October 11, 2012 Minutes

APPROVED BY THE PITTSFIELD SCHOOL BOARD

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

MINUTES

Pittsfield School Board Meeting
6:15 p.m.; Thursday, October 11, 2012
Pittsfield Middle High School

I. CALL TO ORDER

Members Present: Clayton Wood, Chair
Mike Wolfe, Vice-Chair
Nicole Manteau
Gary Mullen
Mary Paradise

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 and staff

Chairman Wood called the meeting to order at 5:35 p.m.

II. AGENDA REVIEW

The following items were added:
• Resignation (Dr. Freeman)
• Race to the Top Grant Application (Dr. Freeman)
• Non-Public – negotiations and personnel

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 September 27, 2012. Changes include: Page 4, Section G, add, “The Class of 2012 began the funding effort by donating the balance of their class account to the sign fund. Money from the Secretary of State’s unclaimed funds is being sought and when received will be donated to the sign account,” and Page 5, Section VII, change to “Ms. Paradise” and Ms. Manteau.” The motion was unanimously passed to approve the minutes as amended.

V. PUBLIC INPUT – None

VI. PRESENTATIONS

A. COMMUNITY LIAISON

Ross Morse, Community Liaison, provided the Board with a preview of the presentation that has been developed to help the community understand the District’s newly revised values, vision, mission, guiding principles and the logo/slogan.

Mr. Morse asked the Board for their opinion. The intent is to have the Board give feedback and return to the Community Advisory Council for their approval, before bringing the message to the broader community and eventually back to the Board for final approval. The Board expressed their approval of the presentation and revised statements as presented.

B. TECHNOLOGY

Mr. Bickford, Mr. Kilmister, and Carin Kilar presented the proposed District Technology Plan, as well as request for quotes for 1) wireless learning devices and related products and services, and 2) web filtering and firewall.

A motion was made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Mr. Mullen to approve the District Technology Plan. Mr. Wood stated that he would like reassurance that the plan takes into account the fact that the technology is possible because of grants/donations, but will have minimal impact on the district budget. Discussion ensued. The motion was approved unanimously.

A motion was made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Ms. Paradise to approve the Apple, Inc. quote for wireless learning devices and related products and services for the amount of $220,745.00. To Mr. Wood’s question of whether the budget supports this request, Dr. Freeman answered affirmatively. Ms. Kilar explained the “learning lab” approach to deploying applications. The motion to purchase the wireless learning devices was approved unanimously.

A motion was made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Ms. Manteau to approve the bid from Worth Ave. Group for insurance for the wireless devices. Ms. Kilar explained that the 3-year plan for $84.50 per device, with a refundable $50 deductable, paid by the student’s family. The refund will occur when the student successfully returns the device upon graduation. Discussion ensued regarding the cases that will be purchased for the elementary school. The motion passed unanimously.

Mr. Bickford explained that Metrocast has completed the work to establish the fiber optic network that will allow capacity to handle the wireless learning devices. He further explained the need for web filtering and firewall protection.
On a motion by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Mr. Mullen, the Board voted unanimously to approve the Daystar Meraki proposal for web filtering and firewall protection.

VII. PES ADMINISTRATION

A. NH GOES TO COLLEGE MONTH

Mr. Kilmister stated that PES is celebrating New Hampshire Goes to College Month by recruiting local volunteers for career presentations and college students to speak to the students.

B. DONATIONS

The Women of Rotary, according to Mr. Kilmister, have donated twenty-four cases of Kleenex brand facial tissues. Concord Sam’s Club has donated $500 in gift cards in appreciation for the efforts of PES teachers.

C. STUDENT SUPPORT CENTER

Mr. Kilmister reported that the referrals to the Student Support Center have decreased this year, due to work with Behavior Consultant Stan Davis clarifying criteria and procedures for referrals, implementation of new protocols, and Responsive Classroom training conducted with the PES staff over the summer.

D. CALENDAR

Mr. Kilmister provided the Board with a calendar of events for October and November.

VIII. PMHS ADMINISTRATION

A. NATIONAL ASSOCIAITON OF SECONDARY SCHOOL PRINCIPALS (NASSP) CONFERENCE

Mr. Bickford stated that PMHS has been invited by the NASSP to present at their conference and showcase of schools in Washington, D.C. The presentation team is comprised of Derek Hamilton, Alexandra Briggs, four students, and himself.

On a motion made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Ms. Paradise, the Board voted to approve the excursion to the NASSP conference during February vacation.

B. DRESS CODE

Mr. Bickford explained that the Site Council entertained a proposal and subsequently approved the proposal for the wearing of hats in the hallways during the passing times and in the cafeteria. School Board Policy JICA indicates students are not allowed to wear hats, bandanas, sweatband, or other head coverings in school.

A motion was made by Ms. Paradise and seconded by Mr. Wolfe to approve the change in policy to approve the wearing of hats as proposed by the Site Council. The motion failed unanimously. The Board would like to encourage the Site Council to consider the depth of their argument.

C. HONOR ROLL

Mr. Bickford stated the change to the Competency Based Reporting and Assessment System that was approved by the Site Council and the Board did not mention honor roll criteria. The PMHS Leadership Team submitted a proposal to redefine honor roll according to competency based reporting. The change will affect a change in the PMHS Student/Family Handbook and therefore, will require the Board’s approval. On a motion made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Ms. Manteau, the Board approved the change to the honor roll section of the handbook.

D. US DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AUDIT

An audit of the PMHS School Improvement Grant was conducted by the United States Department of Education. The feedback received was that they were impressed with 1) our work around distributive leadership, 2) our Professional Growth & Evaluation Plan, and 3) our work around performance management.

E. I3 PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT REVIEW (PAR) BOARD VISIT

Mr. Bickford reported that the PAR Board has visited each school in the i3 grant. The team is led by three experienced administrators from around New England that have an in-depth background in student centered learning and authentic assessment and included teacher and administrative representatives from each of the other twelve i3 schools. Feedback provided by the team was provided to the Board.

F. CALENDAR

Mr. Bickford provided the Board with important dates for October.

IX. STUDENT SERVICES ADMINISTRATIONS

A. FOCUS MONITORING

According to Ms. Stevens, on October 4, 2012, faculty participated in file review training delivered by SERESC. The training assisted in preparing staff for the file reviews scheduled for October 22, 2012.

B. NH DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION SURVEY

A survey required by the NH Department of Education on district personnel providing special education and related services has been completed.

X. PROJECT MANAGEMENT

A. WORK PLAN

Ms. Chassie reported on the workshop that was provided to the PMHS faculty to help them to understand the scope of work ahead regarding school development efforts.

B. POSITION ANALYSIS

The final stages of the position analysis work are in process.

C. COMMUNICATION PLAN

The Board was provided with a final copy of the Communication Plan, established in collaboration with Jane Feinberg, communication consultant.

D. INDICATORS OF SUCCESS

The Nellie Mae Education Foundation has required indicator that measure the success of the grant. The indicators were shared with the Board.

E. CROSS SITE MEETING

The Nellie Mae Education Foundation Cross Site meeting is scheduled for November 7 through 9, 2012, in Nashua.

XI. DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION

A. EARLY WARNING SYSTEM

Work is continuing to develop a cohesive and comprehensive multi-tiered early warning and intervention system.

B. CONCORD HOSPITAL COLLABORATION

Ms. Chassie explained an opportunity that has been offered by the Concord Hospital to participate in a training opportunity for doctors in their third year of residency. She stated that the doctors, eight in total, will spend between six and eight hours with school staff. The work will help doctors understand a community perspective in the diagnosis and treatment of childhood illnesses.

XII. SAU ADMINISTRATION

A. RESIGNATION

Dr. Freeman presented the resignation of Kim Putnam from her position as PMHS math interventionist. On a motion made by Mr. Wolfe and Ms. Manteau, the Board accepted the resignation of Ms. Putnam.

B. DUAL ENROLLEMENT / ONLINE LEARNING

Dr. Freeman provided the School Board with the first in a series of informational article prepared by Communications Consultant Jane Feinberg on our school development initiatives. This article features on-line learning.

C. RACE TO THE TOP GRANT

Dr. Freeman provided a summary of the Race to the Top – District grant application.

XIII. COMMITTEES

A. DRAKE FIELD & FACILITIES

Mr. Bickford stated that Jim Dawson has worked to create a bid request for playground improvements at Drake Field.

B. BUDGET COMMITTEE REPRESENTATIVE

Discussion ensued regarding estimated insurance rates.

C. NEGOTIATING TEAM – None

D. FOSS FOUNDATION – Mr. Wood is the representative, not Ms. Manteau.

XIV. PUBLIC INPUT – 2nd SESSION

Ms. Jennifer Kearns addressed the School Board. She thanked the Board for supporting the information nights for parents regarding college admission.

Ms. Kearns also stated her concern about the behavior at a recent volleyball game and asked if there was an adult in charge. She stated that she understood an adult was assigned to monitor all games but did not see anyone who was in charge. She provided examples of the inappropriate behavior that was exhibited at the game.

Ms. Kearns stated her concern about the condition of the playground at Drake Field. Mr. Bickford assured her that improvements are being made. She also stated concern about the PES playground equipment, suggesting that the equipment is too high for toddlers’ legs.

Ms. Kearns stated her concern for behavior exhibited at the Drake Field tennis courts, discouraging her from using the facilities.

Also of concern for Ms. Kearns, was the fact that two courses her daughter would like to take are scheduled for the same time, eliminating the possibility of her to take both. She requested that this be considered when scheduling next year.

Mr. Peter Tuttle responded to the concerns about the volleyball game and the behavior exhibited. He stated that he has had conversations with the athletic director of the other team. Further, investigations are being completed regarding the behavior of our students and appropriate consequences will be issued. There are not monitors at each volleyball game, as had been suggested by Ms. Kearns; game monitors are provided for all home basketball games.

XV. NON PUBLIC SESSION

At 7:40 p.m., a motion was made by Ms. Manteau 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; Ms. Paradise, yes; Mr. Mullen, yes; Mr. Wolfe, yes; Mr. Wood, yes) to enter into non-public session for the purpose of discussing a personnel issues and negotiations.

Dr. Freeman apprised the Board of a personnel situation at PES. Ms. Stevens and Ms. Chassie provided details.

The Board also discussed a personnel situation at PMHS; the Board directed Dr. Freeman to meet with the individual concerned and to report back to the Board.

The Board discussed the current contract negotiations with the Education Association of Pittsfield.

No other action was taken in non-public session.

At 8:23 p.m., a motion was made by Ms. Paradise and seconded by Mr. Wolfe to exit the non-public session and to re-enter into open session. The Board was polled and voted unanimously (Ms. Manteau, yes; Ms. Paradise, yes; Mr. Mullen, yes; Mr. Wolfe, yes; Mr. Wood, yes).

XVI. NEXT MEETING

The next School Board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, October 25, 2012, at 5:30 p.m. in the PMHS Media Center.

XVII. ADJOURNMENT

On a motion made by Ms. Manteau and seconded by Mr. Mullen, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 8:24 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Tobi Gray Chassie
Recording Secretary