APPROVED BY THE PITTSFIELD SCHOOL BOARD

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
SCHOOL ADMINISTRATIVE UNIT #51
PITTSFIELD PITTSFIELD SCHOOL BOARD

MINUTES

Pittsfield School Board
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Pittsfield Middle High School

I. CALL TO ORDER

Members Present: Mary Paradise, Chairperson
Gary Colby
Leslie Vogt
Scott Brown
Mike Wolfe

Others Present: John Freeman, Superintendent
Tobi Gray Chassie, Director of Student Services
Lois Jean Stevens, Coordinator of Student Services
Richard Gremlitz, Principal, PMHS
Doug Kilmister, Principal, PES

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

II. PUBLIC SESSION – None

III. TOUR

The School Board and Administrative Team participated in a tour of several locations within PMHS that are potential sites for the relocation of the SAU office.

IV. WORK SESSION

• Dr. Freeman distributed copies of the revised Revenue Summary
• Dr. Freeman distributed copies of the revised Budget Report 2009-2010 (Report #11467, run on November 13, 2008).
• Dr. Freeman distributed copies of the revised Personnel List 2009-2010 (Report run November 13, 2008).
• Dr. Freeman distributed copies of a memo that summarized changes from the current budget that are reflected in the proposed budget. He explained that the items noted in the memo are based on conversations that he has had with administrators, conversations with members of the board, and the minutes from previous Board meetings.
• Dr. Freeman explained that the proposed budget represents a $156,401 increase over the current year budget, which represents a $.50 tax increase.
• Discussion ensued regarding the effect of the warrant articles on the bottom line.
• Based on a question from Mr. Colby, Dr. Freeman explained that the revenue collected from athletic user fees is approximately $10,000. Mr. Colby suggested that the Board consider rescinding the fee structure. Ms. Paradise explained that there is a fund available for students who cannot afford the fee and thought that people are generally accustomed to paying the fee and that this may not be the year to rescind the fee program.
• Ms. Paradise asked questions regarding the money that is required to maintain Drake Field. She stated that the past practice of having a warrant article to provide general school building maintenance has been discontinued based on the recommendation of the district auditor. Dr. Freeman agreed to investigate the allocation of funds and use of the trust fund used to maintain Drake Field and report back to the Board.
• Ms. Vogt asked if personnel adjustments had been made, to which Dr. Freeman answered in the affirmative. Ms. Vogt suggested that the SAU staff review the personnel list prior to submission to the town budget committee.

V. NON-PUBLIC SESSION

At 6:20 p.m., a motion was made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Mr. Brown to enter into non-public session to discuss personnel matters. The Board was polled and voted unanimously to enter into a non-public session under the provisions of RSA 91-A:3 II (a).

Dr. Freeman reviewed the memo outlining issues represented in the proposed budget.
Discussion ensued regarding the personnel ramifications of the proposed budget.

A motion was made by Mr. Colby and seconded by Wolfe to come out of the non-public
Session and re-enter open session. The Board was polled and voted to come out of the non-public session at 6:53 p.m.

VI. WORK SESSION (continued)

On a motion made by Ms. Vogt and seconded by Mr. Wolfe, the Board voted unanimously to adopt the proposed FY10 school district budget at $9,783,554. Ms. Paradise thanked the administrative team for their work in preparing the budget proposal.

VII. OTHER

A. Budget Committee

Dr. Freeman distributed a memo outlining possible mini presentations that the administrative team would make to the Pittsfield Budget Committee. Discussion ensued, and it was agreed that the administrative team would move forward in planning the presentations.

B. Student Information System

Dr. Freeman explained that Mr. Gremlitz and Mr. Kilmister co-chaired a committee whose mission it was to recommend a new student information system for the district.
Mr. Gremlitz explained that the committee was composed of a representation of staff from both PES and PMHS. The team investigated several vendors’ products and participated in three presentations by the vendors. The team recommended the product provided by Pearson be purchased for the school district. Mr. Kilmister further explained the process that was used to select the product. Ms. Stevens explained, from a parent’s perspective, the potential benefits of the system. Mr. Gremlitz stated that the program will be phased in while providing training along the way. The parent access component of the program may be delayed for a year while staff is trained in using the system.

On a motion made by Mr. Brown and seconded by Mr. Colby, the Board voted unanimously to accept the recommendation for the bid from Pearson for $18,335 for purchase of the new student information system.

C. Student Athlete Conduct and Discipline

Mr. Gremlitz distributed a proposed revision for the Athletic Handbook regarding student athlete conduct and discipline. The revision was prepared by a representation of coaches, parents, and administrators. He explained that the proposed revisions reflect consistency with the NHIAA guidelines. He explained that the entire Athletic Handbook will be further revised before next fall. Dr. Freeman added that there will also be changes recommended for the coaches’ contract agreements reflecting clear expectations of coaches. Discussion ensued regarding a variety of scenarios that might arise relative to the disciplinary policy. Mr. Gremlitz explained that the use of the conduct and discipline procedures could be tested throughout the winter and spring seasons and that Handbook will be revised in its entirety for the 2009-2010 school year.

On a motion made by Mr. Brown and seconded by Mr. Wolfe, the Board voted unanimously to accept the Student Athlete Conduct and Discipline revision as presented for the Student Athlete Handbook.

D. Coaching Nominations

Dr. Freeman reminded the Board that, in a previous meeting, the School Board voted to authorize the superintendent to hire support staff, including coaches. He offered the Board the opportunity to reconsider this practice. The Board affirmed their decision to allow the superintendent to hire support staff, including coaches. Mr. Gremlitz shared the list of winter coaches who will be hired.

VIII. ADJOURNMENT

On a motion made by Mr. Brown and seconded by Mr. Colby, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 7:38 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Tobi Gray Chassie
Recording Secretary