APPROVED BY THE PITTSFIELD SCHOOL BOARD

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

MINUTES

Pittsfield School Board Meeting
Thursday, August 14,2014
Pittsfield Middle High School

I. CALL TO ORDER

Members Present: Mike Wolfe, Chair
Vanessa Abell
Bea Douglas
Gary Mullen
Ray Ramsey

Others Present: John Freeman, Superintendent of Schools
Derek Hamilton, Dean of Operations
Danielle Harvey, Dean of Instruction
Kathy LeMay, Director of Interventions & Title I Manager
Ross Morse, Community Liaison
Sarah Rollins, Director of College and Career Readiness

Mr. Wolfe called the meeting to order at 5:33 p.m.

II. AGENDA REVIEW

The following item was added to the agenda:
o 42 Chestnut St. property for information/discussion (Dr. Freeman)

III. ACTION ON AMENDED AGENDA

On a motion made by Mr. Mullen and seconded by Mr. Ramsey, the Board voted unanimously to approve the amended agenda.

IV. APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MEETING MINUTES

A motion was made by Ms. Douglas and seconded by Ms. Abell to accept the minutes of the July 17 meeting. On page 5, change to say “Mr. Hamilton reported on the progress at Drake Field.” The Board voted unanimously to approve the minutes of the July 17th meeting as amended.

V. PUBLIC INPUT

Mr. Morse updated the Board on work on summer projects taking place in the district. He was part of a group that visited the Pine Bush High School to research their summer academies. Additionally he was part of the group that traveled to Harvard University for the Parent Engagement Institute. He appreciated the opportunity and discussion with forward thinkers around family engagement.

VI. INTRODUCTIONS

Ms. Harvey introduced Tina Poirier as the new Family Consumer Science and Health Teacher. Mr. Hamilton introduced Sally Oxford as the new eighth grade Special Education Teacher. Mr. Wolfe and the other members of the Board welcomed both teachers.

VII. STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE

In the absence of Student Representative Lily Plummer, Mr. Hamilton provided the Board with an update from the Site Council. The Site Council approved clarifications to the attendance guidelines and intervention plan for truant students. Also, the Site Council approved new honor roll guidelines and an adjusted grade scale. The Late Start Wednesday attendance policy was reviewed after its fourth quarter pilot and, upon review, will not continue this coming year.

VIII. DEAN OF INSTRUCTION

A. SUMMER PROFESSIONAL LEARNING

Ms. Harvey reported that elementary teachers have participated in professional learning activities for the school’s new Envisions math program. The PES teachers also met with PMHS science teachers to learn about and coordinate instruction for the new Next Generation Science Standards.

B. KINDERGARTEN

Ms. Harvey reported that she had a follow up meeting with the parents who are considering having their child participate in a half day in our Kindergarten class. They discussed the support that will be available to the family.

C. NWEA MAP ASSESSMENT

Ms. Harvey reports that the district is moving the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) test from district servers to a web based versions.

D. NEW HIRES

Ms. Harvey informed the Board of the following hires:
o Tessa Dyer- Kindergarten
o Tina Poirier- FACS/Health
o Kathleen Vassallo- High School Science

IX. DEAN OF OPERATIONS

A. EXCURSION REQUEST

Mr. Hamilton explained the excursion request for the varsity boys soccer trip to stay overnight at Lafayette Campground in Franconia Notch State Park. The team will be attending two scrimmages while away. Mr. Hamilton and Coach Norm Tuttle will be acting as chaperones for approximately sixteen student-athletes. Transportation will be provided by the H.A. Marston Bus Company. On a motion made by Ms. Douglas and seconded by Mr. Mullen, the Board voted unanimously to approve the excursion for the varsity boys soccer team as presented.

B. YOUTH LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE

Mr. Hamilton explained the request for ten PMHS students to attend a three-day Youth Leadership Institute at Babson College. Two PMHS teachers and the school nurse will serve as the chaperones. Transportation will be provided by H.A. Marston Bus Company. On a motion made by Ms. Abell and seconded by Mr. Mullen, the Board voted unanimously approved the excursion to the Youth Leadership Institute as presented

C. PES STUDENT FAMILY HANDBOOK

Mr. Hamilton explained the revisions to the PES Student and Family Handbook that has been drafted by the PES Team Leaders and School Nurse Melissa Miller. Most changes were minor. The main areas of revision were:
o Dress Code
o Head Lice
o Health Services
On a motion made by Mr. Ramsey and seconded by Mr. Mullen, the Board unanimously approved the PES Student / Family Handbook as presented.

D. PMHS STUDENT FAMILY HANDBOOK

Mr. Hamilton discussed the changes to the PMHS Student and Family Handbook. First major revision was around the Attendance Guideline. Language was added to include examples of unexcused absences. A second area of revision was co-curricular and extracurricular eligibility to address how online classes are factored into extracurricular eligibility. In addition, there was a revision to remove the previous practice of holding clubs and organizations to the same eligibility standards as athletes as required by NHIAA; Ski club is an exception since that club meets multiple times a month and students miss class time to participate.

Mr. Hamilton asked Dr. Rollins to address the Final Course Reporting. There was a refinement to the final grading procedure that would allow grades to more accurately reflect what students are learning. For Honor Roll, Mr. Hamilton explained that honor roll will only be calculated at the end of the year when grades are stored. There is also the addition of Honors with Distinction in the final course grading system.

Mr. Hamilton then described the newly-created late work policy. This has been created to encourage students to turn work in on time. There is still a reassessment opportunity for students to improve their grade within one week of receiving it back. Ms. Douglas asked if there was the possibility of communication with the parent when an assignment is not turned it. Mr. Wolfe asked if we could look at the procedure for students who are habitually missing work. Dr. Freeman reminded the Board that Dr. Rollins will be working to refine the district’s system of communications regarding student performance. On a motion by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Mr. Mullen, the Board voted unanimously voted to approve the PMHS Student / Family Handbook as presented.

E. FACILITIES

Mr. Hamilton shared updates on summertime facilities projects.

F. IT MANAGER

Mr. Hamilton advised the Board that Bruce Ballou has been hired as a temporary Information Technology Manager.

X. DIRECTOR OF STUDENT SERVICES

A. INTRODUCTION OF NEW GRADE EIGHT SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER

Director of Student Services Donna Lehmann, who is absent tonight, provided and update on the hiring of Sally Oxford as special education teacher at PMHS.

B. STUDENT SERVICES

Ms. Lehmann thanked the Board for the warm welcome she has received since joining the district in July.

C. GRANT UPDATE

Ms. Lehmann shared that the district’s federal grants are currently under review at the NHDOE. Final approval is pending.

D. HIRING OF PARAPROFESSIONALS

Applicants to fill open paraprofessional positions are being interviewed at this time.

E. OUT-OF-DISTRICT PLACEMENTS

Since Ms. Lehmann was not in attendance, information regarding out-of-district will be shared at the next meeting.

F. CATASTROPHIC AID REPORT

The report and request for reimbursement of funds under the provisions of rules regarding Catastrophic Aid has been submitted to the Department of Education.

XI. DIRECTOR OF INTERVENTION

A. HARVARD FAMILY ENGAGEMENT INSTITUTE

Director of Interventions Kathy LeMay provided information about the Harvard Family Engagement Institute, held last week and attended by six people from the district. The focus of the Institute was on creating a welcoming and inviting culture, which allows for opportunities to build strong relationships between and among families and teachers.

Mrs. LeMay further reported that the Institute included a discussion about having a focus on honoring and recognizing the kinds of knowledge that families can provide, such as asking families what they know about their child. Lastly, the participants also discussed the need to connect all family engagement activities to student learning.

The team that was in attendance worked on some ideas that Mrs. LeMay will bring forward to the administration leadership team. Board discussed the project and stated that this work is very important, but acknowledged that it can also be challenging.

XII. DISTRICT LEVEL SYSTEMS CHANGE (DLSC) PROJECT MANAGER & DISTRICT ADMINISTRATOR

A. FOCUS SCHOOL

District Administrator Tobi Chassie was not present, but her report explained that PES and PMHS staff attended the New Hampshire Department of Education Summer Summit on July 29 – August 1, 2014, in Keene. DLSC Co-Project Manager Susan Bradley facilitated the team’s work to develop a plan on school culture and climate.

B. INDUCTION PROGRAM

Ms. Chassie’s report indicated that there was a three-day orientation seminar for newly hired teachers. Also, the mentors who have been assigned to new faculty participated in a training with Consultant Susan Villani. The induction program also includes four days of training throughout the school year.

C. LEAGUE OF INNOVATIVE SCHOOLS

Ms. Chassie reported that she attended a conference with three other faculty members for the League of Innovative Schools school development project cohort. Their work focused on a plan to create a supplementary advisory class for at-risk students out.

D. SUMMER ACADEMY

Ms. Chassie reported that several Pittsfield people visited the Pine Bush, New York, summer academy. Visitors are members of a team planning to introduce a summer academy for PMHS students in 2015.

XIII. SUPERINTENDENT

A. CHESTNUT STREET PROPERTY

Dr. Freeman met with Pittsfield Town Administrator Mike Williams regarding the Chestnut Street property. The cost estimate for razing is approximately $23,000. It is thought that 12-15 parking spaces for Drake Field events could be gained. The Board is still interested and would like to stay updated on progress.

B. NOTES FROM PARENTS

Dr. Freeman shared two notes from parents. The first was from Angela St. Germain who expressed her thanks for the hiring of a third kindergarten teacher to maintain a small class size. The second was from Anne Taylor to commend the Drake Field Summer Program.

XIV. SCHOOL BOARD

A. PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT

Mr. Wolfe asked for an update on the funding for the playground equipment for Drake Field. Dr. Freeman shared that he has received three checks to date, and will update the Board when he has all of the funding. Mr. Wolfe asked if they could remove the old playground equipment. Mr. Hamilton shared that the Drake Field committee had an estimate for the removal and will be discussing plans in the future.

XV. PUBLIC INPUT (2nd Session) –

Mr. Morse discussed the PMHS student leadership summit that occurred last week. He shared that the adult modeling of positive leadership traits was evident in the students’ interactions in this event. Twenty-two students participated. Mr. Morse shared that Pittsfield Listens is working to invite people to be a part of a social media site “Next Door,” the purpose of which is information sharing among town residents.

XVI. NEXT MEETING

The next School Board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, September 4,
2014, at 5:30 p.m. at the Pittsfield Middle High School.

XVII. NON-PUBLIC SESSION

Dr. Freeman noted that there was no need to go into non-public session.

XVIII. ADJOURNMENT

On a motion made by Mr. Mullen and seconded by Ms. Douglas, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 6:38 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Kathy LeMay and Danielle Harvey