ADVANCE COPY, SUBJECT TO THE APPROVAL THE PITTSFIELD SCHOOL BOARD
STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
SCHOOL ADMINISTRATIVE UNIT #51
BARNSTEAD – PITTSFIELD PITTSFIELD SCHOOL BOARD
MINUTES
Pittsfield School Board
May 3, 2007
Pittsfield Middle High School
I. CALL TO ORDER
Members Present: Scott Brown, Chairman
Chris Ward
Mary Paradise
Gary Colby
Leslie Vogt
Others Present: Toby Eaton, Business Administrator
Karen Erlandson, Principal, PMHS
Mark Jarvis, Director of Student Services, PMHS
Jeff DeLois, Administrator, PMHS
Dr. John Freeman, Principal, PES
Tobi Gray Chassie, Director of Student Services, PES
Mr. Brown called the meeting to order at 5:31 p.m.
II. AGENDA REVIEW
Dr. Freeman added teacher retirement, support staff resignations, and award
announcement. Mr. Colby added a committee update.
III. APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MEETING MINUTES
On a motion made by Ms. Paradise and seconded by Mr. Ward, the Board voted to
accept the minutes of April 19, 2007 as written, with Ms. Vogt abstaining from the
vote and the remaining members voting in the affirmative.
IV. PUBLIC INPUT – None
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V. PES ADMINISTRATION
A. Position Restoration
Dr. Freeman reviewed the memo from Dr. Compton regarding a
recommendation to restore two (2) Special Education Teaching positions.
Discussion ensued regarding the pros and cons of maintaining the two
positions. On a motion made by Ms. Paradise and seconded by Mr. Colby, the
Board voted unanimously to restore two (2) Special Education Teaching
positions to the Pittsfield Elementary School. Ms. Paradise and Ms. Vogt
agreed to contact the chairperson of the Budget Committee and make
arrangements to inform them of this decision.
B. Retirement
Dr. Freeman explained that Susan Camp has submitted a letter informing the
Board of her intent to retire at the end of the school year. She has worked for
the Pittsfield School District for seventeen years. On a motion made by Ms.
Paradise and seconded by Mr. Colby, the Board voted unanimously to accept
Ms. Camp’s resignation with regret and many thanks for service to our children
for 17 years.
C. Resignations
Dr. Freeman presented letters of resignation from Frank Berry, Pearl Chagnon,
and Gregory Kelly. On a motion made by Mr. Colby and seconded by Mr.
Ward, the Board voted unanimously to accept the resignation of Gregory Kelly,
with wishes of luck. On a motion made by Mr. Ward and seconded by Mr.
Colby, the Board voted unanimously to accept the resignation of Frank Barry.
On a motion by Ms. Paradise and seconded by Mr. Colby, the Board voted to
accept the resignation of Ms. Chagnon with regret and many thanks for her
many years of service.
D. Award
Dr. Freeman announced that the 2007 NH Special Education Teacher of the
Year award has been awarded to Mrs. Susan Bradley. The award will be
officially presented on June 9th at the 14th Annual NH Excellence in Education
Award ceremony. Anyone interested in attending the celebration should
contact Ms. Chassie no later than May 28, 2007.
VI. PMHS ADMINISTRATION
A. Long-Term Substitute
Ms. Erlandson informed the Board that Pamela Sanderson has been hired as a
long-term substitute .
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B. Resignation
Mr. Jarvis announced the resignation of Stephanie Hunt from her position as
educational assistant. On a motion Ms. Paradise and seconded by Mr. Colby,
the Board voted unanimously to accept the resignation of Ms. Hunt.
C. Gymnasium Lighting
On May 9, 2007 materials will be delivered and installation will begin soon
thereafter.
D. Sam’s Club
Ms. Erlandson explained that an assembly would be held on May 8, 2007 at
8:00 in recognition of a Sam’s Club award to a high school teacher. Students
nominated the teacher and the award will be a surprise to the recipient.
E. Chichester Grange Teacher of the Year Award
The Chichester Grange asked for a nomination of a teacher for the award of
Teacher of the Year. It was determined to make the award to Michael
Pzonowsky, posthumously. The award will be given in a ceremony at the
Chichester Grange on May 16, 2007 at 7:00. Mrs. Pzonowsky will be present
to receive the award.
E. Mathematics
Ms. Erlandson explained some changes that have been made in the staffing of
the high school math department.
VII. SAU ADMINISTRATION
A. Waiver
Mr. Eaton submitted a memo from Dr. Compton seeking the Board’s permission
for him to request a waiver for one day in the school calendar. On a motion by
Mr. Colby and seconded by Mr. Ward, the Board voted unanimously to approve
the Superintendent’s intent to submit a request for a one day waiver for
Tuesday, April 17, 2007.
B. Bids
Mr. Eaton explained that he is interested in beginning the bidding process for
maintenance of Drake Field. On a motion made by Mr. Colby and seconded by
Mr. Ward, the Board voted unanimously to authorize Mr. Eaton to start the
bidding process for the maintenance of Drake Field.
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C. Roof Repairs
Mr. Eaton explained that Primex is developing an estimate for damages
sustained in the recent rain storm. All-Brite has finished cleaning measures that
were necessitated. Once estimates are received, the roof will be fixed.
D. Expenditure Report
Mr. Eaton distributed a copy of the expenditure report. He will prepare a
request for transfers for the next meeting.
VIII. COMMITTEES
A. Drake Field & Facilities
Mr. Colby reported that the Tilton Hill fields were washed out in the recent
storm. Local softball and baseball teams have been using Drake Field until
repairs are made. Mr. Colby reported that there has been significant damage
done to the gazebo due to vandalism. According to Mr. Colby, the Pittsfield
Police Department has recently made three arrests, which will hopefully deter
future vandalism. The fence at the other end of the field has sustained damage
from the storms.
Coach Rob Stockman has worked with volunteers to make repairs and changes
to the ball field. Mr. Colby publicly thanked Mr. Stockman and the volunteers
for the time and effort they have spent to make improvements to the field. Mr.
Dick Vincent and Mr. Mark Kubat will be starting the renovations of the space
below the bandstand.
Mr. Eaton commended Jim Dawson for noticing the damage to the electrical
box at Drake Field and making temporary repairs that prevented possible injury
to anyone.
Discussion ensued regarding the need for stronger police presence at Drake
Field. Although it was acknowledged that it is difficult to patrol the field, a
request will be made for there to be a greater effort made to protect the school’s
property. Ms. Vogt suggested that a donation of wireless video equipment be
sought that would provide the opportunity for better surveillance of Drake Field
by the Pittsfield Police Department. Establishing a reward for leads in the
identifying vandals was discussed.
B. Budget Committee
Ms. Paradise and Ms. Vogt will contact Cedric Dustin to see how the Budget
Committee would want to be informed of changes in the budget. The offer will
be made for either provision of an informational packet or a meeting convened.
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IX. NEXT MEETING
The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, May 17, 2007 at 5:30 at the Pittsfield
Middle High School. Mr. Brown will work with Dr. Compton to create the agenda.
X. PUBLIC INPUT (Second Session)
XI. ADJOURNMENT
On a motion made by Mr. Ward and seconded by Mr. Colby, the Board voted
unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 6:25 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Tobi Gray Chassie
Recording Secretary
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