MINUTES

STRATHAM SCHOOL BOARD

Wednesday, April 12, 2006 – 6:30 PM

STRATHAM MEMORIAL SCHOOL

 

 

BOARD PRESENT:  Bob O’Sullivan, Luke Breton, Kate Adler, John Hazekamp

 

ADMINISTRATION PRESENT:  Tom Fosher, Meg Driscoll, Mary Ellen Palmer, Nathan Lunney 

 

1.       CALL TO ORDER – The meeting was called to order by Chair O’Sullivan at 6:30PM.  Bob explained that there were a couple of presentations that needed to be moved to the beginning of the agenda in deference to the presenters.

 

2.       NON-PUBLIC SESSION – None.

 

3.       OATH OF OFFICE – Bob O’Sullivan, according to RSA 92:5, as a seated board member, issued the oath of office to Amy Waters as the reelected School District Clerk.

 

4.       ENERGY CONSERVATION ANALYSIS – Bob McAlpine introduced Leo Bruyette of Siemens Building Technologies, Inc. who offered a brief presentation concerning a completed feasibility study for a project to upgrade the energy efficiency of the SMS facilities.  Siemens proposes to conduct a comprehensive professional energy audit that will direct the district toward upgrades and retrofits throughout the building that could generate measurable savings in energy consumption and cost over time.  Nathan will review and consult with the board about how to enter such an engagement.  The board expects to revisit this matter at its May meeting and render a decision about ordering the audit.  On a motion by Luke Breton, seconded by John Hazekamp, the board voted unanimously (4-0) to approve the engagement of Siemens Building Technologies, Inc. to conduct a professional energy audit at a financial exposure not to exceed $15,000.

 

5.       SCHOOL PORTFOLIO SURVEY – Dr. Steve Kossakoski joined the board to discuss the results of the school portfolio survey conducted about a year ago with parents, students, and staff of SMS.  Steve provided an analysis of the data that identified the questions for which the highest and lowest ratings were received in each version of the survey.  He also offered summary comments on each version.  Steve encouraged the board that the results of the survey were very positive overall.  The numeric ratings from the survey allowed answers to the questions on a scale of 1 to 5.  The lowest rating in the entire survey was 3.1, so overall the response was very strong.  He also recommended that the survey should be considered as a catalyst for further conversation and exploration of the subjects addressed.  Principal Fosher shared an update about the faculty and staff discussions that have been driven by this survey.  Bob O’Sullivan drew attention to a concern identified in the survey about how challenged students are.  Tom agreed that this is an area to watch and is being considered by faculty.

 

6.       ENRICHMENT – Bruce Larson is the Enrichment Coordinator for SMS.  He offered a review of his role at SMS and sampled some of the contributions he is able to make to SMS in his position.  The board has expressed an interest in offering after-school programming.  Their goal has been to challenge students and create new learning opportunities as well as to provide our staff with additional earning potential.  Bruce reviewed the status and recent successes of those programs.  The board and visiting staff discussed the interest from families in particular after-school programs and the efforts that could be taken to continue and advance these programs.

 

7.       APPROVAL OF MINUTES – On a motion by Luke Breton, seconded by John Hazekamp, the board voted unanimously (4-0) with no further discussion to approve the minutes of the March 15, 2006 public and non-public meetings.  The additional minutes will be held for consideration at the next meeting.

 

8.       VISITORS – None.

 

9.       GENERAL CORRESPONDENCE – None.

 

10.    EMPLOYEES

10.1   Nominations – Nathan offered to the board a list of professional staff and administrators for nomination for 2006-07.  On a motion by Kate Adler, seconded by Luke Breton, the board voted unanimously (4-0) to approve the nominations as presented.

10.2   Resignation – Nathan offered to the board the resignation of Catherine Wahl.  On a motion by John Hazekamp, seconded by Luke Breton, the board voted unanimously (4-0) to approve the resignation as presented with regrets. 

 

11.    CURRICULUM

11.1   Kindergarten Survey – Principal Fosher presented the results of the Kindergarten survey and briefly reviewed those results with the board.

11.2   Enrichment – Moved to beginning of the meeting.

11.3   NECAP – Principal Fosher distributed and reviewed with the board the district summary of the NECAP assessment that has been recently published.  We are still waiting for the state announcements of the levels that will determine adequate yearly progress as defined by NCLB.  Tom asked the board to take and review the results presented; he anticipates providing additional information and insight at future meetings.  Additionally, the 4th grade will be assessed this spring with the NECAP science pilot which will become a part of the standard testing next spring.

11.4   NWEA – Assessment will begin at SMS following the school vacation.

 

12.    SUPERINTENDENT / ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT REPORT

12.1   SAU Update – Nathan reminded the board of the upcoming SAU 16 and NHSBA board orientation sessions.  John Hazekamp intends to videotape the SAU 16 session to share with members.

 

13.    SMS ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM

13.1   School Activities – Tom shared information about a series of upcoming activities at SMS.

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

May 3 Kindergarten orientation

13.2   Special Education – Meg and Mary Ellen noted the report was in the packet.

13.3   Class Placement – Tom directed the board to the handout concerning placement.  This is the document being used to help gather parent input into the placement process.

13.4   School Portfolio Survey – Moved to beginning of meeting.

 

14.    BUILDING AND GROUNDS

14.1   Portable Classrooms – Principal Fosher updated the board that three vendors are being considered for purchase of the portable.  They will all be visiting SMS soon to meet with Tom and John Hazekamp to review the specifics of their proposal for placement and hookup of their recommended facilities.  Tom also shared with the board some of his ideas about how to utilize that facility.

14.2   Capital Improvement – Bob McAlpine is working to compile information on two lists of facility needs.  Those two lists are for short-term needs and for long-term CIP items.

 

15.    PUPIL RELATED MATTERS – Over 200 students participated in the two day Variety Show last week.  It was an excellent display of talent and fun.

 

16.    OLD BUSINESS – None.

 

17.    NEW BUSINESS

17.1   School Board Meeting Schedule – Nathan distributed a tentative list of board meeting dates through the end of 2006.  The board agreed that there will not be a July meeting.  The June 28th meeting was agreeable. 

17.2   Health Insurance – The board briefly discussed creative options to help control health insurance costs.  Luke will explore this subject further and report back to the board.

 

18.    BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL – Nathan updated the board that the current financial statement has changed very little from that which was presented at the last meeting.

 

19.    CLOSING STATEMENTS – None.

 

20.    NEXT SCHOOL BOARD MEETING:        

20.1   Wednesday, May 10, 2006 at 6:30PM

 

21.    ADJOURNMENT – On a motion by John Hazekamp, seconded by Kate Adler, the board voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 9:07 PM. 

 

Respectfully submitted: 

Nathan Lunney, Assistant Business Administrator