Approved Minutes

MONADNOCK REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

SCHOOL BOARD AGENDA

August 19, 2008

Monadnock Regional Middle/High School, Swanzey, NH

 

Present: Gene White, Jane Fortson, Karen Cota, Ed Jacod, William Felton, Doug Lyman, Susan Oerman, James Carnie, Robert Smith, Winston Wright, Kristin Goodenough and Colline Dreyfuss. Absent: Tim Aho and Phyllis Peterson

Also Present: K. Dassau, Superintendent, D. Hodgdon, Assistant Superintendent and Katie Chambers, Business Manager. Principals: B. Pickering, J. Smith, D. Mousette, D. Dahl, K. Craig and B. Tatro. Director of Buildings and Grounds: B. Mitchell.

 

The Keene Sentinel recorded the meeting.

 

1.   Public Hearing: Per RSA 198:20-b, to accept a gift for the Stephen Shaw Memorial Scholarship Fund. G. White opened the Public Hearing. K. Chambers explained that the Family of Lois Stabler wishes to give a gift in the amount of $8210.25 to be put into the Stephen Shaw Memorial Fund. It was explained that the Stephen Shaw Memorial Fund is for scholarships to Monadnock Regional Students in the Art Dept. in the amount of $200.00 each and is determined by the Art Dept. on who receives the scholarships. K. Dassau read a letter from Deb Crowder in support of this action. G. White closes the Public Hearing. MOTION: S. Oerman. MOVED to accept the gift in the amount of $8210.25 from the Family of Lois Stabler to be placed in the Stephen Shaw Memorial Scholarship Fund and to be dispersed as it has been in the previous years, which is $200.00 a year. SECOND: D. Lyman. VOTE: 10.981/0/0/4.019. Motion passes.

 

2.       CONSENT AGENDA: MOTION: J. Fortson MOVED to accept the July 15, 2008 Board Meeting Minutes as amended. SECOND: W. Felton. VOTE: 9.867/0/1.114/4.019. Motion passes. MOTION: J. Fortson MOVED to accept the July 15, 2008, 2 sets of Non-Public Meeting Minutes as presented. SECOND: S. Oerman. VOTE: 9.867/0/1.114/4.019 Motion passes. MOTION: W. Felton. MOVED to accept the July 24, 2008 Board Meeting Minutes as amended. SECOND: S. Oerman. VOTE: 8.030/0/2.951/4.019. Motion passes.

 

3.      STUDENT GOVERNMENT REPORT: B. Pickering reported that Trevor from the Student Government and T. Stewart were able to discuss the Student Handbook Policy. Trevor was able to have a lot of say. The Committee is planning an opening meeting on Sept. 2, 2008 to discuss a plan to support the contract vote on Sept. 9, 2008.

 

 

4.  CORRESPONDENCE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS: K. Dassau informed the Board that Glenn White a previous Board Member for many years passed away. Board Members spoke fondly about Glen. The Board had a moment of silence in his honor.

 

      K. Dassau announced that there would be 2 non-public sessions.

 

      K. Dassau reported on the article about T. Stewart, the new Assistant Principal at Monadnock High School, in the Keene Sentinel.

 

      B. Pickering announced that there would be a show to be aired on the vision of the high school.

 

      D. Dahl informed the Board that the Town of Troy has received a grant from the NH Dept.of Transportation for over $100,000.00. D. Dahl spoke as part of receiving the grant. As part of receiving the grant he would ask that the Board write a letter to the State regarding the Board support on healthy living and support of nutrition. MOTION: D. Lyman MOVED to authorize G. White to write such a letter to the NH Dept. of Transportation on behalf of the School Board. SECOND: J. Fortson. VOTE: 10.981/0/0/4.019. Motion passes.

 

      L. Sutton informed the Board that the Middle School would be having their open house on Sept. 4, 2008. She also thanked J. Dragon and B. Kitterman for the donation of their salaries for uniforms for the kids.

 

      The Boys Varsity Basketball Team thanked the Board for the Championship Jackets.

   

5.      Public Comments: B. Hamel asked about the minutes on the web site. R. Smith arrives.

                                                                       

K. Stroshine asked K. Goodenough to thank the Board on her behalf for the opportunity and the funding for the PLC seminar in Boston.

 

6.       NEW BUSINESS:

1.      Bid Awards (2): MOTION: S. Oerman MOVED to accept the Fuller’s Locksmithing bid in the amount of $7401.00 with a 10% contingency totaling $8141.10. SECOND: R. Smith. DISCUSSION: It was explained that this was part of the 2006-2007 project list. Some items were being held due to the Kaestle Boos Master Plan. VOTE: 12.160/0/0/2.840. Motion passes. MOTION: S. Oerman MOVED to move the PA System recommendation from the Facilities Committee to spend up to $6000.00 to move or replace the PA System with the vendor to be determined by the Director of Building and Grounds. SECOND: K. Goodenough. DISCUSSION: W. Felton asked the age of the PA System and suggested possibly an upgrade. K. Chambers explained that this item would be coming out of the Maintenance Account. It was not planned. This is not a warrant article issue. VOTE: 9.960/0/2.200/2.840. Motion passes.

 

2.      Budget Transfer: K. Chambers explained that the Troy Reading Room has been remodeled and now needs shelving. MOTION: S. Oerman MOVED to approve the Finance recommendation budget transfer in the amount of $2152.00. SECOND: D. Lyman. VOTE: 12.160/0/0/2.840. Motion passes.

 

7.       OLD BUSINESS:

1.      Board Goals: The Board agreed to do the Board Goals at the next meeting.

8.    CURRICULUM REPORT:

1.      NEASC Report: B. Pickering thanked the Board for the approval of the funds for the Dept. Chair work week. It is very valuable for the upcoming school year and the focus on the goals. Student learning is the number one priority in making those decisions. They would be forming a team in Sept. to prepare the next NEASC Report. He reported that the Parent Advisory Committee would be focusing on the NEASC issues. There are about 12 to 15 people on the committee. Open House is on Sept. 8, 2008. Heather Jello of the English Dept. informed the Board that they have met 3 times over the summer. They have discussed the NECAP Tests and what they would be doing to help the student to prepare and study for the test in October. They would be discussing establishing consistent reading and writing across the board. One goal is to have every grade work on editing, using a thesaurus and doing a reach paper. They will be writing every single day. She also talked about working on note taking and using the notes as part of a grade. The Board was concerned about the grading of the note taking. Heather explained that note taking is a weakness and we can improve. It is work in progress. She commented that the Senior Projects need to be a shared project and they need to embrace other skills besides the English Curriculum. They will be creating an Advisory Program. The pilot program will have 6 advisors. She explained that the Advisors help guide accountability with the mentors. She explained that they have learned from observing MC2. There would be packages going out prior to the senior project presentations. K. Cota arrives.

2.      AYP Report-D. Hodgdon: D. Hodgdon reported on the highlights of the District In Need of Improvement Committee has been working on over the summer. They have been working on Science Curriculum Work, Common Assessment, Math Alignment, Curriculum Brochures, Math Mentors, Reading Program Work and Professional Learning Community Training. At the high school they have been working on Department Head Work, English Department Work, Senior Project Revision and Science Curriculum Work. At Emerson Elementary they have been having Data Team Meetings. At Troy Elementary they have been doing School In Need of Improvement Work. D. Hodgdon explained that the Mentor Coordinator would be going to full time. This position is grant funded now but there is no guarantee for next year. It may be requested in the budget at sometime.     

 

9.  SCHOOL BOARD COMMITTEE REPORT:

            1.  Community Relations Committee: C. Dreyfuss reported that the committee met earlier tonight. They discussed a flier that was prepared by K. Goodenough to be mailed out in support of the teacher’s contract with the highlights, questions and answers. MOTION: C. Dreyfuss MOVED that the Board accept an anonymous donation of $4995.00 to be used by the CRC for the sole purpose of promoting the teacher’s contracts. SECOND: W.Felton. DISCUSSION: C. Dreyfuss explained the use of the funds such as a newsletter, printing, email cost, mailing and a second mailing. K. Goodenough asked for names to be added to the email list to receive information. The Towns could also be added to the list if interested. J. Fortson asked about the approval of the letter from the Board. G. White said that he has no problem with the letter. The Union President has approved the letter and the administration has reviewed the facts. VOTE: 10.265/0/2.142/2.593. Motion passes. MOTION: C. Dreyfuss. MOVED to spend $800.00 for a two color printing of the newsletter, which the Keene Sentinel Print Shop will prepare. SECOND: W. Felton. DISCUSSION: It was commented that there is no written rationale. C. Dreyfuss explained that there is a time crunch. D. Lyman and W. Wright commented that it is important to notify the public. VOTE: 10.265/0/2.142/2.593. Motion passes. MOTION: C. Dreyfuss MOVED to spend up to $1500.00 for postage for the promotion of the teacher’s contract. SECOND: R. Smith. VOTE: 10.265/0/2.142/2.593. Motion passes. MOTION: C. Dreyfuss MOVED to spend up to $2300.00 for a second mailer, which would be a one page ad editorial mailer with the postage to support the teacher’s contract. SECOND: J. Fortson. VOTE: 10.265/0/2.142/2.593. Motion passes. The alumni of Monadnock have been informing other alumni about the upcoming vote via the internet.

             

            2.  Facilities Committee: K. Cota reported that the last meeting was on August 6, 2008. The Committee discussed various projects. The MS/HS roofs are underway, projects at Troy, Mt. Caesar siding and the HS Gym Floor is moving along. The Project Manager’s position will be up in October. Bill Mitchell would be bringing a proposal to the Facilities Committee at the next meeting after review the committee would than present it to the Board on Sept. 2, 2008. MOTION: K. Cota MOVED to amend her tabled motion of the last meeting as follows: to build a new 7-8 grade Middle School of up to 18 million dollar and to renovate this building as a high school of up to 11 million dollars. SECOND: C. Dreyfuss. DISCUSSION: It was explained that this motion is the only true way to have the Middle School and High School separated. This is the best to move the District forward.  Part of the Board’s credibility is that we do not move the District forward. This would bring people into the District. G. White asked for the Finance Report now in regards to the financing of a project. W. Felton would ask for a written report with the 48 notification. R. Smith commented that this motion should be two separate articles. K. Cota commented that they do not know the back up plan. Because of the State Aid it has to be combined. J. Fortson explained that the Finance Committee looked at 4 scenarios and went round and round on this issue. The Committee wanted the 11 million-dollar renovations to be taken care of with a possible 4 million-dollar addition. C. Dreyfuss explained that the amendment to the motion would impact the taxpayer with a $100,000.00 house an additional $95.14 a year. Building a new Middle School would improve property values and the population crunch at the high school. She does believe that there is support for a Middle School. The Finance Committee does not know what the 4 million-dollars would buy. That is ridiculous. After all the research by the Facilities the Finance brings a 4 million-dollar amount with no support. She would be supporting K. Cota’s motion. E.Jacod commented that we need a back up plan. We are going to impact the taxes. There needs to be a “what if”. R. Smith commented that the 11 million-dollars for renovations to the high school and the 4 million-dollar addition are Plan B. K.Goodenough commented that 15 million-dollars are a far cry from $29,700,000.00. J. Carnie commented that ultimately he would like to have seen something that would have passed. Pay as you go passed previously. It is a good plan by the Finance Committee It is what the taxpayers want us to do. The 11 million-dollars do not need to be spent completely. A certain number of science classrooms are very important. He is concerned that this Board is going down the wrong road. His feeling is that if the Board goes down this route we will endanger the education of the kids. Better off to get something rather than nothing. It is a wise choice if everyone supports it. Times are tight and declining enrollment. He would see the Board going with a smaller number and get all the School Board behind it. W.Wright commented that he would support the motion. It is expensive and hard on the taxpayer. Towns have ways to help the taxpayers. There should not be an option under SB2. This is the best for education. We should try our best to get this through for our District. He commented that new furniture goes with a new school. S. Oerman commented that we need to support the middle school and the renovations. We need to think about the future. Have a chance to vote on the middle school and the renovations. C. Dreyfuss commented that she is liking Plan B but asked what we would do with the students while the renovations are going on. Certainly it does not come free. Her second choice is a middle school only. She is willing to spend extra for a middle school. K. Cota explained that it is a high risk to split the vote. Have the back up plan the same exact plan. The School Board needs to stay together. After voting on the motion the Board needs to stand by it as a whole. That is our obligation. This is a huge pill to swallow but it makes good educational sense. We have put ourselves in this position. D. Lyman explained that to accommodate the students during renovations the beginning and the end of school could be changed. Marlboro took a long time to get their school passed. Monadnock taxpayers are going to love the 15 million. K. Goodenough commented that if there are two warrants it is only human nature to pick the cheaper one. You are asking the District to build half of what they need. A new Middle School is not addressing the NEASC issues. We also have safety issues. She is disappointed. Ed. Jacod commented that you need to keep it small to get something passed. W.Felton commented that this is the right thing to do. A pay as you go proposal would cost more down the road. The youth of this District are the future and we are doing a great dissatisfaction to the youth. We need to do the best we can by our youth. J. Fortson commented that the Finance Committee did what they felt was best. She would like to see a middle school. The 11 million is needed for a back up plan. The middle school would need electricity, janitors,  etc. We can’t even pass a budget. Where are the funds coming from? MOTION: S. Oerman MOVED to move the question. SECOND: J. Fortson. VOTE: 11.286/1.121/0/2.593. Motion passes. VOTE on the amendment: 8.277/2.951/1.179/2.593. Motion passes. MOTION: K.Cota MOVED to amend the previous vote to be placed as one warrant article on the March 2009 ballot with the dollar amount up to $12,000,000.00 for the renovations to this building as a high school and up to $18,672,000.00 for a new 7-8 grade middle school. SECOND: C. Dreyfuss. VOTE: 7.098/3.109/2.200/2.593. Motion passes. VOTE on the amended motion: 8.277/1.193/2.200/2.593. Motion passes. MOTION: R. Smith MOVED to have a Plan B not to exceed $18,672,000.00 for the completion of a new middle School. SECOND: W.Felton. DISCUSSION: D. Lyman commented that the State might look and possibly say no aid. K.Chambers said that she does not believe that would be so. They could force the District to do work. K. Cota commented that she does not want to take the risk. Plan B is the same plan next year. There is a high risk of splitting the vote. C. Dreyfuss commented that changing the plan is a bad idea. Hinsdale had the same plan for 3 years and it finally went through. S. Oerman commented that Plan B does not address the NEASC issues. R. Smith commented that it would address the overcrowding. We are bettering our chances of getting something. Something is better than nothing. K. Cota explained that 60% of the voters are needed and you are splitting the vote. W. Felton explained that he was the SECOND on the motion for the discussion. He said that something has to be done in the high school. That is our problem. A middle school is not enough. MOTION: 1.179/10.207/1.021/2.593. Motion fails. MOTION: J. Carnie MOVED the proposal that came out of the Finance Committee: $11,000,000.00 for infrastructure work at the high school and an additional amount of $4,000,000.00 that could be used to construct an addition of the existing building that would house at the very least the 4 science classrooms and an MPR. SECOND: R. Smith. DISCUSSION: It was commented that we need the renovations to the high school. K. Cota commented that you are splitting the vote it is a higher risk on the vote. E. Jacod commented that he does not see a need for a middle school. C. Dreyfuss commented that we run the risk of a split vote. The School Board’s job is for the best option. We are hired to do the job. K. Chambers explained that she is not sure that $4,000,000.00 would build science classrooms and a MPR. W. Wright asked if both could be on the ballot. K. Chambers explained that we could do something with the wording but than we are in a different position. You do not need to bond both. VOTE: 4.130/6.077/2.200/2.593. Motion fails. MOTION: K. Goodenough MOVED to rescind the amended motion. SECOND: S.Oerman. VOTE: 9.867/2.540/0/2.593. Motion passes. MOTION: K. Goodenough. MOVED to have two separate articles on the ballot: an $18,672,000.00 article for a new middle school and an up to $12,000,000.00 article for renovations to this school as a high school. SECOND: R.Smith. DISCUSSION: K. Cota explained that the $12,000,000.00 would not end up in this school. W.Wright suggested funds be placed in the budget for the moving of the students during renovations. C. Dreyfuss explained that the amended original motion is the best but if the whole Board can get behind this. J. Carnie asked for a roll call vote: Roll call VOTE: E.Jacod-yes, W.Wright-yes, J. Carnie-yes, K.Cota-abstain, K.Goodenough-yes, W. Felton-no, R.Smith-yes, J.Fortson-yes, C. Dreyfuss-no, D.Lyman-yes, S. Oerman-yes and G.White-no. 8.623/3.537/0.247/2.593. Motion passes. MOTION: J.Fortson MOVED to finance the $18,672,000.00 over 20 years with a capital appreciation bond. SECOND: D.Lyman. VOTE: 9.051/1.988/1.368/2.593. Motion passes. MOTION: D.Lyman MOVED to finance the $12,000,000.00 over 10 years with a capital appreciation bond. SECOND: S. Oerman. VOTE: 12.160/0/0.247/2.593. Motion passes.           

         3.   Finance Committee: Report given. The next meeting is on Sept. 10, 2008 at 5:30 PM.

         4.   Policy Committee: No quorum. The next meeting is on Sept. 22, 2008 at 5:30 PM.

         5.   Budget Committee Rep.: The next meeting is on August 26, 2008.

 

K. Goodenough reported to the Board on the Be True To Your School Committee. She reported that the committee would be holding a golf tournament at Arnones on Sept. 27, 2008. Jars are out in the community for donation. The committee is still selling rocks.

         6.   Education Committee: J.Carnie explained that the committee has not met. J. Carnie suggested that people attend the Parent Advisory Committee Meeting. C. Dreyfuss suggested a person from the Education Committee attend the meeting and report back to the Committee. 

10. Action on the Manifest: MOTION: S. Oerman MOVED to accept the manifest in the amount of $ 2,236,344.09. SECOND: C. Dreyfuss. DISCUSSION: The Board had questions and K. Chambers explained.  VOTE: 10.365/0/2.042/2.593. Motion passes

 

11. Superintendent’s Report: K. Dassau explained that the Finance Committee had discussed the principal’s raises at their meeting. He felt the Board should hear what happened. D.Lyman explained that the Finance Committee voted not to recommend the principal’s raises at this time. K. Dassau explained that it would be brought to the Board at the next meeting. MOTION: C. Dreyfuss. MOVED to have the principal’s raise issue go back to the Finance Committee. SECOND: K. Cota. DISCUSSION: J. Fortson asked if we have the information. K. Dassau explained that the record is clear on the decision from the Finance Committee. C. Dreyfuss and K. Cota withdraw their motion. MOTION: C. Dreyfuss MOVED to accept the resignation of Carie Althouse as the middle school art teacher. SECOND: K. Goodenough. VOTE: 12.407/0/0/2.593. Motion passes. MOTION: S.Oerman MOVED to accept the resignation of Morgan Budd-Lausier. SECOND: C. Dreyfuss. VOTE: 12.407/0/0/2.593. Motion passes. K. Dassau reported that he and D. Hodgdon met with the Surry School Board and they are moving forward on the SAU withdrawal process.

 

12. BOARD CHAIR REPORT:

    

13. SETTING NEXT MEETING AGENDA:

1.      Principal’s raises

2.      Board Goals

 

14. SECOND PUBLIC COMMENTS: D. Karens commented on the fact that the Board continues to push the Board Goals to their next meeting. He would encourage the Board to set the goals. He also encouraged the Board to support a vote of the Board as a Board. He is a concerned parent and would like the Board and District to move ahead.

 

15. Non-Public Session: MOTION: C.Dreyfuss. MOVED to enter non-public session under RSA 91-A:3 II © Parent Tuition request. SECOND: E. Jacod. Roll call vote: E. Jacod, W. Felton, W. Wright, R. Smith, K. Goodenough, J. Carnie, K. Cota, J. Fortson, C. Dreyfuss, G. White, D. Lyman and S. Oerman. VOTE: 12.407/0/0/2.593.  Motion passes.

 

16.    Non-public Session: MOTION: C. Dreyfuss. MOVED to enter non-public session under RSA 91-A:3 II (b) Nominations: SECOND: S. Oerman. Roll call vote: E. Jacod, W. Felton, W. Wright K. Goodenough, R. Smith J. Carnie, C. Dreyfuss, J. Fortson, G. White, D. Lyman and S. Oerman. VOTE: 12.407/0/0/2.593 Motion passes.   

 

17. Adjournment: MOTION: C. Dreyfuss MOVED to adjourn the meeting at 11:50 PM. SECOND: C. Dreyfuss. VOTE: Unanimous for those present. Motion passes.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Laura L. Aivaliotis

MRSD Recording Secretary

 

 

 

 

 

 

          

 

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