APPROVED BY THE PITTSFIELD SCHOOL BOARD

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

MINUTES

Pittsfield School Board Meeting
Thursday, April 24, 2014
Pittsfield Middle High School

I. CALL TO ORDER

Members Present: Mike Wolfe, Chair
Nicole Manteau, Vice-Chair
Bea Douglas (departed at approximately 6:00 p.m.)
Gary Mullen

Others Present: John Freeman, Superintendent of Schools
Tobi Gray Chassie, District Administrator
Ross Morse, Community Liaison

Mr. Wolfe called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.

II. AGENDA REVIEW

On a motion made by Mr. Mullen and seconded by Ms. Douglas, the Board voted unanimously to approve the agenda as presented.

III. APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MEETING MINUTES

A motion was made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Mr. Mullen to approve the minutes of the April 10, 2014, meeting. On page 8, XVII. B, change “reminder” to “remainder.” Ms. Douglas, Mr. Mullen, and Mr. Wolfe voted to approve the amended minutes in the affirmative, and Ms. Manteau abstained from the vote due to her absence from the meeting.

IV. PUBLIC INPUT

Ross Morse commented on the full-day kindergarten public forum. He reported that over thirty parents attended and the sentiments were extremely positive. He explained that a protocol was followed which helped people safely express their concerns, questions, and celebration regarding full-day kindergarten. Positive comments included the increased time for learning, the help to families who work, first grade preparedness, increased social interactions, and allowing more time for a rigorous Kindergarten curriculum. Concerns included engaging young children in a full-day program and if the investment of time will reap a reward. Questions included what would the schedule look like, class size, additional cost to the district, transportation, and request for an option for a half day program.

Dr. Freeman thanked Mr. Morse for his work to provide parents with an opportunity to be heard regarding this issue and stated that he did a spectacular job of organizing the event. Mr. Morse stated that he worked collaboratively with Lois Stevens, Danielle Harvey, and Kathy Lemay to ensure the night would be the success that it was.

V. SUPERINTENDENT

A. Dean Positions

A discussion ensued regarding the hiring of the dean positions. Ms. Manteau expressed her desire to advertise for these two positions outside of the district. Mr. Wolfe expressed that he would be willing to advertise within the district, but saw no benefit in advertising outside.

Dr. Freeman stated that the reason he has pursued internal applicants for the dean positions is because of the weakness in the external candidate pool. He stated that there is currently a national crisis in educational leadership. There are few people who desire positions in educational leadership, and those in the field often are not adequately prepared to do so.

Dr. Freeman further explained that he did not want to mislead potential applicants, causing them to complete the hiring steps unnecessarily. In the recent visit to another school, it was highlighted that their leaders have been grown from within. It is difficult to find leaders who can come into Pittsfield, given the changes that have occurred.

Mr. Wolfe stated that he has had numerous opportunities to participate in the hiring of administrators. He expressed his lack of confidence that a process would lead to finding successful candidates.

A motion was made by Ms. Manteau to advertise the two dean positions externally, which was seconded by Mr. Mullen. The motion failed with Ms. Manteau voting in the affirmative, and Mr. Mullen and Mr. Wolfe voting in opposition of the motion.

Dr. Freeman stated that he has tentatively scheduled the two candidates to meet in a forum with faculty at both schools. He also plans to have the two candidates attend the School Board meeting on May 8, 2014. Dr. Freeman also stated his plans for forums to allow the public to meet and converse with the candidates.

VI. PUBLIC INPUT (Second Session)

Dan Ward thanked the Board for allowing the opportunity for his voice to be heard. He provided written comments to express his concerns. He stated that he would prefer what he described as a typical hiring process to be utilized including advertising outside the district and interviewing.

VII. NEXT MEETING

The next School Board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, May 8, 2014, at 5:30 p.m. at the Pittsfield Middle High School.

VIII. ADJOURNMENT

On a motion made by Mr. Mullen and seconded by Ms. Manteau, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 6:39 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Tobi Gray Chassie
Recording Secretary