Tuesday, May 9, 2006 – 7:00 PM
CMS Library
PRESENT: Greg Kann, Lucy Cushman, Robin Scott, Townley Chisholm, Kim Casey,
Patty
Lovejoy, Sally Oxnard, Ray Trueman, Kris Magnusson, Brad Kelly
and Hannah Caporello
ABSENT: All present
ADMINISTRATION: Arthur Hanson, Nathan Lunney, Walter Pierce and Tom O’Malley
SCHOOL BOARD ATTORNEY: Gordon Graham
1. CALL TO ORDER: Chair Kann called the meeting to order at 7:02 PM followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
2. ANNOUNCEMENTS/PUBLIC INPUT: Jim Johnson – Brentwood noted that he does not feel fair treat of board members is occurring when various ERCSD board members raise questions/concerns at board meetings and neither the board nor the superintendent responds to these questions/concerns.
3. CHAIR’S REPORT
3.1 Talon Recognition Victor Sokul & Rob Schneider: Chair Kann explained that The Talon advisor, Mr. Schneider, is present this evening to discuss several awards the EHS student newspaper recently received. Mr. Schneider reported that a group of 12 sophomores went to Boston University to take part in the New England Scholastic Press Association conference. Reviewed awards received: Chris Hsieh - first place from among all New England schools with over 1000 students (Division 1) for a Halloween photograph; The Talon was placed in the highest category of newspapers in Division 1 schools, earning it a Certificate of Highest Achievement; and finally, from all the division 1 New England newspapers that were given the Highest Achievement award, The Talon was awarded first prize, indicating its status as the most highly-honored newspaper in all New England Division 1 schools. Present were Katie Corcoran, Editor-in-Chief of the newspaper, and sectional editor Caitlin Meline. When asked if staff receive credit for working on the paper, it was explained that any EHS student may take the elective Newspaper Publications for one year and receive four credits. This year, due to the number of sophomores interested in taking the course, the course was offered only as a half year (2 credits) course. On behalf of the ERCSD Board, Chair Kann presented certificates to Mr. Schneider for the entire Talon staff (see Attachment #1 pdf).
3.2 Student Board Representatives’ Report: Hannah Caporello and Brad Kelly were present to report on student activities at the high school
3.3 Discussion of Annex Zoning Proposal with Mike Dawley: Chair Kann introduced Mike Dawley, chair of the Exeter Planning Board. Mike explained that he was speaking as a concerned taxpayer who does not feel the board is working to get the most money it can when it sells the Annex. He reviewed the proposal that he had previously presented to the Facilities Committee in April. After extensive discussion, on a Motion by Kris Magnusson that the board look at or enlist support of a willing taxpayer to look at both a “variance for a multi-family appraisal” and a “special exception for a community center appraisal” in trying to determine the highest value for this property. Seconded by Townley Chisholm. Chair called for a vote: 4 in favor (Chisholm, Oxnard, Magnusson and Trueman) and 5 opposed (Kann, Cushman, Lovejoy, Scott and Casey). Motion failed.
3.4 SAU Joint School Board Bus Tour (5:00) & Meeting (6:15) – May 15, 2006: Chair Kann reminded the board of the May 15th SAU Joint Board meeting and bus tour, noting the meeting is starting at 6:15 PM since we have a rather lengthy agenda. Superintendent noted that the bright pink sheets in your notebooks are action items and ask that as you read through the notebook, you pay particular attention to those bright pink sheets as they will require board actions.
3.5 ERCSD Retreat – June 24, 2006: Chair Kann reminded the board that the retreat is on a Saturday and begins at 7:30 AM for breakfast with the meeting staring at 8:00 AM. Kris asked if the meeting could be video streamed and Greg responded that since the meeting is held on Saturday, as in years past, it will not be taped.
3.6 Review of New School Board Orientation: Chair Kann updated the board on the orientation for new board members that was held last Thursday at the SAU Office explaining it is an opportunity to review the role of a board member for new school board members. Townley attended the meeting. On Thursday, May 25th, the NHSBA will be hosting a workshop on “Evaluating Your Superintendent”. It will be in Concord from 5:30 to 8:30 PM. If you are interested in attending, please email Sally and let her know so she can register you. Patty spoke to an initiative that was discussed at a NHSBA meeting. Board members donate a portion (she was thinking $200) of their school board stipend to establish grant money that teachers can apply to for professional development courses. If you are interested in donating a part of your stipend, let Sally know ASAP as there is a deadline in June for teachers to apply and we will need to know how much money is available for teachers. Interested board members will get together to develop an application form; send the application form to all teachers with a due date of June 16th; and then the interested board members would meet during the summer and select the recipients who would be announced at the general faculty session in August.
4. SUPERINTENDENT/ADMINISTRATION REPORT
4.1 Adult Ed End of Year Report – Leslie Haslam: Chair Kann noted that this year’s graduation and GED ceremonies are Thursday, June 8th at 7:30 PM and school board members are invited to attend. The superintendent introduced Director of Adult Education Leslie Haslam, who explained she had three handouts to share with the board: blue piece – copy of insert that goes into Carriage Town News couple of times a year and also goes to a couple of non-SAU 16 school districts; white sheet - Adult Basic Education/GED/ESL Program Enrollment 2005/2006 (see Attachment #2 pdf); and white sheet - Diploma Program Enrollment 2005/2006 (see Attachment #3 pdf). Leslie reviewed all the various programs Adult Ed has to offer: tutoring program for prisoners; enrichment; welfare; GED; ESOL; Adult Diploma; GED Testing Center, etc. The Exeter Adult Ed is the only regional “full service” program. Leslie spoke to the drop-out rate; increased number of young students coming to the program (16 minimum age); and a successful class that is just ending that was made possible with a grant they received in working with NH Technical Community College. When asked if she felt there was one main reason for the drop-out rate, Leslie concurred with all the drop-out statistics that you read, that lack of attendance seems to be the key factor and it can be caused by numerous reasons – anxiety, depression, low self esteem, etc.
4.2 Principals’ Reports: Superintendent explained that he has asked Mr. O’Malley to respond to the three issues Mr. Townley brought up at the April meeting and that Jim Johnson spoke to earlier this evening. Superintendent further noted that when someone brings up an issue or question that is not on the agenda, it is difficult for individuals to respond. Also, as a superintendent, he asks that when there are concerns in a classroom, that parents take those concerns first to the teacher because many times the concerns can be resolved at that level. Mr. O’Malley spoke to the contention of a spelling list, which he explained was not a spelling list, but a list of “sight words” and that he had previously spoken with Mr. Chisholm about this. Regarding the math test that was given to students eight times, Mr. O’Malley sent an email out to his math teachers and asked them if it applied to anyone. He presented the facts from the math teacher who thought the misunderstanding may have applied to him, noting that the test was not given eight times. One student in his class took the test four times in an effort to be sure they knew the material, but to take the test more than twice, required a note from students’ parents. The teacher assured Mr. O’Malley, he had not heard from any parents or students regarding the re-taking of any of these math tests. Lastly, he spoke to the comment that a social studies teacher in the school told students not to ask questions as they were confusing students. The responses he received from his social studies teachers assured him that none of his teachers were guilty of telling their students this and we do not know the context of that comment. Superintendent spoke to the parent survey done last year and that the survey indicated that a high percentage of parents were pleased with the work their students were doing at both CMS and EHS. All the parent surveys of all the schools in the district are on the website.
4.3 Title I Allocation of Funds: Traditionally ERCSD allocates about 30% of its funds
to elementary schools and keep about 70% for programs at middle and high
school. The superintendent just received notice that our Title I funds will be
cut by 30% so are not asking we re-allocate those funds. SAU has been the
traditional fiscal agent for all federal funds and he would ask that the board
give the SAU that authority. Motion
by Sally Oxnard, seconded by Kim Casey and unanimously voted with no discussion
to assign the SAU as the fiscal agent for the comprehensive title funds. Superintendent was asked if there was a letter that
could be sent to our representatives to decry these cuts and superintendent noted
we could do that.
Mr. Chisholm responded to Mr. O’Malley’s comments and how great some of his
children’s teachers are, but noted he has more details on the comment he made
earlier. Mr. O’Malley again asked Mr. Chisholm to have those parents either go
to the teacher or bring their concerns to him. Mr. Chisholm further commented that
the more the superintendent decries these concerns, the more obvious the
negative aspects of differentiated instruction become. He then proceeded to
note that the NECAP and NWEA (CMS RIT scores, projected growth scores and REAM
scores) data that was presented was not accurately portrayed and he asks
immediately for the release of the data that needs to be seen, not just what
you want people to see. He further stated that the superintendent has a moral
obligation to share all the data.
4.4 Nominations and Resignations: Superintendent would recommend the board accept the following nominations since the April 11, 2006 board meeting: Kathryn Burdette - EHS English- 1 yr LOA (Becky Partridge); Melissa Burdette - EHS English; Jennifer Hebert - EHS English; Carol Mastacouris – EHS Assistant Principal. Patty spoke to the committee that was involved with the Assistant Principal candidates. The superintendent would recommend the board accept the following resignations: Tony Baldasaro – CMS 7th grade science and Paul Whitmore – CMS 6th grade reading. Motion by Patty Lovejoy, seconded by Kim Casey and unanimously board voted with no discussion to accept with regret the resignations of CMS 7th grade science teacher Tony Baldasaro and CMS 6th grade reading teacher Paul Whitmore. Motion by Sally Oxnard, seconded by Kris Magnusson and unanimously board voted with no discussion to accept the following nominations: Kathryn Burdette - EHS English- 1 yr LOA (Becky Partridge); Melissa Burdette - EHS English; Jennifer Hebert - EHS English; Carol Mastacouris – EHS Assistant Principal.
5. COMMITTEE REPORTS
5.1 Personnel, Policy and Communication: Chair Magnusson reported the committee did not meet in April and next meeting is Wednesday, May 24th at 6:30 PM at the SAU Office. She has made a template for a goal completion worksheet that she shared with the board. The communications survey is ready to be administered to ERCSD staff so she would request a motion by the board to approve administering the survey. Motion by Sally Oxnard, seconded by Robin Scott and unanimously board voted with no discussion to proceed with the staff survey. The results from this survey should be available by end of school year and will be shared with the board at the retreat. Superintendent reported that the proposed Wellness Policy did get emailed to all SAU staff, but IT is currently working on the integration of the ERCSD parent email list and we hope to send the proposed Wellness Policy out to ERCSD parents by the end of this week. Asked if the email went out to parents on MySpace.com and superintendent confirmed the email was sent out.
5.2 Facilities: Chair Cushman reported that at tonight’s meeting they had the usual update on the new high school, noting everything is going well. One area that still needs a lot of work is auditorium, but work is being concentrated on the academic areas first; a lot of site work is occurring and have been hampered by the weather; and discussed landscaping. A change order came forward this evening that was very controversial and we were not able to finish the debate due to time constraints. A request from the Exeter Council on Aging dealing with plaques currently on walls of Annex building was discussed and we do not need to decide tonight, but will need to decide where these plaques can go in future. Ray spoke to the fact that Change Order #9 (see Attachment #4 pdf) is dated April 6th and has seven items that have already been spent, with four over the $5000 limit. Motion by Patty Lovejoy, seconded by Sally Oxnard to accept Change Order #9 in its totality. Amendment to motion by Ray Trueman to vote line by line for approval of Change Order #9. Seconded by Kris Magnusson. Ray left meeting. Discussion on amendment. Vote on amendment to motion: 0-8. Amendment fails. Vote on original motion by Patty Lovejoy 7-1 (Magnusson). Motion passes. Lucy noted that a Change Order #11 will be coming forward for irrigation work for $21,000. Motion by Patty Lovejoy, seconded by Sally Oxnard to give Walter Pierce permission to spend up to $23,000 for Change Order #11 for irrigation. Discussion on clarification that the irrigation is around the building, not for the fields. Since no further discussion, chair called for a vote 7-1 (Magnusson).
5.3 Curriculum and Philosophy: Chair Oxnard reported that the committee met on April 18th and she reviewed the minutes (see Attachment #5 pdf). The April 18th meeting centered on current practices in reading and instruction. On a motion by Kim Casey, seconded by Patty Lovejoy and unanimously voted 8-0 with no further discussion to establish literacy and math baseline criteria to exempt students from literacy or math support programs and to qualify them for world language or study halls. It was noted that family and consumer science and power tech will hold classes at new high school, but labs at old EHS. Next meeting is Tuesday, May 16th at 7:00 PM at the SAU Office.
5.4 Finance: Chair Lovejoy reported that the committee did not meet in May, but their next meeting is Tuesday, June 6th at 5:00 PM at the SAU Office.
5.5 Technology: Board representative Kann explained that the committee did not meet, but their updated SAU Technology Plan has been completed and will be taking it to the SAU Joint Board for approval on May 15th. Next meeting is June 9th at 7:30 AM at SPDC.
5.6 Transportation: Nathan shared that the committee has not met, but has asked the SAU Joint Chairs to let him know who will be representing their board for upcoming contract negotiations. Currently, Robin Scott is the ERCSD representative to that committee.
5.7 SAU Chairs: Chair Kann reported on the meeting of April19th (see Attachment #6 pdf). Next meeting is scheduled for May 10th at 5:00 PM at SAU Office.
5.8 SST: Board representative Casey explained they will meet on Monday, May 15th.
5.9 NCLB: Board representative Magnusson reported that the SAU has been selected as one of the Follow the Child Schools and Commissioner will present a banner to SAU Joint Board on Monday, May 15th. She reviewed the minutes of the last meeting NCLB meeting (see Attachment #7 pdf).
5.10 Great Bay eLearning Charter School: Board representative Cushman explained the Trustees will meet next Thursday, May 18th.
5.11 SAU Policy Committee: Patty Lovejoy reported the committee met last week. Two policies are going forward to SAU Joint Board for a first reading: Proposed SAU 16 Wellness, Nutrition and Physical Activity Policy and EEAJ Video and Audio Recording on School Buses (see Attachments #8 pdf and #9 pdf respectively) so each board can then have a second reading at their June meeting. Also discussed technology policies that will be coming forward for board approval. Lastly, we will need to develop a policy on an ERCSD Pandemic Plan.
6. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
6.1 April 11, 2006 – Board Meeting and Non-Public Minutes: Sally Oxnard asked that Kris Magnusson’s name be added under her PP&C report and under her NCLB report. Additionally, under Curriculum & Philosophy, the word “testing” needs to be added after “…amazing amount of time we spend”. Motion by Kim Casey, seconded by Townley Chisholm and unanimously board voted 8-0 with no further discussion to accept the revised minutes of April 11, 2006.
7. NON-PUBLIC SESSION – Chapter 91-A:3II, a,c: On a motion by Patty Lovejoy, seconded by Robin Scott to go into non-public session under RSA 91-A:3II, (a) and(c) at 9:50 PM. Roll call vote with all board members answering in the affirmative. The board returned from non-public at 10:16 PM.
The superintendent briefed the board on the hiring of a “chef” for the ERCSD Food Services Program, noting the position will be paid entirely through the Food Services revenues.
8. ADJOURNMENT: On a motion by Kim Casey, seconded by Patty Lovejoy and unanimously voted with no discussion to adjourn at 10:18 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Sally S. Boyd
Secretary