APPROVED
Stratham School Board Meeting
Wednesday June 13, 2007
Stratham Memorial School
On Wednesday, June 13, 2007, the Stratham School Board met at the Stratham Memorial School.
PRESENT: Luke Breton (Chairperson), Jim Dubela, Katherine McDonnell, John Hazekamp, Bruce Scamman; School Board Members; Arthur Hanson, Superintendent of Schools; Nate Lunney, CFO; Tom Fosher, Principal; Steve Gagnon, Assistant Principal; Mary Ellen Palmer, Margaret Driscoll, Directors.
Approximately, twelve visitors were present.
1. CALL TO ORDER / PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mr. Breton opened the meeting at 6:30 p.m. All stood for the Pledge of Allegiance.
2. NONPUBLIC SESSION
Mr. Breton said that the board would be going into nonpublic session at the end of the
meeting for an update on contract negotiations, and a personnel issue.
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Mr. Lunney said that the public session minutes of February and March needed to be accepted, as do the minutes of May 14. Mr. Hazekamp said he had corrections for March. Mr. Lunney said that corrections were made to the minutes of December and January and those minutes are posted.
Mr. Hazekamp moved; seconded by Mr. Scamman, to accept the minutes of March 14th with amendments. The vote was unanimous.
Mr. Scamman moved to accept the minutes of May 9th; seconded by Mr. Breton. Mr. Hazekamp abstained.
The minutes of the nonpublic session of May 9th were accepted on a motion by Mr. Scamman; seconded by Mr. Breton. Mr. Hazekamp abstained.
4. VISITORS
Mr. Breton welcomed the visitors.
He explained that the meetings of the school board were open to the public but were not with the public, and he asked that visitors hold their comments until the end of the meeting, when they will be heard.
A visitor expressed her concern with Mr. Breton’s statement about visitors’ comments, and that it was contrary to, and not conducive with, visitors’ participation at school board meetings. Mr. Breton said that his request was in the spirit of allowing the school board to conduct its business, and the school board, in no way, wants to discourage community participation at meetings.
Murray Segal commented that he is convinced, after attending board meetings, that the school board recognizes that there are difficulties, but that they are not focusing on the problem, and he suggested creating a committee to look at the problem.
Christine Knapp spoke, as a parent, about her disagreement with the previous speaker’s commentary.
5. GENERAL CORRESPONDENCE
Mr. Breton expressed concern about school board e-mails, and cautioned that those sending e-mails should be aware that these communications do end up in the public domain.
Mr. Hazekamp noted the listing of the handouts in the minutes. Mr. Lunney asked for clarification, and Mr. Hazekamp said that it was his intent to have listed in the minutes only what was handed out at the meeting.
Mr. Lunney said that, included in the packets, was correspondence from Stephen Varga, a Stratham resident.
Mr. Breton said that the board has received several e-mails expressing the same concerns expressed by Mr. Varga. He said that the public has perceptions that the school board was cutting positions, and circumventing the budgetary process, which is not the case.
Mr. Breton mentioned the difficulties that Mr. Scamman was having with his e-mail; senders not being identified.
Mr. Hazekamp expressed concern with the rumors and asked if Mr. Fosher was aware of these letters having been received. Mr. Fosher said that he, eventually, received copies of these letters. He spoke of issues around paraprofessional positions, contract times, and changes in duties. He answered questions from the board.
Mr. Breton said that Ms. McDonnell was attending a meeting of the superintendent search committee and that Mr. Dubela, and she, are expected to join the board meeting.
6. BOARD REPORTS / POLICY
6.1 Capital Improvement Update
Mr. Breton said that this report will be presented later in the meeting.
6.2 Legislative Update
Senate Bill 88 was discussed, as having been tabled, as were the amendments made
by NHSBA.
6.3 Space Needs Update
Visioning Committee – Mr. Hazekamp reported that the visioning committee had its
second meeting last Monday; special education and the preschool were discussed,
as were space needs and population growth. Mr. Breton said they were coming to a
consensus on preschool.
6.4 Joint Chairs Meeting
Mr. Breton reported that Anne Marie Chesno has been re-elected Chairperson of
the Joint Chairs, and that Ms. McDonnell has been elected Vice-Chair.
6.5 Policy Update
Mr. Breton deferred the policy update until Mr. Dubela arrives.
7. CURRICULUM
7.1 Literacy / Tufts
Mr. Fosher reported on the Learn to Read by Reading™ Program developed and
presented by Tufts University, and that the staff voted, 88% in favor, to use the LRR™
model. This program supplies support for the most at risk students. This year’s funding
was Title 2 grant money, but that schools can sub out grants for staff development
money.
8. SUPERINTENDENT / ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT REPORT
8.1 SAU Update
Mr. Lunney reported on the renovations at the Tuck Learning Campus. The Great
Bay eLearning Charter School is in place and the SAU space is nearing completion,
the special education administration will be moving to its new location later in the
month. Adult Education is beginning its summer classes at the TLC.
Mr. Lunney said they are concluding an upgrade of copier services and have lowered the cost of service and supplies to a 4/10th of a cent per copy.
They have consolidated the ordering of the Everyday Math materials for a sizable
savings to the SAU.
Mr. Lunney updated the board on the SES purchasing, and the complaints of the
quality of the products, and that in the next purchasing cycle finding an intermediate
situation for not just the cheapest supplied, but a lower price for quality supplied, and
the warehousing of these products.
8.2 Superintendent Search Committee
Mr. Breton deferred this report until Ms. McDonnell arrives.
9. SMS ADMINISTRATIAVE TEAM
9.1 School Activities
Mr. Fosher reported that there are two days left in the school year. He reported on the
night of memories for the fifth graders, that the kindergarten orientation was just
completed, and the success of the field day held last Thursday.
9.2 Update on Job Share Proposal
He reported that the job share proposal will not be in effect for next school year
because of a resignation.
9.3 Fire Marshall Visit
He reported on a visit from State Fire Marshall, William Clark, and read a list of thirty-
one items listed by the Chief as hazards.
9.4 Grade Five Transition to Cooperative Middle School
He updated the board on the dialogue between SMS and the middle school: the
meeting between grade five teachers and grade six teachers; meetings with parents,
and visits to the school for students. Chairperson Breton asked how Stratham students
were fairing at the middle school and Dr. Hanson said that the Stratham students were
well prepared for their middle school experience.
9.5 Special Education
Ms. Palmer reviewed with the board the SPED report, as of May 31, 2007; she reported
on the work to wrap-up student reviews for this year, and she explained the
challenges of working to complete entries into the two data entry programs. She
reviewed the numbers in the summer programs.
Mr. Scamman asked about the 504 accommodations. Ms. Driscoll explained that 504
was for regular education initiatives not for specialized instruction with identified needs.
Mr. Dubela arrived at 8:15 p.m.
10 EMPLOYEES
10.1 Nominations/Resignations
Jessica Caldwell has resigned. She has been on leave for the last two years. Mr.
Hazekamp moved; seconded by Mr. Scamman, to accept the resignation. The
vote was unanimous. Best wishes will be sent to Ms. Caldwell in a letter from the
board.
Mr. Scamman expressed concern that, at the May meeting, the principal was given carte
blanche to hire teachers. His concerns were placement on the salary schedule and
school board being involvement in the process. Superintendent Hanson explained that it
is the practice, throughout the SAU, that boards are not involved with the hiring of
teachers; it is the responsibility of the principal. Mr. Breton explained that the board
does give direction, but does not micromanage these hirings. Mr. Fosher said that he,
throughout the teacher hiring process, is in touch with Mr. Flynn and the SAU
administration.
After further discussion, Mr. Scamman moved that no nominations be brought
before the board above M-4 without board approval; seconded by Mr. Hazekamp,
for the purpose of discussion. After discussion, the motion was defeated.
After further discussion of the hiring practices, Mr. Scamman moved that a board
member be involved in the hiring process. There was no second.
Mr. Lunney handed out an Analysis of Staffing Changes for the 2007/2008 school year,
showing placements on the salary schedule. It reflected a savings to the district of
$14,416.
Ms. McDonnell joined the meeting at 8:50 p.m.
POLICY REVIEW
Mr. Dubela reviewed with the board policies GBGBA, Use of Automated External Defibrillators, IMG, Animals in School, and he suggested that #12 be moved to #1; JEB, Age of Entrance (reviewed only). On a motion by Mr. Scamman; seconded by Mr. Dubela and voted unanimously, these policies will be taken back to the policy committee.
SUPERINTENDENT SEARCH COMMITTEE
Ms. McDonnell reported on the meeting with the superintendent search committee: the makeup of the committee; the two forums that were conducted to help define the characteristics of the new superintendent. She said that a position description will be completed within the next week and that the committee discussed hiring a search firm to help with the posting of the position and to help define interview questions. The committee discussed salary and this will be a question for the search firm. An application deadline of November 25th was discussed, with first screening by December 14th and second round of interviews by January 22nd, after which visitations will be made. She spoke of how well the committee worked together. There will be a website set up.
11. BUILDING AND GROUNDS
Mr. Lunney said that Mr. McAlpine brought forward some issues that could be capital Improvements; one was paving. Mr. Scamman distributed pictures of the areas that would be paved: the bus loop, the car loop and areas in the parking lot. Mr. Scamman discussed the process needing to be done and discussed the budget and the issue of resetting the curbing. He said that John Bell has suggested doing one section each year for four years as capital improvement initiatives. Mr. Breton said that this is something that needs to be done; Mr. Lunney said that we will move on this recommendation.
Mr. Scamman mentioned two spots where pavement has been ripped up and asked if the town can be contacted to put in cold patch. Mr. McAlpine will be the contact.
12. PUPIL RELATED MATTERS
Mr. Fosher reported that nine new students have enrolled for next school year. There was discussion of student numbers for next year.
13. OLD BUSINESS
None.
14. NEW BUSINESS
NWEA testing was discussed, and that the principals are proposing doing away with this testing at the elementary level. The NWEA will be kept at the middle school and high school. Mr. Fosher recommended going with Everyday Math. There was discussion of the pros and the cons of the testing program and how Stratham utilizes the data. It was suggested to drop testing in third and fourth grade and continue testing grade five students. Dr. Hanson, speaking of the licensing fees associated with the testing, said that the NWEA is expensive compared to what we get from it. Mr. Scamman moved to keep the NWEA testing for fifth grade. There was no second. Mr. Lunney said that the bill for this testing needs to be paid. Mr. Breton asked for Tony Baldasaro to give a presentation on the assets of the testing, and that this be put on the fall agenda. Mr. Hazekamp spoke in favor of the testing and the vital information it gives. Dr. Hanson explained that it was not so much the test as it is the testing overload. There was discussion about how the test data is used for incoming sixth grade placements. It was the consensus of the board to continue with the NWEA testing.
15. BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL
Mr. Lunney distributed the Financial Summary for the current school year with balances as
of June 13, 2007, he explained the balance projections.
Speaking of following through with the Fire Marshall’s recommendations, Mr. Lunney suggested purchasing now; buying the metal storage units that were suggested. It was agreed. A purchase order will be issued.
Mr. Dubela expressed his concern about this list having been done at this time of year, saying that this should have been done the first of the school year.
After discussion of electrical upgrades, it was suggested approving a licensed electrical contractor to assess the situation and determine what is out-of-code.
NWEA testing Ms. McDonnell, speaking of the board’s decision on the NEWA testing, asked for further discussion on a reconsideration of the board’s decision. There were no objections. She cited the expense of the test, that it is time consuming, the data is not utilized, and that we need to listen to the administration. She made a motion to do away with the NEWA testing; seconded by Mr. Scamman. The vote was Ms. McDonnell in favor, all others against.
RECESS
At 10:23 p.m. the board recessed to say farewell to Mary Ellen Palmer, who was retiring this month from her position.
16. CLOSING STATEMENTS
17. NONPUBLIC SESSION
At 10:36 p.m., on a motion by Mr. Scamman ; seconded by Mr. Dubela, and a unanimous roll call vote, the board entered nonpublic session under RSA 91-A:3, II [c] to address the review of the principal.
The board returned to public session at 11:25 p.m. Superintendent Hanson updated the board on the plan for a Special Education audit that had previously been discussed.
On a motion by Mr. Hazekamp, seconded by Mr. Dubela, the board unanimously voted to encumber $5,000 for audit services from the firm of Drummond Woodsum.
18. NEXT SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
The next meeting of the board will be Wednesday, August 8, 2007, at 6:30 p.m.
19. ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Hazekamp moved to adjourn; seconded by Mr. Dubela and the meeting
adjourned at 11:27 p.m.
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Mary Lou Clinton-Stevens
* Action Items are underscored
Meeting Handouts (PDF)
Attachment 1 – Policy -- GBGB, Use of Automated External Defibrillators
Attachment 2 – Policy – IMG, Animals in School
Attachment 3 – Policy – JEB, Age of Entrance
Attachment 4 – Learn to Read by Reading™
Attachment 5 – Fire Marshall’s Inspection
Attachment 6 – Analysis of Staffing Changes for FY 2007 / 2008
Attachment 7 – Paving Photos
Attachment 8 – SPED Report
Attachment 9 – Financial Summary FY 2006 / 2007
Attachment 10 – SMS Goals
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