September 9, 2010 Minutes

APPROVED BY THE PITTSFIELD SCHOOL BOARD

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

MINUTES

Pittsfield School Board Meeting
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Pittsfield Middle High School

I. CALL TO ORDER

Members Present: Mary Paradise, Chairperson (arrival at 5:37 p.m.)
Michael Wolfe, Vice Chairperson
Elizabeth Adams
Kathy Corliss (arrival at 6:20 p.m.) Clayton Wood

Others Present: John Freeman, Superintendent
Tobi Gray Chassie, Director of Student Services
Robert Bickford, Principal, PMHS
Lois-Jean Stevens, Coordinator of Student Services
Doug Kilmister, Principal, PES

Vice Chairperson Michael Wolfe called the meeting to order at 5:35 p.m.

II. AGENDA REVIEW

The following items were added to the agenda:
• PMHS gymnasium renovation (Dr. Freeman)
• Non-public – legal matter (Dr. Freeman)
• State and national school boards (Dr. Freeman
• Summer reading requirement (Mr. Bickford)
• Resignation (Ms. Chassie)

Ms. Paradise entered and assumed role of chairperson of the meeting at 5:37 p.m.

III. ACTION ON AMENDED AGENDA

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

IV. PUBIC INPUT – None

V. APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MEETING MINUTES

A motion was made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Ms. Adams to approve minutes of the June 8, 2010 meeting.

On page 3, third paragraph, omit “Mr. Wood stated that he had met members of the senior class through his work on the Foss Scholarship Committee and that he was impressed by what he knew about the seniors.” Change “He” to “Mr. Wolfe.”

The motion carried unanimously to approve the minutes as amended.

A motion was made by Mr. Wood and seconded by Mr. Wolfe to approve the minutes of August 23, 2010.

On page 2, ninth paragraph, omit “in the.” On page 2, tenth paragraph, change “leacership” to “leadership.”

The motion carried unanimously to approve the minutes as amended.

VI. INTRODUCTIONS

Ms. Chassie introduced Jessica Segelhurst, teacher for the Skills Program. Ms. Segelhurst was welcomed by the School Board.

VII. PES ADMINISTRATION

A. EFFECTIVE TEAMS WORKSHOPS

Mr. Kilmister explained the work that will be completed at PES relative to building effective teams. A half day workshop with Vivian Troen, a Brandeis University instructor, author, and expert on teacher teams, was provided on August 27th.

B. DIGITAL CONFERENCE

Mr. Kilmister stated that lots of positive feedback was received from the public about the Pittsfield Digital Classroom Project. His report listed the comments that were made.

C. FOOTWORK FRIDAYS

Footwork Fridays will resume on Friday, September 10, 2010.

D. PES EXTERIOR SIDING

Mr. Kilmister reviewed the recent evaluation of the exterior of the building. He stated that the most significant concern was the south-facing siding on the roof, which gets the most rain and sun. Dr. Freeman added that he had briefly discussed the issues with Mr. Bisson, architect, who has offered to provide the Board with options to address the siding problems. The Board directed Dr. Freeman to request an analysis and recommendations from Mr. Bisson.

VIII. PMHS ADMINISTRATION

A. LATE START WEDNESDAYS

Mr. Bickford reported on the Late Start Wednesdays, of which there have been two. He explained that Consultant Jayne Ogata from the Center for Secondary School Redesign (CSSR) has provided training in team building.

B. WEBSITE

Mr. Bickford stated that the website has been renovated by Ms. Stevens. Mr. Wood has been a help in developing the new site. The Board stated their appreciation for the work that has been done to improve the website.

C. SUMMER READING REQUIREMENT

In an effort to follow up from the discussion at the last meeting, Mr. Bickford stated that he has investigated the issue of summer reading further. He explained that the summer reading requirement has been a long-standing requirement. The English department head confirmed that she was not told of any changes in this practice and prepared a list of summer reading options that was to be posted on the school website. Unfortunately, there was a breakdown of communication, which prevented the list from appearing on the website.

Ms. Adams stated that she would like a definition of “profanity.” The Family/Student Handbook states that the use of profanity is prohibited. Furthermore, she reminded the Board that the viewing of R-rated movies has been prohibited by policy and wonders why we would invite authors into the school who use profanity.

Discussion ensued regarding the issues that surround the selection of reading material in school. Ms. Adams reported that she is assisting the town library librarian with a Facebook page that will be devoted to reviewing books being read by high school students. She asked for a reading list for grades 11 and 12, and noted that she already has the list for grades 9 and 10. Mr. Bickford agreed to collect the reading lists for Ms. Adams for the Facebook project. The School Board will receive the list as well.

D. OPENING OF SCHOOL

Mr. Bickford reported that the opening of school has been going relatively smoothly.

E. CENTER FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL REFORM INSTITUTE

Mr. Bickford reported that over 50% of our faculty members participated in the three-day institute on Common Planning Time and Advisories presented prior to the opening of school by the Center for Secondary School Redesign (CSSR).

IX. STUDENT SERVICES ADMINISTRATION

A. SPECIAL EDUCATION ORGANIZATIONAL CHART

Ms. Chassie distributed a chart representing the organizational structure of the district relative to special education.

B. OUT-OF-DISTRICT COSTS

Per request of Mr. Wood, Ms. Chassie prepared and distributed information regarding out-of-district placement costs, including both transportation and tuition.

C. RESIGNATION

Ms. Chassie reported the resignation of Gail Vincent from her position as paraprofessional at PES.

D. INDICATOR 13

Ms. Chassie informed the Board that the Department of Education will be auditing the Pittsfield School District for compliance of Indicator 13, which measures the “percent of youth with Individual Education Programs (IEP), aged 16 and above, that includes appropriate postsecondary goals that are annually updated and based upon an age appropriate transition assessment, transition services, including courses of study, that will reasonable enable the student to meet those postsecondary goals, and annual IEP goals related to the student’s transition services needed.” A team will be visiting us on January 27, 2011.

E. ORIENTATION EVALUATIONS

Ms. Chassie collated and distributed comments received from newly hired staff after a one and one half day orientation for new teachers in August.

F. WARREN STREET ASSOCIATES

Ken Potter, a therapist from Warren Street Associates, will discontinue providing services in the district. This is the end of a 20 year relationship with his agency that will be sorely missed by the school community. Ms. Paradise asked that a note of appreciation be written from the School Board.

X. SAU ADMINISTRATION

A. POLICIES, ADOPTION

On a motion made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Mr. Wood, the Board voted unanimously to adopt Policy ECAB: Access to Buildings; Policy GCB: Professional Staff Contracts; Policy JEA: Compulsory Attendance Age; Policy JFAB: Admission of Tuition and Non-Resident Students; Policy JI: Student Rights and Responsibilities; and Policy JKA: Corporal Punishment.

B. POLICIES, READING

Dr. Freeman presented the following policies for the first reading: Policy EBBD: Indoor Air Quality; Policy JH: Attendance, Absenteeism & Truancy; Policy JHC: Student Early Release Precautions; Policy JKAA: Use of Restraints; and Policy KBC: Communications Protocol.

In an email dated, Saturday, August 28, 2010, Mr. Wood addressed the School Board as follows:

I am concerned with using KBC as a starting point for communication between the District and the Board. It appears that KBC is a defunct policy, no longer supported y the School Board Association. I was not able to look up the history for this policy except for the couple of policies that I found on the Internet. If you look at these examples, this policy appears to be addressing district/board communication to the media. I would like us to review criteria for emergency communication to the School Board, not just the Chair, outside the normal procedure.

I would like to also point out that BEB which is consistent with the Policies provided by the School Board Associate clearly states that an Emergency meeting may be called by the Chairperson or by action of a majority of the Board. As a School Board member, I clearly have jurisdiction over emergency meetings. How can I exercise this right without an emergency notification procedure.

John, please contact the School Board Association and determine if we can use KBC for this purpose. I am concerned that it could cause even more confusion. I was also troubled by the statement that police involvement would not a good criterion based on the frequency of calling the police. What policies require calling the police and how often do we call them?

I will save my comments of the modified KBC for our meetings on September 9 unless asked to do so.

A motion was made by Mr. Wood and seconded by Mr. Wolfe to approve the following policies for the first reading: Policy EBBD: Indoor Air Quality; Policy JH: Attendance, Absenteeism & Truancy; Policy JHC: Student Early Release Precautions; Policy JKAA: Use of Restraints; and Policy KBC: Communications Protocol.

Discussion ensued regarding early release precautions. The Memorandum of Understanding between the Pittsfield School District and the Pittsfield Police Department was discussed. Further discussion ensued regarding the role of the police department in school. Dr. Freeman was asked to invite Chief Wharem to an upcoming meeting to answer the questions generated by the School Board. Discussion ensued regarding the need to minimize or eliminate emissions from motorized vehicles and issues related to attendance, absenteeism, and truancy. Discussion ensued regarding the use of restraints.

The motion was carried unanimously.

C. PMHS ADVISORY COUNCIL

Dr. Freeman explained that a key aspect of the Nellie Mae grant project will be the development of an advisory council. He stated that Board Policy BCF governs the development of “advisory committees to counsel them [the Board] as one means of discerning the needs and desires of the school district and its residents.” Dr. Freeman distributed a preliminary list of the people selected to serve on the PMHS Advisory Council. He explained that Policy BCF requires that “all appointments of citizens to advisory committees for the Board shall be made by the Board.

Mr. Wood asked what the role of the council would be, to which Dr. Freeman answered that they would guide the district as they make lasting and significant change in the development of the district. Dr. Freeman further explained that the members of the Advisory Council would likely be able to provide information from an external perspective. Discussion ensued regarding the purpose of the committee, with some concern about the lack of specificity.

On a motion made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Ms. Corliss, the Board voted unanimously to approve the committee with the understanding that the purpose will be further defined at the next School Board meeting.

D. DRAFT MISSION AND VISION

Dr. Freeman distributed a copy of the proposed mission and vision. On a motion made by Mr. Wood and seconded by Mr. Wolfe, the Board voted unanimously to approve the mission and vision.

E. SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT GRANT

Dr. Freeman received notice that the grant application was considered well written and of excellent quality by the New Hampshire Department of Education. However, minor revisions are still required before final approval is granted. He went on to explain that the work required by the grant has become overwhelming and there is, at times, compromises in addressing administrative tasks that is required in order to continue the work. It is requiring an extraordinary amount of time to remain on top of all of the aspects of the grant, while maintaining the daily operation of the schools. It was noted how much work Dr. Freeman has done to gather all of the information and do the writing of the grant. The School Board thanked Dr. Freeman for his work.

F. NOVEMBER ELECTIONS

There has been a change of plans by the Select Board, and the school is no longer being considered for the elections.

G. NELLIE MAE GRANT

Dr. Freeman has notified the Board of a visit by a 3 to 4 person team from the Nellie Mae Foundation. It is scheduled for October 19, 2010.

H. 2011-2012 BUDGET TIMELINE

Discussion ensued regarding the 2011-2012 budget timeline. A timeline was proposed by Dr. Freeman for the Board to consider. Dates were altered to reflect revised November meeting dates.

I. PMHS GYMNASIUM FLOOR

Dr. Freeman reported that the subflooring of the gym is in need of work. These developments will unlikely cause a significant delay in the work.

J. NEWSPAPER ARTICLE

Mr. Wood acknowledged the article in the newspaper unveiling the grant and the school development work that it will support in the district.

K. SNOW PLOWING

Mr. Wolfe asked if arrangements were being made for the snow plowing, to which Dr. Freeman answered in the affirmative.

L. ANNUAL GOALS OF SUPERINTENDENT

Dr. Freeman included a review of the 2009-2010 Superintendent’s goals and proposed 2010-2011 goals.

M. STATE AND LOCAL SCHOOL BOARDS

In an email dated, Monday, September 6, 2010, Ms. Adams addressed the School Board as follows:

Is this something the NH School Districts should be aware of at least to be researching its validity? If the prospect of losing local control is very real and very imminent, why are we not asking more pertinent questions regarding its implementation? Looking forward to hearing any insight and whether it should/could be taken up at a meeting. NH has already accepted the Common Core Standards in order to receive Race to the Top dollars, which didn’t happen. If asking this question, via e-mail, is considered a meeting, please let me know the correct forum for bringing it up.

Here is an exerpt from the bottom of the page:
One result will be much less local and state control. At least one of the ringleaders of this plan, Lou Gerstner (Chairman Emeritus of ACHIEVE, one of the 3 primary partners of CCSSI), is on record (Dec. 1, 2008 WSJ) advocating for elimination of local school boards and replacing them with 20 regional ones. Very little media coverage has been given to this very important topic other than announcements of which states won “Race to the Top” grant dollars. Anything this drastic should have been the focus of numerous public forums, lenthy public discussions, extensive media coverage, and verifiable pilot programs.

I am hoping to have an informed discussion in order to find the facts and see if we can have a consensus. I am more than a little concerned.

Thank you in advance for your guidance with addressing this matter.

At the request of Ms. Paradise, Dr. Freeman requested a reaction to this material from the New Hampshire School Boards Association and received comments from Dean Michener which were distributed to the Board. The Board agreed to review the matter and to discuss further at the next
meeting. Additionally, Dr. Freeman was asked to seek guidance from the New Hampshire School Boards Association relative to the format for resolutions to be presented at the annual meeting.

XI. COMMITTEES

A. DRAKE FIELD – Ms Corliss and Mr. Wolfe

Ms. Corliss stated that the environment at Drake Field is positive at this time.

According to Dr. Freeman, gazebo improvements are being made. An evaluation of the roof of the grandstand is being sought.

B. SELECT BOARD LIAISON – Mr. Wood and Ms. Adams

Mr. Wood offered to attend the Select Board meeting on an occasional basis.

C. BUDGET COMMITTEE – Ms. Adams and Ms. Corliss

Dr. Freeman will contact Budget Committee Chairperson John Kidder to be sure he has Ms. Adams’ contact information.

D. NEGOTIATING TEAM – Ms. Paradise and Mr. Wolfe

The Board has not yet received a request to negotiate from the Education Agency of Pittsfield.

E. CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN (CIP) COMMITTEE

Mr. Wood is interested in being the liaison, but may not be able to due to his affiliation with the Planning Board. The Planning Board is overseeing the CIP work.

XII. NEXT MEETING

The next School Board meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, September 22, 2010 at 5:30 p.m. at the Pittsfield Middle High School.

XIII. NON-PUBLIC SESSION

At 9:05 p.m., a motion was made by Mr. Wood and seconded by Mr. Wolfe to enter into non-public session to discuss a legal matter pursuant to RSA 91-A:3, II (a and b). The Board was polled and voted unanimously (Ms. Adams, yes; Ms. Corliss, yes; Ms. Paradise, yes; Mr. Wolfe, yes; Mr. Wood, yes) to enter into a non-public session.

A. LEGAL MATTER

Dr. Freeman provided the Board with a brief description of a legal matter that is likely to come before the Board.

At 9:09 p.m., a motion was made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Ms. Adams to exit the non-public session. The Board was polled and voted unanimously (Ms. Adams, yes; Ms. Corliss, yes; Ms. Paradise, yes; Mr. Wolfe, yes; Mr. Wood, yes) to re-enter into open session.

XIV. PUBLIC INPUT (Second Session) – None

XV. ADJOURNMENT

On a motion made by Ms. Adams and seconded by Mr. Wolfe, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 9:10 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Tobi Gray Chassie
Recording Secretary