Stratham School Board Minutes October 10, 2007

Stratham School Board Minutes

Wednesday, October 10, 2007

Stratham Memorial School

On Wednesday, October 10, 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; Tom Fosher, Principal; Becky Ruel, Assistant Principal; Margaret Driscoll, Director.

ALSO PRESENT: Fifteen visitors.

1. CALL TO ORDER / PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Mr. Breton opened the meeting at 6:35 p.m. All stood for the Pledge of Allegiance.

2. NONPUBLIC SESSION

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Mr. Breton called for acceptance of the minutes of the board meeting of September 12,

2007. Mr. Fosher asked for a correction to indicate that it was the time of scheduling

events on the Jewish holiday that was in question. He suggested one other minor

change.

Mr. Hazekamp asked about the administration of financials at meetings. There was a

brief discussion.

Mr. Scamman asked to have the nonpublic session indicated in the minutes, and have

the minutes of the nonpublic session at the next meeting of the board. He asked to

have a statement read into the minutes, at the end, and he read – “At the request of

Superintendent Hanson the board signed the DOE 25 and the MS 25 certifying the

annual financial reports even though the reports were not supplied to the board. Mr.

Scamman said that he would not certify the budget without reviewing it first. Mr.

Scamman also stated that he will not sign the payables also until more backup has

been supplied. He also stated that he has asked for copies of the budget since March

and has not received a copy to date even after asking on the record at the August

meeting.”

Mr. Breton said that the minutes would stand, as corrected.

The nonpublic session minutes of September 12^th will be on the next agenda.

4. VISITORS

Mr. Breton welcomed the visitors.

Nathan Merrill was recognized and spoke about Mr. Baldasaro’s presentation on testing at last month’s meeting. He read from data from the SAU 16 website stating that the NWEA achievement tests in mathematics, reading, and language usage are adaptive, and provides an accurate measure of student achievement. He said that doing away with NWEA testing, without a suitable replacement, is a mistake.

5. GENERAL CORRESPONDENCE

Mr. Scamman read a statement concerning the board oversight and responsibility and that

at the September 12^th meeting, after the nonpublic session, the board was asked to sign and

certify the financials. The draft of the minutes does not reflect his not signing. He did meet

with Mr. Breton and has been given the budgets for the past four years.

Mr. Breton asked Mr. Scamman to give feedback on their meeting today at the SAU, and Mr. Scamman said that he spend five hours at the SAU Office, reviewing this process. He said that Superintendent Hanson has a solution, which is to hold the checks, after being certified, to be reviewed by the board members. Mr. Scamman said Mr. Lunney could add an additional field to tell what the expenditure was for. Mr. Breton explained that this would be a separate document. Superintendent Hanson said the Mr. Scamman’s request is for a software program that can be purchased, and it is costly. Mr. Dubela suggested, because there are so many redundant expenditures on the manifest, list, for informational purposes, only the unusual things, onetime expenditures, or big ticket items.

Ms. McDonnell acknowledged Mr. Scamman’s efforts in this area and for making changes, saying he has her support. She said that board members are all being contacted by taxpayers who have concerns about spending. She thanked Mr. Scamman for all the time he is spending.

6. BOARD REPORTS / POLICY

6.1 Visioning Committee

Mr. Hazekamp said that the committee met on Monday, October 1^st, with the majority of

members there; three were missing. They looked at testing and the challenges of

testing at SMS. The NECAP was discussed as well as more adaptive spaces and the

least restricted space model. The average class size is in line with the state’s

recommendation. The next meeting of the committee will be November 5^th at 6:30. The

committee’s reporting is on the website, at the town library, and a DVD video is available

upon request. Mr. Breton said that November’s topic will be unified arts, and January

will be a briefing of demographics of the Seacoast. There is no meeting scheduled for

December.

6.2 Legislative Affairs

Ms. Driscoll said that she met with Ms. McDonnell to discuss special education issues,

and that there was a public hearing in Concord today with the most relevant issue of

changes to the state standards. She said that Ms. McDonnell was interested in input

from the public. Ms. McDonnell read from some of the letter she received addressing

HB 677, 678 and 765, issues that would burden school districts if changed. She said

that public comments would be accepted until October 26^th from all stakeholders. She

encouraged all to contact NHSBA’s Dean Michener with their input.

6.3 NCLB Meeting

Dr. Hanson referred the board to Mr. Frew’s notes of the NCLB meeting held September

19. He reviewed the AYP release from the DOE which pointed out that more elementary

and middle schools in the state did not make AYP than did. That in 2006, all SAU 16

schools made AYP and was the largest SAU in the state to experience that distinction.

6.4 SAU Policy Committee

Mr. Dubela presented policies to be accepted on a first reading:

BHE, School Board Use of Email – this is a new recommendation from NHSBA that

reflected the new reality. Mr. Breton asked for action to adopt this policy. Mr. Dubela

moved; seconded by Mr. Hazekamp. Mr. Hazekamp recommended that the reference

to the law be at the bottom of the document, and not listed in the body, and that

“Category R” be removed. The policy was accepted on a first reading, with

changes. The vote was unanimous.

GBGBA, Use of Automated External Defibrillators – The consensus was to strike

reference to the law(s) in the body of the policy noting them at the bottom of the

document. There was discussion of the district having a defibrillator; Dr. Hanson

recommended that the board look into having one. There was discussion of the

nurse supporting this policy. She will be consulted. The acceptance of the policy

passed, with changes, with four in favor and Mr. Scamman opposed.

. IMG, Animals in School – Mr. Dubela moved to accept the policy; seconded by Ms.

McDonnell. Mr. Breton mentioned there was no pre-notification. After discussion,

the policy was accepted, on a unanimous vote of the board.

JEB, Age of Entrance – Mr. Dubela moved to accept the policy; seconded by Mr.

Scamman. Dr. Hanson explained that it was the recommendation of the policy

committee to stay with the policy as it exists. Mr. Scamman asked about

immigrants and documentation in lieu of a certificate of birth. Mr. Fosher explained

that an age appropriate certificate is sought through Tufts in these circumstances.

The vote was unanimous.

Mr. Hazekamp recommended dropping the numbering, ”page 1 of 1” in policies such as

BH, previously accepted.

KEB, Public Complaints About School Personnel, Employees, Students, or

Administration. Mr. Dubela moved to accept the policy; seconded by Mr. Scamman.

The consensus was to reference the law at the end of the document and strike it in

the body. With this minor change the acceptance of the policy passed; the vote

was unanimous.

Mr. Hazekamp reported that he attended the Bradley Kidder Law Conference sponsored by

NHSBA and that he paid for his attendance. He reviewed some of the offerings:

employment law, school finance and funding, which he found useful.

7. TESTING

7.2 Institutionalizing Tests Reports to Board

Mr. Breton said that the state requires reporting of test result to the school board, and

he asked for discussion. Mr. Dubela said that he has seen different presentations of

this data and essential thing to convey is the results of the testing. Dr. Hanson

suggested the board review Mr. Frew’s report that was part of their packet, and discuss,

at the next meeting, how the board wants its report. The decision of the board was to

table this until the next meeting to come up with a common report. There was a brief

discussion of writing a policy; Mr. Dubela suggested against that. Dr. Hanson said there

will be a policy committee meeting before that meeting and the board can get input. Ms.

McDonnell moved to table this discussion; she amended her motion to read

“postpone this discussion” until next month; seconded by Mr. Hazekamp and

voted unanimously.

7.1 NWEA Testing – Followup

Mr. Fosher reviewed NECAP test results walking the board through samples explaining

the assessment data that the test measures; how NWEA and NECAP are different and

how Stratham met the expectations. He explained how the information is used. The

board discussed a committee to look at this and to take more time to look at the data.

Mr. Breton said that schoolmatters.com is included in the packet. Mr. Hazekamp read

from data from the Fordham Institute’s, The Proficience Allusion, NWEA.

8. CURRICULUM

Professional Development

Mr. Fosher said that Ms. Driscoll has a request for attending an April 11^th conference. He said that as he looks at the professionalism of the staff, he challenges them. Conferences/workshops are paid at $506 (graduate credit) and any activity has to be tied into the staff member’s goals. He said that the staff is better at connecting their professional development to their goals. He said he encourages staff to go to national conferences and come back with new ideas, saying that professionals need to be trained. There was discussion of paying for teachers’ expenses. Typically, these requests are not seen by the board; the administration has that responsibility for any request under $1,000. This request exceeds $1,000, which requires board action. Mr. Dubela spoke of the professional staff and validity of their training, and that he supports their endeavors. Principal Fosher explained that not just he, but one of the administrators sign off, but that he is always made aware of each request. Ms. Driscoll spoke about the request from the OT and the training that was offered at the national level, which fit her goals. Two of the days she is taking are not work days. Mr. Breton approved the amount as written; moved by Mr. Scamman; seconded by Mr. Dubela and voted unanimously.

RECESS

At 8:49 p.m. the board recessed, and resumed its meeting at 8:57 p.m.

9. SUPERINTENDENT / ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT REPORT

Dr. Hanson reported on the Healthy Coalition Day, hosted by Exeter High School on October

5^th. There were kiosks devoted to healthy foods to serve in schools. The GBECS students

put together backpacks for attendees to take away with example and samples of healthy

foods for PE and Health Teachers to use as models at their schools.

10. SMS ADMINISTRATRATION.

10.1 Mr. Fosher reported on Friday’s professional development activities, and the Tufts

reading activities. The next professional development, at the SAU-level, will be the

second Tuesday in March.

10.2 Enrollment Update

There are 620 student enrolled. Mr. Hazekamp asked that the enrollment report be an

accumulative type report.

Mr. Dubela asked about the audit results from the visit of the State Fire Marshall. Mr. Fosher mentioned some of the remedies instituted to satisfy that audit. There was discussion of the fire department / school department relations. Mr. Breton asked if more outlets are in the budget request. It was explained that they are looking at the maximum amps a room can hold. Mr. Scamman said he spoke with the Fire Marshall and said that Chief Law will be writing a report.

10.3. SPED Report

Ms. Driscoll reviewed the special education report. She explained the financial

challenges. She reported on the ongoing work to complete entries into the two data

entry systems, which impacts some of our reporting to the state. There was a brief

discussion of the numbers. She said that she will report next month. Mr. Breton

asked about the audit on October 16, and the meeting with Mr. Opuda.

10.4. Enrichment Update

Mr. Fosher reported on the activities of the Enrichment Program and the work Linda

Morrison has done with the Monarch Butterfly activity and the other after school

activities. He said that water coloring is offered and there is a book study group. He

said that the Lego League has boomed that there are three teams with senior and

junior groups. Mr. Scamman asked about payment for these activities. There was

discussion. Mr. Scamman asked for a list of the activities that are offered in the

school. There was a discussion of scholarship money being available.

11. EMPLOYEES

Mr. Fosher gave the background of Marcia Gagnon, permanent substitute, going to East

Kingston until mid January.

12. BUILDING AND GROUNDS

Mr. Fosher reported that Bob McAlpine was putting together a long-term plan. Mr.

Scamman said he met with Mr. McAlpine. This will be reported a later time.

13. PUPIL RELATED MATTERS

Mr. Fosher reported on the Stratham students receiving ESOL services, and that Ms.

Driscoll had to hire a second person (a tutor) to deliver services. The amount of support is

driven by the amount of English the student knows. Students receiving services are

speakers of French, Ethiopian, and Taiwanese.

14. OLD BUSINESS

None.

15. NEW BUSINESS

Ms. McDonnell said that Police Chief, Michael Daley, has spoken with her about wanting

the department to contribute to the school, and that he said that since D.A.R.E. was

removed from the school program, the department feels shutout. Mr. Fosher reported on

the Life Skills program that replaced the D.A.R.E. activity. He spoke of the visits of Officer

Friendly and bike safety presentations. After discussion, Principal Fosher said that he will

be in contact with Chief Daley about this issue.

16. BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL

16.1 Fiscal Report

Dr. Hanson reviewed the financial statement with the board. He pointed out the

tutor salaries, and that ESOL was over spent, $18,000. He said that further questions

can be referred to the administration.

16.2 Budget Process, 2008/09

The budget Committee will meet on October 23^rd at 7:00 p.m. Mr. Breton said that he

has sent everyone an Email and that a quorum is needed. Mr. Fosher said that he will

be able to report after the teachers’ budget deadline of October 19^th.

17. CLOSING STATEMENTS

There were none.

18. NEXT SCHOOL BOARD MEETING

The board will meet next on Wednesday, November 14, 2007, at 6:30 p.m.

NONPUBLIC SESSION

At 9:23 p.m., on a motion by Ms. McDonnell; seconded by Mr. Scamman, and a unanimous roll call vote, the board entered nonpublic session under RSA 91-A:3, II [a].

The board returned to public session at 9:59 p.m.

19. ADJOURNMENT

Chair Breton adjourned the meeting at 10:00 p.m.

Minutes of the school board are unofficial until accepted at a subsequent meeting of the school board.

Submitted by: Mary Lou Clinton-Stevens