APPROVED BY THE PITTSFIELD SCHOOL BOARD

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

MINUTES

Pittsfield School Board Meeting
Thursday, October 24, 2013
Pittsfield Middle High School

I. CALL TO ORDER

Members Present: Mike Wolfe, Chairperson
Nicole Manteau, Vice-Chairperson
Bea Douglas
Gary Mullen
Ray Ramsey

Others Present: Sue Graham, Dean of Instruction
Paul Newell, Dean of Operation
Sarah Rollins, Director of College and Career Readiness
Lois Stevens, Director of Student Services
Members of the Public

Chairperson Wolfe called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.

II. AGENDA REVIEW

The following items were added to the agenda:
• District Administrator Position Analysis

III. ACTION ON AMENDED AGENDA

On a motion made by Mr. Mullen and seconded by Ms. Manteau, 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. Ramsey to approve minutes of the October 10, 2013, meeting. On the cover page, Ms. Manteau’s name was spelled incorrectly. The Board voted unanimously to approve the minutes as amended.

V. PUBLIC INPUT

Mary Cote, parent and employee of the district, expressed concern regarding the loss of the safe room at Pittsfield Elementary School. She believes there is a need for students to have a safe quiet place to de-escalate and questions why the room was removed.

Mr. Newell explained that the former safe room had to be used for an office space because of state inspection results. Ms. Douglas asked if this was a safety issue.

Ms. Stevens explained that the room had pros and cons as a safe room and when used appropriately can help students deescalate, but isn’t an effective strategy for preventing disruptive behaviors.

Ms. Cote expressed concern about staff getting hurt and students being distracted because of the noise level in the halls. Ms. Manteau requested that the district research ways to either bring the room back if space allowed and research approaches taken by other school district to address student needs. Ms. Douglas gave some historical background around the beginning of the safe room when the district had a behavioral specialist. She also encouraged the school to come together and become part of the solution.

Ms. Cote, as a parent, wanted more information about the third and fourth grade program that is incorporating more art and physical education into their programs. She doesn’t understand how it is helping her children. She also observed that there has been little communication to parents about this approach. Ms. Cote has met with Ms. Graham for explanation, but still does not understand the purpose.

Ms. Graham explained that it was an opportunity for the teachers to team teach, have cross-curricular teaching, and teach to multiple children’s learning styles. Ms. Graham presented a power point presentation to explain the philosophy around the program. Communication was presented on the website and in the newsletter, it was reported.

Ms. Manteau expressed there was a need to communicate more clearly to the parents about reasoning behind the decision. Mr. Wolfe would like this topic to be added to the next agenda for discussion. Ms. Manteau would like the administration to investigate ways to increase communication with parents.

Erin Butler, a parent of a sixth grade student, expressed a concern about bullying at Pittsfield Elementary School. She asked what the school district policy was on bullying. Mr. Wolfe said it is posted on the website, available at the SAU, and available at both schools.

Ms. Butler expressed that she feels frustrated that her concerns were not being handled. Mr. Wolfe explained the chain of command and encouraged Ms. Butler to speak with the administration. Mr. Wolfe also explained that the administration cannot share what the consequences are for other children due to laws that govern the sharing of information.

Mr. Wolfe will speak with Mr. Newell and Dr. Freeman to see if in general terms that the policy is being followed. Mr. Newell explained the process and the relevant laws. Ms. Butler expressed that she felt better with Mr. Newell’s explanation and knowing that there is a process and things are being addressed.

Ross Morse brought and handed out copies of the Pittsfield School District “explainer.” It is a tool that is used to explain key aspects of school redesign in Pittsfield.

DEAN OF INSTRUCTION

A. Grade 3 and 4

As mentioned in public input, Ms. Graham presented a power point explaining the benefits of the cross-curricular curriculum. Mr. Ramsey asked if enough data had been collected around the academic impact. Ms. Graham will gather data and report back to the Board.

B. PES Round Two of Professional Development with Susan Villani

Grade level teams continue to work with Susan Villani to address differentiation of instruction and rigor.

C. Math Curriculum

A focus group of teachers has been formed to consider options for materials to support mathematics instruction at PES. Ms. Graham will keep the board updated.

D. The PES Professional Learning Communities

All grade levels have analyzed their student NWEA data (student assessment data) and are developing their team student learning objectives (SLO). Ms. Douglas asked if they were using multiple forms of data. Ms. Graham explained that this was used to identify the baseline for the team’s SLO, but multiple data sources are used to measure students’ progress.

E. Science NECAP Scores

Improvement was observed in scores throughout the grade levels.

F. PMHS Student Learning Objectives (SLO)

The teachers at PMHS are still developing their SLOs. Discussion will continue until SLOs are finalized.

G. Mid-Terms & Finals

The faculty has discussed the need to bring back a form of course mid-term and final assessments. How this will be implemented and weighted is currently being discussed by teacher leaders.

VI. DEAN OF OPERATIONS

A. Facilities

The anticipated completion date for the PES construction project is approximately November 8, 2013. PES has fulfilled the requirements for the health inspection.

The Alumni Association is raising money to replace the sign at PMHS.

Mr. Ramsey asked the status of the paving of the sidewalks. Mr. Wolfe explained it is a state project and we continue to work with them. There was a change in engineering firms and Dr. Freeman is working with the team. Ross Morse explained that there is a need for an engineer to be present, but the hope is for work to begin in 2014.

B. Discipline

The Justice Committee began vetting the behavioral management process map. This plan provides an explanation of how restorative justice practices and the Justice Committee will work in conjunction with the current discipline system.

C. Handbooks

The Site Council continues to work on the student handbook and looks forward to bringing the school board an updated product.

D. Safety

As a part of the Emergency Management Plan, district staff will be wearing ID badges for easy identification during an emergency incident.

E. Halloween

Trunk ‘o Treat, an event sponsored by the PTO, will be held on October 25 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The Halloween Parade will be held on Thursday, October 31, from 1:15 to 2:15 p.m. The middle high school dance/haunted house fundraiser will be held on Friday, October 25, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. for middle school and 8:00 to 11:00 p.m. for the high school.

F. Information Technology Position

The district is in the process of receiving applications for the Information Technology position; interviews are anticipated to begin next week.

VII. DIRECTOR OF STUDENT SERVICES

A. Parent Survey

Ms. Stevens presented the results of the 2012-2013 Parent Involvement Survey sponsored by New Hampshire Department of Education. Ms. Stevens reported that there was an upward trend reported in parent satisfaction with the special education process since 2008.

VIII. DISTRICT ADMINISTRATOR

A. District Administrator Position Analysis

The District Administrator position analysis was distributed. Approval will be requested at the next meeting of the Board.

IX. SUPERINTENDENT

A. FY14 Budget

Dr. Freeman requested that the board meet for the purpose of reviewing the draft FY14 budget on November 7, 2013. Mr. Mullen, Mr. Wolfe, Ms. Manteau, and Mr. Ramsey all stated they were available and could meet 5:00 p.m.

B. Teacher Salary and Benefit Comparisons

Information will be shared regarding comparative teacher salaries and benefits in nearby districts as well as high-tax districts.

C. Upcoming Events of Interest

The following events are scheduled:
o October 22, 2013, 5:30-8:00,Special Education Teacher Role Analysis

o October 29, 2013, 5:30-8:00 PES School Improvement Team
o October 30, 2013, 5:45-8:00 Pittsfield Listens School Redesign Conversation

X. SCHOOL BOARD

A. NHSBA Delegate Assembly and Proposed Resolutions

This topic will be discussed at the next Board meeting.

XI. COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS

A. Budget Committee

Mr. Ramsey attended the first budget committee meeting and was asked about funds coming back to the town.

B. Drake Field & Facilities – None

C. Negotiating Team

Discussion will ensue in a non-public session.

D. Foss Foundation – None

XII. NEXT MEETING

The next School Board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, November 7, at 5:00 p.m. at the Pittsfield Middle High School.

XIII. PUBLIC INPUT (Second Session)

Ross Morse reminded everyone of the PES School Improvement Team meeting on Tuesday, October 29.

XIV. NON-PUBLIC SESSION

At 7:20 p.m., a motion was made by Mr. Mullen and seconded by Ms. Manteau to enter into non-public session to discuss employee compensation pursuant to RSA 91-A:3, II (c). The Board was polled and voted unanimously (Mr. Wolfe, yes; Ms. Manteau, yes; Mr. Ramsey, yes; Ms. Douglas, yes; Mr. Mullen, yes) to enter into a non-public session.

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

No action was taken in non-public session.

XV. OPEN SESSION

At 7:47 p.m., a motion was made by Ms. Manteau and seconded by Mr. Mullen 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 the 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 7:48 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Lois Jean Stevens
Recording Secretary