APPROVED BY THE PITTSFIELD SCHOOL BOARD

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

MINUTES

Pittsfield School Board Meeting
Thursday, December 12, 2013
Pittsfield Middle High School

I. CALL TO ORDER

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

Others Present: John Freeman, Superintendent of Schools
Tobi Gray Chassie, District Administrator
Sue Graham, Dean of Instruction
Paul Newell, Dean of Operation
Sarah Rollins, Director of College and Career Readiness
Members of the Public

Chairperson Wolfe called the meeting to order at 5:03 p.m.

II. AGENDA REVIEW

The following items were added to the agenda:
• NH School Board’s Association Delegate Assembly (Dr. Freeman)
• International Achievement Tests (Dr. Freeman)
• Auditor’s Report (Dr. Freeman)
• Asbestos (Mr. Newell)
• School Approval (Mr. Newell)
• Fire Inspection Update (Mr. Newell
• Information Technology (Mr. Newell)
• Extended Learning Opportunities Policy (Dr. Rollins)
• High School Advisories (Dr. Rollins)

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 Mr. Ramsey to approve minutes of the November 14, 2013, meeting. The Board voted unanimously to approve the minutes as written.

V. PUBLIC INPUT

Ross Morse reminded the School Board that the Pittsfield Listens Community Awards are scheduled for December 19, 2013, at 6:00 p.m. at the Scenic Theatre and encouraged members to attend.

VI. STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE – None

VII. DEAN OF INSTRUCTION

A. MID-YEAR EXAMINATIONS

Ms. Graham reported that the preparation for mid-year assessments continues. A schedule has been created and parents have been informed of the plan. The mid-year examinations will be given on January 8 and 15.

B. PMHS LATE START WEDNESDAY SCHEDULE

Ms. Graham introduced PMHS Social Studies Teacher Derek Hamilton to speak to the School Board about the Late Start Wednesday (LSW) schedule. Mr. Hamilton was accompanied by PMHS Teachers Jenny Wellington, Christie Dunlavey, and Brian Pinto. Mr. Hamilton explained to the Board the process that was followed to develop the new Wednesday schedule. Mr. Hamilton reviewed an example of a content focus schedule. He stated that a group of students and teachers met to reflect on the LSW schedule. Some minor changes have been immediately implemented and other changes have been identified to consider for the next semester and next year.

Mr. Pinto reviewed the middle school LSW schedule. He stated that the students were surveyed and, with the information gathered, some changes have been implemented.

Ms. Dunlavey and Ms. Wellington provided the Board with additional details regarding content blocks and learning studios.

Ms. Graham stated that an exhibition of the Learning Studios will take place on January 29th from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.

C. STUDIES

Final steps are being taken to relocate study halls from the lecture hall to classrooms. This will improve the ability to keep accurate attendance.

D. ATLAS

According to Ms. Graham, curriculum articulation continues, and assessments are being added to the curriculum for each course.

E. ALGEBRA I AND GEOMETRY

Ms. Graham reported that the algebra and geometry teachers continue to meet with Consultant Diane Kruse to develop common mid-year assessments. The transition from middle school math to Algebra I and from Algebra I to Geometry has been problematic and an important step in addressing the issue for students is to have the students enrolled in these courses take a common assessment.

F. LONG-TERM SUBSTITUTE

Katie Howe, PMHS 9/10 English Language Arts teacher, will soon be absent on child care leave. Substitute Teacher Katherine Abbott has been serving as a PMHS substitute teacher since early September and will take over as long-term, certified substitute when Ms. Howe leaves.

G. SPANISH CLASSES

PMHS Language Teacher Warren Billings has been using an immersion format in his classroom since late October. He is encouraged by the progression in speaking ability his students have made. PMHS has the opportunity to host a small conference of world language teachers interested in Organic World Language (OWL) strategies later this school year.

H. IOWA

Ms. Graham reported that teachers and administrators from the Howard-Winneshiek Community Schools, a school district in Iowa that is developing a student-centered learning environment, is planning a visit to Pittsfield during March 2014.

VIII. DEAN OF OPERATIONS

A. FACILITIES

Mr. Newell reported that a refrigeration unit was replaced in the PES kitchen.
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Mr. Newell reported that an enforcement inspection was scheduled for December 13, 2013, to review the district’s asbestos management plan and protocol. The checklist was reviewed prior to the visit, and an update will be provided at the next meeting.

Mr. Newell reported that a meeting with Pittsfield Fire Department officials is being scheduled for a review of the recent fire inspection report.

Mr. Newell reported that compliance related to drain covers at PES will wrap up facility concerns related to school compliance. Custom covers need to be created. Research has been conducted to find the best solution to this issue.

B. INFORMATION TECHNICIAN

Mr. Newell stated there are several new applicants for the IT manager position and interviews are being conducted before the holiday break. He plans to have the position filled after the holiday break.

C. JUSTICE COMMITTEE

Mr. Newell stated that he and Student Support Specialist Melissa Canfield met with the Justice Committee to provide answers to questions related to how administration selects the consequences for student disciplinary infractions; interventions were also reviewed and explained. Further meetings will continue to vet the process around discipline and restorative justice. According to Mr. Newell, the plan is to work on a session for parents to deepen their understanding of this issue.

IX. DIRECTOR OF STUDENT SERVICES – None

X. DIRECTOR OF COLLEGE & CAREER READINESS

A. EXTENDED LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

Dr. Rollins explained that many more students are requesting to take the extended learning opportunities. ELO Coordinator Sheila Ward, according to Dr. Rollins, is facilitating a state-wide group for extended learning opportunities coordinators. Pittsfield has attracted state-wide attention for our work with dual enrollment for extended learning opportunities.

B. SAT SCORES

Dr. Rollins reported that the SAT scores have been posted. She shared the three average scores and stated that she would bring more information forward at a later date.

C. PROFILE

A new school profile is in its final stages of development. A copy will be shared with the Board. The profile will be used in the college application process by PMHS students.

D. COURSE OFFERINGS BOOK

The course offerings book is in the final stages of revision and will be brought to the School Board for action in January.

E. ELEMENTARY COLLEGE & CAREER READINESS FOCUS GROUP

Dr. Rollins stated that she is beginning to put together a focus group at PES to discuss college and career readiness and how it may be approached at the elementary level.

F. UPCOMING EVENTS

Dr. Rollins offered several dates of important events, including a financial aid night, FAFSA night, and a college essay workshop.

G. HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS

School counselors, along with the support of NHHEAF, will be hosting a discussion panel of past Pittsfield High School graduates who are now attending college. The event is scheduled for January 7, 2013.

H. ADVISORIES

Dr. Rollins explained that work is being done to evaluate the effectiveness of the Advisory Program. The intent is to gather information that will continue the improvement of the program.

XI. DISTRICT ADMINISTRATOR

A. POSITION ANALYSES

On a motion made by Ms. Douglas and seconded by Mr. Mullen, the Board unanimously approved the position analysis for paraeducator.

B. COMMUNICATIONS TEAM

In process is the development of a brochure that will summarize the information that has been published in The Explainer regarding high school redesign at PMHS.

C. CONCORD HOSPITAL RESIDENT PROGRAM

Ms. Chassie reported that the Concord Hospital Resident Program is no longer being implemented in the district. This change will not affect the PATCH program.

D. GOOD TO GREAT TEAM

Sub-teams of the Good to Great Team continue to work on the oversight of the district’s continuous improvement.

E. LEARNING FORWARD

Ms. Chassie informed the Board of her invitation from the New Hampshire Department of Education to attend presentations and a series of meetings at the Learning Forward conference in Dallas.

F. LOGIC MODEL

Ms. Chassie reported that the PMHS Logic Model is being revised. On December 17, 2013, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., the community will have an opportunity to provide input for the latest revision.

G. NELLIE MAE EDUCATION FOUNDATION

On January 11, 2014, from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m., a community event is being planned. This will be an opportunity to 1) celebrate the accomplishments of the last two years of work in high school redesign, 2) hear the presentation being given by students and faculty traveling to Dallas in February to the National Association of Secondary School Principals conference, and 3) be introduced to the revised Logic Model, which will guide school development in the coming years.

H. PES SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT TEAM

Dr. Freeman explained the process that the PES School Improvement Team is taking to organize the work being planned at the elementary school. The next meeting is January 28, 2014, at 5:30 p.m. in the PES cafeteria.

I. PRIORITY / FOCUS SCHOOL DESIGNATION

Ms. Chassie explained that Dr. Freeman and Ms. Graham accompanied her to a meeting with the New Hampshire Department of Education regarding priority and focus school designation. Derek Hamilton, PMHS social studies teacher, joined the group in the afternoon to make a presentation with Dr. Freeman on student led conferences.

XII. SUPERINTENDENT

A. NELLIE MAE CROSS SITE MEETING

Dr. Freeman introduced Mary Paradise, previous School Board member and the Board’s representative for the Nellie Mae Cross Site events. Ms. Paradise reported to the Board that Pittsfield appears to continue to be ahead of the other three districts in the work to implement student centered learning strategies. At the meeting, she explained, the group reviewed data that will help inform future decisions about priorities.

B. WARRANT ARTICLES

Dr. Freeman explained that the Board, in the past, has included warrant articles for approval to deposit limited amounts of any potential fund balance into one or two reserve accounts. The accounts include 1) Drake Field ($16,358.46); 2) Special Education ($174,358.57); and Building Maintenance ($104,848.49). Dr. Freeman asked that the Board consider requesting modest allocations from a potential fund balance for the special education fund and building maintenance fund.

C. POLICY REVIEW

Dr. Freeman stated that he will be organizing the School Board’s policies. He suggested the Board review and update two of the twelve sections during the winter and spring. Four sections have been reviewed and updated in recent years, leaving six sections for future work.

D. NEW HAMPSHIRE SCHOOL BOARD’S ASSOCIATION DELEGATE ASSEMBLY

Dr. Freeman reported that the Pittsfield School Board has been invited to make a presentation at the annual delegate assembly regarding the Board’s community outreach efforts. Ms. Manteau has agreed to make the presentation with Dr. Freeman

E. INTERNATIONAL ACHEIVEMENT TESTING

Dr. Freeman distributed a chart from the National Center for Education Statistics depicting New Hampshire’s favorable rating in the scale of achievement in comparison to states and countries.

F. AUDIT REPORT

Dr. Freeman distributed a copy of a letter from The Mercier Group relative to the audit conducted. There were no material weaknesses disclosed, according to the audit.

XIII. PUBLIC INPUT (Second Session)

Kathy Corliss spoke to the Board about the Wednesday schedule. She stated her concern that the Wednesday schedule might compromise her daughter’s ability to complete all of the material in a course that will increase her chances for success in college. Ms. Graham explained that work will continue to evaluate the efficacy of the Wednesday schedule.

Ms. Corliss asked about Everyday Math’s future at PES. Ms. Graham stated that math programs are being investigated. Ms. Corliss stated that she believes that the Everyday Math program has impeded parents’ ability to communicate with their children about math. Dr. Freeman suggested Ms. Corliss complete a survey that is being provided to parents about the math program.

XIV. COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS

A. Budget Committee – None

B. Drake Field & Facilities – None

C. Negotiating Team – Items will be taken up in non-public session.

D. Foss Foundation – None

XV. NEXT MEETING

The next School Board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, December 19, 2013, at 5:00 p.m. at the Pittsfield Middle High School.

XVI. PUBLIC INPUT (Second Session)

XVII. NON-PUBLIC SESSION

At 7:20 p.m., a motion was made by Mr. Mullen and seconded by Ms. Douglas to enter into non-public session to discuss employee compensation pursuant to RSA 91-A:3, II (a). The Board was polled and voted unanimously (Ms. Douglas, yes; Mr. Mullen, yes; Mr. Ramsey, yes; Mr. Wolfe, yes) to enter into a non-public session.

XVIII. NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE EDUCATION ASSOCIATION OF PITTSFIELD

Mr. Wolfe and Ms. Douglas shared a progress report on negotiations with the Education Association of Pittsfield.

No action was taken in non-public session.

XIX. OPEN SESSION

At 7:37 p.m., a motion was made by Mr. Ramsey and seconded by Mr. Mullen to exit non-public session and to re-enter into open session. The Board was polled and voted unanimously (Ms. Douglas, yes; Mr. Mullen, yes; Mr. Ramsey, yes; Mr. Wolfe, yes) to exit non-public session and to re-enter into open session.

XX. ADJOURNMENT

On a motion made by Mr. Mullen and seconded by Mr. Ramsey, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 7:38 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Tobi Gray Chassie
Recording Secretary