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, June 12, 2014
Pittsfield Middle High School

I. CALL TO ORDER

Members Present: Mike Wolfe, Chair
Bea Douglas
Gary Mullen
Ray Ramsey

Others Present: John Freeman, Superintendent of Schools
Tobi Gray Chassie, District Administrator
Lois Stevens, Director of Student Services
Sarah Rollins, Director of College and Career Readiness
Ross Morse, Community Liaison
Lily Plummer, Site Council Representative

Mr. Wolfe called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.

II. AGENDA REVIEW

The following items were added to the agenda:

• PES Math Program (Dr. Freeman)
• Non-Public Session – RSA 91-A:3 II (c) (Dr. Freeman)
• Awards Night (Dr. Rollins)

III. ACTION ON AMENDED AGENDA

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

IV. APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MEETING MINUTES

On a motion made by Mr. Ramsey and seconded by Mr. Mullen, the Board voted unanimously to approve the minutes of the May 22, 2014, and June 5, 2014, as written.

V. PUBLIC INPUT

Ross Morse stated that there was a mistake in the June 5 minutes and suggested changing PMS to PMHS in the first line of the last paragraph. The Board agreed to make the change.

Mr. Morse, after talking with Athletic Director Jay Darrah, suggested rededicating Drake Field once the new improvements are made. The Board agreed that this was a good idea.

Mr. Morse stated that the extended learning opportunities celebration on Wednesday, June 11, 2014, was a huge success. He commended the students on the work accomplished. Mr. Morse shared that one student was Skyped into the celebration from Hawaii, as she had moved from the district.

VI. INTRODUCTIONS

Ms. Stevens introduced Pamela Casey, candidate for grade 11/12 special education teacher and Jessica Place, grade 7 special education teacher. Dr. Freeman introduced Tracy Parker, candidate for 7/8 Math Teacher. He stated that he had recently met Seth Goyette, candidate for grade 8 special education teacher.

On a motion made by Ms. Douglas and seconded by Mr. Mullen, the Board unanimously approved the nominations of Ms. Casey, Mr. Goyette, Ms. Parker, and Ms. Place.

VII. SCHOOL BOARD APPOINTMENT

Mr. Wolfe reminded the Board that it is required to appoint a new board member person to take the place of former Board Member Nicole Manteau, who had resigned her position. He stated that one candidate had withdrawn from the field of interest and that he had spoken to the other three. He recommended Vanessa Abel to fill Ms. Manteau’s position. Ms. Douglas stated that she was in support of Arthur Morse, but agreed that because of Ms. Abel’s desire to run for the seat in the spring, she would be a good choice. Mr. Wolfe stated that Mr. Morse’s experience would be appreciated.

On a motion made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Mr. Mullen, the Board unanimously approved Ms. Abel as the newly appointed School Board member.

VIII. STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE

Ms. Plummer stated that representatives from the junior class will be present at the June 26, 2014, meeting to discuss the 2014 Prom.

Ms. Plummer explained that the Site Council is transitioning from current membership to the 2014-2015 membership. The draft of the Family and Student Handbook is being finalized and will be proposed to the Board for approval at the July 11, 2014, meeting.

Mr. Wolfe stated that after the conversation at the last meeting regarding the proposed changes, he changed his opinion regarding the proposal to allow students wearing hats in common areas, such as the school hallways and cafeteria. Discussion ensued regarding the wearing of hats. It was decided that the full discussion regarding the Family Student Handbook will occur at the Board meeting of June 26, 2014.

IX. BOARD SUMMER CALENDAR

After a short discussion, it was decided that the summer meetings for the School Board will be scheduled for July 17, 2014, and August 14, 2014.

X. DEAN OF INSTRUCTION

A. HIRING

By report, Ms. Graham provided an update on the hiring of vacant teaching positions.

B. LATE START WEDNESDAY PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Ms. Graham reported that Consultant Kevin Perks has been working with faculty on strengthening student engagement and motivation in the classroom.

C. SUMMATIVE EVALUATIONS

Summative evaluations of faculty are underway and will be completed by the end of the school year.

XI. DEAN OF OPERATIONS

A. GREEN THUMB GRANT

On a motion made by Ms. Douglas and seconded by Mr. Mullen, the School Board unanimously approved accepting $3,900 from the Lowes School Improvement Grant.

B. TECHNOLOGY

By report, Mr. Newell provided the Board with information to consider regarding digital storage. Long term, cost effective solutions for storage will need to be created in order to effectively maintain records, according to Mr. Newell.

C. FACILITIES

The PMHS media center air conditioning has been repaired. A list of potential improvement projects were submitted to the superintendent.

XII. DIRECTOR OF STUDENT SERVICES

A. NEW HAMPSHIRE SPECIAL EDUCATION DISTRICT REPORT

Ms. Stevens stated that she has received the Special Education Performance Plan annual report. There are fourteen indicators on which the team is measured. Pittsfield was compliant in every area where there was enough data to measure. She commended the special education team for a job well done.

B. NEW HAMPSHIRE POST SCHOOL SURVEY

Ms. Stevens explained that the annual statewide Post School Survey in special education would be sent home this month. The questions on the survey ask about students’ high school experience, work experience, and present school or training programs.

C. THANK YOU

Ms. Stevens thanked the School Board, as well as students, faculty, staff, School Board, and Pittsfield community for hre fourteen years working in Pittsfield.

XIII. DIRECTOR OF COLLEGE AND CAREER READINESS

A. AWARDS NIGHT

Dr. Rollins asked for School Board volunteers to present awards at Awards Night.

B. YOUTH SUBSTANCEUSE FACTS AND SUPPORT FOR PARENTS

Dr. Rollins distributed a draft of a letter being provided to parents regarding substance abuse and support. She asked for School Board members to notify her of any issues that are observed when reading the letter.

XIV. SUPERINTENDENT

A. RESIGNATIONS

On a motion made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Mr. Ramsey, the Board voted unanimously to approve, with thanks, the resignations of Christine Teague (retirement), Director of Interventions and Title I Project Manager; Lois Stevens, Director of Student Services; and Katie Bass, PES teacher.

B. FACILITY IMPROVEMENTS AND UPGRADES

Dr. Freeman explained that the estimated fund balance is $400,000 and that $150,000 would be transferred to reserve funds, according to warrant articles. He provided a list of recent expenditures and presented a list of potential improvements and upgrades for the Board’s consideration. Dr. Freeman reminded the Board how tight the budget will be in 2014-2015 and that a third Kindergarten teacher may need to be hired, depending on enrollment, which is currently at 48. On a motion made by Ms. Douglas and seconded by Mr. Ramsey, the Board agreed to the following:

• Classroom faucet, sink and countertop replacement: $8,999
• Parking lot crack sealing: $3,500
• Doorway repairs: $1,187
• Exterior lighting: $14,267 (depending on potential rebates)
• Fiber upgrade: $13,000

C. TRACTOR REPLACEMENT

On a motion made by Mr. Mullen and seconded by Mr. Ramsey, the Board voted unanimously to approve the purchase of a replacement tractor from MB Tractor & Equipment in Tilton, for the sum of $13,383.

D. PES MATH CURRICULUM

Dr. Freeman distributed documents created by soon-to-be Dean of Instruction Danielle Harvey regarding the PES math curriculum. The first document was a plan to review the math curriculum, which was very thoughtfully detailed. Also, update on progress were included, having been previously written and submitted to the school administration. He apologized for the untimely submission of these reports to the Board.

E. POLICIES

On a motion made by Ms. Douglas and seconded by Mr. Mullen, the Board approved the rescinding of Policy FFA – Memorials; Policy GA – Personnel Policies Goals; Policy GAA – Evaluation of Professional Staff; and Policy GBAA-E – Sexual Harassment and Sexual Violence, as well as the approval of revisions to Policy GBAA – Sexual Harassment and Sexual Violence.

F. SCHOOL CALENDAR

Dr. Freeman distributed the proposed 2014-2015 Pittsfield School District Calendar. He pointed out a significant change that would include students having a modified day on the day of Exhibition Night, making it possible for the
students to start their day at 1:00 p.m. and end at 7:00 p.m. On a motion made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Mr. Mullen, the Board unanimously approved the proposed 2014-2015 school district calendar.

G. ACCEPTANCE OF GIFT

On a motion made by Mr. Ramsey and seconded by Ms. Douglas, the School Board unanimously approved the acceptance of the gift of $10,000 to develop a summer academy from Richard and Lois Foss.

H. PMHS REMOVAL FROM DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION PRIORTY LIST

Dr. Freeman reminded the Board that PMHS received a three-year school improvement grant as a result of its identification as a “persistently low achieving school” four years ago. Last year, after the grant period concluded, PMHS was identified as a “priority school,” indicating that additional conditions were required to be met. He stated that we recently received notice from the New Hampshire Department of Education that PMHS is no longer a “priority school.” Correspondence from Commissioner Virginia Barry was received congratulating PMHS and acknowledging the great work of the leaders, teachers, and students.

I. VISITORS TO THE DISTRICT

An article to be submitted to the Suncook Valley Sun for publication was shared with the School Board. Entitled, Guess Who’s Coming to Pittsfield? the article highlights the visitors that have come to PMHS to learn from the work that has been accomplished.

XV. PUBLIC INPUT (2nd Session)

Ms. Chassie, as president of the Pittsfield High School Alumni Association, explained that the installation of an LED sign has been temporarily put on hold due to the shortage of funds. The Association hopes to have money after the next fund raising campaign in the fall for a potential installation during the summer of 2015.

XVI. NEXT MEETING

The next School Board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, June 26, 2014, at 5:30 p.m. at the Pittsfield Middle High School.

XVII. NON-PUBLIC SESSION

At 6:45 p.m., a motion was made by Ms. Douglas and seconded by Mr. Mullen to enter into non-public session to discuss employee compensation pursuant to RSA 91-A:3, II (a, c, and e). The Board was polled and voted unanimously (Ms. Douglas, yes; Mr. Mullen, yes; Mr. Ramsey, yes; Mr. Wolfe, yes) to enter into a non-public session.

Dr. Freeman advised the Board of potential litigation, two staff issues, an employee contract issue, and a student issue. The Board briefly discussed each of the items.

No action was taken in non-public session.

At 7:06 p.m., a motion was made by Ms. Douglas and seconded by Mr. Ramsey to exit the non-public session and re-enter into open session. The Board was polled and voted unanimously (Ms. Douglas, yes; Mr. Mullen, yes; Mr. Ramsey, yes; Mr. Wolfe, yes) to exit from the non-public session and to re-enter into open session.

XVIII. OPEN SESSION

On a motion by Mr. Mullen and seconded by Ms. Douglas, the Board voted unanimously to provide the superintendent of schools with a 2% salary increase for the 2014-2015 school year.

XIX. ADJOURNMENT

On a motion made by Ms. Douglas and seconded by Mr. Mullen, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 7:08 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Tobi Gray Chassie
Recording Secretary