June 20, 2013 Minutes

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, June 20, 2013
Pittsfield Middle High School

I. CALL TO ORDER

Members Present: Michael Wolfe, chairperson
Nicole Manteau, vice-chairperson
Bea Douglas
Gary Mullen
Ray Ramsey

Others Present: John Freeman, Superintendent
Tobi Gray Chassie, District Administrator
Lois Stevens, Director of Student Services
Doug Kilmister, Principal, PES
Bob Bickford, Principal, PMHS
Members of the public
Members of the faculty

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

II. AGENDA REVIEW

The following items were added:
• Presentation by Students – Prom (Mr. Bickford)
• Presentation by Faculty – Learning Studios (Mr. Bickford)
• Appreciation (Mr. Kilmister)
• Nominations (Dr. Freeman)
• New Hampshire Charitable Foundation Annual Report (Dr. Freeman)
• Summer School Board Meetings (Dr. Freeman)

III. ACTION ON AGENDA

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

IV. PRESENTATION

Ted Comstock, Executive Director of the New Hampshire School Boards Association, and Jack Widmer, President of the New Hampshire School Boards Association, were introduced by Dr. Freeman. Mr. Comstock presented the Pittsfield School Board with a plaque commemorating their selection as 2013 New Hampshire School Board of Excellence. He explained that the award was the result of a nomination, careful consideration by a committee at the School Boards Association, and final selection. The criteria used in making the award include 1) innovation, 2) creative ideas, 3) dedicated implementation, and 4) transportability (what can be utilized in other communities). According to Mr. Comstock, Pittsfield was a “shining star” relative to the community outreach, community forums, and strategic planning in which they have engaged.

Mr. Comstock stated that the chair of Pittsfield School Board and superintendent would be invited to make a presentation at the NH School Boards Association’s annual meeting on January 11, 2014.

Mr. Widmer added his words of congratulations. He applauded the Pittsfield School Board for their hard work, especially in the area of community outreach.

V. PRESENTATION – PROM PROPOSAL

Three PMHS students, Ryan Marquis, Matt Marcotte, and Camron Quigley, presented a proposal for the spring 2014 prom. The prom is proposed to take place on May 24, 2014, from 7:00 to 11:00 p.m. at the Gunstock Recreation Area in Gilford, New Hampshire. The cost of the prom will be $975 and will require a ticket price of $60 per person.

On a motion made by Ms. Manteau and seconded by Mr. Mullen, the Board voted unanimously to approve the prom proposal.

VI. PUBLIC INPUT

Alissa Rayno, parent of a second grade student, stated that she is worried about three second grade classrooms going to two third grade classrooms. She stated that the concern includes larger number of students, which means less help for her daughter and the potential of increased behavioral challenges. Mr. Kilmister stated that the numbers in the classroom will be 22-24 students. Matt Rayno reiterated his wife’s concerns for their daughter in going to grade 3.

Tobi Chassie, president of the Pittsfield High School Alumni Association, spoke on behalf of the Pittsfield Alumni Association. She explained that the Association is working to purchase a LED sign for the high school exterior. Ms. Chassie asked the Board for 1) approval to move forward on the project, 2) assignment of a member of the Board to join the sub-team, 3) assistance in deciding on the location of the sign, and 4) agreement to pay the $.60 per day for the operation of the sign, as well as maintenance and upkeep.

Mr. Wolfe stated that the Association should, in fact, pursue the sign. Ms. Douglas agreed to join the sub-committee of the Alumni Association.

Kathy Corliss, parent of a PMHS student, expressed her appreciation for the administrators who will be leaving. She asked about the introduction of the new administrators. Dr. Freeman explained the hiring process and reported there will be various forms of communication over the summer. On September 6, 2013, a new employee reception will be sponsored by the Pittsfield Parent Connection

Ms. Corliss stated her concern for the proposed PMHS schedule and whether it would allow students to participate in VHS programs.

Ms. Corliss stated her concern that the students working under the mastery of competency model may not be receiving as robust and rigorous curriculum as her two previous children. According to Ms. Corliss, her daughter is receiving a fraction of the work that her other students had. She is concerned that her child will not be adequately prepared for college.

VII. PRESENTATION

PMHS Middle School Teachers Brian Pinto and Chris Davitt presented information on middle school Learning Studios. Mr. Pinto explained that the Grade 7/8 Team would like to change from a Wednesday schedule that includes six forty minute periods to a schedule that will accommodate a two hour block for the purpose of Learning Studios.

Mr. Davitt explained that Learning Studios can be defined as rigorous long term project-based learning experiences. Mr. Davitt explained the components of a learning studio. They would take place on Wednesdays from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. and would continue over a period of eight weeks. The program will include eighth graders becoming learning mentors to seventh grade students. Initially, the projects will be teacher driven, but as students become more involved, it is intended that they will have voice in deciding the topic of a learning studio. Assessment of Learning Studios will be assessed according to multiple 21st Century competencies and content competencies.

PMHS High School Teachers Christie Dunlavey, Jenny Wellington, Anne Banks, and Derek Hamilton presented information on the high school learning studios. Mr. Hamilton stated that the learning studios will be a semester long and will run from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Wednesdays. As in the middle school, student work in the learning studios will be assessed on 21st Century learning competencies, but not on content competencies.

According to Mr. Hamilton, additional time on Wednesdays for advisory focus will give advisors the opportunity to strengthen executive function skills, such as time management, study skills, organization, and adaptation to high school for grade nine, PSAT preparation, work place social skills, conflict management and public speaking for grade ten, SAT preparation, interview skills, dress for success, and college and career options for grade eleven, and college essays, applications, scholarship applications, financial aid planning, and mentoring younger students in grade twelve.

Content focus time is meant to enrich, support, and explore existing content. This work is geared toward students of all ability levels.

Discussion ensued. Questions were asked and answered.

VIII. NOMINATION

Dr. Freeman introduced Charles H. Therriault, a teacher candidate for chemistry, human anatomy, and forensics.

IX. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

A motion was made Ms. Manteau and seconded by Ms. Douglas to approve the minutes of the June 6, 2013, meeting. On page 2, paragraph 6, change to “…would like the invitation to the deans to continue.” On page 3, paragraph 8, second line, change “coach” to “team.” The motion passed unanimously.

X. PES ADMINISTRATION

A. PES SUMMER PROGRAM

According to Mr. Kilmister, the PES Summer Program has been planned by Danielle Harvey, Kathy LeMay, and Chris Teague. A five-week, full morning invitational program will be held from July 8 to August 8.

B. SUMMER MEALS

Summer meals for children – breakfast and lunch – will be available in the PES cafeteria Monday through Thursday, July 8 to August 8. Summer meals is a federal program provided through the Community Action Program of Belknap-Merrimack counties. Meals will be available to students at PES, PMHS, Pittsfield Youth Workshop, Drakes Field Recreation Program, home school children, pre-school children and children under 18 from neighboring
communities.

C. WEBSITE

Mr. Kilmister acknowledged Clayton Wood for his assistance on maintaining the website. He provides Mr. Kilmister with

Dr. Freeman stated Mr. Wood has agreed to continue to work on helping the district to improve the website. Dr. Freeman reported that Mr. Wood has provided Mr. Kilmister with invaluable assistance.

XI. PMHS ADMINISTRATION

A. SITE COUNCIL

Noah Manteau, representative from the Site Council, explained the student leadership training opportunities that have been organized for August. Students from the Site Council, as well as other student organizations, will be provided a rich training program.

B. BASEBALL

Mr. Bickford acknowledged the boys varsity baseball team winning the Division IV State Baseball Championship. On a related note, PMHS Junior Kris Perkins was selected as the June 13 “Hometown Hero” on WMUR Channel 9 sports broadcast.

C. CONCUSSION PROTOCOLS

Mr. Bickford provided the Board with the ImPACT Testing Authorization form, ImPACT waiver form, and the ImPACT Questionnaire. Ms. Stevens asked if the questionnaire was a necessary component to the authorization. Mr. Bickford will gather additional information and report to the superintendent.

D. SCHEDULING PROPOSAL

The Board discussed the scheduling proposal. A report will be made to the Board mid-quarter and at the end of each quarter. Discussion ensued regarding the meeting of needs of students with disabilities throughout the Learning Studios. On a motion made by Ms. Douglas and seconded by Mr. Mullen, the Board approved the Wednesday schedule proposal as a pilot for one year, with the expectation of mid- and end-of-quarter progress reports. Ms. Douglas, Mr. Mullen, Mr. Ramsey, and Mr. Wolfe voted in the affirmative, and Ms. Manteau voted against the motion.

XII. STUDENT SERVICES ADMINISTRATION

A. EXTENDED SCHOOL YEAR

Ms. Stevens provided information on the extended school year services, which are designed to support students with disabilities.

B. STAFFING

Three special education openings are anticipated for the 2013-14 school year.

XIII. DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION

A. POSITION ANALYSIS

At the previous meeting, Ms. Chassie distributed the position analyses for the positions of 1) student; 2) superintendent; 3) dean of instruction; 4) dean of operations; 5) PES teacher; 6) PMHS teacher; and 7) advisory teacher.

On a motion made by Ms. Douglas and seconded by Mr. Mullen, the Board unanimously approved the position analyses for the seven positions.

B. COMMUNICATION PLAN

A rough cut of a video on student led conferences has been produced. The team, with the help of Full Frame Communication, will be producing additional videos on various topics, such as learning studios, extended learning opportunities, inquiry-based learning, administrative reorganization, talent management, community and school partnerships, site council, and restorative justice. The plan is funded by the Nellie Mae Education Foundation.

XIV. SAU ADMINISTRATION

A. POLICY JICI – WEAPONS ON SCHOOL PROPERTY

Dr. Freeman offered the Board a revision of Policy JICI – Weapons on School Property for their consideration. A motion was made by Ms. Manteau and seconded by Mr. Mullen to approve the draft of Policy JICI. Discussion ensued.
Dr. Freeman will conduct additional research regarding the proposed policy.

B. RESIGNATION

Dr. Freeman distributed letters of resignation from Denise Mason, high school science teacher; Melissa Davis, PES music teacher; and Meghan Wilson, fourth classroom grade teacher.

On a motion made by Mr. Ramsey and seconded by Mr. Mullen, the Board voted unanimously to approve the three resignations.

C. HIRING

On a motion made by Mr. Mullen and seconded by Ms. Manteau, the Board voted unanimously to approve Dr. Freeman making personnel decisions over the summer, without the Board deliberating. He will notify the Board of hires made over the summer.

Dr. Freeman nominated Charles H. Therriault for high school science teacher. On a motion made by Ms. Manteau and seconded by Mr. Ramsey, the Board voted unanimously to elect Mr. Therriault

D. PMHS EXHIBITION NIGHT

Dr. Freeman provided the Board with a news story explaining Exhibition Night, which will be posted on the district website.

XV. SCHOOL BOARD

A. SUMMER MEETING SCHEDULE

Dr. Freeman asked the Board to consider the schedule for the Board meetings during the summer.

On a motion made by Ms. Manteau and seconded by Mr. Mullen, the Board voted unanimously to provide authorization for Dr. Freeman to approve resignations during the summer months.

School Board meetings will occur on July 18 and August 22, both at 5:30 p.m.

B. BOARD EMAIL

Discussion ensued regarding the new email addresses for Board members. Access to students’ email is possible, which is not acceptable. Dr. Freeman will make changes in the email designation.

XVI. COMMITTEES

A. DRAKE FIELD & FACILITIES

Mr. Wolfe reported the a rebate will be $5,500 will be available if work on the ballasts at PES moves forward.

Dr. Freeman updated the Board on the bids for the PES facilities work.

B. NEGOTIATIONS – None

C. BUDGET COMMITTEE – None

D. FOSS FOUNDATION – None

XVII. PUBLIC INPUT – 2nd SESSION – None

XVIII. NEXT MEETING

The next School Board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, July 18, 2013, at 5:30 p.m. in the PMHS Media Center.

XIX. ADJOURNMENT

On a motion made by Mr. Mullen and seconded by Ms. Manteau, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 8:07 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Tobi Gray Chassie
Recording Secretary