March 28, 2013 Minutes

ADVANCE COPY, SUBJECT TO THE APPROVAL 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, March 28, 2013
Pittsfield Middle High School

I. CALL TO ORDER

Members Present: Bea Douglas
Nichole Manteau
Gary Mullen
Ray Ramsey
Mike Wolfe

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
Students

Superintendent Freeman called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.

II. ELECTION OF OFFICERS

Dr. Freeman requested nominations for the position of School Board Chair. Mr. Mullen nominated Mr. Wolfe, which was seconded by Ms. Douglas. The Board voted on this nomination and elected Mr. Wolfe with Ms. Douglas, Ms. Manteau, Mr. Mullen, and Mr. Ramsey voting in the affirmative and Mr. Wolfe abstaining from the vote.

Dr. Freeman turned the meeting over to newly elected Chairperson Wolfe.

Mr. Wolfe requested nominations for the position of Vice Chairperson. Ms. Douglas nominated Ms. Manteau, which was seconded by Mr. Ramsey. The Board voted on this nomination and elected Ms. Manteau with Ms. Douglas, Mr. Mullen, Mr. Ramsey, and Mr. Wolfe voting in the affirmative and Ms. Manteau abstaining from the vote.

Mr. Wolfe requested nominations for the position of Secretary. Ms. Manteau nominated Ms. Douglas, which was seconded by Mr. Ramsey. The Board voted on this nomination and elected Ms. Douglas with Ms. Manteau, Mr. Mullen, Mr. Ramsey, and Mr. Wolfe voting in the affirmative and Ms. Douglas abstaining from the vote.

III. AGENDA REVIEW

The following items were added:
• Resignation (Dr. Freeman)
• Eagle Scout (Dr. Freeman)
• Overseas Trip (Mr. Bickford)

IV. ACTION ON AGENDA

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

V. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

A motion was made by Ms. Manteau and seconded by Mr. Mullen to approve the minutes of the March 14, 2013 School Board meeting. Mr. Wolfe stated that on page 3, under PMHS Administration, “bulling” needs to be changed to “bullying” in the title of the section on cyber bullying. The motion passed unanimously with the amendment made.

On a motion made by Mr. Mullen and seconded by Ms. Manteau, the minutes of the March 14, 2013 Annual School District Meeting were unanimously approved as written.

VI. EAGLE SCOUT PRESENTATIONS

Quinn Steeves, a candidate for Eagle Scout designation, described the work he proposes at Drake Field. The work includes the renovation of a shed and bleachers. Scraping, painting, cleaning, and the addition of signage would be included. The approximate cost of the project is between $600 and $750. Mr. Steeves will fundraise and reports that there are no apparent safety hazards involved. He has recruited volunteers. Mr. Wolfe asked what color scheme would be selected and Mr. Steeves stated that he would ask the Board for their advice. The color of dark blue was recommended.

Dr. Freeman stated that because this would be a gift, the Board would need to take action. On a motion made by Ms. Manteau and seconded by Ms. Douglas, the Board voted unanimously to approve the Eagle Scout project. The Board thanked Mr. Steeves for his generous offer to do this work.

Kyle Hamel, a candidate for Eagle Scout designation, described the work he proposes for the nature trail behind Pittsfield Elementary School. The work will include removing hazards, rotten trees, and prickly bushes. He will also add wood chips to the path, as well as benches. He has plans to clear the area near the marsh and frame it as a viewing area.

Mr. Wolfe explained that UNH Extension Services through Project Home contemplated work in this area, but did not succeed. A discussion ensued regarding the issues of safety while doing the work proposed.

Mr. Hamel suggested using some of the fallen trees to make benches for the area so that entire classes could be taken to the area for an “outdoor classroom. On a motion made by Ms. Manteau and seconded by Mr. Mullen, the Board voted unanimously to approve the nature trail project.

VII. PUBLIC INPUT

Ross Morse announced that there will be the second in a series of technology forums on Monday, April 1, 2013 at 6:00. Information will be provided to parents on internet safety and the acceptable use policy that was recently passed by the School Board. Chief Wharem has been asked to be present to answer legal questions that parents might have.

VIII. PES ADMNISTRATION

A. TEACHER EVALUATION

Mr. Kilmister stated that on Monday, April 1, 2013, a PES faculty meeting will be devoted to the end-of-year evaluation meetings. He explained that the meetings will result in a designation of a “teacher effectiveness rating,” which is a change for our faculty.

Mr. Bickford reiterated that this is a new process for the faculty and that some anxiety exists, which is why information will be provided to teachers before the end-of-year process begins.

Ms. Douglas asked what data is being used as evidence of student achievement progress. Mr. Kilmister provided several examples of what teachers might use as evidence and stated that this is a learning experience for teachers and administrators. This first year has been experimental and it is likely that many lessons will be learned, leading to further revisions of the Professional Growth and Evaluation Plan.

B. EARLY DISMISSAL

Mr. Kilmister provided information of the four focus areas that have been targeted for professional development over the year. The areas include: Curriculum and Assessment Revision for English Language Arts and Math, Professional Learning Communities, Responsive Classroom Practices, and Implementation of Research-Based Instructional Practices.

C. SIXTH GRADE TRANSITION

A meeting was held to begin the discussion about the transition of sixth graders to seventh grade. He explained that two proposals are being considered.

Ms. Stevens stated that the summer programming planning is including the implementation of a “boot camp” for students moving from sixth to seventh grade.

D. ARTIST IN RESIDENCE

The public performance of PES students in grades four through six with master drummer, composer, and ethnomusicologist Sowah Mensah is scheduled for March 28, 2013 at 6:30.

E. CALENDAR

Mr. Kilmister provided the Board with dates of highlight for March, April, and May.

IX. PMHS ADMINISTRATION

A. SITE COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE

Noah Manteau, a representative from the Site Council, explained for the new Board members the mission of the Site Council. He provided examples of some of the decisions considered by the Site Council.

Mr. Wolfe complimented Mr. Manteau and the Site Council for their presentation at the National Association of Secondary School Principal conference. Dr. Freeman reported that the results of participant evaluations indicated a tie for the most effective presentation at the conference.

B. LONG TERM SUBSTITUTE

Mr. Bickford provided an explanation of the hiring of a long term substitute for the high school biology and chemistry teacher.

C. OVERSEAS TRIP

Mr. Bickford explained that a trip was previously proposed to London and Paris. With only one student indicating interest, it has been suggested that the destination of the trip be changed to Costa Rica. With the foreign language teacher teaching Spanish, there may be increased interest in a Spanish speaking country. Mr. Wolfe asked that Mr. Bickford provide further details before the Board makes a decision.

D. CYBER BULLYING

Ms. Manteau stated that she was concerned that the information she received about a recent incident of cyber bullying was from her children. She suggested that a letter be sent, in the future, providing parents with information about the issue in general terms, while protecting the confidentiality of those involved.

Ms. Douglas reported that as she was running for the School Board, she received four emails about the issue of bullying. She stated that the perception of some was that the issue of bullying is pervasive within the school, although this was an isolated incident.

Dr. Freeman stated that the situation was handled well, although a follow up letter could have been sent to parents explaining the situation in a more timely manner. Also, the word “bullying” is over utilized and creates confusion for people.

Mr. Bickford explained that there have been very few incidents of bullying reported this year. This incident was isolated and happened outside of school. He stated that the faculty, using a video and lesson plan, worked with advisories to assist students after this incident. Mr. Bickford also stated that they school has reached out to the families of the students involved in this incident.

Mr. Ramsey asked if the Pittsfield Parent Connection would be a place for parents to talk further about the issue of cyber bullying. Dr. Freeman answered in the affirmative and suggested the School Board meeting as another forum for parent concern.

Mr. Wolfe stated that he understands the confidentiality issues that exist around concerns such as this. The Board concurred that the situation was handled responsibly.

E. CALENDAR

A calendar of events for March, April, and May was provided by Mr. Bickford.

X. STUDENT SERVICES

A. FOCUS MONITORING

On March 21, 2013, consultants from SERESC and staff from the district conducted a data driven dialogue, looking specifically at student scores in the below proficient level.

B. PARENT SURVEY

The sixth annual parent Involvement Survey in Special Education was sent to parents during the week of March 18, 2013. The purpose of the survey is to measure the percentage of parents with a child receiving special education services who report that school facilitated parent involvement s a means of improving services an d results for children with disabilities.

C. INDICATOR 13

Ms. Stevens commended the Special Education Team for their diligent work that resulted in a determination of 100% compliance in the area of transition plans for students with disabilities. Recently, representatives from the NH Department of Education was on site to review files and make this determination.

XI. DISTRICT LEVEL STYSTEM CHANGE / DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION

A. CRISIS INTERVENTION TEAM

Ms. Chassie explained that on April 1, 2013, Gregg Champlin from the NH Department of Homeland Security will be working with a team to revise the district’s emergency management plan. Police Chief Bob Wharem and Fire Chief Nick Abell have been invited to participate.

B. DISTRICT DATA TEAM

A pilot of a universal screening was conducted at PES and one at PMHS is scheduled for PMHS in April. A universal screening is a hallmark of a solid multi-tier system of support and provides teachers with the opportunity to consider each and every student’s academic and social-emotional needs to determine the need for early intervention.

C. FORMS

Clayton Wood is assisting in the process of organizing the district’s forms, both for internal use, as well as by the public.

D. PROFESSIONAL GROWTH AND EVALUATION TEAM

Ms. Chassie reported that work continues on the plan for evaluating teachers. As mentioned previously by Mr. Kilmister and Mr. Bickford, work is being done for the execution of a smooth end-of-year process.

E. TECHNOLOGY TEAM

According to Ms. Chassie, the second community forum on the topic of technology is planned for April 1, 2013 at 6:00 in Room 113 of PMHS. Internet safety is the topic of this forum.

XII. SAU

A. RESIGNATION

On a motion made by Mr. Mullen and seconded by Mr. Ramsey, the Board unanimously accepted the resignation of Ms. Joan Fossum, the Family and Consumer Science teacher for PMHS. Ms. Fossum will be retiring. The Board thanked Ms. Fossum for her three years of service to the district.

B. ADMINISTRATIVE RESTRUCTURING

Dr. Freeman provided the Board with a timeline for the transition to the restructuring of the administration. On Monday, March 25, 2013, Dr. Freeman addressed the faculty. There are further plans for community forums and the development of a booklet including frequently asked questions and other helpful information.

XIII. SCHOOL BOARD

A. COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS

Mr. Wolfe suggested that members of the Board consider the committee(s) on which they would be interested in serving. The committees include the Budget Committee, Drake Field and Facilities, Negotiating Team, and Foss Foundation.

XIV. PUBLIC INPUT – 2nd SESSION – None

XV. NEXT MEETING

The next School Board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, April 11, 2013 at 5:30 in the PMHS Media Center.

XVI. ADJOURNMENT

On a motion made by Mr. Mullen and seconded by Mr. Ramsey, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 7:40 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Tobi Gray Chassie
Recording Secretary