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, January 29, 2008
Pittsfield Middle High School
I. CALL TO ORDER
Members Present: Scott Brown, Chairperson
Chris Ward
Leslie Vogt
Mary Paradise
Others Present: Dr. William Compton, Superintendent
Peter Roche, Business Administrator
Karen Erlandson, Principal, PMHS
Dr. John Freeman, Principal, PES
Tobi Chassie, Director of Student Services
Lois Stevens, Coordinator of Student Services
Chairperson Brown called the meeting to order at 4:39 p.m.
II. PMHS ADMINISTRATION
Karen Erlandson explained that the world language teacher is leaving on a
maternity leave and due to a critical shortage of teachers in that area, finding a
substitute will be difficult. She explained that a previously employed teacher, who
has a history of substituting for a specific per diem rate, is interested in assuming
the position. Recently, a newly revised policy regarding substitute teacher pay
would prevent her from being employed at her usual rate. Dr. Compton reviewed
the policy for the Board’s consideration of this particular situation. Discussion
ensued. On a motion made by Ms. Vogt and seconded by Ms. Paradise, the Board
voted unanimously to approve the recommendation to hire Louise Graham as a
long-term substitute at a rate of pay set according to the policy. Mr. Brown
recommended that the Administration review the policy and present potential
revisions to the Board.
III. FUND BALANCE
Mr. Brown asked for information regarding the Expenditure Report and the
Pittsfield School District 1 January 29, 2008
potential fund balance. According to Mr. Roche, all possible encumbrances have
been made, leaving $477,132 as a possible fund balance. Mr. Roche explained
that there have been recent changes in special education encumbrances. Mr.
Roche recommended using $200,000 as a best-guess estimate of the Unreserved
Fund Balance (FY09 Revenue Projection).
It was projected that the proposed 2008-2009 budget, when considering the
$200,000 fund balance, represents approximately a $1.60 tax increase.
Discussion ensued. The Board thoroughly reconsidered the budget and decided to
cut $50,000 due to changes in special education projected costs, which includes
moving one educational assistant to the I.D.E.A. grant and eliminating one
educational assistant position. On a motion made by Ms. Paradise and seconded
by Ms. Vogt, the Board voted unanimously to approve a budget of $9,887,132 for
the 2008-2009 fiscal year.
IV. SB 2 CONSIDERATIONS
Mr. Brown distributed a calendar representing ideas on informing the public abou t
the warrant article regarding SB2 status for the school district. Mr. Ward suggested
asking someone to add information to the school’s website. A review of suggested
activities included letters to the editor of the Suncook Valley Sun, insert in the
Suncook Valley Sun, information disseminated via the PES newsletter, and the
PMHS Open House.
ADJOURNMENT
On a motion made by Ms. Paradise and seconded by Ms. Vogt, the Board voted
unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 6:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Tobi Gray Chassie
Recording Secretary
Pittsfield School District 2 January 29, 2008