APPROVED BY THE APPROVAL THE PITTSFIELD SCHOOL BOARD

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

MINUTES

Pittsfield School Board Meeting
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Pittsfield Middle High School

I. CALL TO ORDER

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

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

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

II. AGENDA REVIEW

The following items were added to the agenda:
• Non-Public Session – Student matter (Ms. Chassie)
• Non-Public Session – Contract negations (Mr. Wood)

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. PUBLIC INPUT

Mr. Bill Miskoe, a member of the community, expressed his concern regarding the size and economics of the high school. He distributed an article from the Concord Monitor, published on September 21, 2011, discussing the demographics of the district. He stated that he thinks the school is too small and costs too much. He thinks the School Board and administration should consider alternatives because he is not happy about funding a “midget high school” with record of low academic achievement. He asked if we can do something about this, stating that we are paying too much. He stated his belief that we could do better by sending our students to a bigger school. He stated his intention to write letters to the editor. He asks the School Board and administration to address the issue of running a stand-alone high school.

Mr. Wood stated that he invited Mr. Miskoe to come to tonight’s meeting. He explained that the Board is interested in developing a three-year plan for the district and believes that this issue is one that needs to be researched as a plan is developed. Mr. Wood stated that the topic needs to be researched so that the answers to people’s questions can be answered.

Mr. Wolfe told Mr. Miskoe that he had no reservations about Mr. Miskoe writing his opinion in the paper, especially if it would inspire increased participation at school board meetings.

Mr. Wood thanked Mr. Miskoe for his interest and attendance at the meeting.

V. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

A motion was made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Ms. Adams to approve the minutes of September 22, 2011. Ms. Adams asked to change on page 5, paragraph 7 to “Ms. Adams distributed a letter she was asked to write on behalf of the School Board…” She asked that a copy of the letter be included in the minutes. Mr. Wood asked to change on page 6, paragraph 1, to “Mr. Wolfe asked…” The motion passed unanimously.

VI. PES ADMINISTRATION

A. OPEN HOUSE

Mr. Kilmister provided information on how many families were represented at the Open House on September 22, 2011.

B. RED RIBBON WEEK

Mr. Kilmister stated that Red Ribbon Week, October 25-28, 2011, will be celebrated with the formation of a human red-ribbon formation on the field between the schools on October 25, 2011. Two hundred red tulips will be planted.

C. NH GOES TO COLLEGE MONTH

The plans for PES hosting of NH Goes to College Month were described by Mr. Kilmister. He welcomed board members to present at the event. The rally will be held on November 1, 2011 at 9:00.

D. KINDERGARTEN-PLUS

Mr. Kilmister stated that the K-Plus will begin its third year on October 17, 2011. There are eleven children, selected from the afternoon Kindergarten classes and as a result of screening that were done in September, as well as teacher recommendation. Sylvia Lennox and Karen Trefry are the Title I teachers who teach K-Plus every day from 8:00 to 11:30.

VII. PMHS ADMINISTRATION

A. FRED BRAMANTE

Mr. Bickford reminded the School Board that State School Board member, Fred Bramante, will be at PMHS on Tuesday, October 18, 2011 at 6:00 to address the community on the subject of competency-based education. Mr. Bickford pointed out that Mr. Bramante has a way of explaining the model in easy-to-understand terms.

B. NEW ENGLAND ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES (NEAS&C) FINAL REPORT

Mr. Bickford provided the Board with a copy of the PMHS NEAS&C Final Report submitted to the NEAS&C commission by the visiting team to PMHS last March. He summarized the contents of the report, first explaining the process by which the school was evaluated. He explained that the next steps of the accreditation cycle will include the filing of a 2-year and 5-year report on progress on addressing the recommendations identified in our final report.

Mr. Bickford’s summary included an extensive list of commendations, as well as a list of recommendations, many of which are being addressed currently.

Mr. Wood asked if accreditation is in jeopardy, as he hears that frequently within the community. Mr. Bickford stated that this is based on misinformation. Mr. Wood stated that when the letter confirming accreditation is received, it will provide an opportunity for the record to be set straight. Mr. Wood stated that there is also confusion about the fact that accreditation is a choice that is made, not required.
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VIII. STUDENT SERVICES

A. PARENT NOTIFICATION SERVICE

Ms. Chassie informed the Board that AlertNow will be contracted to provide a parent notification service. We expect a roll out to faculty, parents, and students to occur by the end of December.

B. INCIDENCE OF SPECIAL EDUCATION

Ms. Chassie provided the Board with current special education statistics. The overall percentage of students identified as having special needs is 22%.

IX. SAU ADMINISTRATION

A. PES FACILITY ISSUES

By report, Dr. Freeman stated that a review of PES facilities, including roof, siding, and windows, was completed. Harriman Architect Dan Bisson will be developing a project overview with costs outlined. More information will be provided as it is received.

B. NELLIE MAE EDUCATION FOUNDATION

The event on October 11, 2011, hosting the dignitaries from the Nellie Mae Education Foundation, was a huge success. There were 78 people present to enjoy a celebration of the work that has been accomplished and stimulate continued optimism for the winning of the grant. The Board congratulated everyone for the work that ensured a successful evening.

X. COMMITTEES

A. BUDGET COMMITTEE

Ms. Paradise stated that there have been several meetings. She stated that there are items that need to be researched by the SAU so questions can be answered by the Committee. The Capital Improvement Plan is one focus of the committee’s attention.

B. DRAKE FIELD & FACILITIES – None

C. NEGOTIATING TEAM – None

XI. SCHOOL BOARD

A. 2011 LEGISLATIVE SESSION

Mr. Wood displayed a book that he has received that reviews the bills that will be going before the 2011 Legislative Session. All members of the Board received the book.

B. BOARD AUDIT

Mr. Wood asked if the School Board would be interested in a review of the past year to develop a list of questions that have been raised and not answered. Also, he is interested in creating several sub-committees to address specific issues, such as working on curriculum with Rob Hanson. Ms. Paradise agreed that developing a list of the questions for the Board to reconsider is a good idea. Mr. Wood suggested that there are issues relative to the redesign that need to be addressed, for example, grading.

Ms. Stevens explained that the grading issue will be addressed by a task force. A School Board member’s participation is requested. Mr. Bickford explained that the meeting with Mr. Bramante is the beginning of the conversation. Mr. Wood stated that he is concerned that the School Board will be surprised along the way with a change that they will be required to support without having been adequately prepared. He will voice his concerns with Superintendent Freeman. Mr. Wood is pleased to know that a Board member will be on the task force reviewing the grading procedures and suggests that to occur for curriculum development.

Ms. Paradise stated that Pittsfield Listens will be a good vehicle for collecting information from community members.

XII. NON PUBLIC SESSION

At 7:42 p.m., a motion was made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Ms. Paradise to enter into non-public session to discuss employee compensation and a student matter pursuant to RSA 91-A:3, II (a and b). The Board was polled and voted unanimously (Ms. Corliss, yes; Ms. Paradise, yes; Mr. Wolfe, yes; Mr. Wood, yes; Ms. Adams, yes) to enter into a non-public session.

The board discussed issues relative to the Superintendent’s contract.

At 8:03 p.m., a motion was made by Mary Paradise and seconded by Mr. Wolfe to exit the non-public session. The Board was polled and voted unanimously (Ms. Corliss, yes; Ms. Paradise, yes; Mr. Wood, yes; Mr. Wolfe, yes; Ms. Adams, yes) to re-enter into open session.

A motion was made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Ms. Paradise to accept a tuition student for the current school year, pending review of student records by Mr. Freeman. The motion was passed unanimously.

XIII. NEXT MEETING

The next School Board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, October 27, 2011, at 5:30 in the Pittsfield Middle High School Media Center.

XIV. PUBLIC INPUT (Second Session) – None

XV. ADJOURNMENT

On a motion made by Ms. Paradise and seconded by Mr. Wolfe, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 8:05 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,

Tobi Gray Chassie
Recording Secretary

Respectfully submitted,

Elizabeth Adams
School Board Secretary
Non-Public Session