Brentwood School Board Meeting Minutes
April 9, 2007
Swasey Central School, Brentwood
PRESENT: Anne Marie Chesno (Chairperson), Elizabeth Faria, Tim Hannan, Virginia Knutson (Vice Chairperson), Gary Whitmarsh, School Board Members, Jerry Frew, Assistant Superintendent; Joan Ostrowski, Principal.
ALSO PRESENT: Cathy Blaisdell, Cindy Buckels, Katie Burke, Jason Clark, Kathy Deomarais, William Faria, Amy Gentile, Mary Johnson, Sheila Lane, Ed Oddo, Pat Peterson, Carol Pipinias, Gennie Rowe, Robert Schroder, Dianne VanderMale, Mary Wills, Amy Wilson.
CALL TO ORDER
Ms. Chesno called the meeting to order at 6:10 p.m.
All stood for the Pledge of Allegiance.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Ms. Chesno called for the acceptance of the minutes of March 12, 2007. Ms. Faria asked about posting attachments with the minutes. Ms. Faria asked for changes to the minutes, namely, page 3, that she asked for a copy of the test results; page 4, the title to her letter to the editor be changed to “Every Day Math?”; she said she did not put Every Day Math on the formal agenda, but she did bring it up. Ms. Chesno said she did not bring it up as a concern, and that the board was unaware of her concerns. Ms. Knutson requested adding Mary Will’s name to those who she thanked for assistance with the informational flyers. The minutes were accepted on a motion by Ms. Knutson; seconded by Mr. Hannan, and voted unanimously.
The minutes of the nonpublic session of March 12, 2007, were accepted, on a motion by Mr. Hannan; seconded by Ms. Faria, and voted unanimously.
REPORT FROM THE CHAIR
Ms. Chesno said that there were questions on the term of office of school board members, and she handed out, and read RSA 671:3, Term of Office: Except as otherwise provided, the term of any officer elected under the provisions of this chapter shall begin upon the officer’s election and qualification for office, and shall end upon the election and qualification of the officer’s successor. Mr. Hannan questioned Ms. Faria as to what, specifically, her concerns were with the scheduled Joint Chairs meeting. Mrs. Faria responded that things were done differently where she came from.
Ms. Chesno updated the board that the letter has not gone to the teachers association. The PTA requested a meeting, which Ms. Chesno and Ms. Knutson attended. Ms. Chesno reported that the meeting centered on a discussion of the teachers’ concern with Ms. Faria, her public statements, and specifically, that Ms. Faria had not followed the chain of command in raising her concerns.
Ms. Chesno said that from now on there will be will be a standing item on the agenda under REPORT FROM THE CHAIR, “Board Member Queries”, which will hopefully ensure that board members share communication they receive from the public. Ms. Knutson said that every member of the community should have a voice. Ms. Ostrowski reiterated the chain of command: teacher, principal, superintendent of school, and then the school board.
At 6:25 p.m. Police Chief Robinson arrived. Ms. Chesno said that she asked Chief Robinson to be present because of a disruption at the last school board meeting.
REPORT FROM THE CENTRAL OFFICE ADMINISTRATION
Mr. Frew entertained a motion for nominations of a chairperson for the ensuing year. Ms. Knutson nominated Anne Marie Chesno. There were no other nominations. There was no discussion. Ms. Chesno was elected on a motion by Ms. Knutson; seconded by Mr. Hannan, and voted unanimously.
Mr. Hannan nominated Virginia Knutson as Vice-chairperson for the ensuing year. There were no other nominations. There was no discussion. Ms. Knutson was elected on a motion by Mr. Hannan; seconded by Mr. Whitmarsh and voted unanimously.
Mr. Frew distributed the financial report saying there were no significant changes from last month. There are challenges but there won’t be a need for additional appropriations.
He reported on the hot lunch fund balance. He said that he will bring back hot lunch prices that the other schools are charging, and that the school board may want to increase the price of lunch.
Mr. Hannan questioned the success of the changes made last year, to eliminate plastic utensils and Styrofoam trays. Ms. Ostrowski stated that the changes have gone well, although the utensils have been replaces once because of loss. Mr. Hannan then asked if there was a way to prevent metal utensils being thrown out by students. Ms. Ostrowski will do the research.
Ms. Chesno asked if the budget committee had a new chairperson. She stated that she wanted to ensure the monthly financial reports were submitted to the budget committee in a timely way.
Policies
Policies, on a second reading, were reviewed: BG, Board Policy Development (Revision); EGA, Appropriate and Acceptable Computer, Network, and Internet Use (Revision), EGAD, Copyright Compliance, EHAA, Computer Security, Email, and Internet Communications; KDC and KDC-R, Website Publishing Policy. Mr. Hannan moved to accept the policies; seconded by Ms. Knutson. The vote was four in favor with Mr. Whitmarsh abstaining. Ms. Chesno asked the reason for the abstention; Mr. Whitmarsh said he had not been on the board for the first reading.
Mr. Frew reviewed, for a first reading, policy, JLCH, Do Not Resuscitate Orders, which he said had passed muster with the school nursing, at the state level. This policy will be placed on the agenda for further action.
Staff Nominations
Mr. Frew handed out a list of staff nominations to make the school board aware of changes. The lists were collected. Ms. Chesno called for election of the professional staff for 2007 / 2008; Mr. Hannan so moved; seconded by Ms. Knutson. Mr. Whitmarsh asked about budget considerations. Ms. Chesno said that the deadline for notification was April 15th, and she reviewed the process. The vote was unanimous.
Electricity Audit
Mr. Frew deferred to Ed Oddo, who explained that PSNH does not do this. Other firms are conducting the audit, and it should be available for the next board meeting. Ms. Chesno said she was concerned with outside lighting and any changes. She asked Mr. Oddo if the report could be available sooner, and when it is available, he should work with Principal Ostrowski. Speaking of the every-other-light concept, Mr. Oddo said this is not possible since the school is not zoned that way. Other options were briefly discussed and Ms. Chesno requested that the report, with any recommendations or options worked out by Mr. Oddo and Ms. Ostrowski, be forwarded to the board members when possible. This way, review and consideration can be given prior to the next meeting. Ms. Chesno said she wants to run a “Did you Know” type article for the public about the audit and any changes.
REPORT FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Ms. Ostrowski reported that the P.F.G had asked for projects that they could fund. She asked the board for approval to purchase a marquee sign for the front of the building. She presented three proposals saying that all are within the same price range. She said that the SAU Maintenance Department recommends using Reedy Signs. There was discussion. Hearing no opposition, permission was granted.
Early Dismissal Dates for 2007 / 2008
Ms. Ostrowski reviewed the early release dates on next year’s calendar, and explained that these are not scheduled at times that will accommodate the current parent conference schedule. She recommended adding November 7 and 14, and April 9 and 16. To keep the number of early release days at six, she suggested eliminating the December 5th day, which was scheduled. It was the consensus of the board to eliminate December 5th.
Everyday Math Program
Ms. Ostrowski introduced Donna Donnell, Math Curriculum Coordinator, who gave a presentation on the Everyday Math Program and student performance. Ms. Donnell explained that in the spring of 2002, the decision was to use the Everyday Math Program, SAU-wide to unify the mathematics program in the elementary schools; this would also facilitate the transition of all their students to the Cooperative Middle School. She provided examples of the algorithms that the students learn in the areas of subtraction and division. She answered board members’ questions and addressed their concerns. Ms. Chesno asked for comments from the staff, and from the floor. The board thanked Ms. Donnell for her presentation.
Video Clip
Ms. Faria showed a film clip presenting a negative view of the Everyday Math experience for students and parents.
There was further comments from those present, and members of the board: the school board sets policy, and endorsed this program; wanting to be in full support of the teachers; test scores at Swasey and at CMS are favorable; Everyday Math is just one of the math offerings for students. The consensus, from the teachers, was that the program is working.
REPORT FROM THE CHAIR
Future Agenda Items
Ms. Chesno asked for agenda items for the future. Mr. Hannan asked for a discussion on greening the school building, and grant money that may be available. Ms. Chesno suggested the June agenda to give the SAU time to research what programs are out there. Ms. Faria asked about recycling. Ms. Chesno suggested summer work and security for June.
Ms. Chesno asked each board member if he or she had received a contact from a member of the community. Ms. Knutson said she received comments that a technology teacher was wanted, but when she explained it would have been at the mercy of a classroom teach, it was understood. Ms. Chesno said she received a similar Email.
Assignment to Standing Committees
The committee assignment were: Bussing, Faria; Superintendent Search, Chesno; Policy, Whitmarsh; Superintendent Evaluation, Faria; Budget Committee, Hannan; NCLB, Knutson.
Mr. Whitmarsh spoke briefly of the search for a superintendent, and being a recruiter, he had information if the search committee was interested.
Ms. Chesno asked the board to be thinking about upcoming negotiations, and that two members could serve, because that would not be a quorum.
NEW BUSINESS
Ms. Knutson said that she would like the board to consider a School Board / Teacher Forum. It would be an informal opportunity for open communication and to further solidify the partnership in educating the students. Ms. Chesno suggested a May meeting from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m., and asked Ms. Ostrowski to put this out to the entire staff. Refreshments will be available.
Ms. Faria asked about the situation where there was not a quorum for a meeting, and how long to wait. She was told fifteen minutes.
Ms. Faria asked if Principal Ostrowski is taking another position. Ms. Ostrowski said that she was approached by another district, but she is staying at Swasey.
PUBLIC COMMENT
There were questions about the scheduled forum, and Ms. Chesno said it would be low key, and would give all a chance meet and express and hear concerns.
In answer to a question of timeline for the board’s goal setting for next year, Ms. Chesno said this is done informally by June.
Ms. Chesno asked Mr. Whitmarsh to prepare a, “meet your board member” article. Mr. Hannan will e-mail last year’s.
Articles for the Brentwood Newsletter were discussed.
ADJOURNMENT
On a motion by Mr. Hannan; seconded by Ms. Faria, and voted unanimously, the board adjourned at 8:41 p.m.
The manifests and MS 22 were signed by the school board.
Submitted by
Mary Lou Clinton-Stevens
Minutes of the school board are unofficial until accepted at a subsequent meeting of the school board.