APPROVED 5-9-07
Stratham School Board Minutes
Wednesday April 11, 2007
Stratham Memorial School
On Wednesday, April 11, 2007, the Stratham School Board met at the Stratham Memorial School.
PRESENT: Luke Breton (Chairperson), Jim Dubela, John Hazekamp, Katherine McDonnell, Bruce Scamman; School Board Members; Nate Lunney, CFO; Tom Fosher, Principal; Steve Gagnon, Assistant Principal; Mary Ellen Palmer, Margaret Driscoll, Directors.
1. CALL TO ORDER – Mr. Breton opened the meeting at 6:30 p.m.
2. NONPUBLIC SESSION
Mr. Lunney reminded that a nonpublic session can be called at any time during the meeting
according to RSA 91-A:3, II.
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Mr. Breton called for the acceptance of the minutes of February 7th and the minutes of
March14th. There was discussion of acceptance of the minutes, and the minutes being posted on the website. Mr. Breton suggested that it would be less confusing to wait until the minutes are accepted, and then post the final minutes on the website. Mr. Breton also asked that * items that require “action,” be highlighted in the minutes, as such.
The acceptance of the minutes was tabled.
Mr. Hazekamp suggested emphasizing in the minutes, the handouts distributed during the meeting, and everything given to the board members for the meeting, be made available as PDFs in the minutes. Mr. Lunney said that hyperlinks could be inserted in the minutes.
Mr. Lunney distributed the minutes of January 10th and explained that they now contain the
amendments that were suggested, and that they will now be posted on the website.
4. VISITORS
Mr. Breton welcomed the visitors, and asked for comments. The correspondent from the Exeter Newsletter Newspaper, Chris Quarterone, introduced himself.
5. GENERAL CORRESPONDENCE
None.
6. BOARD REPORTS / POLICY
6.1 Capital Improvement Update
None.
6.2 Legislative Update
Mr. Breton mentioned receiving the NHSBA legislative bulletin electronically, and said that paper updates were no longer needed. He referred to HB 653, New Hampshire Retirement System, and noted that the March 30th bulletin reported that it passed, and that it contained improvements to make the retirement fund more stable. The recommendation of NHSBA was to contact state representatives, and he reminded that Maggie Hassan is Stratham’s representative.
Mr. Scamman mentioned HB 340, which would have prohibited sex offenders from living near a school, was voted down.
Mr. Lunney mentioned that the bill on cochlear implants, at cost to the school districts,
is in committee for another session, and that the bill to put seatbelts on buses was
defeated.
Ms. Mc Donnell spoke of the bills on special education; the potential grown and
assessment of students, and concerns with these expanded requirements.
6.3 Space Needs Update / Visioning Committee
Mr. Hazekamp said that the Visioning Committee met Monday night, and that there was a good conversation. They were given a tour of the classrooms to see what they were up against. They discussed the possibility of video-conferencing to accommodate Rogers Johnson who is in Washington, D.C. during the week; otherwise they will shoot for weekend meeting. He said that he made a video of the meeting that he will make available to the public. Mr. Breton said that he has left the 19th open for next month.
Mr. Scamman said he attended the meeting and they spoke of the history, and what was
needed for the future.
Mr. Lunney mentioned that three board members were present and that constitutes a
meeting, in the future the meetings will be posted.
Ms. McDonnell said that next month there will be agenda items.
After discussion, Mr. Lunney said, for public information, that there will be, online,
the charge to the committee, membership list, handouts from that meeting, news
about the video and where to find it.
6.4 Joint Chairs Meeting.
Mr. Breton said that the Joint Chairs met April 4th. Chairperson, Anne Marie Chesno,
gave an updated on the superintendent search, and that there are five folks from the
communities who have volunteered to serve; three are from Stratham. The cost for the
search was addressed and that Superintendent Hanson said that there would be
funding from the SAU.
Representation is needed for three committees: NCLB; Mr. Dubela will serve; Bus/Transportation, Ms. McDonnell will serve; Superintendent Evaluation, Mr. Hazekamp will serve.
The Joint Chairs will meet again on May 21st. That will be their organizational meeting, and Attorney Loughman will be present to discuss issues on Nonpublic Sessions and Board Ethics.
6.5 Policy Update
Mr. Dubela reviewed the policies with the board:
BG, Board Policy Development (revision). Mr. Hazekamp suggested using strikeouts
and underlining to notice changes. Mr. Scamman suggested delaying one month
acceptance of policies in the future. Mr. Hazekamp moved to accept the policy;
seconded by Ms. McDonnell and voted unanimously.
EGA, Appropriate and Acceptable Computer, Network, and Internet Use. Struck from
the policy was Electronic Mail Guidelines; this was contained in another policy.
Mr. Scamman asked about the Board Policy Development policy. He suggested in the
future a one month delay before acceptance of policies. There was discussion of the
process; have the policies on the website that are being reviewed; that policy meetings
are open to the public; would it benefit the public to, after a first reading, have the
policies available for input before acceptance; having minutes of the policy meetings
available; that board members are elected to set policy, and bringing this to the next
meeting.
Mr. Hazekamp moved to accept policy EGA; seconded by Mr. Dubela, and voted
unanimously.
EGAD, Copyright Compliance. Mr. Dubela moved to accept the policy on a first and
a second reading; seconded by Mr. Hazekamp and voted unanimously.
EHAA, Computer Security, Email, and Internet Communications. Item number ten,
employee violation of policy was discussed. Mr. Hazekamp suggested moving that to
number one. Action on the policy was tabled.
JLCH, Do Not Resuscitate Orders. Discussion ensued: striking Law Reference on page
one; state RSAs and federal law direct that we have a policy; recommendation that the
school nurses review the policy; it deserves a briefing by an attorney; it was reviewed by
NHSBA attorneys. Action on the policy was tabled.
KDC, Website Publishing. Mr. Hazekamp moved to accept the policy; seconded by
Mr. Dubela, and voted unanimously.
KDC-R Website Publishing. Mr. Hazekamp moved to accept the policy; seconded
by Mr. Dubela, and voted unanimously.
There was a brief discussion of changing the format of the policies on the website
from the Portable Document Format, for easier viewing.
7. CURRICULUM
7.1 Mr. Fosher distributed a second draft of a proposal of a 50 / 50 kindergarten job share, and he introduced Jessica Caldwell and Kristen Sullivan who presented their proposal to the board. This is being done, now, in East Kingston, and they felt confident they could make this work in Stratham. Mr. Fosher spoke in support of the job share. Student numbers and class sizes were discussed. Ms. McDonnell spoke in support of each as an excellent teacher, but asked if this job share proposal was best for our school. It was explained that each would receive a 50% salary but there is only one full benefit package offered. They were using the East Kingston job share as their model. Mr. Dubela asked about parent feedback; Mr. Fosher said that, at the May 2nd orientation, parents will be surveyed. Mr. Breton suggested revisiting this in May. There were further questions on the work schedule; the downside of the proposal; and consistency in the classroom. The proposal will be reworked and on the May agenda.
8. SUPERINTENDENT / ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT REPORT
8.1 SAU Update
Mr. Lunney distributed a list of contact information for the entire SAU. He said that this
was a nonpublic list. He asked that each board member check the accuracy of their
personal information.
He reminded that the new board members orientation would be tomorrow night at 6:30
at the SAU office, and that the NHSBA orientation would be May 4th, and he asked for
Mr. Scamman’s confirmation. Ms. McDonnell asked to be registered.
Mr. Lunney updated the board on the renovation of the Tuck campus explaining how the
old high school facility is presently being used, and what is being renovated, and that
the SAU will be out of the downtown office by July 31st.
He updated the board on the superintendent search saying that the 12 member
committee would have a representative from each board, Paul Flynn with represent the
SAU, there will be one teacher, one parent, and two community members.
There was further discussion of the renovations to the Tuck Campus and how they are
being funded.
8.2 Student Residency Matter
Mr. Fosher apprised the board of a situation where there has been a reassignment of
custody of a child to a parent in Dover. The superintendent was consulted and the final
agreement is that the child will continue at SMS, the parent will provide transportation,
and for next school year the child will be enrolled in Dover.
9. SMS ADMINISTRATIAVE TEAM
9.1 School Activities
Mr. Fosher reported on the early release days that were scheduled for parent
conferencing. He said that the middle school staff has been to SMS to meet with fifth
graders and on June 1st students will visit the middle school. On Wednesday, May 2nd
will be kindergarten orientation. On April 20th will be Jump Rope for Hearts; May 9th will
be the Wellness Walk.
Tomorrow is the rescheduled variety show. He explained that when there is a school
cancellation, or when students are dismissed early, an after school activity, involving
students, is also cancelled.
Mr. Lunney gave a brief overview of the Alert Now System, which is being piloted in a
few of the districts.
9.2 Assessment
Mr. Fosher reported that assessment testing for Gates McGinity is beginning, as well
as Northwest Evaluation Testing for grades 3, 4, and 5, after vacation, and NECAP
testing in science for grade 4.
9.3 Special Education
Ms. Driscoll reviewed the special education information, reporting that there were three
students in child find. She reported on the meetings for extended school year services,
and transportation meetings with the middle school. She explained the challenges of
working to complete entries into the two data entry systems. She reported that a
couple of the special education staff are taking leaves of absence and those positions
are being filled. The directors fielded questions from the board. There was a brief
discussion of confidentiality being breeched if criteria, such as this report, was on the
website.
10. EMPLOYEES
10.1 Nominations
Mr. Lunney, explaining that the superintendent nominates and the school board elects
professional staff, distributed a list containing the names of staff being nominated for
2007 / 2008. He said that the state statutes mandate that non-continuing teachers be
notified by April 15, and there were two teachers not being renewed because of staff
members returning to their positions. Mr. Scamman suggested that, in the future, this
list also contain what they teach and number of years they have served, and which
teachers are becoming continuing status. Projected enrollments were discussed. Mr.
Dubela said it would be helpful if this data were in spreadsheet form. Mr. Scamman
mentioned that this should have come to the board in March. Mr. Fosher explained
that in March the administration is still in the process of observations and he spoke of
the teacher evaluation process, as did a member of the audience.
Mr. Fosher announced that Bruce Larson is the recipient of the Christa McAuliffe
Sabbatical, and will be on leave of absence. Mr. Breton asked to pass on to Mr.
Larson, congratulations on behalf of the board, and that a letter will be sent.
Mr. Lunney distributed the Projected SMS Enrollments for 2007 and explained that
process of determining changes in program needs, which is done class-by-class, and
how changes that need to be made are determined.
Mr. Lunney explained the challenges to the budget because of tier movements. Mr.
Scamman moved to elect the professional staff being nominated; seconded by
Ms. McDonnell, and voted unanimously.
10.2 Assistant Principal Search
Ms. McDonnell reported on the search for an assistant principal, saying that application
packets are being received and that seven or eight individuals will be interviewed. Mr.
Fosher reviewed the process of background checks and reference checks. Ms.
McDonnell, speaking of questions for the interviews, said that the Student Council
submitted questions and read some for the information of the board.
11. BUILDING AND GROUNDS
Mr. Fosher reported on the small trees and branches that were down on school property
and said that the cleanup is being handled by Mr. McAlpine.
12. PUPIL RELATED MATTERS
None.
13. OLD BUSINESS
Mr. Hazekamp asked for the monitory amounts for the visioning committee. Mr. Lunney
distributed a listing of the estimated costs for Stratham to withdraw from ERCSD,
and reviewed data on Stratham’s share of the Cooperative apportionment,
Stratham’s share of continued debt service on the high school bond, and
Stratham’s share of continued debt service of the CMS bond, and the total cost to
Stratham which was $30,409,166.06. Mr. Hazekamp asked about the costs of pulling out a
grade. Mr. Lunney spoke of the Articles of Agreement, that would need to be rewritten,
and that the formula would need to be adjusted, and he spoke of the legalities that would
be involved.
14. NEW BUSINESS
Mr. Breton asked if it was the custom to draft a letter thanking retiring board member’s
for their service. Mr. Fosher said that Mr. O’Sullivan will be publicly recognized at an up-
coming school breakfast.
15 BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL
Mr. Lunney, reviewed with the board, the purchase of new copiers, and told of the work of a
consultant to assist in the negotiations for these purchases that would be reviewed in two
years. The copiers would be owned, not leased. There were no color copiers, but a color
printer. He reviewed the cash flow data on the loan from May, 2007, through August, 2012,
and reviewed the amortization schedule. Mr. Lunney also reviewed, and asked the board to
consider, an agreement for a tax-exempt lease / purchase to begin May 1, 2007. Mr.
Scamman moved to accept; seconded by Mr. Hazekamp and voted unanimously.
Mr. Lunney distributed a Financial Summary for the current school year and reviewed an
estimate of costs anticipated between now and June 30, and where there were overages.
17. CLOSING STATEMENTS
(Agenda item 17 preceded agenda item 16.) A member of the community commented that
there is anger out there and suggested that the school board was losing support, and the
board needs to start economic drives. Mr. Breton thanked him saying that the board is
aware.
16. NONPUBLIC SESSION
Mr. Hazekamp moved to enter nonpublic session under RSA 91-A:3, II [c, b, & a];
seconded by Mr. Dubela and on a unanimous roll call vote, the board entered nonpublic session at 10:05 p.m. The board returned to public session 11:18 p.m.
18. NEXT SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
The next meeting of the board will be Wednesday, May 9, 2007, at 6:30 p.m.
19. ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Dubela moved to adjourn; seconded by Mr. Scamman and the meeting
adjourned at 11:20 p./m.
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Submitted by:
Mary Lou Clinton-Stevens
Meeting Handouts and Materials Used at the Meeting (PDF)
Attachment 1 -- Minutes of February 7th
Attachment 2 -- Minutes of March14th
Attachment 3 -- Minutes of January 10th, (amended)
Attachment 4 -- NHSBA legislative newsletters
Attachment 5 -- BG, Board Policy Development (revision)
Attachment 6 -- EGA, Appropriate and Acceptable Computer, Network, and Internet Use
Attachment 7 -- EGAD, Copyright Compliance
Attachment 8 -- EHAA, Computer Security, Email, and Internet Communications
Attachment 9 -- JLCH, Do Not Resuscitate Orders
Attachment 10 -- KDC, Website Publishing
Attachment 11 -- KDC-R Website Publishing
Attachment 12 – Job Share Proposal
Attachment 13 -- Professional Staff Nominations for 2007 / 2008
Attachment 14 – Projected SMS Enrollments 2007 /2008
Attachment 15 – Estimated Costs for Stratham to Withdraw from ERCSD
Attachment 16 – Copier Loan Cash Flow Data / Amortization Schedule
Attachment 17 – Certificate of Secretary
Attachment 18 – Financial Summary FY 2006 / 2007
* Action Items are underscored
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