Tuesday, October 11, 2005 – 7:00 PM
CMS Library
PRESENT: Patty Lovejoy, Robin Scott, Lucy Cushman, Roy Morrisette, Kim Casey, Ray Trueman, Sally Oxnard, Kris Magnusson and Brad Kelly
ABSENT: Greg Kann
ADMINISTRATION: Arthur L. Hanson, Nathan Lunney, Walter Pierce, Tom O’Malley and Victor Sokul
1. CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Chair Lovejoy opened the meeting at 7:08 PM followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
2. NON-PUBLIC SESSION: None at this time.
3. ANNOUNCEMENTS/PUBLIC INPUT: None at this time.
4. CHAIR’S REPORT
4.1 ERCSD Committee Goals: Chair explained how the board and the subcommittees set goals each year and spoke to some of the on-going goals. She then asked a representative from each sub-committee speak to their committee’s goals (see Attachments #1 through #4). Motion by Kim Casey, seconded by Kris Magnusson to adopt the ERCSD subcommittee goals (per Attachments #1-#4). Patty explained that a goal of the PP&C Committee is to pilot video streaming of school board meetings. Vote on motion was unanimous with no further discussion.
4.2 Enrollments: Patty explained that this agenda item will be postponed until next month as the NESDEC enrollment information will be available for discussion.
4.3 Proposed Athletic Policy: Superintendent noted that ERCSD Athletic Director Bill Ball was present to speak to this Players Code. Coach Ball reviewed the background on how this policy/players code was updated and the group that worked with him on this (parents, students, coaches, etc.). He also discussed changes from the old player’s code to the current one. He feels that this is solid/complete document, but comes down to coaches conveying this information on a daily basis to the student athletes. This form will be produced in triplicate so parents can retain a copy to remind them and their children of this contract. CMS will also be using this form so there will be consistency with athletic expectations as they move into the high school. He hopes to review the document every over year to keep it updated. Clarified various scenarios for the board regarding how first and second violations are handled with fall versus spring sports. Not a year round contract, but a school year contract. Responded to a question on the grade requirements needed to play sports at EHS: currently, must pass four of your classes that that meet five times a week to continue playing; reviewed what constitutes a violation – in season, this would include use of alcohol or drugs or being in the presence of alcohol or drug use. Their motto is “see it, flee it”. The line that was accidentally omitted in the board packet is included in Attachment #5. Motion by Kim Casey, seconded by Robin Scott and unanimously board voted with no further discussion to accept the Players Code as presented (Attachment #5) to become effective winter sports 2005 at both EHS and CMS.
4.4 Great Bay eLearning Charter School: Superintendent noted that Teaching Principal of GBeCS Cheryl McDonough is present to update the board on the GBeCS. Cheryl reviewed enrollment, teacher status, etc.; explained that this year, have not made a lot of changes, but have evolved with 70 students; use team approach and meet everyday after school as a team to discuss how the day, curriculum, students, etc. are going; shared what an average day is like for the students; spoke to the project based instruction; every student reads and writes everyday with an interdisciplinary approach; explained the advisory groups and how each student has the same advisor the whole time they attend GBeCS; noted that the advisors conference with the parents; have a student government; started a student newspaper; have various clubs; incredibly strong parent group; applied for change in charter to include grades 11 and 12 and superintendent explained that he will be going to the DOE regarding that request and hope to know the outcome by tomorrow. Additionally various pieces of work from the students was shared with the board.
4.5 Student Board Representatives Reports: Brad Kelly reviewed student events at EHS. EHS student Hannah Caporello will be filling John Atsalis’s seat for the next few months while he is in Washington DC.
5. SUPERINTENDENT/ADMINISTRATION REPORT: Superintendent had board secretary Sally Boyd review the ERCSD 2005-06 meeting date calendar and some date changes on it. This will be put on the SAU Website.
5.1 Principals’ Reports: Principal O’Malley reported on CMS events, noting they are in the middle of the NECAP testing, commending students and teachers for doing such an excellent job; three week period of testing – 1 week for each grade. Principal Sokul reported on activities at EHS sharing that the 9, 10 and 11th graders have also been doing the NWEA testing that was completed last week; explained that he has had two faculty trips to see new high school with Walter as their guide; has shared his goals with both faculty and parents at open house so everyone is on the same page; instituted three student recognition programs and feels these programs will pay dividends in the long run.
5.2 EHS Transition Committee: Principal Sokul reported that the committee has met twice since September; 2nd meeting was a tour of new high school with Walter as guide. With board and student representation, he is now part of a presentation on Channel 22 regarding the transition to the new high school; reviewed the agenda for this weeks’ Transition Committee meeting noting that it will occur on Thursday, October 13th at 6:30 PM in SST. Superintendent explained that the most important thing that the committee has done to date is to prioritize what they can accomplish this year since they cannot do everything in one year’s time. Principal Sokul reported that he has two documents regarding the transition that he is currently working on - what the goals will be for the committee and what the goals for EHS will be since the EHS staff needs to begin thinking about the physical move.
5.3 Nominations and Resignations: Superintendent would recommend the board accept resignation of CMS 8th grade Science teacher Sean Penn as he has been selected for an assistant principalship in Hooksett. Mr. O’Malley and the principal in Hooksett will work out a timeline for Sean based on when we find a replacement for him. Motion by Kris Magnusson, seconded by Sally Oxnard and unanimously board voted with no further discussion to accept with regrets the resignation of CMS 8th grade Science teacher Sean Penn contingent on Mr. O’Malley finding a suitable replacement for Sean at CMS.
6. COMMITTEE REPORTS
6.1 Personnel, Policy and Communication: Chair Magnusson explained that the next meeting of the committee will be October 26th at 7:00 PM at the SAU Office and Mark Bodi will be present to review the communications audit. She then reviewed her minutes of the September meeting (see Attachment #6). Patty spoke to the need for the board to approve the video streaming as a pilot beginning with one board meeting in December, two meetings in January, the February Deliberative Session and the March meeting so can then evaluate after that how many individuals viewed the meetings via the Website and determine the effectiveness of offering video streaming. It will be set up for 2 hour meeting at a cost of $450 for each meeting. Motion by Kris Magnusson, seconded by Sally Oxnard and unanimously board voted with no further discussion to pilot video streaming of board meetings on the SAU Website until March 2006 when the board will determine whether to continue with the program.
6.2 Facilities: Chair Cushman reported on this evening’s Facilities Committee meeting (see Attachment #7). She also shared that there is a new update on the high school on Channel 22.
6.3 Curriculum and Philosophy: Chair Oxnard reported on the committee’s September 22nd meeting (see Attachment #8). Next meeting is October 18th at 7:00 PM at SAU Offices.
6.4 Finance: In the chair’s absence, Nathan reviewed the meeting minutes from the October 4, 2005 (see Attachment #9). He was questioned about Unitil’s notice concerning an increase in their rates and if we are going to be affected by the increase. Nathan reviewed a meeting he and Walter had this morning with the “first” of a couple of consultants regarding “brokering” our energy needs given this age of deregulation. They are exploring locking in rates not only for this winter, but for future periods with those “high usage” that will be affected by the Unitil rate increases. It is his hope that within next 3-6 weeks to consummate something to lock us into the best rates, not only for the cooperative, but any other SAU districts that could be affected and are interested. Question if consultants deal with other forms of energy other than just electricity? Nathan responded that the consultants they met with today deal with both natural gas and electricity and believe the next vendor they are meeting with deals with all energy sources. Currently there is a huge focus on electricity. Next meeting is Monday, November 14th at 5:00.
6.5 Technology: No report since Greg is absent.
6.6 Transportation: Have not met since last board meeting.
6.7 SAU Chairs: Will be meeting next Wednesday, October 19th.
6.8 SST: later this month.
6.9 NCLB Committee: Kris attended a very productive meeting at SAU Offices on 9/26 and the committee is being chaired by Assistant Superintendent Jerry Frew. Explained Coop has received $80,000 of federal grant money for DINI work and currently we have submitted a DINI plan to the state that is being reviewed for acceptance. Esther Asbell has been hired to implement plan at school level and the committee discussed communicating and educating public about NCLB. Jerry told the committee that there is a lot of information available on NCLB on the SAU Website. Next meeting is Monday, 11/21 at 6:30 PM at SAU Office.
6.10 Great Bay eLearning Charter School: Roy reported that he and a couple of the trustees met with consultant from DOE regarding charter school accountability and had opportunity to share their thoughts with the consultant.
6.11 SAU 16 Policy Committee: First meeting
for this year will be Monday, October 17, 2005 at
7:00 PM at SAU Office.
7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
7.1 September 13, 2005 Board and Non-Public Meeting: Kris would like agenda item 6.2 amended to “Discussion followed that we still have over $800,000 in the contingency” – removing the words furniture and fixture that precede the word contingency. Motion by Kris Magnusson, seconded by Ray Trueman and unanimously voted with the amendment to approve with no further discussion the regular and non-public minutes of September 13, 2005.
8. NON-PUBLIC SESSION: None at this time.
9. ADJOURNMENT: Motion by Roy Morrisette, seconded by Kim Casey and unanimously board voted to adjourn the meeting at 8:44 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Sally S. Boyd, Secretary
ERCSD Board 10-11-05 Attachment #1
Personnel, Policy and Communications Committee
Recommendations to the ERCSD Board 2005-6 Goals
Goal 1: Video Streaming full board meetings starting with December 2005 meeting through February 2006 including Special Meeting on January 31, 2006 and Deliberative Session in February as approved also by Finance Committee on a trial basis and review at end of February 2006 based on data usage.
Goal 2: Conduct teacher communication audit survey annually for three consecutive years to be administered in April with results presented to the full Board at June 2006 meeting.
Goal 3: Post on the SAU 16 web site school board and sub committee agendas 48 hours in advance of meeting starting by December 2005.
Goal 4: Present completion document or status of all Committee goals by June 2006 Board meeting to be used in goal setting retreat.
Goal 5: To communicate with all parents of the Co-op via an e-mail communication plan by January 31, 2006.
ERCSD Board 10-11-05 Attachment #2
Draft
Exeter Region Cooperative School District
2005 – 2006 Facilities Committee Goals
Continuation of 2004 – 2005 goals for #1, 2, 3 with updated timelines.
1. Articulate the future space needs of CMS (with a recommendation to the full board regarding how to proceed) to the full board by January 7, 2006.
Actions:
· If the future needs do not dictate additional space, communicate this message to board by January 7,2006, and to the community, parents, teachers and students immediately thereafter.
· If the future needs dictate additional space, start the process of securing an architect and contractor by June 2006.
2. By January 7, 2006, have the Facilities Committee identify what type of warrant articles to place before the voters regarding the Linden Street Property.
Actions:
· Draft appropriate Warrant Articles that give direction to the ERCSD Board on how to dispose of the Linder Street property by January 7, 2006.
3. To have Walter, Skip and Kim Casey continue to work with the United Methodist Church regarding the use of the Pickard property and report to the board by January 7, 2006.
Actions:
· Schedule meetings with representatives of the United Methodist Church for the Fall of 2005 in order to ascertain their interest in the Pickard Property.
4. Identify school based needs for space at Exeter High School, Linder Street site by November 2005.
Actions:
· Subcommittee to meet with various programs (e.g., Charter School, Alternative Education, SST, etc.) to determine space needs.
5. Compile a plan for maintenance and custodial needs of both the new and old Exeter High School buildings by December 13, 2005 (to be coordinated with the ERCSD Finance Committee)
Actions:
6. Compile a plan for any additional supervision/security personnel for the new high school by December 13, 2005 (e.g., auditorium manager, field usages, library, gymnasium/cardio-vascular fitness center supervision, cafeteria, etc.)
Actions:
ERCSD Board 10-11-05 Attachment #3
DRAFT—Action Plan Items for Curriculum and Philosophy Goals
1. Implement SINI/DINI Plan
Action Plan:
2. Transition plan for New High School
Action Plan:
· Develop a comprehensive safety and evacuation plan for the new high school prior to July 1, 2006
· Have all departments engage in planning the move and ready to move to the new high school by the last day of the 2005 – 2006 school year.
3. Improve personalization of educational programs
4. Continued implementation and improvement of high academic, civic and social expectations (standards)
Action Plan:
· Begin review process at EHS to review Mission and Expectations via Transition Committee and a complete review at the June 2006 Board Retreat.
5. Continue Data Drive Decision making process
· Continue to develop School Portfolio data/items for EHS and CMS through data analysis. Summary of status by June 2006 Retreat.
· All teachers develop professional goal related to reflection upon and analysis of student data to facilitate planning instructional strategies or modifying curriculum per Supervision and Evaluation Process. Update summary at the June 2006 Retreat.
ERCSD Board 10-11-05 Attachment #4
Draft – Finance Committee Goals for 2005-2006
1. Continue progress toward compliance with GASB 34 Five-Year Plan.
2. Successful completion of the 2005-2005 teacher negotiation process.
3. Successful completion of the 2005-2006 paraprofessional negotiation process.
4. To determine the cost of the high school transition, i.e. physical move, and accommodate budget implications of opening new high school and sustaining old campus.
Exeter Athletics ERCSD Board10-11-05 Attachment #5
PLAYERS CODE
The privilege of representing Exeter High School and the Cooperative Middle School on an athletic team carries certain responsibilities to be fulfilled by each team member. This information is intended to give a clear understanding to the athlete and his/her parents/guardians as to what these responsibilities include. Meeting these guidelines, both as players and families will contribute to the successful functioning of the team.
Basic Responsibilities of a Team Member
Ø Attendance is expected at all games and practices throughout the season.
Ø Athletes may be excused for personal appointments or family and school commitments that cannot be rescheduled.
Ø Productive practice sessions are expected where an attitude of enthusiasm and cooperation is displayed.
Ø Responsible safe-keeping and care of all equipment and uniforms issued is expected. Articles issued must be returned at the time designated by the coach.
Ø If an injury occurs during practice or a game, it should be reported to both the coach and the athletic trainer as soon as possible.
Ø It is expected that the athletes will be well groomed and abide by the dress and appearance rules established by the school. The coach may set additional requirements.
Ø Students should abide by all school rules listed in the Student-Parent Handbook. Coaches will review these rules with the team. Make sure you are familiar with these rules.
Ø It is a violation of this agreement if an athlete, by their actions inside or outside of the school environment brings dishonor or discredit to the school or athletic team.
Ø During the season of practice or play, a student shall not, regardless of the quantity, use or consume, possess, be in the presence of, buy/sell or give away any substance containing tobacco, alcohol, marijuana or any controlled substance. It is not a violation for a student to be in possession of a legally defined drug specifically prescribed for the student’s own use by his/her doctor.
Ø If any violation occurs and is confirmed by a school official, the athlete will be suspended from the team for seven days and from competition for fourteen days. At the end of the first week, the athlete will return to practice. If a subsequent violation occurs, the athlete shall be removed from the team and excluded from athletic participation for the remainder of the school year.
Ø Any athlete that knowingly sells, provides, furnishes or makes available to another, any illegal drugs, alcohol or tobacco products or other substances such as over the counter and prescribed medications that are used contrary to intent may be removed from the team and excluded from athletic participation for the remainder of the school year. These situations will be reviewed by the Athletic Director and the School Administration.
Ø It is a violation of the agreement if any student or students are involved in a hazing incident. Hazing is defined in the NHIAA Handbook as: “any conduct or method of initiating students onto any team or organization, which subjects a student to physical or mental abuse and/or publicly embarrasses or humiliates the student.”
Ø Any athlete that is convicted of a crime will be subject to disciplinary actions as deemed by the Athletic Director and the School Administration.
Ø Furthermore, if an athlete violates this agreement he/she will forfeit the privilege of any team leadership role for the remainder of the school year (i.e. Captaincy). Moreover, if an athlete is disciplined in accordance with this code, he/she will not be eligible for any end of the season awards except the school letter.
Basic Responsibilities of a Coach
Ø To emphasize the proper ideals of sportsmanship, ethical conduct, and fair play in all aspects of personal behavior.
Ø To stress the value of sport, apart from winning or losing.
Ø To stress the value of striving for personal excellence.
Ø To show respect and courtesy to visiting teams and officials.
Ø To understand and accept the rules governing the contest.
Ø To encourage initiative, good judgment, leadership and accountability by team members.
Ø To ensure that the athletic program contributes to the achievement of approved educational aims.
Ø To ensure that student/athletes are cognizant of school rules.
Ø To report any suspected or known violations of the players code.
Student-Athlete Signature:________________________________________ Date:____________________
Parent/Guardian Signature:_______________________________________ Date:____________________
By signing this agreement the athlete agrees to abide by all the rules set forth in this contract.
ERCSD Board 10-11-05 Attachment #6
Exeter Region Cooperative School District
Personnel, Policy and Communications Committee Minutes
September 28, 2005 – SAU Office
Committee members present: Kris Magnusson, Chair; Robin Scott, Greg Kann
Absent: Ray Trueman
Other Board members present: Patty Lovejoy, Roy Morrisette
Administration: Dr. Hanson, Victor Sokul, Bill Ball
Guests: None
I. At 7:00 PM Kris Magnusson called the meeting to order followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
II. Communications Audit Update: Kris advised the committee that she had received a call from Mark Bodi’s office on September 27 that Mark would not be able to attend our meeting due to illness. Kris proposed having Mark present at the full board meeting on October 11, 2005. Patty & Robin felt that the presentation should not be rushed as full board meeting agendas usually fill the 2 hour time frame. Motion made by Robin, seconded by Greg to have Mark Bodi present findings at next PP&C meeting, October 26. Motion carried 3-0. Kris will ask Mark Bodi to present at the next meeting.
III. Discussion of PP&C Goal Status from last year, 2004-2005
a. Goal 8: This Goal has to do with the drug and alcohol policies. Athletic Director Bill Ball and EHS Principal Victor Sokul reported on this. Mr. Ball brought forward revisions to the Exeter Athletics Players’ Code, explaining in detail, meetings with Roy Morrisette, Dr. Hanson, Mr. Sokul, Exeter Police Chief Rich Kane, Student Committee (3 girls/3 boys), and other HS Athletic Directors starting in Spring of 2005 and through the summer. Mr. Ball brought copies of the current Players Code and a revised Players Code. New revisions include language requiring that all student athletes meet this code including the following updates to: Team Member Responsibilities……
1. It is a violation of this agreement if an athlete, by their actions inside or outside of the school environment brings dishonor or discredit to the school or athletic team.
2. During the season of practice or play, a student shall not, regardless of quantity, use or consume, possess, be in the presence of, buy/sell or give away any substance containing tobacco, alcohol, marijuana or any controlled substance. It is not a violation for a student to be in possession of a legally defined drug specifically prescribed for the student’s own use by his/her doctor.
Coach Responsibilities……
1. To ensure that student/athletes are cognizant of school rules.
2. To report any suspected or known violations of the players’ code.
Mr. Ball also explained that a first offense to the players’ code results in forfeiting All-State and individual honors. Second offense results in season violation. Greg wanted to know how the students felt about telling on other students. Mr. Ball explained many of the questionable situations happen at sleepovers when parents are away. There are opportunities for confidentiality and athletes are encouraged to approach him or other staff with any questions or questionable situations. He believes the biggest challenge is making sure that athletes and their parents really understand the code and want coaches to emphasize the code to their athletes. Robin asked if this code is in the Student Handbook. It is and putting it up on the web site would be another opportunity to remind athletes and parents. Patty remarked that when she meets with the Exeter News Letter on a weekly basis, maybe they would be interested in reporting on this. Discussion continued on using a form of this code and apply to students in other clubs or school sponsored activities. Dr. Hanson said we would have to hire more staff to monitor all kids. The committee asked if this code could be brought to CMS Principal Tom O’Malley before the next Board meeting and apply it at middle school. A motion was made by Robin and seconded by Greg to approve the revisions to the Exeter Athletics Players Code for both CMS and EHS. Motion carried 3-0. The committee thanked Mr. Ball for his work on this along with Mr. Sokul.
b. Goal 3: This goal has to do with staff responding to email. Dr. Hanson reported that nearly all staff are compliant with this goal and specific incidences would be handled on a case by case basis. Therefore, this goal has been completed and does not need continuance.
c. Goal 4: This goal has to do with weighted grades. Mr. Sokul provided new input including the fact that he had spoken with Guidance and made a presentation to the Curriculum and Philosophy Committee. There is renewed interest in this and he would like to wait before finalizing anything after getting feedback from faculty and students. Currently, weighted grades are used on student transcripts that get sent to colleges. Unweighted grades are used for determining class rank only. There will be a student article in the Talon on this issue. The committee felt this is a continuing process, but not an official continuing goal for this year and will be revisited in the 2006-7 school year.
d. Goal 5: This goal has to do with methods of communication. Due to Mark Bodi being absent this evening, Dr. Hanson told Tom O'Malley and Peter Stackhouse to wait until we could receive feedback from Mark Bodi. Discussion on this goal will be deferred until the next meeting. However, committee felt on-going goal of improving communications was important. Discussion evolved for need for more efficient communications like e-mail due to the recent survey that 97% of all parents said they had access to the internet. Dr. Hanson felt development of e-mail database or list serve was possible. Robin made a motion, seconded by Greg to recommend the following goal for 2005-06: To communicate with all parents of the Co-op via an e-mail communication plan by January 31, 2006. Motion carried 3-0.
IV. Review 2005-2006 goals with timelines
Goal 1: Implement video streaming of monthly school board meetings and deliberative session. Discussion followed that this goal did not make the Finance Committee agenda and needed to go back to Finance to determine if funds were available on a trial basis. Patty was concerned that we did not have funds in the budget to try this. Dr. Hanson explained that the Web Cast service involves a flat fee of $450 for 120 minutes of video streaming. The cost is more for longer meetings. A VHS vide of the meeting is sent to Web Cast and they set up a link to our web site. Viewers can look at any portion of the school board meeting and click specifically onto to agenda items from a main menu instead of having to watch through everything. Meetings would be stored by Web Cast and would not take up space on our server, yet old meetings could still be available for viewing. SAU staff time would also be minimal. Motion was made by Robin and seconded by Greg to recommend Video Streaming full board meetings starting with December 2005 meeting through February 2006 including Special Meeting on January 31, 2006 and Deliberative Session in February as approved also by Finance Committee on a trial basis and review at end of February 2006 based on data usage. Motion carried 3-0. Patty thought it would be good to inform community about this service and would talk to the Exeter News Letter about this initiative.
Goal 2: Conduct Griffin, Bodi & Krause type of teacher communication audit survey annually for three consecutive years, to be administered in April with results presented to full Board at May meeting. Patty asked if communication audit survey done by Griffin Bodi Krause was proprietary. Kris said she would talk to Mark Bodi about this when she called him to re-schedule his communication audit presentation. Patty was concerned about leaving Griffin Bodi & Krause-type wording in goal. Greg explained the intent was to conduct the same survey to establish baseline and comparable data but agreed to reflect the intent but change the wording. Also, conducting a survey would require financial resources, so Kris would ask from Mark Bodi cost of conducting survey as well. Motion made by Robin and seconded by Greg to recommend the following goal to the Board: Conduct teacher communication audit survey annually for three consecutive years to be administered in April with results presented to the full Board at June meeting.
Motion carried 3-0.
Goal 3: Post on the SAU 16 web site school board and sub committee agendas. Discussion followed about getting agendas within 48 hours of meeting. Motion by Greg, seconded by Robin to recommend the following goal to the Board: Post on the SAU 16 web site school board and sub committee agendas 48 hours in advance of meeting starting by December 2005. Motion carried 3-0.
Goal 4: Present completion document or status of all Committee goals by June 2006 Board meeting to be used in goal setting retreat. Discussion by committee that they were happy with wording and timeframe of this goal. Motion made by Robin to recommend to Board, seconded by Greg. Motion carried.
Kris asked if there was any more discussion on any old or new goals that needed review. She asked if the committee was comfortable with not pursing NCLB (No Child Left Behind) communication goal because Jerry Frew had informed the NCLB Joint Committee that all of the information was either on or going on the web site. Committee agreed.
V. SST Proposed Driving Policy. Dr. Hanson felt we should be this on the next meeting agenda. Committee agreed.
VI. Discussion of any new policies: district, state, federal committee should be reviewing. Patty said that many were being taken up first with the SAU Joint Policy Committee and she would inform this committee of their progress.
VII. Public Input: None
VIII. New/Old Business. Kris informed committee of School Board Institute sponsored by NH School Board Association that provides 5 seminars from October to February and addresses such topics as policy making and budgeting. Kris is intending to participate and Patty may attend as well.
VIIII. Approval of June and August Meeting Minutes. Kris asked to amend August minutes to reflect Dr. Hanson’s presentation on Web Cast video streaming and reflect Ray Trueman’s request to send video streaming goal to Finance Committee. Robin made motion to accept June minutes and August minutes as amended. Greg seconded. Motion carried 3-0.
Motion made by Robin Scott and Seconded by Greg Kann to adjourn. Motion carried 3-0 and meeting was adjourned at 8:57 pm. Kris thanked the committee for their work and reminded everyone bout the next meeting scheduled for Wednesday, October 26, 2005 at 7pm at the SAU offices on Front Street.
Respectfully submitted, Kris Magnusson
ERCSD Board 10-11-05 Attachment #7
ERCSD Facilities Committee Meeting
October 11, 2005 - 6:00 PM
Cooperative Middle School - Library
MEMBERS PRESENT: Lucy Cushman, Kim Casey, Sally Oxnard and Ray Trueman
ADMINISTRATION PRESENT: Arthur Hanson and Walter Pierce
OTHER BOARD MEMBERS: Kris Magnusson, Roy Morrisette and Patty Lovejoy
GUESTS: Don Briselden and Russ Dean
Chair Cushman opened the meeting at 6:00 PM. The following agenda items were discussed and/or acted on by the committee.
1. Tuck Building: The town manager of Exeter, Russell Dean, met with the committee to discuss the possibility of some of the Exeter Town offices moving to the Linden Street site. The town sought an okay from the Facilities Committee to allow their architect to investigate the Tuck building and possibly include that building in their feasibility study for the town offices. The Facilities Committee had no problem okaying the investigation, fully understanding that nothing more may ever come of the idea.
2. New High School Update: Walter Pierce updated everyone on the progress at the new EHS. Site work has been challenged by the weather. We have had issues with one subcontractor at the site, but today the subcontractor for the athletic field “carpet” was hard at work on our artificial surface. The SST Building trades class is underway with the construction of the maintenance building at the new site. Walter also shared with the committee the concept of the “patio” or “outdoor gathering space” to be located outside the cafeteria at the back of the building. We also saw drawings of the grandstand elevations and a possible scoreboard design. Trees are to be planted on berm on Friday.
3. Non-Public Session: On a motion by Kim Casey, seconded by Sally Oxnard and unanimously voted in the affirmative (Cushman, Casey, Oxnard and Trueman) the committee went into non-public session at 6:45 PM under RSA 91-A:3 II.(d). General discussion followed about the RFP’s received so far for the Annex. Committee voted to continue advertising with a deadline of the November 8, 2005 meeting to ensure that all interested parties have an opportunity to submit a proposal. On a motion by Kim Casey, seconded by Sally Oxnard and unanimously voted in the affirmative (Cushman, Casey, Oxnard and Trueman) to come out of non-public session at 7:00 PM.
Meeting adjourned at 7:01 PM.
Minutes submitted by
Lucy Cushman, Chair
Facilities Committee
ERCSD Board 10-11-05 Attachment #8
ERCSD Curriculum and Philosophy Committee Minutes
September 20, 2005 – 7:00 PM
SAU 16 Office
Present: Sally
Oxnard, Roy Morrissette, Lucy Cushman, Kim Casey, Dr Hanson,
Victor Sokul, Peter Stackhouse.
Call to order 7:05 PM
1) Weighted Grades at EHS - A parent has written to the board expressing her dismay that weighted grades are not used to calculate the class rank for the top ten students at EHS. Discussion focused on the fact that weighted grades were established in the 90’s to be used only for college applications, to designate that some students were taking more academically rigorous courses. They have never been used for calculating the top ten. In fact many, colleges now specifically look for UNweighted GPA and class rank, or recalculate them if they get weighted grades. Transfer students present a challenge as we do not know if the classes in their previous schools were honors or not, etc. The committee did not feel that this is the time for the board to pursue further discussion of the topic as the HS reorganization committee is just getting going and might be a better place for this discussion.
2) NEASC letter- Reviewed letter and we are on target for all of the goals. Next year we will start the process of self study for the NEXT visit. The wording on academic, civic, and social expectations will come out of the new mission statement for the new HS.
3) Curriculum and Philosophy Goals- Draft action plans reviewed and approved as distributed by Dr Hanson (see attachment).
Adjourned 8:30 PM
Respectfully
Sarah C. Oxnard MD
ERCSD Board 10-11-05 Attachment #9
ERCSD Finance Committee Meeting Minutes
October 4, 2005 – 5:00 PM
SAU Office
MEMBERS PRESENT: Greg Kann, Patty Lovejoy, Kris Magnusson, Robin Scott
ADMINISTRATION PRESENT: Skip Hanson, Walter Pierce, Nathan Lunney
Chair Kann opened the meeting at 5:13 PM. The following agenda items were discussed.
1. Approval of Minutes: Robin Scott offered a motion to approve the minutes of the September 6th meeting as presented. Kris Magnusson seconded the motion and the minutes as amended were approved by a unanimous vote.
2. Trust Funds – August 31, 2005 Balances: The committee reviewed the summary of trust fund account balances at August 31st. Patty Lovejoy asked when the pending transfers from FY 2005-06 appropriations would be made. Nathan anticipated an October transaction depending on cash flows. The committee recommended that the transfers be made as soon as possible following the close of the fiscal year.
3. September Financial Statement: Nathan introduced the monthly financial report and cautioned the committee that not all known commitments were encumbered. The Business Office is working to complete this process to offer a more accurate perspective on the budget. The committee asked about anticipated energy costs. Nathan reminded the committee that there were substantial increases in the budget intended to meet higher utilities expenditures. Plus, increases in health insurance were lower than budgeted which will generate as much as $150,000 in savings that will help offset unexpected energy costs.
4. Video-Streaming Initiative: The Superintendent explained that the Personnel, Policy & Communications Committee had discussed and voted to recommend that the Board pilot a program to convert videotaped meetings into streaming video presentations linked from the SAU website. The committee discussed the PP&C proposal and the estimated costs. Each two hour taping will cost about $450 to convert and make available on the web. The committee asked about possible additional fees for ongoing hosting of past meetings, and that will be explored. Kris offered a motion to encumber $3,500 to fund the pilot …potentially (1) Dec, (2) Jan, (3) Feb, and (1) Mar…on a trial basis for seven meetings. Robin seconded and the motion passed unanimously. It was suggested that Emily Quirk be contacted to see if coverage in the Exeter News-Letter might help in publicizing this new opportunity for people to stay in touch with board activity.
5. Board Policy Review – Investment Policy: Patty reminded the committee of policy DFA-R which is an appendix to DFA. This deals with the investment of school district funds. It was recommended at the last board meeting that this policy be reviewed by the Finance Committee before further consideration by the full board. After discussion about some of the details in this draft, Nathan and Walter offered that this language would create a measurable amount of overhead expectation when the ERCSD really does not do any such investing. The district’s operating funds are held in a managed sweep account by our bank and invested in overnight, fully collateralized opportunities. A policy should be in place in the event that some short-term investment was undertaken. The committee asked that Nathan survey the other stakeholders within the SAU, including district treasurers, and then return to the committee with recommendations for changes to this policy.
6. Update on EHS Building Project: Walter updated the committee on the continued progress of the building project. He reviewed briefly the impact of change orders to date and mentioned the furniture, fixtures and equipment budget and technology budget which are largely untouched at this point in the project. The committee discussed the projected unbudgeted interest earnings from the bond proceeds and the possibility for a warrant article to address those funds. Walter will bring suggestions for project related articles to the committee in December.
7. FY 2006-07 Budget Development: Nathan passed out an updated budget timeline that listed the anticipated topics for each of the upcoming committee meetings. He walked the committee through a review of the components of the Default Budget. Then he reviewed proposed 2006-07 budget information for P&L insurance, debt service, transportation, and gross appropriations. The committee referred to the updated FY06-07 Budget Summary worksheet in reviewing these budget elements. Nathan explained that P&L will increase significantly due to continued costs of catastrophic reinsurance for the risk pool and the impact of opening our new high school next fall. Transportation costs are projected to be around 5% higher in the extension year of our contract with First Student in accommodating the increases in fuel costs. The committee reviewed again the timeline and agreed to cancel the November 1, 2005 scheduled meeting. Budget items for review will be addressed at the meetings before and after that date.
8. Next Meeting Date: Tuesday, October 18, 2005 at 5:00pm at the SAU office.
Kris offered a motion to adjourn. The motion was seconded by Robin and with a unanimous vote the meeting was adjourned at 6:59 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Nathan Lunney