May 9, 2013 Minutes

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 9, 2013
Pittsfield Middle High School

I. CALL TO ORDER

Members Present: Michael Wolfe, Chairperson (arrived at 5:35 p.m.)
Nicole Manteau, Vice Chairperson
Bea Douglas
Gary Mullen
Ray Ramsey

Others Present: John Freeman, Superintendent
Tobi Gray Chassie, District Administrator
Lois Stevens, Director of Student Services
Doug Kilmister, Principal, PES
Bob Bickford, Principal, PMHS
Members of the public
Students

Vice Chairperson Manteau called the meeting to order at 5:31 p.m.

II. AGENDA REVIEW

The following items were added:
• Energy Lighting Savings (Mr. Kilmister)
• Site Council Report (Mr. Bickford)
• Letter from PTO (Mr. Ramsey)
• Leave Request (Dr. Freeman)
• Retirement (Dr. Freeman)
• Communication from SAU#43 (Dr. Freeman)
• School Boards Association (Dr. Freeman)

III. ACTION ON AGENDA

On a motion made by Mr. Mullen and seconded by Mr. Wolfe, 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 April 11, 2013, School Board meeting. The following changes were made: 1) On page 3, sixth paragraph, change the second sentence to read, “The protocols are intended to increase student voice and contribute to time efficiency in acting on proposals.” 2) On page 4, second paragraph, change the first sentence to read, “Ms. Manteau stated that she is in favor of the proposal for Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, which allows students to have access to Concord Regional Center classes without missing classes at PMHS.” 3) On page 5, paragraph three; change the first sentence to read, “A request for the girls’ basketball team to attend an overnight event in Maine was presented.” 4) On page 8, paragraph 2, change to “…to hold a hearing to determine whether…” 5) On page 9, paragraph two, change the question mark to a period; add to the paragraph, “A concern was raised by Ms. Manteau about whether adequate coverage would be available in the absence of the social worker. Ms. Stevens stated that, although a challenge, we will find a way to meet the needs of our students.”

V. PUBLIC INPUT

Ms. Kathy Corliss introduced herself as a parent of two graduates and a current student, as well as a previous School Board member. She stated that she has concerns around the fact that most colleges require three years of a foreign language. She encouraged the School Board to support the access to French III and to support the students who have experience the transition from French to Spanish over the past two years. Ms. Corliss reported that the current sophomore class has experienced a number changes throughout their school years, such as long-term substitutes and the change in foreign languages. She asked the Board to remember those facts when the issue comes up to support a French III option.

Ms. Corliss expressed her concern about a certified chemistry teacher being in place for the following year. Dr. Freeman stated that the current chemistry teacher is on a medical leave for the remainder of this year, but will be offered a contract for next year based on recent School Board action.

Mr. Bickford reported that the On-Line/Dual Enrollment Coordinator is investigating an option for French III. Once information is gathered, a decision will be made whether to maintain a license for Rosetta Stone or to move to an on-line video conferencing option. Moving forward, if students request French, they will be able to do that through Virtual Learning Academy Charter School, a local on-line option.
Seven of the current eight students are definitely interested in continuing with French III.

VI. PES ADMNISTRATION

A. FAMILY ATTENDANCE AT APRIL EVENTS

Mr. Kilmister provided data regarding the number of families participating in the parent-teacher conferences on April 11 and 12 and the curriculum fair on April 17.

B. SCHOOL COMMUNITY INDEX SURVEY

Mr. Kilmister reported that 44% of PES parents have completed the School Community Index Survey. 40% was necessary in order to receive a report.

C. INSTRUCTIOAL CLASSROOM SWEEPS

Mr. Kilmister explained that data exists from two previous classroom sweeps which monitored the use of effective instructional practices, one from November, 2010, and another from February, 2012. The new sweep data, scheduled for May 20, will provide an updated picture of how teachers’ practices are evolving.

D. KINDERGARTEN SCREEING AND REGISTRATION

On May 1 and 2, Kindergarten teachers, Title I staff, the speech pathologist, the occupational therapist, the guidance counselor, the nurse, and Mr. Kilmister hosted the annual kindergarten registration and screening. The data from the screenings will assist in placement of children in classrooms and in offering a summer program for incoming kindergarteners who need additional preparation for their success in kindergarten. Twenty-three children participated and additional students are anticipated to come forward in the late spring and summer.

E. STUDENT DISCIPLINE

Mr. Kilmister provided the Board with discipline data from for the past four years. He noted that referrals are down significantly from last year and explained that most PES teachers attended a week-long Responsive Classroom institute last June, which Mr. Kilmister believes can be credited with playing a role in the improvement.

F. ENERGY LIGHTING SAVINGS

Mr. Kilmister explained that a representative from Rockingham Electrical Supply Company, Inc., has presented suggestions for energy savings. The utility incentive would be approximately $2,370. The net cost after incentive would be $10,787. There would be a 25% return on investment and it would take four
years for payback. The Board encouraged Mr. Kilmister to continue with the purchase process and to bring a proposal back to the Board at an upcoming meeting.

G. PES CALENDAR

Significant dates were shared by Mr. Kilmister for May and June.

VII. PMHS ADMINISTRATION

A. SITE COUNCIL

PMHS Student Noah Manteau explained that the Site Council approved a proposal for the restorative justice program. He also stated that the Site Council by-laws were revised and approved by the Council.

B. RESTORATIVE JUSTICE PROGRAM

Mr. Bickford explained that the PMHS IMPACT Team continues with their restorative justice proposal process. A norms sub-committee has developed ten PMHS norms for behavior. PMHS Teacher Jenny Wellington has been the faculty member taking the lead; she has been helped by several other teachers. Mr. Bickford explained that the norms are expected from all people in the school, as well as visitors. A rollout is being planned for the PMHS community.

C. COMMUNITY SERVICE

Mr. Bickford explained that the Advisory Council, under the direction of Teachers Ronda Fernald and Sheila Ward, is in the process of developing a community service competency for the ¼ credit that is required for a PMHS diploma.

D. MASTER SCHEDULING

Mr. Bickford stated his appreciation for the feedback the Board provided at the last meeting and assured the Board that the information has been delivered to the team working on the scheduling. Mr. Bickford explained elements of the schedule being considered.

E. PMHS CALENDAR

Significant dates were shared by Mr. Bickford for May and June.

VIII. STUDENT SERVICES

A. FOCUS MONITORING

On May 10, Technical Assistance Consultants Coleen Bovi and Joe Miller from SERESC will work with staff to develop an action plan that will identify the steps the Pittsfield School District will take to decrease the academic achievement gap between identified and typical students.

B. OUT OF DISTRICT PLACEMENTS

Ms. Stevens reported that seven students are currently in out of district programs, some due to court orders and others due to team decisions. One out of district student has recently moved and another is in the process of transitioning back to PMHS. Currently, a day placement is being considered for another student.

IX. DISTRICT LEVEL STYSTEM CHANGE / DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION

A. COMMUNICATION TEAM

Ms. Chassie explained that the Communication Team is in the process of finalizing a five part informational brochure. A videographer is finalizing a documentary film on student led conferences.

B. GOOD TO GREAT TEAM

The Good to Great Team is on track with the development of the continuous improvement process. Sub-teams are working mapping major processes.

C. PITTSFIELD PARENT CONNECTION

The Pittsfield Parent Connection (PPC) is in the process of planning for the next year of work, according to Ms. Chassie. They are planning to provide information at orientation as students transition from grade six. On May 20, a celebration of their work will be presented during the next PPC meeting.

D. PROFESSIONAL LEARNING COMMUNITIES

According to Ms. Chassie, a summer institute is being sponsored by the Nellie Mae Education Foundation on July 22, 23, 24, and 25. She encouraged Board members to notify her if they are interested in attending.

E. TEACHER AND STUDENT QUESTIONNAIRE

During the week of May 6, students and teachers will be completing a survey of questions relative to student centered learning. The results of the survey will
represent one measure of progress used for our district level systems change grant.

F. TECHNOLOGY

An explanation of the iPad rollout was provided. Ms. Stevens acknowledged Technology Integrator Carin Foss, who led the work on distributing the iPads to the middle and high school students.

X. SAU

A. SCHOOL BOARD STRATEGIC PLAN

Dr. Freeman provided the board with the latest draft of the proposed School Board Strategic Plan. Ms. Douglas pointed out that a mistake had been made relative to NECAPs being administered in 2015. On a motion made by Ms. Douglas and seconded by Mr. Mullen, the Board unanimously approved the strategic plan with the provision that the NECAP reference be corrected.

On May 22, the New Hampshire School Boards Association is sponsoring a strategic planning workshop. Dr. Freeman invited Board members to attend, if interested.

B. SCHOOL CALENDAR

On a motion made by Ms. Manteau and seconded by Ms. Douglas, the Board unanimously approved the proposed school district calendar for 2013-2014.

C. POLICY JICH – DRUG AND ALCOHOL USE BY STUDENTS

Dr. Freeman presented a revised Policy JICH – Drug and Alcohol Used by Students. On a motion made by Mr. Mullen and seconded by Mr. Ramsey, the Board unanimously approved the revised Policy JICH as presented.

D. LEAVE REQUEST

Dr. Freeman recommended the Board grant leave without pay for PMHS Teacher Denise Mason, who is currently on extended sick leave. On a motion by Mr. Ramsey and seconded by Ms. Douglas, the Board approved the request for leave without pay through the end of the current school year.

E. RETIREMENT

Dr. Freeman distributed a letter of resignation from PMHS Paraprofessional Louise Sawyer for purposes of retirement. Ms. Sawyer has worked for thirty years in the district. Ms. Douglas will send a note of appreciation to Ms. Sawyer for her dedicated years of service.

F. COMMUNICATION FROM SAU 43

Dr. Freeman distributed a letter from School Board Members Emily Owens and Linda Wadensten from SAU #43, asking for information on superintendent evaluations. Dr. Freeman was asked by the Board to provide SAU #43 with information regarding the superintendent evaluation.

G. NEW HAMPSHIRE SCHOOL BOARDS ASSOCIATION

Dr. Freeman announced that he has received notification that the Pittsfield School Board has been elected as 2013 New Hampshire School Board of Excellence. It was suggested that Mary Paradise and Clayton Wood be invited to attend the Eddie’s, where the award will be presented. A representative from the School Boards Association will also be present on June 20 to present a plaque. Ms. Douglas suggested that Ms. Paradise and Mr. Wood also be invited to the meeting on June 20. Dr. Freeman will extend the invitations.

H. LEADERSHIP RECRUITMENT AND HIRING

Dr. Freeman provided an update on the recruitment and hiring of the Dean of Instruction, Dean of Operations, and Director of College and Career Readiness. The planned leadership simulation has been rescheduled to May 15 at 3:00 p.m.; Board members were invited to participate, if available.

I. SCHOOL SAFETY FORUM

Dr. Freeman reported on the school safety forum held on April 17. Five Pittsfield parents participated.

J. SCHOOL LEADERSHIP RESTRUCTURING

Dr. Freeman provided an opportunity for parents and community members to learn about the new school leadership restructuring on April 17. Six Pittsfield parents were present to discuss the changes.

K. BUSINESS – SCHOOL CONNECTION

Several local community members, according to Dr. Freeman, met to discuss the idea of an ongoing business-school connection. A plan will be sketched out for this initiative by Good to Great Team Chairperson Scott Brown, Community Liaison Ross Morse, and Dr. Freeman to present to the Board in the next few months.

XI. SCHOOL BOARD

A. COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS

The following assignments were made:
• Budget Committee – Ray Ramsey and Bea Douglas (alternate)
• Drake Field & Facilities – Gary Mullen and Mike Wolfe
• Negotiating Team – Mike Wolfe and Bea Douglas
• Foss Foundation – Nicole Manteau

B. CHILI / SOUP COOK OFF

The PTO asked for the participation of the School Board on the judging panel for the upcoming Chili/Soup Cook Off fundraiser. Ms. Manteau agreed to be a judge.

XII. PUBLIC INPUT – 2nd SESSION – None

XIII. NON-PUBLIC SESSION

At 6:55 p.m., a motion was made by Mr. Mullen and seconded by Ms. Manteau to enter into non-public session to discuss an employee compensation issue pursuant to RSA 91-A:3, II (a). The Board was polled and voted unanimously (Ms. Douglas, yes; Ms. Manteau, yes; Mr. Mullen, yes; Mr. Ramsey, yes; Mr. Wolfe) to enter into a non-public session.

Dr. Freeman presented the Board with information regarding cost impact of health insurance increases to non-union employees. The Board discussed the information provided.

No action was taken in non-public session.

At 7:08 p.m., a motion was made by Mr. Mullen and seconded by Ms. Manteau to exit the non-public session. The Board was polled (Ms. Douglas, yes; Ms. Manteau, yes; Mr. Mullen, yes; Mr. Ramsey, yes; Mr. Wolfe) and voted unanimously to exit the non-public session and to re-enter into open session.

XIV. NEXT MEETING

The next School Board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, May 23, 2013, at 5:30 p.m. in the PMHS Media Center. Dr. Freeman will be unavailable for the meeting.

Also, due to conflicts with planned senior activities, the Board rescheduled its June meetings to June 6 and June 20.

XV. ADJOURNMENT

On a motion made by Ms. Manteau and seconded by Mr. Mullen, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 7:09 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Tobi Gray Chassie
Recording Secretary