APPROVED BY THE PITTSFIELD SCHOOL BOARD

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

MINUTES

Pittsfield School Board Meeting
Thursday, October 10, 2013
Pittsfield Middle High School

I. CALL TO ORDER

Members Present: Michael Wolfe, Chair
Nicole Manteau, Vice-Chair
Bea Douglas
Gary Mullen
Ray Ramsey

Others Present: John Freeman, Superintendent
Susan Graham, Dean of Instruction
Tobi Gray Chassie, District Administrator
Paul Newell, Dean of Operations
Lois Stevens, Director of Student Services
Lily Plummer, PMHS Site Council Representative
Ross Morse, Community Liaison

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

II. AGENDA REVIEW

The following items were added to the agenda:
• EDies Plaque Ceremony
• School Board Association Resolutions
• Resignation
• District Administrator Report

III. ACTION ON AMENDED AGENDA

On a motion made by Ms. Manteau and seconded by Mr. Ramsey, the Board voted unanimously to approve the amended agenda.

IV. APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MEETING MINUTES

A motion was made by Ms. Manteau and seconded by Mr. Mullen to approve minutes of the September 26, 2013, meeting. On page four, paragraph four, change to, “Mr. Newell explained that a law requires a board member to be a member of the Wellness Team.” On page four, paragraph five, change to, “Ms. Stevens reported that a progress monitoring program to assist with the collection and use of data has been purchased. This program is used to measure progress of the interventions being implemented to help close the achievement gap between typical students and students with disabilities.” On page five, paragraph three, change to “…will assist teacher to identify areas of strength…” On page seven, paragraph one, change to “…Foss Foundation Scholarship meeting” The School Board unanimously approved the minutes as amended.

V. PUBLIC INPUT

Ross Morse, Community Liaison, thanked Mr. Wolfe for his participation at the student-led conference video premiere.

VI. DEAN OF INSTRUCTION

A. NECAP TESTING

According to Ms. Graham, NECAP testing is in progress and going well. The window for administering the tests ends on October 21, 2013.

B. DATA CYCLES

NWEA testing was completed on October 8, 2013. The College Board Readistep, PSAT, and SAT will be given on October 16, 2013. The testing will be followed by a series of short data cycles that will function as checkpoints on progress and inform instruction and ultimately, increase the rigor of the program.

C. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

PMHS staff analyzed data from a PMHS student survey on student engagement, according to Ms. Graham. At PES staff continues to work with Consultant Susan Villani from WestEd on peer observations and reflective practices.

D. COMPETENCIES

Ms. Graham explained that Tim Felderman and Shirley Sovereign of Howard-Winneshiek School in northeast Iowa contacted Pittsfield seeking to collaborate with another district that has implemented course competencies. A phone conference is being organized as a first step in developing a collaborative relationship.

E. INVESTING IN INNOVATIONS TEAM

The Investing in Innovations (i3) team has planned professional development for the PMHS faculty. The team will also begin a formal group analysis of student work to inform and change instruction based on demonstrated student learning.

F. CLAYTON CHRISTENSEN INSTITUTE

According to Ms. Graham, the Clayton Christensen Institute, a non-profit think tank that studies game changing innovation in the public sector, has contacted the district. The institute has started a case study looking at the use of technology and blended learning in New Hampshire schools.

G. TEAM TEACHING

In response to a question asked by Mr. Ramsey, Ms. Graham explained the team teaching effort that is occurring between unified arts teachers at PES, specifically art and physical education. The work is being piloted in grades 3 and 4. Meetings are occurring every two weeks to evaluate the pilot.

VII. DEAN OF OPERATIONS

A. PES FACILITIES

Construction, according to Mr. Newell, is on schedule. He reviewed some details of the construction process. Mr. Newell explained that landscaping and grading issues are also being addressed within budget.

B. FIRE DRILLS

Mr. Newell reported that initial fire drills have been conducted in both schools. He explained that the Emergency Management Team is making arrangements for staff to wear identification tags on lanyards.

C. DISCIPLINE

Mr. Newell stated that work on helping students make connections between their behavior and its impact on the school community continues. PMHS is moving to documenting behavioral incidents through a software program called School Wide Information System (SWIS).

The Justice Committee is in the process of finalizing the discipline process map. The School Board can expect a presentation of the process later in the fall.

D. HANDBOOKS

According to Student Representative Lily Plummer, the Site Council continues to work on the Family/Student Handbook. Sub-committees have been assigned to work on specific sections, using a protocol to make sure content is accurate and aligned with the school norms.

E. ATHLETICS

IMPACT testing to establish baselines for use when concussions may be expected was scheduled for October 9 and 10, 2013. A letter is going out explaining the process to parents; the test is voluntary.

According to Mr. Newell, a police report has been submitted regarding the graffiti that led to the repainting of the grandstands and dugouts.

A Drake Field committee, composed of citizens, coaches, and other interested parties, is being formed.

F. STAFFING

Mr. Newell reported that the Student Support Center paraeducator position has been filled. Ms. Fran Kirschner has been welcomed to the school community.

A candidate has been selected to fill the PMHS school nurse position; she will begin next week.

G. RESIGNATION

Katie Bartoszak, IT Technician, has submitted her resignation, effective on October 23, 2013. Efforts are underway to fill the position as soon as possible.

VIII. DIRECTOR OF STUDENT SERVICES – Report in non-public section of the meeting.

IX. DIRECTOR OF COLLEGE AND CAREER READINESS

A. DUAL ENROLLMENT EXTENDED LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

Dual enrollment extended learning opportunities are being investigated and created, the first of its kind in New Hampshire. By report, Dr. Rollins provided the School Board with some examples.

B. UPCOMING EVENTS

Dr. Rollins is working with New Hampshire Higher Education Assistance Foundation (NHEEAF) to host several programs. On October 10, 2013, a program for second graders will be provided. On October 22, 2013, a college overview with parents will be held. On December 12, 2013, a financial aid night has been scheduled.

C. MENTORING PROGRAM

A dinner was held on September 26, 2013, to celebrate the mentoring program, which strives to provide a safe environment for high school students and younger students to develop healthy mentoring relationships.

D. UNH COLLEGE FAIR

Juniors and seniors attended the UNH annual college fair. The trip was an enormous success. Two PMHS graduates who are students at the University gave the group a tour of the UNH campus.

E. TESTING

According to Dr. Rollins’ report, all high school students will be involved in taking PSATs, SATs, and Readistep on October 16, 2013. Together, these assessments measure a progression of skills and help the district make directed interventions and decisions at critical points in students’ education.

F. HOME CONNECTION PARENT WORKSHOP SERIES

The Home Connection Parent Workshop Series is designed to set the seeds of college mindedness in the early years of schooling. Plans are being made to implement the series in Pittsfield.

G. BROWN CENTER TRIP

The annual 9th grade trip to the University of New Hampshire Brown Center for Innovative Learning is scheduled for October 28, 2013.

X. DISTRICT ADMINISTRATOR / PROJECT MANAGER

A. POSITION ANALYSIS

On a motion made by Mr. Ramsey and seconded by Ms. Douglas, the School Board unanimously approved the following position descriptions: Director of College & Career Readiness, Athletic Director, Coach, Project Manager, PES Counselor, and PMHS Counselor.

B. FOCUS AND PRIORITY DESIGNATION

Ms. Chassie explained the Focus and Priority School designation of the New Hampshire Department of Education. She reported that a steering team will be proposing an action plan in an attempt to close the achievement gap between typical learners and students with disabilities or economically challenged.

C. MULTI-TIER SYSTEM OF SUPPORT

A universal screening conducted by teachers on every student in the district will begin on October 28, 2013. This process was piloted last spring in grades 4 and 9 and will serve to eliminate the possibility that a student is struggling academically or social-emotionally without intervention.

D. GOOD TO GREAT TEAM

The Good to Great Team will be meeting on October 15, 2013, at 5:30 p.m. There are four sub-teams on which people are being recruited to participate.

E. NELLIE MAE EDUCATION FOUNDATION

According to Ms. Chassie, representatives from the Nellie Mae Education Foundation visited on October 3 and 4, 2013. They were present for the student led conferences video premiere, as well as conversations and observations of classes.

A task force meeting and cross-site meeting is scheduled for November 5, 6, 7, 8, 2013. Mary Paradise, as the School Board’s representative, will be attending with teachers, administrators, and community members.

F. YOUTH LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE

Teachers Derek Hamilton and Jenny Wellington, along with Molly Messenger from Pittsfield Listens, accompanied eight PMHS students to a youth leadership institute sponsored by the Nellie Mae Education Foundation and Annenberg Institute on School Reform on October 4 and 5, 2013. The students enjoyed meeting and working with approximately fifty students from the four grant sites.

G. COMMUNICATION

The premier of the video, In Charge: Student-Led Conferences at Pittsfield Middle High School, took place on October 3, 2013. There were approximately 50 people in attendance to enjoy the video as well as a panel discussion hosted by Dr. Freeman.

H. LOGIC MODEL / WORK PLAN

The PMHS Logic Model is undergoing a revision. Work will continue on this process at the Nellie Mae Education Foundation cross-site meeting in November.

The process for PES to develop a logic model will begin on October 29, 2013. School Board members are encouraged to participate.

I. PROFESSIONAL GROWTH AND EVALUATION PLAN

Ms. Chassie reported that PMHS Teacher Kiza Armour represented the school at a recent regional Northeast Educator Effectiveness Research Alliance and Northeast Comprehensive Center conference. She was a member of a panel discussing the implementation of plans designed to measure teacher effectiveness.

Dr. Freeman and Ms. Chassie will be representing the district and state at the Learning Forward national conference in December. They will be presenting information on school leader evaluation, with an emphasis on the district’s administrative reorganization.

XI. SAU ADMINISTRATION

A. FY 2013 FUND BALANCE

Dr. Freeman reported the fund balance from the FY13 budget to be $162,504. Originally, the district was anticipating a school tax rate of $1.34/thousand; due to the fund balance, the impact is actually $.72/thousand.

B. SCHOOL APPROVAL DESIGNATION

Both PES and PMHS have been designated as Conditionally Approved by the New Hampshire Department of Education. PES is required to submit a health inspection report and verify a health education program. PMHS is required to submit an updated fire inspection report. Ms. Graham and Mr. Newell are working on these details.

C. EDies PLAQUE CEREMONY

The EDies plaque ceremony will be held on November 4, 2013 at 4:00 p.m. at the Department of Education in Concord. No School Board members are available to attend.

D. NHSBA

Dr. Freeman explained that the New Hampshire School Board Association will conduct its annual meeting on January 11, 2014. There has been a call for any possible resolutions that the School Board may want to propose.

XII. NEXT MEETING

The next School Board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, October 24, at 5:30 p.m. at the Pittsfield Middle High School.

XIII. PUBLIC INPUT (Second Session) – None

XIV. NON-PUBLIC SESSION

At 6:45 p.m., a motion was made by Mr. Mullen and seconded by Ms. Manteau to enter into non-public session to discuss support staff compensation and collective bargaining with the Education Association of Pittsfield pursuant to RSA 91-A:3, II (c). The Board was polled and voted unanimously (Ms. Douglas, yes; Ms. Manteau, yes; Mr. Mullen, yes; Mr. Ramsey; Mr. Wolfe, yes) to enter into a non-public session.

The Board discussed support staff compensation and several aspects of the current collective bargaining agreement with the EAP.

No action was taken in non-public session.

XV. OPEN SESSION

At 7:15 p.m., a motion was made by Mr. Mullen and seconded by Ms. Manteau to exit non-public session and to re-enter into open session. The Board was polled and voted unanimously (Ms. Douglas, yes; Ms. Manteau, yes; Mr. Mullen, yes; Mr. Ramsey, yes; Mr. Wolfe, yes) to exit non-public session and to re-enter into open session.

XVI. ADJOURNMENT

On a motion made by Ms. Manteau and seconded by Mr. Mullen, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 7:17 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Tobi Gray Chassie
Recording Secretary