Tuesday, June 14, 2005 – 7:00 PM
CMS Library
Present: Patty Lovejoy, Robin Scott, Kim Casey,
Lucy Cushman, Greg Kann, Roy Morrisette,
Sally Oxnard, Ray Trueman, Kris Magnusson and
John Atsalis
Absent: N/A
Administration: Arthur L. Hanson, Nathan Lunney, Walter Pierce,
Steve Kossakoski, Richard Wendell
and Tom O’Malley
1. CALL TO ORDER: Chair Lovejoy called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
2. ANNOUNCEMENTS/PUBLIC INPUT: None.
3. CHAIR’S REPORT
3.1 Student Recognition: Chair joined Coach Ball in recognizing three student athletes from the 2005 Track Class L Meet: Senior Erica Desroches; Senior Pat Thornell; and freshman Rachel McQueeney. The Chair also recognized Stephanie Haas who has been videotaping the board meetings for three years and has done a wonderful job.
3.2 Student Board Representatives’ Report: John Atsalis gave an update of EHS school activities.
3.3 ERCSD Retreat Date – July 30, 2005: Reminded the board of the date and time of the retreat and to email Patty with your choices for subcommittees for next year. Will need a non-public board meeting in July to deal with a student expulsion, either Wednesday, July 27th, Thursday, July 28th or Friday, July 29th and please let her know by the end of the meeting what date will work for you for this possible meeting. Patty also requested board members email her with any retreat agenda items you may have, noting that at the retreat the board normally works on goals, but will also be discussing Linden Street Re-Use recommendations and other items for next year.
3.4 Authorize Superintendent to Hire Over Summer: Motion by Lucy Cushman, seconded by Robin Scott and unanimously voted (R. Morrisette had not arrived) to authorize the superintendent to hire Cooperative staff over the summer. Patty explained that the superintendent will report any hirings he has approved to the board when they meet in August.
3.5 Student/Staff Surveys – Steve Kossakoski: Steve did a brief presentation of the results from the student and staff surveys for CMS and EHS, explaining that the entire survey results can be found on SAU 16 Website and that with regard to the results from the elementary schools, K-3 students were not surveyed.
4. SUPERINTENDENT/ADMINISTRATION REPORT
4.1 Principals’ Reports: Superintendent noted Mr. Heald was presenting at the Senior Academic Assembly this evening and Mr. O’Malley did not have much to report and gave his time to the Student/Staff Survey presentation by Dr. Kossakoski.
4.2 College Admissions Update: The superintendent reported that this information has been passed out to the board this evening and is from the EHS Guidance Department. It is preliminary as it will not be completely available until September when Guidance has sent the transcripts into the student’s final school choice. The issue of The Talon that you received this evening also has preliminary college information in it.
4.3 Athletics Update: Superintendent explained that Coach Ball is present to give an update on athletic programs at CMS and EHS.
4.3 Nominations and Resignations: The superintendent would recommend the board approve the following nominations for next year: Colin Burke – CMS Social Studies; Sonya McCafferty – CMS Math; Mark Foley – EHS Chemistry; Helen Friedman – EHS Physical Science and Samuel Heath – EHS Spanish and would recommend board. Motion by Kim Casey, seconded by Roy Morrisette and unanimously board voted to accept the following nominations for the 2005-2006 school year: Colin Burke CMS Social Studies,; Sonya McCafferty – CMS Math; Mark Foley – EHS Chemistry; Helen Friedman – EHS Physical Science and Samuel Heath – EHS Spanish. The superintendent announced that EHS Science Teacher/Safety Consultant Brian Wazlaw has received from the State of NH through the Science Safety Initiative a grant for $75,000. Dr. Wazlaw will be using the monies to analyze status of safety in science classrooms and to promote a program of safety in classrooms not only in SAU 16, but throughout the state. Passed out a letter from Stratham resident Ken Lanzillo commending the Memorial Day speaker, incoming EHS principal Victor Sokul.
5. COMMITTEE REPORTS
5.1
Personnel, Policy and
Communication: Chair Scott reviewed the
committee’s minutes (see Attachment #1) and asked for a motion on the three EHS
foreign language trip requests. Motion by Lucy Cushman, seconded by Kris Magnusson
and unanimously board voted to allow the two foreign language trips in April
and the summer trip to Britain that will be only for students who have finished
their sophomore or junior year and will be returning to EHS in the fall.
The chair interrupted the committee report to note that with us this evening is
Dan Kelly, an EHS sophomore, who will be new student board representative along
with John Atsalis. Roy introduced Dan who then gave an additional brief report
of activities at EHS.
Robin then reviewed the remaining minutes.
5.2 Facilities: Chair reported that they met this evening and her minutes are attached (see Attachment #2). Chair asked for a motion on Change Order #2. Motion by Roy Morrisette, seconded by Kim Casey to approve Change Order #2 for $373,442.25, leaving a contingency balance of $1,128,276. Discussion to explain A/C additions that are add-ons from original plan which only included one classroom wing, auditorium, library, computer labs, administrative spaces and telephone/data rooms and then Change Order #1 added the remaining three classroom wings. Vote unanimous. The budget and schedule are going well and on time.
Patty presented student board representative Anne Krane who has been in the Senior Academic Assembly and joined the board for a few minutes with her nameplate and thanked her for her three years as a representative to the board and Roy also thanked her for all her work through student senate.
5.3 Curriculum and Philosophy: Roy reviewed his minutes (see his revised minutes Attachment #3). He will correct the CMS Librarian’s name in his minutes; Patty reported on the Adult Ed graduation and Sally encouraged having a summer reading like the one she gives her patients and feels we should encourage teachers to send home a summer reading list.
5.4 Finance: Chair Lovejoy noted the committee met June 1st and reviewed the minutes (see Attachment #4). Motion by Kris Magnusson, seconded by Sally Oxnard, and unanimously approved with no further discussion that ERCSD immediately appropriate an additional $400,000 for unanticipated federal project revenue received during fiscal year 2004-05. State adequacy aide was questioned by Kris and it was explained that the amount has changed since the last discussion on adequacy aide and would not count on any particular amount until the funding bill has passed.
5.5 Technology: Greg reported they met last Friday morning and Greg was unable to attend but noted that the staff/student survey was part of the agenda.
5.6 SAU Chairs: Patty explained they are meeting tomorrow night with two agenda items: review of 04-05 budget and encumbrance obligations and looking at some type of retreat in September for full board.
5.7 SST: Kim reported the Governance Board met last night and even though she was unable to attend, she has the minutes from the Website: driving policy for students that this board will need to review and Kim will present to PP&C first; renovation program on-going; update on enrollments; making improvements in their success indicators as determined by the state and federal standards.
5.8 NCLB: no meeting.
5.9 Great Bay eLearning Charter School: Chair Morrisette reported the trustees met on June 2nd; maintained enrollment at 48; feel we had a good year; next year’s applications seem to be on target; tomorrow NH DOE Commissioner Lyonel Tracy will be visiting the school for a pot luck lunch.
5.10 SAU Policy Committee: Patty explained that tonight she has passed out the correct BEDG as a line was omitted from the copy you received in your packet. Look for approval of these six policies. Motion by Kris Magnusson, seconded by Roy Morrisette and unanimously board approved with no further discussion to approve the following policies: BEDG – Minutes; 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; JFABD – Admission of Homeless Students; and JFABD-R – Residency: Homeless Children and Youth. The following policies will be brought back for a second reading and please get back to Patty if you have any questions or changes on these so can come to board for approval at next meeting: BDD & BDD-R – Board-Superintendent Relationship; BGF – Suspension of Policies; BIA – New Board Member Orientation; DH – Bonded Employees; IC – School Year; ICA – School Calendar; IKA – Grading System; JFABB & JFABB-R – Foreign Exchange Students; JIH & JIH-R – Student Searches; and JJF – Student Activities Fund Management.
7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – May 10, 2005 Board Meeting: Motion by Kim Casey, seconded by Roy Morrisette and unanimously approved with no further discussion to accept the May 10, 2005 board minutes as presented.
Superintendent noted that the right to know law is in front of everyone from the Attorney General.
8. NON-PUBLIC SESSION: None at this time.
9. ADJOURNMENT: Motion by Lucy Cushman, seconded by Robin Scott and unanimously voted to adjourn at 8:45 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Sally Boyd, Secretary
ERCSD 6-15-05 Attachment #1
Exeter Region Cooperative School Board
Personnel, Policy, and Communications Committee Minutes
Tuesday, June 7, 2005, Room 105B (SST Building)
Members Present: Robin Scott, Sally Oxnard, Kris Magnusson
Members Absent: Gregg Kann
Administration: Dr. Arthur Hanson
Other: Patty Lovejoy
Meeting called to order at 6:08 p.m.
High School Trips: Assistant Principal Mike Monahan presented the committee with the following three future foreign language trips for approval:
1. France: Scheduled for April vacation in 2006
2. Spain: Scheduled for April vacation in 2006
3. Britain: Scheduled for June/July (summer vacation 2006)
Due to scheduling difficulties students may miss one day of school on the France and Spain trip scheduled for April vacation in 2006. The foreign language teachers are asking for approval well in advance so that they will have time to supplement the cost of the trip with fundraising efforts.
The committee recommended approval of the above trips. A condition was requested by the PP&C Committee to recommend approval for the Britain trip on the condition that only students returning to Exeter High School would be allowed to participate. Motion by Kris Magnusson and second by Sally Oxnard. Motion to full Board
Griffin Bodi & Krause PR Firm-Letter of Engagement. Committee reviewed and discussed letter of engagement from Griffin Bodi & Krause. The professional services for the Communication Audit will be $5,000.00, excluding customary out-of-pocket expenses (postage, media). Committee approved terms. Motion by Sally second by Kris Magnusson.
Review of policy for High School Seniors moving: As policy presently states that a student must have “senior status”. The criteria is met by maintaining residence in the SAU for the first quarter of the school year (second week in November). If the student meets the criteria they will be able to complete their senior year at EHS without residential status.
4. From the Floor: The following topics were discussed from the floor:
obligated to respond to E-Mails when they are copied (Cc:).
starting school later for high school students. This would be a good time to begin the conversation with the building of the new high school
Patty Lovejoy gave the committee a brief overview of the policies that are
presently undergoing first and second readings. A policy on tutoring will be tabled until the fall so that Cooperative Principals can present their recommendations on this issue.
Meeting adjourned at 6:55 PM. Motion by Kris Magnusson and second by Sally Oxnard.
Respectfully submitted,
Robin Scott, Chair PP&C Committee
ERCSD 6-15-05 Attachment #2
ERCSD Facilities Committee Meeting
June 6, 2005 - 6:00 PM
Cooperative Middle School - Library
MEMBERS PRESENT: Lucy Cushman, Ray Trueman, Kim Casey and Roy Morrisette
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
ADMINISTRATION PRESENT: Arthur Hanson, Walter Pierce, Dick Wendell and
Gary Heald
OTHERS: Patty Lovejoy and Kathy Bailey/Emily - Exeter News Letter representative
Chair Cushman opened the meeting at 6:00 PM. The following agenda items were discussed and/or acted on by the committee.
1. Locker Colors: The committee decided on locker colors for the new high school.
2. Room Numbering System: The committee decided on the numbering system for the new high school.
3. Tree Planting Update: Trees were planted Monday, June 13, 2005 along Old Town Farm Road.
4. Change Order #2 Ratification: Discussion occurred about change order request #2 and committee voted to take amount to full board for approval - $373,442.25 – which covers miscellaneous small items and includes $17,033.03 additional for water and fire pump houses; $25,878.07 for underground septic and conduit for concession stand under stadium and $314,465.71 for air conditioning cafeteria, weight room and two health classrooms. Balance in contingency will be $1,128,276 after this second change order. Bidding for bleachers and field surface going out soon.
5. Site Work Update: Construction is going well, but site work is about 1 ½ months behind schedule due to constant rainy weather. Worst case scenario is that some site work will be left for next spring instead of being completely finished this fall.
6. Budget and Schedule Updates: See agenda item 5.
7. Non-Public Session: Under RSA 91-A:3 II.(a), motion by Roy Morrisette, second by Kim Casey and unanimously roll call vote in the affirmative to go into non-public session. A brief discussion followed on a settlement with a contractor. No vote taken. Motion by Roy Morrisette, seconded by Kim Casey to return to public session with unanimous roll call vote in the affirmative.
8. Adjournment: The board adjourned at 6:55 PM.
Minutes submitted by
Lucy Cushman, Chair
Facilities Committee
ERCSD 6-15-05 Attachment #3
Revised Curriculum & Philosophy Committee
Minutes
Tuesday, May 24, 2005
Meeting was held in the SAU 16 Conference Room at 7:00 PM and adjourned at 9:00 PM.
Present:
Central Office: Superintendent
Arthur Hanson
Administrators: Principal Tom O’Malley, Assistant Principals Lesage and Perkins, Curriculum Coordinator Peter Stackhouse
Staff Members: CMS 6th Grade Teachers Paul Whitmore, Chip Nelson, Karen Whitmore, Patti Glennon, Heather Hyveri
Curriculum Comm: Roy Morrisette, Lucy Cushman, Robin Scott, Kris Magnusson
Other SB Members: Patty Lovejoy, Kim Casey
Visitors: John and Carol Hazekamp, Bob Greene, and Kathleen Bailey Seacoast Newspapers
Agenda Items:
Mr. O’Malley opened the program speaking about the 6th grade transition and the flex grouping model being phased in except for the Math. He reminded the committee that the math curriculum had not changed just the delivery of the curriculum via the MathScape program. It was reported that the learning curve on both levels has been mixed. Staff is grouping by learning abilities, style, learning curve and interests. Mr. Nelson related that the experience has been trying but rewarding and shared his experiences and what he has used as tools for grouping his students. The question was asked about how long it takes to determine each child’s learning style and Mr. Nelson explained the process he uses. Mr. Whitmore spoke to how he uses individual conferences with students, inventories and testing results. Mrs. Hyveri a reading specialist spoke about the reading abilities of students and how that is determined and used to group students. The conversation from the staff was very positive about the process and the training being provided.
Mr. Stackhouse addressed the continued process of training being provided for the staff relative to differentiate instruction and that staff is completing an on-line course of 20 hours some attended last summer’s two-three day institutes which will be offered again this summer. He also spoke about the Math training that continues to go on relative to MathScape modules and that the staff has completed four and part of a 5th and hope to have 6 units completed by next year. The training is done off-site at the SAU office for this on four different days.
Mr. O’Malley and Stackhouse also spoke about the continued work being done to meet a school in need of improvement in relationship to our Literacy/Reading issues. We did meet “safe-harbor” but we still have remedial readers at 2 grade levels below where they should be and they continue to look for ways to meet these students needs which will require intense services to overcome this shortfall. The addition of an additional reading teacher on the 7th grade team will mean that reading will be taught across the curriculum at all grade levels next year and this will help improve the scores.
Intervention is the key to solving this issue and Mrs. Glennon our reading coordinator spoke about a 6 week (40 hour course) pilot program that she has been developing with others and offered as a pilot this past summer. The course will be offered through Plymouth State University as a 3 credit course. Staff will be able to take this through the SPDC (Seacoast Professional Development Center).
Summer reading was suggested and it was agreed that this is a good idea but does require parental support in order for it to work.
It was greatly appreciated that the staff took time out of their busy schedules to come and share their experiences and thought with the committee. High commendations were given for the CMS Librarian Mrs. Dee Wahl and the important role she has played in making reading important to students and her personal knowledge of each student and helping staff integrate reading into their curriculum.
The staff is anxiously awaiting the results of the last round of NWEA testing they can view their individual students and it appears that growth is happening but we will not have the official reports until our open window period has closed. NWEA testing results for parents will be ready and sent home with report cards on the last day of school. It is hoped that staff, as they review their students test scores, will contact parents before the end of the school year of any concerns they have on students who did not show improvement. Make-ups will continue to be scheduled and should be completed in the coming weeks.
The discussion on how serious the students take these test was discussed and it was agreed that it needs to be monitored which appears to be the case by staff and that the system its self can also recognize trends while the test is being given and can shut down on the student.
Item two on the agenda regards the survey results was not ready for presentation and it was agreed that the presentation could be done at the next regular school board meeting and be one of the major topics of the night.
From the Floor, discussion relative to time for staff and students to work together as a whole came up and lead to some interesting thoughts and will be looked at by administration and that the Board would be supportive of efforts to allow this to happen.
Respectfully submitted
Roy Morrisette, Chair
Curriculum and Philosophy Committee
Post meeting information:
Mr. Stackhouse reports that they are working on ways in which to both 1) inform parents as soon as the date is available and yet 2) have teachers present as the first receivers of communication. It is hoped to be able to do a pre-report card mailing in order to get this information out as soon as possible. The idea being that a parent calling an Administrator early in the summer will not do anyone in the “student-parent-teacher learning loop” any good.
DRAFT ERCSD 6-15-05 Attachment #4
ERCSD Finance Committee Meeting
June 1, 2005 – 5:00 PM
SAU Office
MEMBERS PRESENT: Patty Lovejoy, Kris Magnusson
ADMINISTRATION PRESENT: Walter Pierce, Nathan Lunney
Chair opened the meeting at 5:00 PM. The following agenda items were discussed.
1. Approval of Minutes: Kris Magnusson suggested that recent committee meeting minutes should be approved. She then moved the approval of the minutes from the April 6th and May 4th meetings as previously presented. Patty Lovejoy seconded the motion and the motion passed.
2. ERCSD Trust Funds Summary: Nathan briefly reviewed the summary of trust funds. The Capital Reserve, Special Education Trust, and Maintenance Trust account balances were noted. The trust summary provided at the next meeting will identify the new FY 2005-06 appropriations as well as revised balances.
3. FY 2005-05 Fund Balance Projection
a. Revised Revenue Estimates: Nathan offered again the projection of revenues for the current fiscal year. He explained that this was changed only slightly from last month. The total revenue projection still suggests that there should be excess revenues of around $990k. This total will fund the $490k of warrant articles approved at the March District meeting and provide for nearly $500k of fund balance to offset tax impact this fall.
b. Updated Appropriations Projections: Nathan reviewed the final FY 2004-05 appropriations projection. The variances are essentially the same as noted in previous meetings. Two adjustments have been made that net an increase in the projected balance. The Adult Ed function now shows an overage of more than $45k. Nathan explained that this is offset by revenues but had been incorrectly reduced to zero in previous projections. Nathan also reported that he had overestimated benefits costs in past projections, so the Benefits function is now showing a positive balance instead of an overage. These two adjustments contribute to the new projection of just over $200k in appropriations fund balance.
Kris Magnusson asked about the ongoing question of State Adequacy Aid. In past meetings, Nathan has updated the committee on the status of legislation on education funding. He had no additional information at this time. Kris wondered if the Board should be taking steps to manipulate the budget to generate savings to offset the anticipated loss in state aid. There was consensus that savings of that magnitude in the FY 2005-06 budget would only come from reductions in staff. Kris suggested that there must be programs that are less staff-driven like athletics which could be cut or put on pay-for-play basis for savings. Nathan reminded the committee that the budget for FY 2005-06 was a carefully developed projection of real costs and it would be unreasonable to expect “savings.” Reduction of the budget would require real reductions in deliverables. It was also noted that the pay-for-play suggestion would be very controversial.
4. Additional Appropriation for Unanticipated Federal Project Revenues: Nathan presented the committee with a summary of FY 2004-05 federal projects. The total amount of approved federal funds exceeds our gross appropriation for the current year. Grants are projected to total more than $1.135 million. Our gross appropriation was $778,335. Nathan asked that the committee request approval at the next Board meeting for an additional appropriation of $400,000 as a formality for the auditors so that we can fit the total revenues within our appropriations.
5. EHS Building Project Update: Walter updated the committee on the building project. He and Nathan presented the committee with an initial budget projection for FY 2006-07 in order to highlight the fiscal challenges that may exist. The initial draft is based on broad estimates and not specific analysis. It was intended to draw attention to the impact of the facility changes in that budget. The committee will continue to consider those impacts in its development of the budget beginning early this fall.
6. Next Meeting Date: Tentative…Wednesday, August 3, 2005 at 5:00pm at the SAU office.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:00 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Nathan Lunney