Goffstown School District
Goffstown, New Hampshire
Goffstown School Board Meeting
May 1, 2006
MINUTES
Board Members Present Administration Present
Keith Allard, Chair Darrell Lockwood, Superintendent
Ellen Vermokowitz, Vice Chair Stacy Buckley, Asst. Superintendent
Scott Gross Ray Labore, Business Manager
Sara Ann Sarette
Kent Nolan
Lorry Cloutier
Shea Sennett, Departing Student Representative
Jason DeYoung, Incoming Student Representative
Budget Committee Representative Present
Bill Hart
Call to Order
Keith Allard called the meeting to order at 8:05 p.m. and led the Board and public in the Pledge of Allegience and a moment of silence.
Shea Sennett introduced Jason Dione, the new Student Representative, to School Board members.
Keith Allard recognized the work Shea Sennett has put into the Student Representative position and listed his other accomplishments, which include: Varsity Soccer, Freshman and JV Basketball, JV Baseball, Varsity Track, A.S.P. at St. Paul, Student Council, Granite State Challenge, Youth in Government, HOBY, National Honor Society, Select Vocal Ensemble, Men’s Chorus, Summer Musical, Winter Musical, and Pep Band. Mr. Allard presented Mr. Sennett a plaque for his School Board service and thanked him on the Board’s behalf. Mr. Allard stated Mr. Sennett is also second in his senior class this year. Scott Gross stated he has been on the Board for seven years and Shea Sennett has been one of the best student representatives he has ever worked with; Mr. Gross stated Mr. Sennett has not been shy in expressing his opinion and has guided the Board on student perspectives.
Approval of Minutes – 4/17/06
The Board had the following changes to minutes: Page 3, 3rd paragraph, change …technical sub-committee… to technology sub-committee…; Page 5, last paragraph, line 4, change to read …facilitators were hired and a lot of community input was received…; Page 6, 1st line, next meeting for P&C is May 24th at GHS. Ellen Vermokowitz made a motion to approve the April 17, 2006 minutes as amended. Scott Gross seconded. VOTE 5 yes, 1 abstain (Lorry Cloutier) MOTION PASSED
Darrell Lockwood stated in the April 3, 2006 minutes, Amory DeMeo was listed under “Resignations” and should have been listed as a “Non-Renewal”.
Correspondence
Commendations
Public Comment
Dick Gagnon approached the Board and made a request that the Board look
at fully funding the studio technician position currently held by Dave Souter.
Mr. Gagnon stated the position is currently 25 hours a week at $10/hour with no
benefits and Mr. Souter has already made it known that he will be moving on if
nothing better is provided. Mr. Gagnon stated Mr. Souter has done really well
since he was hired, has learned a lot, and has worked on getting the school
back on air with GTV, people are seeing what is going on in the schools, and he
is also reaching out to other schools. Mr. Gagnon stated he felt this position
is a SAU-wide position and funding should also come out of the other schools.
Mr. Gagnon asked if the School Board or Finance Committee could look at working
the numbers so the position could be fully funded with benefits and go longer
than the 180 days currently funded for. Scott Gross asked what Mr. Gagnon was
thinking of in terms of pay. Mr. Gagnon stated, in his opinion, the position
should be paid no different than IT Techs, should be on an equal value. Keith
Allard asked when Mr. Gagnon would like to see this position implemented.
Darrell Lockwood reminded the Board they are having committee meetings with GTV
and with Philip Pancoast, the Board’s representative, absent, this conversation
may be out of order. Ellen Vermokowitz stated she would like to accept Dick
Gagnon’s request under advisement and have the Superintendent look into this
need when going into budget season. Mr. Gross stated he would hate to see the
Board blow this opportunity, that it would be a wonderful opportunity to use
GTV for things. Mr. Gross stated if something is done with GTV the
expectations need to be very high and accessible to students. The Board
thanked Dick Gagnon.
Discussion Regarding the Establishment of a Scholarship Fund
Ken Rose, Goffstown Trustee of Trust Fund Chair, and Margaret-Ann Moran, Successor Trustee to Trust, Upton & Hatfield, introduced themselves to the School Board and gave Board members a seven-page handout entitled “Sandra E. Ellison Memorial Scholarship”. Mrs. Moran stated to the Board they are in the process of establishing a scholarship trust fund bequeathed by Ms. Ellison and the Goffstown School Board was named as one of the administrators of the scholarship. Darrell Lockwood reviewed scholarship histories for Kent Nolan. Mrs. Moran stated Sandra Ellison was a life-long resident of Goffstown and was a teacher of elementary education for thirty-seven years, who was committed to education and students; Mrs. Ellison died in April of 2004. Mrs. Moran stated Mrs. Ellison had requested that 20% of the assets from the trust be awarded to the Trustees of Trust Funds for the Town of Goffstown for the purpose of creating scholarships for graduating seniors who are residents of the Town of Goffstown as follows: ½ of the income from the fund is to be used annually for two scholarships to be given on the basis of need, one to a worthy graduating female senior and one to a worthy graduating male senior, who will be attending a post-secondary education institution. Mrs. Moran stated the balance of the income is to be reinvested annually as principal. Mrs. Moran stated actual selection of the scholarship receivers has been delegated to the School Board, though they could elect to use a designee, which could be the existing Scholarship Committee at GHS. Mrs. Moran stated it is important that the application for the scholarship have the special criteria: worthiness of student and basis of need. Mrs. Moran stated the scholarship is open to residents of Goffstown, so it could be for any senior student who lives in town whether attending GHS, Bishop Brady, home-schooled, etc… Mrs. Moran stated she has attached a copy of a scholarship application to handout that could be used as a model.
Margaret-Ann Moran stated a preliminary partial distribution was made to Trustees of the Trust Funds in 2005 in the amount of $70,000 and feels the final distribution to the Trustees would be an additional $200,000, which would make scholarships about $1000 - $1500 each. Ken Rose stated they are making the recommendation that there be no scholarships awarded this year as trust work is not yet wrapped up, plus they need time for the fund to be invested for earnings. Mr. Rose stated the earliest the scholarship would be available would probably be next year or 2008.
Ellen Vermokowitz asked who was responsible for the creation of the actual form and criteria used and who would be bringing it to the Board. Ken Rose stated the Board or Board designee and that he and Mrs. Moran would be very happy to work with them about the criteria and developing. Dr. Lockwood suggested the Board direct him to work with Ken Rose and Margaret-Ann Moran on a proposal and then come back to the Board; Dr. Lockwood stated there is no rush on this. Mrs. Moran stated, as trustee, she would like to have the criteria and way of advertising scholarship completed before her term terminates. Ellen Vermokowitz made a motion to direct the Superintendent to work with the Trustees and possibly the GHS Scholarship Committee to create criteria, forms, and process for the Sandra E. Ellison Memorial Scholarship as soon as appropriate. Sara Ann Sarette seconded. Scott Gross stated this scholarship is a wonderful thing and asked if there was anyone the Board could thank. Mrs. Moran stated Sandra Ellison was never married, but does have some cousins and she would be very happy to relay the Board’s thanks to them. VOTE All in Favor MOTION PASSED
Scott Gross made a motion directing the Superintendent to write a letter of appreciation to the surviving relatives of Sandra E. Ellison for this wonderful legacy. Kent Nolan seconded. VOTE All in Favor MOTION PASSED Scott Gross stated something like this does not happen all the time and asked if reference could be made in a press release. Margaret-Ann Moran stated nothing in the bequeath mentions keeping this confidential and stated Mrs. Ellison also left a bequest to her college for a scholarship. Ken Rose asked that a press release be held off until the rest of the details of trust are ironed out. Ellen Vermokowitz suggested a joint press release from Trustees and School Board. The Board thanked Margaret-Ann Moran and Ken Rose.
Public Comment
None
Administration/Finance Committee Report
Scott Gross introduced Bill Hart, Goffstown Budget Committee member, to Board members. Mr. Gross stated Mr. Hart would be sitting in on Finance Committee Meetings and School Board meetings this month.
Ellen Vermokowitz made a motion to accept the manifest in the amount of $992,246.38 minus $37,347.75. Scott Gross seconded. Mrs. Vermokowitz explained the minus of $37,347.75; an unclear invoice that the Committee is awaiting follow-up information on before approving. VOTE All in Favor MOTION PASSED
Scott Gross stated the Committee received an update on the PIN issue at MVMS and so far everything is going well, doing incrementally.
Scott Gross stated the Committee discussed the rental agreement/lease at St. Matthew’s, but took no action. Mr. Gross stated they were provided with a copy of last year’s lease, informed there would be an increase of $800 this year, and have asked to know the reason for the increase and the square footage of space. Mr. Gross stated Ray Labore will come back at the next scheduled Committee meeting with responses to questions.
Scott Gross stated the Committee is going to have a detailed invoice review, scheduled for May 15th.
Scott Gross stated the Committee discussed Substitute Nurse pay; the Committee had asked Administration to look at the rate of pay in surrounding towns and received a survey back from Ray Labore. Mr. Gross stated the Committee had taken a vote, 3-1, to recommend to Board for next year a pay equivalent to a certified teacher substitute. Ellen Vermokowitz made a motion for 2006-2007 school year that nurse substitutes be paid the same rate as a certified teacher. Scott Gross seconded. VOTE 5 yes, 1 no (Sara Ann Sarette) MOTION PASSED
Scott Gross stated the Committee had discussed the proposed technology committee. Mr. Gross stated there is such a committee in existence that he will be the School Board representative on; Mr. Gross will report back to Board with any information.
Scott Gross stated in terms of open items, the Committee discussed the Food Service and reimbursement of parent groups; Ray Labore is checking into this and will get the Board a final answer.
Scott Gross stated the Committee had a discussion regarding Budget Committee representative school assignments; Goffstown Budget Committee representatives would be assigned to individual schools in the District to create a relationship with building principals/building. Mr. Gross stated the Finance Committee could not come to agreement on this issue, a 2-2 vote. Mr. Gross stated the thrust behind this was for the Budget Committee to have a better understanding of the needs and costs for each school, to have the ability to know more about what was happening at each school and when in budget season to have a better understanding. Ellen Vermokowitz asked Mr. Gross to go into the details of the request. Mr. Gross explained the representatives want to meet with building principals and ask questions about operation needs, trends, and any peculiar needs during the month. Mr. Gross stated there were concerns that the Board does not even do this and why would the Budget Committee. Darrell Lockwood asked Mr. Gross if the Budget Committee was asking to assign one member to each school. Mr. Gross stated yes, it was his understanding they want to try to get more information so they can make informed decisions. Kent Nolan stated this would be an informational exchange and not an approval process. Mr. Gross stated that was correct and if it took a different route he would be surprised. Dr. Lockwood stated he has often felt the School District has been under represented at the table with the Budget Committee and the notion that we could positively inform people is endearing him to the notion of trying this. Dr. Lockwood stated the Board has had some bumps in the road with the Budget Committee and at times not a great deal of trust, but they would not get anywhere if bridges were not built. Dr. Lockwood stated the School Board could always pull back if this does not work. Dr. Lockwood stated he does not come to this decision easily, that Ray Labore has talked to him of the benefits and Mr. Labore has great perspective as he has sat on the Budget Committee in the past; Dr. Lockwood stated this is something the Board ought to consider and if it does not work out to come back to the table and have conversation. Ellen Vermokowitz stated the school district’s head is the Superintendent and we have a policy/practice as a Board in that we are not to go into a school building talking to the staff ourselves, we are supposed to channel requests and concerns to the superintendent. Mrs. Vermokowitz stated the Budget Committee has been invited to all of the School Board meetings and was most productive a number of years ago when one Budget Committee representative sat at all the meetings, they had a good idea of the process and happenings. Mrs. Vermokowtiz stated a School Board representative goes to Budget Meetings and questions could be channeled through them. Mrs. Vermokowitz expressed concerns about micromanagement. Mrs. Vermokowitz stated she does not agree with a monthly meeting between Budget Rep and Building Principals during the workday, especially not without a Board member present, could support a possible quarterly meeting with a Board member present, but feels the current conduit of information should continue as it is working. Mrs. Vermokowitz stated she is all for sharing information and understanding, but the school budget is the School Board’s responsibility; Mrs. Vermokowitz stated she would encourage more Budget Committee members to come to Board meetings. Sara Ann Sarette stated she was in concurrence with Mrs. Vermokowitz’s statements. Ray Labore stated he envisions this as a possible avenue to gather support on the Budget Committee side; there is a need, with what will be coming at the Board over the next year or two, to build support and have a common front going into budget season. Mr. Labore stated, from experience as a Budget Committee member, that the relationship described with representatives working with department heads worked well with real time updates and smoothed the process in budget season, were able to make sure positions were clearly articulated and removed emotion and dealt with acts. Mr. Labore stated this is an opportunity to develop a relationship. Keith Allard stated he shares Mrs. Vermokowitz’s concerns about monthly meetings and suggested twice a year meetings with a Board and SAU representative present. Ellen Vermokowitz made a motion to set up quarterly meetings between Budget Committee representatives and Building principals during the workday with a SAU administrator and School Board representative present, and that the School Board hear back a year from now to see how the process is working. Scott Gross seconded. Sara Ann Sarette stated a few years ago the Board had discussed assigning each Board member a school and having them report back to the full Board each month, but the Board did not follow-up on this. The Board discussed this further. VOTE 3 yes, 2 no, 1 abstain MOTION CARRIED Mrs. Vermokowitz stated a couple years ago there was a report that went from the SAU to the Budget Committee that had a great deal of information on what was happening with each line in budget, was very useful, and came with a summation on the cover. Mrs. Vermokowitz stated she thought this would also help the entire Budget Committee and School Board keep track of what is happening.
*Shea Sennett left the meeting at 8:12 p.m.
Scott Gross stated, for the record, that he is okay with the four quarterly meetings, but does not think a School Board member needs to be there, that the Business Administrator could handle it. Keith Allard stated Board members should be encouraged to be at these meetings. Mr. Allard stated this would be put on the agenda for an upcoming meeting.
Human Resources Committee Report
Ellen Vermokowitz stated it would cost $900 to have NHSBA review School Board policies. Ellen Vermokowitz made a motion to have NHSBA review School Board policies and make recommendations in light of new standards and recommendations, and to allocate the funds needed. Scott Gross seconded. VOTE All in Favor MOTION PASSED
Keith Allard made a motion to accept the following policies:
Sara Ann Sarette seconded. VOTE All in Favor MOTION PASSED
Planning/Communications Committee Report
The next scheduled P&C meeting is on May 24th, 6:15 p.m., GHS, in the Senior Café.
Curriculum and Education Committee Report
Scott Gross stated nothing has changed from the last meeting. The next scheduled C&E meeting is on May 8th, 7 p.m. at the SAU; Mr. Gross will not be in town for that meeting and asked that an alternate attend, Sara Ann Sarette stated she would try and be there.
Goffstown Kindergarten Building Project Committee Report
Darrell Lockwood stated the Committee had a meeting a week ago, approved moving ahead with the fire suppression system, and approved a company to proceed. Dr. Lockwood stated the Committee reiterated using all tile, instead of carpet, in the building and looked at samples, the architect will put together a color sheet. Dr. Lockwood stated the Committee approved moving back to brick for the back wall; building will now be all brick.
Darrell Lockwood stated there was a site Committee meeting on Thursday he had not been able to attend. Ray Labore stated the actual color samples were presented for window treatments and brick; the Committee did make their selection. Mr. Labore stated a plan was presented for a preliminary for a potential classroom wing addition and costs are being prepared by the architect to be submitted before next meeting for approval and the potential go ahead to CIP. Mr. Labore stated a significant amount of work has been done on the building.
Keith Allard stated the need to discuss the process of naming the building. Ellen Vermokowitz stated four names have been passed on to the Board. Dr. Lockwood stated he had sent Board members an email of information, including proposed names, and stated the Board had asked to have this brought back in June. Dr. Lockwood stated there is a process involved in this and read aloud to Board a memo from Leslie Doster. The memo stated the name search was closed on April 1st, twenty-six admissions were received, many duplicates. The memo went on to state they had used criteria in the Board policy for naming of facilities and had narrowed admissions down to the following four: Lakeside School, Lake View School, Whispering Pines School, and Glen Lake School. Darrell Lockwood asked the Board to come up with a process to choose a name. Mrs. Vermokowitz stated she would like to have all nine Board members present. Mrs. Vermokowitz stated the four names are all lovely, thanked the Committee for their work on this, and suggested putting on agenda for first meeting of June, voting on all four, and using the process of elimination. Dr. Lockwood went over some of the history of the Glen Lake name.
SAU Executive Committee Meeting
The SAU Executive Committee Meeting will be on May 16th, 6 p.m., at the SAU. Scott Gross stated he would not be able to attend this meeting.
SAU Board Meeting
The SAU Board Meeting will be on May 24th, 7 p.m., at GHS in the Senior Café. Ellen Vermokowitz asked that the Goffstown Board create a slate of what they want to propose and have discussion. Mrs. Vermokowitz went over process of Committee positions. Scott Gross stated he would not be able to attend this meeting.
Superintendent’s Report
Darrell Lockwood and Keith Allard met with Selectmen about Barnard Park and the
SAU lease. Dr. Lockwood stated he received a letter from Park & Rec
Director French; Park & Rec had met and they were interested in doing a
site walk at Barnard Park and GHS. Dr. Lockwood stated he felt this was
advisable and would schedule something and let Board member know so they could
participate. Dr. Lockwood stated the Barnard Park lease is up in 2010. Scott
Gross stated he would like to be part of this process, that he thinks all
fields need to be looked at.
Darrell Lockwood stated he had received a fax from Howard Sobolov relative to the shed at Barnard Park; the Building Inspector had concerns about the shed not meeting code and would like to see it on a permanent foundation.
Darrell Lockwood stated he did not send out “Superintendent Notes” as he was away all of last week. Dr. Lockwood stated he had approved a 7th Grade field trip to Franklin Park Zoo for May 11th.
Darrell Lockwood discussed the Mark Boucher property next to Bartlett School with Board members. Dr. Lockwood stated at the last hearing, the Planning Board deemed the need for more technical review. The next meeting scheduled is May 11th, 7:15 p.m., in the Mildred Stark Room. Dr. Lockwood stated he felt this would probably proceed, but may be of interest to the Board.
Darrell Lockwood stated there are seventeen bridges in Goffstown and he annually gets a report on these. Dr. Lockwood stated he shares this report with the Truck Center and Town. There is nothing in the report this time about problems, just have to repost some signage.
Darrell Lockwood reviewed a newspaper article titled “Courts as Date Set for School Suit” with Board. Dr. Lockwood stated it would be interesting to see what follows with this; about adequate education and funding. Dr. Lockwood discussed conversations he has had with the Londonderry School Superintendent regarding this.
Darrell Lockwood stated he had received an e-mail from the Commissioner of Education indicating preliminaries on NECAP would be out on May 18th. Dr. Lockwood stated in terms of preparing for negotiations with GEA and GESS, we continue to look at compiling information for the Board and are looking at a number of consultants recommended to them.
Darrell Lockwood stated that as of April 24th, 111 students have been registered for kindergarten. Dr. Lockwood stated the Kindergarten Committee has looked at playground equipment; recommendations will come from Building Committee. Dr. Lockwood stated Rick Matthews has been working Leslie Doster, has been going great. Dr. Lockwood stated Ray Labore has been working with Leslie Doster and Jerry Agate to put out a furniture bid. Scott Gross stated there had been a projection of 150 students for kindergarten, which required five kindergarten teachers; Mr. Gross asked if enrollment numbers did not change, would they hire four teachers instead. Dr. Lockwood stated he was proposing 3 ½ teachers and a ½ special ed teacher.
Darrell Lockwood stated oil bids are coming in this week; Ray Labore stated the State oil bid is due this week also.
Ellen Vermokowitz, in regards to Barnard Park, stated a couple of years ago the Board had looked at doing their own ground maintenance and investing in the equipment to do so. Mrs. Vermokowitz stated the school district has quite a bit of land/fields, a lot of maintenance, and asked what had happened to the idea. Dr. Lockwood stated it had been dropped due to budget concerns. Scott Gross stated it had gone to the Budget Committee a couple of years ago and there were concerns about having to double budget for the first year. Mr. Gross stated the players are different now and we could start discussions about it. Mrs. Vermokowitz stated she felt it would be worth discussing again.
Ellen Vermokowitz stated the need to have discussions with the Selectmen about taking advantage of purchasing large parcels of land that the town would hold for long-range planning. Mrs. Vermokowitz stated land is being all purchased up and twenty years down the road the town will have need for land for schools, etc… Dr. Lockwood stated he thought you needed a purpose, cannot have land that lies fallow, but that Administration could explore this for the Board. Scott Gross stated he thought that would be a good idea, that open space is getting at a premium.
Darrell Lockwood stated Ray Labore has followed up with Kaestle Boos and is working on narrowing information down.
GTV Request
Darrell Lockwood stated he has received a request from GTV to do renovation work in the area they currently house. GTV would like to remove walls and set up cubicles. Dr. Lockwood showed Board members a hand drawn map of proposed renovations. Dr. Lockwood stated GTV is asking the Board to approve renovations and to move fire alarms/security keypads, donate tile, and remove debris. Dr. Lockwood stated the cost would be approximately $500. Ellen Vermokowitz made a motion to approve GTV’s request of the School Board. Scott Gross seconded. VOTE All in Favor MOTION PASSED
Update on Status of Professional Staff Openings
Darrell Lockwood gave Board members a handout entitled “Goffstown Teacher Vacancy Pivot”. Dr. Lockwood reviewed each vacant position with Board members.
Teacher Nominations
Darrell Lockwood presented the Board with the following teacher nominations:
Sara Ann Sarette made a motion to accept the teacher nominations as presented by the Superintendent. Ellen Vermokowitz seconded. VOTE All in Favor MOTION PASSED
Darrell Lockwood presented Board with the following student teacher for 2006-2007:
Resignations
Darrell Lockwood presented the Board with the following resignation:
Scott Gross made a motion to accept the resignation of Alexandra Ferrelli. Ellen Vermokowitz seconded. VOTE All in Favor MOTION PASSED
Leave of Absences
Darrell Lockwood informed Board of the following Leave of Absence:
Co-Curricular Nomination
Darrell Lockwood presented the Board with the following co-curricular nomination:
Scott Gross made a motion to approve the nomination of Jason Ouellette as presented by the Superintendent. Ellen Vermokowitz seconded. VOTE All in Favor MOTION PASSED
Stacy Buckley discussed a special education facilitator for curriculum support and behavior management position at GHS with School Board members. Mrs. Buckley stated she had met with Frank McBride and they would like to refocus the position and look more at curriculum and behavior, look at applied classes. Mrs. Buckley discussed behavior management with Board. Mrs. Buckley stated she would like to shift this position to a 50% position and asked Board for permission to post this position. Ellen Vermokowitz made a motion to approve posting of 50% time position. Kent Nolan seconded. Mr. Nolan asked if these applied classes were separate from other classes. Mrs. Buckley stated yes. Ellen Vermokowitz stated she was surprised this request was not coming through the C&E Committee first. Darrell Lockwood stated he has come to the whole School Board in the past with positions. Mrs. Vermokowitz asked if this would be a one-year position. Dr. Lockwood stated yes, and if it works out they will come back to Board. Mrs. Vermokowitz asked how many students would benefit from this position. Mrs. Buckley stated at least 100 students are taking applied classes at this point. The Board discussed need and position further. VOTE 3 yes, 3 no (Sara Ann Sarette, Scott Gross, Kent Nolan) MOTION PASSED Dr. Lockwood stated he would come back to the Board with more information.
ParaEducator Professional Development Handbook
Stacy Buckley reviewed the “ParaEducator Handbook for Advancing Student Learning” with School Board members; Mrs. Buckley went over the original Committee’s goal. Ellen Vermokowitz stated she thought the handbook was excellent and understands this is the first time the SAU has done this. Mrs. Vermokowitz asked about job descriptions and if they should be added to document. Mrs. Buckley stated the job descriptions the SAU has date back to 1994 and they are looking at updating those this summer. Ellen Vermokowitz made a motion to approve the “ParaEducator Handbook for Advancing Student Learning”. Scott Gross seconded. Mrs. Vermokowitz asked that para-educators be asked to keep a portfolio of what they are doing/learning. Darrell Lockwood stated para-educators already do a reflection piece and keep a log. VOTE All in Favor MOTION PASSED Dr. Lockwood stated he has been asked if this handbook could be shared outside the District and had answered okay, as long it is acknowledged that it came from us.
Early Graduation Request
Darrell Lockwood stated he had received an early graduation request from Jennifer Dusseault, Class of 2008, who would like to graduate in June, 2007. Scott Gross made a motion to approve early graduation request of Jennifer Dusseault. Ellen Vermokowitz seconded. VOTE All in Favor MOTION PASSED
2007 NHSBA Resolutions
Keith Allard stated all Board members had received the handout and asked Board members to fill out and return to Administration.
Any Other Business That May Legally Come Before The Board
Darrell Lockwood revisited an Administrative recommendation from last meeting regarding Betsy Melanson. Dr. Lockwood stated he wanted to change salary from $44,500 to $45,000 for next year. Scott Gross made a motion to approve salary change of $44,500 to $45,500 for Betsy Melanson. 5 yes, 1 abstain (Lorry Cloutier) MOTION PASSED
Ellen Vermokowitz requested time be placed on the beginning of the next School Board Meeting agenda for three charter school students to give a presentation to the School Board. Mrs. Vermokowitz stated this would be a worthwhile presentation, to hear the excitement and learning going on from these students. Keith Allard stated this could be done the first meeting in June.
Ellen Vermokowitz stated a SAU issue had come up a couple months ago regarding the AREA Agreement and exchange students. Mrs. Vermokowitz stated the AREA Agreement states if the Goffstown School Board approves taking above the policy amount of exchange students and the student is from a sending district, the sending district will pay tuition. Mrs. Vermokowitz stated there was confusion on this earlier in the year and as a Board all members need to understand this. Keith Allard stated the sending districts have to pay tuition unless the Goffstown Board makes an exception. Mrs. Vermokowitz stated according the AREA Agreement the sending town would pay tuition. Mr. Allard asked if Mrs. Vermokowitz wanted Darrell Lockwood to share this with Dunbarton and New Boston. Mrs. Vermokowitz stated she wanted the Goffstown Board to read over it and be clear on it. Dr. Lockwood stated there is another way to make sure this issue does not happen again and stated he would make sure it was handled appropriately.
Scott Gross asked about goals for the following year. Keith Allard stated the
P&C Committee will be doing this and asking all Board sub-committee chairs
for goals to get back to Karen Pratt. Mr. Allard stated a draft list is being
created now.
Darrell Lockwood stated “Supporters of Lacrosse” would be attending the first June School Board Meeting to report on how the first year has gone.
Darrell Lockwood stated he has received the first request from an Administrator and parents for a student to skip a grade; Dr. Lockwood stated this is an interesting issue.
Public Comment
None
Non-Public Session – RSA 91-A 3II(c)
None
Adjournment
Ellen Vermokowitz made a motion to adjourn at 9:17 p.m. Scott Gross seconded. VOTE All in Favor MOTION PASSED
Deborah L. Jore
School Board Recording Secretary
*These minutes are subject to School Board approval