STRATHAM SCHOOL BOARD MINUTES

Thursday, December 9, 2004  Stratham Memorial School

 

Members Present: Bob O’Sullivan, John Hazekamp, Mark Poirier, Ann Sloan

Administration: Tom Fosher, Principal, Katherine Nichol, Assistant Principal, Meg Driscoll and Mary Ellen Palmer, Co-Directors of Special Services, Ray Raudonis, Interim Assistant Superintendent

 

1.        Mr. O’Sullivan called the meeting to order at 6:32 PM.

2.        NON-PUBLIC SESSION: none

3.        APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Motion by Mr. Poirier to accept the minutes of November 10, 2004, November 10, 2004 Budget Workshop, and November 17, 2004  Budget Workshop.  Seconded by Mr. Hazekamp.   Motion carried 4-0.

4.        SUPERINTENDENT/ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT REPORT

4.1. Superintendent Hanson discussed the work of the SAU, the roles of the Superintendent and Assistant Superintendents and the continuing projects that are facilitated by the SAU.  He discussed the common initiatives among the districts in the SAU including common purchasing of goods and services, the availability of maintenance services for those districts that can use them, professional development activities including the Seacoast Professional Development Center.  Dr. Hanson also described the benefits of the wide area network due for implementation for the advantage of all schools and districts, and described the extraordinary progress being made to update policies as an SAU joint project.  A lengthy discussion ensued regarding a new position in special education for the SAU.

Dr. Hanson provided materials and explained the SAU goals including assessment and extensive curriculum development. 

5.        VISITORS: Jane Jennings Grant  was a visitor to discuss the topic of seat belts on school buses.  Discussion included the possibility of a COOP warrant article.

6.        GENERAL CORRESPONDENCE:  None.

7.        BOARD REPORTS/POLICY:

7.1. Legislative update: Ms. McDonnell was not present.

7.2. Chairs Meeting: Next Chairs meeting is December 15^th.  Mr. Hazekamp described material regarding superintendent evaluation provided by the School Board’s Association.

7.3. Review of Policies.  Mr. Hazekamp brought the policy on Board Appointed Committees – BDF.  Mr. Hazekamp motioned to approve policy BDF as revised.  Seconded by Ms. Sloan.  Passed 4-0. 

7.4. Potential Growth Assessment Committee.  Mr. Poirier provided a report regarding the work of this committee.  He provided some background information as to why the committee was formed and went on to inform the board of the committees decision regarding growth.  Mr. Poirier also described the data that the committee used to inform the committee’s work.  The enrollment projections from both NESDEC and HNSBA indicated a low growth potential for Stratham Memorial School.  Mr. Peter Francese, a demographics expert from Exeter, provided the committee with a view for the future and predicted a steady decline in school population.  The committee has concluded its work.

7.5. Mr. Hazekamp reported on the study being done by Ms. McDonnell and he regarding a potential Assistant Superintendent job description for Stratham.

8.        CURRICULUM

8.1. Mr. Fosher reported on the life skills program and advised the board of some new revisions to the DARE program.

8.2. New requirements regarding physical activity during the school day need to be evaluated for the impact on SMS.  Legislation appears to have implications for length of school day, for professional staff, for scheduling and for students.

8.3. Ms. Nichol and Mr. Larson are beginning the “Math Explorers” programs for students who are high math scorers on NHEIAP & NWEA.

 

9.        SMS ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM:

9.1. Ms. Nichol reported on a variety of events occurring in December including field trips, meetings, activities, etc.

9.2. SPED update.  Ms. Palmer reported on evaluations being conducted, a discharge and that no new students were referred in November.  A conversation also took place regarding the reauthorization of IDEA.  The board asked Mr. Raudonis to write a letter to Attorney Kincaid reminding her that she was no longer the district’s counsel of record and should not let herself be so represented in the press.  *Include legal rep. for sped on next agenda.

9.3. After School Program Update.  Mr. Fosher reported on the progress of the proposed program.

10.     EMPLOYEES

10.1.   Ms. Sloan reported on the progress regarding the discussions with support staff relative to salary and benefits for 2005-06.

10.2.   Mr. Fosher reported on several people going on leave for illness or maternity and how he is doing finding long term substitutes.

 

11.     BUILDING AND GROUNDS:

11.1.   Mr. Fosher reported on the construction of the new early childhood playground scheduled for next Tuesday.  Mr. Fosher said Mr. McAlpine will be doing the construction.

11.2.   Playground signs.  The “No Pets” signs have been installed. 

12.     PUPIL RELATED MATTERS: None

13.     OLD BUSINESS: Mr. Fosher brought forth another Deb Greenberg Fund application.  Mr. Hazekamp asked about a 1997 survey that was sent to parents and the possibility of comparing to the new survey.
A question was asked regarding a security camera and whether a proposal had been received.

14.     NEW BUSINESS: None

15.     BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL: None.

16.     CLOSING STATEMENTS: None.

17.     NEXT SCHOOL BOARD MEETING:

17.1.   The board will meet on December 21 , 2004 at 7:00 AM for a budget workshop at SMS.

17.2.   FAC Committee Meeting will meet on January 5, 2005 at 6:30PM

17.3.   Next School Board meeting January 12, 2005 at 6:30PM.

18.     ADJOURNMENT: Mr. Hazekamp moved to adjourn at 9:35 PM.  Ms. Sloan seconded and the motion was unanimously approved
 

Respectfully submitted:

Ray Raudonis