Unapproved

Exeter Region Cooperative School Board Meeting Minutes

June 15, 2004 - 7:00 PM

Cooperative Middle School – Library

 

 

MEMBERS PRESENT:       Roy Morrisette, Lucy Cushman, Ralph

                                                Adler, Greg Kann, Robin Scott and Anne Krane

 

MEMBERS ABSENT:         Patty Lovejoy, Linda Henderson, Kim Casey and
Ray Trueman

 

ADMINISTRATION:           Arthur L. Hanson, Walter Pierce, Nathan Lunney, Gary

                                                Heald and Tom O’Malley

 

1.  CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: In Kim Casey’s absence, Greg Kann chaired the meeting.  Greg called the meeting to order at 7:03 PM followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.  Board members introduced themselves.

 

2.  ANNOUNCEMENTS/PUBLIC INPUT: Anne Krane, Jeff Lambert and Sarah Friedman, officers of EHS Drama Program for 2004-05 school year, spoke to news they received regarding the possible loss of certain aspects of the EHS Drama Program.  Proposed that the program be run by the Drama Boosters.  Noted that she spoke with Dr. Hanson earlier this evening and they now have scheduled a meeting on Tuesday, June 22nd at 4:00 PM at the SAU Office to discuss these proposed changes.  Superintendent Hanson spoke to the upcoming opportunities in the next two years to look at expanding the program with the new school and to get the new advisor, Ms. Dawson’s input along with student and parental input.  He assured those present and the board that he and the EHS Administration will study the issue thoroughly and make the suitable recommendations to the appropriate ERCSD Committee(s) for resolution and future planning.

 

3.  CHAIR’S REPORT

3.1  Report of the Adult Education Program – Leslie Haslam: Had three hand-outs to share with the board: article from Exeter NewsLetter regarding the graduation ceremony on June 8th; and the Diploma Program Enrollment 2003-04; NH Adult Education Newsletter.  Leslie spoke to each of these handouts.  Forty four percent of this year’s program, versus 28% last year, was students between the ages of 16-18 and this is an adult education program.  Has had to spend much more time dealing with parents and student issues.  Also talked about the Adult Tutorial Program that comes out of the Adult Education program and had over 260 students with 270 volunteers involved in this program.  Discussed some of the new activities this year: partnered with Seabrook Elementary School in a three year grant; last night summer GED classes began; this coming school year is the 20th anniversary of the program of Exeter Adult Education and tenth of a GED testing site.

3.2  Sabbatical Report – John Ferguson: Teaches writing and reading at EHS and explained his sabbatical was aimed at fostering teenagers across the state doing more reading and writing.  Discussed some of the initiatives he was involved in an effort to increase student writing and his own writing and sharing his own writing with his students.

3.3  New School Board Orientation – Greg Kann: Last week Greg and Patty Lovejoy presented a school board orientation that seemed to go very well with a lot of discussion and some very good questions.  Ralph noted that it was a great refresher course for him as a previous board member.

Greg reported that EHS Assistant Principal Eileen Sheehy has resigned and that Peter Stackhouse will be forming a committee to look for a new Assistant Principal.  Robin Scott has agreed to represent the ERCSD Board on that committee.  On a motion by Lucy Cushman, seconded by Ralph Adler and with no further discussion, the board unanimously voted (Robin abstained 4-0-1) to appoint Robin Scott as the ERCSD Board representative to the EHS Assistant Principal Search Committee.  Greg also reminded the board that unless there is a special need, generally there is no board meeting in July.

      3.4 Student Representatives Report: Anne Krane reported on the activities at EHS.

 

4.  SUPERINTENDENT/ADMINISTRATION REPORT

4.1    Principals’ Reports: Mr. Heald gave the report for EHS noting there is one more day of exams and that will end this year for the students at EHS.  Explained that again he wanted to emphasize how appreciative he was of the many people involved in making this year’s graduation so successful.  Mr. O’Malley reported on activities at CMS noting that in reflecting on this year, he and CMS have had a wonderful year with a very clear commitment to continue on our path of improvement.  Mr. O’Malley thanked Betsy Wilson and Bruce Warner who personally presented Mr. O’Malley with a new American and NH State Flag yesterday which were much needed at CMS and are now flying at half mast. 

4.2    2004-2005 Goals: Superintendent spoke to the goals that were put in the board packets and the effort he made, since Kim has been tied up with graduation week, to put the goals into appropriate subcommittees.  Asked if the members could review the goals so they will be ready to discuss them in the appropriate subcommittees.  An ERCSD Committee List was passed out (see Attachment #1).  Kim will be a floater on both Curriculum and Philosophy and the Facilities Committee.  The August meeting dates were noted on the attachment.

4.3    Nominations and Resignations: The Superintendent passed out the New Professional Teaching Staff for 2004-05 nominations noting that Sue Bendroth as ERCSD Clerk (one year nomination) needed to be added to the list (see Attachment #2).  Would recommend the board approve these nominations.  Explained Sue was in the audience this evening for those board members who are not familiar with her.  He also passed out the Professional Teaching Staff Resignations and Transfer June 2004 (see Attachment #3) and would recommend the board accept these resignations along with one transfer from CMS Science to EHS Science with Tony Baldasaro.  Superintendent explained how applicants are recommended to the appropriate principals for nominations.  Always done by committees, never in isolation.  Greg Kann moved the Superintendent’s recommendation for New Professional Teaching Staff and Teaching Staff Resignations and Transfers June 2004.  Motion by Lucy Cushman, seconded by Roy Morrisette and unanimously approved with no further discussion to accept the New Professional Teaching Staff for 2004-2005 as presented along with Sue Bendroth as ERCSD Clerk for a one year term.  Motion by Ralph Adler, seconded by Roy Morrisette and unanimously board approved with no further discussion to accept the Professional Teaching Staff Resignations and Transfer of Tony Baldasaro for June 2004 as presented.     

4.4    Approval to Hire over the Summer: Superintendent noted he would ask the board to give him the authority to hire staff and accept resignations over the summer and bring to the August Board meeting the names of such individuals.  Motion by Lucy Cushman, seconded by Roy Morrisette, and unanimously approved with no further discussion to give Superintendent Hanson authority to hire staff and to accept resignations over the summer months.

4.5    Cooperative Title I Program Approval: Superintendent explained that the Cooperative works in conjunction with Stratham, Brentwood and Exeter for use of Title I funds and is asking the board for permission to enter into this Title I Cooperative for the 2004-2005 school year.  Motion by Lucy Cushman, seconded by Robin Scott and unanimously approved with no further discussion to have the Exeter Region Cooperative School District work in conjunction with the Stratham, Brentwood and Exeter districts for use of Title I funds for the 2004-2005 school year.

 

5.      COMMITTEE REPORTS

5.1   Personnel, Policy and Communication: Greg passed out the minutes he took at the June 7th meeting (see Attachment #4).  Ralph was absent at this meeting, but was elected Chair and has accepted the position. Greg reviewed the following agenda items: Sweden exchange student (committee recommends - motion to follow); teacher request (committee recommends - motion to follow); CMS Wind Ensemble field Trip (committee recommends - motion to follow); NHSBA Resolutions – no recommendations; SAU Dress Code Policy – no action taken at this time; and outside tutors – action may be taken at a later date.  Motion by Ralph Adler, seconded by Robin Scott and unanimously approved with no further discussion to accept a Swedish exchange student at EHS for the 2004-2004 school year.  Motion by Lucy Cushman, seconded by Roy Morrisette and unanimously approved with no further discussion to happily rescind the previous early retirement request from EHS teacher Norma McGarr.  Motion by Lucy Cushman, seconded by Roy Morrisette and unanimously approved with no further discussion to approve the CMS Wind Ensemble trip in November 2004 to New York City.

5.2   Facilities: Chair Cushman reminded the board that since their last meeting there was a groundbreaking ceremony for the new high school that was excellent and she just wanted to note that there were some individuals that were not thanked at the Groundbreaking Ceremony for all their hard work towards the new high school.  She would like to take this opportunity to thank the following: Stu Aronson – E. Kingston; Paul St. Jean – Kensington; Dave Barr – Stratham; Peter Foster – Brentwood; Donna Bates – Stratham; Frank Morang – Brentwood; Claudia Scofield – Kensington and Karen Phelan – Brentwood.  The committee met tonight and the focus was on the CMS building and ways to maximize classroom space here.  Will be speaking to Frank Marinace the architect for CMS to see if we can get a few more pods designed onto this building; progress going well at the new high school and athletic fields are beginning to go in; will meet again at 6:00 PM on August 10th.

5.3   Curriculum and Philosophy: In Linda’s absence, the Superintendent reported that the committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday, June 22nd at 7:00 PM at the SAU Office.

5.4   Finance: In Patty’s absence, Nathan reported that the committee met on June 9th (passed out the minutes – see Attachment #5) and will regularly meet on the first Wednesday of each month; reviewed the minutes: school district treasurer needs to be replaced as she is moving outside cooperative towns; trust account fund balances update; high school bond proceeds reinvestment; FY 2003-04 Fund Balance Projections; end of year encumbrances; Capital Improvement Plan for CMS; Patty elected committee Chair; and next meeting date is Wednesday, August 4th at 5:00 PM at SAU Office.  Discussed that challenges in this year’s budget and are greatest in SPED, utilities and health insurance costs.  The SPED Expendable Trust that was created by the voters may need to have monies draw from these funds and is looking for approval from board to transfer those monies noting we will only draw down what is needed even though the motion should read up to $100,000. Motion by Roy Morrisette, seconded by Robin Scott to transfer up to $100,000 from SPED Trust Fund to the General Fund for overages in SPED related deficits.  Ralph asked for clarification on the FY 2003-04 Fund Balance Projection.  After no further discussion, the board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

5.5   Technology: Greg reported the committee has not met.

5.6   Transportation: Nathan reported the committee is yet to schedule their next meeting.

5.7   SAU Chairs: Superintendent explained the Chairs will meet 6-16-04 at 5:00 PM.

5.8   SST: Superintendent shared that the committee met last evening and SST is looking at record enrollments of approximately 600 for next year.  Excited about the new programs and the capacity to grown when EHS moves to new high school site. Looks like the Perkins Grant may become competitive after next year, but will be funded at the same level for 2004-05.  Explained to new board members what the Perkins Grant was.

5.9   Linden Street Re-Use Committee: In Linda’s absence, Walter reported there will be a full committee meeting on June 30th at 7:00 PM at SST Culinary Arts.

5.10 SAU 16 NCLB Committee: Superintendent noted committee has not met.

5.11 Great Bay eLearning Charter School: Roy reported that the GBECS Board met last week and he, Linda, Lucy and Peter Stackhouse are the new board members.  As the school progresses, additional board members (including parents/students) will be added.  Tony Baldasaro will be the lead teacher with Carol Dawson as the 40% teacher.  Dr. Hanson will be on the board as an ex-officio and Sally Boyd will be secretary.  Next meeting is August 12th at 4:00 PM at the SAU Office.

5.12 SAU 16 Policy Committee: Superintendent reported that the committee met last night, June 14th and commended the committee for their many long hours of hard work in trying to establish an SAU Policy Book. Once the policy book is established, we will work this summer to update all the individual footnotes at the bottom of each board policy (e.g., references; first adoptions; revisions; etc.) to get all the policy books completed.  After that, the committee will stay in effect to review new policies as they come forward to see how they fit with each district and to review policies we do not have in our handbook.  Explained that some of the policies discussed last night were removed from tonight’s agenda.  Looking for approval tonight for: IHB-Homebound Instruction, IJOA-Educational Field Trips, IJO-Volunteers, IL-Evaluation of Instructional Program, IMD-School Ceremonies and Observations, and IMDA-Pledge of Allegiance.  Would recommend to board that you accept these policies for a second reading.  Motion by Roy Morrisette, seconded by Lucy Cushman to accept the above listed policies for approval.  Discussed the meaning of the ERCSD having policies that related to elementary school issues and vice a versa in their handbook and why that is appropriate.  After discussion, the board voted unanimously in favor of the motion. 

 

Would recommend the following policies for a first reading: JEB-Age of Entrance, JFAA-Admission of Resident Students, JFAC-Change of School or Assignment, JHC-Student Release Precautions, JICD-Student Conduct, Discipline and Due Process, JICE-Student Publications, JKA-Corporal Punishment, JKB-Detention of Students, JKD-Student Suspensions, JKE-Long-Term Suspension or Student Expulsion, JLIA-Supervision of Students, JQ-Care of School Property by Students.  These will have a second reading at the September board meeting.

 

6.      APPROVAL OF MINUTES

6.1   May 11, 2004 – Board Meeting: Motion by Roy Morrisette, seconded by Lucy Cushman and unanimously board approved to accept the May 11, 2004 board minutes as presented.

6.2   June 3, 2004 – Board Retreat: Motion by Roy Morrisette, seconded by Lucy Cushman and unanimously board approved to accept the June 3, 2004 board Retreat minutes as presented.

 

7.  NON-PUBLIC SESSION: None at this time.

 

8.   ADJOURNMENT: Motion by Roy Morrisette, seconded by Lucy Cushman and unanimously board voted to adjourn at 8:21 PM

 

Respectfully submitted,

 Sally Boyd, Secretary