MONADNOCK REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

Board Meeting Minutes

April 18, 2006

Cutler Elementary, Swanzey, NH

Present: Colline Dreyfuss, Jonathan Kenyon, Gene White, Karen Cota, Bruce McCulley, Richard Thackston, Bruce Tatro, Charles Johnson, Jason Hill, William Felton, Phyllis Peterson, Jeff Friedman and James Carnie. Absent: Kenneth Colby and Tim Aho.

Also present: K. Dassau, Superintendent, D. Hodgdon, Asst. Superintendent for Curriculum, L. Biron, Business Manager and T. Warner, Dir. of Computer Technology. Principals: D. Mousette, K. Craig, B. Tatro, J. Smith, D. Dahl, S. Rashid, K. Carter.

C. Dreyfuss called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.

1. CONSENT AGENDA: MOTION: B. Tatro MOVED to accept the March 28, 2006 and the April 4, 2006 Public and Non-public minutes as presented. SECOND: C. Johnson. DISCUSSION: On the March 28, 2006 Minutes, the motion concerning a new education committee failed. The minutes said that it passed. VOTE on the amended minutes: 10.752/0/1.114/1.955. Motion passes.

2. CORRESPONDENCE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS: J. Smith reported to the Board that the groups Back at You, Kids Rule and Inside Dimensions all received awards at the State Imagination Destination Competition.

The newly formed Science Club formed by S. Romano will be going to the National Competition in Virginia.

K. Thompson has received a $10,000.00 Scholarship from the Future Education Class Competition.

The student council president, Elizabeth Towle, has been accepted to Harvard.

The NHIAA has given the Ice Hockey Team a commendation award for no disqualifications for their last season.

K. Craig reported and passed out information on the upcoming meeting at Emerson. They will have a presentation on integration of technology.

She also reported that they do not have enough room for the preschool. There is a waiting list. She informed the Board that they would have multi-aged classrooms next year.

3. STUDENT GOVERNMENT REPORT: No report.

4. Cutler Service Learning Project: S. Rashid explained that service learning is a service to the community while the students learn. This process started 4 years ago. The students highlighted to the Board the service learning project that they are doing now. They explained the process of the wooden tiles. Sue Norton indicated that service learning has made an impact and shows what the kids can do. S. Rashid thanked the Board, the students and W. Bartels for their support.

5. Public Comments: C. Kahn asked the Board chair where the teacher’s contracts were. C. Dreyfuss said that she had them to sign. C. Kahn commented that because of the recent vote the teachers have been told that they will not be receiving their step increases, but do feel that they deserve them. She said that the Union would be taking legal steps.

N. Moriarty informed the Board that he would like to see the Board lease the Surry School to the Surry Village Charter School.

L. Welkowitz, a professor at KSC, commented that the Surry Village Charter School should lease the Surry School. He said that the MC2 Program should remain where it is. C. Dreyfuss asked him where he was from and he responded Keene.

6. Curriculum Report:

a. Follow the Child Initiative: D. Hodgdon explained that this is a follow up to the presentation two weeks ago on the state testing. He gave a power point presentation. The commissioner describes this initiative as “a more personalized approach to education.” D. Hodgdon would like to send a letter to the commissioner to request that MRSD be considered a pilot district, indicating that we are moving in this direction and how we are going to get there. D. Hodgdon asked a sense of direction from the Board. MOTION: P. Peterson. MOVED to allow the SAU to move forward with the Follow the Child Initiative. SECOND: K. Cota. DISCUSSION: C. Johnson said that he would have to vote against this at this time. He would like to look at the financial side of the initiative. He said that it would cost money. J. Kenyon asked what the district would be required to do. D. Hodgdon explained that they would analyze methods of our programs to meet the individual needs and the physical, social, personal, and academic growth of the individual child. He said that he does not feel that there would be much of a cost to the pilot. D. Hodgdon said that he would allocate funds from grants to focus on this and reduce the cost. K. Cota felt that it is a good idea and understands that children do learn in different ways. R. Thackston suggested that the motion be worded differently. J. Smith commented that he would support the motion, especially since it would provide professional development support, which would be valuable as a follow up to the NEASC process. C. Dreyfuss commented that the motion is not precise enough. K. Cota took back her second on the motion and P. Peterson took back her motion. MOTION: P. Peterson MOVED to ask the Dir. of Curriculum to draft a letter to the Commissioner of Education regarding the Follow the Child Initiative to become a pilot school. SECOND: K. Cota. DISCUSSION: J. Carnie commented that the state mandates, but does not fund. The Board needs to take a closer look. He said that questions need to be asked and someone needs to answer them. He suggested someone from the state come and answer the questions. MOTION: J. Carnie MOVED to table the motion. SECOND: C. Johnson. DISCUSSION: C. Dreyfuss explained that R. Thackston had his hand up prior to the table motion. R. Thackston explained that the motion is vague and suggested that a letter be written to say that the Board is interested in the pilot, then have K. Dassau, D. Hodgdon and J. Smith come back with information to the Board. VOTE: 2.142/10.903/0/1.955. Motion failed. DISCUSSION on the main motion: W. Felton commented that the state expects involvement, but not financial support. He pointed out that it explained that student failure is not an option, but commented that it is part of life. He would support sending something and suggested that they would appreciate help economically with aspects of the program and what comes will show how effective the program will be. J. Kenyon commented that the School Board and the Budget Committee disagree about the need for staff. This may be a hard sell, if we are using our staff to maximum capacity. He said that he would like to see more specific information. D. Hodgdon commented that they do not intend to hire additional personnel for this initiative, but to assess how the current personnel are being used. P. Peterson and K. Cota agreed to a friendly amendment suggested by R. Thackston. Friendly amendment: To ask D. Hodgdon to draft a letter showing the Board’s interest and willingness to participate after a review of the final cost/benefit analysis on the part of the Board. VOTE: 11.115/1.930/0/1.955. Motion passes.

C. Dreyfuss explained that Peter Martin is videotaping the meeting.

b. Accreditation Update-J. Butterfield: J. Smith informed the Board that a letter was received from the Commission on Public Secondary Schools that informed the district that, despite the progress, they will remain on warning status. He explained that a 15-member panel will visit and evaluate the school in Sept. The final report will come out in March. The school will have to notify the NEASC of any changes that will have a negative impact. At the time of their visit the School Board Members will be asked to speak to members of the committee. J. Kenyon asked who decides what is a negative impact? J. Smith explained that anything we cut that is on the list would have to be reported.

6. OLD BUSINESS:

a. Surry Withdrawal Committee - C. Dreyfuss named C. Johnson, T. Aho, J. Friedman, K. Cota, J. Carnie, R. Thackston, P. Peterson and G. White to the committee. J. Kenyon will stand in for G. White, if necessary. MOTION: R. Thackston MOVED to accept the names proposed by C. Dreyfuss in the letter she read. SECOND: B. McCulley. VOTE: 13.045/0/0/1.955. Motion passes.

b. Rental of Surry Elementary School: R. Todd said that she has names of people that would be willing to be on the committee. L. Biron met with the Surry Village Charter School Members and came up with a rental agreement. He went over the agreement with the Board. F. Conroy commented that it is a wonderful opportunity. The district would be receiving $30,000.00. He commented that time is of the essence and that it would be great to have an elementary school back in Surry. MOTION: R. Thackston MOVED to enter into a lease with the Surry Village Charter School outlined by the business manger with the exception of being reimbursed for the oil in the tank at the signing of the one year lease. SECOND: C. Johnson. DISCUSSION: L. Biron informed the Board that they have not received a report from the state regarding any zoning requirements. L. Biron said that any write ups from the insurance inspector would be taken care of by the district. R. Thackston asked why. L. Biron said that it would depend on what it is. R. Thackston pointed out that it is a commercial lease and if you rent it, it’s your problem. J. Carnie asked about the agenda and the administration’s request for the Surry School. W. Felton is concerned and opposed to going back to the multi-grade classrooms. This is not an educationally sound solution. R. Thackston said that he does agree with the reorganization of the Northern Schools and that there should be a long-term plan at looking at how the public schools are run. It is pointless to leave the building empty. K. Dassau explained that the Board received the option of MC2 Program going to Surry in December. This information was not discussed. On April 11, 2006 he had with the principals who requested it be discussed with the board. C. Dreyfuss asked if the Board would like to hear about the administration’s recommendation or vote on the motion. R. Thackston said that he would like to hear about the MC2. K. Dassau explained that, with the Level A Reductions, it was proposed to have the MC2 Program go to the Surry Elementary School. Antioch has limited space. K. Carter explained that Antioch would release the district from the lease agreement. K. Carter said that she would have the advantages of the ball field and the kitchen, but the potential disadvantage of not being centrally located. K. Cota asked if the computer set up at Antioch is mobile. K. Carter said it is portable. The grant runs until October of 2007. J. Kenyon asked what other options F. Conroy would have if this does not pass. F. Conroy said that the Surry School is perfect, but would have other options, if necessary. R. Thackston asked if the MC2 Program would grow and prosper or fade away in a new location. He said that the numbers are below target. K. Carter said that she has about 15-20 applications and half are from the district and half from other districts. K. Dassau said that the program not being in the district was a criticism. J. Carnie commented that the charter school would bring money into the district. K. Dassau clarified that the grant covers the rent, but the utility cost and the phone are the responsibilities of the district. The amount is about $30,000.00. B. McCulley asked F. Conroy if they would be interested in renewing the lease after the year. F. Conroy said absolutely. K. Craig commented that the district is looking for space and the public would look askance at renting a building to an outside group, when there were needs in the district. Having the MC2 Program in the district is a need that can be remedied. Betty Tatro and S. Rashid strongly agreed with moving the MC2 Program to the Surry School. C. Johnson asked what happens to MC2 if Surry withdraws. It would be in the best interest to rent to Surry for one year and at the end, if they withdraw, we are out nothing. K. Cota asked the capacity of the building. She was told 60 people. C. Johnson asked to move the question. C. Dreyfuss commented that the MC2 meets the state standards and is our own program. VOTE: 5.882/5.895/1.268/1.955. Motion failed. C. Dreyfuss asked that the Board receive more information on MC2 moving to Surry. W. Felton would like the rationale in writing in the packet prior to the Board Meeting. G. White asked that the grant issue also be in the packets.

7. SCHOOL BOARD COMMITTEE REPORTS:

1. Community Relations Committee: K. Colby was elected chair on April 17, 2006. It was a reorganization meeting. The committee took a new look at the issues relating to the CRC.

2. Facilities Committee: K. Cota reported that she was elected chair of the committee, J. Kenyon vice chair and C. Johnson secretary. She handed out the minutes of the April 11, 2006 meeting to the Board. MOTION: K. Cota MOVED to accept the Keene Plumbing and Heating bid of $12,457.00 for the Central office ventilation conditioner at the MRHS. SECOND: B. Tatro. DISCUSSION: W. Felton asked if it was the lowest bid. K. Cota said yes. VOTE: 9.021/.703/3.32/1.955. Motion passes. MOTION: K. Cota MOVED to accept the Keene Plumbing and Heating bid of $6,632.00 for the Cutler Computer Room Cooling and Heating System. SECOND: C. Johnson. DISCUSSION: L. Biron commented that the $40,000.00 was redistributed from another project. VOTE: 10.2/1.824/1.021/1.955. Motion passes. W. Felton asked that the rationale be in writing.

3. Finance Committee: B. Tatro reported that the committee met this evening and elected B. Tatro as chair and J. Carnie as vice chair. They had a discussion about Surry, the current school budget, the year-end finance and the MRPSOC expense report. The next meeting will be at Emerson prior to the Board Meeting on May 2, 2006.

4. Policy Committee: G. White reported that the committee met last week. They discussed 3 of many policies and would anticipate bringing a Statement of Practice Policy to the Board possibly at the next Board Meeting. The next meeting will be on May 8, 2006 at 5:45PM.

5. Budget Committee: No report.

6. The Cheshire Career Center: No report.

7. Tech Committee: Request from T. Warner: T. Warner informed the Board that an updated 3 year plan is required by the state to receive grants and the benefits of the E-rate Program. He is asking that 2 or 3 people from the Board volunteer to review the plan. This process would take about three meetings. B. McCulley, C. Dreyfuss and J. Friedman will be on the committee.

T. Warner informed the Board that there are 5 proposals for the Reverse 911. The winning proposal will be brought to the Board for approval.

8. OTHER SCHOOL BOARD BUSINESS:

New Business:

a. Board Goals Discussion: C. Dreyfuss informed the Board that each year the Board would meet to establish goals and objectives. R. Thackston commented on three goals that should be considered. 1. Long term, comprehensive plan to organize the schools. 2. Redesign of MRMS/HS. 3. The issue of the elementary long term. The district needs large, clear goals. The Board will meet on May 23, 2006 at 7:00 PM in the Annex at the high school.

b. Troy Elementary School Request-D. Dahl: D. Dahl has requested that the Troy multi-purpose room be renamed the Elaine Merrifield Multi-purpose Room. He would like to present a plaque at the Band Night in May. MOTION: C. Johnson MOVED to accept the request from D. Dahl to name the multi-purpose room at Troy Elementary the Elaine Merrifield Multi-purpose Room and to purchase a plaque on behalf of the Board. SECOND: P. Peterson. VOTE: 13.045/0/0/1.955. Motion passes.

9. Action on the Manifest: MOTION: C. Johnson MOVED the manifest in the amount of $1,083,945.52. SECOND: W. Felton. DISCUSSION: The Board asked L. Biron about the following items and he answered them: Amer Electric, Original Pizza, Dave County Public Schools and privately other items. VOTE: 9.121/.703/3.221/1.955. Motion passes.

10. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT: MOTION: C. Johnson MOVED to accept the resignation of Amanda Silk. SECOND: R. Thackston. VOTE: 13.045/0/0/1.955. Motion passes. MOTION: B. Tatro MOVED to accept the retirement of Sue Armstrong as of June 2007. SECOND: C. Johnson. VOTE: 13.045/0/0/1.955. Motion passes.

K. Dassau reminded the Board that there would be an SAU Board Meeting on May 3, 2006 at Emerson Elementary at 7:00 PM.

K. Dassau informed the Board that there would be 2 non-public issues.

11. BOARD CHAIR REPORT: C. Dreyfuss reminded the Board of the Board Orientation on May 6, 2006 from 9-12PM at the high school.

12. SETTING THE AGENDA:

1. Public Hearing for withdrawal of funds from Tuition Reserve and Maintenance Reserve.

2. Jed Butterfield on NEASC

3. K. Carter-Grant Writing

4. MC2 Transition

5. Nutrition Committee Policy

6. MC2 Graduation-Diploma requirements

7. Per pupil cost MC2-Uniform cost

13. Public Comments: P. Bauries made a suggestion about the questions on the manifest that the board may have. P. Bauries said that she was very disenchanted with the procedure on how the Surry School issue was carried out. She also commented that the Board has not given K. Carter direction about the grant writing.

W. Imon commented on the fact that there is a lot of talk about money instead of education and the fact that there is not much support for the MC2 Program. He also suggested that all the meetings be taped.

J. Hill and K. Cota leave.

14. 10:45 PM MOTION to enter into non-public session: C. Johnson MOVED to enter into non-public session under RSA 191-A:3 2 (b) Personnel. SECOND: B. Tatro. Roll call vote: C. Johnson, P. Peterson, J. Carnie, J. Friedman, W. Felton, J. Kenyon, B. Tatro, G. White, B. McCulley, R. Thackston and C. Dreyfuss. VOTE: 9.484/0/1.021/3.316. Motion passes.

15. 10:50 PM MOTION to enter into non-public session: C. Johnson MOVED to enter into non-public session under RSA 91-A:3 2©-Student Request. SECOND: W. Felton. Roll call vote: C. Johnson, P. Peterson, J. Carnie, J. Friedman, K. Cota, K. Colby, W. Felton, J. Kenyon, B. Tatro, G. White, B. McCulley, R. Thackston and C. Dreyfuss. Motion passes.

16. MOTION: C. Dreyfuss MOVED to adjourn the meeting at 10:52 PM. SECOND: C. Johnson. VOTE: 13.110/0/0/1.890. Motion passes.

Respectfully submitted,

Laura L. Aivaliotis

MRSD Secretary