Tuesday, June 12, 2007 – 3:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Roy Morrisette Alumni Room – Exeter High School
PRESENT: Sally
Oxnard, Kris Magnusson, Ray Trueman, Lucy Cushman,
Kim Casey, Patty Lovejoy, Townley Chisholm, Tomasen
Carey and Barbara RigordaEva
ADMINISTRATION:
Arthur Hanson, Walter Pierce, Nathan Lunney, Jerry Frew,
Dick Wendell, Victor Sokul, Tom O’Malley, Bill Perkins,
Tony Baldasaro and Margaret Callahan
1. CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Chair Oxnard called the meeting to order at 3:40 PM followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Board members introduced themselves.
2. ANNOUNCEMENTS/PUBLIC INPUT: None at this time.
3. CHAIR’S REPORT
3.1 EHS Student Representative Introduction – John
Atsalis: Introduced the new board representative Caroline Young who will be
a sophomore next year and will be working with Brad Kelly as the student
representative to the board.
3.2 Overview of the Retreat: Chair Oxnard
spoke to the “Make Success Measurable” handout in everyone’s packet that we
will use as a guideline in tonight’s goal setting.
3.3 Recommendations of the “Special” Testing
Committee & NWEA: Ms. Carey reported on what occurred at the
committee’s meetings; committee would like to bring forward the recommendation
of Math Focus group to change testing schedule. Superintendent asked Assistant
Superintendent Jerry Frew to share latest information from elementary schools
on NWEA testing. Jerry had a conversation with K-5 principals this morning and
they have indicated their support for maintaining at least grade 5 spring NWEA
testing. Discussion followed with Mr. Baldasaro on usage of the NWEA data from
elementary to middle schools; you can do a spring to spring NWEA data comparison
of 5th and 6th grade; discussed downside of only doing
NWEA once a year; (Tom O’Malley and Bill Perkins arrived 3:49 PM); importance
of having database system in place this summer; discussion by board on twice a
year testing versus once a year with NWEA and how teachers may have too much
data to deal with while trying to begin using PowerSchool at same time. Ms.
Magnusson proposed we work towards a goal of going from twice a year NWEA
testing to once a year and discuss with consultants at NWEA to make sure we do
it the best way. Ms. Carey noted she felt the committee ended on the idea to
solicit input from teachers so they will have NWEA data for placing their
students. No action taken.
Mr. Baldasaro presented the spring 2007 NWEA Data Analysis June 2007
(see Attachment #1). Board consensus to continue discussion on this at June
19, 2007 meeting.
3.4 Recommendations of the “Special” Survey Committee: Mr. Chisholm reported the committee recommended the board continue to survey the teachers and to use the UNH Survey Center to assist with reviewing the current questions for possible additions, deletions or modifications. A letter is to be sent thanking the teachers for their participation in the process. Motion by Mr. Chisholm, seconded by Ms. Magnuson and unanimously voted to continue with the teacher survey using the UNH Survey Center to assist with reviewing the current questions for possible additions or deletions.
3.5 Grade Reporting Task Force Recommendations:
Mr. Frew shared that the Grade Reporting Task Force recommendations are guidelines
so any SAU 16 district looking at their grade reporting procedures, could use
these recommendations to ensure consistency among the districts. A number
of the elementary districts have already followed some of the recommendations in
various stages and the document is also helpful to assure all aspects of the
reporting system are being addressed. You might view the document as a
template of sorts. No action needed.
3.6 Recommendations for Family Consumer Science and
Tech Education: Superintendent noted there has been a lot of discussion at
board level on possible future sights for the FCS program and Tech Ed. Ms.
Callahan, SST Assistant Principal, is present as the board needs to make a
decision since SST renovations are beginning in a couple of weeks and they need
to know what programs are going to be at EHS or SST. We have not gotten any
estimates on the cost of retrofitting space at EHS for FCS because the first
recommendation from administration is to review the curriculum of the FCS
program. We would like to verify that the current FCS program is following the
six NH curriculum strands and view the long term vision for this program before
we can make a decision on space and equipment needs at EHS. Mr. Frew has
agreed to chair a committee to review the current FCS and Tech Ed curriculums.
With regards to Tech Ed, due to their large space requirements for their
program, the administration would recommend that the Tech Ed program be moved
to SST and stay at that location. As the FCS curriculum and long term plans
are reviewed, the board could make recommendations on whether to retrofit EHS
or not. The FCS curriculum was reviewed in 2002-03 and Tech Ed was not a part
of that curriculum review. Board discussion followed noting that one of the
strands in the FCS curriculum is personal finance and the board would need to
decide where that part of the curriculum would rest. Also need to review Tech
Ed standards and strands at same time. The six strands of the FCS are: Career,
Community and Family Relations; Foods, Nutrition and Wellness; Human Development,
Early Childhood and Parenting; Consumer and Resource Management; Housing and Textiles;
and Hospitality, Tourism and Facilities Management. Discussion followed on
when in the building process of the new high school the decision had been made
regarding what programs would be either EHS or SST. Where the Tech Ed program
is going to be housed needs to have an immediate decision. Mr. Lunney
clarified that there will not be any additional costs with regard to
transporting students to SST for FAC labs next year. Motion by Ms.
RigordaEva with a second by Ms. Magnusson that the board go forward with
renovations of a space at EHS for a FCS kitchen as requested with consideration
of the current curriculum and cost factors. Discussion followed. Motion
by Mr. Trueman, seconded by Mr. Lovejoy to table the motion because there is
not enough information available to make a decision. Vote on motion to table:
6-2 (RigordaEva/Magnusson – Chair did not vote). Ms. Callahan spoke on
Tech Ed program and how it flows into other programs at SST. Motion by Ms.
Casey, seconded by Ms. Cushman to continue collaboration with Tech Ed and have
Tech Ed lab be moved to SST. Discussion followed. Since no further
discussion, Chair called for a vote: 3 yes (Cushman, Casey and Lovejoy), 4
no (Oxnard, Magnusson, Chisholm and Carey) 1 abstain
(RigordaEva) – motion fails. Motion
by Ms. Cushman, seconded by Ms. Lovejoy and board voted 6-2 (Casey, Chisholm –
Chair did not vote) to keep Tech Ed labs at SST and current Tech Ed courses at
EHS, for 2007-08 and during the year review the Tech Ed curriculum at EHS.
3.7 SAU 16 Committee Representatives: Chair noted she was making the following committee appointments:
3.7.1 SAU Transportation Committee – Ms. Cushman
3.7.2 SAU Policy Committee – Ms. Lovejoy
3.7.3 SAU Bus Safety Committee – Ms. Casey
3.7.4
SAU Superintendent Search Committee – Townley Mr. Chisholm
3.7.5 SAU No Child Left Behind – Ms. Carey
3.8.6 SST Governance – Mr. Trueman
3.8.7 SAU Tech Committee – Ms. Lovejoy
3.8.8 SAU Superintendent Search Committee – Ms. RigordaEva
Ms. Casey voiced her disappointment at not being re-appointed the SST Governance Board.
3.8 Appointment of ERCSD Clerk – 1 year term: Motion by Ms. Lovejoy, seconded by Ms. Casey and board voted 7-0-1 (Cushman abstain – Chair did not vote) to appointment Sue Bendroth ERCSD Clerk for July 2007 through June 2008.
Chair announced a 15 minute break at 6:10 PM so board may continue working during dinner. Mr. Trueman left the meeting.
3.9 Continued New School Board Orientation: Deferred
4. REVIEW OF THE 2006 – 2007 GOALS: A copy of the 2005-06 goals were handed out and reviewed:
Committee #1: Patty Lovejoy and Robin Scott
1. Middle School/HS Transition EHS doing summer study – On-going goal
A. Evaluation and improvement of Freshman Advisory
B. Learning Skills/Freshman orientation – summer program 1 week (2 sessions)
C. Begin 8th grade-HS Transition program at beginning of 3rd quarter (involve parents; course info and Career Technical education)
2. Continue evaluation about mixed ability grouping On-going goal
A. Letters to parents using email and attach to grade reports
B. Teachers’ forum on Channel 22 (tough questions; questions submitted by community; 3 times – end of each quarter)
C. Presentation on Channel 22
D. Results of NWEA and NECAP
Committee #2: Lucy Cushman and Townley Chisholm
1. By November 15, 2006, develop and implement a protocol to use in teacher communications regarding board decisions. Completed
2. EHS: On-going evaluation process to measure the effectiveness of ready and math labs with two reports due to board by October 31, 2006 and march 30, 2007 respectively. Completed
CMS: On-going evaluation process to measure effectiveness of additional reading, curricula and staff with two reports due to board by October 31, 2006 and March 30, 2007 respectively. Completed
3. Discussion of the needs for an addition of two pods to CMS including: a) public information and communication avenues; b) teacher and administrative input; c) architectural analysis and costs; and d) thorough board discussion. – Put on hold since latest NESDEC numbers do not show significant growth – Ongoing goal
Committee #3: Robin Scott and Greg Kann
1. School Board facilitation/evaluation - Completed
A. Abide by and honor the NH State School Board meeting protocols and boardsmanship standards and courtesies Completed
B. Conduct effective meetings (over by 10, everyone gets to speak and feels listened to, no- one gets interrupted) Completed
C. Behave as a board which treats each other and the public with respect and courtesy Completed
2. Drop Out Reduction – Completed but this goal will be on-going as additional data annual data becomes available from the DOE
Board members broke up into the following groups:
Group 1 – RigordaEva, Chisholm, Casey
Group 2 – Oxnard, Cushman, Tomasen
Group 3 – Magnusson, Lovejoy
Mr. Sokul had to leave for EHS Awards Night, but would like to ask for board approval for naming the EHS cafeteria. He gave background to board that old EHS cafeteria was named after retired EHS Assistant Principal Mike Latvis. Mr. Sokul would like to honor his administrative assistant Gail Latvis who is retiring after 22 years in the district and Mr. Latvis, by naming the new EHS cafeteria the Gail and Mike Latvis Cafeteria. Board discussion on the importance of keeping at the board level the naming of any rooms, spaces, etc. Motion by Ms. Magnusson, seconded by Ms. RigordaEva to accept the recommendation of Mr. Sokul to name the new EHS cafeteria the Gail and Mike Latvis Cafeteria. Discussion. With no further discussion, the Chair called for a vote: 6-0 (Mr. Chisholm was out of room; Chair did not vote). Motion passes. Mr. Sokul left the meeting at 6:50.
4. FORMING 2007-2008 SCHOOL BOARD GOALS – Board members worked in groups on possible 2007-08 goals.
Ms. Carey left the meeting at 7:52 PM. Board using weighted color coded stickers voted on their top five goals. The new goals selected by the board are:
1. Continue to investigate further actions to improve teacher communications
A. Increase teacher participation at board meetings and on special sub-committees
B. Improve communication with parents using multiple options (i.e. conferences, PowerSchool, open houses, etc.)
C. Schedule additional visits to schools by board members
2. Review the programmatic and financial impact of the legislation that becomes effective SY 2009-2010 that raises the drop-out rate from age 16 to age 18.
A. Identify the affected student population
B. Determine available SAU 16 options for this population, i.e., Alternative Ed, GBeCS, Adult Ed, Virtual Learning Academy Charter School, etc.
C. Meet with the affected population and develop appropriate programming
D. Project preliminary financial impact, including expenses and revenue sources
3. Recommend programs and resources that will reduce harmful adolescent behavior (adult harassment, student harassment, substance abuse, Internet dangers, etc.).
A. By increasing parent/student/community awareness through the programs and resources identified
B. Reports on program of programs and resources due by December 2007 and May 2008
5. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SURPLUS ENCUMBRANCES - Superintendent, CFO, Principals, and Director of Operations – Superintendent shared that he had met with CMS/EHS principals, Mr. Wendell, Mr. Pierce and Mr. Lunney to discuss potential items for surplus. Superintendent asked Mr. Lunney to review the finances and then the board can make their decisions. Mr. Lunney shared the information on the Fiscal Year End 2007 – Recommended Encumbrances:
CMS Classroom Door Locks 7,000
EHS Rooftop Security Cameras 11,000
TLC Drainage Pipe 50,000
TLC Wheelchair Lift 16,000
Subtotal 84,000
ERCSD Maintenance Building 125,000
TLC Windows 152,000
For security purposes, the board requested an estimate to install door locks on CMS classroom doors which is $7000; the EHS rooftop security cameras (for parking lot coverage) were discussed by SRO Dan D’Amato and their estimate was $11,000; Mr. Wendell discussed the Tuck Learning Campus drainage pipe that needs to be connected to the new drainage pipe for the SST renovations will be $50,000; and the TLC wheelchair lift needs to be repaired for handicap access into the building for $16,000. Mr. Wendell shared pictures of his current maintenance sheds that have been donated over the years and are slowly falling apart. Ms. Callahan explained the proposition from SST Building students to construct one central maintenance shed that would house maintenance equipment and supplies as well as provide, especially during the renovation process when space will be an issue, a working classroom for the Building Trades students while they are constructing the building. The $125,000 cost covers all building materials, slab, etc., and Mr. Wendell’s workers would complete the necessary electrical and plumbing within this figure. Mr. Wendell also showed pictures of the current windows at TLC that are in need of replacement. Discussion followed on replacement of the windows.
Mr. Lunney passed out and reviewed the Maintenance Trust Fund (see Attachment #2) and the Fund Balance Projection (see Attachment #3). He noted that there is currently $512,000 in the Maintenance Fund. Last month the board discussed the possibility of funding some of the $300,000 appropriated from the Maintenance Trust Fund. Nathan reviewed the fund balance projection, specifically explaining changes in the Balance Remaining column, and noted the final balance projection of approximately $690,000. He also reported that excess revenues should add about $800,000 to the final fund balance. It was recommended that the board encumber $84,000 ($7,000 – CMS door locks; $11,000 – EHS rooftop security cameras;$50,000 – TLC drainage pipe and $16,000 – TLC wheelchair lift) from the anticipated surplus to fund the projects reviewed. Other proposals included an ERCSD Maintenance Building - $125,000; and TLC windows - $152,000. Additionally the EHS Driveway widening was discussed; it will be funded by the EHS building project at $62,000. Motion by Ms. Lovejoy, seconded by Ms. Cushman to fund the requested projects for $84,000, $125,000 and $152,000 out of encumbrances ($361,000 which would give $1,130,000 back to taxpayers). Discussion followed. Amendment by Ms. Lovejoy, seconded by Ms. Cushman and voted 5-1 (Magnusson and Chair did not vote) with no further discussion to fund the requested projects for $84,000 and $125,000 out of encumbrances. Amendment passes. Motion by Ms. Lovejoy, seconded by Ms. Cushman to spend $152,000 for window replacement at TLC. Discussion followed. With no further discussion, Chair called for a vote: 6-1 (Magnusson). Motion passes
8. OLD BUSINESS: The Budget Committee meeting will be Wednesday, June 27th at 7:00 PM at 30 Linden Street, new SAU Offices; board is welcome to attend; Ms. Lovejoy is board representative to the committee; first meeting will be an organizational meeting. Request that Mr. Lunney give members a copy of the current budget on CD at that meeting.
9. NEW BUSINESS: None
10. NON-PUBLIC SESSION – None
11. ADJOURNMENT: Motion by Ms. Casey, seconded by Ms. RigordaEva and unanimously board voted to adjourn at 9:20 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Sally S. Boyd, Secretary