The Allenstown School District is committed to graduating all its students prepared for success as effective communicators; problem solvers; community contributors; and life-long, self-directed learners. -          District Mission Statement Adopted August, 2001

 

 

ALLENSTOWN SCHOOL BOARD

ARMAND R. DUPONT SCHOOL

ALLENSTOWN, NEW HAMPSHIRE

THURSDAY, JULY 13, 2006, 5:00 P.M.

MINUTES OF MEETING            

 

PRESENT: Tom Irzyk, Jason Carrier, Evelyn Guilbeault, Karen LaPlume, Louise L’Heureux, Terri Kenny, Betsey Cox-Buteau, Phyllis Irzyk, Donna Ong, Peter Warburton, Tom Haley.

 

1.   Call to Order

 

      The meeting was called to order at 5:00 P.M. by Chair Tom Irzyk.

 

2.   Minutes of Previous Meeting

 

      The school board reviewed the minutes of the June 8, 2006 and made clarifications to the crossing guard discussion.  A motion was made by Evelyn Guilbeault, seconded by Louise L’Heureux, to approve the minutes as amended.

 

ALL IN FAVOR

THE MOTION PASSED

 

      The June 14 2006 minutes were reviewed.  A motion was made by Jason Carrier, seconded by Karen LaPlume, to approve the minutes as written.

 

ALL IN FAVOR

THE MOTION PASSED

 

      The June 22, 2006 public hearing and business meeting minutes were reviewed.  A motion was made by Evelyn Guilbeault, seconded by Louise L’Heureux, to approve the minutes as written.

 

ALL IN FAVOR

THE MOTION PASSED

 

3.   Immediate Business

 

      A.  Citizens’ Comments

 

            None

 

      B.   Grade 8 Trip

 

            Donna Ong was present to discuss the planning of next year’s grade 8 trip.  She requested an extra day to fully tour the Philadelphia area and Civil War battlefields.  This would increase the cost about $150 - $200.  The board approved this request.  Ms. Ong introduced a field trip behavioral protocol to facilitate good behavior on the trip.  She and Betsey Cox-Buteau asked to board to approve this protocol as policy.

 

            A motion was made by Jason Carrier, seconded by Evelyn Guilbeault, to approve the policy on Acceptable Behaviors for Field Trips.

 

ALL IN FAVOR

THE MOTION PASSED

 

      C.  Behavioral Program Discussion

 

            Tom Irzyk reviewed past discussions regarding creation of formal behavioral programs within the school district.  Staff recommends creating a behavioral specialist position to handle student management and discipline and a specific plan for disruptive students within each building (in-school suspension and detentions, for example), along with more efficient communication with parents.  The board questioned the current Pride Program and potential expense of adding an additional program.  The current level of consistency and holding students responsible was discussed.  Jason Carrier suggested the possibility of creating such a position as a pilot program for 2006/07.  He questioned whether staff would abdicate responsibility to the behavioral specialist.  There was discussion about what could be done immediately to begin making positive inroads into the problems which result in misbehavior.

 

            Donna Ong also introduced the idea of changing to a day-time recognition ceremony and an evening dance for eighth graders.  There was a considerable discussion of this proposal.  Consensus of the board is that the ceremony remain the same.

 

      D.  Town of Allenstown Request

 

            Tom Irzyk reviewed the town’s request to have the district pay for removal of several trees on the property line which are endangering the town’s generator.

 

            A motion to approve the request was made by Jason Carrier, seconded by Evelyn Guilbeault.

 

ALL IN FAVOR

THE MOTION PASSED

 

4.   Old/Unfinished Business

 

      A.  Policy Review

 

            Phyllis Irzyk asked for a change in the Athletic Policy regarding detentions.  She wants to add that 3 lunch or teacher detentions will equal 1 office detention for purposes of athletic eligibility.

 

            The board asked that a final draft of the policy be placed on its August 10 agenda.

 

            The board reviewed suggested changes to the ARD Handbook and decided on those that would be formalized for 2006/07.

 

      B.   Negotiations Planning

 

            At 7:30 P.M., a motion to enter non-public session under RSA 91-A:3II(a) to discuss negotiations for collective bargaining was made by Jason Carrier, seconded by Evelyn Guilbeault.  On a roll call, the board voted:

 

                                                   Tom Irzyk                                         YES

                                                   Jason Carrier                                     YES

                                                   Evelyn Guilbeault                               YES

                                                   Karen LaPlume                                 YES

                                                   Louise L’Heureux                              YES

THE MOTION PASSED

 

            Present in the non-public session were: Tom Irzyk, Jason Carrier, Evelyn Guilbeault, Karen La Plume, Louise L’Heureux, Peter Warburton, Tom Haley.

 

            The board discussed the negotiations process and strategy.

 

            At 7:50 P.M. a motion was made by Evelyn Guilbeault, seconded by Jason Carrier, to end the non-public session.  On a roll call, the school board voted:

 

                                                   Tom Irzyk                                         YES

                                                   Jason Carrier                                     YES

                                                   Evelyn Guilbeault                               YES

                                                   Karen LaPlume                                 YES

                                                   Louise L’Heureux                              YES

THE MOTION PASSED

 

            Chair Tom Irzyk reported that no action had been taken in the non-public session.  Jason Carrier asked that he be excused from his duties as a member of the negotiations team and space needs committee.  The board accepted his resignation from those positions with regret.  Jason Carrier advised that he intends to leave the community within the next several months and recommended that the board begin to seek a replacement.

 

            A motion was made by Karen LaPlume, seconded by Louise L’Heureux, to appoint Tom Irzyk as a member of the negotiations team.

 

ALL IN FAVOR

THE MOTION PASSED

 

            The board will discuss a representative to the space needs committee and filling Mr. Carrier’s position at its August meeting.

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.   New Business

 

      A.  Goals Discussion

 

            The board reviewed each 2005/06 goal, analyzed successes and continued needs and discussed goals for 2006/07.  The administration will create draft goals and action items for future board review.

 

6.   Other Business

 

      A.  Agenda Preparation

 

            At the next business meeting, agenda items will include space needs committee update, policy review and development, bus routes for 2006/07, and a potential board vacancy.

 

7.   Adjournment

 

      At 7:50 P.M., a motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Evelyn Guilbeault, seconded by Jason Carrier.

ALL IN FAVOR

THE MOTION PASSED

 

      The next Allenstown School Board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, August 10, 2006 at 6:00 P.M. at Allenstown Elementary School. 

 

8.   Informational Items

 

      None