APPROVED BY 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, May 23, 2013
Pittsfield Middle High School

I. CALL TO ORDER

Members Present: Michael Wolfe, Chairperson
Nicole Manteau, Vice-Chairperson
Bea Douglas
Gary Mullen
Ray Ramsey

Others Present: Tobi Gray Chassie, District Administrator
Bob Bickford, Principal, PMHS
Lois Stevens, Director of Student Services
Members of the public
Member of the staff

Chairperson Wolfe called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.

II. AGENDA REVIEW

The following items were added:
• Kindergarten (Ms. Stevens)

III. ACTION ON AGENDA

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

IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

A motion was made by Mr. Mullen and seconded by Ms. Manteau, to approve the minutes of the May 9, 2013, meeting. On page six, paragraph two, section A, change 2016 to 2015. On page eight, paragraph three, change to read, “…an employee compensation issue pursuant…” On page eight, paragraph four, change to read, “The Board discussed…” The motion passed with the amendments made.

V. PUBLIC INPUT

Lea Adams stated that she wrote a letter to Chairman Wolfe which has been forwarded to all Board members. She stated she had two concerns. First, she stated that Senate Bill 48 proposes an assessment law that would mean the district’s standing would be altered if our students do not perform well; we would become a “focus school.” Second, she stated concerns about concussion software called “Impact.” Parents receive a questionnaire and a waiver to agree to participate. She has reviewed the language and understands that the information on this questionnaire is sent to a data base in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. She thinks this is a violation of Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.

VI. PMHS ADMINISTRATION

A. RESTORATIVE JUSTICE

The Site Council, according to Mr. Bickford, has approved two proposals related to a significant change in the student behavior management philosophy and process for the coming school year. They have approved a set of school norms, as well as a Restorative Justice system. He introduced Jenny Wellington, high school English teacher and advisor for the IMPACT Team.

According to Ms. Wellington, the IMPACT Team has been working on the Restorative Justice proposal since last year. She explained that the team has conducted research, analyzed discipline data, visited schools, interviewed other Restorative Justice program directors, and worked with consultants from The Center for School Climate and Learning. Ms. Wellington explained restorative justice.

Discussion ensued regarding dress code, the lack of enforcement of current rules, lack of specific rules, and elements of the restorative justice proposal.

A motion was made to support the Restorative Justice program as presented. The Board asked for an update of the Restorative Justice program at each meeting during implementation in the fall. The motion passed with Mr. Mullen, Ms. Douglas, Mr. Wolfe, and Mr. Ramsey voting in the affirmative and Ms. Manteau voting against the motion.

The Board thanked Ms. Wellington and the IMPACT Team for their hard work to research and write their proposal.

B. GIRLS BASKETBALL SUMMER EXCURSION

Previously an excursion proposal was presented to the Board. The information that was requested was provided.

C. NEW ENGLAND ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES

Mr. Bickford provided the Board with recent communication from the New England Association of Schools and Colleges regarding PMHS accreditation status. He reported that the school is no longer in “warning” status.

D. MINIMUM SCHOOL STANDARDS

Mr. Bickford provided the Board with a copy of a letter that will be sent to the Department of Education indicating that the school has met all the minimum school standards for the middle school and the high school to be in full compliance of the requirements of Ed 306. He explained that a new health inspection will be done and will be forwarded to the Department of Education when available.

E. CALENDAR

Mr. Bickford shared a calendar of events for May and June.

VII. PES ADMINISTRATION

A. KINDERGARTEN

Ms. Stevens explained that through the Focus Monitoring process, ideas were generated for closing the achievement gap. One suggestion was full-day Kindergarten, which is now being investigated.

B. NATURE TRAIL MAKEOVER

Boy Scout Kyle Hamel, with the help of fellow scouts and supporters, has made improvements on the PES nature trail. Impressive results have occurred.

C. iPAD ROLL-OUT FOR PES GRADES 5 AND 6

On May 21, 2013, teachers and technology integrator, Carin Foss, distributed iPads to fifth and sixth grade students. PES will be holding an iPad celebration night in June to demonstrate iPad use in the classroom and provide information about Internet safety.

D. CHICHESTER GRANGE TEACHER OF THE YEAR

On May 15, 2013, PES Art Teacher Lisa Stevens received the Chichester Grange Teacher of the Year award at their annual awards meeting. Ms. Stevens has served as the art teacher at PES since 1997. The School Board expressed congratulations to Ms. Stevens.

E. FIRE AND SAFETY DRILLS

PES conducted six drills thus far this year. There is a plan to do at least three more drills during the next six weeks.

F. CALENDAR

Mr. Kilmister shared a calendar of events for May and June.

VIII. STUDENT SERVICES ADMINISTRATION

A. FOCUS MONITORING

According to Ms. Stevens, the Focus Monitoring Team met on May 10, 2013. Goals on improving growth targets were developed.

B. INDICATOR 14

The annual post school outcome survey has been sent out to all students with an individual education program who have graduated, received a certificate, dropped out, or reached maximum age to receive services and have been out of high school at least one year.

C. TECHNOLOGY

Ms. Stevens reported that an iPad is being used in the classroom to include a home program student in morning circle time. She commended the preschool team for this suppotive use of technology.

IX. DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION

A. PROFESSIONAL GROWTH AND EVALUATION PLAN

The revised Professional Growth and Evaluation Plan for 2013-2014 has not yet been completed. Data being collected by the evaluators will inform many of the changes that will be made. The Team will meet during the summer to make final revisions. The EAP and School Board will be asked to take action on the revised plan in late August.

B. CRISIS TEAM

Ms. Chassie explained that the Crisis Plan is being revised and will be identified as the Emergency Response Plan. The plan will be presented to the Board before the beginning of the next school year for action.

X. SAU ADMINISTRATION

A. NOMINATIONS

Ms. Chassie introduced Susan Graham, candidate for the position of Dean of Instruction. Ms. Graham addressed the Board, commending the community for embracing the change process in such a positive way.

On a motion made by Mr. Ramsey and seconded by Ms. Douglas, the Board voted unanimously to elect Ms. Graham to the position of Dean of Instruction.

Ms. Chassie introduced Paul Newell, candidate for the position of Dean of Operations. Mr. Newell addressed the Board, commenting on the rigorous and informative interview process.

On a motion made by Ms. Manteau and seconded by Mr. Ramsey, the Board voted unanimously to elect Mr. Newell to the position of Dean of Operations.

Ms. Chassie provided the School Board with the resume of Sarah Rollins, candidate for the position of Director of College and Career Readiness. She explained that Ms. Rollins lives in Arizona and has not yet made the move to New Hampshire, but will be present at a later meeting to be formally introduced.

On a motion made by Mr. Mullen and seconded by Ms. Douglas, the Board voted unanimously to elect Ms. Rollins to the position of Director of College and Career Readiness.

B. POLICIES

Policy EFA – Availability and Distribution of Healthy Foods. A motion was made by Ms. Douglas and seconded by Mr. Ramsey, to approve Policy EFA. Discussion ensued regarding the policy in relationship to the food and the Booster Club. Ms. Manteau reminded the Board of some research that she conducted previously that allowed the Booster Club to run their concession stands. The Board directed Superintendent Freeman to provide further information to the Board before their approval. Ms. Douglas amended the motion to state that the Board conducted the first reading of the policy. The Board unanimously approved the policy for the first reading.

Policy JLCK – Special Physical Health Needs of Students. On a motion made by Ms. Manteau and seconded by Mr. Mullen, the Board voted unanimously to approve Policy JLCK.

Policy KB – Title I Parent Involvement in Education. On a motion made by Ms. Manteau and seconded by Mr. Ramsey, the Board unanimously to approve Policy KB.

Policy KDA – Public Information Program. On a motion made by Ms. Manteau and seconded by Ms. Douglas, the Board voted unanimously to approve Policy KDS for the first reading.

C. PES SIDING AND WINDOW REPLACEMENT

Architect Dan Bisson conducted a site visit for interested contractors at PES for siding and window replacement. Three of the five pre-qualified invitees attended the meeting. Three unanticipated issues will be addressed including landscaping, lighting, and paving. Bids for the siding and windows will be opened on Friday, May 24, 2013.

XI. COMMITTEES

A. DRAKE FIELD & FACILITIES

Quinn Steeves is working on his project at Drake Field. The work on the nature trail at PES is complete.

B. NEGOTIATIONS – None

C. BUDGET COMMITTEE – None

D. FOSS FOUNDATION

Mr. Bickford reported the dates and times for Baccalaureate, Awards Night, and Graduation. The Foss Foundation scholarships will be awarded at Graduation; all other scholarships will be given at Awards Night.

XII. PUBLIC INPUT – 2nd SESSION

Ms. Adams stated that she was disappointed that there was no discussion by the Board about the issues she raised. She asked if there was a way to communicate via email with members of the Board. Ms. Adams further asked if there could be an email account for the School Board members. Discussion ensued and it was decided that individual emails through the school district would be established.

XIII. NEXT MEETING

The next School Board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, June 6, 2013, at 5:30 p.m. in the PMHS Media Center.

XIV. ADJOURNMENT

On a motion made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Mr. Mullen, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 7:36 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Tobi Gray Chassie
Recording Secretary