Goffstown School District
Goffstown, New Hampshire
Goffstown School Board Meeting
April 3, 2006
MINUTES
Board Members Present Administration Present
Keith Allard, Chair Darrell Lockwood, Superintendent
Ellen Vermokowitz, Vice Chair Ray Labore, Business Manager
Philip Pancoast Kathi Titus, Asst. Superintendent
Lorry Cloutier Stacy Buckley, Asst. Superintendent
Karen Pratt
Sara Ann Sarette
Scott Gross
Ginny McKinnon
Budget Committee Representative
Steve Fournier
Call to Order
Keith Allard called the meeting to order at 7:16 p.m. and asked Philip Pancoast to lead the Board and public in the Pledge of Allegience followed by a moment of silence. Mr. Allard welcomed Steve Fournier, Budget Committee Representative, to the meeting.
Approval of Minutes – March 20, 2006
The Board had the following changes to the March 20th minutes: Add Sara Ann Sarette to Board Members Present, Page 4, paragraph 3, Ellen Vermokowitz made motion, not Keith Allard. Sara Ann Sarette made a motion to accept the March 20, 2006 minutes as amended. Ginny McKinnon seconded. VOTE All in Favor MOTION PASSED
Darrell Lockwood stated the Deliberative Session minutes had been submitted to the State and asked Board members if anything had been omitted from the minutes. Scott Gross stated there had been mention of an accusation made in a newspaper article about litigation, an accusation against the Board Chair; Minute 41 on the tape recording. The Board Chair’s response to the question regarding accusation made in a newspaper article was as follows: There were two litigations brought against the school district that had been the cause of delays and they were the Tibbetts Hill Road site and the Glen Lake site litigations brought about by the abutters’ of the sites. (p.5 of Deliberative Session Minutes).
Correspondence
Keith Allard reviewed the contents of the Correspondence Folder with Board:
Commendations/Good News
Public Comment
None
Administration/Finance Committee Report
Scott Gross stated the Committee had gone over financial reports and that Stacy Buckley had given members an overview of Special Education. Mr. Gross stated special ed has been a volatile account and Mrs. Buckley had reported they would be in budget.
Scott Gross stated Ray Labore had presented the Committee with updated revenues and things are looking good so far and that he is confident that the unreserved funds projection of $550,000 will be achieved. It must be noted that all revenues are projections at this point and represent our best estimate.
Philip Pancoast made a motion to approve the manifest in the amount of $1,116,431.65. Karen Pratt seconded. VOTE All in Favor MOTION PASSED
Scott Gross gave Board members a handout on “MOODLE” sites; presently Board members get their information off the School Board FTP site. MOODLE has a lot of potential for the School Board as it could better organize school district information and would be able to access different information through various links: calendars, course categories, sub committees, agendas, backup material, minutes, reference libraries, budget, and superintendent notes. Mr. Gross stated MOODLE is interactive, would be just for the School Board, and is very user friendly. Mr. Gross stated Gary Girolimon is trying to get teachers involved in a MOODLE site and if Board members were interested in this, Mr. Girolimon would take care of the basic framework. Ellen Vermokowitz asked about costs. Mr. Gross stated MOODLE is “free-ware”, an external server, and the cost would be Mr. Girolimon’s time in getting it going; could have Mr. Girolimon do an hour or two of work on framework and then spread time out longer, maybe until Fall, for the additional work time. Mrs. Vermokowtiz asked about the Administration’s thoughts on this idea. Mr. Gross stated he has only spoken with Ray Labore about this to date and does not know Dr. Lockwood’s opinion. Mr. Gross stated surveys could also be done on MOODLE; the Superintendent short and long survey could be placed on the site. Mr. Gross stated this was to have come before the Finance Committee this evening, but they had run out of time. Sara Ann Sarette stated information like this usually comes through a sub-committee first before coming to the full Board. Ray Labore stated MOODLE is a pretty dynamic tool that could grow usage-wise with the Board employing it and once the Board got used to it the Board members could probably administer it on their own. Ellen Vermokowitz stated her only concern was that the Superintendent has not weighed in on the idea, nor has the sub-committee discussed it yet either. Mrs. Vermokowitz stated she would like to see the sub-committee look at the concept further and maybe have Gary Girolimon put something more together on it. The Board was in consensus.
Ellen Vermokowitz stated Gary Girolimon had asked if any Board members were going to attend a laptop workshop tomorrow night or if they would like to reschedule the workshop. Keith Allard asked that Mr. Girolimon reschedule the class and post it at least a week in advance.
Scott Gross stated the Finance Committee would be discussing nurse substitute pay at their next meeting; they are taking a look at the pay offered now to see how competitive it is and if any changes need to be made. Mr. Gross stated the Committee would also be looking at technology and how to be more efficient with our resources. Mr. Gross stated he would also like to see the Technology Committee started up again and maybe it could be part of the Finance Committee.
Human Resources Committee Report
Ellen Vermokowitz brought forward the following policies for a first read:
Mrs. Vermokowitz stated the Committee felt there were enough language changes made to these policies to warrant a first read. Mrs. Vermokowitz stated these policies would sit for a meeting and then come back for a second read.
Ellen Vermokowitz brought the following policies forward for Board information:
Planning/Communication Committee Report
The next scheduled P&C Committee meeting is on April 10th, 6:15 p.m., at the SAU.
Curriculum and Education Committee Report
Philip Pancoast stated the last Committee meeting focused on conversations regarding LEAP for the 2006-2007 school year; the 2005-2006 LEAP is on the Board’s FTP site and in the School Board folder. The Committee discussed the initial feedback from LEAP and what should be anticipated for changes in 2006-2007; one thing the District will try to accomplish is to coordinate various overlaps, focus on differentiating instruction, professional development plans, how to coordinate these, and who would drive decision making with professional plans. Mr. Pancoast asked when the 2006-2007 LEAP would reach the FTP site. Darrell Lockwood stated they try to coordinate with the SAU Meeting. Mr. Pancoast stated it would be helpful to have the memo prepared for the last C&E Meeting in the School Board folder and have Board members offer any feedback they may have.
Scott Gross inquired about the NECAP report and asked if the SAU had sufficient time to get a report together as the results were just received. Mr. Gross stated he would rather get a really well thought out analysis that has been worked on a couple of months rather than a quick hit analysis. Dr. Lockwood stated results were supposed to be received in December, but the SAU only just received them. Dr. Lockwood stated the Board would not get the data between the different assessments, but over time they would like to develop plans for each child who scored a one or a two. NWEA testing is done again in May and the Board was in consensus to wait for a thorough analysis/compilation in order to be able to witness growth in student progress over the year through NWEA and then use the NECAP to correlate that data. Dr. Lockwood stated Kathi Titus would get back to the Board at the April 10th C&E Meeting on a suggested School Board Meeting date for report. Keith Allard stated his preference would be late June as planning is typically done in the summer.
The next scheduled C&E Meeting will be at 7:00 p.m. on April 10th at the SAU.
Goffstown Kindergarten Building Project Committee Report
Darrell Lockwood stated the Committee met last Friday to approve bid proposals for the fire suppression system. Dr. Lockwood stated, due to the wonderful weather lately, paving is on the calendar for early this month, as is pouring of the slab. Dr. Lockwood stated the fire suppression system needs to be placed before the roof joists go up and if you drive by the site you will see walls beginning to go up. Keith Allard asked if Dr. Lockwood could take some digital pictures at the next site walk and send to Board members. Dr. Lockwood stated he had some and would send those out. Ellen Vermokowitz stated she had walked up to the site and it is one beautiful school site.
The next scheduled Kindergarten Committee Meeting will be at 5:00 p.m. on April 17th at GHS.
Superintendent’s Report
Darrell Lockwood stated the NH Theatre Guild hosted their annual State Festival in Manchester, twelve schools were chosen to perform, and GHS was chosen as one of their top performers with “On The Verge”. Dr. Lockwood stated they have been invited to perform at the New England Theatre Festival; the top two schools from the New England states will perform there. This will take place over April vacation and is an overnight trip; the expense of trip will be taken care of by the individual students participating. Ginny McKinnon made a motion to approve the overnight trip to the New England Theatre Festival. Philip Pancoast seconded. VOTE All in Favor MOTION PASSED
Darrell Lockwood stated a candlelight vigil for Laura Mackenzie, the missing GHS student, would be held at GHS this Thursday evening at 7:30 p.m.
Darrell Lockwood stated they had found out this morning about an act of vandalism done to MVMS. Dr. Lockwood stated someone had gotten on the school roof and cut the kitchen exhaust belts; they have been repaired. Dr. Lockwood stated this incident raises the question about the use of video cameras at our schools.
Darrell Lockwood read aloud a letter from the Sennett Family commending the kitchen and janitorial staff for all their work during a GHS Band Parents Group meeting.
Darrell Lockwood discussed with Board members a meeting in April with Selectmen to discuss the Barnard Park track lease and the White Building Lease.
Darrell Lockwood stated Scott Gross had forwarded to him a little bit of a change in the Budget Committee and the assigning of Budget Committee members to schools. Dr. Lockwood stated the Board might want to start thinking about assigning Board members to individual buildings for the budget process.
Darrell Lockwood stated the discourse on Avian Flu is changing a great deal. Over the last six months things would be heard, but of late, John Stephens, Head of Health and Human Services, has been in Goffstown twice in the last couple of months. A letter was received from Mr. Stephens, co-signed by head of Education Commission, asking what the district would do when Avian Flu comes to the area. The letter discussed closing of schools and trailers purchased by State to provide medical support teams. Dr. Lockwood stated Kathi Titus and all the school nurses would continue to address this issue and his sense is more will be heard on this in the very near future.
Darrell Lockwood stated some Board members might have heard, by rumor or media, that last week the Goffstown Police had reported an attempted abduction on Lindsay Way in the afternoon. Dr. Lockwood stated principals in each school were notified and a bus stop was temporarily changed. Dr. Lockwood stated there has been no further information, but they will continue to keep an eye on it.
Darrell Lockwood stated they are working on teacher recertifications and have just received a list of paraprofessional recertifications that are required as well. Dr. Lockwood stated the Goffstown GTV sub-committee has continued to meet and his sense is they are at a point to pull together and talk about opportunities. Dr. Lockwood stated if GTV is truly a channel to promote public community and education, then some of their funds should be focused to education; looking to see if any funds are available to hire a videographer to cover school events.
Darrell Lockwood updated Board members on GTV DVD issue. Dr. Lockwood stated he would be approaching the town library to see if they would keep the DVD archive of School Board Meetings there so public could view or sign them out. Scott Gross asked if there was a need for a policy or motion. Dr. Lockwood stated there was no need for a policy, that these are being viewed as public information, not public record. Ellen Vermokowitz stated any DVD of the School Board’s meetings should have written on it that they are not official records, that the School Board’s official records are the minutes. Scott Gross suggested keeping a copy of DVD’s at both the SAU Office and town library and when DVD’s are taken out that they be put in a jewel case that states the DVD’s are not official records. Dr. Lockwood stated he would continue to work on this issue and come back to the Board. The Board discussed GTV further asking about the role GTV may play in the event students are trapped in their homes due to Avian Flu.
Darrell Lockwood stated a letter was sent to the Department of Education indicating the kindergarten warrant article was approved; a response was received from Ed Murdough stating they had received the school district’s letter and that he was working with Helen Schotanus to get the new aid numbers. Dr. Lockwood stated he would continue to be in touch with Ed Murdough.
Darrell Lockwood advised Board members that Ray Labore, Leslie Doster, and Jerry Agate would be meeting tomorrow to pull together furniture bid documents.
Darrell Lockwood stated GHS graduation is scheduled for Thursday, June 15th at 7 p.m. Dr. Lockwood stated typically that is the night MVMS has their Recognition Ceremony, but they will try and maybe do something earlier in the afternoon instead, not as full-blown as the recognition ceremony. Keith Allard stated a lot of parents would be concerned about an early afternoon time as many work. Dr. Lockwood stated there has been discussion about moving away from a formalized graduation ceremony at MVMS and have a Class Day instead. Ellen Vermokowitz voiced her concern about having two events on the same day. Dr. Lockwood stated the dilemma is that there is something scheduled every night of that week.
Darrell Lockwood stated he had attended a meeting with Governor Lynch about the school dropout issue. Dr. Lockwood stated it turned out to be more of a meeting on how to get the legislation passed. Dr. Lockwood stated he does believe this is a noble cause as educating youngsters is what we are all about, but stated it is not just an educational issue, but also an economical one. Dr. Lockwood stated more information would be forthcoming.
Darrell Lockwood stated the Pentamation process is continuing and decisions are being made. Dr. Lockwood will keep the Board updated on progress.
Darrell Lockwood showed Board members a map off the Boucher property next to Bartlett Elementary School. Dr. Lockwood stated there would be a meeting on Thursday, April 13th in the Mildred Stark Room at 7:15pm regarding a proposal to build a 5000 square foot building on this property. Dr. Lockwood stated any Board members could attend this meeting for reactions. The Board and Administration reviewed the map and discussed the proposal.
Each School Board member signed the MS-22.
Goffstown Kindergarten Principal – Job Description
Ellen Vermokowtiz made a motion to adopt the Goffstown Kindergarten Principal Job Description as written. Scott Gross seconded. VOTE All in Favor MOTION PASSED
Discussion regarding the Bartlett Facility Study Work Session
Darrell Lockwood reviewed the work session held at Bartlett Elementary School last Thursday evening. The Board toured the building and then met back in a classroom. Dr. Lockwood stated the evening took a two-prong focus: 1) feedback from the Board with regard to what they saw during the walk-thru; the need to clean up, provide opportunity for less clutter, to give custodians more appropriate areas so they can clean, and 2) the Bartlett Study; discussion was around what information the Board would need, (i.e.. current capacity, availability, current growth studies), how long the school could function before needing a larger space, phasing in of changes, addition of office space in front of building, adequate space for nurse, and discussion about possibility of a “servee” instead of cooking kitchen. The Board and Administration discussed work session thoughts further. Scott Gross made a motion for the School Board to direct the Administration to move forward with a renovation plan for Bartlett Elementary School, which would be both short and long term. The short term would include additional office space, heating/ventilation, nurse space; the core facilities, and the long term would look at the potential for expansion and/or major remodeling; that plan would be over a five-year period which would take advantage of the expiration of the bond. Ellen Vermokowitz seconded. VOTE All in Favor MOTION PASSED
*Philip Pancoast left the School Board meeting at 8:41 p.m.
Formation of Sub-Committees
Ray Labore stated the Board had asked during the last meeting, for data on insurance participation rates for teaching and non-teaching employees. Mr. Labore gave Board members a handout entitled “Goffstown School District, Participants in Flexible Spending Account (FSA), Pre-Tax Medical Insurance Premium Contribution”. Mr. Labore and the Board members reviewed handout.
Keith Allard ran down sub-committee assignments. Scott Gross made a motion to accept committee and chair assignments as handed out. Lorry Cloutier seconded. Ellen Vermokowitz stated she had reservations about new Board members chairing a committee. Mr. Allard stated the Board member had volunteered to be chair as no one else had volunteered; if any other Board member would like to volunteer to chair this committee he would be amendable to that discussion. Mrs. Vermokowitz volunteered to chair committee; Mr. Allard will notify new Board member of change within twenty-four hours. Scott Gross amended his motion to include amendment to list. Lorry Cloutier amended her second. VOTE All in Favor MOTION PASSED
70th National Association of Student Council Request
Darrell Lockwood presented the Board with a request from the Student Council for an overnight trip. Scott Gross made a motion to accept Student Council over-night trip request. Ginny McKinnon seconded. VOTE All in Favor MOTION PASSED
Early Graduation Request
Darrell Lockwood stated he had received an early graduation request for January 2007 from Fatima Larmand. Dr. Lockwood reviewed the paperwork and recommended the Board approve request. Scott Gross made a motion to approve early graduation request for Fatima Larmand . Lorry Cloutier seconded. VOTE 5 yes, 2 abstain (Ginny McKinnon, Sara Ann Sarette) MOTION PASSED
Retirement
Darrell Lockwood presented the following retirements to Board members:
Ellen Vermokowitz asked how many retirees there would be this year. Dr. Lockwood stated they are anticipating possibly seven.
Leave of Absence
Darrell Lockwood presented the Board with the following Leave of Absences (no vote is needed from Board members):
Co-Curricular Nominations
Darrell Lockwood presented the Board with the following Co-Curricular Nomination:
Resignations
Darrell Lockwood presented the Board with the following resignations:
2006-2007 Professional Staff Nominations
The School Board members were given an alphabetical list of teachers for nomination for the 2006-2007 school year. Dr. Lockwood stated if the Board approved the list, contracts would go out tomorrow, and would be due back by April 15th. Ginny McKinnon made a motion to approve the 2006-2007 Professional Staff Nominations List as presented. Karen Pratt seconded. VOTE All in Favor MOTION PASSED
Dr. Lockwood explained to the Board members the reasons why some individual’s names were not listed.
Any Other Business That May Legally Come Before The Board
Darrell Lockwood stated there would be a meeting with School Board members on April 11th at the GHS Media Center regarding negotiations. Ellen Vermokowitz stated she had created a list of information/data and asked if she should type this out and send to Board members. Dr. Lockwood stated that would be fine.
Public Comment
None
Non-Public Session – RSA 91-A 3II(c)
Ellen Vermokowitz made a motion to enter a non-public session at 9:02 p.m. to discuss personnel issues. Sara Ann Sarette seconded. The Chair took an individual voice poll of each member. VOTE All in Favor MOTION PASSED
Ellen Vermokowitz made a motion to leave non-public session at 9:46 p.m. Lorry Cloutier seconded. The Chair took an individual voice poll of each Board member. VOTE All in Favor MOTION PASSED
By consensus the School Board members agreed to make motion made in non-public session part of the public minutes. The motion made in non-public session reads as follows: Scott Gross made a motion that the School Board direct Mountain View Middle School to go with PIN numbers by the return of school vacation in April. Lorry Cloutier seconded. VOTE 3 yes, 2 no, 2 abstain MOTION PASSED
Ellen Vermokowitz made a motion to seal the non-public session minutes for a period of three years. Ginny McKinnon seconded. VOTE All in Favor MOTION PASSED
Adjournment
Ellen Vermokowitz made a motion to adjourn at 9:48 p.m. Lorry Cloutier seconded. VOTE All in Favor MOTION PASSED
Deborah L. Jore,
School Board Recording Secretary
*These minutes are subject to School Board approval