September 27, 2012 Minutes

APPROVED BY THE PITTSFIELD SCHOOL BOARD

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

MINUTES

Pittsfield School Board Meeting
5:30 p.m.; Thursday, September 27, 2012
Pittsfield Middle High School

I. CALL TO ORDER

Members Present: Clayton Wood, Chairperson
Mike Wolfe, Vice-Chairperson
Nicole Manteau
Gary Mullen
Mary Paradise (exited the meeting at 7:18 p.m.)

Others Present: John Freeman, Superintendent (entered the
meeting at 7:00 p.m.)
Tobi Gray Chassie, District Administrator
Lois Stevens, Director of Student Services
Doug Kilmister, Principal, PES
Bob Bickford, Principal, PMHS
Carin Kilar, Technology Integrator
Ross Morse, Community Liaison
Peter Tuttle, Athletic Director, PMHS
Members of the faculty
Member of the public

Chairman Wood called the meeting to order at 5:32 p.m.

II. AGENDA REVIEW

The following items were added:
• Year of the Book Kick Off (Mr. Kilmister)
• Foss Family Scholarship (Mr. Bickford)
• Competency Community Event (Ms. Stevens)
• Nomination (Ms. Chassie, on behalf of Dr. Freeman)

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 13, 2012. After adding “budget meeting” to the next to the last paragraph on page 5, the minutes were approved unanimously.

V. PUBLIC INPUT

Ross Morse stated that work is being done on the district’s values, vision, mission, logo, and slogan by the Community Advisory Council. He requested being added to the next agenda in order for him to make a presentation. Mr. Wood agreed and asked Mr. Morse to have Dr. Freeman add it to the agenda.

Larry Callicoat, parent, spoke on behalf of Ms. Tara Pinto, the former girls’ jayvee soccer coach. He spoke of Ms. Pinto’s assets and encouraged the Board to reconsider her being rehired. He stated that she was well liked by the players.

Gail Vincent, parent, stated that the girls are missing a great coach in Ms. Pinto and now do not have a coach. She encouraged the Board to reinstate her as a coach.

Linda Morel, parent, stated that Ms. Pinto worked hard as a coach last year and is a great person. She stated the girls are missing out by not having her as a coach.

Darrell Wages, parent, stated that Ms. Pinto is a great person, great with the girls, and is a good coach. She might need help, but knows how to help individual girls progress. According to Mr. Wages, it would be a detriment for Ms. Pinto not to return as coach.

Alisha Smith, parent, stated that Ms.Pinto has helped her daughter significantly. She spoke in support of Ms. Pinto being reinstated as a coach.

Mr. Callicoat reiterated his support of Ms. Pinto.

Mr. Wolfe explained that the decision of the Board is whether the policies and procedures of the district were followed. Mr. Wood stated that the Board does not make hiring decisions for coaches and other support staff, only teachers and other professional staff.

VI. PES ADMINISTRATION

A. THE YEAR OF THE BOOK

Mr. Kilmister provided the Board with a copy of a New Hampshire Union Leader newspaper article depicting the kick off of The Year of the Book. The Children’s Literacy Foundation gave away two free books to each PES child and $25,000 in books and activities to the school.

B. DONATION

Mr. Kilmister informed the Board of a donation that has been made to the Pittsfield Schools and the Town of Pittsfield. Scott Giguere, a PES parent and operations manager at the WalMart Distribution Center in Raymond, has arranged for five tons of Ice Melt to be donated to the Town.

C. WHOLE-SCHOOL MORNING MEETING

On Wednesday, September 19, all PES students and staff met for the first whole-school morning meeting. This meeting was organized by the Universal Team; the six whole-school morning meetings remaining throughout the school year will be organized by grade level teams.

D. CURRICLUM OVERVIEWS FOR ELA AND MATH

Parents have been provided curriculum guides outlining the grade-level skills students are expected to master in math and literacy during the year. Instructional Coaches Danielle Harvey and Kathleen LeMay, worked with the PES Team Leaders to organize the guides and create a consistent presentation for parents.

E. FRIDAY BOOK BUDDIES

Book Buddies has been organized to continue at PES.

F. NECAP SCIENCE RESULTS

Mr. Kilmister shared statistics relative to the NECAP Science test. Of the 41 students who took the NECAP, 38% scored proficient; 28% scored partially proficient level; 33% performed at the substantially below proficient level, and 1 student scored proficient with distinction.

G. PES CALENDAR

A calendar of events for September and October was provided by Mr. Kilmister.

VII. PMHS ADMINISTRATION

A. ATHLETIC HANDBOOK

Mr. Bickford, accompanied by Mr. Tuttle, presented the 2012-2013 Athletic Handbook for approval. A motion was made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Ms. Paradise to approve the proposed PMHS Athletic Handbook. Discussion ensued regarding several issues, such as the disciplinary policy and the new head injury policy. Ms. Manteau stated that the components of the handbook are valuable, as long as it is followed by the students, parents, coaches, and others. She stated that the athletes should be held to a higher standard than others; students and coaches should be helped to understand this. The motion to approve the 2012-2013 Athletic Handbook passed unanimously.

B. ART & LITERACY MAGAZINE CLUB

On a motion made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Mr. Mullen, the Board voted unanimously to approve the Art & Literacy Magazine Club.

C. 2014 TRIP ABROAD

Mr. Bickford brought forth a proposal for a trip abroad in 2014. Teachers Bill Mitchell and Rick Anthony will lead the trip and would be using the same tour company that we used previously. It is possible that the trip may not coincide with our April vacation. On a motion made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Mr. Mullen, the Board approved the trip.

D. NECAP SCIENCE RESULTS

Mr. Bickford reported on the NECAP Science scores. In the 9th grade, 33% scored proficient. In the 12th grade, 41% scored proficient. Although the scores are showing improvement, teachers are not satisfied.

E. DRAKE FIELD PLAYGROUND UPDATE

Mr. Bickford advised the Board on the status of the play structure equipment and the cushioning material that will be installed.

F. PMHS SPRINKLER SYSTEM UPDATE

Mr. Bickford updated the Board on the sprinkler system. The Pittsfield Fire Department has recommended that we have a second company test the system to see if the results are similar. The second test is tentatively set for October 8 when school is not in session.

G. PMHS SIGN

The Pittsfield High School Alumni Association has offered to take responsibility for the replacement of the sign at the front of the building. 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. The Board approved the effort.

H. SPORTS UPDATE

Mr. Bickford provided the Board with an update of recent sports events.

I. FOSS FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP

Mr. Bickford stated that the first meeting of the Foss Family Scholarship was held earlier today. He wanted to be sure that a Board member would be present at subsequent meetings. Mr. Wood stated that he is intending to attend future meetings.

J. CALENDAR

A calendar of events for September and October was provided by Mr. Bickford.

VIII. NON PUBLIC SESSION

At 6:17 p.m., a motion was made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Ms. Manteau to enter into non-public session to discuss a personnel matter pursuant to RSA 91-A:3, II (c). The Board was polled and voted unanimously (Ms. Manteau, yes; Mr. Mullen, yes; Ms. Paradise, yes; Mr. Wolfe, yes; Mr. Wood, yes) to enter into non-public session for the purpose of discussing a personnel issue.

The Board discussed the recent non-renewal of an athletic coach.

No action was taken in non-public session.

At 7:00 p.m., a motion was made by Ms. Paradise and seconded by Ms. Manteau to exit the non-public session and to re-enter into open session. The Board was polled and voted unanimously (Ms. Manteau, yes; Mr. Mullen, yes; Ms. Paradise, yes; Mr. Wolfe, yes; Mr. Wood, yes).

On a motion made by Ms. Paradise and seconded by Ms. Manteau, the Board voted unanimously to ask the superintendent to review a personnel issue and procedures followed during the process and report back to the board.

IX. PES ADMINISTRATION (Continued)

A. TECHNOLOGY

District Technology Integrator Carin Kilar provided the Board with an update on the technology upgrades and the developing district Technology Plan. She explained that infrastructure have been or will soon be accomplished by Daystar and Metrocast. The improvements that have been made will prepare the district for the one-on-one environment.

Ms. Kilar also stated that a server was changed over the summer, thus creating a new email address for staff.

The Technology Plan will be submitted to the School Board at their next meeting for approval. The changes that have occurred since the Board saw the first draft include revisions around a “bring your own device” environment and an action plan with a timeline of activities.

Mr. Wood stated that the Technology Team is on track with the revisions made to the Technology Plan proposal. He stated that it would be a good idea to demonstrate the savings or advantages that will be realized with any of the technology plans. Mr. Wood stated he would like to see a clear picture of what the financial liabilities would be for the district.

Dr. Freeman stated that Ms. Kilar has had an immediate positive impact on the district since being hired as the Technology Integrator. She has a strong work ethic and has worked diligently to help the district make progress in the area of technology, providing training and support to the teaching staff.

To the question of whether Ms. Kilar has reached out to other districts for assistance, she stated that she has contacted several other school districts and gained valuable assistance.

Discussion ensued regarding insurance for devices. Ms. Kilar provided the Board some options being considered.

X. STUDENT SERVICES ADMINISTRATIONS

A. COMPETENCY COMMUNITY CONVERSATION

Ms. Stevens stated that there were more than 250 people in attendance at this week’s community event. The Concord Monitor had run two photos and a caption in the local section on the day following the event, which was considered a success. She thanked PMHS Head Custodian Jim Dawson and his crew, as well as Secretary Cheryl Hodgdon, for the work they did to help organize the event. Many faculty members were present to answer questions and demonstrate on computers that were available; thanks were also extended to Technology Integrator Carin Kilar, I.T. Technician Katie Bartoszak, and the Pittsfield Youth Workshop.

B. STAFFING

Ms. Stevens informed the Board that a person has been selected for nomination to fill the second grade special education teacher vacancy. A number of educational assistants are still being sought.

C. PSAT / SAT

Ms. Stevens stated that she be collaborating with Guidance Director Leslie Bergevin to ensure a successful implementation of the PSAT and SAT test on October 17, 2012, for all students, including students with disabilities.

D. FOCUS MONITORING

On October 4, 2012, the first step of the New Hampshire Department of Education’s focus monitoring process will begin with training for special education teachers, related service providers, and principals. Scheduled on October 22 and 25, 2012, are file reviews, which will result in the team receiving valuable feedback that will strengthen the ability to meet the needs of students with disabilities.

XI. SAU ADMINISTRATION

A. LEAVE REQUEST

Dr. Freeman presented a request from PMHS Teacher Paul Strickhart to utilize two personal days immediately preceding February vacation. A motion was made to approve Mr. Strickhart’s request for two days off preceding vacation. Discussion ensued. Mr. Wood, reading a note provided by Ms. Paradise, stated that a precedent has been established; the Board directed the superintendent to make appropriate arrangements with Mr. Strickhart relative to compensation.

B. NOMINATION

Dr. Freeman provided the School Board with the resume of Rebecca Towle and nominated her for the position of special education teacher. On a motion made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Mr. Mullen, the Board voted unanimously to elect Ms. Towle.

C. COMMUNICATION PLAN

Dr. Freeman provided the Board with a copy of the communication plan developed by Consultant Jane Feinberg of Full Frame Communications of Belmont, Massachusetts. Ms. Feinberg has been working with district personnel to develop the plan. Her involvement has been funded through a grant from the Nellie Mae Education Foundation (NMEF). There will be an additional $65,000 awarded by NMEF for the implementation of the plan.

D. BUDGET DEVELOPMENT CALENDAR

Dr. Freeman reviewed the calendar for budget development, with the following targets:
• Thursday, October 25: budget draft submitted to School Board
• Thursday, November 8: proposed budget adopted by School Board
• Wednesday, November 21: budget notebooks provided to Budget Committee

XII. COMMITTEES

A. DRAKE FIELD & FACILITIES

Mr. Wolfe asked about electrical work being done at Drake Field. Dr. Freeman stated that repairs to the tennis court lights are being made.

B. BUDGET COMMITTEE REPRESENTATIVE – None

C. NEGOTIATING TEAM – None

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

XIII. PUBLIC INPUT – 2nd SESSION

XIV. NEXT MEETING

The next School Board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, October 11, 2012, at 5:30 in the PMHS Media Center.

XV. ADJOURNMENT

On a motion made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Mr. Mullen, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 7:42 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Tobi Gray Chassie
Recording Secretary