SCHOOL BOARD
AGENDA
March 18,
2008
Monadnock
Regional Middle/High School,
Present: Gene White, Jane Fortson, Colline Dreyfuss, Karen
Cota, Ed Jacod, Phyllis Peterson, Winston Wright, Doug Lyman, William Felton,
Susan Oerman, James Carnie, Tim Aho, Kristin Goodenough and Robert Smith. Absent: Tim Peloquin.
Also Present: K. Dassau, Superintendent, D. Hodgdon, Assistant
Superintendent and Katie Chambers, Business Manager. Principals: J. Smith, D.
Dahl, L. Sutton, K. Craig, B. Tatro and B. Pickering.
1. School Board Organization: K. Dassau called the meeting to order. He explained
that as Superintendent he would chair the meeting until the Board elects a new
chair.
a. Swearing in of Recently Elected Members: Carolyn Bennett swore in the new Board Members and the
reelected Board Members. Robert Smith and Kristin Goodenough are the new board
Members and James Carnie, Winston Wright and Ed Jacod are the reelected
members.
Carolyn
Bennett swore in the newly elected and reelected Budget Committee Members.
K.
Dassau welcomed K. Goodenough and R. Smith to the Board. The SAU administration
and the principals were introduced. K. Dassau introduced the new Director of
Building and Grounds, William Mitchell, who is also a newly elected on the
Gilsum Board of Selectmen.
K.
Dassau explained the Board’s weighted vote.
b.
Selection of the following officers: Chair: MOTION: C. Dreyfuss MOVED
to nominate G. White as Chair. SECOND:
R. Smith. MOTION: P. Peterson MOVED to nominate D. Lyman as Chair. SECOND: J. Carnie. DISCUSSION: W. Wright asked to hear from each candidate. C.
Dreyfuss spoke in favor of G. White. She said that she had been thinking of who
would be the best to take the chair position. She said that G. White was one of
two. He has been a member of the Board for 7 years. He attends all the meetings
and C. Dreyfuss would ask his advice. She said that he is ready to be the
Chair. S. Oerman commented that she had received two phone calls about the
election. She gets along with both people. She said that she enjoyed what G.
White had to say. She mentioned the Swanzey vs. the other town’s issue and did
not notice it. She said that the Board is here to work as a whole and to move
forward for the kids. She said that G. White understands the major issues that
would move the Board ahead. She said that G. White would make an excellent
Board Chair. K. Cota commented that both candidates are very capable. She is
interested in moving the board forward. G. White has many years of experience.
D.
Lyman said that the reason he was running was to show the community to elect
outside of Swanzey. We can work together and elect outside. It is not the
Swanzey Board it is the District Board. After the election we need to show as
the Board with one voice. He hopes to change that. He said that it is up to the
Board to decide the best candidate.
G.
White thanked the board for the comments. He said that this is not an easy
decision when it was suggested in October to him. He said that he is sad about
the Swanzey block comments. He said that the 14 members on the Board represent
all the children. It takes all of the members to work together. We have a
critical year ahead of us. We are already loosing two key employees. With the
defeat of the contract we may be loosing some more teachers. We need to work
together to maintain normalcy. He said that he has sat in on classes at all the
schools. He said that this is one of the most important things he has done in
his life besides raising his children. We need to put the differences aside and
work together. W. Felton commented that he was in favor of C. Dreyfuss and now
in favor of G. White. There are a lot of issues that focus away from education
and G. White can put up with that. He will do the job without getting involved
with the rest of the stuff. J. Fortson commented that there are two very good
candidates. She would have to vote with experience. She thanked both candidates
for stepping forward and running.
K.
Chambers explained that the yes vote
would be for G. White and the no vote
would be for D. Lyman. VOTE: 8.342/5.955/0/0.703.
Chair G. White.
K.
Dassau congratulated G. White and thanked D. Lyman for his willingness to
serve.
Vice-Chairperson: MOTION: R. Smith MOVED to
nominate J. Fortson as Vice Chair. SECOND:
C. Dreyfuss. DISCUSSION: C.
Dreyfuss commented that J. Fortson was her other choice for Chair. She said
that J. Fortson is a fantastic addition to the Board. VOTE: Nomination by acclamation. Motion passes.
Committee and delegate review: G. White passed out the committee list to the Board
and asked for a break before the School
Board Committee Reports Section to assign members to certain committees.
MOTION: C. Dreyfuss MOVED
to reappoint J. Carnie, W. Wright and J. Fortson to the Surry Transition
Committee. SECOND: P. Peterson. VOTE: 13.176/0/1.121/0.703. Motion passes.
MOTION: C. Dreyfuss MOVED
to reappoint D. Lyman as the legislative representative from the Board. SECOND: P. Peterson. VOTE: 13.276/1.021/0/0.703. Motion passes.
MOTION: C. Dreyfuss MOVED
to reappoint W. Wright as the Board’s representative to the
G.
White commented that the committees are not cast in stone changes could be
made.
J.
Carnie suggested that an Education Committee be formed. With the NEASC and The
AYP issues this is a very important committee. This committee has been
suggested for years and is even more important than the Facilities Committee. MOTION: J. Carnie MOVED to add an Education Committee to the list of committees. SECOND: W. Wright. DISCUSSION: J. Fortson commented that she is very much in favor of
this committee. She would like to see the framework for this committee. T. Aho
said that it is a good idea but why not vote the committee in and have them
form the framework. W. Felton commented that the Board is shooting off the hip.
This should be organized and with a rational. K. Cota agreed with W. Felton.
This item is not on the agenda. We are the Board of education. We need to work
together. C. Dreyfuss would agree with K. Cota and W. Felton we need to have
structure. W. Wright commented that Committees
is on the agenda. We should give it to the Chair to bring a recommendation
back to the Board. G. White explained that the item would be on the next
agenda. He would ask the administration to do some research.
2. AGENDA: MOTION:
C. Dreyfuss MOVED to accept the March 4, 2008 Board Meeting Minutes as
amended. SECOND: D. Lyman. DISCUSSION:
Minutes corrected on file. VOTE: 8.963/1.179/4.155/0.703
Motion passes. J. Carnie commented
that the litigation concerning the NH Retirement has been completed and said
that it is time to unseal the minutes. He believes that they were improperly
sealed in the beginning and that there is no legal right to keep them sealed.
K. Dassau commented that he has not received notice from Attorney Apple that
the litigation is complete. This issue would be placed on the next meeting’s
agenda and discussed during non-public session.
3. STUDENT GOVERNMENT REPORT: Mia Houselander and Trevor Lippincott from the Student
Government explained that the committee has had two meetings since the last
Board Meeting. The committee discussed the March 14, 2008 Protest. They
discussed the school testing, the condition of the buildings and the lack of
communication with the School Board and the voters. They discussed a teacher
evaluation at the end of each semester. A letter was read on behalf of N.
Novack who was not able to attend the meeting. She wrote the letter concerning
the protest and what would happen if the school lost the accreditation. K. Cota
commented that she was very impressed and proud by the student’s manner at the
meeting held today. C. Dreyfuss was impressed with the poise of the students.
She is very interested in participating where she is needed. W. Wright
explained that he attended the meeting and was also very impressed with the
speeches. He thanked the committee for inviting the Board. D. Lyman commented
that the meeting was a productive meeting and went off well. G. White said that
he was unable to attend but participated in last Friday’s events. He was very
impressed on how it was handled. G. White asked if the letter could be
available to the Board. Trevor would be asking N. Novack permission to
distribute.
4.
CORRESPONDENCE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS:
J. Smith reported that MRHS hosted Imagination Destination and one team from
Monadnock would be attending the State Meet. Congratulations.
J.
Smith reported that the Boys Varsity Basketball Team had won the Boys Class I
State Tournament. This is the first time in the history of the school. Congratulations.
A signed resolution was given to Monadnock from the NH Senate and House of
Representatives. MOTION: D. Lyman MOVED to fund up to $1500.00 for the
purchase of championship jackets for the Boys Basketball Team. SECOND: P. Peterson. DISCUSSION: P. Peterson suggested
following past practice. She said that they are well deserved. W. Wright
commented that we have waited long enough for these jackets. VOTE: 14.297/0/0/0/703. Motion passes. J. Smith informed the
Board that there was a public celebration at Nissan of Keene and catered by
Papagallos. There was also a large celebration after the game and an anonymous
donor donated 40 large pizzas.
The Fine Arts Department presented The Sound of Music.
The students and staff did a wonderful job.
K. Craig reported that an outside psychologist praised
the staff and program of the collaborative preschool at Emerson.
B. Tatro reported that there would be a 2nd
grade show at the high school on March 19, 2008. She also reported that the
name of the husky is Rocky as a result of the vote.
B. Pickering reported that the Special Olympians took
first place in basketball. There would be a luncheon prepared for them on
Wednesday March 19, 2008. Congratulations. J. Pelkey would be going to the All
State Team. Congratulations.
K. Dassau read a letter signed by three Gilsum parents
requesting a full day kindergarten for the 2008-2009 school year.
K. Dassau welcomed W. Mitchell the new Director of
Building and Grounds.
K. Dassau announced that K. Chambers would be leaving
the District as of Sept. 1, 2008.
A Principal Search Committee should be formed for the
Cutler Search.
K. Chambers commented that she has clearly enjoyed her
work at SAU #38. She has tried to sell her home for a year. She has been
offered a job much closer to her home in SAU #40.
S.Oerman reported that there were 6 athletes that
received Winter Sports Awards.
K. Dassau introduced the new moderator Bill Hutwelker
III.
K. Dassau reported that there is a need for non-public
session or “non-meeting.”
5.
Public Comments: J. Craig commented that after a common vote between the Board and the
Budget Committee the outcome was not the same. He commented on the fact that
teachers called in sick on Friday. He said that the students need to come
before the teachers. He would support whatever action appropriate based on
their inappropriate decisions.
M. Hoeffer commented that the Board needs to work
together and move forward.
A member of the public commented on the fact that the
teachers have gone without a new contract in 3 years. She would suggest moving
forward.
W. Imon welcomed the new members and the reelected
members. He thanked C. Dreyfuss for being chair for the last two years.
6. CURRICULUM
REPORT: NEASC Update and AYP: J. Smith and D. Hodgdon
discussed the AYP Math scores. They explained that a team has been formed and
listed the members. He said that the scores are inconsistent in how the
students took the test. Some students said that they did not know how important
the test was. They may suggest adding the NECAP to the transcript. He explained
that they are addressing the issue and that it is a big chunk of work. The
NECAP Test in the area of science would be administered in May. He read the
names of the members on the AYP Reading Team. K. Dassau explained that the team
would continue to meet to find resolutions. K. Dassau explained that the test
is not simple. He said that 74% in the state did not score proficient. J. Smith
commented that regardless of the level all the students are taking the test.
D.Hodgdon said three states NH, RI and
7.
NEW BUSINESS:
1.
08/09 School Board Meeting Schedule (draft): MOTION: S. Oerman. MOVED
to accept the MRSD Draft dated 3-12-08 School Board Meeting Schedule. SECOND: P. Peterson. VOTE: 11.288/0/3.009/0.703. Motion passes.
2.
RSA 198:20-b Approval of Grant to Sullivan. MOTION: T. Aho MOVED to
accept the UNH Cooperative Extension Nutrition Grant in the amount of $2913.19
for Sullivan Elementary. SECOND: P.Peterson.
VOTE: 14.050/0/0/0.950. Motion passes.
3.
Default Budget:
K.Chambers passed out information to the Board listing the administrator’s
highest and lower priorities. This information would be discussed in the
Finance. This should be completed by the end of the school year. K. Chambers
explained that the cost per pupil has not been published yet.
8.
OLD BUSINESS: :
1.
Review of vote: It was explained that S. Oerman received notification of a recount
because she was one of the petitioners. K. Chambers explained that the recount
would take place tomorrow at 7:00 PM. The new moderator explained what would be
happening and the people that would do the recount. J. Carnie was not contacted
and would like to participate. K. Chambers explained that this was an oversight
that the whole Board did not get contracted. K. Goodenough asked the procedure
to do a revote and the process. K. Dassau explained that the School Board could
request a special meeting. He would suggest this conversation during non-public.
It is up to the Board. C. Dreyfuss commented that she was disappointed that the
Teacher’s contract did not go through. She suggested a meeting with the
Sullivan Selectmen. She would suggest the CRC moving forward. MOTION: K. Goodenough MOVED to ask the Board if it is the
will of the Board to have a Special Meeting for a revote. No
Second. G. White would suggest discussing this at another meeting. K.
Dassau explained that it would be in a non-meeting after non-public session
tonight. W. Felton asked for a rational in writing.
2.
Surry Transition: MOTION: J. Fortson MOVED
to recommend to the MRSD Board that we accept the Surry Board’s request for
the 9th, 10th and 11th graders to attend MRSD
pending an agreement on tuition in accordance with Policy JFAB. SECOND: W. Wright. DISCUSSION: K. Dassau explained that the conversation concerning
the SAU costs is separate from this conversation. The SAU is not structured to
manage a 4th district. K. Dassau explained that some students may
wish to attend Monadnock or
3.
Unfunded Mandate Litigation: K. Chambers explained that there is nothing to
discuss.
9.
SCHOOL BOARD COMMITTEE REPORTS:
1.
Community Relations Committee:
MOTION: C. Dreyfuss MOVED to appoint C. Dreyfuss, K. Goodenough, E. Jacod,
W. Wright, P. Peterson and G.White to the CRC. SECOND: D. Lyman VOTE: 13.521/0/0/1.479.
(T. Aho missing from vote.) Motion
passes.
2.
Facilities Committee: MOTION: S.
Oerman MOVED to appoint K. Cota, R.
Smith, C. Dreyfuss, W. Felton, K. Goodenough and G. White to the Facilities
Committee. SECOND: J. Fortson.VOTE: 10.570/1.830/1.121/1.479. Motion passes.
3.
Finance Committee: MOTION: C. Dreyfuss MOVED
to appoint S. Oerman, J. Fortson, D.Lyman, P. Peterson, T. Aho and G. White
to the Finance Committee. SECOND: R.
Smith. VOTE: 11.379/2.142/0/1.479. Motion passes.
4. Policy
Committee: MOTION: C. Dreyfuss MOVED to appoint S. Oerman, J. Carnie,
W. Felton, W. Wright and G. White to the Policy Committee. SECOND: R. Smith VOTE: 11.379/1.121/1.797/0.703.
Motion passes.
5. Budget
Committee:
6. Negotiations:
MOTION: R. Smith MOVED to appoint W. Wright, C. Dreyfuss, S. Oerman, G. White and J.
Fortson to the Negotiating Committee. SECOND:
K. Goodenough. VOTE: 10.570/3.727/0/0.703.
Motion passes. P. Peterson asked to go back to the vote on
the Finance Committee Members. She commented that J. Carnie had been on the Finance Committee and
questioned why not now. G. White explained that he wanted the committees to
stay at 5 members. D.Lyman commented that some of the committees have 6
members. G. White explained that in Policy they discussed having an alternate
to fulfill the quorum. He said that he would be the non-voting member until the
alternate is needed on the committee. J. Carnie commented that it is very
divisive and very obvious. He said that G. White was trying to make policy as
he went. The alternate change was not brought to the full Board it was only
discussion. G. White commented that he was trying to make things run smoothly.
He said that he could be taken off the committee but he would still be in
attendance. He would go with the will of the Board. C. Dreyfuss called for a
point of order and said that the Chair appoints per policy. W. Felton commented
that according to Roberts Rules anyone could challenge the Chair. MOTION: J. Fortson MOVED to appoint J. Carnie and G. White as voting members on the
Finance Committee and to appoint G.White as a voting member to the Policy
Committee. SECOND: W. Wright. DISCUSSION: K. Cota felt that there
were too many people on the Finance Committee and suggested J. Carnie to the
Negotiating Committee. VOTE: 10.671/2.447/0/1.882.
(C. Dreyfuss missing from vote) Motion
passes.
7.
8. Legislative
Committee: D. Lyman asked the Board
permission to write a letter to the Senators and ask them to vote down Bill
1436, 1469 and 1127. MOTION: R.
Smith MOVED to allow D.Lyman to
write a letter on behalf of the Board. DISCUSSION:
C. Dreyfuss would like to see if the Board wants to vote these Bills down.
K. Cota would like to review the letter prior to it being sent. MOTION to amend: R. Smith MOVED to amend the motion to submit the
letter to the Board to review and approve prior to the sending. SECOND: P. Peterson. DISCUSSION: D Lyman explained that the
Board could change the letter. VOTE on
amendment: 11.939/1.179/1.179/0.703. Amendment
passes. Amended Motion: to give
D. Lyman permission to write a letter to the Senators to ask them to vote
against HB 1436, HB 1469 and HB 1127 and to have the Board review the letter
prior to it being sent. VOTE: 9.492/2.358/2.477/0.703.
Motion passes.
10. Action
on the Manifest: MOTION: S. Oerman MOVED to accept the manifest in the
amount of $283,691.33. SECOND: J.
Fortson. DISCUSSION: PFG is for Food
Service. T. Aho asked for a breakdown on Upton and Hatfield. K. Chambers has
that information available. VOTE: 13.276/0/1.021/0.703. Motion passes.
11. Superintendent’s Report: K. Dassau suggested New Board Member Orientation and
New Board Goals.
Teacher’s nominations
are due April 15, 2008 but will bring to the board the next meeting.
He will request a recess
for a conversation on negotiations.
12. BOARD
CHAIR REPORT:
13. SETTING
NEXT MEETING AGENDA:
1.
Education
Committee
2.
Board Orientation
3.
21st
Century Grant Update Northern Schools and
4.
Setting
Directions in regards to Facilities.
5.
Unfunded Mandate
Retirement
6.
Sealed
Minutes-Non-public
14. SECOND
PUBLIC COMMENTS: C. Kahn explained
that the teachers are willing to get back to the negotiating table.
Dr. E. Kaplan commented that he has earned the respect
to be called Dr.Kaplan.
Dr. Kaplan commented that writing a letter and then
discussing it makes no sense.
E. Jacod commented that at times Dr. Kaplan introduced
himself as E. Kaplan.
N. Moriarty commented to Dr. Kaplan that his name was
misspelled in an article.
The cost to have a special meeting to consider the
teacher’s contract would cost the district about $8500.00.
15. Recess to discuss negotiations:
MOTION: R. Smith MOVED to recess. SECOND: K.
Goodenough. DISCUSSION: J. Carnie
commented that this practice is very dangerous. He said that the discussion
should not come until after the recount tomorrow. K. Dassau commented that
someone could entertain a motion to adjourn if they wish to. VOTE: 11.379/1.897/1.021/0.703. Motion passes.
16. Non-Public Session: MOTION: S.
Oerman MOVED to enter non-public
session under RSA A:3, II (e) pending litigation.. SECOND: K. Goodenough. VOTE:
9.737/3.537/0/1.726. Motion passes.
17. Adjournment: MOTION: T. Aho MOVED to
adjourn the meeting at 12:02 AM. SECOND:
J. Carnie VOTE: Unanimous for
those present. Motion passes.
Respectfully submitted,
Laura L. Aivaliotis
MRSD
Recording Secretary