Tuesday, April 11, 2006 – 7:00 PM
CMS Library
PRESENT: Greg Kann, Lucy Cushman, Kim Casey, Robin Scott, Patty Lovejoy, Sally Oxnard, Ray Trueman, Kris Magnusson, Townley Chisholm, and Hannah Caporello
ADMINISTRATION: Arthur Hanson, Nathan Lunney, Walter Pierce, Vic Sokul, Tom O’Malley and Richard Wendell
1. CALL TO ORDER: Chair Kann opened the meeting at 7:00 PM followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Board members introduced themselves.
2. ANNOUNCEMENTS/PUBLIC INPUT: Carol Hazekamp, Stratham – asked about money budgeted for boosters track equipment and whether or not boosters need to raise money for the track team to have equipment at the new high school. Superintendent responded that in conversations with athletic director over the last couple of years regarding this, the track boosters have voiced their opinions that they, the booster club, could raise money for the equipment. Carol asked that board re-visit the decision by the boosters to ask parents for money to get the equipment they need.
3. CHAIR’S REPORT
3.1 Sabbatical Report – Steve McDonald: Chair explained that Steve was on a sabbatical fall semester 2005 and is reporting on what he did during that time. His sabbatical involved working on a transition program for elementary students coming to CMS (see Attachment #1 pdf). Steve reviewed what is currently being done at CMS for incoming 6th graders; noted information he has garnered through his research; explained a proposed timeline and recommendations going forward. Next year would he would like to expand move-up day activities to include lunch since his research has shown incoming freshmen have many concerns when it comes to using the café at CMS and he would also like to have a field day for all grade five students at one of the parks in the area. His presentation highlighted the benefits of this type of program having more connectedness for all. Board member suggested that instead of having a separate move-up day for Exeter students and one for Stratham students that combining one half Exeter and one half Stratham students on each of those two days would begin the merging process that students face coming to CMS. Another suggestion concerned those outlying towns that go to Sargent Camp at the same time could possibly leverage their activities to have some common time for the students while at camp. Steve was asked about survey responses he had received and he noted a very low return response from teacher surveys and parent response returns are still coming in.
3.2 Sabbatical
Committee Report: Board
representatives to this committee are Patty Lovejoy and Sally Oxnard and Patty
spoke to the committee meeting and reviewing the applications. By contract,
the Sabbatical Committee can recommend up to 2% of total staff; noted past
years’ approval of sabbaticals; this year there were three applications and the
committee approved all three for recommendation to the board. Patty further
shared that if the budgeted sabbatical money is not used each year, the money
goes into the Professional Growth Fund, which has a review committee that teachers
apply to for accessing the funds for seminars, course work, etc. Patty briefly
reviewed the three applications. Allen Griffin, 20 year teacher at EHS who is
applying for a fall semester sabbatical on assessment practices and to help
implement standard base curriculum, instruction and assessment; Robert Brown, who
has been at CMS for eight years as an English teacher who is applying for a
fall semester sabbatical to further investigate and research differentiated
instruction; and Robert Schneider, 20 year English teacher and The Talon
advisor at EHS who is applying for a spring semester sabbatical to establish innovative
publishing methods for The Talon with web exposure, to continue work on
advanced degree in teaching English and develop strategies for maintaining
connection between SST and The Talon once they are geographically
separated. The committee spent quite a bit of time on all of these applications
and would recommend all three of the sabbaticals to the board for approval.
Board member queried Patty about the deadline for approving – possibly move to
May board meeting - as she would like to read the proposals before the board
makes a decision. Mr. Sokul was asked if May would be too late for his hiring
the replacements for the teachers on sabbatical and he noted that it would put
his hiring in jeopardy to wait that late. Sally explained that committee
reviewed each application in great detail, and the process in past is that
committee reviews them and makes recommendation to board. Motion by Patty
Lovejoy and seconded by Sally Oxnard to accept the half year sabbatical
applications of Allen Griffin, Robert Brown and Robert Schneider for the
2006-2007 school year. Discussion followed on how much money is set aside
for these sabbaticals and it was explained that money is budgeted to cover the
cost of the substitute teachers as we have already budgeted for staff on
sabbatical. Each sabbatical could cost about $15,000 per half year so for
these three sabbaticals, it could be in the $45-50,000 range. Discussion
followed on trying to move the time line up and superintendent will look into scheduling
the Sabbatical Committee to meet in January/February rather than March. Since
no further discussion, chair called for a vote on the motion. Board voted
unanimously in favor of the three sabbaticals.
3.3 Student Board Representatives’ Report: EHS student representative Hannah Caporello reported on activities at EHS.
3.4 Proposed Wellness Policy: Patty explained this is not for a first reading, but an FYI for the board. SAU Policy Committee has been working on this for last couple of months and a copy has been sent to the SAU Administrators and the Adolescent Health Committee for their feedback. Next step is to send to parents and teachers before the board looks at it for a first reading. This policy is related to all foods that will be available during the school day – school lunches, vending machines, special activities at schools, etc. The policy holds us to having only healthy foods during the school day. This is a policy that is being mandated on federal/state level and the state minimum requirements. Sally explained that as a doctor, she may see a student for thirty minutes every one to two years and even if she talks as fast as she can, she had minimum opportunity to teach wellness to children. On the other hand, the schools have a much larger timeframe to work with children on wellness and she congratulates the committee. Patty hopes to see approval of the policy in June so schools can get information out to parents before beginning of the 2006-2007 school year since the policy will affect students, parents and teachers in the way they handle food in schools. This policy is only related to communal snacks, not what parents send in for their children. Research does say that currently school lunches are more nutritious than the lunches students bring from home.
4. SUPERINTENDENT/ADMINISTRATION REPORT
4.1 Principals’ Reports: Mr. O’Malley introduced Andy Littlefield, CMS
Technology Coordinator, who shared that a CMS student was recently diagnosed
with leukemia and will be at Dartmouth-Hitchcock for about a month or so. The
hospital has offered to set up video conferencing equipment for this student at
CMS and Andy explained some of the things CMS will be doing to keep
communications open between the student and her classmate and teachers while
she is at Dartmouth-Hitchcock. The student will then go to Boston from
June until August and then home from August until January. Once she is home,
the hope is that we will be able to keep the student in contact with her
classmates and teachers. Thanked Kathy McNeill and Sue Sarosiek along with
some other CMS parents who were instrumental in raising about $11-12,000 in the
current CMS magazine drive.
Mr. Sokul reported on various dates regarding opening of new high school:
opening dates for students will be August 28th for freshman and
seniors and August 29th for sophomores and juniors; on 30th
all students; there will be no separate freshman orientation; dedication of new
school date is tentatively scheduled for September 24th; and annual
fall open house October 5th. Finishing up faculty assignments to
rooms so can zero in on the packing plan; current hiring staff for next year;
gave update on assistant principal search and are now down to two finalists and
hope to make a recommendation to superintendent by April 20th; reviewed
testing schedule for May and transition from 8th graders to EHS.
Board member questioned the EHS course selection guide for this year and last
year does not have any information about weighted grades and given that
Curriculum and Philosophy Committee did agree to keep weighted grades in place
for this year and next, would like to see that included in the guide. Lucy noted
the Facilities Committee would like to have the dedication on the weekend of August
27th and asked Mr. Sokul to think about that being the weekend (versus
the homecoming weekend) since public is very interested in seeing building and because
we had hoped to have an open tour for the community sometime in April, but due
to punch list issues that are now occurring at the building, we cannot open up
the building. Victor noted he would speak with his staff and get back to Lucy
about the new date. Board member asked about making Linda Henderson and Roy Morrisette
honorary board members the day of the new school dedication and Lucy noted that
there had been discussion in the Facilities Committee about honoring all past
ERCSD board members on that day since many were involved in getting the new
high school built.
4.2 NECAP Testing – Peter Stackhouse: Superintendent noted per the March board and Curriculum and Philosophy meeting, we decided we would have more NECAP information to share, Peter Stackhouse is here this evening to go over more information on the NECAP data (see Attachment #2 pdf). Peter explained the presentation will focus on an overview of how students did on the test and would like to thank his administrative assistant Cheryl Sullivan who has done a great deal of work putting all the test information on-line at the SAU website. Discussion followed. Do we have comparative test data on other two states involved in NECAP? No, Peter does not get any data from any other states involved in the test. Can parents get GLE review information to find out areas where their students are weak? Yes, the information mailed to parents does give an overview of both their strengths and weaknesses. Discussion on letter superintendent sent home to parents followed. Question on how NECAP compares to NWEA scores – not correlated yet, but is on agenda to do since we now have the NECAP results. In PowerSource can parents access their students’ individual standings in various subjects? The program has the capability, but will first be used for attendance, scheduling, etc., but foresee that use of the program down the road. Are strands between NECAP and NWEA compatible – yes they are compatible?
4.3 Nominations and Resignations: Superintendent explained that in your board packets
you received a list of coaching nominations (see Attachment #3
pdf) and I would
like to nominate them for the board’s approval. Motion by Sally Oxnard with
a second by Patty Lovejoy to accept the superintendent’s nomination of spring
coaching appointments, noting the board’s thanks to those volunteer in spring
sports. Discussion. Board member asked for clarification on what the
“N/A” meant in the
2004-05 column and superintendent explained that they mean the position either
did not have someone in it previously or was filled by a volunteer. Noted that
some students have come back to coach and feel that is great they come back to
their alma mater. No further discussion, so chair called for a vote: unanimous
vote with no opposition. Superintendent also would recommend that the
board grant EHS teacher Rebecca Partridge a one year leave of absence to teach
in Santo Domingo, which he has spoken to Mr. Sokul about.
Superintendent feels teachers bring back a wealth of information when they
return from these types of leaves. Motion by Sally Oxnard, seconded by Kim
Casey and unanimously voted with no discussion to accept the one year leave for
Rebecca Partridge. Superintendent reported that he had received the
resignation of DINI/SINI Coordinator Esther Asbell as she has been offered a
principal position in an elementary school and he would recommend the board
accept this. Motion by Kim Casey, seconded by Patty Lovejoy and unanimously
voted with no discussion to accept with great regret and best of luck the
resignation of DINI/SINI Coordinator Esther Asbell.
4.4 Approval to Hire: Superintendent explained that he would ask board to give him permission to hire because at this time of year we receive some good new hire candidates and we need to be able to hire them in a timely fashion or chance losing them. The board has traditionally agreed to this through August and the superintendent brings information of new hires to the board each month. Motion by Patty Lovejoy with a second by Kim Casey to allow the superintendent approve new hires from now until August 2006. Discussion with board member asking if the superintendent would keep the PP&C Committee apprised of his new hires through August. Since no further discussion, the chair called for a vote: unanimous with no opposition in favor of the motion. Board member heard that we are losing the Latin teacher at CMS and that feels we need to utilize all our recruitment sources to find a replacement as that is a hard position to fill. Currently have 84 Latin students at CMS.
5. COMMITTEE REPORTS
5.1 Personnel, Policy and Communication: The minutes of the March 7, 2006 meeting were reported at the March 21st board meeting. Next meeting is Wednesday, April 19th at 7:00 PM at SAU Office. Comment about placing the video streamed minutes on the front page of the SAU Website versus in the school board minute section.
5.2 Facilities: Chair Cushman explained the committee met this evening at 5:30 PM and appreciated that all board were present except Townley and Robin so the committee could get their input on the appraisal we are having done on Annex and reviewed the options (see Attachment #4 pdf - ERCSD Special Facilities Non-Public minutes of March 30th). Mike Dawley, Carol Aten and Attorney Charlie Tucker from Squamscott Community Commons and our Attorney Gordon Graham were present at tonight’s evening where the committee had more in-depth discussion on the appraisals. After much discussion, the committee decided to go with the original vote from the March 30th meeting to stay with what is allowed under the current Exeter zoning for the annex appraisal. Walter also gave an update on new high school; discussed the September 1st date for the dedication of new high school stadium and re-dedication of football field; and to review high school dedication date. The committee is recommending to the board with a 2-1 (Trueman) vote to name the old high school (Linden Street site) the Tuck Learning Campus. Motion by Sally Oxnard with a second by Kim Casey to name the old high school the Tuck Learning Campus. Discussion followed – Ray would like to have a few more names to chose from and more time to discuss. Lucy added that we have talked about this before, but have put off decision. She feels the part of the building, the Tuck wing, is the only part of the high school with sentimental/historical significance and it makes sense to keep that name. It has also been decided that only educational tenants will be using that space going forward and using the name “learning campus” with “Tuck” seems a seems a way to pull all that together. To do rental leases for that space, we need to get a name in place. Greg would support this name. Chair noted since there is no more discussion, he would call for a vote. Vote: 8-1 (Ray) Motion passed for name Tuck Learning Campus. Lastly, Lucy noted she will ask for a non-public at the end of the meeting under sections a and d. Next meeting is May 9th at 6:00 PM. Point of Order was asked for by board member to see if the remainder of the committee minutes could be deferred or audience referred to the Web due to closeness to 9:00 PM and two hour time limit on video streaming tape. Chair noted the remainder of the committees would report out as quickly as possible.
5.3 Curriculum and Philosophy: Chair Oxnard reviewed her minutes of March 28th (see Attachment #5 pdf) and noted the next meeting of the committee is on April 18th and they will be discussing the reading curriculum for students with IEP’s. Asked board to be cognizant of the amazing amount of time we spend. Board member asked the committee to discuss the status of the EHS accreditation and if it will affected by the fact that two EHS courses will be offered off-site - Family Consumer Science and Wood Shop.
5.4 Finance: Patty discussed the Finance Committee minutes of April 6th (see Attachment #6 pdf) and noted the committee is not meeting in May. Their next meeting will be June 6th at 5:00 PM at the SAU Office.
5.5 Technology: Board representative Kann noted the committee did meet and continues their work on the updated SAU Technology Plan.
5.6 Transportation: Nathan reported there has not been a meeting.
5.7 SAU Chairs: Chair Kann shared that the chairs will meet next Wednesday, April 19th at 5:00 PM at the SAU Office.
5.8 SST: Board representative Casey explained that the committee met on March 27th; no actionable points for board to take; discussed driving policy; a facilities committee was formed and they had their first meeting last evening to discuss the SST renovation.
5.9 NCLB: Next meeting will be April 17th at 7:00 PM at the SAU Office.
5.10 Great Bay eLearning Charter School: Lucy noted no meeting since March.
5.11 SAU Policy Committee: Patty explained that a copy of IHBAB special Education Evaluation (see Attachment #7 pdf) was in the board packets since our special education Attorney Gerry Zelin recommended some format, not content, changes in the policy and this is just an FYI for the board since no action is needed.
6. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
7.1 March 21, 2006 – Board Meeting and Non-Public Minutes: Motion by Kim Casey, seconded by Sally Oxnard and unanimously board voted with no discussion to approve the regular and non public board minutes of March 21, 2006.
7. NON-PUBLIC SESSION: Motion by Sally Oxnard and seconded by Patty Lovejoy to go into non-public session under Chapter 91-A:3II, (a,d) at 9:02 PM with a roll call vote and all present voting in the affirmative.
8. ADJOURNMENT: On a motion by Kris Magnusson, seconded by Kim Casey and unanimously board voted to adjourn at 9:34 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Sally Boyd, Secretary