MINUTES
STRATHAM SCHOOL BOARD
Wednesday, March 15, 2006 – 6:30 PM
STRATHAM MEMORIAL SCHOOL
BOARD PRESENT: Bob O’Sullivan, Luke Breton, Jim Dubela, John Hazekamp, Kate Adler
ADMINISTRATION PRESENT: Tom Fosher, Meg Driscoll, Mary Ellen Palmer, Nathan Lunney
1. CALL TO ORDER - Nathan Lunney called the meeting to order at 6:34PM, in the absence of a board chair and according to School Board policy BDA – Board Organizational Meeting and RSA 91-A:2. He led the meeting in the Pledge of Allegiance. Following the pledge, Nathan invited all board and staff to introduce themselves for the benefit of new members.
2. NON-PUBLIC SESSION – may be called at any time in accordance with RSA Chapter 91-A:3, II (a, b, c, d, e)
3. OATH OF OFFICE – Bob O’Sullivan, according to RSA 92:5, as a seated board member issued the oath of office to John Hazekamp and Kate Adler as new members of the Stratham Board.
4. ELECTION OF OFFICERS – Nathan briefly explained the nomination process, then asked for nominations for the position of Chair.
Luke Breton nominated Bob O’Sullivan for Chair. The nomination was seconded by John Hazekamp and Bob accepted the nomination. Following brief discussion, the board voted unanimously (5-0) to elect Bob O’Sullivan to be Chair of the Stratham School Board.
Jim Dubela nominated Luke Breton for Vice Chair. The nomination was seconded by Kate Adler and Luke accepted the nomination. Following brief discussion, the board voted unanimously (5-0) to elect Luke Breton to be Vice-Chair of the Stratham School Board.
5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – Nathan apologized that he did not include the minutes of the January 11, 2006 and February 1, 2006 meetings. Those will be emailed to the board shortly for acceptance at the April meeting.
6. VISITORS – Bob asked for public comment. Then he asked about election results throughout the SAU which Nathan and board members collectively shared.
7. GENERAL CORRESPONDENCE – Tom reported that SMS won a bronze medal for the coolest school website from New Hampshire Internet Awards from NH.com.
8. BOARD REPORTS / POLICY – Bob explained the intent of this section of the regular board meeting. Currently Luke is working on policies with the SAU Policy Committee; Jim is working on the NCLB committee. Bob feels legislative review is an important area for board focus. Luke reminded the board that NHSBA has its “LAN” (Legislative Advocacy Network) where Mark Poirier has been contact; this contact should be changed. Bob also identified space needs analysis as a continuing concern that will need board attention. Kate agreed to address legislation for the board and John agreed to focus on the space needs issue.
9. CURRICULUM
9.1 Class Size – Principal Fosher explained a handout that showed the SMS board-directed “ideal” and “maximum” class sizes and how they compare to the NH state minimum standards for class size. He shared the projected class enrollments for school year 2006-07. Combining the two piece of data, Tom calculated the number of classrooms projected at the ideal and maximum standards. Bob asked Tom to consider what the “ideal” number of classrooms would be for the Principal in the absence of any other restrictions (staff, space, etc.) for the insight that those honest observations may offer. Tom and John will work to bring additional information forward and future meetings.
Mary Ellen Palmer and Meg Driscoll, Special Education Administrators, shared an updated presentation on the factors influencing special education service delivery and SMS space needs and the changes over time of special education staffing. They reviewed in some detail the greater diversity and intensity of the needs represented by special needs students today.
The board tentatively scheduled to hold a second meeting in June to discuss further the space needs subject while also addressing fiscal year end matters that may exist. Nathan will schedule and update.
9.2 Kindergarten Survey – Tom reported that the survey has been done. The actual survey questions were distributed in the board packet. Tom will report back with results in the April board meeting.
10. SUPERINTENDENT / ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT REPORT
10.1 SAU Update – Nathan explained that the board members received a packet of information tonight just informational that included a copy of the teachers contract, the board, principal and special education annual reports, plus past, present and next year budgets. He also welcomed board members and said that he would alert members when the SAU and NHSBA run their orientation programs in the coming weeks. Nathan also shared a copy of a memo describing the roles and responsibilities of the school board and superintendent. He drew board attention to the clarification of the board’s role as appeals board for student and staff discipline matters and encouraged board members to understand that this is why the administration may at times not share a lot of information in order to preserve their position on such matters.
11. SMS ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM
11.1 School Activities – Tom shared information about a series of upcoming activities at SMS.
Tomorrow March 16 is Read Across America, a great celebration of reading with Dr. Seuss.
Thursday March 17 is the Volunteer Breakfast to appreciate our volunteers at SMS.
Winter Carnival is Friday March 18 from 11:00am to 2:00pm.
March 28-29 brings Hobbie Night, Invention Convention, and Science Fair
Friday March 31 is the Grade 3 Recorder Share for which the students have been preparing all year
April 5 Biography Wax Museum for Grade 2
April 6-7 Scott Nash, author/illustrator will be at SMS, plus the Variety Show will run in the evenings
April 10-16 SMS will begin the Gates-McGinitie testing with Grades 1 and 2
April 12 and 19 Early Release days for parent conferences in the am and paraprofessional training in pm
April 13 and 20 Jeff Warner will be artist in residence at SMS
April 21 at 1:30pm SMS will Jump Rope for Heart
11.2 Special Education – Mary Ellen and Meg shared the special education monthly report and explained the data and information illustrated monthly about referrals and identified enrollments.
12. EMPLOYEES
12.1 Leave of Absence – Tom reported on two requests for leaves of absence and supported both.
John Hazekamp made a motion to grant a second year leave of absence to Jessica Caldwell. The motion was seconded by Kate Adler and the board voted unanimously (5-0) to approve the request.
Luke Breton made a motion to grant a second year leave of absence to Steve Gagnon pursuant to the agreement with the Stratham Teachers Association to allow him to continue for a second year as Assistant Principal. The motion was seconded by Jim Dubela and the board voted unanimously (5-0) to approve the request.
13. BUILDING AND GROUNDS
13.1 Electricity Contract – Nathan updated the board on the successful completion of the competitive bidding for electricity. We contracted with Constellation Energy for three years at a fixed rate of $0.0929 per kWh. Nathan will analyze projected electric costs for 06-07 and update the board prior to end of fiscal year. He thanked Bob for serving as the board liaison for the multiple boards involved in the bidding.
14. PUPIL RELATED MATTERS
14.1 Spelling Bee – Tom thanked board members for their support and participation in the annual spelling bee. Peter Winslow was the SMS winner who advanced to the state competition. It was a great event that was well attended and much enjoyed.
15. OLD BUSINESS
15.1 Luke asked about the arsenic in the water conversation that occurred in the fall. It was agreed that the UNH-based initiative presented by Tammy Martin was looking for school districts who would participate if a grant application was successful to fund this research project. Tom and Nathan will explore this subject for an update.
15.2 Luke also asked about the extended kindergarten research and information about that effort. Tom suggested that there will be a report of that ongoing matter in the June board meeting.
16. NEW BUSINESS – Tom reported that he has been invited to go to the Leadership Academy from the National Association of Elementary School Principals for a week July 9-16 at Salve Regina College outside Newport, RI.
17. BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL
17.1 Update on Fiscal Year 2005-06 Budget – Nathan shared a summary financial statement with the board and reviewed the largest areas of variance in the budget. The current balance of over $200,000 should not be considered a projected fund balance but is a reasonable figure consistent with other years at this time of the budget cycle. Nathan will keep the board appraised and plans to share a more aggressive fund balance projection in May.
17.2 Capital Improvement Plan – Bob suggested that the board have conversation in future meetings about both a more insightful development of a capital improvement plan to inform the financial planning of the Town of Stratham and the consideration of establishing a trust fund for capital concerns. The building is 20 years old and we may need to prepare ourselves for the inevitable maintenance issues that may arise. Bob agreed to work with staff to explore areas that might need to be addressed in our capital plan.
18. CLOSING STATEMENTS – None
19. NON-PUBLIC SESSION – On a motion by Luke Breton, second by Kate Adler, the board unanimously voted through a roll call vote to enter non-public session at 9:12 PM under Chapter 91-A:3, II (a, b, and c).
20. NEXT SCHOOL BOARD MEETING:
20.1 Wednesday, April 12, 2006 at 6:30PM
21. ADJOURNMENT – On a motion by Luke Breton, seconded by Jim Dubela, the board voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 9:46 PM.
Respectfully submitted:
Nathan Lunney, Assistant Business Administrator