Tuesday, April 12, 2005 – 7:00 PM
CMS Library
PRESENT: Patty
Lovejoy, Robin Scott, Kris Magnusson, Sally Oxnard, Ray
Trueman, Lucy Cushman, Roy Morrisette, Kim Casey, Anne Krane0
and John Atsalis
ABSENT: Greg Kann
ADMINISTRATION: Arthur Hanson, Nathan Lunney, Walter
Pierce, Dick
Wendell, Gary Heald and Tom O’Malley
1. CALL TO ORDER: Chair Lovejoy called the meeting to order at 7:03 PM followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Board members introduced themselves.
2. ANNOUNCEMENTS/PUBLIC INPUT: Dr. Maurice Fremont-Smith, Exeter resident, read
letter expressing his concerns at Exeter High School and gave a copy of his
letter to the Chair. Luke Pickett, Stratham resident noted he had a letter for
the chair questioning the legality of the letter she submitted to Exeter News
Letter on April 1st. He is making a formal request to the NH School
Board Association and the NH DOE to do a formal audit of the ERCSD/SAU policies
we have approved to date. Sheila Greene, Exeter resident questioned who felt
it necessary to go to a public relations firm and what do we feel we will
accomplish spending more taxpayers’ monies on a public relations firm? Patty
noted that we have not hired a firm and the reason we are speaking with public a
communications firm is to help us better communicate with the public. As an
example, during the next school year, we will need to determine how the new Exeter High will be set up. The building was designed to have the flexibility to
accommodate different options, i.e., by department or in smaller learning
communities. We want to ensure that all voices are heard and considered in
this process. relation firms
is to assist us in best determining how we are going to set up the new high
school. The school was designed to have a lot of flexibility. Looking at the
firm for more of a communications plan in terms of the direction of the new high
school, i.e., organized by learning academies, by grades, etc.
3. CHAIR’S REPORT
3.1 CMS MATHCOUNTS – Tom O’Malley/Joshua Frost: Mr. O’Malley introduced math teacher Josh Frosh whose MATHCOUNTS team has just won their fifth state championship. Josh introduced the team members present and noted if they placed at states and Chair Lovejoy presented those present with certificates on behalf of the board.
3.2 EHS Talon Award – Gary Heald/Rob Schneider: Mr. Heald introduced Rob Schneider, Talon Advisor who explained that member of the staff had just gone to NYC to accept an award that the paper won for last year’s work: Columbia Scholastic Press Association’s “2004 Silver Crown”. Introduced Talon Staff members who were present and Chair Lovejoy presented certificates to them on behalf of the board. Rob ended by inviting the board to contact him if they would like to know the policies the paper has regarding information that is allowed to go into the newspaper and what is not allowed. He thanked the board for inviting them and acknowledging the paper in a positive way.
3.3 EHS Model UN Competition – Betty DeSimone: Second year having this club with 28 members, nine more than last year; noted the topics the students spoke on and the countries our students represented. Speaking on their competition were Christina Gilbert, Britt Veilleux and John Atsalis. Betty announced those attendees who won awards on their Model UN presentations and she congratulated the students and the excellent job they did representing the school at University of Massachusetts at Amherst.
3.4 EHS Close Up – Norma McGarr: Norma noted that this is the year for Close Up Washington and explained the course and that students do get credit. The class meets after school and cost $1200 per student. This is an intense course and involves a week away from school. The following tenth grade students shared their experiences: Kelsey Lampman, Chelsea Durell and Fawn Leuth. Kim thanked the Close Up, Model UN and the Talon advisors for all their dedication to these programs.
3.5 Student Board Representatives’ Report: John Atsalis and Anne Krane gave their student board reports.
3.6 Sabbatical Committee: Patty explained that our contract with EEA allows up for 2% of full staff to be granted a sabbatical a year. Board representatives to the committee this year were Robin and Patty. Any allocated sabbatical funds that are unused go into a professional growth fund. Only application received this year was for a half year sabbatical from Steve McDonald, CMS Guidance Counselor to do research on transition activities between elementary and middle schools using information from regional and national school districts and to develop a comprehensive, student-centered transition program. Patty is bringing the request forward for the board’s approval. Motion by Sally Oxnard, seconded by Kim Casey and unanimously voted with no further discussion to grant Steve McDonald a one half year sabbatical for the 2005-2006 school year.
3.7 SAU Board Orientation – Patty Lovejoy: Patty explained the ERCSD did a board orientation for its two new members on Tuesday, March 22nd by first visiting/touring CMS then EHS. The tour of the new high school was deferred until later.
4. SUPERINTENDENT/ADMINISTRATION REPORT
4.1 Principals’ Reports: Mr. Heald reported that April 15th is the day decisions have to be made on staffing; he reported that they were able to balance off all the class sizes in the 14-24 range without adding additional staff and will also hope to add a learning lab for both math and English. These labs will assist in addressing NCLB and the NEASC recommendations. Expressed his thanks and admiration for the excellent job done by Kathy Newcomb in meeting this effort. Question was asked if any classes that were below the 15 minimum were going forward, to which Mr. Heald noted that there were some 400 level classes that may have below 14, but will not know final numbers until later. Superintendent noted he has asked Mr. Heald to get those numbers to the Curriculum and Philosophy Committee meeting this month. Reported on activities at EHS. Mr. O’Malley reported on CMS activities and thanked the board for recognizing the MATHCOUNTS Team and the regional success of the CMS Destination Imagination Team who came in second.
4.2 Nominations and Resignations: Superintendent recommended the board accept the following resignations effective at the end of the 2004-2005 school year: Binaca Hanson-McDonald- CMS English; Ann Gatten - CMS English; Casey Finn Lefsrud - CMS 6th SPED teacher; Ann “Nancy” Smith - EHS Social Studies teacher for over thirty years; Sarah Straz – EHS English teacher and Audrey Eastman - Food Services Director for Exeter and ERCSD for over 40 years. Motion by Roy Morrisette to accept these resignations with special thanks for some of these individuals who have been with us for many, many years and who will be missed, especially Audrey Eastman, seconded by Lucy Cushman. Dick Wendell asked for a few moments to share with the board events that occurred the same year, 1965, that Audrey was hired. He also acknowledged her great pride and excellent workmanship in serving the students, faculty and entire community as food service director. It is with tremendous respect and regrets, he announces her retirement as of June 31, 2005. With no further discussion, the board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.
4.3 Breaking Ranks II Conference: Superintendent noted on March 31st we sent
two teams to Concord to the Breaking Ranks II Conference. Summarized the
purpose and recommendations from the conference and noted that Sally Boyd will
be ordering a copy of the handbook from the conference for the board members.
Patty, as board representative, and he attended and found the conference quite
interesting. Patty shared that the personalization of the school was key for
the success of large schools and that this handbook will be very beneficial as
we look at moving into the new high school and deciding how to set up the
school. Superintendent recognized Mr. Heald’s efforts for the last two to
three years to make sure his administrators were familiar with this important information.
Our Exeter Adult Ed was one of five businesses (for education) that received
the Exeter Chamber Commerce 2005 Business of the Year Award for 2005 and Leslie
Haslam will be at May board meeting to discuss further.
5. COMMITTEE REPORTS
5.1 Personnel, Policy and Communication: Chair Scott reviewed their April 5th meeting agenda: discussion with EHS Learning Area Leaders; discussion with High Point Communications PR Firm; Mexican Exchange Students that will need board approval; and CMS Wind Ensemble Trip to Orlando for 1-12-06 that will need board approval. Kris asked for a motion to amend PP&C minutes to reflect that there will be other communication firms coming to the next PP&C meeting, which Robin replied she would do. Motion by Kim Casey, seconded by Roy Morrisette and unanimously board voted with no further discussion to accept the foreign exchange student from Mexico at EHS for the 2005-2006 school year. Motion by Roy Morrisette, seconded by Kris Magnusson and unanimously board voted with no further discussion to allow the CMS Wind Ensemble to go January 12-16, 2006 to Orlando, Florida. Other agenda item discussed at the meeting: request from Newmarket Superintendent Kathy Murphy to allow Newmarket High School to enter into a long term agreement to allow their students to attend EHS beginning fall 2006, which the committee is not recommending due to the long term commitment requested by Newmarket.
5.2 Facilities: Chair Cushman reported on agenda items at her meeting this evening: two CMS 8th grade teachers, Amy Swiezynski and Sean Pine, presented proposal in collaboration with Timberland to put a solar panel on CMS that costs $16,000 and Timberland would pay for $15,000 and school would come up with $1000 from school generated funds, which the Facilities committee is recommending. Lucy explained further details about why the project is being done, location of the panel, how electricity it generates will be used, monitoring of the installation and aesthetics of the panel, insurance issues, etc. Motion by Kim Casey, seconded by Sally Oxnard and unanimously board voted with no further discussion to allow the installation of a solar panel on the CMS building. Dick thanked Amy for all her hard work on this. Lucy also reported that the committee would like to appoint Walter Pierce as the project manager to the SST Renovations Project and the board needs a motion on this. Motion by Kim Casey, seconded by Roy Morrisette and unanimously board voted to appoint Walter Pierce as Project Manager of the SST renovation. The committee met with the new high school abutters, Jeff Gallant and Tony Callendrello and reviewed the berm plan including landscaping and the committee would recommend that the board commit in the spirit of good neighbors to the plan that was proposed. Motion by Sally Oxnard, seconded by Kris Magnusson to accept the committee’s recommendation to commit to the proposed landscaped berm in front of both Jeff Gallant and Tony Callendrello’s property. Discussion continued with Lucy noting that if needed, contingency monies will be used for this. Ray explained he voted no in the facilities because no dollar figure, cost of materials or labor were provided. Kim initially agreed with Ray, but she does feel that we have made a commitment to the neighbors on Old Town Farm Road and feels we need to support the community that surrounds the high school. No further discussion. Vote: the board voted 7-1 (Trueman) in favor of the motion. Due to the long agenda, the committee did not have time to discuss the front walk at the new high school, which will be concrete instead of painted asphalt because the asphalt tends to be a much high maintenance issue. Lastly, Kris and Sally joined Lucy and Walter for their site walk and Lucy, Patty and Walter will be doing a Channel 22 update on the new high school very shortly.
5.3 Curriculum and Philosophy: Patty reported no meeting since time was used for new member update. Next meeting Wednesday, 4/20th at 7:00 PM.
5.4 Finance: Patty reported that the committee met Wednesday, April 6th and received a report from the Trustees of Trust Funds from E. Kingston who also handle the ERCSD trust funds. The trustees updated the committee on their investment policies and status of funds. The Committee also reviewed financial statements and budget projections. So far, we are on track for a minor surplus on the appropriations side and a larger surplus on the revenue side, largely due to refinancing of bonds. Committee expects to be able to fund the three warrant articles the voters approved in March 2005. Also had a brief update on new high school project regarding rising steel costs and that the initial steel cost projections were based upon 65% specifications completion and now that the drawings are 100% completed, we will need to absorb within contingency fund the difference in the additional steel costs needed to complete the building. The committee also discussed how rising energy costs (oil, electricity, etc.) will be impacting next year budget process and Kris will be working with Dick and Nathan on potential ideas in that area. Next meeting is May 4th at 5:00 PM at SAU Office. Ray asked to be removed from Finance Committee as he cannot, and never has, attended these meetings since he works till 6:30 PM.
5.5 Technology: No one present to report.
5.6 SAU Chairs: Patty reported that the chairs met on March 16th and reviewed SAU Orientation that was held last week; discussed new SAU preschool that will open next fall at Swasey Elementary; have also filed for a planning grant for a preschool charter school for the fall 2006; Technology – Steve shared that next year all K-12 teachers are expected to have an on-line presence with minimum require of maintaining daily updates on homeworknow.com. This initiative is in response to the SAU parent survey where one of the lowest rated areas by parents was the statement that “the school helps my child learn at home.” This on-line presence will be required by beginning of second quarter of 2005-2006 school year. Steve also discussed: the Wide Area Network (WAN) that should be in place very soon and that the elementary school surveys will be going out shortly: next month, he hopes to have final results of teacher and student surveys at CMS/EHS: LOTI author Chris Moresch was at SPDC to discuss meeting needs of all students in the classroom; and Exeter Hospital donated over 60 used computes to be used at Thin Clients. Paul Flynn gave an HR update regarding non-renewals of 1st and 2nd year teachers and vacancies. Jerry discussed curriculum and that the FLAP grant has no funding this year so looking at other sources. Lastly, the superintendent’s evaluation was discussed at a special SAU Joint Board meeting in February
5.7 SST: Kim reported that the committee met on March 28th at 5:00 PM at Julia’s Restaurant; minutes are on Website, but she will bring next month if need hard copy; pre-engineering program presentation was given; second part was about “planning” for the planning of the SST renovation.
5.8 NCLB: Roy reported no meeting.
5.9 Great Bay eLearning Charter School: Chair Morrisette noted that two new parent trustees have been appointed - Sara Baer-Sinnot and Andrew Weeks, MD; Wednesday is the Open House; enrollment is 48 students; 28 applications for next year; decided to cap total enrollment at 80 students next year; and a Renaissance fair held at school this week;
5.10 SAU Policy Committee - Second Reading: Kris would like to hold out BEDG minute policy and she will give Patty her comments. Motion by Roy Morrisette, seconded by Robin Scott and board voted 7-1 (Trueman) with no further discussion to adopt the following policies: BIE – Board Member Indemnification; DM – Cash in School Buildings; IHBAB - Special Education Evaluations; IKE – Promotion and Retention of Students; and JJF – Student Activities Fund Management. The following policies were brought forward for a first reading: EHB-R – Local Records Retention Schedule; GBCD – Background Investigation and Criminal Records Check; GBCD-R – School Employee Background Investigation, Including A Criminal History Records Check; JFA-R – Residency: Homeless Children and Youth; and JFABD – Admission of Homeless Students. The last five policy on the agenda should not have been in your packet as these are not policies being considered (JICA – Student Dress Code; JICC – Student Conduct on School Buses; JICC-R – Student Rules and Conduct on the School Bus; JICDAA – Employee-Student Relations; and JICFA – Hazing.
7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
7.1 March 15, 2005 – Board Meeting: Amendments by Kris on the minutes: 4.1 “retrained” should be “retained”, 4.2 second line, strike word “committees” since it is redundant and 4.3 second line “nothing” should be “noting”. Motion by Kris Magnusson, seconded by Roy Morrisette, and unanimously board voted with no further discussion to approve the amended minutes of March 15, 2005.
8. NON-PUBLIC SESSION: None at this time.
9. ADJOURNMENT: Motion by Kim Casey, seconded by Roy Morrisette and unanimously board voted with no discussion to adjourn at 8:56 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Sally S. Boyd, Secretary