January 27, 2011 Minutes

ADVANCE COPY, SUBJECT TO THE APPROVAL THE PITTSFIELD SCHOOL BOARD

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

MINUTES

Pittsfield School Board Meeting
Thursday, January 27, 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
Doug Kilmister, Principal, PES

Chairperson Paradise called the meeting to order at 5:38 p.m.

II. AGENDA REVIEW

The following items were added to the agenda:
• Non-public session – RSA 91-A:3, II(a)(b) (Dr. Freeman)
• NEAS&C (Mr. Bickford)
• Fire inspection (Mr. Wolfe)
• School Resource Officer (Ms. Adams)
• Advanced placement courses (Mr. Wood)
• Curriculum (Mr. Wood)
• NHSBA (Ms. Adams)

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

III. EXTENDED LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

Ms. Sheila Ward, PMHS Extended Learning Opportunities (ELO) Coordinator, and Brendon Norton, a PMHS student participating in an ELO, presented information on Extended Learning Opportunities at PMHS. They shared a video, produced by the New Hampshire Department of Education that described the ELO concept and advantages. Ms. Ward provided the Board with examples of ELOs that are currently being offered at PMHS. Mr. Norton explained the work that he is engaged in for his ELO focused on the life of Abraham and Abraham’s impact on the contemporary world. Ms. Ward also described her plans to organize a school store.

IV. APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MEETING MINUTES

A motion was made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Ms. Corliss to approve the minutes of the January 13, 2011, meeting. On page 2, paragraph 2, change the last sentence to read, “Ms. Paradise directed Mr. Bickford to share possibilities for alternative funding, as grant funding had already been secured by Ms. Sawyer.” On page 2, paragraph 3, change “Ms. Ross Morse” to “Mr. Ross Morse.” On page 3, paragraph 3, add the sentence, “District monies are not being requested to support the program, but space is provided by the district.” On page 4, paragraph 4, change the last sentence to read, “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.” On page 8, paragraph 8, change the sentence to read, “Ms. Paradise asked Dr. Freeman to provide draft releases of relevant information for the Board’s consideration.” On page 9, paragraph 1, change sentence to “Officer John Webber has been asked to the schools by the Chief from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. daily, although an official designation was not 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.”

The motion passed with the modifications made to the minutes.

V. PUBLIC INPUT – None

VI. PES ADMINISTRATION

A. ARTIST IN RESIDENCE

Mr. Kilmister announced that the PES PTO voted to provide three years of ongoing funding – $1,200 each year – to support artist –in-residence programs at PES.

B. CHESS

Mr. Wood thanked Mr. George Szelest for his services to provide the opportunity for a Chess Club at PES. According to Mr. Kilmister, twenty-five students came after school to join the activities on the first day the Club met. Two high school students also helped Mr. Szelest. Mr. Wood asked that Mr. Szelest be formally thanked.
C. FIRE INSPECTION

Mr. Wolfe stated that a fire inspection was recently completed at PES by the Pittsfield Fire Department. Observed concerns included a classroom oven without the breaker being turned off, use of various zip cords, and numerous problems with the boiler room being used for storage. A formal report from the Fire Department will follow which will specify required remediation and fire safety recommendations.

VII. PMHS ADMINISTRATION

A. DRAKE FIELD SUMMER PROGRAM

Mr. Bickford provided the Board with a comparison of the expenditures and funding sources for last summer’s Drake Field summertime recreational program and this coming year’s program, based on private funding sources. Ms. Corliss asked for clarification on the director’s salary, which was provided by Mr. Bickford.

B. PMHS SCHOOL STANDARDS REPORT

Mr. Bickford explained that a letter has been received from the New Hampshire Department of Education that provided notice that conditional school approval through June of 2012 has been granted. Several non-compliant issues have already been addressed, such as required policies that the Board has subsequently approved. Discussion ensued regarding the requirement for schools to offer the opportunity to students to take dance. Further discussion ensued regarding the need to offer courses, in spite of low enrollment, the natural result of being a small school. The Board asked Mr. Bickford to continue to review the impact of the requirements as well as alternative compliance options.

C. NEAS&C

The visiting team from the New England Association of Schools and Colleges – NEAS&C – will be in Pittsfield on March 20 – 23, 2011. The team of fifteen will be visiting to review the ten-year self-study and validating the contents of the self-study reports. On Sunday, Mach 20, 2011, the School Board is requested to attend a meeting with the visiting team. The visit will include shadowing students, reviewing reports, and meeting with the faculty. Following the visit, a report will be submitted to the school for a final review prior to submission to the Association’s governing body.

D. ADVANCED PLACEMENT COURSES

Mr. Wood asked if courses that will be needed for a student planning to attend college are being offered. Mr. Bickford stated that the answer to this is affirmative. An explanation of advanced placement courses was provided.
Advanced placement courses are courses that prepare students to take a test that, if passed, will provide students with college credit. Currently, PMHS does not offer advanced placement courses. Last year, an English advanced placement course was offered, but that is no longer the case. Discussion ensued regarding heterogeneous groupings, maintaining rigor in all classes, and the need for parents to contact the principal if problems are reported by their children.

E. POETRY OUT LOUD

Mr. Bickford announced that PMHS Student Elizabeth Cyr won the annual PMHS “Poetry Out Loud” contest. Ms. Adams suggested that improvements in notifying the school community of this event would be appreciated.

F. STUDENT REPORT

Sarah Adams, PMHS student representative to the Board, explained that “Hat Day” will continue during the second semester. The canned foods that are collected will go to the Pittsfield Food Pantry and financial donations go to the Student Council. The Student Council will sponsor a mid-year academic recognition ceremony on February 18, 2011. Honor roll students will receive certificates and PMHS memorabilia. Common Planning Time teams will award most improved students and citizenship awards to a student in each grade level. The Student Council will also award a Community Contribution Award, which will be a plaque displayed in the main lobby.

VIII. STUDENT SERVICES ADMINISTRATION

A. TEACHER EVALUATION TASK FORCE

Ms. Chassie reported that a district committee has been charged with developing a new teacher evaluation system. Seven teachers and three administrators will be working with consultants from WestEd to develop a system. The team will be using the research of several authorities on teacher evaluation systems as the basis for this work. Due to a snow cancellation day, February 7, 2011, will be the first workday.

B. INDICATOR #13 AUDIT

According to Ms. Chassie, auditors from the New Hampshire Department of Education visited Pittsfield on Monday, January 24, 2011, to review special education files relative to compliance with the laws that regulate the transition of students from secondary school to post secondary school plans.

IX. SAU ADMINISTRATION

A. WARRANT ARTICLES

Dr. Freeman reviewed the draft of the warrant articles. The articles are in the process of being reviewed by the Department of Revenue Administration and School District Attorney Jay Boynton. Action was deferred until the review has been completed.

B. POLICIES – REVISION

Policy IKF – Graduation Requirements, and Policy JICDD – Student Discipline / Out-of-School Actions, were presented for approval after revisions were made, based on discussion at the previous meeting.

A motion was made by Mr. Wood and seconded by Mr. Wolfe to approve Policy IKF and JICDD. Discussion ensued and questions were answered regarding GED, certificates of attendance, and the graduation ceremony. The motion passed unanimously.

C. POLICIES – RESCISSION

During a recent review of the policy book, Policy EBBA – First Aid, and Policy JJIF – Physical Activity, were found to be duplicates. Consequently, Dr. Freeman requested that the Board rescind these policies.

On a motion made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Ms. Adams, the Board voted unanimously to approve the rescinding of Policy EBBA and JJIF.

D. PMHS COMMUNITY ADVISORY COUNCIL

Dr. Freeman provided the Board with the purpose statement drafted by the PMHS Community Advisory Council. On a motion made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Mr. Wood, the Board voted unanimously to approve the purpose of the Community Advisory Council. In accordance with the work plan submitted to the Nellie Mae Education Foundation, the Council is in the process of forming six sub-teams to study and develop specific work. A Nellie Mae kick-off event will take place on February 9 and 10, 2011.

E. CONCORD REGIONAL TECHNICAL CENTER FUNDING

The Concord Technical Center is reporting that the legislature has underfunded tuition and transportation for the 2009-2010 school year by 17% or $160,000. This shortfall must be balanced by the sending districts. The unanticipated cost to Pittsfield is $3,486.09.

F. SCHOOL BOARD HEARINGS

Hearings will need to be held on the use of the Drake Field reserve for the grandstand repairs and the acceptance of grant funds in excess of the amount approved by the voters at the last March District Meeting. The hearings will be planned at the February 10, 2011 meeting.

G. MIDDLE SCHOOL PARENT FORUM

Mr. Bickford and Dr. Freeman hosted a forum for middle school parents, a series that began last summer. Six parents attended and concerns were expressed. The next meeting is scheduled for February 17, 2011, at 6:30 p.m. in the PMHS library.

H. STUDENT SAFETY FORUM

The Board hosted about twenty attendees at the Student Safety Forum on Saturday, January 22. Comments from participants were recorded and shared with the Board by Dr. Freeman.

I. EMPLOYEE LEAVE

PMHS Math Teacher Jen Patsos has requested additional leave and plans to return on March 7, 2011.

J. POLICY IKJ

Policy IKJ will be prepared for the Board’s review in February.

K. ANNUAL SCHOOL DISTRICT MEETING

Dr. Freeman distributed the handout that has been prepared for distribution at the Annual School District Meeting. Dr. Freeman asked if the Board would like the proposed budget to be posted on the website, to which the Board answered in the affirmative. The handout will also be posted. Ms. Paradise volunteered to present the budget at the meeting, to which Ms. Adams, School Board liaison to the Budget Committee, agreed. The Budget Hearing is scheduled for February 2, 2011, at 7:00 p.m. in the PMHS lecture hall.

L. COURSE OF STUDY

A motion was made by Mr. Wood and seconded by Ms. Corliss to approve the 2011-2012 Course Offerings Book. Mr. Bickford reviewed the PMHS Course Offerings booklet with the Board. Ms. Corliss suggested identifying the abbreviations and noted a numbering mistake in World Languages. Discussion ensued regarding the offering of remedial math and reading. Mr. Bickford provided additional information regarding the scheduling process being used for
the 2011-2012 school year. Questions were asked and answered relative to the individual course offerings. The motion passed unanimously with the recommended changes made.

M. SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER

Ms. Paradise directed Dr. Freeman to investigate policies that relate to a school resource officer. Discussion ensued regarding the role of the police officer in our schools. Suggestions were made as to how the person could be utilized to enhance curriculum. Further discussion is necessary after Dr. Freeman meets with the Chief.

N. NH SCHOOL BOARD ASSOCIATION – Deferred until next meeting.

O. CURRICULUM

Mr. Wood expressed concern about the curriculum that is followed in the district. Ms. Paradise stated that the Board’s role is not necessarily to choose curriculum or programs, but she does want to make sure that the Board is aware of what is chosen and have a plan for making sure the curriculum is implemented with fidelity.

Ms. Corliss asked if there is something in place to ensure that with the turnover of staff, the curriculum expectations are maintained. Dr. Freeman explained that at PES, there is a system for this to occur and teachers at each grade level work together to ensure content and pacing. He stated that at PMHS, the system is not yet organized.

Mr. Wood asked if there is a way for parents to know what the curriculum is at each grade level. Dr. Freeman explained that the articulation of the curriculum is part of the work that is being done currently. This work will include the eventual documentation of the curriculum in a web-based program (Atlas Rubicon). Ms. Stevens will be demonstrating this program at a meeting in February.

Dr. Freeman continued the conversation by explaining the pursuit of a part-time curriculum coordinator, using SIG funds, which would be able to lead the charge on curriculum development. He explained that the first step in the process will be to identify “essential standards” or “power standards.” Work is currently being planned with our external partners to provide an opportunity for staff throughout the district to prioritize standards.

X. COMMITTEES

A. Drake Field – None

B. Budget Committee – None

C. Negotiating Team – None
D. Capital Improvement Program – None
E. Select Board Liaison – None

XI. NEXT MEETING

The next School Board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, February 10, 2011 at 5:30 in the PMHS Media Center.

XII. PUBLIC INPUT (Second Session) – None

XIII. NON-PUBLIC SESSION

At 9:50 p.m., a motion was made by Mr. Wood and seconded by Mr. Wolfe to enter into non-public session to discuss a personnel matter pursuant to RSA 91-A:3, II (a)(b). The Board was polled and voted unanimously (Ms. Adams, yes; Ms. Corliss, yes; Ms. Paradise, yes; Mr. Wolfe, yes; Mr. Wood, yes) to enter into non-public session for the purpose of discussing a personnel issue.

The Board discussed the performance evaluation, employment, and compensation of the superintendent of schools. The Board took no action in non-public session.

At 10:06 p.m., a motion was made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Mr. Wood to exit the non-public session. The Board was polled and voted unanimously (Ms. Adams, yes; Ms. Corliss, yes; Ms. Paradise, yes; Mr. Wolfe, yes; Mr. Wood, yes) to re-enter into open session.

XIV. ADJOURNMENT

On a motion made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Mr. Wood, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 10:07 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Tobi Gray Chassie
Recording Secretary