January 13, 2011 Minutes

APPROVED BY THE PITTSFIELD SCHOOL BOARD

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

MINUTES

Pittsfield School Board Meeting
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Pittsfield Middle High School

I. CALL TO ORDER

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

Sarah Adams, Student Representative

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

Andrew Blackden
Cheryl Brown
Kayla Manning
Justin Miner
Ross Morse
Shannon Racicot

Chairperson Paradise called the meeting to order at 5:36 p.m.

II. AGENDA REVIEW

The following items were added to the agenda:
• Facebook (Mr. Bickford)
• Drake Field Summer Program (Mr. Wolfe)

The following items were omitted to the agenda:
• ELO Presentation

On a motion made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Mr. Wood, the Board voted unanimously to approve the amended agenda.
III. APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MEETING MINUTES

A motion was made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Mr. Wood to approve minutes of the December 9, 2010, meeting. Beginning on page 3 and continuing on page 4, the sentence, “Ms. Adams expressed concern about the advisors leading the conferences” was deleted. On page 4, change committee representative for the Capital Improvement Plan from Mr. Wood to Ms. Paradise. The next meeting should be changed to January 13, 2011, rather than 2010.

IV. PUBLIC INPUT

Ms. Cheryl Brown stated that she is opposed to the Drake Field Summer Program being eliminated from the budget. Mr. Bickford explained the funding options for the program. According to Mr. Justin Miner, the social connections that are made by participants during the program are strong. He suggested that field trips could be eliminated, if necessary, but that the program is worth the money that is required to support it. Kayla Manning, Shannon Racicot, and Andrew Blackden also were present to indicate their support of the program. The field trips are worthwhile for the students who might not otherwise be exposed to opportunities that are presented through the program. Ms. Paradise directed Mr. Bickford to share possibilities for alternative funding, as grant funding had already been secured by Ms. Sawyer.

Mr. Ross Morse stated that comments are being made throughout the town to the effect that the Pittsfield Middle High School is going to be closed. He wanted to be sure the School Board was aware of the information that was being shared. He indicated that he is an individual who is working very hard to support the high school redesign project but that it is difficult to maintain support for the changes if people think the school might close. Discussion ensued regarding the opinion of a few citizens being misconstrued, resulting in rumors. Mr. Wood suggested that if comments are made, the person should be directed to talk to a School Board member.

Sarah Adams, student representative, reported that the recent Spirit Day at PMHS was a success. The class that accrued the most points was awarded the opportunity to participate in a field trip this spring. Points were offered for alternative dress days and for winning games and activities, such as musical chairs, 3-legged relay, turkey tag, and live-action role playing.

The Universal Team organized a roll-out, which included presenting students with “panther bucks” when they exceeded the school-wide expectations

The canned food drive was successful. Two hundred fifty-one cans of food and $129 were donated to the Pittsfield Food Pantry.

V. PES ADMINISTRATION

A. DISCIPLINE DATA

Data relative to discipline, specifically referrals to the Student Support Center and suspensions, were shared.

B. STUDENT MOBILITY

Mr. Kilmister reported that 36 students have registered and 36 students have withdrawn at PES since the opening of school in August, representing a significant increase in student and family mobility from last year. Many of the new families are experiencing stress related to crises that have forced them to relocate to our town mid-year.

C. 21st CENTURY LEARNING COMMUNITIES PROGRAM GRANT

Mr. Kilmister reported that the Kydstop afterschool program, run in partnership with the Concord YMCA, has been funded for five years through the federal 21st Century Community Learning Center grant program. This year the federal funds support the program with approximately $95,259, which covers 65% of the program cost. The district is eligible to reapply for five years of additional funding. Work is being done to develop a district-wide grant application for this grant. District monies are not being requested to support the program, but space is provided by the district.

VI. PMHS ADMINISTRATION

A. NEW HAMPSHIRE SCHOLARS PROGRAM

Mr. Bickford explained that New Hampshire Scholars Program recognizes students who have taken a rigorous academic program in preparation for post-secondary education and training. The focus is on the curriculum successfully completed rather than the academic standing of the student. Information was provided to the members of the School Board.

On a motion by Mr. Wood and seconded by Mr. Wolfe, the Board voted unanimously to have Dr. Freeman sign the application for participation in The NH Scholars Program.

B. SPIRIT DAY

PMHS Teachers Derek Hamilton and Alexandra Briggs led the efforts of the PMHS Student Council for a food drive. Also, the PMHS Sunshine Committee made a monetary donation to the Food Pantry. The funds from the Sunshine Committee were raised through “Blue Jean Fridays.”

C. SITE COUNCIL

Mr. Bickford explained that the intent of the Site Council is to present by-laws to the School Board for approval. He asked the Board if they want input into the development of the by-laws or wait until they are completed to provide feedback and/or approval. It was suggested that the Board may want to identify a liaison to the Site Council, who could be summoned on specific occasions when decisions are being made. Board members indicated that the Board would review and approve by-laws, but that the Board would not participate in the week-to-week operations of the Council.

Graduation policy recommendations from the Site Council were shared with the School Board.

D. FACEBOOK

The Site Based Council has requested having a Facebook account in order to keep the student body informed of the meetings. Discussion ensued regarding the advantages and disadvantages of having a Facebook account. Meeting schedules have been distributed. For the daytime meetings, passes are provided to the students, which should serve as a reminder. The Board indicated that it did not support the opening of a Facebook account for this purpose.

E. MEDIA POLICY CLARIFICATION

Policy IKJ – Supplemental Materials Selection, provides for clear procedural direction for the movies and videos used as supplements to the curriculum, but does not directly address video clips that might be gleaned from the Internet to support a concept being taught in the classroom. Mr. Bickford provided examples of when video clips might be used appropriately, but without the opportunity for prior approval. After a lengthy discussion, the Board stated that they acknowledge the appropriate use of the media to support curriculum and would like changes to the policy and/or procedures proposed for their further deliberation.

F. SIG INFORMATION SHEET

A one-page summary of the activities that we currently engaged in that are new for the current year was provided for future reference.

G. NEAS&C

Ms. Corliss asked for an explanation about the 21st Century Learning Expectations. Mr. Bickford explained that the 21st Century Learning Expectations have been posted in the handbook and have caused some concern. Notification is posted on the PMHS website that errors had been made in the grading of the expectations.
At this time, Mr. Bickford explained, the faculty is continuing to refine the expectations and that the expectations will not be included in the determination for Honor Roll status this year.

H. MIDDLE SCHOOL PARENT MEETINGS

Ms. Corliss asked about the middle school parent meetings. The administration explained that the meetings had been scheduled on a periodic basis following an informational meeting held for middle school parents during the past summer.

I. MIDDLE SCHOOL MATH SUBSTITUTE TEACHER

A middle school math substitute teacher has been hired. Ms. Corliss asked if notification should be provided to parents when a long-term substitute is hired. Although a good practice, this notification is not required. Due to middle school students not being reliable with delivery of notices and the expense of a mailing, sending a letter was not considered.

J. BULLETIN BOARDS

Ms. Adams asked if there was a rotating schedule for the use of bulletin boards. Mr. Bickford shared that, according to students, bulletin boards are not read by students. Therefore, emphasis is not placed on bulletin boards. According to Ms. Stevens, the bulletin boards in the hallway are for the four classes and the one in the lobby is to display pictures of the redesign consultants.

VII. STUDENT SERVICES ADMINISTRATION

A. RESIGNATIONS

Ms. Chassie reported that there have been two resignations from paraprofessionals. Ms. Maria Szemplinski has resigned from her position as an educational assistant at PES. Mr. Corey Gunther has resigned from his position as bus monitor.

B. EDUCATION FOR SPEAKERS OF OTHER LANGUAGES (ESOL)

According to Ms. Chassie, a certified ESOL teacher has been contracted to administer the ACCESS test, required by the Department of Education.

C. ARRA FUNDS

Ms. Chassie explained that the district is in the second year of ARRA funding. The Administrative Leadership Team is in the process of adjusting the grant, making necessary revisions after the first year of funding.

VIII. SAU ADMINISTRATION

A. POLICIES

Dr. Freeman presented Policy IKF – Graduation Requirements, and Policy JICDD – Student Discipline for the first reading.

A motion was made by Ms. Adams and seconded by Ms. Corliss to approve the policies for the first reading. Questions were answered by Mr. Bickford. Discussion ensued regarding participation in the annual graduation ceremony by home education students, students with special needs, and students who do not complete the requirements of the district. Suggestions were made for revision. The motion passed unanimously.

B. DRAKE FIELD GRANDSTAND ROOF

There have been three bids received for the repair and reroofing of the Drake Field grandstand: Skyline Roofing – $16,400; Mayo Roofing – $18,600; and The Melanson Company – $28,000.

On a motion made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Mr. Wood, the Board voted unanimously to accept the bid from Skyline Roofing.

C. ANNUAL SCHOOL DISTRICT MEETING

The Select Board has scheduled the Annual Town Meeting to be held on Saturday, March 12. Following the tradition of meeting between the elections and the Annual Town Meeting, the Annual School District Meeting would be on March 10, 2011.

On a motion made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Ms. Corliss, the Board approved the date of the Annual School District Meeting for March 10, 2011.

D. LEAVE REQUEST

Dr. Freeman presented a request for a medical leave of absence from PES Music Teacher Anne Grady for the remainder of the current year. Ms. Grady and her doctors believe a final decision regarding next year will be available in April.

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

E. SICK BANK REQUEST

PMHS Math Teacher Jen Patsos has requested time from the sick bank. The EAP Sick Leave Bank Committee has reviewed the request and supporting documentation and recommends the granting of the twenty-five days.

On a motion made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Mr. Wood, the Board voted to approve the sick bank request; Mr. Wood, Mr. Wolfe, Ms. Adams, and Ms. Paradise voted in the affirmative, and Ms. Corliss abstained from the vote.

Dr. Freeman reported to the Board that Ms. Patsos is expected to be requesting further leave. Concern was expressed by Ms. Corliss about the utilization of a substitute for middle school math.

F. REQUEST FOR RELEASE FROM CONTRACT

PMHS Business Teacher Barbara Gardner has requested release from her teaching contract effective January 13, due to family considerations. Dr. Freeman recommended that the Board approve the request.

A motion was made by Mr. Wood and seconded by Mr. Wolfe to approve the release from the teaching contract. Discussion ensued regarding the potential plans for filling the vacancy through the end of the year. Ms. Gardner is teaching middle school career exploration, year book, personal finance, and business math. The motion passed unanimously.

G. WARRANT ARTICLES

Dr. Freeman provided the Board with a copy of last year’s warrant articles. He asked the Board for their direction with the intent of providing the Board with a draft for approval at the next meeting. Information on the CIP Program was also provided.

Ms. Paradise questioned whether an article relative to a reserve fund for the roof of the elementary school should be considered. The Board agreed to support an article to transfer up to $50,000 from a potential fund balance to the School Buildings Maintenance Fund Reserve Account.

H. QUARTERLY EXPENDITURE REPORT

Dr. Freeman distributed the quarterly Expenditure Report for the Board’s review. After reviewing the expenditure report, direction was provided to Dr. Freeman relative to warrant articles. Dr. Freeman invited Board members to refer questions relative to the Expenditure Report to Ms. Blanchette in the SAU office.

I. NELLIE MAE PROJECT WORKPLAN

Dr. Freeman distributed a copy of the joint press release from the Nellie Mae Education Foundation and the District, which was released on January 11, 2011, regarding the planning grant award made to PMHS in support of student-centered learning.

J. AUDITOR’S REPORT

Dr. Freeman distributed the annual Auditor’s report.

K. STUDENT SAFETY FORUM

Dr. Freeman reminded the Board about the Student Safety Forum, scheduled to take place on Saturday, January 22, 2011, from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m., with refreshments available at 8:30 a.m.

IX. SCHOOL BOARD

A. NHSBA DELEGATE ASSEMBLY

Ms. Paradise informed the Board that she will be unable to represent the Board at the Assembly, but that Ms. Adams has volunteered to do so.

X. COMMITTEES

A. Drake Field

Mr. Wolfe asked if the item is “zeroed out”, would the item “go away.” There is a policy of some boards to leave $1 in a line, but according to Ms. Paradise, this has not been the practice of the Pittsfield School Board.

Mr. Bickford reported that other funding options are being investigated. The Globe Manufacturing Company has made a donation of $5,000 to support the Drake Field Summer Program.

Ms. Paradise stated that the district’s Drake Field fund is for the maintenance and upkeep for Drake Field. Although the merit of the program is not in question, it was not possible to fund the program this year, due to the extent of budget cuts.

B. Budget Committee

Ms. Paradise asked Dr. Freeman to provide draft releases of relevant information for the Board’s consideration.

C. Negotiating Team – None

D. Capital Improvement Program – None

E. Select Board Liaison

Mr. Bickford explained that he has been in contact with Chief Wharem about the School Resource Officer (SRO). Information is being gathered by Mr. Bickford from other districts which do have an SRO. Officer John Webber has been asked to the schools from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. daily, although an official designation has not been made and approval from the School Board was not given. At this time, the School Board has not sanctioned the designation of an SRO and had requested further information before the Board would consider the concept. The Board directed Dr. Freeman to again confer with the Chief on this matter. The Board expressed concern that the Select Board still had not been notified by the Chief of the assignment of Officer Webber to the school.

XI. NEXT MEETING

The next School Board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, January 27, 2011, at 5:30 p.m. in the PMHS Media Center.

XII. PUBLIC INPUT (Second Session) – None

XIII. ADJOURNMENT

On a motion made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Mr. Wood, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 8:27 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Tobi Gray Chassie
Recording Secretary