March 27, 2014 Minutes

APPROVED BY THE PITTSFIELD SCHOOL BOARD

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

MINUTES

Pittsfield School Board Meeting
Thursday, March 27, 2014
Pittsfield Middle High School

I. CALL TO ORDER

Members Present: Mike Wolfe, Chair
Nicole Manteau, Vice-Chair
Bea Douglas
Gary Mullen

Others Present: John Freeman, Superintendent of Schools
Tobi Gray Chassie, District Administrator
Lois Stevens, Director of Student Services
Sue Graham, Dean of Instruction
Sarah Rollins, Director of College and Career Readiness
Ross Morse, Community Liaison
Lily Plummer, Student Representative

Mr. Wolfe called the meeting to order at 5:34 p.m.

II. AGENDA REVIEW

The following items were added to the agenda:
• Resignation (Dr. Freeman)
• Leave Request (Dr. Freeman)
• Sick Bank Request (Dr. Freeman)
• Non-Public Session – Student Issue (Dr. Freeman)
• Kindergarten Information (Ms. Stevens)

III. REORGANIZATION

Mr. Wolfe turned the meeting over to Superintendent Freeman. Dr. Freeman asked for nominations for the School Board Chair. Ms. Manteau nominated Mike Wolfe as Chair of the Pittsfield School Board. Ms. Douglas seconded the nomination. The nomination carried with Ms. Douglas, Ms. Manteau, and Mr. Mullen voting in the affirmative, and Mr. Wolfe abstaining from the vote. The meeting was turned back over to Mr. Wolfe.

IV. ACTION ON AMENDED AGENDA

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

V. APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MEETING MINUTES

A motion was made by Ms. Manteau and seconded by Mr. Mullen to approve the minutes of March 13, 2014. In the Call to Order, change “Nichole” to “Nicole.” The minutes were approved as amended.

A motion was made by Ms. Manteau and seconded by Mr. Mullen to approve the minutes of the annual school district meeting, held on March 13, 2014. The motion carried unanimously.

VI. PUBLIC INPUT – None

VII. STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE

According to Ms. Plummer the Site Council completed the final vetting the Student / Family Handbook. She stated that the Council is now working on a new proposal regarding Open Campus.

VIII. DEAN OF OPERATIONS

A. SENIOR TRIP

Students Max Tuttle and Stephanie Gauthier introduced themselves to the School Board. They presented their class’s proposal for the senior class trip. The trip will be held from May 29 to May 31, 2014. The itinerary includes rafting and spending the day in Portland, Maine. Mr. Tuttle reviewed projected costs and stated the estimated cost per student will be $175. On a motion made by Ms. Douglas and seconded by Ms. Manteau, the Board voted unanimously to approve the senior trip.

B. RESTORATIVE JUSTICE

Justice Committee Advisor Jenny Wellington introduced the members of the Restorative Justice Team. The Team was present to review the Restorative Justice program. Ms. Wellington reviewed the Community Concern Form. The Premise Map was explained by Students Joshua Fraser and Jess Massey. Students Morgan Corliss and Madison Johnson explained the Student Support Specialist Map. Student Support Specialist Melissa Brown shared her perspective on the Student Support Specialist Map. Ms. Massey explained the Justice Committee Map. Ms. Wellington concluded the presentation with general information regarding the training of students to participate in the program.

Ms. Manteau asked about parent notification, to which Ms. Wellington explained parents will know, in advance, that their child would be involved in the process. Dr. Freeman congratulated the students for their work on the Restorative Justice Program. He stated the work of the students is a part of the student centered learning efforts underway. Also, this work is an example of ways in which our students will become active members of the community when they are adults.

C. DISCIPLINE

Mr. Newell’s report indicated there is work being done to increase student attendance at mandatory late start Wednesday work sessions.

D. FACILITIES

According to Mr. Newell’s report, PES had the containment seal to the oil tank repaired last week. At PMHS, a faulty smoke detector in the entry way caused the evacuation of the school on two occasions, but the detector has now been replaced.

E. ATHLETICS

On Friday, March 28, 2014, PMHS will be hosting the Winter Athletic Awards Recognition event.

Athletic fields are in rough condition for spring sports, according to Mr. Newell’s report. Efforts will be made to hurry the clearing process along.

F. GRADUATION

According to Mr. Newell’s report, plans are underway and initial steps have been taken to prepare for graduation.

IX. DIRECTOR OF COLLEGE & CAREER READINESS

A. ON-LINE POLICY

Dr. Rollins introduced Teachers Charles Theriault and Sarah Carri, who explained the work that has been done to change Policy IMBA – Distance Education to Policy IMBA – Online Course / Distance Education. Discussion ensued regarding the motivation for the revision of the policy. Ms. Manteau stated her concern about limiting the number of courses that a student can take online. Dr. Rollins explained that the addition of the online and dual coordinator has required a change in the policy. Ms. Carri provided information about how surrounding schools are handling the issue of online learning.

On a motion made by Ms. Douglas and seconded by Mr. Mullen, the Board approved Policy IMBA – Online Course / Distance Education with Ms. Douglas, Mr. Mullen, and Mr. Wolfe voting in the affirmative and Ms. Manteau voting in opposition of the motion.

B. EXTENDED LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES POLICY

Dr. Rollins introduced ELO Coordinator Sheila Ward, who explained the work that has been done to update Policy IHBH – Extended Learning Opportunities. Ms. Ward explained the rationale behind the changes that have been made to the proposed policy, while guiding the Board through the policy. It was decided that much of the information included in the policy was better suited for the Student / Family Handbook. Mr. Wolfe asked that Ms. Ward work with Dr. Freeman to revise the proposed policy and bring it back to the School Board.

X. DEAN OF INSTRUCTION

A. ALTERNATIVE SCHEDULING TEAM

This topic was deferred to next meeting.

B. IOWA VISIT

According to Ms. Graham, a group of educators from a school district in Iowa are visiting PMHS on March 31 and April 1, 2014. She distributed the schedule and invited Board members to join the conversation. The Iowa team is interested in implementing competency based learning.

C. YOUNG WRITER’S CONFERENCE

Junior Emma Fisher applied and was accepted to a writer’s conference to be held on May 23-25, 2014 at Champlain College in Burlington, Vermont. Ms. Graham expressed how proud we all are of Emma.

D. MATH COURSES

Ms. Graham distributed information prepared by Danielle Harvey regarding work the Math Department at PMHS has been accomplishing. The team recently worked with Diane Kruse, math consultant, to strengthen the current math program.

E. ACADEMIC ACHEIVEMENT

Ms. Graham stated that a plan has been created for the PMHS Leadership Team to vet, detailing the steps that will be taken to provide training and support for teachers and students for the Smarter Balance exams.

F. STUDENT MOTIVATION

Literacy Consultant Kevin Perks will be working with faculty on the issue of student motivation. He will help teachers investigate teaching strategies that will be more likely to engage students.

XI. DIRECTOR OF STUDENT SERVICES

A. KINDERGARTEN

Ms. Stevens distributed a letter that will be sent to parents who will be registering their child(ren) for Kindergarten. The letter gives parents notification that the Board is contemplating a full day Kindergarten program. Ms. Stevens also distributed information on the benefits to children of a full-day kindergarten program.

XII. DISTRICT ADMINISTRATOR

A. COMMUNICATIONS TEAM

The district’s Communications Team continues to work with Jane Feinberg of Full Frame Communications to implement the district’s communications plan. Many projects are ongoing to increase the communication between and among stakeholders.

B. POSITION ANALYSIS

Ms. Chassie asked the Board to consider a date and time that they would be willing to participate in a position analysis for the School Board. Dr. Freeman asked Ms. Chassie to prepare a review of the position analysis process for the next Board meeting.

C. PRIORITY / FOCUS SCHOOLS

Ann Mordecai, a data consultant from the New Hampshire Department of Education, has been working with several district educators to help deepen the understanding of the use of data to improve student outcomes.

D. CONCORD HOSPITAL RESIDENT PROGRAM

Ms. Chassie reported that a team of district employees recently participated in the provision of a training program for the resident physicians at Concord Hospital.

E. GOOD TO GREAT TEAM

Continuous improvement work continues by the Good to Great Team. The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 15, 2014.

F. LOGIC MODEL

The PMHS Logic Model is being transformed into a work plan, which is due to the Nellie Mae Education Foundation by mid-April. Ms. Chassie and Co-Project Manager Susan Bradley are working to update this document for submission.

G. LEAGUE OF INNOVATIVE SCHOOLS

Sheila Ward, ELO Coordinator, has been invited to lead a webinar for the League of Innovative Schools on extended learning opportunities.

H. NMEF TASK FORCE

The NMEF Task Force is scheduled to meet next on April 8 and 9, 2014, in Portsmouth. Eight individuals will attend, representing the Pittsfield School District, and will collaborate with educators from the representatives from the other three District Level Systems Change grantees.

I. PROFESSIONAL GROWTH AND EVALUATION TEAM

A sub-team of the Professional Growth and Evaluation Team has is meeting to develop a process for creating an annual professional development plan. The Team will pilot the process by planning for the 2014-2105 school year’s professional development.

J. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROVIDERS

A meeting of the technical assistance providers was held on March 26, 2014. According to Ms. Chassie, the group of providers used the time to familiarize themselves with the revised logic model and started plans for their proposals for the next school year.

K. EDUCATION WRITERS ASSOCIATION

According to Ms. Chassie, the editor form the Education Writers Association, accompanied by NMEF officials, will be visiting PMHS on Friday, April 11, 2014; the organization is launching a series of articles on student-centered learning.

L. HIGH TECH HIGH VISIT

Ms. Douglas reported to the Board on the recent trip taken to the San Diego area to visit the High Tech High campuses. She explained the value of the trip and the benefit all received by observing inquiry based learning and exhibitions of learning.

XIII. SUPERINTENDENT

A. POLICIES

Dr. Freeman presented the following policies: Policy ECF – Energy Conservation; Policy EDC – Authorized Use of School-Owned Materials and Equipment; Policy EEA – Student Transportation; Policy EEA-R – Bus Rules and Regulations; Policy ECAA – Video and Audio Surveillance on School Buses; Policy EEAE – School Bus Safety Program; and Policy EEAEA – Mandatory Drug and Alcohol Testing. He recommended rescission of Policies EEA-R and ECAA.

On a motion made by Mr. Mullen and seconded by Ms. Douglas the Board voted unanimously to approve Policies ECF, EDC, EEA, and EEAE, as well as to rescind EEA-R and ECAA. The Board took no action on Policy EEAEA .

B. RESIGNATION

On a motion made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Mr. Mullen, the Board voted unanimously to accept the resignation of Mr. Newell, Dean of Operations, with thanks for his contributions to the district this year.

C. LEAVE REQUEST

Dr. Freeman explained that PMHS Teacher Katie Howe has requested an extension to her child care leave. On a motion made by Ms. Manteau and seconded by Mr. Mullen, the Board approved the leave request for the remainder of the school year without compensation.

D. SINK BANK REQUEST

Dr. Freeman distributed a request for sick bank time from PES Teacher Jamie Bowes. The request has been reviewed and approved by the Sick Bank Committee. On a motion made by Mr. Mullen and seconded by Ms. Manteau, the Board unanimously approved the sick bank request.

E. SCHOOL BOARD RETREAT

Dr. Freeman stated that he will schedule the School Board retreat.

XIV. SCHOOL BOARD

A. NOMINATIONS

Ms. Douglas nominated Ms. Manteau for the office of Vice Chair. Ms. Manteau was elected unanimously as the Vice Chair.

Committee assignments and the position of secretary will be selected at a future meeting.

XV. COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS

A. Budget Committee – None

B. Drake Field & Facilities – None

C. Negotiating Team

Dr. Freeman stated that the Education Association of Pittsfield is interested in meeting over the summer to develop a proposal for restructuring stipends paid to teachers for various tasks and projects.

D. Foss Foundation

Mr. Wolfe stated that the application process for Foss Foundation scholarships opens on March 31, 2014. The meeting to make award decisions will be held on May 29, 2014.

XVI. NEXT MEETING

The next School Board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, April 10, 2014, at 5:30 p.m. at the Pittsfield Middle High School. The second meeting in April will be held on the calendar, but may be cancelled if not needed due to school vacation.

XVII. PUBLIC INPUT (Second Session)

Ross Morse explained the relationship between the district policies and the PMHS Student / Family Handbook. He suggested there may be some overlap that should be monitored.

Mr. Morse stated that there are resources available to support full time kindergarten. He asked how the final decision would be made. Dr. Freeman explained that because the change to full day Kindergarten does not require an expenditure of funds beyond the operating budget, the School Board has the ability to make the decision.

XVIII. NON-PUBLIC SESSION

At 7:20 p.m., a motion was made by Mrs. Manteau and seconded by Mr. Mullen to enter into non-public session to discuss employee and student issues in accordance with RSA 91-A:3, II (b and c). The Board was polled and voted unanimously (Ms. Douglas, yes; Ms. Manteau, yes; Mr. Mullen, yes; Mr.Wolfe, yes) to enter into a non-public session.

The Board discussed the process for filling dean positions. The Board also discussed a student issue relative to participation in athletics.

No action was taken in non-public session.

At 8:40 p.m., a motion was made by Mr. Mullen and seconded by Ms. Manteau to exit the non-public session and re-enter into open session. The Board was polled and voted unanimously (Ms. Douglas, yes; Ms. Manteau, yes; Mr. Mullen, yes; Mr. Wolfe, yes) to exit from a non-public session and re-enter into open session.

XIX. ADJOURNMENT
On a motion made by Mr. Mullen and seconded by Ms. Manteau, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 8:40 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Tobi Gray Chassie
Recording Secretary