Approved  Minutes

MONADNOCK REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

SCHOOL BOARD AGENDA

November 18, 2008

Monadnock Regional Middle/High School, Swanzey, NH

 

Present: Gene White, Jane Fortson, Doug Lyman, Phyllis Peterson, James Carnie, Robert Smith, William Felton, Eric Stanley, Kristen Goodenough, E. Jacod and Winston Wright. Absent: Tim Aho and Susan Oerman 

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

 

G. White read the new board Goal, which is to improve student achievement.

 

1.      CONSENT AGENDA: MOTION: J. Fortson MOVED to accept the November 3, 2008 Board Meeting Minutes as presented. SECOND: D. Lyman. DISCUSSION: J. Carnie asked for the corrections to the last meetings minutes. It was explained that the original minutes are corrected and placed on file per instructions from the Board. J. Carnie explained that he looked at the handwritten minutes, which contained the recusing of K. Cota. He is wondering what is going on. The public has the right to know. He said that he does not see the corrected minutes. G. White explained that he would get an answer. K. Dassau explained that there is no requirement to post the minutes on line. J.Carnie commented that he went to the SAU on Thursday to see the minutes and they were not there. It was stated that the corrected minutes are sent with the non-public minutes, which are required in 72 hours.  VOTE: 10.265/0/1.988/2.747. Motion passes. MOTION: J. Fortson MOVED to accept the November 3, 2008 Non-public Minutes as presented. SECOND: W. Felton. VOTE: 10.265/0/1.988/2.747. Motion passes. 

 

2.      STUDENT GOVERNMENT REPORT: R. Straukey reported that the committee met last Monday. They would be holding their regular meetings on the first and third Tuesday of each month. They have changed their structure to act more as a government. They have divided into subcommittees. The individuals choose their subcommittee on making a difference on what they believe. He explained that the committee for the parking stickers resolved the issue in 2 weeks. They now have the parking stickers hanging from the rear view mirrors instead of stickers. They are discussing a janitor’s day. This would let the students appreciate what the janitors do for the school. Cell phones in the senior hall are an upcoming issue. 

 

 

3.  CORRESPONDENCE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS: B. Pickering reported on the October Students of the Month: S. LeClair, N. Lumbra, R. O’Brien and R. Straukey. Congratulations!!! C. Kahn was the Staff Member for the month of September Congratulations!!! Students on the high honor roll and honor roll would be receiving a certificate for their academic success in the mail.

 

R. Smith reported that it was a great turnout for the removal of the auditorium seats. Special thanks to the Middle School Football Team. The entire group completed the task in about 6 hours. Thursday the auditorium seats would be arriving. It is promised that the seats would be complete by the Christmas Concert. B. Mitchell thanked all the volunteers.

 

D. Mousette reported on a wonderful Veterans Day Celebration at Gilsum. There were about 125 people in attendance. They veterans stayed after and spoke to the students. The community was very involved. 

 

 

4.      Public Comments: R. Bauries explained that he was very concerned with the huge increase. He said that the School Board is out of their heads. The budget is a 22-24% increase and the next year would be a 24% increase. You are asking for 34.6 million in warrants. The cost per pupil in Roxbury is $17,500.00 and MC2 is $21,500.00. He commented on a student going to KSC and the cost is $16,200.00. The principals and the administration are getting raises but it is not in the budget. You are moving money around but never appropriated it. The seats in the auditorium are an illegal appropriation. Do we need them yes we do. He said that a default budget is last year’s budget and divided by 12. This District is going in the opposite direction. He said that he and the Taxpayers Association would not support a middle school. People are receiving a $1200.00 and $1500.00 tax increases. He asked if the School Board knows what is going on out there. He asked what is the matter with the School Board. The principal raises are illegal. We can’t afford the raises.

 

P. Bauries commented that she was very disturbed by the increase in her tax bill. She yielded her time in order to allow R. Bauries to speak again. R. Bauries asked why there was no public hearing on the 2 proposed warrant articles and received no answer from K. Cota when she was asked. He asked why the School Board or the administration has not asked for a public hearing on the 2 proposed warrants. The taxpayers would probably not support either warrant. He asked G. White if he used the 911 system for the teacher’s contract vote. K.Dassau explained that he handed out the policy on public participation and R. Baurie’s display is over the top. G. White commented that they used the system to alert the voters of a Special Election. R. Bauries said there were 3 calls to 1 person and it was discussed how to vote. You need to give the opposing side the same amount of time. It is illegal. The School Board and the Budget Committee need to sit down with the Taxpayers Association. We want a good education for the children. He is very concerned with the raises and the money being spent in the default. He said that the next step is court. He thanked G. White and the School Board for listening.

 

W.Wright asked R. Bauries to write out his comments that he spoke tonight. R. Bauries said he would.

 

E. Stanley reminded the Board of the pancake breakfast at Applebees on Nov. 29, 2008 at 8:00 AM. 

 

5.       NEW BUSINESS:

1.      America Reads Program. D.Lyman asked for this topic to be in on the agenda. He said that he asked for this to be on the agenda because a member of the public was told that he was not wanted because he wrote an article to the paper. He would ask the administration to look into this and to take the appropriate action. We can not do that. This really looks bad to have a volunteer go to the School Board and 2 weeks later get back in the program. He would like the administration to look at this issue. G. White commented that the administration would look at that issue. MOTION: D. Lyman MOVED to have the administration look into this incident and report back to the School Board in public or non-public session. SECOND: E.Jacod. DISCUSSION: E. Stanley commented that the Board needs to be careful with people’s rights. We are opening up to a lawsuit. He could not believe that they refused a volunteer. J.Fortson commented that the children are lacking a quality audience. VOTE:9.895/2.358/0/2.747. Motion passes. G. White commented that dragging out this issue is damaging the District. J.Carnie began to comment and there was an argument between G. White and J. Carnie. MOTION: E. Jacod MOVED to have Vice Chair, J. Fortson take over the rest of the meeting tonight. SECOND: E. Stanley. DISCUSSION: W.Wright asked the reason. E. Jacod explained that it was G. White’s emotional reaction to those disagreeing over the last motion. Lack of decorum. He said that he could understand the frustration but it needs to be contained. We have a lot of work to do. VOTE: 6.423/4.651/1.179/2.747. Motion passes. J. Carnie is concerned that there are decisions being made but not by the Board. When a problem is presented it should not be decided in the background. The motion to go to the administration and get an answer is appropriate. We need the Board to start making these decisions.  

2.      Recording of the Meetings: D. Lyman suggested having Cheshire TV or the Troy School tape the meetings. He said that there were 10 minutes of corrections at the last meeting. E. Stanley asked if it would be shown on the local channel. It was commented that it would go along with the minutes. This issue was discussed at a meeting last year. W. Wright commented that recording the minutes would be all right but no need to video tape them.  It would be a burden for the Troy School. It was commented that there should be a full discussion on how the tapes would be kept and stored. MOTION: D.Lyman MOVED to have this issue sent to the Policy Committee to take up the possibilities and ramifications of recording the meetings. SECOND: K. Goodenough. DISCUSSION: W.Felton commented that we tried to get that started before and could not. It would be a valuable asset. K.Goodenough asked about logistics. Who would pay and how would they be paid. This would go to Policy and then to Finance. VOTE: 12.2.53/0/0/2.747. Motion passes.

3.      RSA 194-C:8: J. Carnie requested this be put on the agenda. He commented that this was part of the discussion at the SAU Meeting. The weighted vote had never been used. He assumed that any member of the board could request the weighted vote. The statute does not say that but comes after the forming of the three SAUs. This was put in the SAU Procedures Manual. This issue may be raised and should be looked at. It is a problem that we may run into and we may need to call the weighted vote. J. Carnie commented that Monadnock pays 67%of the SAU Budget. If the Board uses the weighted vote we should have a plan. He suggested putting this on the next agenda. W. Felton commented that the policy that exists does not present effectively. There maybe tension. He would suggest going to Concord to change this so that it is clearer. E.Jacod commented that it would be beneficial for the Board to have good participation at the SAU Board Meetings. J.Fortson commented that there should be more meetings at Monadnock not just Winchester and Hinsdale. Monadnock pays 2/3 of the value. J. Carnie suggested putting it on the next agenda. We are paying 2/3 of the budget and getting 1/15^th of the vote. Have it on the next agenda and determine the weighted vote. Have the administration calculate the weighted vote. K.Dassau explained that a legal opinion is needed. The Procedures Manual has been looked at for 3 years. This is the only outstanding item. It is an interpretation of the law. K.Dassau suggested getting a legal opinion. J.Fortson would place this under “Old Business” at the next meeting.

4.           

6.      OLD BUSINESS:  

1.   2009-2010: It was mentioned that E. Wammack hopes to have the figures done on Friday. Earl has the task of learning and loading the information. It was mentioned when the default is set that the administration would set the budget at the default. The composition of the School Board was commented on thirteen members or fifteen members. J. Fortson asked if there would be any action on the warrant articles. The Budget Committee asked the Board to look at them again.

2.     2009/2010 Project List: R.Smith explained that there is no number change. The amount is $737,836.00. MOTION: R. Smith MOVED the 2009/2010 Project List in the amount of $737,836.00. SECOND: K. Goodenough. DISCUSSION: It was explained that this is all new money. P. Peterson asked if the numbers were firm. W.Wright commented that as of Jan. 1, 2009 the Fire Inspector would be going to every school and doing an inspection. We should look at the list to make sure that we are in compliance. This is very comprehensive and very expensive. R.Smith asked what happens if the Board overestimates. E.Wammack explained that the warrant could be written specifically. K. Dassau explained that the warrant would say for health and safety items. You are not limited to the projects as proposed. You are in control of the bottom line. The $5500.00 is to empty and clean the tanks. B. Mitchell explained that the funds are for the bleachers on the home side of the football bleachers. B. Mitchell explained that the Troy lighting is not a quote but what was spent at Cutler. MOTION: D. Lyman MOVED to table until there is more information. SECOND: P. Peterson. DISCUSSION: R.Smith suggested a budget of $100,000.00 for the bleachers. He feels that he would be able to get the dirt and stone work covered. He feels confident. The Facilities Motion was $672,836.00. VOTE: 12.253/0/0/2.747. Motion passes.   

 

 

7.   CURRICULUM REPORT:

1.      NEASC Report: B. Pickering reported that he attended a new principal’s workshop regarding NEASC. He reported to the Ed. Committee on the workshop. He explained that a substantial change has to be reported to the NEASC such as an elimination of a position or a change to what has been reported already to the NEASC within 60 days with the reason and the effect. Any school on probation is expected to make a report every year. Forward progress is important. Making progress is important. In order to have full accreditation a school must complete the items presented by the NEASC. We should expect to hear in February regarding the recently submitted report. The standards set by the NEASC would not change due to the economy. B.Pickering reported that he would like to submit a letter of interest for a Nellie Mae Grant in the amount of $40,000.00-$50,000.00. The grant is to be used for professional development, resource development, Internships and to expand and develop the current program. W.Felton asked B.Pickering where he got the information. B.Pickering used the information from the 2 year NEASC report. D.Lyman asked if the Board was told about this grant. B. Pickering had explained at an earlier meeting that there might be grant opportunities. There was a time line. This is a letter of interest. K.Dassau explained that we were invited by the State Dept. of Ed. K.Dassau explained that B.Pickering brought this grant topic to the Ed.Committee first as protocol. J. Carnie commented that the Ed. Committee asked to have the information in the packets and they support the application. MOTION: J. Carnie. MOVED to support he application for the Nellie Mae Grant as recommended by the Ed. Committee. SECOND: P. Peterson. VOTE: 12.253/0/0/2.747. Motion passes. B.Pickering explained that there are 70 NEASC items in progress with 10-15 complete. P. Peterson asked when the next report is due and what the Board could do to help. B.Pickering explained there needs to be a continuous NEASC follow up committee. They are waiting to see the update report in February. When the report comes back a team of people are ready to go. There are different levels of progress. B.Pickering reported that half of the items on the list are facilities. 

2.   AYP Report-D. Hodgdon reported that 6 years ago he started the yearly District Profile/Report Card for all three Districts. It would be posted on the web site soon. The information is available to the public. He explained to the Board what information is included. D. Hodgdon explained that a highly qualified teacher is certified in the subject area or competent in the subject area. 

8.   SCHOOL BOARD COMMITTEE REPORT:

            1.  Community Relations Committee: K. Goodenough reported that she was nominated Chair at the last CRC Meeting. The meeting was interrupted and the committee could not finish. The next meeting is 6:15 PM before the next Board Meeting.

            2.   Facilities Committee: Later in the meeting.

            a. BeTTYS Subcommittee: K.Goodenough reported that the committee has raised about $3800.00. The latest fundraiser is sending letters to alumni and friends asking for donations. D.Crowder is the faculty advisor for the committee. The pancake breakfast is on Nov. 29, 2008. The tickets would be on sale at the Turkey Tussel and at the Applebees.  

 

3.   Finance Committee: MOTION: D.Lyman MOVED to accept S.Oerman’s resignation from the Finance Committee. SECOND: G.White. VOTE: 12.253/0/0/2.747. Motion passes. MOTION: W. Wright MOVED to appoint S.Oerman to the Ed. Committee. SECOND: E.Stanley. VOTE: 10.423/.809/1.021/2.747. Motion passes. D.Lyman reported that the committee met on Nov. 13, 2008 and discussed various finance reports and the legal bills. There was discussion on the 2009-2010 budget. MOTION: D.Lyman MOVED as recommended by the Finance Committee that we return the 2009-2010 budget back to the administration and have them remove $1 million dollars from the budget. SECOND: J.Carnie. DISCUSSION: D.Lyman explained that he would not like to see the budget a default budget and there is an increase in the current tax bills. The vote was 3-2 for the $1 million dollar amount. R.Smith asked where they would cut. D.Lyman explained that the budget would be cut by the administration. E.Stanley commented that he would like the Finance Committee to make some recommendations. He does agree that it needs to be bare boned. J. Fortson explained that she voted against the $1 million dollar cut until she knew the impact and what impact on programs. We need to look at the education piece first. D. Lyman commented that the $1 million dollars is what the administration thinks is bare boned. Let the Board know if this is not possible. He would like to see a budget passed. We have been returning the million in the default each year. He felt that this is a good number. J. Carnie commented that this is an increase and we are asking to reduce the increase. It is not cutting the budget. This gives the administration flexibility. E. Jacod agrees with the figure but would suggest that the Finance Committee come up with suggestions. It was commented that this is going to be a problem with the NEASC. P. Peterson commented that it is important for the administration to look at their budget and the Finance Committee. It is important not to cut direct services to the students. W. Wright commented that he commends the Finance Committee for bringing the $1 million dollar cut suggestion but what is the impact on the tax rate. He would like to see a $3 million dollar cut but he does not have the rationale. He said that the Board sat on the Saturday session and had no questions for the administration. We now have our tax bills and you are now bringing up cutting $1 million dollars. The $1 million dollar cut is probably $100.00 on the tax bill is it worth it to cut programs. K.Dassau explained if we see the default budget we would have the budget at the default number. Class size, closing Sullivan School, notification of high school class size of less than 10 and to eliminate classes of 10 or 15. Looking at the sports program in the way of cuts is an option. W. Felton commented that the NEASC is not going to reduce their expectations. The argument we are having now is what we have with the Budget Committee. It seems like the Finance committee is taking over. We are supposed to be on the same side. He would rather go against the Budget committee. E. Stanley commented that having the Finance Committee look at it is very prudent. D. Lyman explained that the Finance Committee voted to have the administration look at the budget if the entire School Board votes against it we don’t do it. It would let the public know that we are trying to keep the budget down and give the kids the best education. W. Wright explained that he would vote for it if there were A, B, and C options of cutting the $1 million dollars. MOTION: W.Wright. MOVED to amend to have the administration come in with A, B and C recommendations for cutting $1 million dollars from the 2009-2010 budget for the consideration of the Finance Committee. SECOND: R. Smith. DISCUSSION: J. Carnie commented that the proposed cuts should go to the Finance Committee and then the School Board. R. Smith commented that sports are sacred and some people would not graduate if they did not have that interest in school. K. Dassau explained that he was told not to touch the sports. The Finance Committee has asked for all the options. MOTION: R.Smith MOVED that sports are left alone during the budget cutting process. Fails for lack of second. It was commented that the sports program would be evaluated but not eliminated. Some factors have changed due to enrollment. J.Carnie commented that he would like to review the sports looking at class size and the sports. He does not want to see all the cuts made in the sports account. R. Smith talked about getting sponsorships for the programs. K. Craig commented that there are a lot of other things that keep kids in school. She would suggest looking at other options. B.Pickering said that it might be possible to get sponsorship for a facility but not for the coaches and equipment. W.Felton reminded the board on how Monadnock does in sports and it does not impress the NEASC. VOTE on amendment: 11.074/1.179/0/2.747. Motion passes. VOTE on amended motion: 9.895/2.358/0/2.747. Motion passes. The Finance Committee would ask for the numbers by December 4, 2008.

4.   Policy Committee: G. White explained that the DOE would be visiting Cutler School. The School Board is required to adopt a schedule prepared by the administrators. MOTION: G. White MOVED to adopt Policy IIC Instructional Time Schedule as presented. SECOND: W.Wright. VOTE: 12.253/0/0/2.747. Motion passes.  G.White reported that the committee discussed the number of members. The committee discussed going to the State submitting a bill to leave it at the 14 members or having an odd number of members 13 or 15. The committee suggested staying at 15 and adding a member from Swanzey. Due to the number of people in Swanzey 7 members would be the correct number of members. It is roughly 1 member per 1000 people per town. MOTION: G.White MOVED to keep a 15 member Board with Swanzey getting another member. SECOND: W.Felton. DISCUSSION: K.Goodenough commented that there would be 7 members from Swanzey but all would have less of the weighted vote. G.White explained that he used the 2007 population estimates. J.Carnie asked what is being proposed. It was explained that there would be a warrant article and this would not go into effect until the following year. E.Jacod commented that it sounds the most sensible to him. VOTE: 8.997/2.135/1.121/2.747. Motion passes. G. White passed out a revised Policy BEDB-Agenda Preparation and Dissemination to the Board for a motion at the next meeting. The next meeting is on Dec. 1, 2008 at 5:30PM.

         5.   Budget Committee Rep.: The next meeting is on November 25, 2008 at 7:00PM. 

         6.   Cheshire Career Center: W.Wright reported that there would be a meeting on December 11, 2008 with a lengthy agenda.

7.   Education Committee: J.Carnie reported that the committee covered most of the items reported by B.Pickering tonight. The public asked for the committee to look at after school programs and summer school. There was a discussion on MC2. The group would be discussing the mission statement. They would like to have several groups look at it together. They also discussed the NEASC, power school and the Nellie Mae Grant. The next meeting is on Dec. 11, 2008 at 4:00PM.

8.  Facilities Committee: R. Smith passed out the minutes of the last meeting. The committee discussed the use of wood pellets. The Board received information and bids on scraping mats for all the schools. MOTION: R.Smith MOVED to waive the 48 hour policy. SECOND: E.Stanley. DISCUSSION: The Board asked why the urgency. B.Mitchell explained that they should accept the bid before Dec. 2, 2008 because winter is coming and if we wait the mats need to be made to fit the entry ways and sent it would then be mid December. VOTE: 7.883/4.370/0/2.747. Motion fails 2/3 vote required. The committee discussed hazardous waste in the building, revisiting the 2 warrant articles, the public hearing and the cost to relocate the students during the projects. The cost of a new 8 classroom modular for 3 years is $693,000.00. The cost of 4-2 classroom used modulars for 3 years is $430,203.00. B.Mitchell explained that there is no capacity at the electrical end. We have to do something fancy. The cost of the site work is included but not all of it. The buildings would also cut into the parking lot. D. Lyman asked the length of the infrastructure of the high school. It was explained that it would be 3 years. It would be 9 months per zone complete. D.Lyman asked if we have looked to change the schedule. G.White commented that we have a contract with the support staff and the teachers. There is major work that has to be done. D.Lyman  asked if anyone discussed other options. R.Smith commented that these are only the numbers. P. Peterson commented that Marlboro did a different school schedule. J.Carnie asked to look at the figures on the mats. R.Smith reported that the next meeting is on Nov. 19, 2008 at 6:00 PM.   

9.   Action on the Manifest: MOTION: D. Lyman MOVED to accept the manifest in the amount of  $1,916,671.62. SECOND: P. Peterson. DISCUSSION: J. Fortson asked about a payment to Fall Mountain. K.Dassau explained it was for tuition.   VOTE: 10.053/0/2.2/2.747. Motion passes.  

 

10. Superintendent’s Report: K. Dassau reported to the Board on the last SAU Board Meeting. He explained that the only significant changes in the proposed budget are the 3% pool of money for the staff and the $35,000.00 boiler. It was suggested that the $35,000.00 come out of the undesignated fund balance. The next meeting is on Dec. 3, 2008 at 7:00 PM. K. Dassau explained that the public participation tonight violated the Board’s policy. He would suggest a piece of tape to keep the public away from the tables and the Board’s face and the threatening of the Board Members. E.Jacod commented that it does not help the person to carry on in that fashion.

 

11. BOARD CHAIR REPORT: G. White apologized for his behavior and actions tonight. He hoped that everyone on the Board was part of the solution and he was the problem. He apologized. 

 

12. SETTING NEXT MEETING AGENDA

1.      Budget 2009-2010

2.      Project List

3.      RSA 194-C:8

4.      Scraper mats and uniforms

5.      Sponsorship on campus

 

J. Carnie asked if he was going to receive an answer on his question that he asked 4 times in Gilsum and once in Sullivan. Who did K.Cota recuse herself to and when did she do it. K.Dassau asked if the whole Board would like this information. D.Lyman suggested putting it on the agenda.

 

 

13. SECOND PUBLIC COMMENTS: K. Craig commented as a principal, resident, grandparent and taxpayer. She would like to acknowledge the work of the School Board and the tough times but she is very distress over the slanderous remarks tonight. Our students would never act as the School Board did. We remind our students to respect each other and to work together.

 

      D.Lyman reported that he went to a grandparent’s luncheon in Troy and it was a very nice time.

 

14. Non-Public Session 10:45 PM: MOTION: R.Smith MOVED to enter into non-public session under RSA 91-A:3 II(b) nominations. SECOND: D.Lyman. Roll call vote: R. Smith-yes, E.Stanley-yes, J.Carnie-yes, J. Fortson-yes, G. White-yes, K. Goodenough-yes, W. Wright-yes, D. Lyman-yes, W. Felton, P. Peterson-yes and E.Jacod-yes.12.253/0/0/2.747 Motion passes.

15. Non-Public Session 11:05 PM: MOTION: K.Goodenough. MOVED to enter into non-public session under RSA 91-A:3 (e) litigation: SECOND: E. Jacod. Roll call vote: R.Smith-yes, E.Stanley-yes, J. Carnie-yes, J. Fortson-yes, G.White-yes, K.Goodenough-yes, W. Wright-yes, D.Lyman-yes, W. Felton-yes, P.Peterson-yes and E.Jacod-yes. 12.253/0/0/2.747. Motion passes.

 

15. Adjournment: MOTION: D. Lyman MOVED to adjourn the meeting at 11:20 PM. SECOND: E.Jacod VOTE: Unanimous for those present. Motion passes.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Laura L. Aivaliotis

MRSD Recording Secretary