May 18, 2006 Minutes

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE

SCHOOL ADMINISTRATIVE UNIT #51

BARNSTEAD – PITTSFIELD PITTSFIELD SCHOOL BOARD

MINUTES
Pittsfield School Board

May 18, 2006

Pittsfield Middle High School

I. CALL TO ORDER

Members Present: Scott Brown, Chairman

Mary Paradise, Vice Chairman

Gary Colby

Leslie Vogt

Christopher Ward

Others Present: Owen Conway, Superintendent of Schools

Donna Clairmont, Business Administrator

Mark Jarvis, Director of Student Services, PMHS

Jeff DeLois, Administrator, PMHS

Lois Stevens, Administrative Intern

John Freeman, Principal, PES

Tobi Gray Chassie, Director of Student Services, PES

Chairman Brown called the meeting to order at 6:05 PM. Mr. Brown welcomed Leslie Vogt to the School Board and thanked her for volunteering her services. He acknowledged the work that she has done for the school and town of Pittsfield.

II. AGENDA REVIEW

Dr. Freeman added support staff resignations.

III. APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MEETING MINUTES

On a motion made by Mr. Ward and seconded by Ms. Paradise, the Board voted to approve the minutes of the May 4, 2006 meeting as written. Mr. Brown, Ms. Paradise, and Mr. Ward voted in the affirmative, while Mr. Colby and Ms. Vogt abstained from the vote.

IV. PUBLIC INPUT – None

V. PES ADMINISTRATION

A. Resignations

Dr. Freeman presented letters of resignation from Katherine Soucy, Constance Eppich, and Jennifer Snider. These three individuals are resigning from their positions as educational assistants. On a motion made by Ms. Paradise and seconded by Mr. Ward, the Board voted unanimously to accept the resignations.

B. 21st Century Grant

Dr. Freeman announced that he had been contacted by a representative from the Department of Education and notified that the application for the grant has moved to the next phase of consideration. Dr. Freeman was asked to provide some information that would clarify questions regarding budget and program.

VI. PMHS ADMINISTRATION

A. Resignations

Dr. Conway presented a letter of resignation due to retirement from Wayne Petrovek. On a motion made by Ms. Paradise and seconded by Mr. Ward, the Board voted unanimously to accept the resignation.

B. Nomination

Mr. Jarvis nominated Anne Banks for the position of educational assistant. On a motion made by Ms. Paradise and seconded by Mr. Colby, the Board voted unanimously to hire Ms. Banks for the remainder of this year and the next school year.

VII. SAU ADMINISTRATION

A. Oil Bid

Ms. Clairmont explained that she continues to work on securing the best possible price for oil. There was only one response to the bid so a re-bid process will be implemented.

B. Driver Education

Ms. Clairmont called attention to the provision of the Driver Education contract, which is affected by the price of gasoline. On a motion made by Ms. Paradise and seconded by Mr. Ward, the Board voted unanimously to accept the proposal of the Business Administrator relative to potential gas price increase.

C. PES Boiler

Two bids on the proposed work on the PES boiler were considered. Although Siemens is somewhat higher, Ms. Clairmont recommended that they be awarded the bid. Siemens has an on-going favorable relationship with the District, and they performed similar work at PMHS with good results. On a motion made by Mr. Colby and seconded by Mr. Ward, the Board voted unanimously to grant the bid for boiler repair to Siemen’s.

D. Window Replacement

The School District, in a separate warrant article at the annual District meeting, approved window replacement. Ms. Clairmont recommended the bid from Granite State Glass. On a motion made by Mr. Colby and seconded by Mr. Ward, the Board voted unanimously to accept the bid from Granite State Glass for the installation of windows at PES.

E. Food Service Prices

Ms. Clairmont provided a summary of the current fiscal condition of the food service program, as well as an overview of prices being charged by schools in the surrounding area. Ms. Clairmont recommended an increase for the 2006-2007 school year as follows:

PES Breakfast – $1.00 and Lunch – $1.75

PMHS Breakfast – $1.25 and Lunch – $2.00

On a motion made by Ms. Paradise and seconded by Mr. Ward, the Board voted unanimously to accept the proposed price increases for the 2006-2007 food service program.

Ms. Paradise requested that a thank you note be sent to Linda Martin to thank her for the work she has done to improve the financial status of the program.

F. Budget

Ms. Clairmont reported that she and Ms. Paradise would be communicating the status of the budget to the Budget Committee. As of May 17, 2006, there is an approximate $42,000 deficit in the budget.

Ms. Clairmont presented a summary of the special education activity, which has had a negative impact on the 2006-2007 budget. Due to the changes in programs, the District may be starting the fiscal year with a $140,000 deficit. The administration has been asked to develop a plan for a shift in funds to close the financial gap. Ms. Clairmont suggested that the modifications to the budget be finalized by June 1, 2006.

VIII. COMMITTEES

A. Drake Field & Facilities

Mr. Colby reviewed the flood conditions at Drake Field. He also updated the Board on the progress of the skateboard park. Mr. Brown reported that his attempts to meet with Chief Wharem and George Batchelder regarding parking options at Drake Field have been unsuccessful.

B. Selectmen Liaison

Mr. Brown reported that Chief Wharem has requested a joint meeting between the Selectmen and the School Board to discuss emergency management. During the recent flood situation, contact was made with Mr. Brown to request the use of a school for emergency shelter. Mr. Brown was unable to assist in getting the doors opened, although he was instrumental in finding someone who could. He suggested that a policy be developed to address protocol for emergency situations. Ms. Clairmont reminded the Board that a crisis plan is in place that identified protocol in an emergency situation. Mr. Brown suggested that it be updated and that the appropriate people be provided with a copy.

C. SAU Planning

Dr. Conway has contacted members to determine their commitment to serve on the committee. Nancy Gilman will need to be replaced. A meeting will be scheduled.

IX. NEXT MEETING

The next meeting is scheduled for June 1, 2006 at 6:00 PM at the Pittsfield Middle High School. Agenda items will include the 2006-2007 budget, adequate yearly progress and assessment report, and the review of a draft policy on memorializing staff and students.

X. PUBLIC INPUT (Second Session) – None

XI. NON-PUBLIC SESSION

On a motion made by Mr. Colby and seconded by Mr. Ward, the Board was polled and voted unanimously to enter into Non-Public Session under the provisions of RSA 91-A:3 II (c), Personnel, Student, and Legal Matters. The Board entered Non-Public Session at 7:00 PM.

The Board was provided with an update on the departure of Ms. Clairmont.

The Board was updated on the Superintendent search which included an in-house candidate and an additional outside candidate.

Administration advised the Board of a student matter.

Administration advised the Board of a teacher’s request for paid leave.

On a motion made by Chris Ward and seconded by Mary Paradise, the Board voted unanimously to exit Non-Public Session at 8:25 PM.

XII. STUDENT REQUEST

On a motion made by Ms. Paradise and seconded by Mr. Colby, the Board voted unanimously to allow a student to remain at Pittsfield Middle High School for the remainder of the school year.

XIII. LEAVE REQUEST

On a motion made by Ms. Paradise and seconded by Mr. Colby, the Board voted unanimously to grant a day of paid leave under Article 9.3.4 of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, which permits the Board to grant “other leave” on a paid or unpaid basis.

XIV. ADJOURNMENT

On a motion made by Ms. Paradise and seconded by Mr. Ward, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 8:30 PM.

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MINUTES
Pittsfield School Board

May 4, 2006

Pittsfield Middle High School

I. CALL TO ORDER

Members Present: Scott Brown, Chairman

Mary Paradise, Vice Chairman

Christopher Ward, Member

Others Present: Owen Conway, Superintendent of Schools

Donna Clairmont, Business Administrator

Karen Erlandson, Principal, PMHS

Mark Jarvis, Director of Student Services, PMHS

Jeff DeLois, Administrator, PMHS

John Freeman, Principal, PES

Tobi Gray Chassie, Director of Student Services, PES

Chairman Brown called the meeting to order at 6:07 p.m.

II. AGENDA REVIEW

Dr. Freeman added information items. Mr. Jarvis added a nomination and a resignation. Ms. Erlandson added informational items.

III. APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MEETING MINUTES

On a motion made by Mr. Ward and seconded by Ms. Paradise, the Board unanimously voted to approve the minutes of the April 20, 2006 meeting as written.

IV. PUBLIC INPUT – None

V. SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER SELECTION

Mr. Brown announced that the only letter of interest received was from Leslie Vogt. He summarized her qualifications and recommended that she be appointed. On a motion made by Ms. Paradise and seconded by Mr. Ward, the Board voted unanimously to accept the appointment of Leslie Vogt to fill the vacancy on the School Board.

VI. PES ADMINISTRATION

A. DARE

Sergeant Rick Walter of the Pittsfield Police Department has been honored as the NH DARE Officer of the Year. Several staff members will attend the presentation ceremony on June 10th in Manchester.

B. Karate

Dr. Freeman explained that Mr. Gelo has asked permission to conduct an after-school homework and karate program at PES through the end of the school year. There is a fee required. Dr. Freeman asked for guidance from the Board. Ms. Clairmont stated that a certificate of insurance would be required. Mr. Brown stated his concern for establishing criteria in order to be fair to others who may make similar requests in the future. The Board decided that they would not grant Mr. Gelo permission for the remainder of the year, but Dr. Freeman was asked to discuss a program for the fall.

C. Walk for Alexa

The walk for Alexa was extremely successful. The students walked a mile and earned over $6,000 for Alexa and her family. Mr. Brown commented on how the activity had successfully brought the community together for a great cause.

VII. PMHS ADMINISTRATION

A. NHEIAP Tests

Ms. Erlandson explained that the NHEIAP testing for tenth graders was completed on May 4, 2006.

B. Drama Club

The play, Murder’s in the Heir, is being produced by the Drama Club. Performances are scheduled for May 10th and 12th at 7:00 PM.

C. Resignation/Nominations

Mr. Jarvis recommended that the Board accept the resignation of Gina Charuhas from her position of educational assistant. On a motion made by Ms. Paradise and seconded by Mr. Ward, the Board voted unanimously to accept the resignation of Ms. Charuhas.

Mr. Jarvis recommended that the Board consider the hiring of Carol Christensen for the position of educational assistant. On a motion made by Ms. Paradise and seconded by Mr. Ward, the Board voted unanimously to hire Ms. Christensen.

Dr. Conway distributed a letter of resignation from Denise Rivard. On a motion made by Ms. Paradise and seconded by Mr. Ward, the Board voted unanimously to accept the resignation with thanks from the District.

VIII. SAU ADMINISTRATION

A. Request for Over-Expenditure

Ms. Clairmont explained that a meeting has been scheduled for May 17, 2006 at 7:00 with the Budget Committee to move forward a request to over expend. Currently, the District is approximately $33,000 in the red.

B. Oil Bid

The bid for oil was extended to May 8, 2006. Ms. Clairmont will conduct a telephone poll of Board members to gain approval from the Board for the bid.

IX. SCHOOL BOARD

A. Resolutions

Mr. Brown stated that the annual “call” for 2007 Resolutions for the Fall NHSBA Convention has been made. The Board has time to consider whether they will submit a resolution(s).

B. Zoning Board Notice

Dr. Conway distributed a notice of a public hearing of the Zoning Board of Adjustment for Thursday, May 11, 2006 at 7:00 PM. It appears that one consideration is for property on Wildwood Drive and the other is for property on Fayette Street, abutting Drake Field. Mr. Brown will confirm the address.

X. COMMITTEES

A. Drake Field & Facilities

Mr. Ward notified the Board of a meeting of the Fund Raising Committee on May 18, 2006 at 5:00 PM.

Mr. Brown stated that he plans to walk with Chief Wharem and George Batchelder around Drake Field to discuss parking options. Ms. Paradise suggested that a meeting be scheduled between the School Board and the Selectmen to discuss options and make further recommendations.

B. SAU Planning

Mr. Brown requested of Keith Couch a meeting between the Barnstead and Pittsfield SAU Planning Committees. Dr. Conway reported that a Barnstead Committee meeting is being scheduled for the next two weeks. Mr. Brown suggested sending letters to current members to ascertain continued interest.

C. Negotiations

Mediation is planned for May 15, 2006. Negotiations will continue after mediation.

X. NEXT MEETING

The next meeting is scheduled for May 18, 2006 at 6:00 at the Pittsfield Middle High School. The agenda will include a presentation by the District Assessment Team. Dr. Freeman explained that the NECAP data will be shared and that the information has been organized in a number of ways. Dr. Conway explained that Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) status would not be known by the time of the presentation.

XI. PUBLIC INPUT (Second Session) – None

XII. ADJOURNMENT

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