Non-approved Minutes

MONADNOCK REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

SCHOOL BOARD AGENDA

February 19, 2008

Mount Caesar Elementary, Swanzey, NH

Present: Jonathan Kenyon, Gene White, Jane Fortson, Colline Dreyfuss, Karen Cota, Ed Jacod, Phyllis Peterson, Winston Wright, Doug Lyman, Tim Peloquin, Susan Oerman and Ken Colby. Absent: William Felton, Tim Aho and James Carnie.

Also Present: K. Dassau, Superintendent, D. Hodgdon, Assistant Superintendent, Katie Chambers, Business Manager and Attorney Paul Apple. Principals: J. Smith, K. Craig, S. Rashid, B. Tatro and K. Carter.

C. Dreyfuss opened the meeting at 7:08 PM. She informed the Board that the Keene Sentinel is reporting and MC2 is recording the meeting. MOTION: J. Kenyon MOVED to alter the agenda to allow Attorney Apple to speak first. SECOND: K. Colby. VOTE: 11.924/0/0/3.076. Motion passes. K. Dassau started with an overview. He explained that last Tuesday J. Kennedy of the Attorney Generalï¿½s office regarding a complaint contacted him. At one point J. Kennedy referred to the issue as a criminal investigation. He would not say who made the complaint or what the complaint was. Attorney Apple was contacted and talked to J. Kennedy. Attorney Apple said that J. Kennedy had contacting Board Members. J. Kennedy had requested the Minutes of Jan. 8, 2008, Jan 10, 2008 and Jan. 15, 2008. The complaint was that the warrant language did not have proper warning and then was added for the Jan. 10, 2008 Meeting after the Board voted. The complaint was the process. Attorney Apple would recommend that the Board entertain a motion to ratify Article Four as voted on at the Deliberative Session. MOTION: J. Kenyon MOVED to ratify the language of Article Four that was approved at the Deliberative Session by the voters on Feb. 2, 2008. SECOND: K. Colby. DISCUSSION: G. White commented that at one meeting K. Chambers had asked the Board to choose one of the two versions to present to the voters. He said that they both contained the Evergreen Clause. C. Dreyfuss explained that they did not include the Evergreen Clause. Attorney Apple explained that the issue is the adding of the Evergreen Clause for the Jan. 10, 2008 Meeting. He said that the School Board approved the contract and the point to the Attorney Generalï¿½s office is that this is not necessary. Friendly amendment: K. Colby and J. Kenyon agree to add the following language to the motion: which included the Evergreen warning language. The complete motion would read: to ratify the language of Article Four, which included the Evergreen warning language that was approved at the Deliberative Session by the voters on Feb. 2, 2008. Attorney Apple explained that the Evergreen Clause is part of the contract, an implied covenant. Attorney Apple explained that it was not warned in the 2003-2006 contracts but was always part of the contract. D. Lyman commented that it would have been a lot clearer if the Board had received complete contract. Attorney Apple explained that the full contract was sent from his office on Dec. 26, 2007. K. Dassau explained that at the same time the Board had three lawsuits against them from the Town of Sullivan and one lawsuit from N. Moriarty the Chair of the Budget Committee. K. Dassau commented that the Board might want to consider an additional attorney. D. Lyman commented that things are falling through the cracks because of things like this. C. Dreyfuss explained that the Board received the changes made to the contract and the old contract. The Board could have matched them together for a full contract. The contract had the Evergreen Clause. K.Colby asked if the ratifying of the motion was within the proper dates. Attorney Apple said yes. K.Colby commented that he did not appreciate the phone call from the Attorney General’s Office. Attorney Apple communicated the displeasure of the phone calls to J. Kennedy. Attorney Apple commented that J.Kennedy is now a fairly effective partner. S. Oerman asked why the Board was not notified at last Tuesdays meeting. K. Dassau explained that the meeting was dedicated to one agenda item and he and the attorney did not know the specifics of the complaint. Attorney Apple explained that ratifying the motion solves the issue with the least amount of expense. T. Peloquin commented that this is a waste of time and the last meeting was a waste of time. He said that he would be leaving soon but this is foolishness. We know who the person is that we are talking about. T. Peloquin suggested voting on the motion, gets it over with and be more careful next time. P. Peterson commented the public is warned, clear it up and move on. K. Cota asked the amount of money it is costing the District for the attorney. Attorney Apple commented that it is a couple of thousand. He said that he has spent many hours on this issue. He said that with the amount of legal issues this District has the Board might want to hire a staff lawyer. Attorney Apple explained that it is best to answer the questions of the Attorney General’s office. You do not have to but it is wise. VOTE: 10.412/0/1.512/3.076. Motion passes.

MOTION: K. Colby MOVED to change the agenda and move the Surry Transition discussion ahead. SECOND: J. Kenyon. VOTE: 11.924/0/0/3.076. Motion passes.

Surry Transition: C. Dreyfuss explained that J. Fortson, J. Carnie and W. Wright had been appointed to the committee. W.Wright was not able to attend. J. Fortson explained that there was a discussion concerning the current students continuing to attend Monadnock MS/HS. There was also discussion on the use of the Surry School by the Surry Board. They also discussed the purchase price of the Surry School. K. Dassau reported that there would be another meeting on March 6, 2008. The committee would be discussing the tuition, special ed. and the transfer of the building. The discussion of Surry as the forth district should be with the SAU Board. The Surry Board would be contacting the SAU Board. T. Peloquin commented that Surry is looking at withdrawing but it is not an overnight process. T. Peloquin urged that everyone play nicely and if not it could end up in court. According to the statute Surry would be receiving the services of the SAU. K. Dassau commented that it is unique that T. Peloquin is on two boards consecutively. T. Peloquin commented that the statute says that the services have to be provided from the SAU. The SAU Board has asked Surry to politely leave the SAU. Surry is not prepared to go yet. Surry would be asking the SAU to provide the services. S. Oerman commented that the budget is prepared. K. Dassau commented that he is not prepared to comment on its effects because it affects Winchester and Hinsdale. T. Peloquin commented that Surry would be approaching the Board to discuss the tuition at the appropriate state rate. Special Ed. would be at a different rate. K. Dassau explained that T. Peloquin is referring to Policy JFAB tuition set by the Board. T. Peloquin commented that Surry is trying to work out a transportation contract. He commented that possibly something could be worked out if a bus is going in the same direction. K. Dassau commented that the Board is not engaging in any discussion until approval of the SAU Board. K. Dassau explained that it is up to Surry to request a special meeting of the SAU Board. K. Dassau handed out a copy of the letter from the State of NH DOE to the Surry Selectmen. The letter was regarding the dates for the election of the officers of the Surry School District.

C. Dreyfuss called a 5 minute break.

1. AGENDA: MOTION: J. Kenyon MOVED to accept the February 5, 2008 Board Meeting Minutes as amended. SECOND: S.Oerman. DISCUSSION: the corrected minutes are included in the packets. VOTE: 11.924/0/0/3.076. Motion passes. MOTION: S. Oerman MOVED to accept the February 5, 2008 Non-public Minutes as presented. SECOND: K. Colby. VOTE: 9.566/0/2.358/3.076. Motion passes.

2. STUDENT GOVERNMENT REPORT: Jonathan from MC2 reported that they are discussing a fundraising policy. The Appeals Recommendation Committee looked at the requirements of the people who could make the recommendations. He read the qualifications. He explained that 6 people are required for the committee and he does not believe that they have six as of yet.

3. CORRESPONDENCE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS: K. Dassau reported that the Board has scholarship information. These are for children, stepchildren or grandchildren of Board Members.

The Special Budget Report is at the printers would be ready by the end of next week. It is available on line. The Annual Report is at the printers. It would be available on line next week.

The Sullivan Selectmen are holding a meeting on Feb. 21, 2008 to discuss information on the lawsuit.

S. Rashid reported that 4 of the tops students in the 4^th grade had prepared hypothesis regarding children’s health. He invited the Board to come and look at the results. He reported that the teachers encourage students to complete the mad minutes. The children that have completed it will be competing against the faculty in a volleyball game as a treat.

4. PUBLIC COMMENTS: R. Smith encouraged the people of Richmond to vote on elections day for the correct candidates.

5. NEW BUSINESS:

1. SAU Human Resource Director Position: K. Chambers explained that there is funding in the proposed budget for this position. She would also be asking the Winchester and Hinsdale Boards to approve this position. After the approval this position would be advertised. The SAU Board has already approved this position. MOTION: J. Kenyon. MOVED to accept the SAU Human Resource Director Position in keeping with the SAU position. SECOND: K. Colby. DISCUSSION: K. Chambers explained that the position pays low to mid $40,000.00. VOTE: 9.021/0/2.903/3.076. Motion passes.

6. OLD BUSINESS:

1. 2008-2009 Calendar approval: K. Dassau explained that there were two minor changes in the narrative on the calendar. Early release is Oct. 2, 2008 for all schools and the early release is at 12:30 PM for the elementary schools. K. Dassau explained the process and who calls a snow day and the fact that the District does not have to make up snow delay days. K. Craig commented that early release at Emerson is 12:15 PM. K. Dassau explained that the workshop days are determined by the contract. All certified staff is required to attend. D.Hodgdon explained the reason for early release days. He said that it is time for curriculum work. K.Cota suggested getting rid of Feb. or April vacation. K. Dassau explained that during the R. Thackston board there was no interest. J. Fortson commented on the long Christmas vacation. K. Dassau explained that we try to do the calendar as close as we can to the CCC. MOTION: P.Peterson MOVED to approve the 2008-2009 School Year Calendar as presented. SECOND: K. Colby. DISCUSSION: The Board discussed taking the April vacation due to the snow days. K. Dassau commented that the Board could have that conversation. J. Kenyon commented on the idea of increasing winter break and adds a week to the summer. VOTE: 10.903/0/1.021/3.076. Motion passes.

2. Surry Transition: This issue was discussed earlier.

3. Potential Unfunded Litigation: C. Dreyfuss reported that the Board met with the legislative representatives this past Monday. The Board asked questions but there were not a lot of answers. C. Dreyfuss suggested that the Board type out any questions and give them to D. Lyman he could in turn being the Legislative Rep. from the Board try and get the answers to the questions. She reminded the Board that there would be a dinner on April 1, 2008 where more questions would be answered.

7. CURRICULUM REPORT:

1. AYP Report: D. Hodgdon reported that the District plan has been submitted to the State Dept. on time. We should hear some time. There were 39 people in attendance at the District in Need of Improvement Meeting. When the minutes are approved the information would be on the web site. The high school AYP results would be made public on Thursday. The State has mentioned that the math results are low throughout the state. There could be a potential issue coming. D. Hodgdon handed out an overview of questions for the next meeting.

2. NEASC: K.Dassau commented that the letter from the NEASC is on line. It was suggested having a document created stating the recommendations and the progress of each, which can be given to the board on a regular basis. K.Dassau explained that conversation did start and we do have the information.

8. SCHOOL BOARD COMMITTEE REPORTS:

1. Community Relations Committee: K.Colby reported that the committee met on Feb. 11, 2008 and discussed getting the word out to the public regarding the warrant items. They are writing letters to the public. They are planning a radio appearance in March. K. Dassau commented that it has not been verified. K. Colby commented that they are also trying to contact Channel 8 to get the information out. There has been discussion on getting the Deliberative Session on Channel 8. K. Colby thanked D. Hodgdon for the Special Budget Publication.

2. Facilities Committee: MOTION: K. Cota MOVED to accept the final Master Plan for the Monadnock Regional Middle/High School Dated February 1, 2008, created by Kaestle Boos, Architects. SECOND: J. Kenyon. DISCUSSION: D. Lyman asked if the Board was accepting the book. C. Dreyfuss explained that the Board is not agreeing to any building project. P. Peterson asked for a list of priorities. K. Cota said that she would bring a list to the Board. C. Dreyfuss commented that that whole Master Plan is prioritized and driven with the NEASC and Curriculum. VOTE: 11.924/0/0/3.076. Motion passes. K. Cota explained that the next meeting is on Feb. 20, 2008 and the committee would be looking at the health office in the high school.

3. Finance Committee: S. Oerman reported that the committee discussed debit financing. They received an update on the Surry SAU withdrawal, information from the meeting on the unfunded mandate and the budget transfers being requested. She explained that there are two line transfers for MC2. The Committee would recommend if they were already in the works. K. Carter that it is being done in Arizona on a wilderness trip. They would like to transfer from contracted services to wages. K. Carter explained that the students arrive at different times to MC2. We have the wilderness trip in the summer which takes place in NH but if we wait each summer to do the program some student would have to wait 18 months. She explained that the students do fundraisers for the trip. S. Oerman explained that the committee received a monthly expenditure summary printout of year to date via each school. There were two legal bills reviewed. K. Carter commented that the trip has been covered by grants previously.

4. Policy Committee: The Policy Committee Meeting was cancelled and is scheduled for Feb. 21, 2008 at 6:00 PM. They would be looking at the policy on volunteers.

5. Budget Committee: The Budget Committee has not met since the Deliberative Session.

6. Cheshire Career Center: W. Wright reported that the meeting was cancelled due to the snow. It has been rescheduled for Feb.20, 2008.

7. Legislative Committee: D. Lyman asked the Board to review the information on line in order to give him direction when attending the meetings. C. Dreyfuss asked the priorities. D. Lyman suggested Bill 653. K. Chambers suggested focusing on the NH Retirement issue. That is a huge one.

9. Action on the Manifest: MOTION: S. Oerman MOVED to accept the manifest in the amount of $1,242,881.55. SECOND: J. Kenyon. DISCUSSION: K. Chambers explained that Dick Flick as an art supplier. D.Lyman asked about the different dairy suppliers. K. Chambers explained that there are great things happening in the food service. Using more than one supplier is one way that he is accomplishing it. The Mass juvenile police seminar is for school safety. VOTE: 9.724/0/1.021/4.255. Motion passes.

10. Superintendent’s Report: K. Dassau handed out NHSBA information. He explained that there is a 60- page document on adequacy on line. Recommendations should be made through the board’s legislative rep.

There is no non-public session.

MOTION: K. Colby MOVED to accept the regular retirement of Mike Pride. SECOND: D. Lyman. DISCUSSION: C. Dreyfuss commented on how excellent Mike Pride was as a coach and referee. He has given everything to the children. He is a fine individual. VOTE: 11.924/0/0/2.076. Motion passes. MOTION: K. Colby MOVED to accept the resignation of S. Rashid as of June 30, 2008. SECOND: P. Peterson. DISCUSSION: P. Peterson commented that S. Rashid is a great role model and that it would be hard to replace him. K. Cota thanked S. Rashid for his years of service and wish that she could vote no on the motion. G. White commented when S. Rashid was first hired. G. White was on the committee and there was no other choice. The kids loved the choice. He wished him the best. W. Wright hired S. Rashid over the others and would hate to see him go. J. Kenyon would be voting no on the motion. C. Dreyfuss thanked S. Rashid for his years of service and said that he would be missed but wished him well. VOTE: 9.566/2.358/0/3.067. Motion passes. K. Dassau commented that loosing M. Young and S. Rashid could be due to the fact of the default budget and two years without a staff contract. He hoped that this is the year that things turn around or we would be loosing more staff.

11. BOARD CHAIR REPORT:

12. SETTING NEXT MEETING AGENDA:

1. NEASC

2. Legislative issues

3. Report on high school

Surry Transition Committee would go under the Committee Reports

13. SECOND PUBLIC COMMENTS:

15. Adjournment: MOTION: W. Wright MOVED to adjourn the meeting at 9:32 PM. SECOND: P. Peterson VOTE: Unanimous for those present. Motion passes.

Respectfully submitted,

Laura L. Aivaliotis

MRSD Recording Secretary