ADVANCE COPY, SUBJECT TO THE APPROVAL THE PITTSFIELD SCHOOL BOARD
STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
SCHOOL ADMINISTRATIVE UNIT #51
BARNSTEAD – PITTSFIELD PITTSFIELD SCHOOL BOARD
MINUTES
Pittsfield School Board
September 6, 2007
Pittsfield Middle High School
I. CALL TO ORDER
Members Present: Scott Brown, Chairperson
Mary Paradise
Chris Ward
Gary Colby
Leslie Vogt
Others Present: Dr. William Compton, Superintendent
Peter Roche, Business Administrator
Karen Erlandson, Principal, PMHS
Jeff DeLois, Assistant Principal, PMHS
Dr. John Freeman, Principal, PES
Tobi Chassie, Director of Student Services
Lois Stevens, Coordinator of Student Services
Chairperson Brown called the meeting to order at 5:31 p.m.
II. AGENDA REVIEW
Ms. Vogt added information regarding a budget workshop. Dr. Compton informed
the Board that a non-public session would be in order. Mr. Roche added SAU
office status, oil bids, and facility maintenance update. Ms. Chassie added the
acceptance of a gift.
Mr. Brown stated that the Board approaches tonight’s meeting with a heavy heart
with the news of the passing of Mark Jarvis. Ms. Erlandson distributed information
about the services that have been planned. The school community will sorely miss
Mr. Jarvis.
III. APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MEETING MINUTES
On a motion made by Mr. Colby and seconded by Mr. Ward, the Board voted
unanimously to approve the minutes of August 16, 2007, as written.
Pittsfield School Board 1 September 6, 2007
IV. PUBLIC INPUT – None
V. PES ADMINISTRATION
A. Nominations
Dr. Freeman nominated Lori Bourgeois as food service director and Caro l
Gates as salad bar attendant. Ms. Chassie nominated Julie Messier as an
educational assistant. On a motion made by Ms. Vogt and seconded by Mr.
Ward, the Board voted unanimously to approve the hiring of Ms. Bourgeois, Ms.
Gates, and Ms. Messier.
B. Resignation
Dr. Freeman reported the resignation of Sarah Waddle from her position as
educational assistant. On a motion made by Mr. Colby and seconded by Mr.
Ward, the Board voted unanimously to approve the resignation of Ms. Waddle.
C. Adequate Yearly Progress
Dr. Freeman commented on the joy of the staff at PES in learning that AYP
criteria had been met.
D. Facilities
Dr. Freeman stated that the facilities are in tip-top shape. Comments were
made regarding the cafeteria floor and the landscaping outside of the building.
VI. PMHS ADMINISTRATION
A. Hiring
Ms. Erlandson nominated Gwen Adams as library assistant and Heather Briggs
as kitchen assistant. Ms. Chassie and Ms. Stevens nominated Nicole Nilsson,
Susan Bridge, and Jennifer Massey as educational assistants. On a motion
made by Mr. Ward seconded by Ms. Vogt, the Board voted unanimously to hire
Ms. Adams, Ms. Briggs, Ms. Bridge, Ms. Nilsson, and Ms. Massey.
B. Resignations
Ms. Stevens presented three resignations for the Board’s consideration. On a
motion made by Mr. Colby and seconded by Ms. Vogt, the Board voted
unanimously to accept the resignations of Elizabeth Smith, Tonjia McMaster,
and Bryan Goodman from educational assistant positions at PMHS.
Pittsfield School Board 2 September 6, 2007
C. Policy IMBC
Ms. Erlandson explained the Policy IMBC – Alternative Credit Option for High
School Graduation needs to be approved by the Board. There were two
readings of the policy at previous meetings (July 20, 2006 and August 17,
2006), but no final vote was recorded. On a motion made by Ms. Paradise and
seconded by Ms. Vogt, the Board voted unanimously to approve Policy IMBC.
D. Maternity Leave
Alissa Heppler has submitted a request for a maternity leave starting on or
around January 3, 2008 and returning after February vacation. There was
consensus of the Board to have Dr. Compton communicate the approval o f the
leave according to policy.
E. Drake Field Recreation Program
Louise Sawyer submitted a report regarding the Drake Field Recreation
Program. The program was a great success. Mr. Brown thanked Ms. Sawyer
for directing a successful and well-attended program.
F. Second Start
Ms. Erlandson reviewed a letter received by Mary Yost, Student Assistance
Program Counselor, from Second Start. The program provides many
opportunities in which students participate.
G. Gift
Ms. Chassie explained that Susan Sanborn has donated a magnifier for text,
valued at approximately $3500 that is appropriate for use by students with
visual impairments. There is a student who will need this equipment in Science
class, saving the school approximately $2,000 on a large print textbo ok. On a
motion made by Ms. Vogt and seconded by Mr. Colby, the Board voted
unanimously to gratefully accept the gift of the magnifying machine to be used
by students with visual impairments.
H. Orientation
Ms. Erlandson reviewed the participation statistics for the orientation program
offered to 7th and 9th graders on Tuesday, August 28, 2007. The program has
been growing each year and considered to be valuable and successful.
I. Opening of School
Ms. Erlandson stated that the school year had started off smoothly and that the
tone was very positive.
Pittsfield School Board 3 September 6, 2007
VII. SAU ADMINISTRATION
A. Bids
Mr. Roche presented bids for the phone system for PES. He thanked Kathy
Mahanes and her husband for the significant assistance that they rendered in
figuring out the specifications for this work. He recommended that the Board
accept the low bid from MCCT. On a motion made by Ms. Paradise and
seconded by Mr. Ward, the Board voted unanimously to accept the bid from
MCCT, as recommended.
Mr. Roche presented bids for the security system for PMHS. Ms. Erlandson
provided further details regarding the specifications for this work. Mr. Roche
recommended the Board accept the bid from Catamount. On a motion made
by Ms. Paradise and seconded by Mr. Ward, the Board voted unanimously to
accept the bid from Catamount, as recommended.
B. SAU Office
Mr. Roche explained that there is space on the second floor of the town hall that
could be considered for the SAU office. Since it is on the second floor, it would
require having an elevator installed. Dr. Compton explained that if money were
accepted from the DOE to make any renovations, a reasonable time for the
school remaining in the building renovated would be expected. Mr. Brown
requested that Superintendent Compton research additional details regarding
the aid so that the Board will be in a position to fully disclose details to the
voters at a later date.
Dr. Compton reported that the district’s archived records have been moved to
the third floor of the Town Hall for storage, thanks to Ms. Vogt.
Mr. Roche stated that the estimate to improve the HVAC system in the
Technology Education annex is $43,000. Currently, the system is being
maintained in a piecemeal fashion. It may cost less to improve the system if the
space is only used for classroom purposes.
Mr. Brown stated that space within the two schools should be fully considered.
Mr. Brown clarified that the Technology Education annex is being considered
and would include the entire bottom floor. Discussion ensued regarding the use
of the space that the SAU is currently housed.
C. Fund Balance
Mr. Roche reported the fund balance as of June 30, 2007. He provided the
Board with a status report of the facility projects that were authorized by the
Board using money from the fund balance. The projects are taking longer than
had been anticipated. Mr. Roche will provide additional information at the next
meeting.
Pittsfield School Board 4 September 6, 2007
D. Superintendent’s Goals and Objectives
Dr. Compton did not receive comments of concern regarding his proposed
goals and objectives and asked for approval. On a motion made by Ms.
Paradise and seconded by Mr. Colby, the Board voted unanimo usly to approve
the Superintendent’s goals and objectives.
E. Policy GCG – Substitute Teachers
Dr. Compton outlined a proposal for the employment of substitute teachers. He
explained that there have been concerns about the compensation for substitute
teachers serving in a long-term capacity, for working half days, and with varying
levels of experience and education. The proposed policy addresses the issues
of concern. Discussion ensued regarding the many employment scenarios that
can potentially exist for substitute teachers. Ms. Vogt commented that the daily
rate of $50 should be reconsidered as the new budget is developed. This
presentation was considered the first reading of Policy GCG.
VIII. COMMITTEES
A. Drake Field
Mr. Brown asked Mr. Colby to discuss the rules for the skateboard park with the
Pittsfield Police Department. Mr. Colby has seen evidence of the Pittsfield
Police Department patrolling the area.
B. Budget
Ms. Vogt explained that the Budget Committee Chair has invited every member
of the Budget Committee to attend a workshop and is encouraging attendance.
Ms. Vogt reminded the members of the Board that they promised to provide the
administration with some guidance for developing the 2008 -2009 budget. An
increase of four to five percent was recommended as guidance.
Discussion ensued regarding the expression of some community members on
the need to increase opportunities for students in the area of industrial arts.
The Board will consider facts surrounding the programs that have been cut (i.e.
number of students previously enrolled).
C. SAU Planning
Mr. Brown advised the Board that the plan for the SAU reorganization was
approved at the last meeting. He suggested that the Board give Dr. Compton
the authorization to advertise. The Board would like the position advertised on
www.edjobsnh.com, in the Concord Monitor, and in the Manchester Union
Pittsfield School Board 5 September 6, 2007
Leader for approximately three weeks. Mr. Colby suggested that once a
superintendent has been identified, s/he be included in the future planning
efforts. Mr. Brown and Mr. Colby will schedule some times to work with Mr.
Roche and Dr. Compton to review details of potential plans.
IX. NEXT MEETING
The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, September 20, 2007 at 5:30 at the
Pittsfield Middle High School.
X. PUBLIC INPUT (Second Session) – None
XI. NON-PUBLIC SESSION
At 7:15 p.m., a motion was made by Mr. Colby and seconded Ms. Paradise, to
enter into non-public session. The Board was polled and voted unanimously to
enter into a non-public session under the provisions of RSA 91-A:3 II (c) [Legal
Matters].
A motion was made by Mr. Ward and seconded by Ms. Vogt to come out of the
non-public session. The Board was polled and voted to come out of the non-public
session at 7:40 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT
On a motion made by Mr. Ward and seconded by Mr. Colby, the Board voted
unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 7:41 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Tobi Gray Chassie
Recording Secretary
Pittsfield School Board 6 September 6, 2007