MINUTES
STRATHAM SCHOOL BOARD
Wednesday, October 11, 2006 6:30 PM
STRATHAM MEMORIAL SCHOOL
BOARD PRESENT: Bob OSullivan, Luke Breton, John Hazekamp, Jim Dubela, Kate Adler
ADMINISTRATION PRESENT: Tom Fosher, Margaret Driscoll, Mary Ellen Palmer, Nathan Lunney
1. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order by Chair OSullivan at 6:33PM.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
2.1 On a motion by Luke Breton, seconded by John Hazekamp, the board voted unanimously with no further discussion to approve the public minutes of the September 13, 2006 meeting.
2.2 On a motion by Luke Breton, seconded by Jim Dubela, the board voted unanimously with no further discussion to approve the non-public minutes of the September 13, 2006 meeting.
3. SPECIAL PRESENTATION SMS Teacher Cathy Wansart presented to the board a review of her sabbatical work last year. She shared A Guide for Teaching Writing Grade Three which she drafted through her project and reminded the board of the Traits of Good Writing. She also spoke about the important link between writing and reading. The board thanked Cathy for her presentation and her effort. The board discussed the possibility of SMS hosting a parent event to better connect home and school in the challenge of teaching writing.
4. VISITORS None.
5. GENERAL CORRESPONDENCE The chair alerted the board that there is correspondence that will be shared in non-public session this evening at the end of the meeting.
6. BOARD REPORTS / POLICY
6.1 Capital Improvement update Bob reported to the board that budget figures are being prepared to address some capital needs in the upcoming budget cycle.
6.2 Legislative update Kate alerted the board to the upcoming NH School Boards Association Delegate Assembly on November 4th. The board is interested in watching NHSBA resolutions which specifically address unfunded mandates by the State. She also updated the board on NH Legislative subcommittees meeting upcoming in Concord. There is exploration of some proposed changes to NH statute with respect to NCLB.
6.3 Space Needs update Bob shared a draft of a letter addressed to the Stratham Planning Board which explains the space needs and capacity of SMS in an effort to advise the Planning Board on this matter. The Planning Board asked at a recent meeting for more information that might assist them in considering impact fees that might be instituted in Stratham. On a motion by Luke Breton, seconded by Kate Adler, the board voted unanimously (5-0), following discussion and revisions to the letter presented, to approve the letter and direct that it be forwarded with a copy of the recent health inspection report to the Planning Board. John Hazekamp shared with the board a draft of a brochure that would explain space needs. He asked for feedback and content assistance from board and staff. One suggestion was to compare current state regulations of space per student to the regulations that may have driven the design of SMS. The board asked that the letter and brochure be finalized for the November meeting.
6.4 Joint Chairs meeting Meeting is scheduled for next week.
6.5 Policy update
6.5.1 Policies for Consideration
6.5.1.1 BEDG Minutes On a motion by Luke Breton, seconded by Kate Adler, the board voted unanimously after discussion to adopt the policy.
6.5.1.2 BGF Suspension of Policies On a motion by Luke Breton, seconded by John Hazekamp, the board voted unanimously after discussion to adopt the policy.
6.5.1.3 DH Bonded Employees On a motion by Luke Breton, seconded by Jim Dubela, the board voted unanimously after discussion to adopt the policy.
6.5.1.4 EHB-R Records Retention Schedule Tabled for additional review.
6.5.1.5 IC School Year and ICA School Calendar On a motion by Luke Breton, seconded by Kate Adler, the board voted unanimously after discussion to adopt these policies.
6.5.1.6 IHBH Extended Learning Opportunities On a motion by Luke Breton, seconded by Kate Adler, the board voted (3-1) after discussion to adopt the policy as amended.
6.5.1.7 JICDD Student Discipline Out-Of-School Actions On a motion by Luke Breton, seconded by Kate Adler, the board voted (3-1) after discussion to adopt the policy.
6.5.2 Policies for Revision
6.5.2.1 JICK Pupil Safety and Violence Prevention On a motion by Luke Breton, seconded by Kate Adler, the board voted unanimously after discussion and amendment to revise the policy.
6.5.2.2 JLCF Wellness, Nutrition and Physical Activity Policy On a motion by Luke Breton, seconded by Kate Adler, the board voted unanimously to revise the policy.
7. CURRICULUM
7.1 LRR Reading Initiative Principal Fosher updated the board on the initiative undertaken at SMS with support from the Center for Applied Child Development at Tufts University. This program is intended to help advance the instructional strategies already implemented at SMS in the area of literacy to help all teachers focus on a comprehensive effort.
7.2 Progress Report Survey Tom shared the results of the parent survey concerning progress reports. He offered brief comments about the results. One message that may be gathered is that many parents prefer to see progress reporting in a format consistent with that which they received as students.
8. SUPERINTENDENT / ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT REPORT
8.1 SAU Update Nathan updated the board that staff are still working on the arsenic study matter with UNH. He also reported that the rebate from Unitil against our lighting upgrades this summer has been received. The check was for $49,691.86. The rebate covers nearly 50% of the total project cost. The board asked questions about the additional projects proposed last spring by Siemens. Nathan will work with Bob McAlpine to collect updated information from Siemens for the boards review. Nathan will also compare this years electricity bills to last years to see if there is measurable savings yet. It was noted that the modular classrooms will have an impact that did not exist last year.
9. SMS ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM
9.1 Budget Tom reminded the board about the budget timeline and shared that staff have a similar schedule.
9.2 School Security / Safety Tom shared that safety and security routines are being discussed and practiced during the day at school to ensure that students are aware and prepared for emergency situations. Nathan was asked to have ERCSD staff involved in reviewing and selecting security systems for the new high school come to the board to offer insight and information about options for improving security.
9.3 Homework Tom announced to the board a homework policy to offer guidance to teachers and parents for the expected time to be invested in schoolwork at home. The guideline will be to multiple the grade level by 10 minutes to calculate expected homework time per evening which would include dedicated time for reading.
9.4 School Activities Tom shared news of SMS activities with the board. NECAP testing is ongoing now. Science component for Grade 4 will be assessed in the spring. Field trips coming up for multiple grades.
9.5 Special Education Mary Ellen Palmer reviewed the referral report with the board. There were no referrals in September. One new student has been processed. Much work has been done on accommodations in the NECAP testing. The next big challenge will be the make-up exams from NECAP. Meg Driscoll shared with the board that the Case-e IEP software being implemented throughout SAU 16 and many other districts in NH and that project is going well. The state is also working to bring a new system on board to track special needs data statewide. She alerted the board that there is also a new state and federal mandate to collect preschool data tracking three data points in justification of early childhood intervention.
10. EMPLOYEES Tom shared that the three members of the custodial staff were very appreciative for the generosity of the board in recognizing their efforts this summer. Additionally, the board has been invited to visit and review more closely the enrichment program.
11. BUILDING AND GROUNDS
11.1 Modular Update The board asked Nathan to work with Bob McAlpine and touch base with Fire Marshall and Code Enforcement officer to finalize steps to contract for fire retardant fabric sides on the ramp.
12. PUPIL RELATED MATTERS Tom updated the board on recent student wellness activities at SMS.
13. OLD BUSINESS None.
14. NEW BUSINESS
14.1 Use of E-Mail Communications Luke shared with the board the document from NHSBA that addressed the protocols over the use of e-mail. There was brief conversation and the board was urged to review.
14.2 Food Service Collections Tim Harrington alerted Tom that there are some families who have significant outstanding balances due to food service. He has asked for guidance in how to handle this. One thought was to assume that a balance may suggest a qualification for free or reduced lunch, and that the appropriate materials should be sent immediately to afford parents the opportunity to apply. Much board conversation ensued about this matter.
15. BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL
15.1 2006-07 Budget Timeline for Annual Meeting 2007 Nathan shared a draft of the timeline for the upcoming budget cycle. On a motion by Luke Breton, seconded by Jim Dubela, the board voted unanimously with no further discussion to approve timeline presented.
16. CLOSING STATEMENTS None.
17. NON-PUBLIC SESSION On a motion by Luke Breton, seconded by Jim Dubela, the board unanimously voted through a roll call vote to enter non-public session at 9:34 PM under Chapter 91-A:3, II (d & a).
18. NEXT SCHOOL BOARD MEETING Wednesday, November 8, 2006 Budget Session at 5:00PM and Board Meeting at 6:30PM
19. ADJOURNMENT On a motion by John Hazekamp, seconded by Luke Breton, the board voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 10:38 PM.
Respectfully submitted:
Nathan Lunney, CFO