ADVANCE COPY, SUBJECT TO THE APPROVAL THE PITTSFIELD SCHOOL BOARD

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

MINUTES

Pittsfield School Board Meeting
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Pittsfield Middle High School

I. CALL TO ORDER

Members Present: Michael Wolfe, Vice Chairperson
Elizabeth Adams
Kathy Corliss
Clayton Wood (5:41 p.m.)

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

Vice Chairperson Michael Wolfe called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.

II. AGENDA REVIEW

The following items were added to the agenda:
• Travel plan (Dr. Freeman)
• Non-public issue (Dr. Freeman)
• Homes for wildlife (Mr. Kilmister)
• Negotiations (Ms. Adams)
• Music grant (Mr. Wolfe)

III. ACTION ON AMENDED AGENDA

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

IV. PUBIC INPUT – None

V. PRESENTATION

Mr. Bickford explained that, at a previous School Board meeting, the topic of student advisories was discussed. He followed up that discussion by asking Silas St. James, Advisory Council Chairperson, to make a presentation on student advisories to the Board.

The following students were also present: Emalie Koulouras, Bobby Lebel, Brendon Norton, Craig Paggi, Kelsey Rye, and Brian Ward. The following faculty members were present: Anne Banks, Derek Hamilton, Shawnda Hopkins, Jen Patsos, and Silas St. James.

Mr. St. James stated that the grade level themes were developed by the Advisory Council last spring, while the purpose for advisories was developed several years ago by a different group of people. Mr. St. James explained that the people present came voluntarily to explain and respond to questions about the advisory program. He distributed a handout listing common features of successful advisory programs and sample advisor expectations.

The following questions from the Board were answered by the faculty and students:
• How important are parents to advisory?
o Role of parents varies among advisories at present.
• How are academics addressed during advisory?
o Support for academics has varied as the advisory program has evolved.
• Is there consistency from one advisory to another?
o Consistency remains a challenge to be addressed.
• Is the development of a personalized learning plan being accomplished during advisory?
o Personalized learning plans were piloted last year in one advisory; the faculty is developing a format for such planning by students.
• How do you measure consistency between advisory?
o Evaluation of consistency remains a challenge.
• How do advisories assist students in developing organizational skills?
o Organizational skill development has become a focus of the grades 7-8 advisories; this is also addressed in other advisories on a personal basis.
• Do you feel that advisories pressure participants into doing/saying things that they would rather keep private?
o Privacy is respected in advisories.
• Will student-led conferences be a part of advisories, and is there anything currently that would be a “product” of advisories?
o It is anticipated that student-led conferences will be developed in advisories and be implemented in the spring; products will include student-led conferences, personal learning plans, and others that are in the development stage.
• Have we surveyed students about the success of advisories? Is it considered a “waste of time,” as it is perceived by some people?
o Student surveys have been completed; it is estimated that approximately 60% of students in the spring survey expressed belief that advisories are worthwhile.

Board members thanked the students and faculty members for their participation in the discussion about student advisories.

VI. APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MEETING MINUTES

A motion was made by Mr. Wood and seconded by Ms. Adams to approve minutes of the October 14, 2010 meeting.

On page 3, paragraph 3, change to “Further discussion ensued regarding the promotion of the need for student government and the lack of students’ interest to civic responsibility.”

The motion carried unanimously to approve the minutes as amended.

VII. PES ADMINISTRATION

A. CURRICULUM FAIR

Mr. Kilmister explained that due to a conflict, PES would like to have the Curriculum Fair on April 14, 2010, changing it from April 7, 2010. Since it will conflict with the School Board meeting, the meeting that night will begin at 6:00. The Board agreed to this change by consensus.

B. REACH

Danielle Harvey, Kathy LeMay, and Chris Teague have developed a half hour per day program for all students at PES. They program allows students to either engage in remedial or enrichment programs, depending on each students’ strengths and weaknesses. REACH is proving to be a great success.

C. PROJECT HOME

Mr. Kilmister explained that a project will be designed to promote some sort of environmental project through the NHEET grant. The project is called “Project Home”. He stated that the community will be encouraged to participate; it was advised that he contact someone from the Pittsfield Beautification Committee.

VIII. PMHS ADMINISTRATION

A. ADVISORY

Mr. Bickford explained that Advisory is an assignment made to the faculty and, therefore, can be evaluated. He further explained that a Community of Practice group will be focusing on Advisories during some of the late start Wednesdays. Mr. Bickford pointed out that training is needed for teachers so that they all can become more proficient with Advisories.

Discussion ensued regarding the inconsistency from one advisor to another. Ms. Corliss stated that the advisory experience has not been positive for her children. She stated her desire to have a way to control the quality of the advisories. Mr. Wood suggested that a curriculum or standards be identified for Advisories. It was asked if a student can change advisors, to which Mr. Bickford stated that there was a process to do so.

IX. STUDENT SERVICES ADMINISTRATION

A. OUT OF DISTRICT COSTS

Ms. Chassie distributed information regarding out of district costs, including transportation. Per request of Ms. Corliss, Ms. Chassie offered an explanation of Catastrophic Aid and 402 Aid.

X. SAU ADMINISTRATION

A. TRAVEL PLAN

Mr. Kilmister explained that Nick Coates from the Department of Transportation is working to create a plan for a safer route to school. A letter of support is being requested from the School Board. Mr. Wood stated his support of this work.

On a motion made by Mr. Wood and seconded by Ms. Corliss, the Board approved a letter to be sent in support of the Travel Plan to the State of New Hampshire. Ms. Corliss, Mr. Wolfe, and Mr. Wood voted in the affirmative, and Ms. Adams abstained from the vote.

B. BULLYING

Mr. Wood stated that he has contacted Attorney Barrett Christina of the New Hampshire School Boards Association on the topic of bullying. Dr. Freeman will be providing the Board with additional information in the next packet. Further, he suggested that the School Board host a community forum on the topic of bullying.

Mr. Wolfe suggested that a venue other than the school be utilized. The Community Center was suggested.

Dr. Freeman suggested using an external facilitator so all local participants would be able to participate actively in the conversation. Educational Consultant Rob Hanson was suggested and has agreed to facilitate the forum.

Dr. Freeman reminded the School Board that the district will be working with Stan Davis, a leading expert in bullying prevention. When he comes to the district in March, he will be working with parents as well as staff.

C. NELLIE MAE EDUCATIONAL GRANT PROCESS

Dr. Freeman reminded the Board that the district will receive the community asset mapping report from the New England Network for Child, Youth, and Family Services (NEN) at the PMHS Advisory Council meeting on 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 2, 2010. Board members are invited to participate.

XI. SCHOOL BOARD

A. ARTS GRANT

Money is available for arts in Pittsfield from the Globe Manufacturing Company through the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation that has not been utilized. Dr. Freeman will call the Foundation to gather more information as he was previously told that funds were not yet available.

XII. COMMITTEES

A. DRAKE FIELD – Ms Corliss and Mr. Wolfe

Brian Ward has finished the refurbishing the foot path at Drake Field. Reportedly, he has done an extraordinary job with this Eagle project.

Mr. Wolfe explained that the Boy Scouts have inquired about further projects that can be done by Scouts who are working on their Eagle Scout project.

Mr. Wolfe continues to work on fence repairs.

B. SELECT BOARD LIAISON – Mr. Wood and Ms. Adams

Two members of the Select Board have resigned. No replacements are known at this time.

C. BUDGET COMMITTEE – Ms. Adams and Ms. Corliss

Ms. Adams reported that she has attended a Budget Committee meeting. There was supposed to be a public hearing on October 27, 2010, but there was not adequate notification so it was cancelled. It has been rescheduled for November 3, 2010, at 7:30 p.m. at Pittsfield Elementary School.

D. NEGOTIATING TEAM – Ms. Paradise and Mr. Wolfe

Ms. Adams asked about the conversation Dr. Freeman had with Attorney Jay Boynton relative to a third Board member participating in the negotiating team transactions. Discussion ensued.

Dr. Freeman will ensure that all Board members receive a copy of the current negotiated agreement between the Education Association of Pittsfield and the School Board. Board members were asked to email any suggestions regarding contract negotiations to Ms. Paradise.

An initial negotiations meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday, November 2, 2010, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.

XIII. NEXT MEETING

The next School Board meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, November 9, 2010, at 5:30 p.m. at the Pittsfield Middle High School.

XIV. PUBLIC INPUT (Second Session) – None

XV. NON-PUBLIC SESSION

At 8:15 p.m., a motion was made by Mr. Adams and seconded by Mr. Wood to enter into non-public session to discuss a personnel matter pursuant to RSA 91-A:3, II (c). The Board was polled and voted unanimously (Ms. Adams, yes; Ms. Corliss, yes; Mr. Wolfe, yes; Mr. Wood, yes) to enter into a non-public session.

Dr. Freeman provided the Board with an update relative to an individual personnel issue. No action was taken in non-public session.

At 8:17 p.m., a motion was made by Ms. Adams and seconded by Mr. Wolfe to exit the non-public session and to re-enter into open session. The Board was polled and voted unanimously (Ms. Adams, yes; Ms. Corliss, yes; Mr. Wolfe, yes; Mr. Wood, yes) to re-enter into open session.

XVI. ADJOURNMENT

On a motion made by Ms. Adam and seconded by Mr. Wood, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 8:18 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Tobi Gray Chassie
Recording Secretary