APPROVED BY THE PITTSFIELD SCHOOL BOARD

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

MINUTES

Pittsfield School Board Meeting
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Pittsfield Middle High School

I. CALL TO ORDER

Members Present: Clayton Wood, Chairperson
Elizabeth Adams
Kathy Corliss

Others Present: John Freeman, Superintendent
Tobi Gray Chassie, Director of Student Services
Bob Bickford, Principal, PMHS
Doug Kilmister, Principal, PES
Newly Hired Teachers

Chairperson Wood called the meeting to order at 5:34 p.m.

II. INTRODUCTION

Newly hired teachers introduced themselves and answered several questions posed by the Board.
• Chris Davitt – 7/8 English Language Arts Teacher
• Jean Fossum – Family and Consumer Science Teacher
• Melissa Kearney – 3rd Grade Special Education Teacher / Case Manager
• Jennifer Massey – Business Education Teacher
• Brian Pinto – 7/8 Mathematics Teacher
• Joshua Shawver – 7/8 Science Teacher

III. AGENDA REVIEW

Mr. Bickford stated that he had information to add to the discussion on the PATCH program when discussed under the Student Services section of the agenda.

IV. ACTION ON AGENDA

On a motion made by Ms. Corliss and seconded by Ms. Adams, the Board voted unanimously to approve the agenda as presented.

V. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

A motion was made by Ms. Adams and seconded by Ms. Corliss to approve the minutes of the June 30, 2011, meeting. On page 3, first paragraph, change to “reading over math.” On page 6, second paragraph, change “low” to “proposed reduced.” The Board voted unanimously to approve the minutes as amended.

A motion was made by Ms. Adams and seconded by Ms. Corliss to approve the minutes of July 19, 2011. On page 2, first paragraph, add the word “are.” The Board voted unanimously to approve the minutes as amended.

VI. PUBLIC INPUT – None

VII. PES ADMINISTRATION

A. SUMMER CURRICULUM WORK

Mr. Kilmister reported that most grade-level teams submitted plans for literacy curriculum work this summer. This work is being completed by teams and reviewed by Literacy Coordinator Chris Teague and Mr. Kilmister.

B. PES STAFFING AND ACADEMIC TEAMS

Mr. Kilmister submitted a list of the academic teams for the 2011-2012 school year.

C. CAFÉ SERVICES

Answering a question of Ms. Adams, Mr. Bickford stated that the hiring process for kitchen staff is under way and final decisions will be made next week.

D. CALENDAR

Mr. Kilmister provided the Board with a list of events for the month of August.

VIII. PMHS ADMINISTRATION

A. SUBSTITUTE TEACHER PAY

Mr. Bickford discussed the information he collected from surrounding communities and what they are paying their substitutes. After reviewing the rates paid by nearby school districts for substitute teachers, the administration recommended $65 per day for non-certified substitute teachers and $70 per day for certified substitutes. Discussion ensued regarding the requirement for certified teachers to fill long-term absences.

On a motion made by Ms. Adams and seconded by Ms. Corliss, the Board voted unanimously to approve the proposed $65/$70 compensation as recommended for substitute teachers.

B. SKILLS – USA NATIONAL COMPETITION

PMHS Graduate Brandon Patterson provided the Board and administration with a letter of thanks for support of his participation in a national skills competition, which included note of his success in the competition.

C. STIPEND JOB DESCRIPTIONS

Mr. Bickford provided the Board with a copy of newly developed job descriptions for the district’s non-coaching stipend positions. The job descriptions were developed by the administrative team over the course of the past school year for implementation for the upcoming school year.

Dr. Freeman, in response to a question posed by Ms. Adams, explained that the PMHS redesign plans, as detailed in the Logic Model, are under way to increase the participation and involvement of students in the leadership of the school community.

Discussion ensued regarding the frustration for students who would like to participate in multiple after school activities but are unable to do so because of scheduling conflicts.

Discussion ensued regarding topics such as class advisors, drama club, environmental club, school newspaper, National Honor Society, and yearbook.

The Board, by consensus, stated its appreciation for the work that went into the development of the job descriptions.

D. LATE START WEDNESDAYS

Mr. Bickford reviewed the work that was accomplished during Late Start Wednesdays during the 2010-2011 school year and outlined the plans for the upcoming year. He stated that the implementation of Late Start Wednesdays has significantly supported our redesign efforts and his belief that Late Start Wednesdays will continue to have significant positive impacts on teaching and learning.

Mr. Wood asked if there has been a negative impact on students as a result of teachers involved in Late Start Wednesday professional development. Mr. Bickford explained that the number of minutes of instruction is within the minimum requirements established by the NH Department of Education. Ms. Adams asked if the abbreviated schedule impacted the ability to plan and teach their classes. Mr. Bickford stated an abbreviated schedule should have no negative impact on a teacher’s lesson planning and implementation. Dr. Freeman stated that the number of minutes of academic time actually increased due to the decrease in the time spent in Advisories. Parents who may believe that teachers are not prepared for classes are encouraged to speak directly to the teacher. Ms. Adams suggested the administration have discussions with teachers to be sure they are not in need of support in using the abbreviated periods productively.

E. CALENDAR

Mr. Bickford provided a list of events for the months of August and September.

F. PATCH

Mr. Bickford stated that PATCH Program Coordinator Sue Hemingway will be presenting information to the staff regarding the program. Ms. Hemingway will be coordinating the athletic physicals and will be assisting in the hiring of the new health professionals.

IX. RECESS

On a motion made by Ms. Adams and seconded by Ms. Corliss, the Board voted unanimously to recess the meeting at 6:30 p.m. for the purpose of attending the kick-off event of the Pittsfield Youth Workshop’s Pittsfield Listens project being held at the fire house.

On a motion made by Ms. Adams and seconded by Ms. Corliss, the Board voted unanimously to resume the meeting at 8:00 p.m.

X. STUDENT SERVICES ADMINISTRATION

A. LOGIC MODEL

Dr. Freeman shared a copy of the Logic Model that was submitted to Nellie Mae Education Foundation in support of the district’s participation in the District Level Systems Change grant program. Although the content is consistent with version shared previously, format changes have been made, as recommended by our technical assistance providers.

Dr. Freeman explained, in order to answer a question posed by Ms. Adams, that a survey of PMHS graduates from the last ten years will be conducted. The purpose of this will be to gather information on school district needs, demonstrate the eventual impact of the redesign project, and inform the redesign process as work continues.

B. PRE-ADOLESCHENT TO TEEN CENTER FOR HEALTH (PATCH)

The annual report from the PATCH program was provided to the Board.

C. SUMMER SCHOOL

Ms. Chassie provided the Board with information regarding the preschool through grade 8 summer school program. Discussion ensued regarding

XI. SAU ADMINISTRATION

A. EMPLOYMENT AFFIRMATIONS

Dr. Freeman asked the Board to affirm the hiring of the candidates who have been offered positions for the 2011-2012 school year since the last meeting: Sunday Dearborn, IT Manager; Joan Fossum, Family and Consumer Science Teacher (part time); Brian Pinto, Middle School Math Teacher; Joshua Shawver, Middle School Science Teacher; Megan Wilson, Grade 4 Classroom Teacher.

On a motion made by Ms. Corliss and seconded by Ms. Adams, the Board voted unanimously to affirm the hiring of the teachers who have been offered a contract.

B. TEACHER EVALUTION SYSTEM

Dr. Freeman informed the Board that the teacher evaluation system document is not in its edited form. The Board deferred their decision until the edited copy is ready for their review.

C. BUDGET RESTORATION

Dr. Freeman recommended the following restorations, given the $129,000 available due to post-district meeting cuts in anticipation of legislative action: PES teacher – $50,000, PMHS coaching stipends – $6,000, PES/PMHS stipends – $11,000, PMHS summer guidance hours – $1,000, PES/PMHS supplies and equipment – $43,000, and part-time Education of Students of Other Languages (ESOL) teacher – $18,000 (part time).

The School Board expressed their consensus on the recommendations.

D. POLICY RECONSIDERATION

The discussion on policy reconsideration was deferred to the next meeting.

E. POLICY RESCISSION

The discussion on policy rescission was deferred to the next meeting.

F. SUMMERTIME MEALS AT PES

Dr. Freeman reminded the Board that the PES cafeteria is offering meals throughout the summer to qualifying students. The participation rate has been about fifty for breakfast and about eighty for lunch. The program has increased participation by serving the students participating in the Drake Field Summer Recreation Program.

G. DRAKE FIELD SUMMER PROGRAM

The Drake Field Summer Recreation Program participation rate has ranged from lows of about 25 participants to a high of 54 (for a recent trip to a water park).

H. DRAKE FIELD GRANDSTAND ROOF

Dr. Freeman stated that the roof has been scheduled for work in October. The roofing project will not interfere with the use of the restrooms at fall sporting events.

I. HEALTH INSURANCE STUDY GROUP

Dr. Freeman explained that there are three public employer pools that provide insurance for public employees including: 1) The Local Government Center; 2) Primex; and 3) School Care. The representative from School Care has suggested that a presentation be offered to the study group on general information regarding health insurance. Mr. Wood agreed that the presentation would be helpful, and Dr. Freeman agreed to coordinate the date and time with the remainder of the group.

J. TRAFFIC SAFETY IN SCHOOL ZONES

According to Dr. Freeman, Chief Wharem has assured the Board of increased police presence in school zones during arrival and dismissal times. The Chief is planning to join the Board for the second August meeting to review this issue and to follow up on his last conversation with the Board.

Ms. Corliss suggested that the cross walks be painted in a more creative way in order to increase attention to school zones.

K. COMMUNICATION FROM REPRESENTATIVE MCGUIRE

Dr. Freeman provided the Board with a recently-received response to their February 28 letter to Representative Dan McGuire regarding House Bill 164. Ms. Adams volunteered to draft a letter to Senators Stiles and Barnes regarding House Bill 164.

XII. COMMITTEES

A. Budget Committee – None

B. Drake Field & Facilities – None

C. Negotiating Team – None

XIII. NEXT MEETING

The next School Board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, August 11, 2011, at 5:30 p.m. in the PMHS Media Center.

The following School Board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, August 25, 2011, at 5:30 p.m. in the PMHS Media Center. However, this will conflict with the Pittsfield Listens report out meeting. Mr. Wood will coordinate the rescheduling of this meeting to either another date or to an earlier time on August 25th.

XIV. PUBLIC INPUT (Second Session) – None

XV. ADJOURNMENT

On a motion made by Ms. Corliss and seconded by Ms. Adams, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 9:03 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Tobi Gray Chassie
Recording Secretary