APPROVED BY THE PITTSFIELD SCHOOL BOARD

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

MINUTES

Pittsfield School Board Meeting
Thursday, March 31, 2010
Pittsfield Elementary School

I. CALL TO ORDER

Members Present: Michael Wolfe, Vice Chairperson
Kathy Corliss, Secretary
Elizabeth Adams
Clayton Wood

Others Present: John Freeman, Superintendent
Tobi Gray Chassie, Director of Student Services
Rick Gremlitz, Interim Principal, PMHS
Lois-Jean Stevens, Coordinator of Student Services
Carin Plante, PMHS English Teacher
Briahnna Metcalf, PMHS Student
Amanda Newton, PMHS Student

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

II. AGENDA REVIEW – No changes made.

III. PUBLIC INPUT – None.

IV. PMHS HAITI PROJECT

Students Brihanna Metcalf and Amanda Newton were present to discuss the proposed Haiti Awareness Project. They distributed a handout providing an overview, rationale, projected outcomes, roster of participants and chaperones, and a list of donations that will be collected. They explained that on April 2nd and 3rd, members of the PMHS senior class are planning to sleep outside without the usual comforts. The senior class, of which they hope to include at least 80% of students, will use the project as a way to raise awareness about living conditions in Haiti following the recent earthquake and to gather items to be donated to the people of Haiti. They reported that the arrangements have been approved by Chief Johnson of the Pittsfield Fire Department. Ms. Metcalf and Ms. Newton stated that the Concord Monitor and WOKQ will be providing press coverage.

On a motion made by Ms. Adams and seconded by Mr. Wood, the Board voted unanimously to approve the field trip and overnight plans as presented.

V. NON-PUBLIC SESSION

At 5:42 p.m., a motion was made by Ms. Corliss and seconded by Ms. Adams to enter into non-public session to discuss personnel matters pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II (a). The Board was polled and voted unanimously (Ms. Adams, yes; Ms. Corliss, yes; Mr. Wolfe, yes; Mr. Wood, yes) to enter into a non-public session.

a. PERSONNEL MATTER. The Board discussed the resignation of an employee and the terms of a settlement agreement with the employee proposed by Dr. Freeman.

At 5:49 p.m., a motion was made by Ms. Adams and seconded by Mr. Wood to exit the non-public session. The Board was polled and voted unanimously (Ms. Adams, yes; Ms. Corliss, yes; Mr. Wolfe, yes; Mr. Wood, yes) to exit the non-public session and to re-enter into open session.

VI. OPEN SESSION

a. RESIGNATION AND SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT.

On a motion made by Mr. Wood and seconded by Ms. Corliss, the Board voted unanimously to accept the resignation of Jeffrey DeLois as PMHS assistant principal and dropout coordinator effective June 30, 2010, to accept the terms of a separation agreement between the District and Mr. DeLois as presented, and to authorize the superintendent to sign the agreement as presented on behalf of the district.

b. SCHOOL DISTRICT OPERATIONS

The Board discussed a variety of topics relative to general school district operations, including:

CATAMOUNT ROAD SPEED LIMIT SIGN. The Board raised the need to address the flashing speed limit light on Catamount Road in a timely manner following seasonal time changes; with daylight saving time this spring, the light’s timing was incorrect for several weeks causing safety concerns on Catamount Road. Dr. Freeman reported that the SAU office had addressed this issue and will do so in a timely manner in the future.

HOMEWORK AT PMHS. The Board discussed concerns about student homework loads and the need for coordination of homework assignments by teaching teams due to the PMHS schedule change that eliminates or minimizes study halls next year. The issue of homework load for student athletes was also discussed, particularly regarding homework needs on days that involve travel. Some students complete homework assignments on the bus during such travel. The possibility of exploring WIFI capability on buses was suggested.

COMMUNICATIONS REGARDING HIGH SCHOOL REDESIGN. The Board suggested that a system of continuing an ongoing communication regarding high school redesign be established. Suggestions included a brief summary of changes, the advantages and disadvantages of changes that will be taking place in 2010-2011, weekly updates for the Sun and district website to advise community members of changes as they occur as well as the results of the changes, etc.

The Board also suggested that a timeline for release of information to various interested parties and groups be established. Dr. Freeman reported that communication with such groups – faculty, students, parents, and community – is in process and that these groups would be communicated with within a week and a half window of time.

COMMUNICATIONS WITH THE COMMUNITY AND WITH COMMUNITY GROUPS. The Board discussed the need to communicate openly with the community and with groups and boards within the community. The Board also discussed the need for the Board to take strong stands on issues of importance to the students and schools by taking an active role in advocating for students and schools.

CYBERBULLYING. The Board expressed concern for students who may be victims of cyberbullying and discussed the possibility of supporting parents through informational meetings.

DISTRICT WEBSITE. The use of the district website for information-sharing was discussed. It was suggested that district policies be posted on the website. Dr. Freeman stated that he is in favor of such posting, but that the Board is currently in the process of updating policies and suggested that the posting be delayed until the current review has been completed.

HIGH SCHOOL COURSE OPTIONS. The Board discussed options for taking credit courses that the district is not able to offer onsite. Options such as taking online courses and the opportunity to gain college credit for courses were discussed.

VII. ADJOURNMENT

On a motion made by Mr. Wood and seconded by Ms. Corliss, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 6:27 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Tobi Gray Chassie
Recording Secretary

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