September 21, 2006 Minutes

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE

SCHOOL ADMINISTRATIVE UNIT #51

BARNSTEAD – PITTSFIELD PITTSFIELD SCHOOL BOARD

MINUTES
Pittsfield School Board

September 21, 2006

Pittsfield Middle High School

I. CALL TO ORDER

Members Present: Scott Brown, Chairman

Mary Paradise

Christopher Ward

Gary Colby

Leslie Vogt

Others Present: Armand LaSelva, Interim Superintendent of Schools

Toby Eaton, Business Administrator

Karen Erlandson, Principal, PMHS

Mark Jarvis, Director of Student Services, PMHS

Jeff DeLois, Administrator, PMHS

Tobi Gray Chassie, Director of Student Services, PES

Members of the faculty from PMHS

Chairman Brown called the meeting to order at 5:34 p.m.

II. WORK SESSION

Members of the School Board and members of the Educational Association of Pittsfield conducted a work session to organize themselves for the Special School District Meeting, scheduled for October 12, 2006.

III. AGENDA REVIEW

Mr. Eaton added the topic of health insurance. Ms. Chassie added the nomination of support staff.

IV. APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MEETING MINUTES

On a motion made by Mr. Colby and seconded by Mr. Ward, the Board voted to approve the minutes of the September 7, 2006 meeting as written.

V. PUBLIC INPUT – None

V. PES ADMINISTRATION

A. Support Staff Nomination

Ms. Chassie nominated Lisa Merrill for the position of educational assistant. On a motion made by Ms. Paradise and seconded by Ms. Vogt, the Board voted unanimously to hire Ms. Merrill.

Ms. Chassie reported that the after school program, supported by the 21st Century Community Learning Program grant was underway with approximately fifteen students enrolled. Amanda Hall, a certified teacher who serves as a paraprofessional in Concord, has been hired as our site director.

VI. PMHS ADMINISTRATION

A. Improvisation Club

Mr. DeLois reported that Meggin Dail had been recruited as a club advisor for the Improvisation Club. On a motion made by Ms. Paradise and seconded by Mr. Ward, the Board voted unanimously to approve Ms. Dail and pay her a stipend for her work as club advisor.

B. Grade 7 & 9 Orientation

Ms. Erlandson reported that the orientation program for students in grades 7 and 9 was a success.

C. NHEIAP Scores

Ms. Erlandson explained that a statistical analysis had been conducted of scores from the years 1998 to 2006 on the NHEIAP. Growth was exhibited over time. Special education statistics were remarkable and Ms. Erlandson thanked Mr. Jarvis and his staff for guiding those students to the level of success that was measured.

Ms. Vogt asked how the testing data would be used. Ms. Erlandson explained that the data is used for program development and curriculum alignment with standards and grade level equivalencies. Ms. Chassie added that the data is also used to analyze individual students’ progress and to evaluate the success of programs such as Everyday Mathematics and the Four Blocks Literacy Framework.

VII. SAU ADMINISTRATION

Open House
Mr. LaSelva explained that on September 28, 2006, the PTO from PES will host a family cookout from 5:30 to 6:30, to be followed by the annual Open House from 6:30 to 7:30. PMHS will host an Open House from 7:00 to 8:30. He added that posters, designed by the PMHS art department, have been distributed. There will also be information in the Suncook Valley Sun.

Follow the Child
Mr. LaSelva explained that Dr. Lyonel Tracy, NH Commissioner of Education, is advocating a “Follow the Child” initiative. Dr. Tracy defines his initiative as follows: “A personalized education that helps NH students learn today, graduate tomorrow, and prepare for the future by supporting their personal, social, physical, and academic growth.” Mr. LaSelva distributed information including “My Voice Student Survey” which can be used with students in grade 6 through 12. He stated that statistics were shared with the Lakes Region Superintendents by Dr. Russell J. Quaglia. The survey will measure conditions that can affect the atmosphere of the school. Ms. Erlandson suggested that the survey could be compared to the one done four years ago at the commencement of Breaking Ranks. The Board concluded that the district should participate in the completion of the survey.

Expenditure Report
Mr. Eaton asked what the Board’s pleasure was relative to their receipt of the Expenditure Report. The Board agreed that a full report issued on a quarterly basis to the Board and Budget Committee would be acceptable.

Fund Balance Update
Mr. Eaton provided a handout that explained the fund balance total from last year. Revenue from the Special Education fund was $14,070.30, Medicaid was $227,731.94, and Catastrophic Aide was $191,736.58. These three revenue sources made up 99% of the $273,292.79 that was returned to the Town in unanticipated revenue.

MS-27
Mr. Eaton will be filing a warrant article with the DRA. The Budget Committee approved the proposed budget article for $297,000.00 for the year 2006-07 by a 5 to 3 vote and has signed off on the MS-27.

Budget Hearing
Mr. Eaton reported that one member of the public participated in the public hearing on September 6, 2006.

Salaries/Insurance
Salaries and insurance costs are being finalized now that hiring is complete.

Facility Inspection
The final fire inspection of PMHS will be completed once deficiencies are corrected. The NHDOE has approved all other health, safety and fire considerations.

Contract Bids
Mr. Eaton will be advertising the opportunity for bids on snow plowing in local newspapers

Budget Calendar
The Board decided to wait for Dr. Compton to begin before establishing a budget calendar. Mr. Brown asked for an update of special education costs and suggested a work session for the Board to discuss the budget.

Capital Improvement Program
Mr. Eaton stated that Mr. Ward and he would meet with the Town Capital Improvement Committee.

Regional Vocational Center Agreement
There are currently 23 students in the program. The current tuition agreement for the 2006-07 school year is $2,557.88. Our portion of the tuition is $639.46, which is the same as last year. According to Principal Christine Rath from Concord, this does not cover the actual costs of the program.

VIII. COMMITTEES

SAU Planning
Mr. LaSelva reported that Barnstead will be meeting in early October and that October 30, 1006 is the deadline for making a request to the State for a withdrawal. Mr. Brown asked that Dr. Compton assist him in planning a meeting of the Planning Committee.

Negotiating
Mr. Brown and Ms. Paradise will plan a meeting following the Special School District Meeting on October 12, 2006.

IX. NEXT MEETINGS

The meeting scheduled for October 5, 2006 will be a work session for the Board to address the budget. The next regular meeting of the Board will be October 19, 2006 at 6:00 at PMHS.

X. PUBLIC INPUT (Second Session) – None

XI. NON-PUBLIC SESSION

On a motion made by Ms. Paradise and seconded by Mr. Colby, the Board was polled and voted unanimously to enter into a Non-Public Session under the provisions of RSA 91-A:3 II (b) to discuss a student matter at 7:40 PM.

Superintendent LaSelva discussed two student issues with the Board.

On a motion made by Mr. Colby and seconded by Mr. Ward, the Board was polled and voted unanimously to exit the Non-Public Session at 7:50 PM.

XII. ADJOURNMENT

On a motion made by Ms. Vogt and seconded by Ms. Paradise, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 7:51 PM.

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MINUTES
Pittsfield School Board
September 7, 2006
Pittsfield Middle High School

I. CALL TO ORDER

Members Present: Scott Brown, Chairman

Mary Paradise

Christopher Ward

Gary Colby

Leslie Vogt

Others Present: Armand LaSelva, Interim Superintendent of Schools

Toby Eaton, Business Administrator

Karen Erlandson, Principal, PMHS

Mark Jarvis, Director of Student Services, PMHS

Jeff DeLois, Administrator, PMHS

John Freeman, Principal, PES

Tobi Gray Chassie, Director of Student Services, PES

Chairman Brown called the meeting to order at 6:10 PM.

II. AGENDA REVIEW

Chairman Brown reported that Dr. William Compton was appointed as Superintendent of Schools for SAU #51 and will begin on October 2, 2006. Mr. LaSelva will work part-time until September 27, 2006. Mr. Brown thanked Mr. LaSelva for working in the SAU in a time of need.

Mr. LaSelva added a student item for the Non-Public Session.

III. APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MEETING MINUTES

On a motion made by Mr. Colby and seconded by Ms. Vogt, the Board voted to approve the minutes of the August 17, 2006 meeting as submitted. Ms. Paradise and Mr. Ward abstained, while Mr. Colby, Ms. Vogt, and Mr. Brown voted in the affirmative.

IV. PUBLIC INPUT – None

V. PMHS ADMINISTRATION

A. Teacher Nomination

Ms. Erlandson nominated Dawn Plukas to be hired as a Biology teacher. On a motion made by Ms. Vogt and seconded by Ms. Paradise, the Board voted unanimously to hire Ms. Plukas.

B. Support Staff Nomination

Ms. Erlandson nominated Abigail Gillis as Utility Worker I. On a motion made by Mr. Colby and seconded by Mr. Ward, the Board voted unanimously to hire Ms. Gillis.

Mr. Jarvis nominated Diane Mayo as Educational Assistant. On a motion made by Mr. Colby and seconded by Mr. Ward, the Board voted unanimously to hire Ms. Mayo.

C. Coaching Nominations

Ms. Paradise made a nomination, which was seconded by Ms. Vogt to accept the nominations for fall coaches as presented. Discussion ensued regarding criteria, or lack thereof, for the number of students needed for an activity to be offered. Mr. LaSelva suggested that a policy would establish a guideline that would communicate the expectation for participation. Mr. Brown asked Mr. LaSelva to investigate the proposal of a policy to be implemented for the next school year. Mr. Brown asked Ms. Erlandson to have Rick Anthony discuss this issue at an upcoming Board meeting. The Board voted unanimously to hire the slate of fall coaches as presented.

D. VHS Program

Two high school teachers will be trained – one for an existing course and one for future course development. The training cost is covered by grant funds and the membership fee is in the 2006-07 budget. There are currently twenty students signed up to participate.

E. Drake Field Recreation Program Report

The Board commented on the seasonal report submitted by Louise Sawyer outlining the success of the program.

VI. PES ADMINISTRATION

Support Staff Nomination
Dr. Freeman presented the nominations of Carey Shearer for Educational Assistant, Arna Jalbert for Food Service Director, and Ellen Lockhart for Salad Bar Attendant. On a motion made by Mr. Colby and seconded by Mr. Ward, the Board voted unanimously to hire Mr. Shearer, Ms. Jalbert, and Ms. Lockhart.

B. Opening of School

Dr. Freeman explained that the opening of school was smooth and upbeat. He specifically thanked Christine Teague for her work to collaborate with a neighboring district to provide training to new staff, while realizing a substantial cost savings. Dr. Freeman also thanked Ms. Chassie for working with a team of individuals to develop a mentoring program for newly hired teachers at PES.

21st Century Community Learning Center Grant
Dr. Freeman reported that Rob Fowler from the Concord YMCA has hired the site director. He thanked the Advisory Committee members, especially Michelle Giordano. Ms. Giordano, is a member of the Committee and a parent of a student at PES who has worked diligently on the project and attended the annual conference on her own time. Dr. Freeman stated that program is expected to begin on September 18, 2006.

VII. SAU ADMINISTRATION

Policy GDA-CA1 and GDA-CA2 Revisions
On a motion made by Ms. Paradise and seconded by Mr. Ward, the Board voted unanimously to adopt the job description for Utility Worker 1 and 2. The Change of name provides consistency between job titles and pay scale. An additional qualification has also been added to comply with the new NH Minimum Standards, which requires all food service personnel to be ServeSafe certified.

Regional Vocational Center Agreement
Mr. LaSelva presented the Vocational Center Agreement for 2006-2007. On a motion made by Ms. Paradise and seconded by Ms. Vogt, the Board voted unanimously to accept the contract with the Concord School District for the Vocational Center.

Fire Suppression System Upgrade
Mr. Eaton explained that when the fire inspection was completed, the fire suppression system was not mentioned. However, a service provider made mention of the fire suppression system not meeting code. Mr. Eaton asked the Board for their support in asking the Fire Inspector for a second opinion, which the Board provided.

Fund Balance
Mr. Eaton updated the Board on the current status of the 2005-2006 fund balance. $273,292.79 will be returned to the Town. Work continues on finalizing Catastrophic Aide. Ms. Paradise questioned how there could be such a significant fund balance after such a dyer situation in the spring existed. She expressed her discomfort in trying to explain this abrupt change to the Budget Committee. Concern was stated in having asked the State for permission to expend money from the Capital Reserve Fund when there was, in fact, no deficit, after all. Mr. LaSelva requested Mr. Eaton to investigate the possibility of using the fund balance instead of the Capital Reserve Fund, in spite of the permission that was granted to the previous SAU Administration.

E. Update of Evidentiary Meeting at Supreme Court

Mr. LaSelva shared that the EAP requested the opportunity to provide an Open House that would be in addition to other activities already planned. There is already a Family Cookout planned, sponsored by the PES PTO scheduled on September 28, 2006, which precedes a scheduled Open House. Mr. LaSelva explained that he has insisted on a coordination of the PMHS Open House with the PES Cookout and Open House. He reiterated the need for the PTO to get full credit for their sponsoring of the cookout and that starting times be staggered so that parents with children in both schools will not experience conflicts.

Mr. Brown suggested that the leadership of the EAP be invited to work in collaboration with the Board to plan strategies preceding the Special School District Meeting. He further suggested that the EAP be encouraged to attend the Board meeting on September 21, 2006. Ms. Paradise will call the EAP leadership and invite them to come at 5:30 PM prior to the School Board meeting for a work session.

Opening of School
Mr. LaSelva agreed that the opening of school had been, indeed, very successful. There were minor issues with transportation that were easily resolved.

Business Administrator’s Report
· Skateboard Park – Mr. Eaton provided Mr. Colby with the proposed rules for the Skateboard Park. If accepted by the Skateboard Park Committee, they will be given to the school attorney for final inspection.

· Painting/Lighting – Painting has been completed and lighting changes continue in both buildings. They are working after school hours to complete the job with the least disruption.

· Propane Gas Leak – Mr. Eaton reported that there had been a leak, which was immediately taken care of by the propane company.

· FY 2007 Building Aide – Mr. Eaton explained that there was a shortfall in Building Aid, which affected Pittsfield by $8,647.32. Legislation will be passed to address the shortfall.

· Health Insurance – Discussion ensued regarding options being investigated for health insurance coverage for the district.

Capital Improvement Plan Committee
Mr. LaSelva explained that the Planning Board requested a member of the School Board to work on the Capital Improvement Plan Committee. Mr. Ward has volunteered to represent the Board on that Committee. Mr. Brown asked Mr. Eaton to review the facilities and make appropriate suggestions for addition to the list currently on file with the Committee.

VIII. COMMITTEES

Drake Field
Mr. Colby explained that plans for continued work on the drainage issues at Drake Field is temporarily on hold.

According to Mr. Colby, vandals have removed signs from Drake Field. Edging on the baseball field is scheduled for September 24, 2006.

Thanks to private donations, the Skateboard Committee has increased their funds to $2,900.

Mr. Brown explained that there was recent trouble reported at Drake Field, which involved the Pittsfield Police Department. Chief Wharem asked if there was an official closing time. Mr. Colby stated that the closing time was posted on the signs that have been stolen. Mr. Brown asked that gates be closed and locked at the designated time.

Budget
There was a Budget Committee meeting on Wednesday, September 6, 2006. Information was shared between Mr. Eaton, Ms. Paradise, and the Committee. Mr. Eaton recommended that details be attended to, such as confirming the Supervisor of the Checklist. Mr. Brown offered to contact the Moderator of the School District Meeting to ensure that details are attended to.

SAU Planning
Mr. Brown asked that Mr. LaSelva meet with him regarding the SAU Planning Committee.

IX. NEXT MEETINGS

The next meeting is scheduled for September 21, 2006 at 6:00 at PMHS. The agenda will include the EAP work session and 7th and 9th grade orientation.

X. PUBLIC INPUT (2nd Session) – None

XI. NON-PUBLIC SESSION

On a motion made by Mr. Colby and seconded by Mr. Ward, the Board was polled and voted unanimously to enter into a Non-Public Session under the provisions of RSA 91-A:3 II (b) to discuss a student matter at 7:52 PM.

Superintendent LaSelva discussed a student matter with the Board. He advised the Board he would provide a written response to the parents of the student in question.

The Board unanimously voted to exit Non-Public Session at 8:17 PM.

XII. ADJOURNMENT

The meeting was adjourned at 8:19 PM.