Non-approved minutes
Board Meeting Minutes
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Present:� Jonathan Kenyon, Gene White, Karen Cota, Jane Fortson, Winston Wright, Susan Oerman, Ed Jacod, Colline Dreyfuss, Doug Lyman Tim Peloquin, Kenneth Colby, Tim Aho, Phyllis Peterson and James Carnie. Absent: William Felton
Also present: K. Dassau, Superintendent, D. Hodgdon, Assistant Superintendent and K.Chambers, Business Manager.� Principals: B. Tatro, K. Craig, J. Smith, L. Sutton, D. Dahl, K. Carter, S. Rashid and D. Mousette.
7pm Call to Order
1.
Public
Hearing: Per RSA 198:20-b, the purpose of the public hearing is to consider the
acceptance and expenditure of unanticipated funds: K. Dassau explained that
the district had been awarded 2 grants. The Plus Time NH Grant for after school
equipment for the after school program in the amount of $1992.30 and the J C
Penney National 4H Grant to help with tuition to increase enrollment in the
after school programs in Troy and the Northern Schools in the amount of
$22,500.00. This is a one- year grant, which will allow more kids to
participate. C. Dreyfuss closed the
Public Hearing.
MOTION: S. Oerman MOVED to accept the J C Penney Grant in the amount of $22,500.00. SECOND: J. Kenyon. VOTE: 12.395/0/0/2.605. Motion
passes. MOTION: S. Oerman MOVED to
accept the Plus Time NH Grant in the amount of $1992.30. SECOND: P. Peterson VOTE: 12.395/0/0/2.605.
Motion passes.
2.��
MOTION: J. Fortson MOVED to
change the agenda and move non-public session to this time in the meeting. SECOND: D. Lyman. VOTE: 12.395/0/0/2.605. Motion
passes. MOTION to enter into non-public session. MOTION: W. Wright MOVED to enter into non-public session
under RSA 91-A:3 II(e) Board to meet with Attorney Apple: SECOND: J. Fortson. DISCUSSION:
Attorney Apple explained that he would be reporting on the status of a
pending case appeal to the NH Retirement System. J. Carnie asked for the
litigation in written form. Attorney Apple explained that this is a result of
an administrative action by an officer of the NH Retirement System. Roll call vote: J. Kenyon, G. White, J.
Fortson, W. Wright, S. Oerman, E. Jocod, T. Pelequin, T.Aho-abstain, P.
Peteron, J. Carnie-no, D. Lyman, C. Dreyfuss. Motion passes.
3. CONSENT AGENDA: MOTION: S. Oerman MOVED to accept the August 14, 2007 Board Meeting Minutes as amended.� SECOND: J. Kenyon. DISCUSSION: K. Colby was present at the August 14, 2007 meeting but not listed. J. Kenyon commented that there needed to be a component for education in the NEASC Report. He asked if the students are receiving the skills they need for success after graduation. K. Cota asked that the $3500.00 figure under the Harrisville Wells Memorial be explained which is equal to the state adequacy. J. Fortson asked that the figures she discussed under the MC2 discussion be included in the minutes. They are as follows: The MC2 program is at a cost of $530,000.00. The 10 out of district students provide revenue at $115,000.00 for a total cost after adjustments of $415,000.00. The $415,000.00 divided by the 11 Monadnock students and the 10 out of district students is approximately $19,750.00. The difference between the state amount per pupil and the $19,750.00 is $8,250.00 that is what the district is spending per child and not receiving revenue for. VOTE: 8.242/0/4.400/2.358. Motion passes.
4. CORRESPONDENCE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS: K. Dassau asked the Board for a moment of silence for Elijah Barrett who was an employee of the district and recently passed away.
K. Dassau commented on a successful opening day for all schools.
K. Dassau reported that the new School Resource Officer is Jim Fisher.
K. Dassau listed the awards in which the teachers received on opening day. The awards ranged from years of service to perfect attendance.
T. Aho read a letter from R. Hotchkiss a Sullivan Selectmen to the Board pertaining to the funding of future expansions. The letter was complimenting the Facilities Committee for the fine presentation that was explained at a group meeting but commented on the tax impact. He commented on the NH Retirement issue, the early retirement issue, the health savings not going back to the taxpayers, the out of district MC2 issue and how the past action on these issues would reflect the future votes. C. Dreyfuss commented that was an opinion from one person.
5. STUDENT GOVERNMENT REPORT: J. Smith reported that there is a new student government advisor. He also reported that he has met with the president and vice president and the agenda is set for the upcoming year.
6. Public Comments: N. Moriarty commented
that the district lost $217,000.00 of health insurance this month with a total
of $362,000.00 lost. He asked if the board had a Cigna bid for 2008. He
commented that there needs to be leadership on the health insurance issue.
C. Kahn explained that the teachers have rescinded the work to rule as a good faith. The Board thanked C. Kahn.
J. Craig commented on the AYP issue. He asked if there is a plan by the board on moving where we hope to be on the AYP issue. He suggested that something be built into the budget to support the efforts and to let the taxpayers know about those funds. An effort to be where we want to be not where we are now.
7. Curriculum Report: Curriculum and Grant
Information:
Curriculum and Grant Update:
1. AYP Report-D. Hodgdon: D. Hogdgon explained that he sent information in the Board packets concerning AYP. He explained that the results were from the Fall testing of 2006. The results showed that 5 schools in the district did not make AYP. He included a sheet that explained why the schools did not make AYP and what schools are in need of improvement. He explained the 3 ways in which you could make AYP. He included a sheet that explained the steps for the schools in need of improvement to take. He said that the principals have been working on the AYP issue over the course of the year and have seen where there are improvements from 2006 to 2007. K. Colby arrives. D. Hodgdon asked for Board involvement on teams that will be set up in school in need of improvement. He asked that the Board to do goal setting, which is related to AYP. The administration would be looking at the schools that made AYP and see what they are doing. He would also ask that Board Members sit on the Curriculum Oversight Committee. He explained that there is now one additional sub group, which is the Hispanic/Latino sub group. D. Hodgdon explained that the students that attend a school in need of improvement might have the choice to attend a school in the same district that made AYP and the district would pay the transportation. E. Jacod asked about the economically disadvantaged sub group. D. Hodgdon explained his rational. Economically disadvantaged children tend to have reduced or free lunch. This information is with T. Walsh. The state knows the economically disadvantaged children by a code on the test. K. Chambers explained that funds to support the improvement of AYP would be put in the budget but to have separate line items may be possible. The chart is set by the state in which they wish us to conform to.
2. NEASC: J. Smith explained that he has met with the dept. heads and discussed curriculum goals. J. Smith passed out information on the questions asked at the last meeting. He handed out information on the AP exam scores for the past year, the scores that were sent to the colleges and information that shows the average senior graduated with 24 credits. S. Oerman asked about the modern dance course. J. Smith reported that they have found two people to run the program. They would be bringing this issue to Finance. He said that there is an open house on Sept. 20, 2007 and they would be targeting the parents for the NEASC Committees. Then they would be presenting a schedule.
8. New Business:
1. Maintenance Expendable Trust Fund: MOTION: J.
Carnie MOVED to approve the amount
of $13,411.97 less the $10,919.00, which the board previously approved at the
last meeting. The funds are to be used to properly resolve the Middle/High
School oil tank situation. SECOND: T.
Aho. DISCUSSION: K. Cota asked why
the request was written that way. K. Chambers explained. VOTE: 11.621/0/2.20/1.179. Motion
passes.
2. Accelara Research Summary: C. Dreyfuss
informed the Board that the information in the packets is for review. The CRC
would be hosting a meeting on Sept. 27, 2007 inviting the select persons from
the towns, the sponsors of the survey and the Budget Committee.
3. NHTC: There has been a request for the
use of the labs and a classroom from NHTC to hold their Anatomy and Physiology
course for the Spring Semester. The labs would be used in exchange for the use
of the college’s microscopes. There would be a charge for the classroom. The
Board discussed what happens if a student were to break the microscope. They
also discussed the storage issue. NHTC would supply a cabinet and small
refrigerator to hold their supplies. The Board commented on the custodian’s routine
cleaning schedule. D. Lyman suggested a bio hazardous clause. J. Smith assured
the Board that the college would be taking everything and cleaning up each
night. J. Smith commented that this is being a good neighbor and possible it
could lead to the use of more space and more income. T. Aho asked the
deductible if a microscope was broken. The deductible is $1000.00. K. Chambers
explained that the Finance Committee tabled this issue until their next
meeting. She informed the Board that the college has to have an answer by the
end of Sept.
4. Off-site Program-K. Carter: K. Carter
explained that currently MC2 is an offsite program and would be sending the
Board information prior to the off-site meeting. She explained that there is a
potential grant that would provide funds for tuition and transportation
reimbursement. She explained the enrollment numbers of MC2 to the Board. There
are 26 students.
9.
OLD BUSINESS:
1. Surry Warrant: The warrant was in the Board packets for review. There are a few dates that are incorrect. The administration retyped the warrant with the correct dates and the Board signed.
2. Tuition Rate: K. Dassau explained that
the tuition rate is set by the state for the high school. The current rate
being used is $11,443.28. D. Lyman commented that the budget for MC2 is
$531,887.00 and divided by the 26 students that would be $20,457.00 per
student. T. Peloquin commented that the Board had voted not to pay one cent
extra for out-of-district students. C. Dreyfuss asked what happens if there are
more students in the program. K.
Chambers explained that you have to remove the $73,000.00 for Spec. Ed. It was
commented that Harrisville is accepting our students at a much lower rate. K.
Dassau commented that it is what is in the best interest of the students. We
are faced with many challenges. K. Cota commented that MC2 is a program of the
high school and the rate should be $11,443.28. D. Lyman commented that if they
can live within that budget of $11,443.28 per student than there is no problem.
MOTION: T. Aho MOVED to set $20,500.00 as the tuition amount for MC2. SECOND: D. Lyman. DISCUSSION: G. White commented on a great program MC2 is. He said
that people have been fighting about the program for 5 years and now setting
the tuition rate at $20,500.00 is saying that we do not support the program. We
are saying that we do not care about our children or the children in the
district. This program has gained National attention and recognized by the
NEASC Team. This amount would be a big mistake. S. Oerman asked if the
$11,443.28 included MC2. K. Chambers said yes. K. Dassau commented that we are
not in the business to make money we are in the business to educate children.
If you have the rate at $20,500.00 you would lose 11 students and revenue. D.
Lyman commented that he was not aware that the $11,443.28 was an average
overall. T. Peloquin commented that he pays $9000.00 for each of his children
to tuition them to Keene. He said that we need to look inside for the blame of
the failings of the district. C. Dreyfuss reminded the Board that they voted to
support Choice Programs. MOTION: K.
Cota MOVED to amend the tuition
amount for MC2 to the amount of $11,443.28. SECOND: K. Colby. DISCUSSION:
K. Carter explained that they have tried to be fiscally responsible. W. Wright
commented that the enrollment number is not to where they want it possibly
because of the bickering. He said that the taxpayers are facing large tax
burdens but he can not vote for the $20,500.00. We would be short-changing our
students. J. Carnie read the state statute on open enrollment. He said that if
the program made the enrollment numbers we would not be discussing this now.
The grant has expired, there are 12 Monadnock students and we have an
obligation to the taxpayers and every student in the school. We can not
continue with the cost of this program. J. Kenyon commented that the Board has
not taken action to assure the success of the program or to set the rate, which
should have been done 5 years ago. The purpose of the grant was to get the program
started the Board has failed. No parent would place his or her children in a
program that is in question. If you are a property owner and we loose
accreditation the property value goes down. NEASC required an alternative
credit course. We should have dealt with this issue of tuition a long time ago.
J. Fortson asked about the Law and Public Safety Course rate. It has not been
set. The high school tuition rate is 2 years old. K. Dassau commented that MC2
did not spend $102,000.00 of its budget
and the Middle School did not spend $374,000.00 of its budget. E. Jacod commented on the fact
that if Surry succeeds MC2 would need new space and space is limited at the
high school. C. Dreyfuss commented that the $11,443.28 is for all the high
schools programs. We are paying taxes to support our neighbors. The same
concept should be for MC2. MOTION: K.
Cota MOVED to move the question. SECOND: G. White. VOTE: 7.866/5.955/0/1.179. Motion
fails 2/3 vote required. K. Carter explained if the number of student’s
increase there would be no addition cost except maybe laptops. D. Lyman
suggested the rate at $11,443.28 based on the movement of students and the
information be sent in a press release to encourage more students. C. Dreyfuss
asked if it was the consensus to vote on the Surry Article now that it is
presented correctly: The Board agreed.
MOTION: T. Pelequin MOVED to
accept the Surry Warrant Article as presented. SECOND: J. Kenyon. VOTE: 11.621/0/0/3.379.
Motion passes. ( J. Fortson left the meeting and S. Oerman stepped out.) C.
Dreyfuss asked that the Board restrict their comments to 2 minutes. W. Wright
commented that MC2 is a dead issue if the Board does not save it. J. Carnie
commented that the tuition figure is two years old. VOTE on the amendment: 8.119/4.523/0/2.358. Motion passes. Vote on the amended motion: 7.005/5.637/0/2.358. Motion passes. MOTION: K. Cota MOVED to set the tuition rate of
$11,443.28 for al the high school Choice Programs. DISCUSSION: The rate set two years ago was in question. VOTE: 5.984/6.658/0/2.358. Motion passes.
10. SCHOOL BOARD COMMITTEE REPORTS:
1. Community Relations Committee: K. Colby reported that the CRC would be meeting on Sept. 27, 2007 to discuss the Accelera Survey. The regular meeting would be on Sept. 13, 2007 at 5:45 PM.
2. Facilities Committee: No report.
3. Finance Committee: J. Carnie reported
that the committee has already covered most of the issues in this meeting. The
committee is discussing the cost of a building project. They are looking for
specifics from the Facilities Committee.
4. Policy Committee: G. White explained
that there was a policy in the packets. The policy is Policy DJE Bidding
Requirements. The Board reviewed the policy and made changes. MOTION: J. Carnie MOVED to table Policy DJE Bidding Requirements until the next
meeting and the full Board has the corrected copy. SECOND: D. Lyman. VOTE: 8.558/2.605/0/3.831.
Motion passes.
5.
Budget Committee: The next meeting is scheduled for Sept. 25, 2007
in Sullivan.
11. Action on the Manifest: MOTION: S. Oerman MOVED to accept the manifest in the amount of $ 646,523.92. SECOND: K. Colby. DISCUSSION: The check to N. Lions at the last meeting was for early retirement. The teachers have received advances, which would be repaid by the end of October. This is due to a date change. VOTE: 11.163/0/0/3.837
12. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT: K. Dassau thanked the Board for their persistence and patience and deferred the non- public session for nominations till the next meeting.
13.BOARD CHAIR REPORT: C. Dreyfuss commented on the great idea for the press release concerning MC2.
14.SETTING NEXT MEETINGS AGENDA:
1. NHCTC
2. Curriculum Report
3. RSA 91A:4 part 6
4. Tuition for the other Choice programs.
15.SECOND PUBLIC COMMENTS:
16. Adjournment: MOTION: J. Kenyon MOVED to adjourn the meeting at 11:45
PM. SECOND: S. Oerman VOTE: 11.163/0/0/3.837. Motion passes.
Respectfully submitted,
Laura L. Aivaliotis
MRSD Recording Secretary