February 24, 2011 Minutes

APPROVED BY THE PITTSFIELD SCHOOL BOARD

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

MINUTES

Pittsfield School Board Meeting and Public Hearings
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Pittsfield Middle High School

I. CALL TO ORDER

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

Others Present: John Freeman, Superintendent of Schools
Tobi Gray Chassie, Director of Student Services
Lois Stevens, Coordinator of Student Services
Doug Kilmister, Principal, PES

Vice Chairperson Michael Wolfe called the meeting to order at 5:32 p.m.

II. AGENDA REVIEW

Additions:
• NH School Board Association (Ms. Adams)

On a motion made by Ms. Adams and seconded by Mr. Wood, the agenda was approved as amended.

III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

A motion was made by Ms. Adams and seconded by Mr. Wood to approve the minutes of February 10, 2011, and February 15, 2011.

To the minutes of February 10, 2011, on page 2, paragraph 8, change to, “maintaining the volleyball team.” On page 5, under Budget Committee, change to, “Electronic mail was forwarded to Board members and the district office by Elizabeth Adams, School Board Budget Representative, from John Kidder, Budget Committee Chairperson.”

To the minutes of February 15, 2011, on page 2, paragraph 7, change the last sentence to read, “This amount of money would reflect an increase of approximately $.04 per $1,000 on the tax rate.”

The motion carried unanimously with the amendments made.

IV. PUBLIC INPUT – None.

V. PES ADMINISTRATION

A. 21st CENTURY COMMUNITY LEARNING CENTER GRANT

Mr. Kilmister described that work has been done to organize the writing of the 21st Century Community Learning Center grant. Dr. Freeman will take the lead on writing this grant with the support of Mr. Bickford, Mr. Kilmister, and Ms. Chassie. On February 15, 2011, administrators and staff members from both PES and PMHS met with community members – including parents, Pittsfield Youth Workshop staff, YMCA staff, and Sarah Blackwood from Blueberry Express – to plan the outline of a new proposal.

B. SPECIAL CONCERT

Mr. Kilmister reported that Drum Master Sowah Mensah will be providing a special free concert to all district students on Wednesday, March 16, 2011.

C. MUFFINS WITH MOM

On March 16, 2011, the Muffins with Moms event, sponsored by Title I, will be held in the PES Library, from 7:15 to 8:00 a.m.

D. CALENDAR

A calendar of events was included in Mr. Kilmister’s report.

VI. PMHS ADMINISTRATION

A. 21st CENTURY COMMUNITY LEARNING CENTER GRANT

By written report, Mr. Bickford outlined the work being completed in order to submit a grant proposal for the 21st Century Community Learning Center grant.

B. FAILURE IS NOT AN OPTION

By written report, Mr. Bickford proposed the Board adopting a Failure Is Not an Option philosophy for our students. Mr. Bickford states, “This means that we will not accept the behavior of students not doing their work, not participating in their education and becoming a high risk of dropping out of school.”

In Mr. Bickford’s absence, Ms. Stevens gave examples of ways in which that would be implemented. The Board was in consensus that the philosophy was one they could wholeheartedly support.

C. ELO PRESENTATION

Mr. Wood complimented PMHS on the Extended Learning Opportunities presentations that were made last week. He specifically commended Ms. Sheila Ward, the PMHS ELO Coordinator, for her work on this initiative.

VII. PUBLIC HEARING: ACCEPTANCE AND EXPENDITURE OF UNANTICIPATED REVENUES

The Public Hearing was opened at 5:53 p.m.

Dr. Freeman explained that at the March 2010 Annual School District meeting, a warrant article that authorized the district to accept and expend up to $900,000 in grant funds was approved by the voters. Since that time, the district has been awarded grant funds in excess of $900,000 and that the receipt of additional grant funds is anticipated. It was recommended that the acceptance and expenditure of the additional grant funds, currently estimated to be $1,457,104.49, be authorized along with the acceptance and expenditure of any additional grant funds awarded to the district by June 30, 2011.

No members of the public were present; no comments were received by the School Board on this matter.

Dr. Freeman explained that approximately $105,000 is anticipated to be granted to the district through the Education Jobs Fund program. These funds may be used for school level employee costs during the current or next school year. It was recommended that the acceptance of the funds allocated by the Education Jobs Fund program be authorized.

No members of the public were present; no comments were received by the School Board on this matter.

The Public Hearing was closed at 6:00 p.m.

VIII. PUBLIC HEARING: WITHDRAWAL AND EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS FROM THE DRAKE FIELD CAPITAL RESERVE FUND

The Public Hearing was opened at 6:00 p.m.

Dr. Freeman advised the Board that the Fund balance was $16,580.89 on December 31, 2010. Previously the Board had awarded a contract for the repair and reroofing of the grandstand in the amount of $16,400.00. It was proposed that this project be funded through a withdrawal and expenditure of funds from the Drake Field Capital Reserve Fund.

No members of the public were present; no comments were received by the School Board on this matter.

The Public Hearing was closed at 6:04 p.m.

IX. ACCEPTANCE AND EXPENDITURE OF UNANTICIPATED FUNDS

A. On a motion made by Mr. Wood and seconded by Ms. Adams, the Board voted unanimously to accept and expend additional grant funds awarded to the school district in excess of the amount approved by the previous school district meeting; this amount is currently $1,457,104.49; and further to accept and expend additional grant funds awarded to the school district through June 30, 2011.

B. On a motion made by Mr. Wood and seconded by Ms. Corliss, the Board voted unanimously to accept and expend funds allocated to the school district through the Education Jobs Fund program, currently estimated to be $105,392.23, provided that funds in excess of this amount will also be accepted and expended within the guidelines of the program.

X. WITHDRAWAL AND EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS FROM THE DRAKE FIELD CAPITAL RESERVE FUND

On a motion made by Ms. Adams and seconded by Mr. Wood, the Board voted unanimously to withdraw $16,400.00 from the Drake Field Capital Reserve Fund and to expend these funds for the repair and reroofing of the grandstand at Drake Field.

XI. STUDENT SERVICES ADMINISTRATION

A. NATIONAL WRAPAROUND INITIATIVE

Ms. Chassie reported that as work continues with high school redesign, work is being done to improve the systems available to the students whose needs are considered the most significant. A two-day training on the National Wraparound Initiative is scheduled for February 21 and 25, 2011.

XII. SAU ADMINISTRATION

A. ACADEMIC INTERVENTIONS

The presentation on academic interventions at PMHS will be rescheduled for a future meeting due to a scheduling conflict for the presenters.

B. IMPACT OF GOVERNOR’S PROPOSED BUDGET

Dr. Freeman explained that the Governor’s proposed budget would have a significant impact on the Pittsfield School District. He outlined issues that include Building Aid, Catastrophic Aid, and Retirement System contributions. Dr. Freeman reported that he has been in contact with legislators regarding this situation.

C. SCHOOL DISTRICT MEETING

Dr. Freeman distributed a copy of the Warrant Articles. It was decided that details regarding the motioning and seconding of the motions would be determined prior to the meeting on March 10, 2011, at 6:00 p.m.

D. PMHS PLANNING GRANT

The Nellie Mae Education Foundation grant plan is under way, according to Dr. Freeman. He explained that six working sub-teams have been developed to focus on the work that must be completed. The Communications Sub-Team requests guidance from the School Board regarding their distribution of a flyer and information shared at the School District Meeting. The School Board agreed to the flyer and to someone from the Community Advisory Council, as long as the person is a resident of Pittsfield, provides a brief presentation at the Annual School District meeting. It was further agreed upon that future communications will be passed by several members of the Board for their review.

E. SCHOOL BOARD POLICY REVISION

Dr. Freeman explained that he had intended to continue his work in revising and updating policies, but heard Board members indicating an interest in minimizing the number of policies. He invited the guidance of the School Board on the reviewing and updating of policies. The Board, in consensus, agreed to have Dr. Freeman guide the Board in a review the policies that are not required by law to ascertain the possibility of their elimination.

F. ROOF REPAIRS

Mr. Wolfe asked what measures were taken to contend with the ice damage on the PMHS roof. Dr. Freeman stated unsuccessful remediation measures were taken last summer and that Architect Dan Bisson will be assessing the problem and making recommendations for further remediation.

XIII. STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE

Sarah Adams reported that an award will be given to a student on Friday, February 25, 2011, at an assembly. The new Community Service Award will be given to a student who has excelled in providing the community with assistance.

XIV. SCHOOL BOARD

A. EMAIL

The following email was forwarded to the members of the Board by Ms. Adams:

The following is a letter from Rep. Hill regarding our State’s adoption of the National Common Core Standards. After submitting the Resolution to the New Hampshire School Board Association pertaining to Pittsfield’s opposition to non-legislative authority in adopting standards, and having it adopted by the Association, I will compose a letter for follow-up to be considered at the next Board Meeting for submission to the Legislature as we had discussed in a prior meeting.
Lea

To those citizens with an interest in our Educational System:

Much is happening at our Statehouse Education Committee. One very large item, is below the radar and deserves your attention. Last July, our state Dept of Education, signed on to a national program of Educational Standards called Common Core. House Bill 39 and House Bill 164 are attempting to reverse that decision by asking the Legislature to reserve the authority for such a major decision. If successful, either bill will require the full Legislature to approve the Common Core Standards for NH, not just the DOE.

Here is the issue: An independent study has graded, state by state, school standards in both Math and English. Standards are what a state uses to determine curriculum (what students are taught, what books are used etc etc.) and assessment (the tests we use to see if the students are, in fact, learning what is being taught). High standards are very important. Ours in NH are graded by this study as a C minus in English and a D in Math. It is clear something must be done.

Also clear is that these National Standards are better than what we currently have. So, on the surface, a person could easily make the case for adopting these standards. Here is my problem(s) with adopting the national Common Core Standards. LOCAL CONTROL. The decision-making authority, for many years, has been pushed further and further from the local school boards and, most importantly, the parents in my opinion. Adopting Common Core would push that authority away to national boards and the federal government. As evidence of the influence the federal government has with Common Core is the very fact that we rushed to adopt the standards simply to potentially qualify for President Obama’s Race to the Top (RTTT) program dollars (which failed because we received ZERO dollars).

Another reason I see to oppose Common Core is the cost and the time to complete the assessments and the curriculum. School year 2014-2015 is the estimated time frame. At that time, our local school boards and taxpayers will have to pony up to purchase new teaching materials, books, and, of course, training of teachers potentially creating yet another unfunded mandate (unconstitutional?). There will also be the added expense of assessment (testing) materials and the training that corelates.

Is there another option? Lets shift our focus to just south of the state border…. Massachusetts. They have, IN PLACE, an excellent set of standards, WITH curriculum, AND assessments. A working set that many hope will be close to what the Common Core ends up to be. Massachusetts has spent millions on this program that has proven to be effective. IT WORKS. Independent rankings give it an “A” and “A minus”. In my opinion, we should fall on our knees and ask to mimic this working system of standards, curriculum, and assessments before we lose yet another generation of students who need math and english to survive and thrive.

Regards,
Representative to the House Education Committee – Gregory Hill

B. NH SCHOOL BOARD ASSOCIATION

Ms. Adams stated that she has written a letter, on behalf of the Pittsfield School Board, to Pittsfield’s state legislators regarding HB 164. HB 164 requires legislative approval for the adoption of the Common Core State Standards in New Hampshire. She distributed a copy of her letter. The Board was in consensus to have the Board sign and send the letter to the legislators.

C. FACILITIES

Mr. Wolfe asked if further work has been done relative to the siding at PES. Dr. Freeman said that the planning for replacement of siding is in process and more information will be forthcoming in the spring.

D. HEAT ISSUES

Mr. Wolfe asked if work is being done to resolve the heating issues in specific areas throughout PMHS, such as the closets near the computer center. Dr. Freeman stated that the energy audit funded by a grant is currently under way; he anticipates a report by the end of March.

E. EQUIPMENT IN TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION BUILDING

Mr. Wolfe asked if the equipment in the Technology Education building still needs to be removed. Dr. Freeman and the remainder of the Board were in consensus that the old welding equipment should be removed, as it would likely not be safe for use.

XV. COMMITTEES

A. Drake Field – None

B. Budget Committee – None

C. Negotiating Team – None

D. Capital Improvement Program – None

E. Select Board Liaison – None

XVI. NEXT MEETING

The next School Board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, March 10, 2011, at 6:00 p.m. in the PES Media Center, the evening of the Annual School District Meeting.

XVII. PUBLIC INPUT (Second Session) – None

XVIII. ADJOURNMENT

On a motion made by Ms. Adams and seconded by Ms. Corliss, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 6:42 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Tobi Gray Chassie
Recording Secretary