May 12, 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, May 12, 2011
Pittsfield Middle High School

I. CALL TO ORDER

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

Others Present: Tobi Gray Chassie, Director of Student Services
Lois Stevens, Coordinator of Student Services
Doug Kilmister, Principal, PES

Chairperson Wood called the meeting to order at 5:41 p.m.

II. AGENDA REVIEW

The following items were added to the agenda:
• Education for Students of Other Languages (Ms. Chassie)

III. ACTION ON AMENDED AGENDA

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

IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

A motion was made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Ms. Adams to approve the minutes. Recommendations were made for corrections. On page 2, paragraph 6, change “girl’s” to “girls’” and change “the person how” to “the person who had”. On page 6, move the bullet identifying Ms. Corliss to the left margin. On page 7, paragraph 3, change the motion as made by Mr. Wolfe. On page 7, paragraph 4, change “ton” to “on”. On page 8, add “B. SCHOOL DISTIRCT REPORT” under Section XI and change “SCHOOL BOARD GOALS to C. On page 8, Section XII, under Budget Committee, change the date of the meeting to Monday, May 2, 2011. The minutes were approved unanimously, as amended. (3-0-1, Ms. Paradise).

V. PUBLIC INPUT – None

VI. PES ADMINISTRATION

A. ADEQUATE YEARLY PROGRESS

Mr. Kilmister explained that as a result of not making Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP), PES is designated as a year-two School In Need of Improvement (SINI). The Title I budget will be affected because 20% of the Title I funding will need to be reserved to provide out-of-school-time “Supplementary Services” to the children of interested families eligible for free and reduced lunch. PES has applied to the NH Department of Education to become a registered supplementary service provider, which will be one option for interested parents.

B. HEALTHY SCHOOLS NH AND SUMMER FOOD PROGRAM

According to Mr. Kilmister, PES is now one of 70 schools in NH with more than 50% of students eligible for free or reduced lunch. As a result, we have become eligible for and have enrolled in two new programs related to health and nutrition. We are now participating in Healthy School NH, which offers a family newsletter and provides book bags that can be signed out for students in grades 1 – 4.

Also, we are going to participate in a summer meals program sponsored by the Community Action Program of Belknap-Merrimack Counties. The program will likely hire a person to prepare breakfasts and lunches out of our school kitchen during the summer school and vacation camp this summer. Meals will be available to students at PMHS, as well as all children under 18 in the community.

C. PROJECT HOME

According to Mr. Kilmister, Alen Husic, NH Technical Institute landscape design intern, has developed a “master plan” for the PES schoolyard based on input from team members and students. The hope is that the first phase of the plan is implemented this spring. Discussion ensued regarding potential fund raising efforts to support the landscaping plan.

D. 21st CENTURY COMMUNITY LEARNING CENTER GRANT

Mr. Kilmister reported that we did not receive the 21st Century Community Learning Center grant. He stated that the grant was very competitive. The number of students served in the Kystop program will likely decrease significantly as a result of losing the grant that has been supporting the program.

E. AUTHORS’ NIGHT

The PES annual authors’ night is scheduled for June 16, 2011. This year, Mr. Kilmister reports, there will also be a photo essay exhibit, which will feature Pittsfield scenes. The essays were created by Ms. Steven’s art students and were funded by the Target Foundation, which helped us buy digital cameras.

F. VISIT TO UNH

Mr. Kilmister reported that sixth graders visited UNH and received an extensive tour of the facilities. The students were greeted by previous graduates from Pittsfield Middle High School. NH Higher Education Assistance Foundation also met with the students at PES to introduce college potential to them.

G. CALENDAR

Mr. Kilmister provided a calendar of events for PES.

VII. PMHS ADMINISTRATION

A. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY MANAGER

In Mr. Bickford’s absence, Mr. Kilmister presented a draft of a job description for an Information Technology Manager. He explained that he and Mr. Bickford have worked on developing the concept of an IT Manager and asked for the Board’s approval. It was stated that information must be provided to inform the community that this represents the reconfiguration of current positions and does not equate to further expenses. Mr. Wood stated that he would like to talk further with Dr. Freeman before making a decision. The Board agreed that an advertisement could be posted that indicates that this is an “anticipated” opening so the chances of having someone in place by July 1, 2011 would increase. Ms. Paradise asked that it is explained to staff so they will not think this is a new position, but a reconfiguration of the funds already allocated to the purpose of technology management.

B. 8th GRADE CELEBRATION CONFLICT

According to Ms. Stevens, the upcoming 8th Grade Celebration is scheduled for June 23, 2011 at 6:00 p.m. The Board has a meeting scheduled for the same night at 5:30 p.m. It was requested that the Board consider moving their meeting to the next Thursday, which is June 30th. The Board was in consensus to move the meeting to June 30, 2011.

C. POSITIVE COMMENTS FROM VISITORS

By report, Mr. Bickford described positive comments that were shared by visitors recently. The NH Department of Education sponsored a meeting for the School Improvement Grant schools. Also, guests from Alberta, Canada toured the school while in NH.

VIII. STUDENT SERVICES ADMINISTRATION

A. SPEECH AND LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST

Ms. Chassie provided the Board with information regarding a change in the provision of speech and language therapy services. She stated that Peter Eklof, Speech and Language Pathologist would like to move to a part-time status, rather than fully retire. Ms. Chassie explained that there is a critical shortage of speech and language pathologists and the likelihood of recruiting someone to the position is not good. The proposal brought forth included Mr. Eklof working for 27 hours per week and hiring a full time speech and language assistant. On a motion made by MR. Wolfe and seconded by Ms. Paradise, the Board voted unanimously to approve the proposal. Ms. Chassie suggested that this would provide a year and a new budget cycle to prepare for the eventual retirement of Mr. Eklof and the hiring of a replacement.

B. TEACHER EVALUATION

Ms. Chassie asked for clarification based on the discussion at the last meeting about the work that is being done to develop a new teacher evaluation process in the district. Mr. Wood stated that there is a need for a good evaluation system, but he is concerned about the amount of time that it is taking to create it. Mr. Kilmister stated that the team is developing a good framework around effective teaching and that there is frustration with our 1981 outdated evaluation tool currently in place.

Ms. Chassie explained that teachers and administrators had planned to revise the system before we were aware of the School Improvement Grant (SIG). The SIG’s requirement for revamping the evaluation with consideration of using student performance as an indicator of teacher effectiveness was coincidental. Ms. Chassie explained that the process being used is highly collaborative and based in research. Mr. Kilmister and Ms. Chassie reassured the Board that the team has worked diligently and collaboratively and has kept the faculty well informed as the process unfolds.

An explanation of the history of the teacher evaluation process was provided by Ms. Paradise. She indicated that a case regarding the decision around what tool is used was brought through to the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court affirmed the decisions of the lower courts that the tool must be approved by the teachers’ association.

Mr. Wood stated that he wanted to be sure that the time being spent was worth the product that would be developed. Ms. Chassie assured Mr. Wood that it would be worth it and that Pittsfield has already been acknowledged as leaders in NH in developing a research-based evaluation system that will eventually incorporate the use of student achievement data in the measurement of teacher effectiveness.

Ms. Adams asked if the current system is being used to evaluation all teachers, to which Ms. Chassie stated that since Dr. Freeman has become the superintendent, the tool has been used consistently for each and every teacher.

C. EDUCATION OF STUDENTS OF OTHER LANGUAGES (ESOL)

Ms. Chassie explained that there are four newly identified students who will require the services of a certified ESOL teacher next year. The only money that has been budgeted for 2011-12 is approximately $3,000 for consultation. It is likely that once these students are evaluated, the recommendation will be for more extensive services than consultation. Ms. Chassie indicated that further information would be provided when evaluations have been completed.

IX. SAU ADMINISTRATION

A. POLICY REVISION – Decisions were deferred until the next meeting when Dr. Freeman returns.

B. POLICY RESCISSION – Decisions were deferred until the next meeting when Dr. Freeman returns.

C. SPECIAL EDUCATION TRANSPORTATION

On a motion made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Ms. Adams, the Board voted unanimously to approve the bid from H. A. Marston for two years of special education transportation.

D. LANDSCAPING

A motion was made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Ms. Adams to accept the bid from Neva Dun Landscaping. Discussion ensued regarding the realistic bid for fertilization and liming. It was determined that more information was needed before a decision could be rendered. Mr. Wolfe withdrew his motion and Ms. Adams withdrew her second. On a motion made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Ms. Adams, the Board voted unanimously to defer the vote until the next meeting.

E. HEATING OIL CONTRACT

On a motion made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Ms. Adams, the Board voted unanimously to reject the bid offered by Fred Fuller Oil Company.

On a motion made by Ms. Paradise and seconded by Mr. Wolfe, the Board voted unanimously to direct Superintendent Freeman to repost the bid.

F. LETTER OF RESIGNATION

Dr. Freeman, by report, informed the Board that PES Music Teacher Anne Grady has resigned. Although she was notified that her position was eliminated, Ms. Grady has submitted the letter nonetheless.

On a motion made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Ms. Paradise, the School Board voted unanimously to accept the resignation of Ms. Grady, with regret.
Mr. Wood agreed to write a note of appreciation on behalf of the Board to thank her for her work with our children.

G. GRANDSTAND REPLACEMENT

The grandstand project is scheduled for completion during the month of June.

H. DRIVER EDUCATION

Jack’s Driving School has advised that the tuition rate may need to be adjusted if the current state reimbursement of $150 per student is eliminated in the state’s new budget. If this occurs – as Jack suspects – the Board will need to review the current contract.

X. SCHOOL BOARD

A. ADEQUATE YEARLY PROGRESS (AYP)

Ms. Paradise suggested that staff be acknowledged for making AYP. Although it was recognized that the students are coming from PES, a lot of work has been accomplished at PMHS to maintain the proficiency level of students and this should be duely noted.

XI. COMMITTEES – The following committee assignments were confirmed:

A. Drake Field – Mr. Wolfe / Ms. Corliss

B. Budget Committee – Ms. Paradise / Mr. Wood

C. Negotiating Team – Mr. Wood / Mr. Wolfe

D. Select Board Liaison – Mr. Wood / Ms. Paradise

XII. NEXT MEETING

The next School Board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 26, 2011 at 5:30 in the PMHS Media Center. Agenda items will include policy revisions and rescission, the information technology manager position, and bids for landscaping.

XIII. PUBLIC INPUT (Second Session) – None

XIV. NON-PUBLIC SESSION

At 7:35 p.m., a motion was made by Ms. Paradise and seconded by Mr. Wolfe, to enter into non-public session for the purpose of discussing administrative contracts pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II (a). The board was polled and voted unanimously (Ms. Adams, yes; Mr. Wolfe, yes; Ms. Paradise, yes; Mr. Wood, yes) to enter into non-public session.

At 7:45, a motion to exit non-public session was made by Ms. Paradise, seconded by Mr. Wolfe, (Ms. Paradise, yes; Mr. Wolfe, yes; Ms. Adams, yes; Mr. Wood, yes).

A motion was made by Ms. Paradise, seconded by Mr. Wolfe, to accept the administrative contracts as presented. There was a consensus with the Board for the Chairman to explore school district insurance options by forming a committee.

XV. ADJOURNMENT

On a motion made by Mr. Wolfe, seconded by Ms. Paradise, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 7:48 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Tobi Gray Chassie
Recording Secretary

Respectfully submitted,

Elizabeth Adams
Non-Public Session Recording Secretary