APPROVED BY THE PITTSFIELD SCHOOL BOARD

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

MINUTES

Pittsfield School Board Meeting
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Pittsfield Elementary School

I. CALL TO ORDER

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

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

A tour of the Pittsfield Middle High School was conducted under the direction of Mr. Gremlitz. Members of the Pittsfield Budget Committee, School Board, and school administration accompanied Mr. Gremlitz.

Chairperson Paradise called the meeting to order at 6:27 p.m.

II. AGENDA REVIEW

The following items were added to the agenda:
o Special education tuition information (Ms. Chassie)
o Free and reduced lunch (Ms. Paradise)

III. ACTION ON AMENDED AGENDA

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

IV. APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MEETING MINUTES

A motion was made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Ms. Vogt to approve the minutes of the September 3, 2009 meeting. On page 2, under “Tour of School, add the word “be” to the last line to read “…program will be located….”. On page 5, under “Budget Committee”, change the word “scheduled” to “schedule”. The motion passed unanimously to approve the minutes as amended.

V. PUBLIC INPUT – None

VI. PES ADMINISTRATION

A. Differentiated Instruction in Everyday Math

As reported by Mr. Kilmister, work is being accomplished to develop differentiated instruction days within the Everyday Mathematics program. Math Coach Danielle Harvey is working with teachers on this endeavor to individualize instruction to math students.

B. Open House

Mr. Kilmister extended a welcome to the members of the School Board to attend the Open House on September 24, 2009. At 5:30 p.m. there will be a cookout provided by the PTO, and at 6:30 p.m. the doors will open for classroom visits.

C. Use of Website and PowerSchool

Staff are visiting the staff pages of the new school website and referring to the detailed calendar. The daily bulletin is being accessed through PowerSchool. These innovations take the place of what were paper documents last year.

VII. PMHS ADMINISTRATION

A. NECAP

Mr. Gremlitz explained that there is a gap between what teachers think students know and how they perform on the NECAP test. In an effort to rectify this situation, Mr. Gremlitz explained that there are three areas of initiative: improving the testing environment, motivating students to do better using a personal approach, and increasing staff investment in the testing process. Mr. Gremlitz explained a proposal to have all staff involved in the administration of the tests, which would require a delayed opening for the students not participating in the test taking. All teachers will be asked to administer practice tests.
As reported by Mr. Gremlitz, the additional transportation costs incurred by a second bus pickup that day will cost $1,200. The SAU has confirmed that money is available due to a decreased bus run to Concord.

On a motion made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Ms. Vogt, the Board voted unanimously to approve the altered start time and the expenditure of funds to accommodate the NECAP testing plan.

B. French / Spanish Trip

Mr. Gremlitz displayed information relative to a proposal for a three day student trip to Montreal. On a motion made by Ms. Vogt and seconded by Mr. Wolfe, the Board approved the trip to Montreal.

C. Teacher Recognition

The National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) has chosen Denise Mason, our PMHS biology teacher, as one of the most promising new science and math teachers in the country. Ms. Mason was one of 185 chosen nationwide and was elected a NSTA science fellow. The Board expressed their congratulations for this prestigious award.

D. Granite State Challenge

PMHS has been invited to participate in the Granite State Challenge on NH Public Television. The team, coached by PMHS Teacher Zak Babcock, consists of Kurt Fischer, Adam Stearns, Brendon Norton, Louie Houle, Craig Paggi, and Chris Moore. The Board extended their best wishes for the team’s success.

E. Homecoming

Activities were a great success.

VIII. STUDENT SERVICES ADMINISTRATION

A. Paraprofessionals

Ms. Stevens explained an organizational chart, which she distributed, relative to the assignment of educational assistants. She explained that there is potential for savings due to changes that have occurred in student enrollment and schedules.

B. Tuition

A budget analysis has been conducted to determine the way in which the tuition expense that was not anticipated would be covered. Ms. Chassie explained that savings in the areas of health insurance, oil, and tuition will cover the unanticipated expense.

IX. SAU ADMINISTRATION

A. Policies

Dr. Freeman presented for consideration Policy DFA – Investment, Policy DIH – Fraud Prevention and Fiscal Management, Policy EBBC – Emergency Care and First Aid, Policy EGA – School District Internet Access for Students, Policy EGA-R – Acceptable Internet Use Procedures (Regulations), Policy JEC – Manifest Educational Hardship, Policy JH – Student Absences and Excuses, Policy JLCD – Administering Medication to Students, and Policy JLCD-R – Administering Medications to Students (Regulations).

On a motion made by Ms. Vogt and seconded by Mr. Wolfe, the Board voted unanimously to adopt the above policies as written.

Dr. Freeman presented for first reading: Policy BBBF – Student Members of the School Board, Policy EEAEA – Mandatory Drug and Alcohol Testing, Policy IHAM – Health Education and Exemption from Instruction, Policy IKB – Homework, Policy IDE – Promotion and 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.

On a motion made by Ms. Vogt and seconded by Ms. Corliss, the Board voted unanimously to approve the above policies for the first reading.

B. SAU Office Relocation

Dr. Freeman explained that the renovation of the SAU office will begin on Monday, September 21, 2009. There is $60,000 encumbered for this project. The estimate for paving two areas and a canopy to protect from falling water and ice is $5,700, bringing the total to approximately $69,000. A delay may be experienced due to the ordering of the new furnaces. The Board was in consensus to move forward on the paving and canopy. Additional expenses related to an exterior door replacement, icing problem, and leak may be recommended.

C. Capital Improvements

Projects including the PMHS gym roof replacement, the PMHS gym floor replacement, the PES roof replacement, and work on the PES heating / cooling system need to be considered. Dr. Freeman reported that he has discussed these issues with Architect Dan Bisson from Team Design, who has agreed to develop an expenditure estimates. He will be present at a future meeting to discuss the proposal.

X. SCHOOL BOARD

A. School Board Appointment

Dr. Freeman distributed a letter of interest for the open position on the School Board from Pittsfield Resident Noel J. DeSousa. A letter was also received from Elizabeth K. (Lea) Adams. Discussion ensued. The Board decided that Ms. Paradise would call the candidates to ascertain additional information before making a decision.

B. Free and Reduced Lunch

Ms. Paradise raised an issue regarding the ways in which students might remain anonymous in accessing free and reduced lunch. Mr. Gremlitz agreed to have a conversation with the cafeteria staff to determine if there are ways to maintain anonymity.

XI. COMMITTEES

A. Drake Field

Mr. Wolfe reported that he has the potential of loam being donated. He will need to transport the loam, but is willing to do so. Mr. Wolfe is also interested in purchasing gravel to repair the path, for which he received approval. Mr. Wolfe agreed to notify Athletic Director Peter Tuttle of the delivery of loam due to the heavy use of Drake Field at this time of year.

According to Mr. Wolfe, there is a broken catch basin located behind the grandstand for which he will attempt finding a replacement.

Discussion ensued regarding the reserve account money that is earmarked for repairs at Drake Field.

Mr. Wolfe reported that he is also planning for the repair of the fence. He has identified a person who can do the repair work, but requires a list of materials that would be needed. He will review the needs with the volunteer welder.

Ms. Vogt questioned ways in which Drake Field can be more closely monitored in order to become an increased asset to the community. She stated that although there has been major improvement, there remains a perception that Drake Field is not the beautiful, positive environment that it truly is. The item will be added to a future agenda for further discussion.

B. Budget Committee

Ms. Vogt raised the issue of class size. As we reorganize the structure of the middle high school, she would like to have more information regarding factors that should be considered in making difficult budget decisions, such as increasing class size.

Mr. Gremlitz reported that a connection has been made with Joe DiMartino, from the Center for Secondary School Reform. It is hoped that Mr. DiMartino will be able to work with our administrative team in developing a design for our middle high school.

Ms. Vogt questioned the technology capacity within the district. She has been made aware of some potential issues that may be present with our systems. Dr. Freeman acknowledged that problems with the infrastructure have been experienced and that he will investigate and report back to the board during an upcoming meeting.

Ms. Vogt asked if consideration should be given to the library / media center, given the future of using electronic information. Discussion ensued.

C. Negotiations

Dr. Freeman will notify the Board negotiators of dates that are decided upon for meetings to begin negotiations following confirmation from the EAP.

XII. NEXT MEETING

The next School Board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, October 1, 2009, at 5:30 p.m. at the Pittsfield Middle High School.

XIII. PUBLIC INPUT (Second Session) – None

XIV. NON-PUBLIC SESSION

At 7:45 p.m., a motion was made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Ms. Corliss 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 (Ms. Corliss, yes; Ms. Paradise, yes; Mr. Wolfe, yes; Ms. Vogt, yes) to enter into a non-public session.

The Board discussed a student matter relative to school assignment.

The Board discussed a student matter relative to residency.

No votes were taken during the non-public session.

At 8:30 p.m., a motion was made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Ms. Vogt to exit the non-public session and to re-enter public session. The Board was polled and voted unanimously (Ms. Corliss, yes; Ms. Paradise, yes; Ms. Vogt, yes; Mr. Wolfe, yes) to conclude non-public session and to re-enter public session.

XV. ADJOURNMENT

On a motion made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Ms. Corliss, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 8:31 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Tobi Gray Chassie
Recording Secretary