APPROVED BY THE PITTSFIELD SCHOOL BOARD

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

MINUTES

Pittsfield School Board Meeting
Thursday, October 2, 2014
Pittsfield Middle High School

I. CALL TO ORDER

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

Others Present: John Freeman, Superintendent of Schools
Tobi Gray Chassie, District Administrator
Derek Hamilton, Dean of Operations
Danielle Harvey, Dean of Instruction
Donna Lehmann, Director of Student Services
Kathy Lemay, Director of Interventions & Title I Manager
Ross Morse, Community Liaison
Sarah Rollins, Director of College and Career Readiness

Mr. Wolfe called the meeting to order at 5:32 p.m.

II. AGENDA REVIEW

The following items were added to the agenda:
• School Board Vacancy (Dr. Freeman)
• Larry O’Toole Award (Mr. Wolfe)

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. Ramsey and seconded by Mr. Mullen to approve the minutes of the September 18, 2014, meeting. On page 3, paragraph 5, change to “students are participating in fall athletics.” The motion passed unanimously.

V. PUBLIC INPUT

Ross Morse stated that the preliminary meetings to organize summer academies have been successful. Most recently, two sub-teams have been created: one as a design team and one as an advisory council. Community partners include Camp Graylag and possibly Globe Manufacturing. He expressed his excitement about this project and looks forward to seeing the work of the team come to fruition.

Adam Gauthier came to talk to the School Board about lack of communication regarding disciplinary issues and his son. He offered two examples of times when a lack of communication created problems in the home. Mr. Wolfe excused Mr. Hamilton and Ms. Lehmann to have a confidential conversation with Mr. Gauthier. (Mr. Hamilton and Ms. Lehmann returned to the meeting at 5:50 p.m.)

VI. STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE

Kyle Hamel, student representative, explained that the Site Council is anticipating the consideration of a proposal regarding middle school late start Wednesday, which would allow, with parent permission, a student to opt out of late start Wednesday. Also, discussion will take place regarding the work of class officers, which will result in a proposal to Site Council.

VII. DEAN OF INSTRUCTION

A. GRAYLAG

Ms. Harvey explained that collaboration is underway with Carl Wallman, owner of Camp Graylag in Pittsfield. Teachers Christie Dunlavey and Josh Shawver, along with Ms. Harvey and Dr. Freeman, recently visited to talk further about possibilities such as a forest science learning studio, field studies of ecology, a ninth grade interdisciplinary project, and hosting the annual student leadership institute.

B. INVESTING IN INNOVATION (I3) TEAM

Ms. Harvey informed the Board that the team has had its first meeting of the year. The team reflected on their goals and began the planning for the work that will help in meeting the goals. It was decided to invite a sixth and a seventh grade student to join the other student representatives as members of this team.

VIII. DIRECTOR OF COLLEGE AND CAREER READINESS

A. COLLEGE BOARD TESTING

Dr. Rollins informed the Board of plans for SAT, PSAT, and ReadiStep testing, occurring on October 15, 2014. All students in grade eight through twelve will be participating in this testing.

B. COLLEGE AND CAREER READINESS STRATEGIC PLAN

Dr. Rollins explained that the College and Career Readiness Team is using a futures protocol to help in the development of a strategic plan to build a cohesive team and promote college and career readiness from pre-school through grade twelve.

C. ADVISORY

Anne Banks and Sheila Ward, co-chairs of the Advisory Council, are enriching the advisory program by publishing weekly newsletters and providing outlines and timelines for activities to be used by advisors.

D. CONCORD REGIONAL TECHNICAL CENTER

According to Dr. Rollins, the director of Concord Regional Technical Center, Steve Rothenberg, will be coming to speak with our ninth and tenth graders about the opportunities afforded by the Center.

E. SPEAKER

Dick Sweeney, co-founder of Keurig, a $4.5 billion enterprise and prior high school classmate of Dr. Freeman, will be visiting the district to host three small group sessions at PMHS focusing on leadership, non-traditional pathways to education, and the business world in hopes of inspiring our students. Mr. Sweeney will also be presenting to the fourth, fifth, and sixth grade students at PES, which will touch upon various aspects of his life experiences.

F. SCHOLARSHIP

The College and Career Readiness Team would like to ask business within Pittsfield to consider providing scholarship opportunities for our students. A sample letter was offered to the Board, which subsequently agreed that the team can move forward with the mailing of the letter.

IX. PUBLIC HEARING

A public hearing was opened by Mr. Wolfe at 5:48 p.m. The hearing was held to provide an opportunity for members of the public to comment on the acceptance of the donations recently made for playground improvements at Drake Field.

Mr. Morse suggested reaching out to the Pittsfield town administrator to see if donations need to be accepted by the Town of Pittsfield, rather than the school district. Dr. Freeman agreed to follow up. No other input from members of the public was offered.

On a motion made by Mr. Ramsey and seconded by Mr. Mullen, the Board voted unanimously to accept $37,500 from four donors, with money flowing through the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, for the purchase of playground equipment at Drake Field. The public hearing ended at 5:52 p.m.

X. SUPERINTENDENT

A. BIOMASS ENERGY PROJECT

Architect Dan Bisson and Engineer Jeff Lapierre from Harriman made a presentation on the proposed biomass project. Mr. Lapierre provided the Board with information on the PES and PMHS building heating load based on historical fuel consumption. He offered a comparison of fuel types, including wood pellets and #2 heating oil. It was pointed out that the PES boiler will need to be replaced within approximately three years due to age. Mr. Lapierre informed the Board of the proposed location for a biomass boiler plant, a projected annual fuel consumption estimate, and the estimated return on investment to replace the boilers with a new biomass boiler plant. Questions of Board members were answered by Mr. Lapierre.

Mr. Wolfe suggested that the next step would be to schedule public hearings on the biomass energy project. Mr. Ramsey asked for more information on green credit that might be available to the district. Dr. Freeman will provide the Board with a suggested timeline of public events leading up to the school district meeting in March.

XI. DEAN OF OPERATIONS

A. JUNIOR SENIOR PROM

Mr. Hamilton introduced Kyle Hamel, grade eleven class president, and Sarah Carri, class advisor. They presented a proposal for the prom to be held at Steele Hill Resort in Sanbornton on May 16, 2015.

On a motion made by Mr. Mullen and seconded by Ms. Douglas, the Board unanimously approved the prom plan as presented.

B. DISTRICT NEWSLETTER

Mr. Hamilton informed the Board that the first issue of the district newsletter was sent out on September 19, 2014, and will continue to be distributed on the first and third Friday of each month to the families of all students.

C. DRAKE FIELD COMMITTEE

According to Mr. Hamilton, the committee met on September 16, 2014, to discuss the Drake Field project and the development of a new playground. Further investigation is being conducted to identify available options.

D. NHIAA RECOGNITION

Mr. Hamilton explained that Pittsfield High School was recognized with the NHIAA Award of Excellence for sportsmanship, ethics, and integrity at the annual NHIAA Conference.

E. SCHOOL FACILITIES

Mr. Hamilton informed the Board that he has been working collaboratively with the Pittsfield Fire Department to coordinate building evacuations and safety inspections.

At PMHS, work is being done with Clairmont Asphalt Paving to upgrade the main entrance for safety and handicap accessibility purposes.

Mr. Wolfe asked about the level of lighting in the parking lot. Mr. Hamilton stated that LED light bulbs have recently been installed and that the illuminated area of these bulbs is less than incandescent bulbs. Mr. Hamilton is researching options for improving the lighting.

F. WEBSITE MAINTENANCE

The Technology Team, according to Mr. Hamilton, is continuing its maintenance and improvement of the SAU, PES, and PMHS websites.

XII. DIRECTOR OF STUDENT SERVICES

A. APPRECIATION

Ms. Lehmann thanked the Board for the warm wishes and flowers from the school district upon the death of her father.

B. NEW HAMPSHIRE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION MONITORING

Ms. Lehmann explained that a representative from the Department of Education visited our district and reviewed files on August 29, 2014. Although the official results are not yet available, initial feedback was positive. There were suggestions made about updating forms used in the special education process.

C. PARAPROFESSIONAL TRAINING

Workshops, according to Ms. Lehmann, will be held during early release at PES and before school at PMHS. After school training opportunities will be scheduled. A handbook for paraprofessionals will be developed and offered to the Board for approval.
XIII. SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOL

A. POLICIES

Dr. Freeman explained that there are proposed policies in four categories.
First, policies that require amendments include: Policy ICA, School Calendar,
Policy IF, Curriculum Development, Policy IFA, Instructional Needs of Students with Different Talents, Policy IGBA, Programs for Disabled Students
Policy IGDG, and Student Activities Fund Management. Next, a policy to rescind Policy IFE, Curriculum Guides & Course Outlines.

Also, policies reviewed with no changes recommended include: Policy IGD, Curriculum Adoption; Policy IGE, Parental Objections to Specific Course Material; and Policy IHAK, Character and Citizenship Education.

Also, recommended new policies include: Policy IC, School Year; Policy IF, Instructional Program; and Policy IHAH.

Finally, current policy recommended for review based on a recent waiver granted, Policy KJ, Supplemental Materials Selection.

A motion was made by Mr. Mullen and seconded by Mr. Ramsey to approve the recommended action on the presented policies.

XIV. SCHOOL BOARD

A. SCHOOL BOARD REPLACEMENT

Mr. Wolfe stated that two candidates had indicated a willingness to fill a vacated School Board position. Mr. Wolfe spoke with both candidates and recommended that Mr. Art Morse be appointed to fill the vacancy until the March elections. On a motion made by Mr. Wolfe and seconded by Ms. Douglas, the Board unanimously approved the appointment of Art Morse to the School Board to fill a vacant position until the March elections.

B. LARRY O’TOOLE AWARD

Although the Nellie Mae Education Foundation Larry O’Toole Award was awarded to the nominee from the Portland, Maine, school district, the Pittsfield School District was awarded a $10,000 consolation prize.

C. EXTENDED LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES VIDEO

Mr. Wolfe provided positive comments on the video premier of Students at the Center: Extended Learning Opportunities at Pittsfield Middle High School. Accolades were given to ELO Coordinator Sheila Ward for the development of this exemplary program.

XV. PUBLIC INPUT (2nd Session)

Mr. Morse stated that the visitors from Alton Central School were highly impressed with the work of the Pittsfield School District.

XVI. NEXT MEETING

The next School Board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, October 16, 2014, at 5:30 p.m. at the Pittsfield Middle High School.

XVII. ADJOURNMENT

On a motion made by Mr. Mullen and seconded by Mr. Ramsey, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 6:56 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Tobi Gray Chassie
Recording Secretary