Stratham School Board Minutes
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Stratham Memorial School
PRESENT: Luke Breton (Chairperson), Katherine McDonnell, John Hazekamp, Bruce Scamman; School Board Members; Arthur Hanson, Superintendent of Schools; Tom Fosher, Principal; Margaret Driscoll, Director.
ABSENT: Jim Dubela.
Four visitors were present.
1. CALL TO ORDER / PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mr. Breton opened the meeting at 6:36 p.m. All stood for the Pledge of Allegiance.
2. NONPUBLIC SESSION
Mr. Breton said that the board returned from nonpublic session and would, again, enter
nonpublic session at the end of the board meeting to discuss personnel and contract
negotiations.
Mr. Breton handed out excerpts from Robert’s Rules of Order and explained that, in the
meeting minutes, those who second a motion need not be mentioned, and suggested to the
board that motions be accepted by general consensus. There was discussion. The
board members were agreeable to this format being used from this point forward.
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Mr. Breton called for acceptance of the minutes of the board meeting of February 7,
2007. Ms. McDonnell asked for a correction to her name, as did Mr. Hazekamp. The
minutes were accepted, with corrections, by general consensus of the board.
The minutes of the public hearing were approved, as written, with general acceptance
by the board.
Mr. Breton called for acceptance of the minutes of the board meeting of June 13, 2007.
After discussion, the minutes were accepted with the change -- the joint Chairs Vice-
Chair being Kathy McNeill. Mr. Hazekamp suggested, under Visitors, “Donna Maher”
replace “a visitor.” Mr. Hazekamp moved to accept the minutes, with changes, and
the minutes were accepted with general acceptance by the board.
The minutes of the nonpublic session of June 13th were accepted, as submitted, with
general acceptance by the board.
Mr. Hazekamp made a motion, that the school board recognize the extra effort by the
SAU Office, since the Stratham School District’s last meeting in June 2007, to
accurately record corrections to the Stratham School District’s web pages for the
minutes of December 6, 2006, (where the suggestion for board discussion of a
Stratham School District Vision originated); minutes of January 10, 2007, (where the
one-side discussion of a Stratham School District Vision evolved into a SMS Vision
and finally, the minutes of February 7, 2007, (where corrections to the minutes from the
Stratham School District Vision discussion on January 10 were outlined). This extra
effort is greatly appreciated and will allow the board to move forward without the need
to table future minutes in order to facilitate the carrying out of such corrections.
Accepted by consensus of the board.
4. VISITORS
Mr. Breton welcomed the visitors.
5. GENERAL CORRESPONDENCE
None.
6. BOARD REPORTS / POLICY
6.1 Space Needs Update
The Space Needs Committee will meet the first Monday after Labor Day. Mr. Breton
said they will be looking at all the programs in the school that take up significant
space outside of the classrooms, and how we use space; the extended day
classroom, and class size.
6.2 Joint Chairs Meeting
The Joint Chairs will meet again on August 29th.
6.3. Policy Update
Mr. Hazekamp referenced the committee minutes and Jean Tucker’s request to show,
that when a policy is being proposed, from where it originated. He said that he
supported this. He recommended a cover sheet accompany the policy with this data.
Mr. Scamman suggested having a signoff sheet for staff who are involved with
implementing policies to indicate they have reviewed it. Mr. Hazekamp mentioned
his previous recommendation that a table of contents be included with the date of
review, and he mentioned having policies on the website in one PDF.
Mr. Scamman referred to the policy on sale or discharge of school books and supplies,
and suggested that these could be recycled for use in underdeveloped countries.
Superintendent Hanson will ask the policy committee to look at this.
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 administrators are working with Tufts on the
LRR Program and RTI; Response to Intervention Program. These programs supply
support for the most at risk students. The focus on the early release days will be on
literacy. It is a three-year program.
The state will announce AYPs on August 29th. In answer to questions, Mr. Fosher
explained the scope and sequence and the series of skills students need for this
testing.
8. SUPERINTENDENT / ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT REPORT
8.1 SAU Update
Dr. Hanson reported on the SAU’s move to the old high school, and that the Exeter
Newsletter did a feature article on the move to the Tuck Learning Campus. The
Charter Learning School is in place as is the special education administration.
He reported that the majority of the renovations at SST are complete. The project is
slated to be completed in 2008.
He reported that nearly all of staff are hired.
He said that prior to the next meeting of the Joint Board in September, from 4:30 to 6:30
p.m. there will be an open house and a tour of the Special Education Spaces. Future
meetings of the Joint Board will be held in the Morrissette Conference Room.
He reported that the Cooperative Board voted to repair windows in the rear of the old
high school, and that the outbuildings are in need of repair. The students in the
Building Trades Class will build a new building.
8.2 SPED Audit
Superintendent Hanson said that he, Mr. Fosher, Mses. Driscoll, Dowey and Ruel met
with Mike Opuda from Drummond Woodsum and MacMahon regarding the audit, and
that Mr. Opuda suggested that the board give guidance regarding this process, and he
referred to a series of questions to be reviewed by the board so that the audit can meet
the board’s requirements.
The board reviewed and discussed the SPED audit questions. Mr. Breton gave the
background saying that the purpose of this audit is to have an outside source review our
programs to validate that they are appropriate. After discussion, Mr. Breton read his
response to the questions on the purpose of the audit, comparisons of other SPED
expenditures and how to utilize the best available data, and peer schools.
Margaret Driscoll spoke about the different educational models and the delivery of
special education services.
Dr. Hanson spoke about the firm of Zellin and McCormack having merged with
Drummond, Woodsum & MacMahon and the consolidation of services saving costs.
A deadline was discussed and mid November will be targeted, but if more thorough
data will be available, the deadline will be moved ahead. The Finance Advisory
Committee was mentioned as a way to present results to the public.
9. SMS ADMINISTRATIAVE TEAM
9.1 Opening of School
Mr. Fosher reported that three weeks from today, school would begin. There are two
curriculum nights planned, September 13 Preschool through Grade 2; September 20 for
Grades 3 – 5. Mr. Fosher said that the summer projects are complete.
9.2 Enrollment
Mr. Fosher reported that seven student arrived, but have not been placed. Added to the
595 students enrolled, the numbers are up to 603 students. There have been eight
more inquiries for enrollment. There may or may not be Charter School students
attending. The only grade number that may bubble is Grade 4.
9.3 School Goals
Mr. Fosher reviewed the six goals developed, with input from staff, in order to prepare
staff and students for continued success at SMS.
9.4 NAESP Conference Report
Mr. Fosher reported on the Principals Conference he attended in Monterey, California,
and discussed each of the strands presented to the attendees. He said he will put his
focus this year on the leadership strand. He said it was a well designed conference,
with the benefit of interaction with other elementary school principals. He thanked the
board for the opportunity to attend.
10. EMPLOYEES
10.1 Nominations.
After discussion of staffing and placement on salary schedule, Mr. Scamman moved;
to elect the following nominees: Sarah Campbell, Lyssa Brown, and Jennifer
Emmett The vote was unanimous.
11. BUILDING AND GROUNDS
11.1 Update on Summer Projects
Mr. Fosher said that the summer projects are complete: compressors mounted on the
roof, classrooms readied, stage cleaned, closets framed, and shelving
purchased. One piece remained; because of EEE, to have the school
sprayed. Mr. Breton said that there is money in budget for spraying.
Mr. Scamman said he was at a USDA meeting recently where the Timber Association
spoke of looking at renewable pulpwood resources for heating and cooling.
12. PUPIL RELATED MATTERS
None.
13. OLD BUSINESS.
Superintendent Search
Ms. McDonnell, said that the Superintendent Search Committee has worked throughout the
summer. They are coming up with a timeframe. Cards announcing the opening are going
out to superintendents and assistant superintendents with the web-address and contact
information for NESDEC, and this will also be on NESDEC’s site. NESDEC will receive
application packets and pass them on to the SAU. Application details will also go to the
National Superintendents Association, New Hampshire School Board Association and
Education Week Magazine. Interviews will be in December, and three finalists will
be presented to the board in January with a February election. Ms. McDonnell recognized
the direction given to the committee by, Stratham resident, Bill Thompson.
14. NEW BUSINESS
14.1 Board Goals
Mr. Breton reviewed the board’s goals. These were sent to the board electronically.
Mr. Hazekamp suggested that there be a goal to evaluate all testing not just NEWA.
Mr. Breton asked Principal Fosher to make a list of all testing mandated or not
mandated. Mr. Scamman asked for a calendar on all test taking. It was asked to
review the pros and cons of all testing and a goal to foster open communications with
the community and staff. Tony Baldasaro will make a presentation at the September
board meeting.
There was discussion of building and grounds, and the development of a five year
capital improvement plan. Mr. Breton will make the change.
15. BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL
15.1 Dr. Hanson reviewed with the board the General Fund – Projected Fund Equity, the
Education Funding Analysis; comparison of recent year’s grants to SAU 16
communities, July 31, 2007. Also reviewed was the proposed budget FY 2007/2008,
which reported the proposed increase in tax impact for elementary school, which was
.23 not the .55 that was originally estimated. The difference was due to increases in
fund balance and state aid.
Mr. Scamman requested an expanded budget for last school year.
Mr. Breton explained to the board that Mr. Lunney proposed approaching the Financial
Advisory Committee to become involved earlier in the budgeting process. After
discussion, Mr. Breton said he would speak with Susan Canada, and report back to
the board at the next meeting.
16. CLOSING STATEMENTS
There were none
17. NEXT SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
The board will meet next on Wednesday, September 12, 2007.
17. NONPUBLIC SESSION
At 9:02 p.m., on a motion by Mr. Scamman, and a unanimous roll call vote, the board
entered nonpublic session under RSA 91-A:3, II [a].
19. ADJOURNMENT
After returning to public session the board adjourned on a unanimous roll call vote.
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Mary Lou Clinton-Stevens
* Action Items are underscored
Meeting Handouts (PDF)
Attachment 1 – #2 – Nonpublic / Tim Harrington 8/6/07 Memo
Attachment 2 – SMS Board Questions – SPED Audit
Attachment 3 – Mr. Breton’s SPED Audit Answers to Questions
Attachment 4 – # School Goals
Attachment 5 – Resignations and New Hire Nominations
Attachment 6 -- # 9.2 – SMS Enrollment, 7/31/07
Attachment 7 – #15 - General Fund – Projected Fund Equity, 6/30/07
Attachment 8 – Education Funding Analysis
Attachment 9 – 06/07 Financial Summary
Attachment 10 – 07/08 Proposed Budget Minutes of the school board are
unofficial until accepted at a subsequent meeting of the school board.