APPROVED BY THE PITTSFIELD SCHOOL BOARD

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

MINUTES

Pittsfield School Board Meeting
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Pittsfield Middle High School

I. CALL TO ORDER

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

Others Present: John Freeman, Superintendent
Tobi Gray Chassie, Director of Student Services
Bob Bickford, Principal, PMHS
Lois Stevens, Coordinator of Student Services
Doug Kilmister, Principal, PES
Peter Tuttle, Athletic Director, PMHS

Members of the Public
Karen Bruedle Steven Manteau
Paul Kennepohl G. Small
R. Small Mary Collins
Sabrina Smith Ryan McLennan
Katelynn McLennan Chris Smith
Kylie Smith Jen Kearns
Cassidy Kearns Kelsey Wrye
Jaime Nelztey-Wrye

Chairperson Paradise called the meeting to order at 5:32 p.m.

II. AGENDA REVIEW

Ms. Paradise added a Public Session to the agenda and placed it after the Warrant Article item.

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

III. SENIOR CLASS TRIP

Ms. Paradise called attention to Policy EEAG – Use of Private Vehicles to Transport Students. According to the policy, the rental of vehicles to transport students on the senior class trip is possible.

Dr. Freeman reported that a representative from Primex, the District’s insurer, suggested that the vehicle be rented in the name of the School District and all insurance that is offered be purchased.

Ms. Paradise stated that with this information the previous decision made by the Board stands.

IV. WARRANT ARTICLES

Ms. Paradise summarized the meeting of the Town Budget Committee at their last meeting on Wednesday, February 9, 2011.

Ms. Paradise stated her opinion that the budget prepared by the Board was a responsible budget and that the Board should stand by it. Mr. Wood stated that he thought there would be pressure at the School District meeting to go with the lower number and that the Board should be prepared for that possibility.

Ms. Paradise stated her appreciation for Ms. Adams’ participation in the process as the School Board representative. Ms. Adams thanked everyone else who attended for being there to offer their assistance.

Ms. Paradise stated that the Board’s bottom line for the 2011-2012 budget would be the amount previously adopted by the Board plus the $10,000 for the volleyball program that had previously been cut. The amount of money would reflect an increase of approximately $04. per $1,000 on the tax rate.

Ms. Paradise stated that the Board would need to vote on the Warrant Articles, but suggested that the Public Input Session occur before doing so.

V. PUBLIC INPUT

Ms. Jamie Wrye asked if there was a way for the school district budget to be more transparent. She listed the budget documents that she has acquired. Ms. Paradise explained that the means of budgeting is dictated by the State of New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration. Ms. Wrye asked for further detail, which Ms. Paradise stated she could get by reviewing purchase orders at the SAU office. Discussion ensued regarding budgeting practices, including how the budget is developed.

Ms. Jen Kearns asked if the volleyball budget was based on the costs from last year. She pointed out that last year, there was no gymnasium so assumed costs would be different this year, now that the gymnasium is again available. Mr. Tuttle explained that the budget is based on the games that are anticipated for the year to come. He also stated that the cost of referees matches the cost of transportation to an away game and that the school bore the cost of the referees at some away games last year due to the gymnasium being closed.

Ms. Kearns explained that the process for fundraising was not clear to the parents of students on the volleyball team members. She thanked the School Board for listening to the concerns of the parents of the volleyball team members. Ms. Paradise explained that fundraising is done for the purpose of providing “extras” for the teams, not for the basic needs of the team.

VI. WARRANT ARTICLES (Continued)

On a motion made by Ms. Adams and seconded by Mr. Wolfe, the Board voted unanimously to adopt the amount of $9,854,450.33 for Article VII, which would be a recommended amendment to the Article.

A motion was made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Mr. Wood to approve all Warrant Articles as amended. Discussion ensued. The motion passed unanimously.

Dr. Freeman distributed warrant documents for the School Board’s signatures.

VII. ADJOURNMENT

On a motion made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Mr. Wood, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 6:14 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Tobi Gray Chassie
Recording Secretary