APRROVED BY THE PITTSFIELD SCHOOL BOARD

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

MINUTES

Pittsfield School Board Meeting
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Pittsfield Elementary School

I. CALL TO ORDER

Members Present: Mary Paradise, Chairperson
Kathy Corliss
Leslie Vogt
Michael Wolfe
Elizabeth Adams

Others Present: Tobi Gray Chassie, Director of Student Services
Lois-Jean Stevens, Coordinator of Student Services
Jeff DeLois, Assistant Principal, PMHS
Doug Kilmister, Principal, PES

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

II. AGENDA REVIEW

There were no items added to or deleted from the agenda.

III. ACTION ON AGENDA

On a motion made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Ms. Corliss, the Board voted unanimously to approve the agenda.

IV. APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MEETING MINUTES

A motion was made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Ms. Corliss to approve the minutes of September 17, 2009. Mr. Wolfe pointed out a correction on page 3, section D; change Granit to Granite. The motion passed unanimously to approve the minutes as amended.

V. PUBLIC INPUT – None

VI. WELCOME

Ms. Paradise welcomed Ms. Adams to the School Board, as the member appointed to take the place of Ross Morse, who was unable to complete his term.

VII. PES ADMINISTRATION

A. ARRA Enhancing Education Through Technology (EETT or E2T2)

Mr. Kilmister explained that Pittsfield is eligible for $150,000 worth of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act stimulus technology funding. Mr. Kilmister is working with a district-wide team to outfit eight classrooms with a set of digital tools which will include SmartBoards, digital cameras, and recording devices, as well as two complete laptop mobile labs. This project will require eight teachers to volunteer to meet the requirements of the grant. The grant is due on November 6, 2009 so work will continue to prepare a proposal.

Ms. Vogt asked if the technology capacity in the district is able to accommodate the addition of this technology, if the grant is awarded to Pittsfield. Mr. Kilmister explained that the district will need to convert from the cable system to a T1 line, which can be done for no further expense. He further explained that the District may need to eventually consider more time from a technology coordinator to maintain the technology that the District is gradually acquiring.

B. Open House

Mr. Wolfe congratulated Mr. Kilmister on the success of Open House. There was an excellent turnout. The idea of a central sign up for activities was a success.

C. Head Custodian

George Szelest has been hired as the head custodian at PES. Ralph Perkins, who is working half time at PMHS, is now working half time at PES. The combining of two half time positions, created an opportunity for Mr. Perkins to work full time.

VIII. PMHS ADMINISTRATION

A. Student Elections

Mr. DeLois distributed a list of class officers and student council officers.

B. NECAP

Mr. DeLois explained that all staff has been notified of the initiatives with the goal of improving our school-wide results on the NECAP. Students have been informed that there will be delayed opening for all students not involved in the testing. This will help to focus everyone’s attention on the test-taking process. Breakfast will be served to the students by teachers and administration.

C. Senior Camping Trip

Ms. Vogt commented on the fact that only half of the students from the senior class participated on the senior overnight camping trip to Hidden Valley Scout Camp on September 19 and 20, 2009. She asked how the participation might be improved. Ms. Paradise stated that the fall trip might serve as a backdrop for better participation for the spring class trip. She asked if having the trip at the end of the junior year, might it increase the level of interest for the senior trip. It was suggested that the date be publicized earlier so that parents can make plans accordingly with the hopes of increasing participation.

IX. STUDENT SERVICES ADMINISTRATION

A. Preschool Location

Ms. Chassie explained that the issues with the insurance company regarding a move of the preschool to Blueberry Express Day Care will continue to be pursued. In the meantime, Chris Teague and Ms. Chassie will monitor the success of the Kindergarten Plus Program to see if the move continues to be warranted.

X. SAU ADMINISTRATION

A. Policies

Ms. Paradise suggested the Board consider for adoption, Policy BBBF: Student Members of the School Board; Policy EEAEA: Mandatory Drug & Alcohol Testing – School Bus Driver; Policy IHAM: Health Education & Exemption from Instruction; Policy IKB: Homework; Policy IKE: Promotion & Retention of Students; Policy IL: Evaluation; Policy JEB: Age of Entrance; Policy JG: Assignment of Students to Classes and Grade Levels; Policy JLD: School Guidance and counseling Program.

A motion was made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Ms. Corliss to approve the above listed policies. Three typographical errors were noted. The board voted unanimously to approve the policies with the corrections made.

Ms. Paradise offered the following policies for the first reading: Policy DJ: Purchasing; Policy DJB: Purchasing Procedures; Policy DJF: Local Purchasing; Policy DJG: Vendor Relations; Policy DK: Payment Procedures; Policy DKA: Payroll Procedures; Policy DKC: Expense Reimbursement.

The Board asked Dr. Freeman to be sure there were no conflicting policies or procedures relative to expense reimbursement, particularly mileage reimbursement.

On a motion made by Ms. Vogt and seconded by Mr. Wolfe, the Board unanimously approved for the first reading.

B. Informational Items

In the absence of Dr. Freeman, Ms. Paradise asked if there were any questions regarding the informational items in his report.

Ms. Adams asked for clarification regarding the Retirement System Cost Shifting, for which Dr. Freeman had enclosed an overview from the NH Municipal Association. Additional information will be asked of Dr. Freeman.

C. SAU Renovations

According to Mr. DeLois the work to renovate the new SAU office has begun.

D. PMHS Redesign

Ms. Paradise explained that Mr. Joe DiMartino will be hired to assist the District in working toward redesigning our middle high school. On Saturday, October 17, 2009 from 9:30 to 1:30, a core of ten people will be working with Mr. DiMartino. On Saturday, November 14, 2009 from 8:00 to 4:00, the original ten people along with an additional ten people will be working to create a framework for the future of the school. She asked if other members of the Board would be interested in participating. She will participate and invites others to join, especially on November 14, 2009.

XI. COMMITTEES

A. Drakes Field

Mr. Wolfe stated that he would be using the boat ramp parking lot for gravel delivery. The gravel will only be there for a short time.

Ms. Corliss thanked Tara Pinto, Peter Tuttle, and Jen Tyrell for cleaning the locker rooms at Drakes Field.

Ms. Adams suggested that when tasks need to be accomplished, there might be success in asking the public for assistance. Ms. Paradise indicated much of Drake Field work has involved volunteers and donations from the public. We should continue to seek this assistance. There was also discussion of making sure needed work is considered as a school district function when appropriate.

B. Negotiations

Ms. Paradise reported that the first meeting has taken place. Ms. Paradise and Ms. Vogt will be reviewing the current contract for potential talking points. Subsequent meetings have been scheduled, with the last meeting scheduled on December 8, 2009, in time for a warrant article to be added.

The meeting schedule may affect School Board meetings. It is possible for the Board being required to meet on December 3rd and 10th, but not the 17th. Ms. Paradise will keep the Board updated on any meeting date changes.

XII. NEXT MEETING

The next School Board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, October 15, 2009, at 5:30 p.m. at the Pittsfield Middle High School. The agenda will include information regarding negotiations (non-public).

XIII. PUBLIC INPUT (Second Session) – None

XIV. ADJOURNMENT

On a motion made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Ms. Adams, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 6:39 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Tobi Gray Chassie
Recording Secretary