ADVANCE COPY, SUBJECT TO THE APPROVAL THE PITTSFIELD SCHOOL BOARD

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

MINUTES

Pittsfield School Board Meeting
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Pittsfield Middle High School

I. CALL TO ORDER

Members Present: Clayton Wood, Chairperson
Elizabeth Adams
Kathy Corliss
Mary Paradise (arrived at 5:40 p.m.)
Michael Wolfe

Others Present: John Freeman, Superintendent of Schools
Bob Bickford, Principal, PMHS
Tobi Gray Chassie, Director of Student Services
Lois Stevens, Coordinator of Student Services
Member of the Public

Chairperson Wood called the meeting to order at 5:34 p.m.

II. AGENDA REVIEW

The following items were added to the agenda:
• Health insurance (Dr. Freeman)
• Café Services (Mr. Bickford)
• League of Innovative Schools (Mr. Bickford)
• Policy GBEBD – Social Networking (Ms. Stevens)
• Teacher contracts (Mr. Wood)
• Discussion of a citizen’s letter and concerns (Mr. Wood)
• Pittsfield Listens (Ms. Corliss)

III. ACTION ON AMENDED AGENDA

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

IV. PUBLIC INPUT

Ms. Jennifer Kearns, parent of a PMHS student, stated that she had a question regarding the dress code policy. She explained that the volleyball uniform has changed to gym shorts and no longer includes spandex shorts. Ms. Kearns expressed her concern that the uniform was changed because it didn’t follow the school dress code. Furthermore, other students who attend sports games dressed inappropriately, in her opinion. She stated that she is concerned about the inconsistency in the implementation of the dress code policy, as well as an overall concern that the volleyball team may be treated unfairly.

Ms. Kearns described an event that occurred at a game last year in which she was involved. She provided the School Board with some additional information regarding this event and the response of the school administration.

V. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

A motion was made by Ms. Corliss and seconded by Ms. Adams to approve the minutes of August 25, 2011. The following changes were made: on page 2, paragraph 2, change to “will be submitting his letter with revisions;” on page 5, paragraph 6, change “month” to “quarter;” and on page 6, paragraph 2, change to “Appreciation for all the work was expressed by the Board.” The motion passed to approve the minutes as amended, with Ms. Paradise, Ms. Adams, Mr. Wood, and Ms. Corliss voting in the affirmative and Mr. Wolfe abstaining.

VI. PES ADMINISTRATION

A. NWEA MAP TESTING

Students began taking the computer-adaptive Measures of Academic Performance tests in reading.

B. PES NEWS

Mr. Kilmister provided the School Board with a copy of his weekly PES News. It provides informational items for families. The “Pink Newsletter” is a tradition that is appreciated by families.

C. THE MONDAY MEMO

Mr. Kilmister, in an effort to improve communications with staff, has reinstituted a weekly principal’s memo. He provided the Board with a copy.

D. PES CALENDAR

Mr. Kilmister provided the Board with a list of September and October activities.

VII. PMHS ADMINISTRATION

A. SCHOOL OPENING

Mr. Bickford provided the Board with a summary of activities during the work days preceding school and the first day of school.

B. CROSS COUNTRY CANCELLATION

Mr. Bickford informed the Board that Cross Country for the fall season has been cancelled, due to the fact that the only participant is injured and will be unable to compete.

C. PMHS CALENDAR

Mr. Bickford provided the Board with a list of events for September and October.

D. CAFÉ SERVICES

Mr. Bickford stated that, during the first few days of school, the lunch program were a bit confusing. However, since then, procedures have been streamlined and things are working efficiently. People are very pleased with the quality of food being offered.

E. LEAGUE OF INNOVATIVE SCHOOLS

Mr. Bickford informed the Board that New Hampshire Commissioner of Education Virginia Barry has nominated Pittsfield Middle High School as one of the six New Hampshire innovative high schools for membership in the initial group in the newly-formed League of Innovative Schools.

F. POLICY GBEBD – Employee use of Social Networking Websites

Ms. Stevens distributed a copy of Policy GBEBD – Employee use of Social Networking Websites. She explained that the school would like to put a survey for graduates on the Alumni website, with a link to the school’s website. The Board agreed that this would not be in violation of the policy.

Discussion ensued regarding potential issues around previous employees of the district socially networking with students.

VIII. STUDENT SERVICES – No report.

IX. SAU ADMINISTRATION

A. POLICY RECONSIDERATION

Mr. Wood asked the Board if the review of policies should be delayed until there is more time on the agenda, specifically after budget season. It was suggested that the work continue at a later date by committee.

Discussion ensued regarding Policy CFB: Building Principal’s & Director’s of Student Services’ Evaluation. No action was taken on Policy CFB.

B. POLICY RESCISSION

Discussion ensued regarding policies. The Board recommended the following
Policies be retained: Policy DD: Funding Proposals and Application,
Policy DI: Fiscal Accounting and Reporting, Policy DIH: Fraud Prevention and Fiscal Management, Policy DJ: Purchasing, Policy DJE: Bidding Requirements, Policy DJG: Vendor Relations, Policy DKA: Payroll Procedures.

The Board recommended the following policies be rescinded: Policy DEA: Revenues from Local Tax Sources, Policy DFA: Investment, Policy DG: Depository of Funds, Policy DID: Fixed Assets – Inventories, Policy DJB: Purchasing Procedures and Policy DJF: Local Purchasing.

The Board recommended the following policies be held for further discussion:
Policy DGA – Authorized Signatures, Policy DIE: Audits, and Policy DK: Payment Procedures.

On a motion made by Ms. Paradise and seconded by Mr. Wolfe, the Board voted unanimously to adjust the policies as recommended.

C. 2012-2013 BUDGET

Dr. Freeman provided the Board with a memo outlining the requests that have been made by the Pittsfield Budget Committee. Of specific concern is the request to adjust the due date to December 9, 2011, which would require the Board finalizing their proposed budget by December 8, 2011.

The Board directed Dr. Freeman to provide the Budget Committee with the timeline that has been adopted by the School Board.

D. FOREIGN EXCHANGE STUDENT POLICY

Dr. Freeman provided a model policy on the topic of foreign exchange students, as well as a copy of the Board’s current policy.

The model policy was accepted as the first reading of Policy JFABB: Foreign Exchange Students.

E. STUDENT INTERVIEW AND INTERROGATIONS

Dr. Freeman provided a model policy on the topic of student interviews and interrogations for the Board’s consideration. The Board directed Dr. Freeman to conduct additional research regarding legal requirements for interviews and interrogations by police.

F. HEALTH INSURANCE

Dr. Freeman asked for the Board’s direction on scheduling health insurance carriers to come and talk about their plans. The Board indicated their desire to have the two meetings scheduled back-to-back on an afternoon.

G. 2012-2013 BUDGET (continued)

Dr. Freeman explained that the Board typically will provide the school administration with directions for the development of the budget proposal. Discussion ensued regarding the work that has to be done at PES on the roof and the siding. Mr. Wood stated that he would like to have a budget that would reflect a zero tax impact, including cost for replacing the PES roof. Ms. Paradise requested information on reserve accounts.

H. WELLNESS POLICY

Dr. Freeman reported that he has not completed the research on the updating of the Wellness Policy that the Board requested at their last meeting.

X. SCHOOL BOARD

A. NEGOTIATIONS WORK SESSION

Mr. Wood suggested a work session during which the Board can review the current contract and begin conversations regarding the upcoming negotiations. Mr. Wood will schedule this meeting in collaboration with the superintendent.

B. CITIZEN LETTER OF CONCERN

Mr. Wood asked for the Board’s opinion regarding Mr. Miskoe’s concerns. Ms. Corliss stated that she thinks his idea of closing the school is contrary to the redesign efforts that are in process. She stated that there is a hope that our school, once redesigned, will attract non-resident students.

Ms. Paradise stated that she thinks there is some misunderstanding in the community about the efforts that have been made in the past to join another district. She explained that we cannot send our students to other districts unless we are invited to do so, and districts have tried in the past to do this to no avail. Ms. Paradise stated that she thinks sending our students outside the community would result in a higher dropout rate. She suggested a history be constructed so people will have a better understanding of the previous efforts made.

Mr. Wood agreed that constructing a history, including reaching out to other communities who have struggled through this work, would be helpful in informing people. Mr. Wood suggested informing Mr. Miskoe that the Board’s priority is currently the budget and negotiations.

C. PITTSFIELD LISTENS

Dr. Freeman stated that a report summarizing the outcomes of Pittsfield Listens will be provided. The information shared in the report will be considered for inclusion in the Logic Model (plan for redesign). Dr. Freeman reported that a meeting is scheduled to continue discussions around the topic of competencies and grading. He suggested the possibility of using the Pittsfield Listens forum to discuss within the community the issues involved with competencies and grading. Mr. Wood suggested that we should respond to the people who participated in Pittsfield Listens by informing them of the strategies that are already in process to answer their concerns.

D. PHILOSOPHIES

Ms. Corliss previously requested the Board have a conversation regarding the fundamental educational philosophies of the district. Dr. Freeman suggested Rob Hanson, our part-time curriculum coordinator, be invited to participate in the conversation, promising that he could offer valuable insight into the discussion.

Ms. Paradise suggested looking at the list of concerns that were raised by Ms. Corliss be prioritized so that discussion can ensue. She pointed out that some of the concerns are related to philosophy and some to practice.

E. ATHLETICS

Mr. Bickford reported that a game director is assigned for each game. There is a concern that people may not know who that person is, should they need their assistance.

Ms. Adams asked if students will be able to participate in sports if they are interested in also participating in other extra-curricular activities. Mr. Bickford stated that he has had that conversation with Athletic Director Tuttle. Ms. Paradise stated that because we are a small school, we need to remain flexible if we are to succeed in offering activities to our students. Mr. Bickford suggested that a shift in some coaches thinking will need to occur. Ms. Corliss agreed that we need to be flexible, or there won’t be enough students to fill activities.

XI. COMMITTEES – None

XII. NEXT MEETING

The next School Board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, September 22, 2011, at 5:30 in the Pittsfield Middle High School Media Center.

XIII. PUBLIC INPUT (Second Session) – None

XIV. ADJOURNMENT

On a motion made by Ms. Adams and seconded by Ms. Corliss, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 8:15 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Tobi Gray Chassie
Recording Secretary