May 27, 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, May 27, 2010
Pittsfield Elementary School

I. CALL TO ORDER

Members Present: Mary Paradise, Chairperson
Elizabeth Adams
Kathy Corliss
Michael Wolfe
Clayton Wood

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
Members of the District Assessment Team
Members of the Public

Chairperson Paradise called the meeting to order at 5:33 p.m.

II. AGENDA REVIEW

The following items were added to the agenda:
• Metal Shop (M. Wolfe)
• Fire Inspection of PES (M. Wolfe)
• Recycling Committee Award (D. Kilmister)
• Resignation (R. Gremlitz)
• Senior Awards (R. Gremlitz)
• Sick Bank Requests ( R. Gremlitz)
• Grant Application Update (J. Freeman)
• Non Public – Legal Issue Resolution (J. Freeman)
• Non Public – Personnel Issues (J. Freeman)
• Senior Trip (L. Stevens)

III. 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.

IV. PMHS ADMINISTRATION

A. EAGLE SCOUT PROJECT

Brian Ward, PMHS student and a candidate for the Eagle Scout award, was present to review a plan for his Eagle Scout project. He stated that he would like to repair the walking path at Drake Field; it is, according to Mr. Ward, “an eyesore and potential safety hazard.” He requested the preliminary approval of his plan in order to present his idea to the Boy Scout Council for approval. It was the consensus of the Board to give approval for the project concept. Mr. Ward will return to a future Board meeting with further details and a formal request for approval.

V. APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MEETING MINUTES

A motion was made by Mr. Wood and seconded by Mr. Wolfe to approve minutes of the May 13, 2010 meeting. On page 1, change “Leslie Vogt” to “Clayton Wood”. On page 5, omit the word “the” from seventh paragraph. On page 3, change “PMSH” to “PMHS”. The Board voted unanimously to approve the minutes as amended.

VI. PUBLIC INPUT

Mr. Chris Smith stated that his daughter, Katelyn Lyons, wrote a letter to the School Board approximately six weeks ago. He said that there was no response from the School Board, which caused him concern. Ms. Paradise stated that a letter has been prepared and apologized for the delay; she presented Ms. Lyons with her letter in response to Ms. Lyons’s letter.

VII. PRESENTATION – DISTRICT ASSESSMENT TEAM

Susan Elliott introduced herself as the Chairperson of the District Assessment Team. Kathy Lemay, Michael Curtin, Chris Teague, Jeanne Howard, Carin Kilar, Leslie Bergevin, Michael Joyce, Danielle Harvey, Tobi Chassie, Lois Stevens, John Freeman, Rick Gremlitz, and Doug Kilmister introduced themselves as members of the District Assessment Team. Ms. Elliott stated that several members of the team would be reviewing some of the data that has been collected and analyzed by the team. The following Team members engaged in presentation of various topics:
• Kathy Lemay – NECAP (results compared by gender, students with disabilities, and socio-economic distribution);
• Danielle Harvey – NECAP (results organized by proficiency levels);
• Mike Curtin – NECAP (cohort history in math);
• Lois Stevens – NH Alternate Assessment;
• Chris Teague & Kathy Lemay – Data walls and class growth reports;
• Danielle Harvey & Kathy Lemay – Data analysis with re-enactment;
• Doug Kilmister – NWEA Measurements of Academic Performance (organizing the data);
• Carin Kilar – NWEA Measurements of Academic Performance (developing a teaching plan / intervention strategies using the data);
• Susan Elliott – NWEA Measurements of Academic Performance (developing a timeline for taking the test, gathering the data, using the data, setting goals with students, and sharing the data with parents);
• Danielle Harvey – NWEA Measurements of Academic Performance parent reports (examples of how the data is shared with parents);
• Leslie Bergevin – PSAT, NWEA Measurements of Academic Performance, drop-out data; Main Street Academix, and the Student Leadership Team); and
• Tobi Chassie – Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports.

Individuals from the team answered the questions raised by the members of the Board. The School Board commended the members of the Assessment Team for their hard work. Susan Elliott, on behalf of the Assessment Team, thanked the School Board for their time and the opportunity to have a longer period of time than allocated in previous years to present an overview of their work.

VIII. PES ADMINISTRATION

A. RECYCLING AWARD

The Northeast Resource Recovery Association has awarded PES the Best Earth Day 2010 Event Award. Two representatives have been invited to attend the awards ceremony at the Center of NH on June 7, 2010.

B. RESPONSIVE CLASSROOM TRAINING

PES will be sending several teachers to Responsive Classroom training this summer. Responsive Classroom is a research-based approach to teaching, classroom management, and social skills development that fosters high academic achievement and develops strong, positive, pro-social skills in students.

C. WHOLE-SCHOOL MORNING MEETINGS

Daily morning meetings are foundational in the Responsive Classroom approach. On a monthly basis, whole-school meetings take place in order to build school-wide community. At PES, “Celebrating Success” was the theme of May’s final meeting. Students were recognized for work in art, music, and fitness. The sixth grade students, who organized and ran the meeting, offered advice to the fifth graders and then walked a “victory lap” around the gym in front of the assembled school.

D. SPRING ARTS AND MUSIC FESTIVAL

The PES Spring Arts and Music Festival took place on May 26, 2010.

E. TRAVELING ART SHOW

The traveling art show was cancelled due to unavoidable circumstances. Students whose work appeared in the show were recognized at the whole-school morning meeting on May 20, 2010.

F. MEETING WITH FIRE CHIEF

Pittsfield’s fire chief, Chief Gary Johnson, attended the most recent fire drill at PES. He helped students imagine an actual fire situation and met with the school’s safety committee to exchange ideas and offer additional support.

IX. PMHS ADMINISTRATION (Continued)

A. RESIGNATION

Mr. Gremlitz informed the Board that Peter Tuttle has resigned from his position as part-time Athletic Director, effective at the end of the school year, but is willing to remain until a suitable replacement has been identified. Ms. Paradise suggested sending Mr. Tuttle a letter of thanks with an explanation why the position cannot be expanded to full time at this time.

B. MARINE BIOLOGY PROJECT

Through the generosity of the Sanderson trust, PMHS was able to provide the marine biology program to PMHS students again this year. This program provides enrichment for upperclassmen, who choose to become “instructors,” and provides a unique hands-on experience for 9th grade students. The students use a floating lab experience based at Rye Harbor and the Isles of Shoals. Ms. Paradise asked if, within the new schedule, this program could continue. Mr. Gremlitz stated that it could take place but will be up to a teacher taking the lead in writing the grant.

C. SCIENCE NECAP TESTING

NECAP science testing was completed on May 18, 19, and 20, 2010.

D. SENIOR TRIP

Ms. Stevens reported that the senior trip to Lake George, New York, was a great success.

X. STUDENT SERVICES ADMINISTRATION

A. RESIGNATIONS

Ms. Chassie reported that Denise Gordon, the current teacher of the high school skills program, and Tracy Bascom, grade four special education teacher, have resigned from their positions.

On a motion made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Mr. Wood, the Board voted unanimously to accept the resignation of Ms. Gordon and Ms. Bascom. The Board thanked Ms. Bascom for her six years of service to the district.

Ms. Chassie informed the Board that Sabrina Smith, high school educational assistant, and Cammie Guest, elementary school educational assistant, have resigned from their positions, effective at the end of the school year. The Board thanked them for their service and wished them well.

XI. SAU ADMINISTRATION

A. PMHS GYM ROOF

Dr. Freeman distributed the result of the gymnasium roof replacement and structural modifications bids. He reminded the Board that $280,000, with an addition $18,000 for architectural fees has been budgeted. Dr. Freeman explained a glitch in the process; Pro Con arrived 15 minutes late, after the bids had been opened and the other bidders had left. It is the recommendation of Dr. Freeman, based on advice from Attorney Boynton, to comply with School Board policy to accept only the bids received prior to the announced deadline.

On a motion made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Mr. Wood, the Board voted unanimously to award the bid to Whitcher.

B. SICK BANK REQUEST

Dr. Freeman explained the operations of the teacher sick leave bank. He reviewed a request from PMHS Teacher Barbara Gardner to use three and one half days from the bank. The Sick Bank Committee recommends the granting of the requested days; Dr. Freeman also recommended that the Board grant Ms. Gardner’s request.

On a motion made by Ms. Adams and seconded by Mr. Wolfe, the Board voted unanimously to award three and one half days to Ms. Gardner.

C. PMHS GYM RENOVATION

Dr. Freeman reviewed the updated schedule for the gymnasium renovation, which stretches the project into the mid-fall, later than was previously understood.

D. GRANT UPDATE

Dr. Freeman explained that the School Improvement Grant (SIG) will not be awarded by the end of May, as previously indicated by the Department of Education. It will now be the end of June before we are notified. Only three districts out of the seven eligible have applied. Manchester and Milton are the other two districts in addition to Pittsfield.

The Race to the Top Grant is in its second stage of applications. Again, Pittsfield has signed on to the grant; Mary Paradise for the School Board, John Freeman as superintendent of schools, and Kiza Armour for the Education Association of Pittsfield have signed on behalf of the district.

Joe DiMartino has encouraged Pittsfield to apply for a Nellie Mae School District Level Systems Change Grant. Dr. Freeman explained that the grant is designed for high schools with a 30% or higher free and reduced lunch rate. Its purpose is to promote systemic change in various key school reform / redesign areas. It will likely be fall before we hear about the grant award.

E. JUNE MEETING SCHEDULE

Due to the conflict between the next meeting scheduled for June 10, 2010, and Senior Awards, the Board decided to cancel their meeting.

On a motion made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Mr. Wood, the Board voted unanimously to give Superintendent Freeman the authority to hire staff during the summer session.

XII. SCHOOL BOARD

A. METAL WORKING EQUIPMENT

Mr. Wolfe explained that metal working equipment remaining from the former PMHS program is no longer needed by the district. He stated that Department Head George Bachelder, from the Pittsfield Highway Department, is interested in having some of the equipment for Department use at the Town Shed. Mr. Bachelder has offered his welding equipment and area to PMHS so that custodians no longer have to use the area that they currently use, which is inadequate and potentially unsafe. Ms. Paradise asked Mr. Wolfe to talk to Mr. Bachelder about the process for donating and accepting donations. She asked that the exchange (equipment for access to the welding area) be documented in a letter.

B. FIRE INSPECTION

Mr. Wolfe informed the Board that the Pittsfield Fire Department made an inspection of PES on May 26, 2010. Problems included some faulty lights and the amount of paper on the walls. Dr. Freeman reported that the Fire Department’s report from the spring PMHS inspection will be available at the next meeting.

XIII. COMMITTEES

A. DRAKE FIELD

Mr. Wolfe asked if the Drake Field reserve account can be used for other purposes, such as improving the field between the two schools. Dr. Freeman agreed to research the answer to that question.

Discussion ensued regarding the maintenance increase due to the expansion of the Tilton Hill Road. Ms. Paradise stated that the agreement was to maintain the same level of service as before the expansion.

B. BUDGET

Ms. Paradise thanked Mr. Wood for stepping in for her on the Foss Family Scholarship Foundation Committee. He attended a four-hour meeting to determine the recipients of this year’s scholarships.

XIV. NEXT MEETING

The next School Board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, June 24, 2009, at 5:30 p.m. at the Pittsfield Middle High School.

Discussion ensued regarding the practice of allowing spectators to ride the team bus to an away game. It was determined that this would be logistically difficult, as the coach would then be inappropriately supervising students other than the team. It was suggested that the Booster Club be approached about possible ideas.

Discussion ensued regarding the rules that govern the ability for adults to drive students. Ms. Paradise asked Dr. Freeman to research this area of policy and procedure.

XV. PUBLIC INPUT (Second Session) – None

XVI. NON-PUBLIC SESSION

At 8:32 p.m., a motion was made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Mr. Wood to enter into non-public session to discuss employee compensation pursuant to RSA 91-A:3, II (a and b). The Board was polled and voted unanimously (Ms. Adams, yes; Ms. Corliss, yes; Ms. Paradise, yes; Mr. Wolfe, yes; Mr. Wood, yes) to enter into a non-public session.

A. LEGAL ACTION

Dr. Freeman advised the Board of the settlement of an outstanding legal issue at no cost to the district.

B. ATHLETIC DIRECTOR POSITION

The Board discussed the now-open PMHS Athletic Director position.

C. RESIGNATION

Dr. Freeman presented the Board with a letter of resignation from a PMHS faculty member; the Board discussed the resignation.

At 8:56 p.m., a motion was made by Mr. Wood and seconded by Mr. Wolfe to exit the non-public session. The Board was polled and voted unanimously (Ms. Adams, yes; Ms. Corliss, yes; Ms. Paradise, yes; Mr. Wood, yes; Mr. Wolfe, yes) to re-enter into open session.

XVII. PUBLIC SESSION

A. RESIGNATION

On a motion made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Mr. Wood, the Board voted unanimously accept the resignation of Ruth Lambert as special education teacher at Pittsfield Middle High School.

XVIII. ADJOURNMENT

On a motion made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Ms. Adams, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 8:57 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Tobi Gray Chassie
Recording Secretary

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