January 26, 2012 Minutes

ADVANCE COPY, SUBJECT TO THE APPROVAL 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, January 26, 2012
Pittsfield Middle High School

I. CALL TO ORDER

Members Present: Clayton Wood, Chairperson
Elizabeth Adams
Kathy Corliss
Mike Wolfe
Mary Paradise (entered the meeting at 5:38 p.m.)
Mike Wolfe

Others Present: John Freeman, Superintendent
Tobi Gray Chassie, Director of Student Services
Bob Bickford, Principal, PMHS
Doug Kilmister, Principal, PES
Lois Stevens, Coordinator of Student Services
Susan Bradley, Project Manager
Dr. William Bryan, CSSR
Members of the Faculty
Members of the Public

Chairperson Wood called the meeting to order at 5:31 p.m.

II. AGENDA REVIEW

The following items were added to the agenda:
• Financial report (Dr. Freeman)
• Non-public – Personnel (Dr. Freeman)
• Warrant (Mr. Wood)
• NH School Boards Association Delegate Assembly (Ms. Adams) – Item later withdrawn
• Substitute teachers (Ms. Corliss) – Item later withdrawn
• Chairman’s report for Annual School District meeting (Mr. Wood)

III. ACTION ON AGENDA

On a motion made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Ms. Corliss, the Board voted unanimously to approve the agenda as amended.
IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

A motion was made by Ms. Paradise and seconded by Mr. Wolfe to approve the minutes of January 12, 2012. The following changes were made:
• Page 4 – To paragraph 3, add to the last sentence, “with complete details including whether or not the Select Board had knowledge of the Police Department’s proposal.”
• Page 4 – After paragraph 5, add “NOTE: The petition was subsequently withdrawn from the School Board.”
• Page 4 – Omit Ms. Vogt from the poll in the last paragraph.
• Page 5 – Before the Approval of the Minutes, add, “Mr. Wood left the meeting at 6:55 p.m.”
• Page 6 – Change sentence in paragraph 6 to read “…will be adopted by the Site Council for use when someone…”
• Page 6 – In the last line of paragraph 8, change to “…approving community services experiences.”
• Page 8 – After paragraph 4, add “Mr. Wood returned to the meeting at 8:00 p.m.”
• Page 9 – In paragraph 3, change to “January 26, 2012”.
The Board voted unanimously to approve the minutes of the meeting as amended.

V. PUBLIC INPUT

Mr. Wood explained that the draft of the sex offender policy was, as promised, placed on the website.

Ms. Erin Butler, asked if the “guardian” on page 3 in item 6, meant a “legal guardian.” She also asked how long the permission to be on school grounds would be granted.

Ms. Heather Brown commended the Board for acting promptly in the matter of a sexual offender policy. On page 1, she stated her opinion that the registry should be made available to parents, rather than assuming they would know where to find it on the website. She further suggested that the word “guardian” should be qualified to mean the “legal guardian.” Ms. Brown stated that she thinks a person should be required to have permission granted in 24 to 48 hours prior to wanting access to the school for the purpose of transacting school business. She also expressed that any family who has a member of the household on the Sex Offender Registry should be provided with a copy of the policy at the beginning of the school year.

Ms. Mary Cote asked if substitute teachers will be informed of sex offender registry information. She also asked about conditions under which the superintendent’s permission for registered sex offenders to be on school grounds will be granted.

Ms. Adams removed herself from the Board’s table and spoke as a parent. She read a statement that suggested this situation provided an opportunity for parents to teach their children. She offered a list of suggestions that might guide parents in helping their children to make good choices and to treat people with respect.

Ms. Brown stated that she has concerns about several other safety issues. She reported several incidents related to her niece, a student at PES. Ms. Brown further expressed concerns about the lack of appropriate nursing services due to a reduction of staff. Further, Ms. Brown reviewed her opinions relative to the issue of bullying.

Ms. Adams inquired about the considerations that would need to be made if the sex offender was a student. Discussion ensued; it was determined that the situation would have to be considered on an individual basis.

VI. SAU ADMINISTRATION

A. POLICY JLIF

Discussion ensued regarding Policy JLIF: Receipt and Use of Sex Offender Registry Information. Several amendments were made to the draft. Clarification was offered in terms of the parameters of the school district’s responsibilities relative to protecting students, including public events and Drake Field. Dr. Freeman stated that the school district’s attorney will be asked to review the draft. The Board asked Dr. Freeman to make the changes that have been suggested tonight and return to the next meeting with the revision.

VII. PUBLIC SESSION – 2nd SESSION

Ms. Erin Butler asked if registered sex offenders would be allowed to attend public events on school property to which Mr. Wolfe answered in the affirmative. She expressed her concern that the policy does not fully protect students. The School Board agreed to have the school attorney review the proposed policy to be sure that protection can occur to the fullest extent of the law.

Ms. Siobhan Plummer questioned whose responsibility it is to confront individuals who are registered sex offenders at a public event. The question of what constitutes a school-sponsored event was raised. Dr. Freeman will be addressing these issues with the school’s attorney and the school’s insurance company’s attorney.

Ms. Kate Winter asked what criteria would be used to determine if a registered sex offender would be allowed permission to come onto school grounds for school related transactions. She further asked about policy enforcement. Dr. Freeman agreed that there are many unanswered questions that need to be further investigated and developed.

Ms. Mary Cote stated that parents send their children to school and school-related events assuming their children are safe. She asked that the Board consider this when making a final determination regarding how events held on school grounds are handled.

Ms. Jessica Dunlap stated she has investigated how other organizations using the school facilities handle situations of student safety. She suggested that parents may want to ask specific questions of other organizations, such as Kydstop and Girl Scouts, before having their children participate.

Mr. Wood summarized by saying that the policy will return for a decision at the next meeting.

VIII. SAU ADMINISTRATION (Continued)

A. SUPERINTENDENT ROLE ANALYSIS

Dr. Freeman introduced Dr. William Bryan of the Center for Secondary School Redesign, who has been assisting the district in a process called “talent management.” He described a summary of the process used to devise a Contact Circle, Process Circle, Position Description Chart, Skills and Talents Model, and Role Change Worksheet.

Dr. Bryan distributed the results of the position analysis for the superintendent of schools and the administrative leadership team. He shared an Accountability Chart from the perspective of the administrative leadership team. Dr. Bryan suggested the possibility of the School Board participating in an analysis of the role of the School Board.

Dr. Bryan offered the School Board the opportunity to participate in an analysis of the School Board with the ultimate goal of developing a strategic plan.

IX. PES ADMINISTRATION

A. GRADE LEVEL PROFESSIONAL TEAM WORK

Mr. Kilmister described work in which the PES teachers are engaging relative to the analysis of assessment data and subsequent instruction. The Team Leaders are studying a “Professional Learning Communities” model. Several teachers will be participating in professional development led by national experts, Rick and Becky Dufour, in March.

B. FISHER CATS READING CHALLENGE

PES participated in a the New Hampshire Fisher Cat Reading Challenge, a program run in partnership with the Community College System of New Hampshire. On January 24th, Fungo, the Fisher Cats’ mascot, visited the school.

C. KYSTOP UPDATE

Deb Gallipeault, the Concord Family YMCA Childcare and Aftercare Director, has informed Mr. Kilmister that the potential merger with the Chichester Kydstop has been deemed impossible. The participation in Pittsfield has decreased to 11 students, which has led to a decrease in staff.

D. JUMP ROPE FOR HEART

On February 3, 2012, the students and staff will kick off our 8th annual Jump Rope for Heart fitness and charity fundraising program.

X. PMHS ADMINISTRATION

A. COMMUNITY SERVICE

Mr. Bickford presented a proposed community service format that would replace what is currently in the handbook. This proposal was created by a sub- committee and has been approved by the Site Council. Mr. Wood stated his concerns about the inadequacy of the community service program. Mr. Bickford assured the Board that improvements are being made, of which this new format is one.

On a motion made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Ms. Paradise, the Board voted unanimously to approve the proposed format.

B. WINTER GUARD HANDBOOK

Ms. Sheila Ward, coach for the PMHS Winter Guard Program, has submitted a handbook for the Board’s approval. On a motion made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Ms. Adams, the Board voted unanimously to approve the handbook.

C. EXTENDED LEARNING OPPORTUNITY (ELO) HANDBOOKS

Mr. Bickford presented the ELO Faculty and Community Partner Handbooks. On a motion made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Ms. Paradise, the Board voted unanimously to approve the two handbooks.

D. GAME DIRECTOR

Mr. Bickford explained that there are no NHIAA requirements for game directors, with the exception of tournament games. The Pittsfield School District does, however, require a game director. Mr. Bickford shared the job responsibilities for this position with the Board.

E. SANDERSON TRUST

Mr. Bickford stated there were three applications for Sanderson Trust funds form PMHS, which included:
• Comprehensive Occupational Opportunities Program
• Student-Led Writing Workshop
• Drake Field Summer Recreation Program

F. FIRE INSPECTION

Mr. Bickford provided the Board with a copy of the recently-received Pittsfield Fire Department Fire Inspection Report.

XI. STUDENT SERVICES ADMINISTRATION

A. THREE TIERS OF INTERVENTION

Ms. Chassie informed the Board of progress the District is making in developing a three-tiered prevention system. An assessment of our work will be completed in order to develop a plan for continued improvement.

B. PARENT DISCUSSION

Ms. Chassie provided the Board with information regarding a parent discussion group developed by the district in collaboration with the Pittsfield Youth Workshop. Jane Johnson, School Social Worker, and Jeff Martel, Guidance Counselor, work with the Pittsfield Youth Workshop staff and Heather Kingston, a Substance Abuse Prevention Counselor, on this endeavor. The program began on January 12, 2012.

XII. SAU ADMINISTRATION (Continued)

A. POLICY IGE

Dr. Freeman presented Policy IGE – Parental Objections to Specific Course Material for the Board’s consideration. The School Board requested the Superintendent to add references to law to any future policies that may be considered.

On a motion made by Ms. Paradise and seconded by Mr. Wolfe, the Board voted unanimously to approve Policy IGE with the changes suggested.

B. WARRANT

Dr. Freeman presented the Board with a draft of the warrant for the Pittsfield School District. Discussion ensued.

A motion was made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Ms. Paradise to leave Article III on the warrant. Discussion ensued regarding the consequences of having an article that addresses the replacement of the roof, siding and windows at the Pittsfield Elementary School. The motion failed with a 1 to 4 vote, with Mr. Wolfe voting in the affirmative and Mr. Wood, Ms. Adams, Ms. Paradise, and Ms. Corliss voting no.

A motion was made by Ms. Paradise and seconded by Ms. Adams to add an article to allocate up to $50,000 if there is a fund balance to the existing maintenance reserve account. Discussion ensued.

Ms. Paradise amended her motion to increase the allocation to $100,000. The amended motion was seconded by Ms. Adams. The Board voted unanimously to allocate up to $100,000 if there is a fund balance to the existing maintenance reserve account.

Dr. Freeman asked for verification, which he received, that the Board would like
tax impact included in the articles on the warrant. Ms. Paradise confirmed the handouts that would be needed for the public hearing.

Ms. Paradise reported that she informed the Budget Committee of information relative to the negotiated teacher contract, including information specific to insurance benefits.

XIII. SCHOOL BOARD

A. ANNUAL REPORT

Mr. Wood stated that he would create a draft of the School Board Report and submit it to the members for their input.

B. EMAIL

From: L Adams
To: “alphawolfe@metrocast.net” ; “ckpcm@metrocast.net” ; “cwood911@gmail.com” ; “maryparad@aol.com” ; “sau51super@metrocast.net”
Sent: Friday, January 6, 2012 7:12 AM
Subject: Fw: The “Bedford Bill”, HB 542 is passed (overriding the Gov’s veto)

Can we verify that this bill has now, in fact, been enacted into law?Thank you,Lea

Date: Wednesday, January 4, 2012, 6:10 PM
In testimony by the sponsor, Bedford’s controversy over Nickel and Dimed was given as an example……..

HB 542-FN – VERSION ADOPTED BY BOTH BODIES
15Mar2011… 0726h
06/01/11 2251s
22June2011… 2422CofC
2011 SESSION
11-0828
04/05
HOUSE BILL 542-FN
AN ACT relative to exceptions for objectionable material in public school courses.
SPONSORS: Rep. Hoell, Merr 13
COMMITTEE: Education
AMENDED ANALYSIS
This bill requires school districts to adopt a policy allowing an exception to specific course material based on a parent’s or legal guardian’s determination that the material is objectionable.
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
Explanation: Matter added to current law appears in bold italics.
Matter removed from current law appears [in brackets and struckthrough.]
Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.
15Mar2011… 0726h
06/01/11 2251s
22June2011… 2422CofC
11-0828
04/05
STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Eleven
AN ACT relative to exceptions for objectionable material in public school courses.
Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:
1 New Paragraph; State Board of Education; Duties. Amend RSA 186:11 by inserting after paragraph IX-b the following new paragraph:
IX-c. Require school districts to adopt a policy allowing an exception to specific course material based on a parent’s or legal guardian’s determination that the material is objectionable. Such policy shall include a provision requiring the parent or legal guardian to notify the school principal or designee in writing of the specific material to which they object and a provision requiring an alternative agreed upon by the school district and the parent, at the parent’s expense, sufficient to enable the child to meet state requirements for education in the particular subject area. The name of the parent or legal guardian and any specific reasons disclosed to school officials for the objection to the material shall not be public information and shall be excluded from access under RSA 91-A.
2 Effective Date. This act shall take effect January 1, 2012.
LBAO
11-0828
Amended 06/22/11
HB 542 FISCAL NOTE
AN ACT relative to exceptions for objectionable material in public school courses.
FISCAL IMPACT:
METHODOLOGY:

XIV. COMMITTEES

A. DRAKE FIELD & FACILITIES – None

B. BUDGET COMMITTEE REPRESENTATIVE – None

C. NEGOTIATING TEAM – None

XV. PUBLIC INPUT – 3rd SESSION

Ms. Brown stated that she believes any student who is suspended should not be allowed on school grounds during the suspension. Likewise, she believes a sexual offender should not be allowed on school grounds without prior permission, as stipulated in the proposed policy.

XVI. NON PUBLIC SESSION

At 9:10 p.m., a motion was made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Ms. Paradise to enter into non-public session to discuss a personnel matter pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II (a and c). The Board was polled and voted unanimously (Ms. Adams, yes; Ms. Corliss, yes; Ms. Paradise, yes; Mr. Wolfe, yes; Mr. Wood, yes) to enter into a non-public session.

Dr. Freeman advised the Board on two personnel matters; discussion ensued.

At 9:20 p.m., a motion was made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Ms. Paradise 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; Ms. Paradise, yes; Mr. Wolfe, yes; Mr. Wood, yes) to exit the non-public session and to re-enter into open session.

XVII. NEXT MEETING

The next School Board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, February 9, 2012, at 5:30 p.m. in the PMHS Media Center.

XVIII. ADJOURNMENT

On a motion made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Ms. Adams, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 9:21 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Tobi Gray Chassie
Recording Secretary

Respectfully Submitted,

John J. Freeman
Non-Public Session Secretary