November 14, 2013 Minutes

APPROVED BY THE PITTSFIELD SCHOOL BOARD

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

MINUTES

Pittsfield School Board Meeting
Thursday, November 14, 2013
Pittsfield Middle High School

I. CALL TO ORDER

Members Present: Mike Wolfe, Chair
Nicole Manteau, Vice-Chair
Bea Douglas
Gary Mullen
Ray Ramsey

Others Present: John Freeman, Superintendent of Schools
Tobi Gray Chassie, District Administrator
Sue Graham, Dean of Instruction
Paul Newell, Dean of Operation
Sarah Rollins, Director of College and Career Readiness
Lois Stevens, Director of Student Services
Lily Plummer, Student Site Council Representative
Members of the Public

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

II. AGENDA REVIEW

The following items were added to the agenda:
• Wednesday schedule (Ms. Graham)
• Minutes of November 7, 2013 (Dr. Freeman)
• Deputy Treasurer (Dr. Freeman)
• Sick Bank Request (Dr. Freeman)
• Calendar of Events (Dr. Freeman)

The following item was deleted:
• Policies (Dr. Freeman)

III. ACTION ON AMENDED AGENDA

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

IV. APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MEETING MINUTES

A motion was made by Ms. Manteau and seconded by Mr. Ramsey to approve minutes of the October 24, 2013, meeting. The Board voted unanimously to approve the minutes as written.

A motion was made by Ms. Manteau and seconded by Mr. Mullen to approve minutes of the November 7, 2013, meeting. The Board voted unanimously to approve the minutes as written.

V. PUBLIC INPUT

PES Parent Mary Cote stated that when she previously brought the issue of the former PES safe room to the Board and was advised to talk to faculty. She stated that the feedback she received included suggestions about relocating the outside counselors so the room could be re-established.

Ms. Cote stated that she also had previously brought forth the issue of team teaching with the physical education and art teacher. She has had conversations with Ms. Graham and now is of the understanding that team teaching is not, in fact, being implemented. The unified arts teachers are being utilized instead, according to Ms. Cote, as people to help students who are struggling with certain academic areas. She asked that changes such as this be more effectively communicated with parents in the future.

VI. STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE

A. HANDBOOK

Ms. Plummer explained that the Site Council is working in a collaborative manner to revise the Student Handbook. Each of the four sub-committees will use a protocol to continue to review sections of the handbook. Student Co-Chair Max Tuttle will be working with the facilitator of each sub-committee to develop talking points on areas of high interest to share with students, faculty, and community groups to ensure that all voices are heard in the review and revision process.

VII. DEAN OF INSTRUCTION

A. CROSS CURRICULUM TEACHING

Ms. Graham explained that an informational sheet will be sent to parents of PES students explaining the role of the art and physical education teacher in cross curriculum teaching efforts.

B. MATH WORKSHOP

According to Ms. Graham, a group of teachers from PES attended a mathematics workshop presented by Consultant Mahesh Sharma, highlighting his program to help teach math concepts using manipulatives.

C. IDENTIFICATION OF AT-RISK STUDENTS

Ms. Graham explained that the PMHS 9 / 10 team is working to strategize ways to support freshmen who are failing two or more courses this quarter.

D. RETHINKING STUDIES

Ms. Graham explained that there is concern over the ineffectiveness of time spent in study halls. She further explained a plan that is being developed to guide students in making better decisions about how to spend their study time and to reduce the number of students who are in competency recovery.

E. PTO TRUNK OR TREAT

Ms. Graham reported that the PES PTO sponsored a Halloween event, which enjoyed a participation rate that exceeded expectations. Participation included thirty-three cars and many families.

F. SPANISH PROGRAM

Ms. Graham explained that Warren Billings, Spanish teacher, has changed his approach to teaching after attending a World Language Conference. Students are being supported to make a full transition to speaking only Spanish while in class.

G. WEDNESDAY SCHEDULE

According to Ms. Graham, a feedback session was sponsored for students to report their opinion of the Wednesday schedule. A group of students gathered data from their classmates and reported out to a team of teachers. The data collected from students closely approximated the data that was gathered from teachers. The data will be used to consider changes to the Wednesday schedule, which may occur in January or next September.

VIII. DEAN OF OPERATIONS

A. FACILITIES

At PES, the annual fire inspection was held on November 5, 2013. Construction is concluding with only final details to be completed. Mr. Wolfe was thanked for attending the “punch meeting.” A meeting with the snow removal contractor is being scheduled to insure that the plow service is aware of facility changes to avoid damage to property.

At PMHS, Mr. Newell reported that cracks in the brick wall on the back side of the cafeteria have been observed. Dan Bisson, architect, recommends these cracks being repaired soon. The annual fire inspection is scheduled for November 28, 2013. The school sign will be taken down for repairs.

B. HALLOWEEN

Mr. Newell reported that the Halloween dance at PMHS went well with excellent participation. Also, at PES, activities went well.

C. ATHLETICS

According to Mr. Newell, Impact Testing has concluded the thirty-three students participating in the baseline testing.

Coaching vacancies have been posted for middle school girls’ basketball, middle school boys’ baseball, junior varsity boys’ baseball, and varsity girls’ softball.

Athletic Director Jay Darrah is looking into scheduling changes that would allow junior varsity team to play on one night and varsity teams to play on another. The hope is that this will encourage larger crowds and increased participation.

D. DISCIPLINE

Discipline mapping, according to Mr. Newell, is reaching the final phases of its development. Work continues to further the understanding of the Restorative Justice process.

Bullying has been a topic that continues to be addressed. Plans are in motion to conduct a parent forum for the purpose of answering questions that remain.

Mr. Newell provided the Board with a description of the Student Support Center and the role it plays in the building.

IX. DIRECTOR OF STUDENT SERVICES

A. FOCUS MONITORING

On Wednesday, November 5, 2013, the first quarterly evaluation session took place. Information was provided on the current status of the implementation of the focus monitoring plan.

B. NEW HAMPSHIRE ALTERNATIVE ASSESSMENT

Training has been attended, regarding the NH-Alternative Assessment, the assessment administered to students with significant disabilities who are determined unable to participate in NECAP.

C. DATA

Ms. Stevens explained that she is engaging in scheduled data conversations. Special education teachers have collected baseline data on students and have identified a plan for intervention and progress monitoring.

X. DIRECTOR OF COLLEGE & CAREER READINESS

A. ADVISORY

Dr. Rollins described improvements that have been implemented in the PMHS Advisory Program. She explained that recently there were some changes made in Advisory assignments.

B. COLLEGE AND CAREER READINESS MISSION

Dr. Rollins shared a newly crafted mission statement for the College and Career Readiness department. It is, “To support every student’s growth and development in preparation for their life’s journey by bridging the connections between educational opportunities, social well-being, and community ties.”

C. SCHOLARSHIPS

According to Dr. Rollins, each senior student has received a folder containing scholarship information. New information will be added as it is received. Scholarships will be the focus in Advisories for seniors and in English class.

D. INDIVIDUAL STUDENT CONFERENCES

Dr. Rollins stated that she has conducted individual student conferences with all seniors and will continue with all high school students. Information she gathers is shared with advisory teachers to create a more complete picture of a student’s growth, needs, and aspirations.

E. UPCOMING EVENTS

Dr. Rollins provided the Board with a calendar of events.

F. HOME CONNECTION PARENT WORKSHOP SERIES

A workshop series is being designed to encourage the thinking of college-mindedness in the early years of schooling.

G. BROWNE CENTER TRIP

Dr. Rollins reported that the ninth grade class attended a successful team-building trip to the UNH Browne Center for Innovative Learning.

XI. DISTRICT ADMINISTRATOR

A. POSITION ANALYSES

Ms. Chassie requested approval of the position analysis for District Administrator. On a motion made by Ms. Douglas and seconded by Mr. Mullen, the position analysis for District Administrator was unanimously approved.

B. COMMUNICATIONS TEAM

The Communications Team is working on a brochure explaining student centered learning. Also, an event in January will be organized to welcome recent graduates to the school for an opportunity to provide feedback that will help inform the revision of the logic model.

C. EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT CENTER (EDC)

Ms. Chassie reported that the EDC has provided some initial feedback from their visit in October, which was included in the written report.

D. GOOD TO GREAT TEAM

The next meeting of the Good to Great Team is scheduled for November 19, 2013, at 5:30 p.m. in Room 126 at PMHS.

E. NMEF TASK FORCE AND CROSS SITE LEARNING INSTITUTE

Ms. Chassie reported that a group from Pittsfield, including Mary Paradise as the Board’s representative, attended a Student Centered Learning Task Force meeting, sponsored by the Nellie Mae Education Foundation. Additional participants joined the group for a two-day institute.

On November 13, 2013, twenty-two students and adults from Vermont came to Pittsfield to talk to several individuals about numerous aspects of student centered learning, including student led conferences, personalized learning plans, extended learning opportunities, competencies, and advisories. The visit proved to be a way to celebrate the work being accomplished at PMHS and to highlight the on-going efforts of many of our faculty members.

F. PES SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT TEAM

The next meeting of the PES School Improvement Team is scheduled for November 26, 2013, at 5:30 p.m. Work is progressing rapidly to replicate the redesign successes seen at PMHS.

XII. SUPERINTENDENT

A. FY15 PROPOSED BUDGET

Dr. Freeman asked for the Board to consider the proposed FY 15 budget. Discussion ensued regarding the need to build capacity within the area of information technology. The Board took several actions on the proposed budget.

On a motion made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Ms. Douglas, the Board unanimously approved supporting a 2% raise for support staff, as well as $500 per person to make up the legally-mandated loss of $500 from individual medical flexible spending accounts.

Discussion ensued regarding an increase in pay for the lead technician. On a motion made by Mr. Ramsey and seconded by Ms. Douglas, the Board unanimously approved the proposed funding for an increase in pay for the lead technician.

Discussion ensued regarding an additional part-time technician. The goal of the district is to become more independent from the outside vendor to address basic issues, which costs approximately $90 per hour. On a motion made by Mr. Mullen and seconded by Ms. Manteau, the Board voted unanimously to approve the proposed part-time technician.

Discussion ensued regarding salary increases for the administrator salaries. On a motion made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Mr. Ramsey, the Board unanimously approved the proposed 2% salary increase for administrators.

Discussion ensued regarding a proposed PMHS music teacher position. Dr. Freeman explained the history behind the demise of the music program at PMHS. On a motion made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Ms. Douglas, the Board voted to approve the proposed full-time music teacher with Mr. Wolfe, Ms. Douglas, and Mr. Ramsey voting in the affirmative and Ms. Manteau and Mr. Mullen voting against the motion.

On a motion made by Ms. Douglas and seconded by Mr. Ramsey, the Board unanimously approved the proposed FY15 budget with a bottom line of $9,414,572.96.

Mr. Wolfe provided accolades to the administrative team for the hard work that went into the development of the FY 15budget.

B. BOARD REPORTS

Ms. Manteau stated, and other Board members agreed, that they appreciate the follow up in Board reports of issues raised in previous meetings. Also, it was stated by Dr. Freeman that the detail of the reports presented by the other administrators has improved.

C. DEPUTY TREASURER

On a motion made by Mr. Mullen and seconded by Ms. Douglas, the Board agreed to appoint Faith Whittier as Deputy Treasurer, in the event the Treasurer, Roberta Maxfield, is unable to perform her duties.

D. SICK BANK REQUEST

On a motion made by Ms. Douglas and seconded by Ms. Manteau, the Board voted unanimously to approve a request for days from the sick bank for Teacher Rebecca McHugh as recommended by the Sick Bank Committee.

E. SCHOLARSHIP DONATION

Dr. Freeman reported that a donation is in process for the purpose of scholarships. Attorney Jay Boynton has been working with the family of the donor to ensure a proper process. Ms. Douglas agreed to be the Board’s representative on the committee that reviews applications and makes grants.

F. SCHOOL FOUNDATION ESTABLISHMENT

In anticipation of the receipt of a donation and to establish a tax-exempt process for accepting donations in the future, Attorney Jay Boynton has been researching the process for the establishment of a school foundation. The Board gave Dr. Freeman approval to continue with this development.

G. PES PROJECT CELEBRATION

It has been suggested that the district conduct a ribbon-cutting or similar celebration to mark the completion of the PES building project. Dr. Freeman suggested a morning event to allow students, contractors, the architect, and School Board members be involved. Mr. Newell will make the arrangements.

H. EVENTS

Dr. Freeman provided the School Board with a list of upcoming events to help them plan accordingly. He stated that a School Board meetings are scheduled for November 28 and December 26. The consensus of the Board was to cancel the November 28 and December 26 meetings. A meeting will be scheduled for December 19, but will be cancelled if possible.

XIII. COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS

A. Budget Committee – None

B. Drake Field & Facilities – None

C. Negotiating Team

Ms. Douglas and Mr. Wolfe reported that negotiations with the Education Association of Pittsfield are moving forward. The next negotiations meeting is scheduled for December 2, 2013

D. Foss Foundation – None

XIV. NEXT MEETING

The next School Board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, December 12, 2013, at 5:30 p.m. at the Pittsfield Middle High School.

XV. PUBLIC INPUT (Second Session)

Ross Morse informed the Board that the second annual community awards ceremony has been scheduled by Pittsfield Listens. It will be held on a Thursday in the hopes that the School Board will participate. More details will be provided as soon as they are available.

Mr. Morse explained that the competency based system has led to the faculty’s ability to identify struggling students and to intervene more promptly and appropriately. He further stated that the content blocks on Wednesday are an opportunity for both competency recovery and enrichment.

XVI. ADJOURNMENT

On a motion made by Mr. Mullen, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 7:40 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Tobi Gray Chassie
Recording Secretary