </p>
<p>·        March 13        Election Day</p>
<p>·        March 15        School District Meeting                    7:00</p>
<p>·        March 17        Town Meeting                                    10:00</p>
<p>C.    Professional Development Master Plan</p>
<p>Dr. Compton presented a letter from Robin Warner of the Bureau of Credentialing reporting that the Professional Development Master Plan for SAU #51 has been </p>
<p>approved according to the criteria for state approval of local master plans and will be in effect through June 30, 2011.  The letter reported that the plan was “very comprehensive, clear and well written” and “directly aligned with the review form.”  </p>
<p>D.    SB2</p>
<p>Dr. Compton distributed “The Effect of the Official Ballot Referendum Form of Meeting on the Towns and School Districts of New Hampshire.”   He stated that he will be summarizing the contents into a chart of pros and cons for easier review.  Dr. Compton also distributed a document from the NH Department of Revenue Administration offering technical assistance for SB2.  </p>
<p>Mr. Brown suggested that the Board develop an agenda for the informational sessions.  He further recommended that members of the Board volunteer to research specific items on the agenda.  Ms. Vogt clarified the need to contact school districts that are bound by SB2 to investigate the ramifications of the Official Ballot Referendum.  Several members volunteered to gather information.</p>
<p>VIII.            COMMITTEES</p>
<p>Mr. Ward suggested that the newly formed Pittsfield High School Alumni Association provide a report for the Annual School District Report.   The Board agreed to have the President of the Alumni Association submit a report.  </p>
<p>A.     Budget</p>
<p>Ms. Paradise reported that representatives from both schools attended Budget Committee meetings to answer questions of its members.  The Budget Committee has asked questions of concern about the deep cuts that have been made.  Ms. Paradise explained that the budget does not entirely reflect sound educational decisions but is driven by financial constraint.  </p>
<p>B.     SAU Planning</p>
<p>Mr. Brown reported that the NH State Board of Education, at their January 9, 2007 meeting, approved Barnstead’s request to withdraw from SAU #51.  Keith Couch, chairman of the Barnstead School Board and a member of the SAU Planning Committee, attended a Pittsfield SAU Planning Committee meeting to explain their rationale for the decision to withdraw.  He stated that the Barnstead School Board is interested in presenting the question of withdrawal to the voters.  Harry Vogt, chairman of the Pittsfield SAU Planning Committee, will be presenting a summary report at the School District Meeting.</p>
<p>IX.               NEXT MEETING</p>
<p>The next meeting of the Board is scheduled for February 1, 2007 at 5:30 at PMHS. </p>
<p>Agenda items will include the 2007-08 course selection catalogue.</p>
<p>X.                 PUBLIC INPUT (Second Session)</p>
<p>James Theodore asked when a copy of the budget would be available for the public.  Mr. Eaton stated that he could come to the SAU to receive a copy of the proposed budget, at no cost, at any time “during regular business hours.”</p>
<p>XI.               NON-PUBLIC </p>
<p>On a motion made by Ms. Paradise and seconded by Mr. Ward, the Board was polled and voted unanimously to enter into a Non-Public Session under the provisions of RSA 91-A:3 II (c) [Personnel, Student, and Legal Matters] to discuss a personnel matter at 7:15 p.m. </p>
<p>On a motion made by Ms. Paradise and seconded by Mr. Ward, the Board was polled and voted unanimously to exit the Non-Public Session at 7:31 p.m.</p>
<p>XII.              ADJOURNMENT</p>
<p>On a motion made by Mr. Colby and seconded by Mr. Ward, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 7:32 p.m.</p>
<p>MINUTES<br />
Pittsfield School Board</p>
<p>January 4, 2007</p>
<p>Pittsfield Middle High School</p>
<p>I.                     CALL TO ORDER</p>
<p>Members Present:          Scott Brown, Chairman</p>
<p>                                          Christopher Ward</p>
<p>                                          Gary Colby</p>
<p>                                          Leslie Vogt</p>
<p>                                          Mary Paradise</p>
<p>Others Present:               Dr. William Compton, Superintendent of Schools</p>
<p>                                          Toby Eaton, Business Administrator</p>
<p>                                          Karen Erlandson, Principal, PMHS</p>
<p>                                          Mark Jarvis, Director of Student Services, PMHS</p>
<p>                                          Jeff DeLois, Administrator, PMHS</p>
<p>                                          Tobi Gray Chassie, Director of Student Services, PES</p>
<p>                                          Member of the public</p>
<p>Chairman Brown called the meeting to order at 5:32 p.m.</p>
<p>II.                   AGENDA REVIEW</p>
<p>Mr. DeLois added coaches for a varsity sport to the agenda.</p>
<p>III.                  APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MEETING MINUTES</p>
<p>A motion was made by Mr. Ward and seconded by Ms. Vogt, to approve the minutes of the December 21, 2006.  A correction was made to include Karen Erlandson to the list of others present.  With Mr. Ward, Mr. Brown, and Ms. Vogt voting in the affirmative and Mr. Colby abstaining from the vote, the minutes were approved as corrected. </p>
<p>IV.               PUBLIC INPUT – None</p>
<p>Pittsfield School Board                                                                         1                                                                                    January 4, 2007</p>
<p>V.                 PES ADMINISTRATION</p>
<p>A.     Nominations</p>
<p>Ms. Chassie nominated Stacy Parker and Michelle Wayne for the position of educational assistant, Erin Campbell for the position of bus monitor, and Karen Eade for the position of long-term substitute teacher for grade one, replacing Paula Cote.  On a motion made by Mr. Colby and seconded by Mr. Ward, the Board voted unanimously to hire Ms. Parker and Ms. Wayne as educational assistants, Ms. Campbell as bus monitor, and Ms. Eade as long-term substitute teacher.   </p>
<p>VI.               PMHS ADMINISTRATION</p>
<p>A.     Coaches</p>
<p>Due to Jeannie Bova’s health, she has requested coaching only the JV Spirit Team and being relieved from the duties of Varsity Spirit Team.  Mr. Ward made a motion to reassign Ms. Bova from the JV and Varsity Spirit Team coach position to just JV Spirit Team coach and to appoint Audrey McFadden as the coach of the Varsity Spirit Team.  The discussion was postponed to take place in the non-public session.</p>
<p>Mr. DeLois distributed an email from Harry Blood from Moutlonborough, complimenting the PMHS school community for their hospitality at a recent Girl’s Varsity basketball game.  He commented on what a “great role model” Coach Jason Darrah was for his team.  Mr. Brown commented on the progress that is being made in the effort to promote good sportsmanship throughout the school community and expressed his appreciation for the work that has been accomplished.</p>
<p>Mr. Brown asked for clarification regarding the reporting of game results to newspapers.  Mr. Colby explained that it is the usual procedure for the winning coach within the area to call the newspaper but that all coaches are welcome to call with information.  Mr. Brown suggested that coaches might want to notify the newspaper if a game is of potential significance.  </p>
<p>VII.              SAU ADMINISTRATION.</p>
<p>A.     Budget Meetings</p>
<p>Mr. Eaton presented a calendar with some suggested dates for the scheduling of the Annual School District Meeting.  Mr. Brown suggested that we resume the previous practice of having the meeting on the Thursday preceding the Town Meeting and after the day of voting.  Voting day will be on March 13th and the Town Meeting is scheduled for March 17th.  The School District meeting will</p>
<p>Pittsfield School Board                                                                         2                                                                                    January 4, 2007</p>
<p>be scheduled for March 15th at PES.  </p>
<p>Mr. Brown suggested that with the issues that are on the table such as the operating budget, the teacher contract, and the SB2 warrant article, an effort will need to be made to adequately inform the public.  He requested that the Board sponsor three informational sessions to be sure there is clear understanding of the public regarding the issues.  The Board reached a consensus to have the first informational session on February 15th at 7:00 at PMHS, following the School Board meeting.  This meeting will also serve as the Public Hearing for the warrant article regarding SB2.   The second information session will be on February 20th at 7:00 in the PES cafeteria and the third information session will be on March 7th in conjunction with the PMHS Student Showcase.  There will be Board members available at a table in the lobby throughout the day and there will be an informational session at either 6:30 or 7:00.  The Budget Committee’s Public hearing is scheduled for February 8th at 7:00 at PES. There will be a School Board work session on January 25th at 5:30. </p>
<p>B.     Warrant Article </p>
<p>Mr. Eaton called attention to a copy of last year’s warrant articles and distributed a draft of the 2007 warrant articles.  Mr. Brown led the Board in a review of the proposed warrant articles.  A lengthy discussion ensued regarding each of the warrant articles.   Mr. Eaton distributed a copy of an account of the reserve fund balances, including special education, school buildings and equipment, school buildings maintenance, and Drake Field capital reserve.  The Board decided on the following articles:  Article I – reports, Article II – salaries of school board, Article III – hot lunch, Article IV &#8211; $15,000 for building maintenance projects, Article V &#8211; $25,000 for building maintenance capital reserve fund, Article VI -$15,000 for the special education reserve, Article VII – teacher contract, Article VIII – total budget, and Article IX – planning committee.  On a motion by Ms. Paradise and seconded by Mr. Ward, the Board voted unanimously to approve the warrant articles as presented and discussed.  </p>
<p>C.    PSNH</p>
<p>Mr. Eaton explained that further work would be done by PSNH on the lighting at PMHS and is being scheduled.</p>
<p>D.    SB2</p>
<p>Mr. Brown invited members of the Board to do research on the issue of SB2 in preparation for the budget informational sessions.  </p>
<p>Pittsfield School Board                                                                         3                                                                                    January 4, 2007</p>
<p>VIII.            COMMITTEES</p>
<p>A.     Budget</p>
<p>Ms. Paradise reported that the Budget Committee has completed the Town’s budget.   The District’s budget will be reviewed on January 10th (PES) and January 17th (PMHS).  </p>
<p>B.     SAU Planning</p>
<p>Mr. Brown reported that the NH Department of Education asked Barnstead to do an impact study of the withdrawal to Pittsfield.  The decision will be based on this information and will be forthcoming.  </p>
<p>C.    Negotiations</p>
<p>Mr. Brown reported that there is a meeting scheduled next week to continue with negotiations on the teachers’ contract. </p>
<p>IX.               NEXT MEETING</p>
<p>The next meeting of the Board is scheduled for January 18, 2007 at 5:30 at PMHS.</p>
<p>X.                 PUBLIC INPUT (Second Session) – Mrs. Patterson asked and received a copy of the information regarding the SB2.  She asked Ms. Paradise for two of the disadvantages of an SB2 town.  Ms. Paradise explained that because a small town’s budget fluctuates dramatically due to uncontrollable issues such as special education, it is difficult to follow the budgetary limitations of the law.  Also, SB2 does not require a school district meeting, which will discourage people from participating in the meetings that provide information to the voters about which they are voting.  Ms. Patterson asked how much money is available in the reserve funds.  Ms. Paradise said there was approximately $92,000 in the special education reserve, $76,000 in school building capital reserve, and $12,000 in school building maintenance fund reserve.  Mrs. Patterson suggested that the School Board consider the same audio recording system that is used by the Town.</p>
<p>XI.               NON-PUBLIC</p>
<p>On a motion made by Ms. Ward and seconded by Mr. Colby, the Board was polled and voted unanimously to enter into a Non-Public Session under the provisions of RSA 91-A:3 II (c) [Personnel, Student, and Legal Matters] to discuss a personnel matter at 7:36 p.m. </p>
<p>On a motion made by Mr. Colby and seconded by Mr. Ward, the Board was polled and voted unanimously to exit the Non-Public Session at 7:45 p.m.</p>
<p>On a motion made by Mr. Ward and seconded by Ms. Vogt, the Board voted </p>
<p>Pittsfield School Board                                                                         4                                                                                    January 4, 2007</p>
<p>unanimously to reassign Jeannie Bova from Varsity and JV Spirit Team coach to</p>
<p>JV Spirit Team coach and assign Audrey McFadden as the Varsity Spirit Team coach. </p>
<p>XII.              ADJOURNMENT</p>
<p>On a motion made by Mr. Ward and seconded by Ms. Vogt, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 7:47 p.m.</p>
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