MRSD School Board Minutes

MONADNOCK REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

Board Meeting Minutes

ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ Monadnock Regional High School/Middle School, Swanzey, NH.

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

Also present: K. Dassau, Superintendent, D. Hodgdon, Assistant Superintendent, T. Warner, Dir. of Technology, K. Chambers, Business Manager.ï¿½ Principals: K. Carter, B. Tatro, K. Craig and J. Smith.ï¿½

Attorneys D. Hatfield and P. Apple (arrive 8:30)

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

1. ï¿½CONSENT AGENDA: MOTION: W. Felton MOVED to accept the September 5, 2006 Board Meeting Minutes as presented.ï¿½ SECOND: J. Kenyon.ï¿½ DISCUSSION: K. Cota had a correction under the Facilities Report. She had passed out information to the Board on the amount of work the committee did regarding the curriculum needs of the middle school. T. Aho asked that R. Bauriesï¿½ comment on the administrators using their health insurance as compensation should state the last three years prior to retirement. The motion to rescind the policy that deals with the retirement package of the principals was in fact moved during public session. J. Carnie asked why the Board sealed the minutes. J. Kenyon explained that he moved to seal the minutes because the Board is in litigation and it is private until solved and concluded by the court. ï¿½J. Carnie commented that the Board is not approving the non-public because the Board has not seen them. VOTE: 8.430/0/1.121/5.449. Motion passes.

CORRESPONDENCE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS: K. Dassau announced the resignation of R. Thackston to the Board. MOTION: K. Cota MOVED to accept the resignation of R. Thackston from the MRSD Board. SECOND: W. Felton. VOTE: 9.551/0/0/5.449. Motion passes.

K. Dassau reported that there was mold at the Cutler School. The classroom with the problem has been relocated while the issue is being addressed. A letter has been sent home for the parents.

B. Tatro reported that a group called Moms in Touch hosted a candle lit dinner for the staff and a guest from Mt. Caesar.

K. Craig commented on her hardworking teachers. She reported that MAP Testing is going on and soon the State Testing will begin on October 3, 2006. She reported that Emerson had a back to school night and it was attended by around 200 people.

K. Dassau reported that MC2 has two new students from Monadnock.

3. STUDENT GOVERNMENT REPORT: Alison Dreyfuss and Mia Hulslander were the junior representatives at tonight’s meeting. The Student Government will hold elections on October 17, 2006 and carve pumpkins as well. The Board has asked that the Students Government minutes be in the Board packets. A. Dreyfuss explained that they would after the election.

4. Public Comments: None.

5. Curriculum Report: J. Smith reported that the NEASC would be visiting the MRHS on Sunday Sept. 24, 2006. The Team will be meeting with the staff at 1:00PM for a panel discussion. The Team would like to have an opportunity to meet with the Board Members. That will take place from 3:00PM to 3:45PM. The Board Members who said they would be attending are C. Dreyfuss, K. Cota, G. White, C. Johnson, J. Kenyon and W. Felton. J. Smith reviewed the schedule for the rest of the Team visit. The Board Chair and Vice Chair are also asked to attend a meeting with the Team on Monday from 7:45AM-8:15AM. The visit will end on Wednesday and there would not be any formal report until March. He commented that the staff has done an outstanding job.

6. Old Business: MC2/MRPSOC total monies: C. Dreyfuss reviewed the questions that J. Carnie had asked of K. Chambers. The questions about PE, foreign language and sports had been answered. K. Chambers said that P. Bocko’s charge was in the administrative estimate in the report, which she considers accurate. T. Aho commented that he considers the cost per pupil reasonable in comparison to Sullivan. T. Aho estimated the cost per student to be about $16,250.00. Are we planning on charging this for tuition? He asked if there would be any provisions if the other districts decide not to pay that tuition. K. Dassau commented that all of Mr. Aho’s questions would have to be explored and answered during the Budget development process. J. Carnie commented that at the last meeting he asked about the Spec. Ed. but was interrupted. He said it is ridiculous by the administration that the number would be $153,000.00 if we do this next year. J. Carnie asked about the Parental Training and commented that the rent to Antioch should be considered. J. Kenyon commented that the Board voted the state formula. The number of students is growing at MC2. He said that the cost would not increase with additional students. Moving students that fit the program would help with the overcrowding at the high school. He said that MRPSOC and MC2 need to be treated as separate items. We have lots of other programs. It is not fair. K. Carter explained that the Parent Training classes are a requirement of the grant and may have nothing to do with any parents of students at MC2. The training sessions are available to all parents.

7. SCHOOL BOARD COMMITTEE REPORTS:

1. Community Relations Committee: G. White reported that the next meeting of the committee would be on Oct. 10, 2006.

2. Facilities Committee: K. Cota reported that the committee did not have a quorum at their last meeting. They gathered information and no votes were taken. The next meeting will be on Sept. 27, 2006 and October 12, 2006 at 7:00PM.

3. Finance Committee: B. Tatro reported that the committee reviewed the expenditures, revenues and the assets. B. Tatro reported that they heard from J. Smith regarding the leasing of the high school at night to New Hampshire Community Technical College (NHCTC) . J. Smith explained that the NHCTC has out grown its facility on Marlboro St. in Keene and would like to be able to offer more courses to their students. C. Dreyfuss asked if this would hinder the MRHS students. J. Smith said that the classes are at night and at some point they would like to have classes on Saturdays. K. Cota asked about the additional cost for the custodians and J. Smith said that there would not be any additional costs. J. Smith commented that they are asking to use the computer labs and are willing to pay an additional cost. K. Chambers handed out the DOE 25 and the MS25 for the Board to review. K. Cota asked where the Capitol Reserve and the maintenance projects were. K. Chambers explained it to K. Cota. (K. Colby arrives.) J. Carnie asked where the MRPSOC Grant shows up. K. Chambers explained. J. Carnie commented that the grant is about 95% of the total. K. Chambers said it was more like 75-80%. D. Gurian explained to the Board that the amount is 2.5 million dollars with carry over. She also said that we have not spent that yet. K. Chambers explained that the timing is different. The District ends in June and the grant in Sept. T. Aho asked where the catastrophic aid grant was. K. Chambers explained. The next meeting will be held on Oct. 3, 2006 at 5:30 at Surry School. W. Felton has asked that there be a written rational for the proposal to lease from NHCTC. C. Dreyfuss asked any Board Member willing to sign the DOE 25 and the MS25 please do so at the end of the meeting. C. Dreyfuss informed the Board that there would be a negotiations meeting at 6:00 PM on Oct. 3, 06.

4. Policy Committee: G. White reported that the committee revised the Competency Assessment Policy last night. The next meeting will be on Oct. 2, 06 at 5:45 PM.

K. Dassau explained that the Wellness Policy, which was adopted in late summer has had some negative feed back from parents and students. T. Walsh explained that some people feel that it is a very aggressive policy that may affect fund raising. It is stated that school sponsored events need to follow the policy even on Saturdays. There will be a committee meeting on Oct. 3, 2006 at 3:45 PM. A notice to every student will be sent home prior to the meeting. W. Felton asked if there is a one major problem that stands out. T. Walsh responded that It is hurting PTO organization fund raising. T. Walsh commented that the lunch situation has improved about 300%.

5. Budget Committee: J. Kenyon reported that the Budget Committee would be meeting at Emerson next Tuesday. There will be a work session on Oct. 10, 2006 and would recommend that the Board attend.

6. The Cheshire Career Center: No report.

7. Surry Withdrawal Committee: K. Dassau explained that the present chair R. Thackston has resigned and another would need to be elected by the committee. The next meeting is on Sept. 21, 2006.

8. OLD BOARD BUSINESS:

New Business: Financial Planning: K. Cota and K. Chambers will meet to see exactly what K. Cota had in mind for the discussion.

9. Action on the Manifest: MOTION: K. Colby MOVED the manifest in the amount of $1,193,186.22. SECOND: W. Felton. DISCUSSION: K. Cota asked about Troy Arctic Cat. K. Chambers will look that up. SUR Construction is that balance due on the septic, which has been signed off. WV Engineering is for various projects. Symquest is for the purchase of computers and equipment. VOTE: 8.430/0/2.300/4.270. Motion passes.

10. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT: K. Dassau explained that there are two non-public sessions scheduled.

11. BOARD CHAIR REPORT: No report.

12. SETTING NEXT MEETINGS AGENDA:

1. NH Community College.

13. SECOND PUBLIC COMMENTS: R. Bauries asked if the pending litigation was the step increases. K. Dassau said no. R. Bauries asked about the appeal from the NH Retirement System and asked if there was authorization of money for the appeal. K. Dassau explained that the minutes from the last non-public session were sealed. R. Bauries commented that it was illegal to put it in non-public and asked who authorized the spending of this money.

J. Carnie commented that the RSA states that the minutes can be sealed under three topics. J. Carnie commented that he had asked if the litigation was in written form. He never received a copy. K. Dassau explained that he and K. Chambers had met with J. Carnie for 2 hours the morning after the last board meeting to discuss these issues. K. Dassau said that there would be more information in non-public. J. Carnie said that he did not want to go into non-public. He said that the information at the last meeting was illegally sealed. He said that it is public information and must be disclosed. The individuals can not be spoken about. A decision made should be made in public session. J. Kenyon asked the attorneys present if J. Carnie is correct or not. D. Hatfield said that parts are correct and parts are protected under the RSA. He said that the Board is here to deal with the question of pending litigation and financial risk and that should be under non-public until resolved and made public.

C. Dreyfuss called a 5 minute recess.

14. NON-PUBLIC SESSION: RSA 91-A:3 II b: Nominations: MOTION: B. Tatro MOVED to go into non-public session under RSA 91-A:3 II e- pending litigation. SECOND: G. White. Roll call vote: C. Johnson, J. Carnie, K. Colby, T. Aho, T. Peloquin, K. Cota, W. Felton, J. Kenyon, B. Tatro, G. White and C. Dreyfuss. DISCUSSION: T. Aho said that the Board does not need to go into non-public session for what he has to say and he will not justify spending the voters money. It should be stopped. K. Dassau explained that the paper work the Board asked for last time was sealed. The Board will need to go into non-public. J. Carnie said that he is upset with the chair and the board on sealing the minutes. He believes that they are illegally sealed. They do not fit one of the three requirements. He said that he would like to have a written reason for the litigation. He said that the chair should have made the information available. We are making procedural errors. MOTION: W. Felton MOVED the question. VOTE: 10.730/0/0/4.270. Motion passes. VOTE to go into non-public: 8.833/1.897/0/4.270. Motion passes. T. Aho and J. Carnie leave the meeting.

MOTION: C. Johnson MOVED to go back into public session. SECOND: K. Cota. VOTE: 8.833/0/0/6.167. Motion passes.

PUBLIC SESSION: MOTION: K. Cota MOVED to allow MRSD to continue to participate in the proceedings of the NH Retirement System on behalf of our effected employees. SECOND: C. Johnson. VOTE: 7.654/1.179/0/6.167. Motion passes. J. Kenyon commented that he respects and supports the participants but has to vote no.

MOTION: B. Tatro MOVED to seal the minutes to protect the Board’s discussion of threatened litigation until the end of the litigation. SECOND: W. Felton. VOTE: 8.833/0/0/6.167. Motion passes.

15. NON-PUBLIC SESSION: RSA 91-A: 3 II b: Nominations: MOTION: G. White MOVED to go into non-public session under RSA 91-A:3II b-Nominations. SECOND: K. Colby. Roll call Vote: C. Johnson, K. Colby, T. Peloquin, K. Cota, W. Felton, J. Kenyon, B. Tatro, G. White and C. Dreyfuss. VOTE: 8.833/0/0/6.167. Motion passes.

16. Adjournment: MOTION: C. Johnson MOVED to adjourn the meeting at 10:15 PM. SECOND: W. Felton. VOTE: 8.833/0/0/6.167. Motion passes.

Respectfully submitted,

Laura L. Aivaliotis

MRSD Recording Secretary

3. STUDENT GOVERNMENT REPORT: No report.

4. Public Comments: None.

5. Curriculum Report:

a. Middle School Report-M. Young: M.Young and a group of Middle School teachers gave a power point presentation on the work that they have done for the upcoming school year. Information was passed out to the Board. They spoke about teaming, homerooms, Accelerated Reading, courses, discipline and more. M. Young said that he is very proud of his staff for the work they have done. He thanked the School Board and the SAU for their support. D. Mousette asked if this would be sharing this information with the parents of the middle school students. M. Young explained that there would be an open house on June 5, 2006 and that this information will be shared. He will also be going to the different elementary school to speak to the sixth graders. W. Felton commented on the fact that they have eliminated study halls next year. He felt that some students need the time. M. Young commented that they want to give the children the maximum amount of learning time. He said that if students fall behind help is available after school. S. Rashid thanked the staff and M. Young for continuing what they are doing in the elementary schools. He said that it is the most comprehensive program he has seen.

b. Multi-grade classrooms: K. Dassau explained that this issue was placed on the agenda at the request of a Board Member. K. Cota asked if there were enough children at Emerson to have single grade classrooms. K. Craig answered that there were. K. Cota asked why then the multi-grade classrooms. K. Craig commented that she and her staff have worked very hard to form the classrooms on the needs of the children and the numbers. W. Felton commented that the Board knows where he stands on multi-grade classrooms. He commented that the teachers in those classrooms have to work harder. He asked if they receive a battle fee. K. Craig commented that they receive $1000.00 extra. There was a question about transporting a student to another school at the expense of the district. K. Dassau said that he was not confronted with the issue. K. Craig commented that Troy also has multi-grade classrooms. J. Mayjoy commented that the curriculum in multi-grade classrooms is taught in cycles at skill level. V. Gill commented that in the multi-grades classrooms you are aware of the older students on the academics. It was stated that the state testing by the multi-grades students is the same if not better than the other students. B. Tatro asked the configuration for the classrooms next year. K. Craig explained. P. Peterson commented that the students should have a choice on the single classroom or the multi-grade. J. Friedman commented that his son did great in a multi-grade classroom in the Northern Schools. J. Skelton commented that she has three choices and that the staff is doing the very best they can. K. Dibicki commented that she has children at the school and that she always has a positive experience at the school. She gives the staff her full support on this issue. D. Dahl commented that you could have a classroom of 33 students and the dynamics could work or you could have a classroom of 14 students and the dynamics might not work. He would hope that the Board would support their decision because it is what they feel is in the best interest of the children.

6. OLD BUSINESS:

a. Default Budget for 2006-2007: K. Dassau requested that this report be moved to the Finance Report. No objections from the Board.

7. SCHOOL BOARD COMMITTEE REPORTS:

1. Community Relations Committee: K. Colby reported that the committee met on May 15, 2006. The committee members are contributing a lot of positive information and they are very close to a full Board presentation. He commented again that there is no budget for this committee.

2. Facilities Committee: K. Cota reported that the committee met on May 9, 2006. She passed out the minutes of the meeting to the Board. The next meeting will be on May 30, 2006 in Surry at 6:00 PM.

MOTION: K. Cota MOVED to accept page 13 and 14 of the CIP plan as written and approved by the Facilities Committee. SECOND: J. Kenyon VOTE: 10.259/0/0/4.741. Motion passes.

MOTION: K. Cota MOVED to accept the bid of $20,975.00 for the Roof Replacement at Cutler School. SECOND: W. Felton. DISCUSSION: J. Carnie asked which roof. C. Dreyfuss answered and explained that this was the lowest bid. VOTE: 10.259/0/0/4.741. Motion passes.

MOTION: K. Cota MOVED to accept the bid of $6850.95 for the Duct Cleaning at Cutler School. SECOND: J. Kenyon. VOTE: 10.259/0/0/4.741. Motion passes.

MOTION: K. Cota MOVED to accept the bid of $11,350.00 for the Soundproofing in the Multi-purpose Room at Cutler School. SECOND: J. Kenyon. DISCUSSION: J. Carnie asked what was budgeted for this project. K. Cota reported it was $20,000.00. VOTE: 10.259/0/0/4.741. Motion passes. K. Cota thanked the Board for trusting the Facilities Committee.

3. Finance Committee: B. Tatro reported that the committee met earlier this evening. He reported that the status of the assets is in good shape. He reported that the committee was given information on the MC2-Surry School. This issue will be discussed on the June 6, 2006. K. Dassau handed out information on the default budget titled MRSD Initial Budget Adjustments for 2006-2007 Budget. He said that the Budget Oversight Committee and the administration reviewed some of the items. He went over the items with the Board and explained that this is for review and that it is the first go around.

4. Policy Committee: G. White reported that J. Smith attended the meeting and discussed the Extended Learning and the Alternative Credit Programs. The committee will meet on May 22, 2006 and T. Walsh will be in attendance to discuss the wellness policy.

5. Budget Committee: The Budget Committee has not met.

6. The Cheshire Career Center: No report.

8. New Business:

a. Discussion of board member rotation of voting: L. Biron suggested starting the voting with a different person each time. J. Carnie commented that was a good idea. Everyone present agreed.

9. Action on the Manifest: B. Tatro MOVED the manifest in the amount of $1,484,853.98.SECOND: K. Colby. DISCUSSION: J. Kenyon asked about two checks in the same amount to H. Mercier. L. Biron said that he would have to ask Grace in payroll. B. Tatro asked if that amount should be deducted from the manifest. L. Biron said that it is legitimate. VOTE: 5.608/0/4.651/4.741. Motion passes.

MOTION: J. Carnie MOVED to accept the May 6, 2006 Board Meeting Minutes. SECOND: K. Colby. VOTE: 7.654/0/2.605/4.741. Motion passes.

10. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT: K. Dassau informed the Board that there would be two non-public sessions.

11. BOARD CHAIR REPORT: C. Dreyfuss explained to the Board that there is a committee being formed to evaluate the superintendent. She said that there are two members from Monadnock on that committee. She will serve and she is asking for another. J. Kenyon volunteered. She reported that she has not heard from selectmen of all the towns for the Surry Withdrawal Committee. She informed the Board that the Goal Settings Meeting conflicts with the Budget Committee Meeting. The Board agreed to set a new date for this meeting at the next Board Meeting.

12. SETTING THE AGENDA:

1. MC2 Surry Discussion

2. Adopt 2006-2007 Budget

3. Goal Setting Date

4. Criteria for MC2 Diploma

13. SECOND PUBLIC COMMENTS:

14. MOTION to go into non-public session: MOTION: J. Carnie MOVED to go into non-public session under RSA 91-A:3 IIc. SECOND: K. Colby. Roll call vote: J. Friedman, K. Cota, W. Felton, J. Kenyon, B. Tatro, G. White, C. Dreyfuss, P. Peterson, J. Carnie and K. Colby. Motion passes.

15. MOTION to go into non-public session: MOTION: B. Tatro MOVED to go into non-public session under RSA 91-A:3 IIb. SECOND: W. Felton. Roll call vote: J. Friedman, K. Cota, W. Felton, J. Kenyon, B. Tatro, G. White, C. Dreyfuss, P. Peterson, J. Carnie and K. Colby. Motion passes.

15. MOTION TO ADJOURN: MOTION: J. Kenyon MOVED to adjourn the meeting at 9:46 PM. SECOND: K. Colby. VOTE: Unanimous for those present.

Respectfully submitted,

Laura L. Aivaliotis

MRSD Secretary