March 4, 2010 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 4, 2010
Pittsfield Middle High School

I. CALL TO ORDER

Members Present: Mary Paradise, Chairperson
Elizabeth Adams
Kathy Corliss
Leslie Vogt
Michael Wolfe

Others Present: John Freeman, Superintendent
Tobi Gray Chassie, Director of Student Services
Jay Boynton, Esq.

Chairperson Paradise called the meeting to order at 5:18 p.m.

II. NON PUBLIC SESSION

At 5:19 p.m., a motion was made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Ms. Adams to enter into non-public session to discuss student matters pursuant to RSA 91-A:3, II (c). The Board was polled and voted unanimously (Ms. Adams, yes; Ms. Corliss, yes; Ms. Paradise, yes; Ms. Vogt, yes; Mr. Wolfe, yes) to enter into a non-public session.

As recorded in the minutes of the non-public session: on a motion made by Ms. Vogt and seconded by Ms. Corliss, the Board voted unanimously (4-0) to seal the minutes of this non-public session until, in the opinion of a majority of the members of the Board, circumstances no longer require that the minutes be sealed, under the provisions of RSA 91-A:3, III.

As recorded in the minutes of the non-public session: at 7:00 p.m., a motion was made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Ms. Corliss to exit the non-public session. The Board was polled and voted unanimously (Ms. Corliss, yes; Ms. Paradise, yes; Ms. Vogt, yes; Mr. Wolfe, yes) to exit the non-public session and to re-enter into open session.

The public meeting resumed at 7:00 p.m.

Members Present: Mary Paradise, Chairperson
Elizabeth Adams
Kathy Corliss
Leslie Vogt
Michael Wolfe

Others Present: John Freeman, Superintendent
Tobi Gray Chassie, Director of Student Services
Lois-Jean Stevens, Coordinator of Student Services
Rick Gremlitz, Interim Principal, PMHS
Doug Kilmister, Principal, PES

III. AGENDA REVIEW

The following items were added to the agenda:
o Race to the Top and High School Redesign (Dr. Freeman)
o Student Trip Proposal (Mr. Gremlitz)
o Student Activity Proposal (Mr. Gremlitz)
o Course Selection Handbook (Mr. Gremlitz)

IV. ACTION ON AMENDED AGENDA

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

V. APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MEETING MINUTES

A motion was made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Ms. Vogt to approve minutes of the February 18, 2010 meeting. On page 1, last paragraph, change to “seconded by Ms. Corliss…” On page 5, paragraph 5, change “students” to “parents.” On page 5, paragraph 6, change “Ms. Corliss asked why…” On page 6, paragraph 1, add “Congratulations were extended by the Board and cards will be sent to the awardees.” The Board unanimously approved the minutes as amended.

VI. PMHS ADMINISTRATION

A. NATURE STUDIES CLASS CAMPING TRIP

Silas St. James explained a proposal for a camping trip for his Nature Studies class of thirteen students. He distributed a copy of the proposal, which was developed by the students under the direction of the teacher. Ms. Paradise explained that a criminal record check would have to be completed for the chaperones who are not employees of the district. Mr. Gremlitz explained that a female chaperone would be required to attend due to the fact that there are female students involved.

On a motion made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Ms. Corliss, the Board voted unanimously to approve the trip.

VII. SAU ADMINISTRATION

A. SCHOOL DISTRICT MEETING

Discussion ensued regarding the School District Meeting, scheduled for March 11, 2010. Ms. Paradise directed Dr. Freeman to develop an appropriately worded motion to put forward an amendment of the original amount in Article XI.

Dr. Freeman distributed a copy of the 2009 Annual Report and explained that there is an error in the salaries listed for those employees receiving longevity. Ms. Paradise suggested a corrected list be developed for distribution on the night of the School District Meeting.

At 7:30 p.m., Ms. Paradise excused herself from the meeting and turned the chair over to Vice Chairperson Leslie Vogt. This being the occasion of Ms. Vogt’s last regular School Board meeting as a member of the Board, Ms. Paradise expressed the appreciation of the Board for her many years of hard work. Ms. Vogt’s service to the School Board and school community on behalf of students and families in Pittsfield is greatly appreciated.

VIII. PUBLIC INPUT

Ms. Chassie, President of the PHS Alumni Association, informed the Board that the Alumni Association is interested in recycling the gym floor for fund raising purposes. She also explained that members of the Association are willing to provide labor when the time comes to remove the floor. Ms. Vogt directed the administration to work with the Alumni Association and any other interested parties to determine ways in which the floor could be recycled.

IX. PES ADMINISTRATION

A. SAFE ROUTE TO SCHOOLS

Mr. Kilmister explained that the Safe Routes to Schools initiative will include promoting walking and biking to school. He informed the Board of six dates that an activity will take place, which will encourage walking to school with teachers in small groups.

B. TECHNOLOGY, LAW, and POLICY CONFERENCE

Dr. Freeman, PMHS Technology Coordinator MaryAnn Hatab, Mr. Wolfe, Parent Volunteer Clayton Wood, and Mr. Kilmister attended a one-day conference on technology law and policy. Mr. Kilmister summarized the program that was presented.

Ms. Vogt suggested to the Board and administration that work be done to reconsider the Technology Plan. Dr. Freeman explained that Mr. Kilmister has already planned to work with the Technology Team, members of the staff, and members of the community to revisit the Technology Plan. A meeting will be scheduled in May to begin this work.

C. TREE PLANTING

According to Mr. Kilmister, Katie Lasky, grade four teacher, chairs the PES Recycling Committee. Her committee is planning a celebration of Earth Day on Thursday, April 22, 2010, the 40th anniversary of the original Earth Day, by planting a tree on the grounds of PES. Mr. Wolfe made several suggestions for securing a tree and equipment needed for planting.

X. PMHS ADMINISTRATION (Continued)

A. HAITI FUND RAISER

Mr. Gremlitz explained that the Senior Seminar class is requesting permission to have an overnight event outside of the school on April 2, 2010. They would like to sleep outside and have minimal rations to replicate the conditions of a country experiencing a natural disaster, such as Haiti after the earthquake. They will be conducting a drive for donations that will be sent to Haiti along with the activity. Ms. Adams suggested that care be taken to be sure that the donations are the most efficient and effective way of providing assistance. The Board provided their consensus to move forward with plans. Representatives will be at the next Board meeting to present the full proposal.

B. COURSE SELECTION HANDBOOK

Mr. Gremlitz explained that work continues on the Course Selection Handbook. Some changes have been delayed due to the changes that are still under consideration. The draft will need to go to the printer before the next meeting. Mr. Gremlitz asked the Board to approve the Handbook, recognizing that they are already privy to the changes that will be reflected. On a motion made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Ms. Adams, the Board voted unanimously to approve the Course Selection Handbook, when finalized by Guidance Director Leslie Bergevin and approved by Mr. Gremlitz.

XI. STUDENT SERVICES ADMINISTRATION

A. ATTENDANCE PROTOCOL

Ms. Chassie explained that work has been done under the direction of Mr. Kilmister and Ms. Stevens to further revise the protocol to deal with problems with students’ attendance. To Ms. Adams question, Ms. Chassie explained that the Social Worker is a position funded by a grant. If her position is not funded, the protocol would need to be modified. Ms. Stevens explained that further modification may be necessary due to a law currently being considered by the State of New Hampshire.

B. ENDOWMENT FOR HEALTH GRANT

Ms. Chassie explained that the grant that she has been working on with other agencies and school districts was not awarded. However, work will continue to implement components of the grant proposal in spite of the fact that there will be no financial support.

C. APEX III GRANT

Ms. Chassie reported that Pittsfield is the recipient of the Apex III drop-out prevention grant. This grant will provide technical assistance, professional development, and an opportunity to participate in a summer institute. This will enhance the work that is already being done with Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS).

XII. SAU ADMINISTRATION (Continued)

A. MIDDLE HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL SEARCH

Dr. Freeman explained that work continues by the Search Committee to identify a candidate for the position of principal.

B. SCHOOL DISTRICT MEETING (Continued)

Ms. Vogt asked School Board members to plan who will motion and second each of the warrant articles. People volunteered accordingly. Discussion ensued regarding the process for amending the Budget Committee’s motion.

Dr. Freeman asked about the process for finding a recording secretary for the School District meeting. Based on Ms. Vogt’s suggestion, Dr. Freeman will ask Sheila Ward, who provided the service last year.

Mr. Kilmister inquired about the need for child care. Ms. Adams will organize students to provide this service.

Dr. Freeman inquired about a previous suggestion of a ‘straw vote’ to see if the time and day of the School District Meeting is according to the Town’s wishes. Ms. Vogt stated that there has been some previous discussion about an earlier hour or a Saturday.

C. PES ROOF SURVEY

Dr. Freeman reported the results of the ARM Roof Consultant report that states the PES roof is “near the end of its service life.” Ms. Vogt suggested consideration of a bond for the roof and HVAC system simultaneously, for which there would be a tax credit.

D. FOOD SERVICE PROGRAM

Dr. Freeman reported that the food service program is carrying a positive fund balance of $2,344.18, which includes inventory value. Managers – Linda Martin and Lori Bourgeois – are to be commended for the progress they have been making in keeping our program in the black.

E. USE OF PMHS FOR TOWN ELECTIONS

Dr. Freeman stated that a survey of parking spots available for voters was taken. There appeared to be enough to accommodate voters if voting occurred at the Pittsfield Middle High School.

F. SCHOOL DISICIPLINE

Dr. Freeman stated that a large number of discipline referrals were found not to be addressed at PMHS. He reviewed a process that would be put in place to ensure that discipline referrals are addressed in a timely fashion. This shall include the principal reviewing discipline referrals every two weeks and the PBIS Universal Team reviewing data every month in order to identify patterns.

G. MAIN STREET ACADEMIX

The report was inadvertently not included in the packet and will be in the next one, according to Dr. Freeman.

H. AUDITOR REPORT

Dr. Freeman distributed the School District’s audit report from The Mercier Group.

I. HIGH SCHOOL REDESIGN

Dr. Freeman reported that New Hampshire did not receive the Race to the Top Grant from the federal government as had been expected by the Department of Education.

Dr. Freeman distributed a document entitled New Hampshire’s Persistently Lowest-Achieving Schools Definition which lists Pittsfield Middle High School as one of the state’s lowest achieving schools.

Dr. Freeman explained that a course is being considered through Plymouth State University on differentiated instruction for the faculty at both PES and PMHS. This work will support the high school redesign work that has started.

According to Dr. Freeman, Joe DiMartino has asked Pittsfield to be the lead district in an application for grant funding for work with performance assessment.

XIII. NEXT MEETING

The next School Board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, March 11, 2010, at 6:00 p.m. at the Pittsfield Elementary School, preceding the School District Meeting. There is the potential of a special School Board meeting scheduled for March 17, 2010, at 5:30 p.m. at the Pittsfield Middle High School. The following School Board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, March 18, 2010, at 5:30 p.m. at the Pittsfield Middle High School. Agenda will include the election of officers for the School Board.

XIV. PUBLIC INPUT (Second Session) – None

XV. ADJOURNMENT

On a motion made by Ms. Adams and seconded by Mr. Wolfe, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 9:24 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Tobi Gray Chassie
Recording Secretary