APPROVED BY THE PITTSFIELD SCHOOL BOARD

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

MINUTES

Pittsfield School Board Meeting
Thursday, September 3, 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’
Member of the Public
Member of the Faculty

Vice Chairperson Vogt called the meeting to order at 5:31 p.m.

II. AGENDA REVIEW

The following items were added to the agenda:
o Resignation (T. Chassie)
o Educational Assistants ( L. Stevens)
o Policy JEC, Manifest Educational Hardship (J. Freeman)
o SAU Relocation (J. Freeman)
o Resignations (D. Kilmister)

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. Corliss to approve minutes of the August 20, 2009 meeting. On page 5, paragraph 2, Mr. Wolfe was added as the person making the motion. On page 3, paragraph 4, the word “not” was changed to “note.” The Board voted unanimously to approve the minutes as amended.

The chairmanship of the meeting was turned over to Ms. Paradise at 5:37 p.m.

V. PUBLIC INPUT

Sam McKeen, a Pittsfield resident, introduced himself and stated that he is contemplating becoming a member of the School Board. He reported that he was attending the meeting to gather further information before making a decision to submit his letter of interest in the open seat on the School Board.

VI. PES ADMINISTRATION

A. Tour of School

Mr. Kilmister took the members of the School Board on a tour of the elementary school. Many changes have occurred over the summer in the allocation of space, which he pointed out along the tour.

Ms. Chassie explained that the preschool program will not, after all, move to the Blueberry Express Day Care. Due to some problems with insurance coverage, it will no longer be possible for the move to occur. Consequently, the preschool program will remain in Karen McCue’s classroom and the Title I Kindergarten Plus program will located in the Title I classroom.

B. Authorization to Sign Checks

On a motion made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Ms. Vogt, the Board voted unanimously to remove Dr. Freeman’s name from the authorized signature list and to add Mr. Kilmister’s name on the PES activity fund account.

C. Opening School Days

According to Mr. Kilmister, all went well with the opening days for staff and for students.

D. Resignations

Mr. Kilmister reported that the head custodian, a custodian, and a paraprofessional have resigned due to some unusual circumstances. Further details would be shared in the non-public session at the Board’s request.

Ms. Vogt suggested that this may provide an opportunity for the administration to review the job description for the head custodian position.

VII. PMHS ADMINISTRATION

A. Senior Advisory Campout

Mr. Gremlitz introduced Silas St. James, Advisory Program Coordinator, who explained a proposal for an overnight trip for the senior class and their advisors. Approximately 55 students, along with five to nine adults, would participate in an overnight camping trip to Hidden Valley Scout Camp in Gilmanton Iron Works. Students will take part in the Challenging Outdoor Personal Experience (COPE), which develops skills in communication, problem solving, trust, teamwork, and leadership. The trip would take place on September 19 and 20, 2009. The approximate cost has been determined to be $20 to $25.

On a motion made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Ms. Corliss, the Board voted unanimously to approve the proposal. Mr. St. James was given permission to move forward in planning this event.

Dr. Freeman commended Mr. St. James on the work he did this summer to provide advisors in the Advisory Program with two days of training. Mr. DeLois reported that very positive comments had been made by new teachers who were part of the training.

B. Opening School Days

Mr. Gremlitz stated that the first days of school were positive and purposeful. The shift to Power School for scheduling resulted in a few minor glitches, but they were resolved quickly by guidance staff.

C. Homecoming

Homecoming has been scheduled for September 10 and 11, 2009. Information has been added to the school web site by Mr. Gremlitz.

D. NEAS&C Accreditation

Mr. Gremlitz explained that official notification from Janet Allison, Interim Director of the Commission on Public Secondary Schools, has been received. NEAS&C has identified March 20, 21, and 23, 2011 as the dates of the evaluation committee visit to PMHS. Mr. Gremlitz explained the self-assessment process that is now underway. The process includes sending a survey to students and parents for the purpose of gathering information. Mr. Gremlitz further explained the Standards for Accreditation, which is the guiding document for the review. Ms. Vogt asked if there would be an expense connected to the review, to which Mr. Gremlitz stated that it is estimated to be approximately $17,000, which will be included in the 2010-2011 budget proposal for the Board’s consideration.

VIII. STUDENT SERVICES ADMINISTRATION

A. District Data Profile

Ms. Chassie explained that NH Department of Education has reviewed the required information and has determined Pittsfield’s needs of assistance in implementing the requirements of the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) 2004, based on the established criteria. Supporting information was provided to explain the indicators that were measured, the district’s compliance status, the required corrective action, and an explanation of the corrective action. The only area of concern was timeliness of evaluations. Ms. Chassie explained the circumstances that are essentially out of the district’s control, which affect the timeline for completing the evaluations as well as the state’s refusal to correct errors in the report.

B. Paraprofessional Status and Resignation

Ms. Stevens reported that there are two vacancies that still need to be filled. Due to changes in students moving in and out of the district, we were able to eliminate one position at the elementary school, and due to the changes in the middle school program, we were able to eliminate one position there. (A paraprofessional resignation was referenced in Mr. Kilmister’s report.)

IX. SAU ADMINISTRATION

A. Signing of Financial Report

Dr. Freeman provided the MS-25 state financial report form to the Board for signature.

B. Policies

Policy drafts presented for reading during the previous meeting were presented for adoption and included Policy DC – Taxing and Borrowing Authority / Limitations, Policy DD – Funding Proposals and Applications, Policy DEA – Revenues from Local Tax Sources, Policy DGA – Authorized Signatures, and Policy DI – Fiscal Accounting and Reporting.

On a motion made by Ms.Vogt and seconded by Mr. Wolfe, the Board voted unanimously to approve Policies DC, DD, DEA, DGA, and DI.

The following policy drafts were presented for first reading: Policy DFA – Investment, Policy DIH – Fraud Prevention and Fiscal Management, Policy EBBC – Emergency Care and First Aid, Policy JLCD – Administering Medication to Students, Policy JLCD-R – Administering Medication to Students – Regulations, Policy JH – Student Absences and Excuses, Policy EGA –
School District Internet Access for Students, Policy EGA-R – Acceptable Internet Use Procedures – Regulations, and Policy JEC – Manifest Educational Hardship.

On a motion made by Ms. Vogt and seconded by Mr. Wolfe, the Board voted unanimously to approve Policies DFA, DIH, EBBC, JLCD, JLCD-R, JH, EGA, EGA-R, and JEC for the first reading.

Dr. Freeman provided the Board with documents that are intended to support recently adopted policies: Sexual Harassment and Sexual Violence Report Form, Bullying Report Form, and School Board Notification of Bullying Report.

On a motion made by Ms. Vogt and seconded by Mr. Wolfe, the Board voted unanimously to approve policy documents that are intended to support recently adopted policies: Sexual Harassment and Sexual Violence Report Form, Bullying Report Form, and School Board Notification of Bullying Report.

C. Opening of School

Dr. Freeman echoed the reports regarding the smooth and positive opening of school. He highlighted the attendance of all employees in an excellent harassment prevention training provided by the Local Government Center at no cost to the district.

D. Superintendent Goals

In accordance with the Board’s superintendent evaluation process, proposed goals for 2009-2010 were reviewed. Dr. Freeman requested feedback from Board members. Ms. Paradise’s suggestion of adding a goal relative to the NEAS&C accreditation process was discussed.

E. Budget Committee

Dr. Freeman distributed a copy of the revised budget scheduled. He highlighted the fact that presentations would take place on January 9 and 23, 2010 from 8:00 to 1:00. Ms. Vogt reminded the administration of Ross Morse’s suggestion of looking at ways in which the district could combine purchases with other town departments for the purpose of saving taxpayer money.

F. SAU Relocation

Dr. Freeman updated the Board on the status of the construction for the SAU’s relocation. He explained that by the architect and contractor recommended a change in the proposed modification to the heating system which would result in an unanticipated expense of $18,000 to provide for furnace replacement. The modification would permit the installation of the heating units to manufacturer’s specifications. Although disappointed with the recommendation, Dr. Freeman recommended that the Board approve by consensus the additional expense for this purpose. Dr. Freeman also explained that additional costs are being investigated, including signage, a small canopy to protect the entrance from falling ice, and minor repaving. The Board approved the modification and unanticipated expense.

G. Drake Field Recreation Program

Ms. Paradise thanked Louise Sawyer for the information provided regarding the 2009 Recreation Program. It was agreed that Ms. Sawyer does a very good job of coordinating this program and that it serves a good purpose. Her work and dedication to the program were commended by the Board and administration.

X. NEXT MEETING

The next School Board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, September 17, 2009, at 5:30 p.m. at the Pittsfield Elementary School.

XI. PUBLIC INPUT (Second Session) – None

XII. 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 and e). 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.

A. Resignations

The Board discussed recent resignations of support staff. No action was taken.

B. Potential Litigation

The Board discussed a claim of manifest educational hardship brought forward by the parents of a high school student. No action was taken.

C. Negotiations

The Board discussed upcoming negotiations with the EAP. No action was taken.

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

XIII. OPEN SESSION

A. Middle High School Administration

The Board discussed the structure of the PMHS administration and considerations for future directions.

XIV. ADJOURNMENT

On a motion made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Ms. Corliss, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 8:37 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Tobi Gray Chassie
Recording Secretary

John J. Freeman, Ph.D.
Recording Secretary,
Non-Public Session and
Subsequent Public
Session