APPROVED BY THE PITTSFIELD SCHOOL BOARD

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

MINUTES

Pittsfield School Board Meeting
Thursday, December 4, 2014
Pittsfield Middle High School

I. CALL TO ORDER

Members Present: Bea Douglas, Vice Chair
Arthur Morse
Gary Mullen
Ray Ramsey

Others Present: John Freeman, Superintendent of Schools
Tobi Gray Chassie, District Administrator
Derek Hamilton, Dean of Operations
Danielle Harvey, Dean of Instruction
Donna Lehmann, Director of Student Services
Kathy Lemay, Director of Interventions & Title I Manager
Ross Morse, Community Liaison
Sarah Rollins, Director of College and Career Readiness
Member of the faculty
Members of the public

Ms. Douglas called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.

II. AGENDA REVIEW

The following item was added to the agenda:

• Parent Request in Non-Public (Dr. Freeman)
• Donation Acceptance (Mr. Hamilton)

III. APPROVAL OF AMENDED AGENDA

On a motion made by Mr. Mullen and seconded by Mr. Ramsey, the Board unanimously approved the agenda as amended.

IV. APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MEETING MINUTES

On a motion made by Mr. Ramsey and seconded by Mr. Mullen, the Board voted unanimously to approve the minutes of the November 20, 2014, meeting as written.

V. PUBLIC INPUT – None

VI. STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE

Lily Plummer, student representative, explained that the Site Council is seeking a student member to take the place of a student who moved. The Site Council is conducting a review of our community service policies and procedures. Ms. Plummer reviewed the issues being researched by the Site Council. According to Mr. Hamilton, the Site Council will be working in three subcommittees to research and provide recommendations to the current policy. The subcommittees include standard service policies, service learning projects, and senior projects.

VII. DEAN OF INSTRUCTION

A. SECOND GRADE TEACHER

Interviews have been conducted for the third second grade teacher. Ms. Harvey has checked references and confirmed the selection of the hiring team’s first choice in candidates. Approval by the Board will be sought at the next meeting.

VIII. DEAN OF OPERATIONS

A. JACK’S DRIVING SCHOOL

Mr. Hamilton read a letter from Mr. Jack Wedemeyer in which he announced his donation of $1,000 to the school district to express his appreciation for the support he receives from the district. He indicated his desire to have $400 be awarded to the athletic department and $600 to strengthen education in any way deemed appropriate by the district. Ms. Douglas stated that the administration can make decisions about expenditure.

On a motion made by Mr. Mullen and seconded by Mr. Ramsey, the School Board voted unanimously to accept the $1,000 donation.

B. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Mr. Hamilton introduced Mr. Bruce Ballou, newly hired Information Technology Manager for the district. Mr. Ballou has been working as a temporary employee, but as of January 1, 2015, will be a full time employee of the district.

IX. NON-PUBLIC

At 6:42 p.m. a motion was made by Mr. Mullen and seconded by Mr. Ramsey to enter into non-public session to discuss a student issue pursuant to RSA 91-A:3, II (c). The Board was polled and voted unanimously (Ms. Douglas, yes; Mr. Morse, yes; Mr. Mullen, yes; Mr. Ramsey, yes) to enter into a non-public session. Ms. Chassie and Mr. Hamilton were asked by Dr. Freeman to remain in the meeting. A parent and a student were present to address the Board.

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

X. DIRECTOR OF STUDENT SERVICES

A. NEW ALTERNATIVE ASSESSMENT

Ms. Lehmann explained that a new tool, Dynamic Learning Maps (DLM), will be used for an alternative state assessment for students with disabilities. For students whose disabilities are significant and impede their ability to take Smarter Balanced, the DLM will be used for math and language arts for students in grades three through eight and eleven. The previous tool, Alternative Learning Progression (ALP), will be used to assess students in science in grades four, eight, and eleven.

XI. DEAN OF OPERATIONS (Continued)

A. INTERNET SAFETY PRESENTATION

Mr. Hamilton explained that Bethany Cottrell, the director of the Merrimack County Advocacy Center, will be sharing an internet safety presentation with students in grades 7-12 during the month of December.

XII. DIRECTOR OF COLLEGE AND CAREER READINESS

A. EXTENDED LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

According to Dr. Rollins, we currently have twenty extended learning opportunities (ELO) in process at PMHS. She provided several examples of the ELOs in which students are participating.

B. COLLEGE AND CAREER READINESS STRATEGIC PLAN

Dr. Rollins explained that the College and Career Readiness Team is moving forward with their strategic plan by integrating elements into to the PES and PMHS logic models.

C. INTERNAL EXTENDED LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

Paul Sherwood, technology education teacher, is working with the Globe to create internal extended learning opportunities, exposing students to various careers in manufacturing.

D. COURSE SELECTION GUIDE

The Course Selection Guide, according to Dr. Rollins, is being compiled and will be ready for the School Board’s approval in January.

E. UPCOMING EVENTS

Dr. Rollins informed the Board of a Financial Aid Night on December 17, 2014, and File-a-FAFSA nights on January 7, 2015, and January 28, 2015.

F. DUAL ENROLLMENT / ONLINE

Dr. Rollins reported that there are currently sixty-two students taking courses on line. She indicated that this work is being accomplished through eStart and Virtual Learning Academy Charter School.

G. NHTI INSTANT ADMISSIONS

Dr. Rollins explained that there were representatives from New Hampshire Technical Institute in Concord at PMHS today to review student transcripts. Fifteen out of seventeen students received instant letters of admission.

XIII. SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOL

A. POLICIES

On a motion made by Mr. Ramsey and seconded by Mr. Mullen, the Board unanimously approved the following action. No change was recommended for Policy IL, Evaluation of Curricular Programs; Policy IMAH, Daily Physical Activity; and Policy IMGA, Service Animals. Amendments were approved for Policy ILBA, Assessment of Educational Programs; Policy ILBAA, High School Competency Assessments; Policy IMBA, Distance Education; and policy IMBC, Alternative Credit Options. Policy IND, School Ceremonies and Observances was rescinded.

B. PROPOSED FY 16 BUDGET

Dr. Freeman reported the two adjustments discussed at the last meeting were made to the proposed budget: a) the state’s larger estimate for adequacy aid was included on the revenue sheet; this amounts to roughly $95,000 addition to the revenues; and b) the budget expenditure lines have been reduced by $100,000, with the thought of pre-buying materials, supplies, and equipment that have been eliminated

These adjustments have resulted in a tax rate increase of $2.12 / thousand. With the $2.00 / thousand decrease in this year’s tax rate, the two-year increase is $.12 / thousand.

Dr. Freeman explained that one of his concerns that is not addressed in the current version of the budget is the issue of salary increases for employees not covered in the collective bargaining agreement.

A motion was made by Mr. Morse and seconded by Mr. Mullen to approve the proposed budget for $9,753,870.92. Discussion ensued regarding the pay increase for people outside of the collective bargaining agreement.

Mr. Morse withdrew the motion and Mr. Mullen withdrew the second to the motion.

On a motion made by Mr. Morse and seconded by Mr. Mullen, the Board unanimously approved the proposed 2015-2016 budget for $9,803,870.92, which includes a 2% increase for employees who are not included in the collective bargaining agreement.

Mr. Morse asked if it would be advisable to “freeze” the current budget. On a motion made by Mr. Morse and seconded by Mr. Mullen, the School Board voted unanimously to “freeze” the budget. It was made clear that this move was not made because the Board did not have trust in the administration, but to demonstrate to the public that a serious attempt is being made to save money, which will have a positive impact on the tax rate next year. It was clarified that purchases over $5,000 will be brought to the Board prior to being spent, unless already encumbered.

C. WARRANT ARTICLES

Dr. Freeman asked the Board to consider any warrant articles, other than the boiler plate articles, the operating budget, and the biomass proposal. Dr. Freeman will provide the Board with information regarding current balances in the reserve funds for the next meeting.

D. BUDGET PROPOSAL PROCESS

Dr. Freeman invited the Board to reflect on this year’s budget process in order to make potential changes for next year’s process. The consensus of the Board was to avoid a line by line process.

E. DRAKE FIELD COMMITTEE

Dr. Freeman provided the Board with Policy BCF, Advisory Committees to the Board, to answer questions raised at the last meeting.

F. BIOMASS PROJECT FORUMS

The first forum was held on Wednesday, December 3, 2014. The next forum is scheduled for Saturday, December 6, 2014, at 10:00 a.m.

XIV. DEAN OF OPERATIONS (Continued)

A. DRAKE FIELD PLAYGROUND

Mr. Hamilton introduced Athletic Director Jay Darrah. Mr. Darrah explained that the Drake Field Playground Committee has grown to include coaches, parents, administrators, and members of the community. He explained that the committee entertained two proposals and have decided on one to propose to the School Board. Visual representations of the proposed playgrounds, of which there will be two, were provided. The previous playground equipment will not be moved, due to the expense. The proposed site was selected because of how close it is to Barnstead Road, offering closer supervision by the police department.

A proposal prepared by O’Brien & Sons – Park and Playground Consultants, was estimated at $51,500. The estimate includes the site work and free annual safety inspections. It includes a structure appropriate for five to twelve year olds, two bay swings, three benches, landscape structures, playground mulch, plastic border timbers, and four to five health beat fitness stations. An additional $1,000 available will be used for the tree removal.

Mr. Morse asked if the Committee would entertain a public informational meeting. Mr. Darrah explained that a public hearing was held with small attendance. Mr. Morse suggested that, now that there are concept drawings, a meeting may be worthwhile.

On a motion made by Mr. Ramsey and seconded by Mr. Morse, the Board voted unanimously to approve the proposal presented with the stipulation that an informational meeting is scheduled before installation.

XV. SCHOOL BOARD

A. CHAIRMAN WOLFE

The School Board heard an update on the health of Mr. Wolfe. Word was received that Mr. Wolfe was hospitalized, but will be coming home on Friday, December 5, 2014.

XVI. PUBLIC SESSION – 2nd Session

Mr. Ross Morse explained that a “journey map” will be created to represent the story of the PMHS transformation, with the assistance of Artist Theresa Taylor from Salty Dog Pottery. A meeting will be held on December 16, 2014, at 6:00 p.m. at PMHS to which all community members are invited.

Danielle Ryan stated that the information about the playground would be appreciated in the district newsletter. She suggested that this would reach parents who might be interested in attending the informational meeting.

XVII. NEXT MEETING

The next School Board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, December 18, 2014, at 5:30 p.m. at the Pittsfield Middle High School.

XVIII. ADJOURNMENT

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

Respectfully submitted,

Tobi Gray Chassie
Recording Secretary