August 25, 2011 Minutes

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, August 25, 2011
Pittsfield Middle High School

I. CALL TO ORDER

Members Present: Clayton Wood, Chairperson
Elizabeth Adams
Kathy Corliss
Mary Paradise

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

Chairperson Wood called the meeting to order at 4:04 p.m. Mr. Wood explained that the Board will be adjourning at 5:45 p.m., in order to attend the reporting out of the Pittsfield Listens participants.

II. AGENDA REVIEW

The following items were deleted from the agenda in the interest of time:
• Policies (Dr. Freeman)
• 2010-2011 Financial Reports (Dr. Freeman)
• Safe Routes to School Task Force (Dr. Freeman)

The following items were added to the agenda:
• PES Siding (Dr. Freeman)
• Ed Jobs (Dr. Freeman)

III. ACTION ON AMENDED AGENDA

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

IV. INTRODUCTIONS

Mr. Bickford introduced Paul Sherwood, Technology Education Teacher, and Sunday Dearborn, Information Technology Manager. Mr. Sherwood and Ms. Dearborn were welcomed to the district by the Board.

V. PUBLIC INPUT

Mr. William Miskoe, a member of the public, spoke to the School Board. He stated that he has lived in Pittsfield since 2000. Mr. Miskoe stated that he is concerned about the number of students in each class and has drafted a letter for the Suncook Valley Sun to ascertain the level of concern in the greater community. Hinsdale, Moultonborough, Milton, and Pittsfield are the only towns of less than 5,000 who have a stand-alone high school, according to Mr. Miskoe. He suggested that the school is not large enough to offer 21st century curriculum and that the cost of educating our students is excessively high. He suggests that the district consider sending Pittsfield’s students to other districts; according to his calculations, this would represent a significant cost savings. Mr. Miskoe stated that he will be submitting his letter with revisions to the newspaper and didn’t want its publication to blindside the School Board. Mr. Wood thanked Mr. Miskoe for the consideration he showed by forewarning the Board of his intent to submit the letter. This topic will be added to a future agenda for a more thorough discussion.

VI. PMHS ADMINISTRATION

A. SITE COUNCIL

Mr. Bickford introduced PMHS Teacher Derek Hamilton, co-chair of the PMHS Site Council. Mr. Hamilton introduced Brendon Norton, recent PMHS graduate, and Bobby Lebel, PMHS student. Mr. Lebel and Mr. Norton reviewed the by-laws that were recently adopted by the Site Council. Components of the by-laws included purpose, membership, meetings, officers, responsibilities, decision-making, and committees.

Discussion ensued regarding the manner in which community members are appointed.

Mr. Wood asked if the students are excited about the Site Council. Mr. Norton stated that during the first year of operation, students have not fully understood the Site Council. As students become better informed of the purpose, the prediction is to have student interest increase. Mr. Wood suggested that this be one of the Site Council’s short-term goals. Mr. Hamilton stated that as more decisions are made, the work of the Site Council will become more apparent.

Action was postponed until further information is provided regarding the membership of the Site Council.

VII. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

A motion was made by Ms. Corliss and seconded by Ms. Adams to approve the minutes of July 28, 2011. The following changes were made: on page 2, last paragraph, change to “Mr. Bickford discussed…;” and change to “non-certified substitute teachers;” and on page 4, paragraph 7, change to “that a survey of PMHS.” The motion passed unanimously to approve the minutes as amended.

A motion was made by Ms. Adams and seconded by Ms. Corliss, to approve the minutes of the August 11, 2011 meeting. The following changes were made: on page 1, last paragraph, change to “hired through a grant as a part time Curriculum Coordinator;” on page 2, paragraph 3, add “was present” to the first sentence; on page 3, paragraph 8, change “candy and soda” to “snacks;” on page 4, paragraph 5, change to “from the school in Power School;” and on page 5, last paragraph, change to “Dr. Freeman provided information to the Board regarding Café Services.” The motion passed unanimously to approve the minutes as amended.

VIII. PES ADMINISTRATION

A. STAFF HANDBOOK

The 2011-2012 Staff Handbook was provided to the members of the Board prior to the meeting by Mr. Kilmister. Discussion ensued regarding the listing of holidays, especially Christmas.

On a motion made by Ms Adams and seconded by Ms. Corliss, the Board voted unanimously to approve the staff handbook as written.

B. KYDSTOP

Mr. Kilmister reported that YMCA Director Jim Doremus has stated that PES will have a Kydstop after-school program operated by the Concord YMCA at PES this fall. Currently, 20 students are enrolled with the good possibility of additional enrollments.

C. PES CALENDAR

Mr. Kilmister provided the Board with a list of PES events scheduled in August and September.

IX. PMHS ADMINISTRATION (continued)

A. FACULTY HANDBOOK

Mr. Bickford provided the Board with a copy of the proposed 2011-2012 PMHS Faculty & Staff Handbook. Discussion ensued regarding the notification of rights for students who are 18 years old or are emancipated minors.

Ms. Corliss asked about the difference between the food service contract and the menu published in the newspaper. Discussion ensued regarding the factors in publishing the menu in the newspaper. Ms. Corliss informed Mr. Bickford of several typographical errors in the handbook, which will be corrected in the next printing.

Discussion ensued regarding the advice to teachers to maintain a log of parent contact. Mr. Bickford reported that the information regarding student financial obligations was also included in the Family Handbook, when asked by Ms. Corliss. Ms. Corliss asked for clarification on whether parents need to be informed when their child is being questioned without notifying the parent. Mr. Wood asked the administration to investigate this issue further. Ms. Paradise recommended modifying forms to use position titles rather than names to avoid having to make changes in the Handbook each year.

On a motion made by Ms. Adams and seconded by Ms. Corliss, the Board voted unanimously to approve the Staff Handbook, as corrected.

B. FOREIGN EXCHANGE STUDENT

Mr. Bickford presented information provided by Dolores Silk, Local Coordinator for Center for Cultural Interchange, regarding a foreign exchange student. He explained that the materials were not received in time to make the July 1st deadline as required by policy.

A motion was made by Ms. Paradise and seconded by Ms. Adams to accept the request for the foreign exchange student to attend PMHS and to waive the timeline.

Discussion ensued regarding the requirement of having requests to the Board by July 1st of each year. Mr. Wood asked Dr. Freeman to propose changes to Policy JFABB.

C. SAT DATA SUMMARY

Mr. Bickford explained that a report of the PMHS average results in SAT scores will be provided at the September 8, 2011, meeting.

D. DRAKE FIELD SUMMER PROGRAM

Mr. Bickford distributed a report developed by Louise Sawyer, Director of the Drake Field Recreation Program. The average daily attendance was 33 students, making this summer’s program a very successful program.

E. PMHS CALENDAR

Mr. Bickford provided a calendar of PMHS events for the months of August and September.
X. STUDENT SERVICES

A. STUDENT SERVICE STAFFING

Ms. Chassie provided the Board with a list of the student service staff working at each grade level.

B. NEW TEACHER INDUCTION

Ms. Chassie provided the Board with information regarding the new teacher induction program. The new teacher orientation took place on August 11, 2001, with a second phase of training provided on August 23, 2011. Mentors have been assigned to the new teachers and monthly new teacher seminars have been scheduled throughout the year.

C. HOME EDUCATION MEETING

Ms. Chassie reported that all parents who had registered their intent to home school were invited to a meeting on August 22, 2011. Dr. Freeman provided the parents with an overview of the redesign efforts. There was a discussion about the way in which home education students can be included in our schools. The conversation led to the conclusion that Policy IHGB, Home Education Instruction will have to be considered by the Board for revisions that will be proposed by Dr. Freeman at a later date.

D. COOPERATIVE TEACHING

Ms. Chassie reported that the administrative team will meet with a national expert on co-teaching, Susan Fitzell, to discuss the possibilities of further training in that area, as requested by the faculty.

E. OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY

Caitlin Potter, the district’s Occupational Therapist, has been granted a child care leave of absence. According to Ms. Chassie, plans are underway to find a substitute for her during her absence.

XI. SAU ADMINISTRATION

A. TEACHER EVALUATION SYSTEM

A motion was made by Ms. Corliss and seconded by Ms. Adams to approve the Professional Growth and Evaluation Plan. Mr. Bickford stated that observations will be done not less than twice a quarter on each teacher. Mr. Wood asked what involvement the Board should have in the process. Dr. Freeman explained that the SAU office monitors the implementation of the teacher evaluation plan to ensure accountability.

Dr. Freeman reported that our plan was presented to a gathering of educators from other New Hampshire SIG schools. Also, the district has been invited by Commissioner Virginia Barry to do another presentation in mid-September.

Appreciation for all the work was expressed by the Board.

B. WELLNESS POLICY

Dr. Freeman distributed information regarding the questions previously raised at a Board meeting about the Wellness Policy and its relationship to the sales of the Booster Club. Discussion will continue at the next meeting.

C. ENERGY AUDIT

Dr. Freeman reported that the energy audit that was recently done did not include consideration of water usage.

D. ED JOBS

Dr. Freeman reviewed the status recent Ed Jobs funding. He proposed that the district fund the recently-restored elementary school teaching position and the ESOL position with Ed Jobs resources. The Board agreed to do so.

E. 2010-2011 FINANCIAL REPORTS

Dr. Freeman reviewed the fourth quarter / end of year revenue and expenditure reports.

F. EMAIL

The following email was received/sent between Board members. Its contents will be further discussed at a future meeting.

From: Maryparad [mailto:maryparad@aol.com]
Sent: Friday, August 19, 2011 7:29 AM
To: cwood911@gmail.com; ckpcm@metrocast.net
Cc: sau51super@metrocast.net; Lurch12_2000@yahoo.com; mparadise@mv.k12.nh.us; alphawolfe@metrocast.net
Subject: Re: Educational & Teaching Philosophies

Hi everyone,
Interesting topicS, it is a lengthy list that covers multiple themes and topics. I would like to suggest we bring this to the meeting and prioritize the topics for future meetings and tackle one or two at a time. I also want to share a couple thoughts that came to mind when reading this email.
-Kathy your thought that the teacher should correct the work but not count it towards grades is most likely what the new teacher was or should be expected to do but they may not have understood. For many years schools have undertaken the practice of reading and writing across the curriculum/content areas. It un-nerved many High School math/science teachers etc. but it is a an expectation in many schools. It does get one thinking and raises some good questions for discussion.

-The agenda has already been warned for the meeting, so again, we would be discussing topics that were not posted if we just add this to the agenda. They are worthwhile discussions and require a bit of information gathering for the administration to attend to in order to have informed discussion.

-We have discussed the idea that full board emails is not a good practice. I for one have a hard time to just read something and then wait until the meeting to respond (John please print and bring the emails to our meeting so they can be added to the minutes).

-Lastly, if I received or was made aware of an email like this from my school board the week before all my staff and students were returning to school I think a few thoughts would run through my head, and they might not all be kind…it is important that when we have ideas and questions we bring them to the meeting. Then when we get to the agenda item just before adjourning for “next meeting agenda items” we add our topics. That way everyone is aware the topic is coming, the items are warned and people can give feedback to what we want and need for the discussion with the admin team.

I hope everyone is enjoying the end of the summer with their families and friends. See you at the Girl’s Soccer Jamboree this Saturday!
Mary

From: Clayton Wood [mailto:cwood911@gmail.com]
Sent: Thursday, August 18, 2011 8:23 AM
To: Corliss
Cc: John J. Freeman; Lea Adams; Mary Paradise H; Mary Paradise W; Mike Wolfe
Subject: Re: Educational & Teaching Philosophies

Hi Kathy,

Interesting email and a topic worthy of discussion at our next meeting. We will add it to our agenda.

Best,

Clayton
On Wed, Aug 17, 2011 at 5:23 PM, Corliss wrote:
All,
I had an interesting conversation with a young co-worker who’s friend will begin teaching 7th & 8th grade Math in the fall. The new teacher was instructed to not correct language errors in student’s work because she teaches Math, not English. I’m not sure where this particular philosophy originates from. My opinion in the case of Math & probably Science would be to correct, but not remove points for grading. How else would one know they’d not done something correctly?
As a result of this, I began wondering what philosophies we support as a school system and whether these philosophies support, or detract from, the re-design.
I would like to discuss this as a board.
– What philosophies and expectations do we have?
– Do current philosophies support re-design efforts to improve learning?
– What is our philosophy on correcting and feedback for verbal speaking, written assignments, class homework?
– What is our philosophy on reviewing, correcting and returning homework, tests, etc – Should it be done by the teacher – why or why not?
– Have we provided sufficient opportunity and response for parent and teacher input or concerns on selected programs – Everyday Math, English (grammar, parts of a sentence), etc or are we just providing face time?
– How is content of certain programs determined and options do we have to address shortcomings?
I feel we can not assume anything but need to be very specific on expectations. Teacher input would be beneficial – I’m sure we would see a wide variety of feedback based on experience and age. Expectations seem to vary widely.
Could we add the topic of ‘Philosophies Discussion’ to the agenda for the upcoming meeting?
Thanks,
Kathy Corliss

G. EXTERNAL PRESENTATIONS

Dr. Freeman reported that several district educators have been invited to make presentations at two events over the past weeks. The Professional Growth and Evaluation Plan was presented to other SIG recipient school districts. Also, several presentations on interventions and supports were made at the APEX – Institute on Disability conference.

XII. COMMITTEES – None

XIII. NEXT MEETING

The next School Board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, September 8, 2011, at 5:30 p.m. in the Pittsfield Middle High School Media Center.

XIV. PUBLIC INPUT (Second Session) – None

XV. ADJOURNMENT

On a motion made by Ms. Adams and seconded by Ms. Corliss, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 5:57 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Tobi Gray Chassie
Recording Secretary