APPROVED BY THE PITTSFIELD SCHOOL BOARD

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
SCHOOL ADMINISTRATIVE UNIT #51
PITTSFIELD PITTSFIELD SCHOOL BOARD

MINUTES

Pittsfield School Board
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Pittsfield Middle High School

I. CALL TO ORDER

Members Present: Mary Paradise
Leslie Vogt
Ross Morse
Michael Wolfe
Kathy Corliss

Others Present: Dr. John Freeman, Superintendent
Tobi Gray Chassie, Director of Student Services
Lois Stevens, Coordinator of Student Services
Rick Gremlitz, Principal, PMHS
Jeff DeLois, Assistant Principal, PMHS
Doug Kilmister, Principal, PES

Dr. Freeman called the meeting to order at 5:32 p.m.

II. SCHOOL BOARD REORGANIZATION

Dr. Freeman asked for nominations for the position of Chairperson. Leslie Vogt nominated Mary Paradise, which was seconded by Mr. Wolfe. The Board voted unanimously to elect Ms. Paradise as Chairperson. Ms. Paradise assumed the role as Chairperson.

Ms. Paradise asked for nominations for the position of Vice Chairperson. Ms. Paradise nominated Ms. Vogt, which was seconded by Mr. Wolfe. The Board voted unanimously to elect Ms. Vogt as Vice Chairperson.

Ms. Paradise asked for nominations for the position of Secretary. At this point in the discussion, Ms. Paradise explained the committee positions that would be needed to be filled. Mr. Wolfe nominated Ms. Corliss, which was seconded by Ms. Vogt for the position of Secretary. The Board voted unanimously to elect Ms. Corliss as Secretary.

Ms. Vogt raised the issue of what the role of the liaison from the Board to the Budget Committee should be. The Board discussed committees and roles. The Board agreed to finalize committee assignments at the next meeting; the committee assignments include: Budget Committee Liason, Negotiations, Drake Field & Facilities, Finance, Selectman Liaison, Drug and Alcohol Coalition Representative.

III. AGENDA REVIEW

There were no additions or deletions made to the agenda.

IV. APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MEETING MINUTES

A motion was made by Ms. Wolfe and seconded by Ms. Vogt to approve the minutes of March 12, 2009. The motion was passed with Ms. Vogt, Ms. Paradise, and Mr. Wolfe voting in the affirmative and Ms. Corliss and Mr. Morse abstaining from the vote.

V. PUBLIC INPUT – None

VI. PES ADMINISTRATION

A. Resignation

Mr. Kilmister presented a letter of resignation from Erin Parda, a teacher who has been on a professional leave. On a motion made by Ms. Vogt and seconded by Mr. Wolfe, the Board voted unanimously to accept the resignation as recommended.

VII. PMHS ADMINISTRATION

A. Resignation

Mr. Gremlitz presented a letter of resignation from Alison Roberts, physical education and health teacher. On a motion made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Mr. Morse, the Board voted unanimously to accept the resignation with thanks for her service.

VIII. STUDENT SERVICES ADMINISTRATION

A. Resignation

Ms. Chassie presented a letter of resignation from Jacqueline Aines, a special education teacher in grade eight. On a motion made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Ms. Vogt, the Board voted unanimously to accept the resignation.

IX. SAU ADMINISTRATION

A. FY 10 Budget

Dr. Freeman explained that notice to teachers regarding reduction in force or non-renewal must be made by April 15, 2009. Therefore, a plan for staff reductions was presented to the School Board which included .5 PMHS Assistant Principal, five teachers, and four support staff. Dr. Freeman reviewed potential unanticipated savings in the FY10 budget. He reviewed the plan for funding the unanticipated special education expense totaling $240,000. His plan includes the elimination of field trips; anticipated reduction in cost of hearing oil; reduction in supplies, textbooks, and equipment; reduction in technology costs, and miscellaneous savings due to the stimulus opportunities.

Dr. Freeman distributed information providing a status of the current budget. A list of funds encumbered for planned maintenance projects totaling $115,000 was provided. The current unencumbered balance is $107,925.

Ms. Paradise stated that she would not be in favor of additional staff reductions
and felt that using the reserve fund would be appropriate. Clarifying statements were provided regarding the impact of the staff reductions and the anticipated class size. Dr. Freeman further clarified the miscellaneous savings, which
includes professional development funds and the use of stimulus funds.

Dr. Freeman explained that the stimulus funds are coming soon. The money
will come through the IDEA and Title I grants. The estimate for the district is over $300,000, which can be spent over a two-year period. The money will need to be spent according the stringent rules set forth by IDEA and Title I grants. He cautioned the Board that information regarding the stimulus coming from various sources is inconsistent and incomplete. He stated that the condition of the money is transparency of spending and full disclosure of the way in which money is expended as well as positive learning results.

The Board was in consensus that the plan set forth by Dr. Freeman.

B. SAU Relocation

Dr. Freeman explained that architects, including one architect from Team Design, provided an estimate for the project. Cost estimates for the project range between $250,000 and $400,000. Dr. Freeman explained that the project would be eligible for 40% reimbursement in building aid, but only if the plans are certified that everything was done by code by an architect.

Discussion ensued regarding the cost of the renovation compared to the cost of the current rental. A suggestion was made to continue with the rental for another year, while conducting a more thorough study of the project.

The Board’s consensus was to have Dr. Freeman engage the architects to develop a conceptual plan for the renovation to allow the Board to better consider a preferable course of action.

C. Gymnasium Roof

The estimates for the gymnasium roof continue to be gathered. The engineer has completed a report on the structural needs, which the roofing contractor is using to make a final estimate.

X. NON-PUBLIC SESSION

At 7:09 p.m., a motion was made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Ms. Vogt to enter into non-public session to discuss personnel matters. The Board was polled and voted unanimously (Mr. Morse, yes; Ms. Paradise, yes; Ms. Vogt, yes; Mr. Wolfe, yes) to enter into a non-public session under the provisions of RSA 91-A:3 II (a) (e).

The board discussed a personnel issue relative to job performance.

The board discussed a matter currently under litigation.

At 7:59 p.m., a motion was made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Mr. Morse to conclude the non-public session and to re-enter into open session. The board was polled and voted unanimously (Mr. Morse, yes; Ms. Paradise, yes; Ms. Vogt, yes; Mr. Wolfe, yes) to re-enter into open session

XI. NEXT MEETING

The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, April 2, 2009 at 5:30 at the Pittsfield Middle High School.

XII. PUBLIC INPUT (Second Session) – None

XIII. ADJOURNMENT

On a motion made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Mr. Morse, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 8:00 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Tobi Gray Chassie Recording Secretary

John J. Freeman
Non-Public Session and Subsequent Open Session Recording Secretary