The Exeter Regional Cooperative School Board

Personnel, Policy, and Communications Committee

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

SAU Offices—Tuck Learning Campus

 

PRESENT:  Jennifer Maher, Chair, Tomasen Carey, Kris Magnusson, and Dave Miller, (Ray Trueman participated for part of the meeting; the Philosophy and Curriculum Committee was meeting at the same time in a different room.)

 

ADMINISTRATION:  Mike Morgan

 

VISITORS:  Wendy MacArthur-Keith (for part of the meeting)

 

CALL TO ORDER

 

This Committee met in conjunction with the Curriculum and Philosophy Committee from approximately 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.  Please refer to the minutes of that Committee for details.

 

This separate Committee meeting opened at 8:02 p.m.

 

1.                  The issue of increased communication with the NHDOE relative to unfunded mandates began with a discussion of the core competencies for high school courses.  Mike Morgan suggested that the Board could write a letter to, and/or meet with, the State Board to discuss its concerns regarding a perceived lack of direction from the State, the possibility of significant duplication, and unintended consequences.  Concerns regarding transfer students and the financial impact of this entire effort were discussed.  This Committee also expressed its understanding that the high school is beginning its NEASC accreditation process and that this work is also very time consuming. Discussion followed.

 

Jennifer Maher moved that this Committee recommend to the full Board that full implementation of the high school core competencies be delayed for one year.   While work continues the professional staff should use the existing grade level expectations and limit competencies to 4-6 per course.  Tomasen Carey seconded the motion.  All in favor.

 

 

2.         Mr. Morgan updated the Committee on his plan to proceed with dealing with the respect issue identified in the parent survey from May 2008.  He interviewed Mr. Ken Munger and has decided to have him work with two groups (one comprised of teachers; a second comprised of parents) to attempt to find reasons and potential solutions to this issue. This work would start in January and the Committee and Board will be kept apprised of the situation.  The Committee endorsed this approach by its consensus. 

 

3.         With the goal of increasing communications and public relations with the wider Coop community, Mr. Morgan introduced the Committee to the idea of an Annual Report that potentially would be published and mailed to every household within the SAU 16/Coop area.  He circulated a sample from another district and showed the group a sample of a 2008-2009 Annual Report that Tony Baldasaro has begun to draft.  Discussion followed.  The Committee liked this idea very much and reached consensus to support this idea that would be brought forward to the full Board.

 

4.                  Ray Truemen raised the issue of entering into an agreement with an energy company that would involve a possible reduction of energy consumption at a specific needed time in exchange for revenue for the District.  Jennifer Maher moved that the full Board be asked to support the idea of giving the Chief Financial Officer the authority to enter into such an energy saving initiative that would lead to revenue for the District.  Tomasen Carey seconded the motion.  All in favor.

 

5.                  The Committee discussed the idea of reviewing background checks of personnel, including Board Members.  This also involved having random checks on technology and personal computers provided by the District.  The Committee asked the superintendent to refer this matter to Assistant Superintendent, Laura Nelson, so that she could research existing policies and procedures and report back to this Committee.

 

6.                  Kris Magnusson asked that the next meeting’s agenda include topics being discussed by the high school Student Senate. This includes dancing styles at the high school dances and the possibility of some senior finals being waived.

 

The meeting adjourned at 9:04 pm on a motion by Kris Magnusson, seconded by Dave Miller.  All in favor.

 

 

Minutes taken by:

 

Kris Magnusson