November 3, 2008
Present: Gene White, Jane Fortson, Doug Lyman, Phyllis Peterson, James Carnie, Robert Smith, William Felton, Susan Oerman, Eric Stanley and Winston Wright. Absent: Tim Aho, Kristen Goodenough and Ed Jacod.
Also Present: K. Dassau, Superintendent, D. Hodgdon, Assistant Superintendent and E. Wammack, Business Manager. Principals: B. Pickering, D. Dahl, J. C. Russell, D. Mousette and B. Tatro.
G. White read the new board Goal, which is to improve student achievement. The Keene Sentinel recorded the meeting.
Public Hearing: 7:00 PM. G. White opened the Public Hearing. The Board reviewed information on the
International Grant in the amount of $5000.00 sponsored by Phizer Chemical, awarded to Beth Audette and Cutler. D. Lyman asked how the grant would be managed. It was commented that Phizer Chemical would do the managing of the grant. The grant would be used to purchase video conferencing computer equipment. G.White closed the Public Hearing at 7:05 PM. MOTION: J. Fortson. MOVED to accept the equipment and supplies provided by the Phizer Grant and awarded to Cutler. SECOND: W.Felton. VOTE: 9.144/0/2.142/3.714. Motion passes.
1. CONSENT AGENDA: MOTION: W.Felton MOVED to accept the October 21, 2008 Board Meeting Minutes as amended. SECOND: P. Peterson. VOTE: 10.265/0/1.021/3.714. Motion passes. MOTION: D. Lyman MOVED to accept the Oct 21, 2008 Non-public Minutes as presented. SECOND: R.Smith. VOTE: 10.265/0/1.02/3.714. Motion passes.
2. STUDENT GOVERNMENT REPORT: G. Hummel the secretary of the Student Government reported that the Student Government is creating a public relations committee to improve the image of MRHS. They would be working with MC2 to videotape School Board Meetings. They are creating sub-committees for parking, adopt a hallway, cell phones in senior hallways and privileges for other clubs. They have the idea of a no janitor day so the students can appreciate the work janitors do. Student Court is another idea on the table. The current policy on cell phones is during lunch in the cafeteria only.
3. CORRESPONDENCE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS: K. Dassau reported that the National Junior Honor Society would be awarded on November 13, 2008 at 7:00 PM. There is also a breakfast to honor the students on November 17, 2008 at 7:45 AM.
K.Dassau reported that the Town of
D. Mousette welcomed everyone to Sullivan. He commented that he had just attended a Mother Goose Program for the kindergarten. He thanked the staff for the refreshments tonight.
4. Public Comments: N. Moriarty read a letter that he presented to the recording secretary regarding the volunteer issue. He explained that on October 24, 2008 he met with B. Tatro and the issue was resolved. He would be returning on November 13, 2008 to volunteer in Ms. Nancy Frasier’s room. He thanked B. Tatro and N. Frasier for the resolution. He said that he never quit last year and is still an America Reads volunteer. He is not sure why he was slighted. He commented that he has the right to put letters in the Keene Sentinel. He gave reference to RSA 189:13-a.
W. Lechlider the Chair of the Budget Committee informed the Board of the Budget Committee’s last meeting. He explained that the committee had a long discussion on the proposed warrant articles. The concern is about the 18.6 million for the new middle school, the 12 million infrastructures and the $800,000.00 for the health and safety issues. The Budget Committee supported a motion to ask the School Board to go back and come up with the infrastructure proposal alone. T. Ellsworth commented also to come up with the cost to relocate the students. W. Lechlider explained that the main intent was the 12 million. What it would cost to house the students while the renovations take place and is that built into the 12 million and what percent of the accreditation issues would be taken care of with this renovation. One person asked the cost to address all the accreditation issues.
D. Guion explained that he is video taping the meeting.
5. NEW BUSINESS:
1. 21st Century Accreditation: D.
Mousette explained that in August the Northern Schools received a grant for
before and after school program for the students.
2. MC2 Staffing: K. Dassau explained that K. Carter is present to clarify some of the questions regarding the internship coach position. The position has not been filled. The original nomination by K. Dassau was not approved. Once the nomination was approved by the Board the nominee refused the position. There were questions on the position so the Board tabled the second nomination. This is a budgeted position. K. Carter explained that the position was originally a grant position from the Choice Grant. It was a full time teaching position at MC2 that was in charge of the internship, academics and a highly qualified teacher. Erin Stoub held that position. She was certified in Biology. When the grant went away the Monadnock budget had two positions in it. MC2 proposed a budget transfer by cutting computer equipment and asked for the balance of the certified position. The balance was asked for by the School Board. The position gave MC2 the three positions. J. Fortson commented that she heard Erin Stout did not teach classes. K. Carter explained that she did teach classes. She was the highly qualified teacher on record. She co-taught some classes and advised as the students worked toward credits. J.Fortson commented that she thought the third teacher was asked for to meet the minimum staff requirement. K. Carter explained that she was not sure about that but said that they had a certified teacher. P. Peterson explained that she supported that third teacher. K. Carter explained that there is confusion because of the way the students get their credits. There has to be a highly qualified teacher to oversee these projects. There have always been three teachers. One to oversee the internship program. B. Pickering explained that the NEASC has applauded the connection of MC2 and the high school. He explained that the goal is to improve student achievement. He explained that the 2009/2010 budget would look different. They have been looking to combine the services. He would like to share the 2009/2010 plan at a future time. This internship position supports the goal. K. Carter explained that on Monday, Wednesday and Friday the position is part of the teaching staff. B.Pickering explained that we need to review to see if it is the best way to utilize the services. K.Carter explained that we were looking for a person that brings an additional certification. We had asked for a special education certification but did not find one. The applicant has Social Studies Certification. J. Carnie commented that he saw a letter from K.Carter discussing guidance. K. Carter explained that the budget transfer was for a Social Studies teacher. J. Carnie commented that he would beg to differ. He said that it was a yellow piece of paper. B. Pickering explained that in the current school year we have a need. He would at a future time like to make a presentation to the Board regarding the high school and MC2. He said that he is not in a position to do that now. K. Carter explained that they were looking for a Special Education Certification but received a Social Studies Certification. She explained that the need is the internship coach position. That is needed at the school. Social Studies, Internship Coach and highly qualified position all into one. B.Pickering commented that regardless of the certification multi-skills are needed in that classroom. This person needs to be a well-rounded person. K. Carter explained that the posting was for an internship coach. This was to help the applicant identify the skill set.
3. District Clerk Position: K. Dassau informed the Board that there is a vacancy for the School District Clerk. He has received the resignation of Carolyn Bennett. Anyone interested should contact the SAU.
4. Budget Transfers: MOTION: S. Oerman MOVED to accept the budget transfer in the amount of $15,504.00 to cover the 3% increase in salaries for the principals plus a $1500.00 stipend for the Emerson Principal. SECOND: J. Fortson. VOTE: 10.107/0/1.179/3.714. Motion passes. MOTION: S. Oerman MOVED to accept the budget transfer in the amount of $4859.00 to cover the 3% salary adjustment for the high school Special Education Director. SECOND: J. Fortson. VOTE: 10.107/0/1.179/3.714. Motion passes. MOTION: D. Lyman MOVED to adjust the Gilsum/Sullivan Nurse position from 60% to 100%, with the additional 40% to be used as a District wide floater. SECOND: S. Oerman. DISCUSSION: D. Lyman explained that Fitzwilliam has a problem finding a nurse. This adjustment would free up a nurse closer to Fitzwilliam. VOTE: 11.286/0/0/3.714. Motion passes. MOTION: S. Oerman MOVED to accept the transfer to cover the cost for the increase in time for the Gilsum/Sullivan nurse in the amount of $22,557.00. SECOND: J. Fortson. DISCUSSION: E. Wammack explained that she did not receive benefits prior to the transfer. The position had to be 80% position. There is a $2500.00 opt-out for the health care. VOTE: 11.286/0/0/3.714. Motion passes.
5. Volunteer Policies-IICC &IJOC: K. Dassau explained that N. Moriarty requested this issue. J. Carnie commented that the policy does not say anything about dealing with discrimination. The Policy Committee should look at this. The policies have not been updated. He said that he does not want to see a situation like this again come before the Board.
6. Policy BEDB-Agenda Preparation & Dissemination: D. Lyman commented that every Board Member has the right to place an item on the agenda. G. White commented that there are two different things. It was commented that any Board Member could place an item on the agenda prior to the agenda being mailed out. K. Dassau commented on the 2nd paragraph that they are reading the first sentence and ignoring the rest of the paragraph. J. Carnie commented that when it was revised in 2006 the intention of the first sentence stands alone. It was commented that the 2/3 vote applies at a meeting. It is very clear. Since day one it has been the right of every Board Member to place an item on the agenda. J. Carnie commented that the NHSBA does not require the 2/3 vote. It was commented that a School Board Member requested an item Thursday to be placed on the agenda on Tuesday. The Superintendent and Chair said no. As the agenda had already been mailed to board members. K. Dassau explained if there is common interest among the Board it is placed on the agenda by a 2/3 vote at a meeting. If a member has asked for an item but there is no second it does not go on the agenda. J. Carnie commented that a Board Member has the opportunity to place an item on the agenda 48 hours prior to the meeting. D. Lyman suggested that policy go to the Policy Committee. W. Felton commented that this policy should go to the Policy Committee and the Board should put up with what the Policy Committee decides. J. Carnie commented if the Policy Committee does not want to deal with it to adopt the NHSBA Policy. S.Oerman said that she would add this to the Policy Committee’s list.
7. Policy BEDH-Public Participation at Board Meetings: K. Dassau explained that this was an item for discussion. There were no questions from the Board.
8. Voting Order: W. Wright commented that he thought that the newest member voted first. He commented that more people came on the Board after him and they do not go first. G.White commented that there is no policy on the voting order. MOTION: W. Felton. MOVED to have this issue go to the Policy Committee. SECOND: P. Peterson. DISCUSSION: J. Carnie commented that there is no policy on this issue. G. White commented that the Board did vote to change the order but then decided not to do that. VOTE: 9.086/0/2.2/3.714. Motion passes.
6. OLD BUSINESS:
1.
Project List: D. Lyman explained that the list provided is the newly
revised list said to be health and safety issues, which total $737,836.00. He
said that the numbers are the best estimate. The Finance Committee has reviewed
the list and agreed with the Facilities Committee that they should be brought
forward. He said that the Finance Committee could not recommend the dollar
amount because they were not known to be accurate. MOTION: D. Lyman MOVED to
accept the Facilities Committee’s 2009-2010 MRSD Project List without the
amounts listed. SECOND: S.Oerman. DISCUSSION: W. Felton commented that
the amounts are pretty accurate with the contingency included. G. White
explained that this is only a recommendation from the Finance Committee. D.
Lyman said that B. Mitchell explained that the amounts were not complete. G.
White commented that the motion has nothing to do with the amounts. J. Fortson
asked about the stage lighting at
7. CURRICULUM REPORT:
1. NEASC Report: B. Pickering explained that they are in the process of reviewing the mission statement with the staff team and have begun the process with the parent group as well. The grant opportunities were introduced to the Education Committee and then would be brought to the Board level. He informed the Board that he would be attending a workshop for new principals regarding the NEASC process.
2. AYP Report- D. Hodgdon reported that there are 3 groups of teachers and administrators looking at the curriculum work in math, reading and science. There is a plan to have the Education Committee look at the accuracy of the work that the District is already doing. During the early release in October they accomplished a lot of work on the Professional Learning Communities and the curriculum development.
8. SCHOOL BOARD COMMITTEE REPORT:
1. Community Relations Committee: The CRC did not meet.
2. Facilities Committee: MOTION: J. Fortson MOVED to nominate E.Stanley to fill the spot on the Facilities Committee. SECOND: R. Smith. VOTE: 11.286/0/0/3.714. Motion passes. The next meeting is on November 6, 2008.
3. Finance Committee: D. Lyman reported the committee discussed most of the items discussed tonight except for the adding of a stipend for a tech support person in Fitzwilliam. MOTION: P.Peterson MOVED to add a $1500.00 stipend for a teacher in Fitzwilliam for tech support. This stipend is for one year only (08-09 school year) and will be paid out of the unfilled tech support position. SECOND: S. Oerman. DISCUSSION: It was explained that a Fitzwilliam staff member is filling the unfilled tech support position on his off time. He is at this time receiving no pay. This would give him a $1500.00 stipend during the school year. This issue was brought to the Finance Committee. K.Dassau explained that the person that had filled the position is in the service and his tour was extended. C. Kahn explained that there is nothing in the contract that would not make this okay. J. Fortson asked what if the person comes back from the service. D.Lyman said that he would receive the unpaid portion and fill the position. K. Dassau explained that the issue is critical. They need someone in Fitzwilliam to do the tech support. W. Wright asked if it is retroactive. D. Lyman said yes. VOTE: 6.786/2.358/1.021/3.714. Motion passes. The next meeting is on November 13, 2008 at 8:45 AM.
a. Discussion-Special Items: D. Lyman commented that the Board had to approve the state championship jackets but not the longevity awards. Where did the funds come from and why the Finance Committee did not review the expense. We need to get a handle on this with a Default Budget. K.Dassau explained that the district have been giving these awards for years. It is a longstanding practice. The Board can determine how they want to recognize the staff. W. Wright said to leave it the way it is. We have never had any complaints before.
4. Policy Committee: S. Oerman explained that Policy IHB Class size was updated and passed out to the Board. S. Oerman explained the change. It was added that if enrollment drops within the year in a class the School Board would be notified. W. Felton commented that it sounds like a straight jacket with the high school for the more advanced courses. G. White explained that there was a meeting with J. Smith and people were surprised that there were 3 or 5 people in some classes. MOTION: S. Oerman MOVED to accept Policy IHB Class Size as presented. SECOND: R. Smith. DISCUSSION: It was explained that this is to give the Board a heads up and for discussion. VOTE: 11.286/0/0/3.714. Motion passes. S. Oerman explained that the committee has contacted the attorney and he has said no to the even number of members on the School Board. DOE referred us to the RSA, which states an odd number. We have 14 people if we change to an odd number it goes to the voters in March and is not good until 2009-2010 than the census would be taken and the numbers could be changed the following year. W. Felton asked if it was made clear to the DOE that even with the even number of members a tie would be unlikely. G. White explained that is why we made the inquiries. J. Carnie explained that the census would change and have no impact on the number it would change the weighted vote. D. Lyman suggested asking the Legislature to change the number and allow us to have 14 members. J. Fortson explained that she would disagree with J. Carnie on the census. In concept it does have an effect. S. Oerman explained that we need to get the voters so we need to pick something that is agreeable to the voters. G. White explained that this is a priority item for the Policy Committee and has to be done before Christmas. The next meeting is on Nov. 13, 2008 at 5:05 PM.
5. Budget Committee Rep.: R. Smith reported that the committee discussed the two School board proposals, one for the infrastructure and the new middle school and wished that the School Board would revisit the warrants. The next meeting is on Nov. 25, 2008 at 7:00 PM.
6.
7. Education Committee:
J.Carnie reported that the committee met last week and discussed the mission
statement. There was a lot of discussion. It is not quite as simple and they
thought. B.Pickering would be discussing this issue with his parent committee
and bring back the feedback to the Ed. Committee. The mission statement is the
first step before looking at the goals. They also discussed grants and
literacy. The next meeting is on Nov. 13, 2008 from 4:00PM to 5:00 PM.J. Carnie
explained to G. White that they need another member. The SAU Committee would be
meeting on Nov. 5, 2008 in
9. Action on the Manifest: MOTION: S. Oerman. MOVED to accept the manifest in the amount of
$1,159,357.37. SECOND: J. Fortson. VOTE: 10.265/0/1.021/3.714. Motion passes.
10.
Superintendent’s Report: K. Dassau informed the Board of the SAU Board
Meeting in
11. BOARD CHAIR REPORT: G. White thanked the staff at Sullivan and thanked the staff at Gilsum two weeks ago.
12. SETTING NEXT MEETING AGENDA:
1. Recording minutes
2.
3. Budget Discussion
4.
Warrant Articles
13. SECOND PUBLIC COMMENTS:
14. Non-Public Session 9:40 PM: MOTION: R. Smith. MOVED to enter into non-public
session under RSA 91-A:3 II(b) nominations. SECOND: S. Oerman. Roll call
vote: R. Smith-yes, E.Stanley-yes, J.Carnie-yes, J. Fortson-yes, G.
White-yes, W. Wright-yes, D.Lyman-yes, S.Oerman, P. Peterson-yes and W.
Felton.12.074/0/0/3.679 Motion passes.
15. Non-Public Session 9:50 PM: MOTION: J. Fortson MOVED to enter into non-public session
under RSA 91-A:3 II(e) legal issue. SECOND:
S. Oerman. Roll call vote: W.
Wright-yes, P. Peterson –yes, J. Carnie-yes, W. Felton-yes, R.Smith-yes, J.
Fortson-yes, E.Stanley-yes, D. Lyman-yes,
The Board returned to public session: MOTION: R. Smith MOVED to allow Buffum to haul away the auditorium chairs at no expense to the District. SECOND: S. Oerman. VOTE: 11.286/0/0/3.714. Motion passes. The entire football team would be helping with the auditorium chairs as a service learning project. E. Wammack explained that the insurance would cover the students. They should not use tools or equipment only hauling away of the chairs.
16.
Adjournment: MOTION:
Respectfully submitted,
Laura L. Aivaliotis
MRSD Recording Secretary