June 26, 2014 Minutes

APPROVED BY THE PITTSFIELD SCHOOL BOARD

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

MINUTES

Pittsfield School Board Meeting
Thursday, June 26, 2014
Pittsfield Middle High School

I. CALL TO ORDER

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

Others Present: John Freeman, Superintendent of Schools
Tobi Gray Chassie, District Administrator
Paul Newell, Dean of Operations
Sue Graham, Dean of Instruction
Sarah Rollins, Director of College and Career Readiness
Ross Morse, Community Liaison
Lily Plummer, Site Council Representative
Members of the faculty
Members of the public
Members of the student body

Mr. Wolfe called the meeting to order at 5:31 p.m.

II. AGENDA REVIEW

The following items were added to the agenda:

• Foreign Exchange Students (Dr. Freeman)
• Handbook (Mr. Newell)

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

A motion was made by Mr. Mullen and seconded by Mr. Ramsey to approve the minutes of the June 12, 2014 meeting. Ms. Abell called attention to the misspelling of her name on page 2. The minutes were approved with the correction of spelling of Ms. Abell’s name.

V. PUBLIC INPUT

Heidi Cook spoke to the School Board about class size. She stated that the class size for second grade and Kindergarten is larger than optimum. She suggested the Board consider lowering the class size, especially in Kindergarten.

Angela St. Germain stated she is concerned about 48 students in the Kindergarten enrollment and asked the School Board to consider adding a teacher.

Mark Schuster, parent of three future Kindergarten teacher, spoke about full day Kindergarten. He reminded the Board that he was at a previous meeting to voice his opinion about the option of a partial day program. Mr. and Mrs. Schuster spoke to Dr. Freeman and Ms. Stevens about partial day programming, who indicated that the academic core would be primarily in the morning, but that literacy and math would integrated throughout the day. He asked the School Board to offer their opinion on the topic partial day Kindergarten.

Kathy LeMay, a member of the team who developed the Kindergarten schedule, explained that literacy would be in the morning and math in the afternoon, as the schedule currently stands.

Mr. Wolfe stated that the public’s opinion will be taken into consideration.

VI. INTRODUCTIONS

Dr. Freeman introduced Kathy LeMay as a candidate for the Director of Intervention and Title I Manager and Melissa Graff as a candidate for the fifth and sixth grade special education teacher. On a motion made by Ms. Douglas and seconded by Mr. Ramsey, the Board unanimously approved Ms. LeMay and Ms. Graff.

VII. STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE

Lily Plummer, student representative, turned the floor over to Derek Hamilton. Mr. Hamilton explained the process that was used by the Site Council to review the Family / Student Handbook. Sub-teams were formed, who reviewed sections of the current handbook, which has resulted in the proposed revisions. The one area of note is the dress code, especially the wearing of hats. Mr. Hamilton noted that people were present who might want to express their opinion.

Ross Morse read a statement regarding his opinion regarding the dress code. He spoke in favor of the dress code outlined in the Student / Family Handbook, which would include the ability for people to wear hats in common areas within the school.

Quinn Boyce read a statement regarding his opinion regarding the dress code, which also was in favor of allowing the wearing of hats.

Ryan Marquis thanked the students who attended the School Board meeting. He presented a list of over one hundred names of students, unable to attend the meeting, but in support of the proposed handbook, including allowing the wearing of hats.

Kyle Hamel stated the decision proposed in the handbook represented the viewpoint of many of the students in the school.

Mr. Wolfe provided several examples of why he thinks it is important for the school to maintain a rule of no hats. He stated that it is the school’s responsibility to teach students when it is appropriate to wear or remove a hat. He also stated that he thinks it is confusing to students to allow the wearing of hats while preparing them for life after school, when there are times when the wearing of hats is not appropriate.

Ms. Douglas stated that she is having difficulty with the allowance of hats in school because of the school’s role in hosting visitors. She stated concern for the impression that is made on visitors if they see students wearing their hats in school.

Mr. Boyce stated that there are many intricacies to the manners surrounding the wearing of hats and it would be more possible to teach that if students were allowed to wear hats.

Ted Mitchell stated that if the students’ decision regarding the wearing of hats is not upheld, it will suggest to the students that they are not trusted to make the decisions that the Site Council has been missioned to make. Ms. Douglas stated her opposition to that statement, reassuring the Site Council that they are trusted.

Paulette Wolfe asked the School Board to provide more examples of why hats should not be allowed. She stated her opinion that clothing does not matter, even in the most conservative work settings.

Mr. Marquis suggested that visitors at school would provide opportunities for teachers to talk about the wearing of hats and appropriate clothing.

Joe Sliva stated that it is more the parents’ responsibility to teach students appropriate wearing of hats, rather than the school’s responsibility. Mr. Hamel suggested that if a specific parent would like their child not to wear hats inside, that would be their prerogative.

Brooke Vien stated that students already often wear their hats in the hallways and will take them off when asked by a teacher, suggesting an inconsistency in the abiding to the current rule.

Cole Wilbur-Lewis stated that he attends Concord High School Vocational Center and sees students there wearing hats.

Mr. Ramsey stated that he talked to many constituents and heard unanimously that they were not in favor of students wearing their hats.

Ms. Douglas suggested that if the policy were to change, she would want data collected to see if there were more discipline issues or other negative effects.

It was reiterated that if the School Board votes in opposition of the proposed change regarding the wearing of hats, it is in no way a reflection of lack of trust of the Site Council. They are sensitive to their constituents and will vote in a way that represents those that voted for them.

A motion was made by Ms. Douglas and seconded by Mr. Mullen to accept the proposed Family / Student Handbook, with the caveat that data be collected regarding the impact of the hat rule. Mr. Wolfe, Ms. Douglas, Ms. Abell, and Mr. Mullen voted in the affirmative and Mr. Ramsey voted in opposition, thus the motion carried.

Ms. Plummer stated that the Site Council will be meeting bi-weekly over the summer (July 9, 23 and August 6 and 20). The Site Council reviewed the grade 9 through 12 proposal on a revised Wednesday schedule, which will be share with the Board upon approval.

VIII. DEAN OF INSTRUCTION

A. HIRING

Ms. Graham updated the School Board on the status of hiring. Openings include English, family and consumer science, and science at the high school, as well as a fourth grade teacher.

B. LATE START WEDNESDAY
Ms. Graham reported that the last professional development activity for PMHS for the year included team updates and discussion around the survey overload experienced by students.

C. SUMMATIVE EVALUATIONS

Ms. Graham reported that all summative evaluations will be complete before she leaves.

IX. DEAN OF OPERATIONS

A. COLBY COLLEGE

Mr. Newell described a proposed trip to Colby College in Maine for students attending a basketball camp. On a motion made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Mr. Mullen, the Board unanimously approved the trip.

B. THANK YOU

Mr. Newell thanked the School Board for the opportunity to work with them through his employment.

C. FACILITIES

Mr. Newell reported that the year wrap up is underway. The maintenance department is in the process of gathering quotes and planning for the summer cleaning, which will include bi-weekly checks on fans in the kitchen to prevent surface mold from gathering.

D. TECHNOLOGY

Mr. Newell reported that applications have been received for the part time information technician position and interviews are underway.

E. DISCIPLINE

Mr. Newell stated that a comprehensive discipline report is being prepared. This data will allow an analysis that may be of use to several teams.

X. DIRECTOR OF COLLEGE AND CAREER READINESS

A. ADVISORY UPDATE

Dr. Rollins stated that the Advisory Council conducted a “beeper study,” an action research project to collect and analyze data, and build a stronger advisory program. The Council will continue with the beeper studies next year.

B. SENIOR AWARDS NIGHT

Dr. Rollins thanked the Board for their participation in Senior Awards Night and stated that she thought the night was carried out successfully.

C. TRANSITIONS

Dr. Rollins reported that students are signing up for the Jumpstart program, designed to assist 6th grade students coming to 7th. Also, transition programs for 8th graders moving to 9th are being planned.

D. GRADUATION

Ms. Douglas commended the administrative team on the success of the graduation ceremony.

XI. DISTRICT ADMINISTRATOR

A. POSITION ANALYSIS

Ms. Chassie asked for action on the position analysis for Information Technology Manager, Technology Integrator, and School Nurse. On a motion made by Mr. Ramsey and seconded by Ms. Douglas, the Board unanimously approved all three analyses.

Ms. Chassie explained that the Director of Interventions / Title I Manager position analysis will need to be revised, as the district as reorganized some job responsibilities with the termination of the academic coach positions. Also, Ms. Chassie asked the Board when they would like to participate in a workshop to outline the position of school board member. The School Board agreed that fall would be the best time.

B. PROFESSIONAL GROWTH AND EVALUATION PLAN

Ms. Chassie requested the Board’s action on the 2014-2015 Professional Growth and Evaluation Plan. On a motion made by Ms. Douglas and seconded by Mr. Mullen, the Board voted unanimously to approve the plan.

C. COMMUNICATIONS TEAM

Ms. Chassie provided the Board with a copy of the revised Communications Plan, as well the first edition of Pittsfield’s Progress, the new quarterly newsletter of the district.

D. CROSS & JOFTUS

Ms. Chassie reported that Cross & Joftus, LLC is providing the district with expert assistance in sustaining the work of the Nellie Mae Education Foundation grant, once the grant has ended. This assistance is being required by and paid for by the Nellie Mae Education Foundation.

E. EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT CENTER (EDC) SURVEY

According to Ms. Chassie, the students and teachers from PMHS have participated in a survey, for the third year, designed to measure the implementation status of student centered learning.

F. EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT TEAM

Ms. Chassie will be meeting with other town officials to consider conducting a self-assessment relative to school security.

G. PES FOCUS SCHOOL

PES staff, according to Ms. Chassie, will be attending the New Hampshire Department of Education Summer Summit on July 29 through August 1, 2014. Susan Bradley has been designated as the required facilitator. The team will continue work on the PES logic model, focusing on culture and climate.

H. HARVARD FAMILY ENGAGEMENT IN EDUCATION

Four teachers and two parents will be attending Harvard University for an exclusive two-day conference.

I. LEAGUE OF INNOVATIVE SCHOOLS

PMHS continue to work on a grant possibility through the League of Innovative Schools, which, if awarded, will provide further technical assistance in the personalization of learning for our students. Five people will be attending a conference this summer to work on the project.

J. MAKING THE CASE HUB

Ms. Chassie explained that the Making the Case Hub is a highly interactive, community-driven platform that supports student centered learning, sponsored by the Nellie Mae Education Foundation. She has been invited to act as a
“power user,” which means Ms. Chassie will be providing feedback on user experience and content every eight to twelve weeks during several points during development.

K. PIZZA

Ms. Chassie apologized for not having the pizza, gift from the recent Chicago School District visitors. She will have delicious, hot pizza ready for tasting at the July meeting.

L. YOUTH LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE

Three students have been working with the Annenberg Institute for School Reform at Brown University to develop a youth leadership institute. This conference, being sponsored by the Nellie Mae Education Foundation, is being held August 21 through 23, 2014 for ten students from Pittsfield, as well as students from the other grant sites.

XII. SUPERINTENDENT

A. RESIGNATIONS

On a motion made by Mr. Mullen and seconded by Ms. Douglas, the Board voted unanimously to approve, with thanks for service and involvement, the resignation of Charles Thereault.

B. NOMINATION

Dr. Freeman nominated Donna Lehmann as the candidate for the position of Director of Student Services. He reviewed her resume and described the process that was followed to select her.

On a motion made by Ms. Abell and seconded by Mr. Ramsey, the School Board voted unanimously to approve the nomination of Ms. Lehmann.

C. SUMMERTIME IMPROVEMENTS AND UPGRADES

On a motion made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Ms. Douglas, the Board voted unanimously to allow Dr. Freeman and Ms. Chassie to make hiring decisions according to the best interest of the district.

D. FACILITY IMPROVMENTS AND UPGRADES

Dr. Freeman explained that the PES carpet replacement, PES sign replacement, and PMHS gym floor sanding are will not be completed at this time.

On a motion made by Ms. Douglas and seconded by Ms. Ramsey, the Board voted unanimously to approve the expenditure of funds to complete the PMHS exterior trim painting and exterior lighting for both PES and PMHS, as well as approve up to $15,000 from Drake Field Fund for playground equipment.

E. DRAKE FIELD PARKING EXPANSION PROPOSAL

Discussion ensued regarding a communication from the Town Manager suggesting the School District’s help in purchasing a piece of property on the corner of Smith and Chestnut Street, to possibly be used as bus parking. Mr. Ramsey stated that he asked several residents who were all in favor of the purchase. Questions arose regarding the cost of demolition, paving, and maintenance. More information is needed by the Board before making a decision, but there is general interest. Dr. Freeman and Mr. Wolfe agreed to gather more information from the Town Administrator.

F. POLICIES

On a motion made by Mr. Mullen and seconded by Ms. Douglas, the Board voted unanimously to rescind Policy GBCA – Staff Conflict of Interest and Policy GBCB – Staff Conduct, to maintain Policy GBCD – Background Investigation and Criminal Records Check and Policy GBEB – Staff conduct – and the revision of Policy GBE – Staff Rights and Responsibilities and Policy GBEA – Staff Ethics.

G. FOREIGN EXCHANGE STUDENT

Dr. Freeman introduced Kristen Hules from PAX Academic Exchange. She promoted the possibility of three foreign exchange students being placed at Pittsfield Middle High School for the next school year. Ms. Hules stated that the other students placed in separate districts could also be invited to participate in any multi-cultural event that might be scheduled. She provided a clear description of the program.

On a motion made by Ms. Douglas and seconded by Ms. Abell, the School Board approved the acceptance of three exchange students with a waiver of tuition.

XIII. SCHOOL BOARD

A. SIGNAGE

Zachary Powers from Pittsfield Listens has approached Mr. Wolfe about installing a bulletin board at Drake Field. The sign would be purchased by Pittsfield Listens. Dr. Freeman, or Ms. Chassie in his absence, will work with Mr. Powers as the process unfolds.

B. COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS

Mr. Wolfe suggested committee assignments be made a future meeting.

XIV. PUBLIC INPUT (2nd Session)

Mr. Wolfe supplied some additional information regarding the Kindergarten schedule. Ms. Douglas stated that she felt the impression was left with the public at the previous meeting that all efforts will be made to have the academic focus in the morning, allowing parents a viable partial day option.

XV. NEXT MEETING

The next School Board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, July 17, 2014 at 5:30 p.m. at the Pittsfield Middle High School. The agenda will include Kindergarten enrollment data.

XVI. ADJOURNMENT

On a motion made by Mr. Mullen and seconded by Ms. Douglas, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 7:43 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Tobi Gray Chassie
Recording Secretary