May 26, 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 26, 2011
Pittsfield Elementary School

I. CALL TO ORDER

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

Others Present: John Freeman, Superintendent of Schools
Bob Bickford, Principal, PMHS
Tobi Gray Chassie, Director of Student Services
Doug Kilmister, Principal, PES
Lois Stevens, Coordinator of Student Services

Members of the District Assessment Team (see below)

Chairperson Wood called the meeting to order at 5:35 p.m.

II. AGENDA REVIEW

The following items were added to the agenda:
• Nellie Mae Educational Foundation Planning Grant
• Resignations
• Summer meeting schedule
• Health insurance study
• Compensation of employees

III. ACTION ON AMENDED AGENDA

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

IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

A motion was made by Ms. Paradise and seconded by Ms. Adams to approve the minutes. Recommendations were made for corrections. On page 6, omit “Capital Improvement Committee” as the committee is no longer deemed necessary by the Board. On page 7, the motion to exit the non-public session preceded the motion to accept the administrative contracts. The minutes were approved unanimously, as amended. (4-0-1, Ms. Corliss).

V. PUBLIC INPUT – None.

VI. PRESENTATION

The members of the Assessment Team introduced themselves to the School Board (Present: Leslie Bergevin, Bob Bickford, Michael Curtin, Susan Elliott, Shawnda Hopkins, Jeanne Howard, John Freeman, Carin Kilar, Doug Kilmister, Kathy Lemay, Linda Schou, and Lois Stevens. Absent: Tobi Chassie, Danielle Harvey, Chris Teague).

Susan Elliott, Chairperson of the Assessment Team, explained the changes in the presentation of the report. She introduced Goal #1, relating to curriculum, instruction, and assessment. Kathy Lemay, Literacy Intervention Coordinator, explained the how the data is being used and highlights explaining the work that has been done in the area of curriculum, instruction, and assessment. Discussion ensued regarding the interventions which have been introduced and the progress that students are making as a result.

Leslie Bergevin introduced Goal #3, relating to college and career preparation. She explained how the data is being used and highlights explaining the work that has been accomplished to promote college and career planning. Discussion ensued regarding the efforts that are underway to introduce students within the district to college possibilities.

Carin Kilar introduced Goal #2, relating to culture and climate. Ms. Kilar and Ms. Bergevin explained how the data is being used. Highlights explaining the work that has been accomplished to promote a culture characterized by collaboration, respect, responsibility, and safety were offered by Mr. Curtin and Ms. Bergevin. Graduation, drop-out rates, and G.E.D. options were discussed.

On behalf of the Board, Mr. Wood thanked the Assessment Team for their hard work and mentioned that he appreciated the format that was used to make the report to the Board.

Ms. Bergevin thanked the School Board for their support of the Concord Regional Vocational Center and the students who will be attending. Mr. Wood thanked Mr. Bickford for the valuable information that assisted the Board in making the decision relative to the Concord Regional Technical Center.

Dr. Freeman acknowledged Craig Paggi, Brendon Norton, and Ben Polizotti who were honored as New Hampshire Scholars at a presentation held at the state capitol this week. The Board offered their congratulations.

VII. PES ADMINISTRATION

A. PTO OFFICERS

According to Mr. Kilmister, the PTO has voted in a new slate of officers. Ammy Ramsey will remain as president, Lisa English is the new vice president, Alissa Rayno is the new secretary, and Erin Butler remains treasurer.

B. AUTHOR’S NIGHT and PHOTO EXHIBIT

The PES annual Author’s Night will be held on June 16, 2011. This year the event will feature student publications as well as photo essays. The photo essay component was sponsored by the Target Foundation, which helped to buy digital cameras.

C. SUMMER SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION

Mr. Kilmister’s report stated that the cost of transportation for the summer school program was $6,616.80 and is no longer available through the Rural and Low Income School Plan as it has been in the past. Ms. Paradise suggested using any funds that are re-established through the state budgeting process. Ms. Chassie explained that an option of combining students with disabilities with the other students is being investigated. We anticipate a decrease in attendance if we are unable to provide transportation.

D. DIGITAL CLASSROOM WORKSHOPS

Mr. Kilmister reported that on June 29, 2011, five teachers involved in the ARRA Enhancing Education through Technology grant, also known as the Pittsfield Digital Classroom Project, will present a three-hour workshop for colleagues. The data from the end-of-project survey will be helpful for the Technology Planning Team as we develop our five-year plan.

E. PES CALENDAR

Mr. Kilmister provided a calendar of events for the remainder of school.

F. KYDSTOP PARENT MEETING

Mr. Kilmister explained that a meeting has been scheduled for June 1, 2011, to discuss the future of the after school program. He reported that the YMCA’s Kydstop program will continue through the summer with about thirty students intending to participate. Further plans will be considered after hearing what parents have to say.

VIII. PMHS ADMINISTRATION

A. BEST PRACTICES SUB-TEAM SCHOOL VISITS

Mr. Bickford thanked Alexandra Briggs, middle school social studies teacher, for the summary provided to the Board in his report. Mr. Bickford summarized the highlights of each of the following schools: Francis W. Parker Charter Essential School, Urban Academy, and Searsport (Maine) Public School.

B. PMHS CALENDAR

Mr. Bickford provided a calendar of events for the remainder of the year. He called attention to the graduation related activities, which School Board members traditionally attend. Mr. Bickford also provided an explanation of the Baccalaureate service, which is scheduled on June 16, 2011, at 7:00 p.m. at the First Congregational Church.

C. ORGANIZATIONAL MAPPING

Mr. Bickford explained that with the help of Center for Secondary School Reform, teams throughout the school would be consolidated.

D. SITE COUNCIL

Mr. Bickford explained that the Site Council will consider the idea to join the New England Secondary School Consortium.

IX. STUDENT SERVICES ADMINISTRATION

A. SUMMER SCHOOL

Ms. Chassie explained that a summer school program has been organized for the elementary and middle school. At PES, students have been identified according to performance data and will be provided targeted instruction in math and literacy. At PMHS, students have been identified for targeted instruction in the same manner. Also, any student in grade 7 and 8 who fails two or more classes will be required to attend a summer school program that will target study and organizational skills. Mr. Bickford explained that approximately 15 students will continue with Extended Learning Opportunities through the summer. Ms. Chassie explained that there will be no high school summer school opportunities offered, due to budget cuts. However, high school students with special needs will be accommodated through a vocational training program.

B. HOME EDUCATION

Ms. Chassie explained that the end-of-year evaluation for home educated students is under way. Some families take advantage of the district’s offer to provide an individual evaluation by the school psychologist.

X. SAU ADMINISTRATION

A. FOOD SERVICE OPERATION AND MANAGEMENT

David Underwood, Sherry Underwood, and Jennifer Martin from The Abbey Group provided the School Board with a presentation of their company and what they could offer the district. Highlights included the use of healthy, local food, “going green” efforts, grab and go lunches, menu nutrition analysis, and summer meals programs. Mr. Underwood pointed out that the current rate of participation in the school lunch program is 50%, which matches our free and reduced rate. He projected an increase to 80% for lunch and 60% for breakfast. Ms. Underwood explained a computerized web-based point of sale systems, which allows parents to electronically pay for meals, guide their children to choose food, and allow parents to monitor their child’s food choices.

Bill VanZandt and Chris Faro from Café Services provided the School Board with a presentation of their company and what they could offer the district. Highlights included a management system, a computerized point of sale systems, which allows parents to electronically pay for meals, guide their children to choose food, and allow parents to monitor their child’s food choices.

The Board agreed to review the full proposals provided by the two vendors in consideration of entering into a contracted service agreement for the management and operation of the district’s food services.

B. POLICY REVISION AND RESCISSION – Discussion deferred until the next meeting.

C. LANDSCAPING

In response to Ms. Adams request at the last meeting, Dr. Freeman provided further detail on the landscaping contracts. Discussion ensued regarding fertilizer, lime, and aeration. On a motion made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Ms. Paradise, the Board voted unanimously to approve the bid from Neva Dun Landscaping Company for landscaping services that does not include fertilizer, lime, and aeration.

D. LEAVE REQUEST

Dr. Freeman presented a leave request from Katie Lasky, grade 4 teacher, for two paid personal days, attached to a vacation weekend, due to her wedding. On a motion made by Ms. Paradise and seconded by Mr. Wolfe, the Board voted unanimously to grant the day immediately preceding the holiday without pay, and the other day with pay.

E. RESIGNATIONS

Dr. Freeman distributed resignation letters from Jen Patsos, PMHS math teacher, and Silas St. James, PMHS English teacher. On a motion made by Ms. Paradise and seconded by Mr. Wolfe, the Board voted unanimously to accept the resignations with thanks for their years of service and best wishes for their future.

F. ASSESSMENT TEAM

The School Board directed the secretary to send a note of appreciation to the Assessment Team for their work during the year and the presentation at tonight’s meeting.

G. NELLIE MAE EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION PLANNING GRANT

Dr. Freeman reported that a NMEF Learning Institute was held last week and fifteen people attended from the district, including district employees and community members.

Several opportunities exist for people to hear an explanation of the Logic Model, the heart of the grant proposal. On June 8, 2011, at 9:30 a.m., there will be a presentation in the PMHS Lecture Hall. Members of the community will be invited and asked to critique the model. On June 9, 2011, the Logic Model will be presented to the School Board, and on June 15, 2011, it will be presented to the faculty and staff of PMHS.

Ms. Paradise reminded the Board that a member is needed to join the Performance Management Sub-Team. The next meeting of that sub-team is June 7, 2011. Dr. Freeman reported that Community Advisory Council member Louie Houle is attempting to have the planning project placed on the Select Board’s agenda. He feels it is imperative that the Town understands the potential impact of the grant.

Dr. Freeman reported that information has been received by a community member that there is a perception that the School Board is not entirely supportive of the efforts being spent on the writing of the NMEF grant. The School Board does not understand why people might have that perception because, in fact, the Board is in support of the grant and the work that it represents.

It was suggested by Ms. Paradise that the Communication Sub-Team publish information to help people understand the history and current status of the planning project.

XI. SCHOOL BOARD

A. SUMMER MEETING SCHEDULE

Dr. Freeman asked the Board to consider a summer meeting schedule. Typically, the Board meets one time per month during the summer. Mr. Wood suggested that some work sessions be scheduled, especially around the budget process. The summer meetings will be scheduled at the next Board meeting.

B. HEALTH INSURANCE COMMITTEE

Mr. Wood would like to gather a committee of people to consider health insurance options for the employees of the district. Ms. Paradise volunteered to participate on the committee. The summer schedule will be confirmed at the next meeting.

XII. COMMITTEES – None

XIII. NEXT MEETING

The next School Board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, June 9, 2011, at 5:30 in the PMHS Media Center.

XIV. PUBLIC INPUT (Second Session) – None

XV. NON-PUBLIC SESSION

At 9:05 p.m., a motion was made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Ms. Adams to enter into non-public session to discuss employee compensation pursuant to RSA 91-A:3, II (a). The Board was polled and voted unanimously (Ms. Paradise, yes; Mr. Wood, yes; Mr. Wolfe, yes; Ms. Adams, yes) to enter into a non-public session.

The Board discussed compensation of employees, focusing specifically on health insurance benefits.

At 9:35 p.m., 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)

After a discussion, a motion was made by Ms. Paradise, seconded by Mr. Wolfe, to approve the contracts as requested by Dr. Freeman, be it one or three years as requested by the individual administrator.

XVI. ADJOURNMENT

On a motion made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Ms. Paradise, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 9:36 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Tobi Gray Chassie
Recording Secretary

Respectfully submitted,

Elizabeth K. Adams
School Board Secretary