May 24, 2012 Minutes

APPROVED BY 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, May 24, 2012
Pittsfield Middle High School

I. CALL TO ORDER

Members Present: Clayton Wood, Chairperson
Mike Wolfe, Vice-Chairperson
Nicole Manteau
Gary Mullen
Mary Paradise

Others Present: John Freeman, Superintendent
Tobi Gray Chassie, District Administrator
Lois-Jean Stevens, Director of Student Services
Bob Bickford, Principal, PMHS
Doug Kilmister, Principal, PES
Max Tuttle, Student Representative
Members of the Faculty
Members of the Public

Mr. Wood called the meeting to order at 5:33 p.m.

II. AGENDA REVIEW

The following item was added:
• School Community Index Survey (Dr. Freeman)

The following items were deleted:
• Technology Plan (Dr. Freeman)
• Policy Revision (Dr. Freeman)

III. ACTION ON AGENDA

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

IV. PES ADMINISTRATION

A. PES SECURITY

Mr. Wood thanked parents for attending the meeting to continue the conversation relative to security. He went on to explain the options that were considered by the Board, including a new secure entrance and security cameras.

Mr. Kilmister explained a proposed pilot of a new PES dismissal routine. He stated that four goals were identified for the pilot, including: 1) provide a smooth, efficient, and safe departure for all students; 2) increase the security of the building at the end of the day; 3) promote walking and bike riding to and from school; and 4) make pick-up by car more convenient for parents. Mr. Kilmister went on to explain the system that has been proposed for dismissal, including: 1) students leaving by car; 2) kindergarteners leaving by car; 3) students leaving by bus; and 4) students being met by a parent.

Lisa English asked about parents who might have students in elementary and kindergarten. Ammy Ramsey explained complications that would be created for the bus drivers. Erin Butler acknowledged the success of similar plans in two other schools with which she is familiar.

V. PMHS ADMINISTRATION

A. TRANSPORTATION

PMHS Teacher and Sophomore Class Advisory Anne Banks stated that the sophomore class is in the process of planning next year’s prom. She is requesting clarification regarding requirements or guidelines relative to students driving themselves to the prom. Mr. Bickford suggested two possible revisions to Policy EEAG: 1) an exception of the requirement to have a current New Hampshire inspection sticker for chartered coach buses, and 2) limiting the permissible distance for students transporting themselves to a school sponsored events to 25 miles.

Ms. Paradise reported the history of previous requests that prevented the Board from approving some previous excursions. The Board asked Ms. Banks to present to the Board a proposal on which they will make a decision.

VI. SAU ADMINISTRATION

A. FOOD SERVICE CONTRACT

Dr. Freeman invited Kevin Crossan, Director of Café Services, to address the Board. Mr. Crossan explained that the food service programs have been improved at both schools. At PMHS the number of daily meals purchased has tripled.

Mr. Wood stated that he has been concerned about the amount of food wasted by children at PES. Mr. Crossan stated that he has met with Mr. Kilmister to consider the problem. He explained that it is partially due to the time allotted to students to eat lunch and partially due to the nutritional requirements mandated by the federal government lunch program. Many of the required components are not appreciated by the students and are, therefore, wasted. Mr. Kilmister stated that a new lunch schedule will increase the time for the students to be in the cafeteria.

B. PES ROOF REPLACEMENT

Mr. Wolfe stated the stone ballasted roof may be the best choice for the following reasons: 1) other available surfaces would not be aesthetically pleasing from the top of the hill; 2) other options are more expensive; 3) the current roof has had a long life and only had to be shoveled two times over the years; 4) the products used today are of better quality than those used twenty years ago; and 5) another roofing product would require adhering methods that might compromise the roof.

Peter Elliott suggested that if the stones from the roof cannot be reused at PES, they be donated to the Pittsfield Highway Department for their use. He asked about the overhang, to which Mr. Wood stated there is a new product available to hold the ballast in place. Mr. Wolfe stated the architect is working on a proposal to present to the Board. Ray Ramsey stated his approval of the proposed stone ballasted roof.

Ms. Paradise suggested Louie Houle, Chair of the Pittsfield Budget Committee, be contacted to alert the Committee of the plans to expend funds for the roof replacement.

C. TEACHER EVALUATION PLAN

Kiza Armour, PMHS science teacher and president of the Education Association of Pittsfield, accompanied by Darlene Stewart, PES special education teacher, presented an overview of the revised Professional Growth and Evaluation Plan. Ms. Armour described the items required by the New Hampshire Department of Education of schools receiving School Improvement Grant (SIG) funds, including: 1) evaluation of principals; 2) definition of effective teaching; 3) differentiated performance tracks; and 4) student performance data. Major changes that are a part of the new plan include: 1) components of the rubric, rather than elements; 2) three performance tracks (transitional, self directed, intervention); 3) timing of summative evaluation conferences; 4) number and format of observations; 5) effectiveness ratings; 6) rewards; and 7) student performance data.

Ms. Chassie stated that the district is being saluted by their peers for the move
from tenure to competency as the basis for performance tracking. She highlighted the courage that it required for teachers to move into an era of using student achievement data to inform the evaluation of their performance. The plan is demonstration of the desire of teachers to improve their practice and work to benefit the children in our district. She stated that the team has worked with extraordinary collaboration and effort.

Dr. Freeman advised the Board they would receive an electronic copy of the draft from Ms. Armour within the next week, and they will vote on the plan at their next meeting.

VII. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

A motion was made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Mr. Mullen to approve the minutes of the May 10, 2012. On page 6, remove Ms. Manteau from the Foss Foundation assignment. The motion was approved unanimously.

VIII. PES ADMINISTRATION (Continued)

A. ARTIST IN RESIDENCE & OUTDOOR CLASSROM

Emile Birch, artist-in-residence, will be working with third grade students to create three concrete sculptures; benches with original relief art will be installed to form a circular seating area in the loop in front of the school. At a later date, Project Home will add landscaping features to help contain the area as an outdoor classroom. An unveiling celebration will be held on June 1, 2012, at 1:45 p.m. The School Board agreed to write a thank you note to the Rotary for allowing the school the use of their tent during the installation, waiving the rental fee.

B. RESPONSIVE CLASSROOM INSTITUTE

A Responsive Classroom Institute will be provided at PES from June 25 to 29, 2012. Twenty-five teachers, two district staff, two educational assistants, one guidance counselor, and the principal will be participating.

C. NEW PES LUNCH SCHEDULE FOR 2012-2013

A new lunch schedule is being proposed to accommodate additional opportunities for staff to provide enrichment and support for students within classrooms.

D. CALENDAR

A calendar with the events for remainder of the year was provided by Mr. Kilmister.

IX. PMHS ADMINISTRATION (Continued)

A. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PRESENTATION

Mr. Bickford explained that the Site Council has prepared a presentation and asked Max Tuttle to explain further. Mr. Tuttle explained that a presentation has been created informing the public of the changes that have occurred in high school redesign. They have brought their presentation to Barnstead Elementary School and will be going to the district staff and the Pittsfield Rotary Club.

Mr. Tuttle reported the Site Council has made a decision to have advisories change on a four-year rotation rather than the current two-year rotation.

Mr. Bickford informed the Board that the IMPACT Team is working to develop a Restorative Justice program that will become part of the school’s approach to student management.

Mr. Tuttle explained that the Site Council is working on the Student Handbook and asked the Board if they would be meeting on August 23rd in order to approve the handbook. Mr. Wood stated there would be a meeting on August 23rd.

B. CALENDAR

Mr. Bickford provided the Board with a calendar of important dates through the end of the school year.

X. STUDENT SERVICES ADMINISTRATION – No report.

XI. SAU ADMINISTRATION (Continued)

A. FOOD SERVICE CONTRACT

On a motion made by Ms. Paradise, and seconded by Mr. Wolfe, the Board voted unanimously to approve the proposed contract with Café Services to manage food service for the district for the 2012-2013 school year. The approved contract will require the additional approval of the New Hampshire Department of Education.

B. HEATING OIL CONTRACT

Dr. Freeman reported the proposed price of $3.275 per gallon for heating oil for the 2012-2013 school year was received by Fuller Oil Company; no other bids were received. On a motion made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Mr. Wood, the Board approved the bid from Fuller Oil Company.

C. HVAC MAINTENANCE CONTRACT

Dr. Freeman reported the results of the HVAC maintenance bids; two companies submitted bids. On a motion made by Ms. Paradise and seconded by Ms. Manteau, the Board approved the bid from Siemans for a three-year HVAC maintenance contract, beginning with the 2012-2013 school year.

D. PES ROOF REPLACEMENT

Dr. Freeman presented a proposed contract from ARM Roof Consultants for management of the roof replacement at PES. On a motion made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Ms. Paradise, the Board approved the contract from ARM Roof Consultants for management of the roof replacement at PES.

E. PES SECURITY

After further study and discussion, Mr. Wood and Mr. Wolfe will be making a recommendation to the School Board relative to the PES security system.

F. COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE STATUS

On a motion made by Ms. Paradise and seconded by Mr. Wolfe, the Board voted unanimously to terminate the Community Advisory Council as a Board appointed advisory committee, thanking them for their work and looking forward to the continuation of their work as a district committee.

G. SCHOOL COMMUNITY INDEX SURVEY

Dr. Freeman will be providing the Board with an electronic copy of the results of the parent, staff, and high school student surveys that have recently been completed under the leadership of the Pittsfield Parent Connection.

XII. SCHOOL BOARD COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS – None

XIII. PUBLIC INPUT – 2nd SESSION – None

XIV. NEXT MEETING

The next School Board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, June 14, at 5:30 p.m. in the PMHS Media Center.

XV. PUBLIC INPUT

None.

XVI. NON-PUBLIC SESSION

At 7:49 p.m., a motion was made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Mr. Mullen 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. Paradise, yes; Ms. Manteau, yes; Mr. Mullen, yes; Mr. Wolfe, yes; Mr. Wood, yes) to enter into a non-public session.

The Board discussed compensation for employees not included in the collective bargaining agreement, including both administrative and support staff.

No action was taken in non-public session.

XVII. OPEN SESSION

At 8:01 p.m. a motion was made by Mr. Mullen and seconded by Ms. Paradise to exit the non-public and to re-enter open session. The Board was polled and voted unanimously (Ms. Paradise, yes; Ms. Manteau, yes; Mr. Mullen, yes; Mr. Wolfe, yes; Mr. Wood, yes) to exit the non-public session and to re-enter into open session.

On a motion made by Ms. Paradise and seconded by Mr. Wolfe, the Board voted unanimously to provide a 1% salary increase for employees not included in the collective bargaining agreement for whom agreements have not been previously approved; the increase to take effect for the 2012-2013 school year.

XVIII. ADJOURNMENT

On a motion made by Ms. Paradise and seconded by Ms. Manteau, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 8:03 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Tobi Gray Chassie

Tobi Gray Chassie
Recording Secretary