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, November 8, 2012
Pittsfield Middle High School

I. CALL TO ORDER

Members Present: Clayton Wood, Chairperson
Michael Wolfe, Vice-Chairperson
Nicole Manteau
Gary Mullen

Others Present: John Freeman, Superintendent
Tobi Gray Chassie, District Administrator
Doug Kilmister, Principal, PES
Members of the public
Member of the staff

Chairman Wood called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.

II. AGENDA REVIEW

The following items were added:
• PES Dormer Window Replacement (Dr. Freeman)
• Snow Plow / Sanding Contract (Dr. Freeman)
• Annual School District Meeting Timeline (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. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

A motion was made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Mr. Mullen to approve the minutes of the October 25, 2012. The motion was unanimously passed to approve the minutes as written.

V. PUBLIC INPUT – None

VI. PMHS ADMINISTRATION

A. DRAKE FIELD SUMMER PROGRAM

Jeremy Kennepohl, Ryan Marquis, Debra Boyce, Quinn Boyce, Louise Sawyer, Ashleigh Garland, Melissa Maddock, and Ryan Oliver were present to make a presentation on the Drake Field Summer Recreation Program. Mr. Kennepohl distributed a list of educational field trips taken over the years of operation. He highlighted several trips that afforded students the opportunity to have experiences to which the general public does not have access. Mr. Kennepohl also provided a list of field trips taken “just for fun,” although development of social skills is a goal. Also, information regarding the expenses was provided. The average cost of the program has been about $12,000. Expenses are as follows: Salaries – 78.6%; Transportation – 13.6%, and Other – 6.8%.

The program has recently been funded with financial assistance from the Sanderson Trust Fund, Globe Manufacturing Company, Foss Family Trust, Rotary, Grappone Automotive, and Banks Chevrolet. This year, the Globe Manufacturing Company has notified Ms. Sawyer that they will not sponsor the program.

Mr. Kennepohl explained that the State of New Hampshire recognizes the program as an educational program. He proposed the funding of the program be supported by the School Board. He cited examples of the value of the program, including supporting students who might not otherwise have appropriate summer activities, including free breakfast and lunch through the Community Action Program.

Discussion ensued regarding other funding possibilities such as fund raising and grants. It was decided that the Board will investigate some further information and will return the item to the agenda on November 29, 2012.

B. GAME DIRECTOR INFORMATION

Peter Tuttle was present to provide information to the Board regarding the funding of game directors for fall and spring athletic events. Costs have been estimated as follows: Soccer – $285, Volleyball – $200, Basketball – $1020, Baseball – $60, Softball – $160, Total – $1825. If all the games for all sports and levels were covered the total would be $3,450. Discussion ensued regarding the cost of game directors and the need to control the budget.

Mr. Tuttle provided the Board with an update on athletic records. He announced the middle school boys won the Suncook Valley League Tournament.

C. SENIOR CLASS TRIP

A proposal for the Class of 2013 Senior Class Trip was submitted for the Board’s action. The Board was disappointed with the level of information provided and did not feel that they had enough information to make a decision. There was no mention of a schedule of events or chaperones. They tabled the item until the next meeting.

D. PMHS SIGNAGE

Ted Mitchell was present to discuss the Alumni Association’s proposal to replace the sign for the front of the building. The proposal is for a 10’2” X 3’1” LED cabinet sign that would be adhered to the side of the building. The company identified is Stewart Sign Company and will provide the training necessary to program the sign. Mr. Wood will work with Mr. Mitchell and Mr. Bickford to bring further details to the next meeting.

E. PANTHER UPDATE

Mr. Bickford provided the Board a copy of the first addition of the monthly Panther Update, a newsletter that will be produced monthly. The project was created by the PMHS Site Council with community member Jay Darrah and Community Liaison Ross Morse assisting.

F. CALENDAR

Mr. Bickford provided the Board with school event dates for October and November.

VII. PES ADMINISTRATION

A. VETERAN’S DAY

Paraprofessional Penny Ridener organized a Veteran’s Day ceremony for the school. Her husband, Mr. Ridener, and Judge Boyle were available to participate in the event. Ms. Ridener took the opportunity to thank the PES school community for the support she received while her husband was deployed.

B. INSTRUCTIONAL PRACTICES

WestEd Consultant Susan Villani will work with teams on two school-wide foci for instructional practice; two components from the Framework for Teaching, which is the description of teaching used in the Professional Growth and Evaluation Plan: 1c Setting Instructional Outcomes and 3c Engaging Students in Learning.

C. MILAN VILLAGE SCHOOL VISIT

Mr. Kilmister reported that four staff members accompanied him to the Milan Village School. The school has been recognized as an innovator in the use of technology. Principal Dave Backler provided the visitors with the opportunity to see teachers using mini-laptops and iPads.

D. PROJECT HOME

There is fading interest in the PES Project Home, according to Mr. Kilmister. He asked the Board for advice on whether we might try to re-engage the school community or put the project into hibernation for a time. It was decided that the plans for the project would be put on hold through the winter and reconsidered in the spring.

E. CALENDAR

Mr. Kilmister provided the Board with dates for October and November.

VIII. DISTRICT LEVEL SYSTEM CHANGE ADMINISTRATION

A. POSITION ANALYSIS

Ms. Chassie reported on the status of the position analyses that are about ready for the Board’s consideration of approval. At the December 13th meeting, the positions of superintendent, PES principal, and PMHS principal will be brought forward.

B. NELLIE MAE EDUCATION FOUNDATION (NMEF)

Ms. Chassie reported that the NMEF cross-site meeting for the four school districts awarded grants is in progress (November 7th through 9th). The event has been very satisfying, providing teachers and administrators with some valuable information. A journey map was prepared and shared with all of the participants. Dr. Freeman, Ms. Bradley, and Ms. Chassie participated in a presentation with Joe DiMartino and William Bryan from the Center for Secondary School Redesign on the topic of school transformation.

C. SCHOOL COMMUNITY INDEX

On November 14, 2012, at 5:30 p.m., a data driven dialogue will be facilitated using the results of the School Community Index (SCI) with parents and staff members participating. The SCI is an assessment that probes 65 points relative to relationships between the constituencies with the school community and identifies areas of strengths and areas needing attention.

D. COMMUNITY ADVISORY COUNCIL (CAC)

The next meeting of the CAC will be on November 15, 2012. The meeting will be held in conjunction with Pittsfield Listens regularly scheduled monthly listening session. Ultimately, the CAC will organize their final recommendation to the Superintendent for revised values, vision, mission, guiding principles, slogan, and logo.

E. COMMUNICATION TRAINING

Jane Feinberg, founder of Full Frame Communications, facilitated the first of a series of training sessions on October 24th. Sixteen school and community members attended. The training was aimed at developing skills in messaging the changes occurring in our schools and community.

IX. SAU ADMINISTRATION

A. PES DORMER WINDOWS

Dr. Freeman reminded the Board that Architect Dan Bisson was contacted to assist with identifying a remedy to the leaky window problem. A solution has been proposed by Granite State Glass, a reputable vendor that has provided satisfactory service in the past, for a cost of approximately $18,000, not to exceed $20,000. The Board’s policy requires a competitive bid “when feasible.” Due to the imminent arrival of winter, the Board agreed to waive the bidding process. On a motion made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Mr. Mullen, the Board approved the proposal for Granite State Glass to replace the identified dormer windows at PES, at a cost not to exceed $20,000.

B. SNOW PLOW CONTRACT

Dr. Freeman distributed a proposal from K&B Excavation for snow plowing services. No other proposals were received. On a motion made by Mr. Mullen and seconded by Mr. Wolfe, the proposal from K&B Excavation, LLC for snow plowing services for $13,500 per year for two years was approved.

C. QUARTERLY EXPENDITURE REPORT

Dr. Freeman distributed the first quarter expenditure report for the Board’s review. The status of the budget is good, although there are some special education costs that have not been finalized and included. Ms. Blanchette has encumbered all other anticipated costs.

D. PES FACILITY NEEDS

According to Dr. Freeman, Mr. Wood and he have met with Architect Dan Bisson to discuss the siding and window replacement for PES. Mr. Bisson will be updating the costs for the Board to consider at a December meeting.

E. SCHOOL DISTRICT MEETING

Dr. Freeman distributed the timeline for the Annual School District Meeting. The Budget Committee Hearing is scheduled for February 6, 2013, and the vote on the School District budget on February 13, 2013. By consensus, the Board agreed to conduct the Annual School District Meeting on Thursday, March 14, 2013.

F. FY14 BUDGET

Dr. Freeman provided the Board with the information that was requested relative to past Technology Expenses. Board members were encouraged to call or schedule an appointment with Ms. Blanchette or Dr. Freeman if further information or explanation is required.

X. COMMITTEES

A. DRAKE FIELD & FACILITIES – None

B. BUDGET COMMITTEE REPRESENTATIVE – None

C. NEGOTIATING TEAM – Discussion in Non-Public Session.

D. FOSS FOUNDATION – None

XI. PUBLIC INPUT – 2nd SESSION – None

XII. NON PUBLIC SESSION

At 7:30 p.m., a motion was made by Mr. Mullen and seconded by Mr. Wolfe to enter into non-public session to discuss a personnel matter pursuant to RSA 91-A:3, II (a) and (c). The Board was polled and voted unanimously (Ms. Manteau, yes; Mr. Mullen, yes; Mr. Wolfe, yes; Mr. Wood, yes) to enter into non-public session for the purpose of discussing two personnel issues and negotiations.

The Board discussed two separate personnel issues.

The Board discussed ongoing negotiations with the Education Association of Pittsfield.

No action was taken in non-public session.

At 7:52 p.m., a motion was made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Mr. Mullen to exit the non-public session. The Board was polled and voted unanimously (Ms. Manteau, yes; Mr. Mullen, yes; Mr. Wolfe, yes; Mr. Wood, yes).

XIII. NEXT MEETING

The next School Board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, November 29, 2012, at 5:30 p.m. in the PMHS Media Center.

XIV. ADJOURNMENT

On a motion made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Mr. Mullen, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 7:53 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Tobi Gray Chassie
Recording Secretary