June 5, 2008 Minutes

APPROVED MINUTES – THE PITTSFIELD SCHOOL BOARD

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
SCHOOL ADMINISTRATIVE UNIT #51

BARNSTEAD – PITTSFIELD PITTSFIELD SCHOOL BOARD

MINUTES

Pittsfield School Board

Thursday, June 5, 2008

Pittsfield Middle High School

CALL TO ORDER

Members Present: Mary Paradise, Chairperson

Michael Wolfe

Gary Colby

Leslie Vogt

Scott Brown

Others Present: Dr. William Compton, Superintendent

Peter Roche, Business Administrator

Karen Erlandson, Principal, PES

Dr. John Freeman, Principal, PES

Tobi Gray Chassie, Director of Student Services

Lois Jean Stevens, Coordinator of Student Services

Doug Kilmister, Principal-Elect, PES

Chairperson Paradise called the meeting to order at 5:32 p.m.

AGENDA REVIEW

Dr. Compton added a resignation and a non-public session for personnel matters. Mr. Roche added oil bids. Dr. Freeman added the Walker Fund grant, NWEA-MAP testing, and the Math Task Force. Mrs. Chassie added cell phones, a resignation, and a request for non-resident student. Ms. Erlandson added college data, the Medieval Faire, and a parent request.

Mr. Kilmister stated that his transition to the position of principal is going smoothly. He stated that he has been working closely with Dr. Freeman and participating in teacher interviews.

APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MEETING MINUTES

On a motion made by Mr. Brown and seconded by Mr. Wolfe, the Board voted to

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approve the minutes of May 13, 2008, as written, with Mr. Brown, Mr. Wolfe, Ms. Vogt, and Mr. Colby voting in the affirmative and Ms. Vogt abstaining from the vote.

On a motion made by Ms. Vogt and seconded by Mr. Brown, the Board voted to approve the minutes of May 15, 2008, as written with Ms. Vogt, Ms. Paradise, and Mr. Brown voting in the affirmative and Mr. Wolfe and Mr. Colby abstaining from the vote. On a motion made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Mr. Colby, the Board unanimously approved the minutes of May 27, 2008, as written.

PUBLIC INPUT – None

INTRODUCTIONS

PES

Dr. Freeman explained the interview process being utilized at PES. He introduced Nanine Venetos for grade 6, Shannon McCurry for grade 1, and Jessica Barry for grade 4. Ms. Paradise, on behalf of the Board, welcomed the candidates to Pittsfield.

PMHS

Ms. Chassie introduced Harold “Harry” Jones as the candidate to fill the position in the alternative classroom. Ms. Paradise, on behalf of the Board, welcomed Mr. Jones. Mr. Jones thanked the Board for the opportunity to work in Pittsfield.

PES ADMINISTRATION

Nominations

Dr. Freeman recommended the candidates Nanine Venetos for grade 6, Shannon McCurry for grade 1, and Jessica Barry for grade 4. On a motion made by Mr. Colby and seconded by Mr. Wolfe, the Board voted unanimously to accept the nominations of Ms. Venetos, Ms. McCurry, and Ms. Barry to fill positions at PES.

End of Year Family Breakfast

Dr. Freeman explained that the Honor Roll Breakfast is being replaced by a series of grade level end-of-year family breakfasts during the last two weeks of the school year. He invited members of the Board to join the fun.

Walker Fund Grant

The Walker Fund Grant was applied to for support of the Thinking Strategies Institute. The full amount requested was approximately $9,000; half of the requested amount was granted.

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NWEA – Measures of Academic Progress

Money was approved to purchase a testing program from the Northwest Evaluation Association at the end of last year. Two half days of training were provided by NWEA in the spring. Currently a pilot of the testing procedure is taking place with all students K-6, participating in computerized testing with tasks adjusted according to the skill level of the individual student. Ms. Darrah is doing a commendable work to proctor the testing. Ms. Elliott made an appointment especially to inform Dr. Freeman of the immediate benefits of the testing. Dr. Freeman reviewed the potential uses of the testing data and described a strong correlation that is being noticed between the testing and Everyday Mathematics. This testing data will predict students’ success on the NECAPs and assist teachers in guiding instruction for that outcome.

Math Task Force

Dr. Freeman distributed information from the Math Task Force. He explained that the group will continue to investigate the root causes for the difficulties in being observed in math within the district.

PMHS ADMINISTRATION

Advisory Program

Carin Plante and Silas St. James were introduced and made a presentation on the Advisory Program. Ms. Plante is the current Advisory Council Chairperson, while Mr. St. James will assume those responsibilities during the next year. An overview was provided, which stated the purpose of advisories to “provide time for students and staff to connect through shared experiences encouraging personal, social, and academic growth. The presentation ended in a review of looking ahead to the format will be maintained, the new Advisory Chairperson, continued training for advisors, a clarification of the role of advisors, planning time among grade-level advisors, work to achieve better communication, using and improving the “My Voice Survey” results, building connections between grades. Discussion ensued regarding the benefits of the program, as well as the challenges that are being addressed. Issues included attendance, teacher accountability, community involvement, and the willingness of teachers to volunteer to be an advisor.

Nomination

Ms. Erlandson presented the resume of Jennifer Patsos and recommended that she be hired as a teacher of mathematics. On a motion made by Ms. Vogt and seconded by Mr. Wolfe, the Board voted unanimously to hire Ms. Patsos.

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Student Request

Ms. Erlandson distributed a letter from an eighteen year old student requesting that she be allowed to remain at PMHS through the end of the year. On a motion made by Mr. Brown and seconded by Mr. Wolfe to continue at PMHS until the end of the school year.

6th to 7th Grade Transition

Sixth graders have been visiting PMHS as a transition activity. Ms. Erlandson suggested that these visits occur earlier as the PMHS students are rather restless at this time of year.

Letter of Thanks

Ms. Erlandson presented a letter from a community member thanking seniors for work done in community service.

Medieval Faire

Ms. Erlandson described the Medieval Faire, a culminating activity for the middle school students for their social studies unit. It was very successful.

Field Day

Field day events will be at Drake Field on June 6, 2008 with a talent show following at PMHS in the afternoon.

National Honor Society Induction

The National Honor Society Induction is being held on June 5, 2008.

Drop Out Rates/Post Secondary Plans

Ms. Erlandson distributed information relative to the drop out rates and post-secondary plans for PMHS students. The data shows that the drop out rate has been maintained over the past two years to 5.6%. The data shows a steady increase in the percentage of students going on to post-secondary education. The Foss Foundation is helping to provide students with the hope of financing a continued education.

Athletics

Mr. Colby asked Ms. Erlandson to ask Ms. Roberts to put information in the newspaper when students lose, as well as when they win.

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STUDENT SERVICES ADMINISTRATION

Nominations

Ms. Chassie recommended the Board hire Harold Jones as the teacher of the 7-12 alternative program, Melissa Pazdon as school psychologist, and Jacqueline Aines as the grade 8 special education teacher. On a motion made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Mr. Brown the Board voted unanimously to hire Ms. Aines and Mr. Jones.

On a motion made by Ms. Vogt and seconded by Mr. Wolf, the Board voted unanimously to approve Ms. Pazdon as school psychologist.

Ms. Chassie recommended that Shelly Rines be hired as an educational assistant for the summer program. On a motion made by Mr. Colby and seconded by Mr. Wolfe, the Board voted unanimously to hire Ms. Rines.

Termination

Ms. Chassie explained that Kylie Maura, an educational assistant assigned to PES, left school on May 16, 2008 and did not return. It was recommended that Ms. Maura be formally terminated from her position. On a motion made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Mr. Colby, the Board voted unanimously to terminate Ms. Maura.

Homeless Policy

Ms. Chassie explained that a policy on homelessness is required for the IDEA and Pre-School Entitlement Grant. Policy JFABD: Admission of Homelessness was presented as the first reading. The Board will make a final decision on the policy at the next meeting.

Cell Phone

Ms. Chassie explained a situation regarding the need for a cell phone for Dr. Freeman, Ms. Stevens, and Ms. Chassie. She presented a proposal for the purchase of a cell phone service plan for $29.99 per month, which includes three free phones. Dr. Compton stated that the cost would be split between the SAU (1/3) and the district (2/3). On a motion by Mr. Brown and seconded by Mr. Wolfe, the Board voted unanimously to approve the purchase of a cell phone plan.

Resignation

Ms. Chassie explained the circumstances surrounding the position of Occupational Therapist due to the withdrawal of Barnstead from SAU #51. As a consequence of the withdrawal, and the need for Pittsfield to have a full time

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Occupational Therapist, Pam Plante has resigned from her position to accept the position in Barnstead. Although the prospects of replacing Ms. Plante seemed bleak, recently an inquiry has been made and will be actively pursued.

On a motion made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Ms. Vogt, the Board voted unanimously to accept the resignation of Ms. Plante with a thank you for years of service.

Occupational Therapy

On a motion made by Mr. Brown and seconded by Mr. Wolfe, the Board voted unanimously to authorize the superintendent to hire the Occupational Therapist, subject to Board approval after the fact.

Non-Resident Request

Ms. Chassie explained that a parent has requested that her son, a student in grade 7, be allowed to remain at PMHS for the remainder of the year. The family moved to Concord on June 1, 2008. On a motion made by Mr. Colby and seconded by Mr. Brown the Board voted unanimously to accept the recommendation to allow the student to continue at PMHS throughout the remainder of the year.

Incentive grant

Ms. Chassie explained that a presentation will be made by Ms. Stevens and Chief Wharem on June 10, 2008 to promote the Incentive Fund grant application.

SAU ADMINISTRATION

Resignation

Dr. Compton reported that a resignation was received by Deane Grainger from his position as custodian. He recommended that the Board accept the resignation for purposes of retirement. On a motion made by Mr. Colby and seconded by Mr. Wolfe, the Board voted unanimously to approve the recommendation of the Superintendent with best wishes and many thanks.

Dr. Compton reported that the resignation of Joshua Sanborn, effective May 9th, has been received and is recommended for approval. On a motion made by Ms. Vogt and seconded by Mr. Wolfe, the Board voted unanimously to accept the resignation.

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Oil Bids

Mr. Roche explained that he investigated bids for oil for Barnstead and Pittsfield. A single bid was received for $3.875 from current vendor, Fred Fuller. Discussion ensued regarding the benefits and dangers of locking in at $3.875. On a motion made by Mr. Brown and seconded by Mr. Wolfe, the Board voted unanimously to agree to accept the bid at $3.875 unless a better offer is found before a final decision needs to be made for the Fred Fuller bid. Mr. Brown asked Mr. Roche to call the other parties involved before making the final decision.

Project Updates

Mr. Roche distributed a list of the FY ’08 projects. He explained that a walk through had been completed by Mr. Robert McKechnie resulting in a bid for the painting of PES trim and PMHS front door and cupola. Discussion ensued regarding the remaining projects.

Food Service Report

Mr. Roche distributed a food service program report and explained that the numbers are not as positive as had been anticipated. He presented a list of lunch prices showing a comparison of current lunch prices for schools in the area. Discussion ensued regarding the rising price of food and the effect on the food service budget. A motion was made by to increase food related costs associated with the food service program by 10 percent, effective on August 27, 2008. Discussion ensued. The motion passed unanimously.

Mr. Roche reported that there was a surprise inspection by the NH Health Department and the kitchen scored 99 out of 100 points. Ms. Paradise requested that Dr. Compton write a letter thanking Linda Martin for her work in keeping the kitchen in premium shape.

Alternate Committee Members

Previous conversation had ensued regarding designating an alternate committee member for the Budget Committee. Dr. Compton provided information relative to the question.

Windows at PES

Mr. Brown requested that an expenditure report be presented at the next meeting and that the possibilities of further window replacement at PES be considered.

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COMMITTEES

Drake Field & Facilities – Mr. Colby & Mr. Wolfe – None
Finance – Ms. Paradise & Ms. Vogt, with Mr. Brown as an alternate – None
Selectman Liaison – Mr. Brown – None
Budget Representative – Ms. Vogt – None
SAU Planning – Mr. Brown & Mr. Colby – None
Negotiations – Ms. Vogt & Ms. Paradise – None

NEXT MEETING

The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, June 19, 2008 at 5:30 at the Pittsfield Middle High School. Agenda will include the final reading of Policy JFABD, expenditure report, and nominations. A meeting is scheduled for June 26, 2008 at 5:30 at the Pittsfield Middle High School to work on financial issues.

The July board meeting schedule was discussed. It was decided that the meetings would be on July 17, 2008 and August 21, 2008. Meetings will continue to begin at 5:30.

Mr. Colby requested a list from Ms. Erlandson and Dr. Freeman of the people leaving due to resignation or retirement that warrant a note of thanks from the School Board. The School Board was unaware of the celebration of PMHS retirees that occurred on May 30, 2008.

PUBLIC INPUT (Second Session)

NON-PUBLIC SESSION

At 7:52 p.m., a motion was made by Mr. Colby and seconded Mr. Wolfe to enter into non-public session to discuss personnel matters. The Board was polled and voted unanimously to enter into a non-public session under the provisions of RSA 91-A:3 II (e) [Personnel Matters].

A motion was made by Mr. Colby and seconded by Mr. Brown to come out of the non-public session. The Board was polled and voted to come out of the non-public session at 9:25 p.m.

ADJOURNMENT

On a motion made by Mr. Colby and seconded by Mr. Brown, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 9:26 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Tobi Gray Chassie

Recording Secretary

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