EPSOM SCHOOL BOARD

EPSOM CENTRAL SCHOOL 

EPSOM, NEW HAMPSHIRE

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 07, 2008          5:30 PM

MINUTES OF MEETINGS

 

PRESENT

 

Board Members:    Barbara Doughty (Chair), Dave Goulet, Bill Yeaton, Gordon Ellis

Superintendent of Schools:  Tom Haley

Principal:  Patrick Connors

Assistant Principal:  Brian Beaverstock

Board Secretary:  Claire Flannery

Business Manager: Peter Aubrey

         Citizens/Staff:          Shannon Carbone, Joanne Teune, Carolyn Ortisi, Jennifer Buff, Heather Donovan, Robin Donovan, Joy Rousseau, Amy Beauchesne, Lori Bryant, Judy Snell, Bobby Paine, Linda Elliott, Kara Bean, Layne Thomas, Carol Ransom, Cindy Damelio

 

  1. Call to Order

 

The meeting was called to order at 5:30 PM by Barbara Doughty.

 

  1. Pledge of Allegiance

 

Gordon Ellis led the Board in the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

  1. Minutes of Previous Meetings- Under item 6 B, Mr. Connors made a motion to change: “Ms. Gilpatrick spoke on behalf of eighth grade parents” to “Ms. Gilpatrick spoke as an eighth grade parent.” A motion was then made by Mr. Yeaton to accept the minutes as corrected. Ms. Doughty seconded the motion.

                           

BILL YEATON                              AYE

THE MOTION CARRIED ON A VOTE OF 1-0

 

4.      Immediate Business

A.     Agenda Review- Ms. Doughty reviewed the agenda.

 

B.     Citizen’s/Staff Comments: Linda Elliott from the NEA-NH stated that last year an insert went out in the Suncook Valley Sun. Ms. Elliott reported that a parent group worked hard and ran a couple thousand copies on their own computers. They also paid for the ink and paper. Ms. Elliott stated that parents worked hard last year to help get the teacher’s contract passed. This year, she reported, the NEA is working to support the paraprofessional’s contract. The parent group is also working to provide support. Ms. Elliott stated that the NEA-NH will provide the printing and supply the paper. She also reported that she will be asking to parent group to place the fliers in area business and in day cares. The cost to place an insert in the Suncook Valley Sun is $154.00 which will come from the NEA grant that was received in the fall.

 

      Ms. Elliott went on to report that the school has been given permission by Mrs. Briggs to raise more money through a spaghetti dinner for the “Michael Briggs Scholarship”. Donations of food and time are needed for the event.

 

      Bobbi Paine reported that the paraprofessionals will work to support the spaghetti dinner. Karen Bean spoke in support of the parents assisting in the distribution of the brochures in the area.  Preparations are being made for about 200 people to attend the spaghetti supper.

 

A.     Budget/Deliberative Session Planning: Ms. Doughty stated that a new moderator is leading the sessions. The board assigned different articles to discuss. Ms. Doughty stated that she will address the paraprofessional contracts. Mr. Ellis stated that he would address maintenance and asbestos removal. Mr. Goulet was assigned to speak about the transportation article.

 

B.     R.I.F Discussion: Mr. Ellis stated the need to address all options in the event the proposed budget did not pass. Mr. Yeaton inquired if our next meeting would take place prior to the voting. Ms. Doughty inquired about the difference between the two budgets. It was stated that the only item reported as a non-warrant article was the roof. Mr. Connors stated that there are not a lot of items to cut. Mr. Ellis stated that we should not take away from the structure of the school. Mr. Yeaton asked if a meeting could take place after the budget has been decided. Mr. Connors stated that the lower budget could impact second, third and fourth grades because their class sizes will increase due to loss of a grant position. Ms. Doughty stated that in the deliberative session on Saturday an individual stated that the local police chief makes less an hour than an aide can in the school. Ms. Doughty expressed her concern about that statement because it is misinformation. Ms. Doughty stated that the amount a paraprofessional makes at school is not that amount. Ms. Doughty stated that in event there is a default budget the board will meet in March.

 

Mr. Goulet stated that upon reading the budget he was concerned it put out a negative not positive position on the budget. Ms. Doughty stated that the purpose of the session is to inform the public about the budget.

 

 

C.     Principal’s Report: Mr. Connors reported that the mid year NWEA testing results came in. The results will be going home. The NECAPS also came back. Overall, the NECAP scores showed great progress in reading and math. There was excellent progress in the special education sub group.  In reading, Epsom was the highest of the surrounding towns including Northwood and Concord. In math, Epsom was second n fifth. Mr. Connors reported that the results from the “My Voice Survey” also came back. The school also made major gains in 52 out of 63 of the questions that were asked. Mr. Connors reported that the staff began using this information. Mr. Beaverstock commented that since the beginning of the year, the staff has been working to support students with monthly awards. Certain staff members have been attending with training with Mr.Beaverstock to discuss issues that impact the school as they relate to the survey. Mr. Beaverstock reported that the group has started to examine the first three issues: sense of belonging, heroes and sense of accomplishment. Mr. Beaverstock reported that the staff met and discussed the results. They formed a team as a result to address the topics in an effort to improve the school. Mr. Beaverstock stated that these trainings are important because they address the whole child and the issues that affect them and their education. Mr. Ellis asked how “Words of Wisdom” is affected by this report.  Mr. Beaverstock reported that the “Words of Wisdom” in the morning addresses some of the same issues because talk about themes such as tolerance, respect, giving, etc. The students are nominated monthly for WOWs based on these themes.

      Mr. Connors reported that the last day of mini-courses is scheduled for Tomorrow February 8th.  Ms. Doughty stated that she appreciates the Alert Now system.

    

     Mr. Connors reported that the names of the parents who volunteered for mini-coursed are listed in the Eagles Nest. Ms. Doughty asked if the Student Council has been doing any fundraising. Mr. Connors reported that the Student Council donated to the eighth grade field trip. The Student Council is beginning to prepare their plans for Spirit Week. 

 

     Mr. Ellis inquired about the status of the eighth grade field trip. Mr. Connors reported that the bus company has come up with a bus that holds 57 people. Mr. Connors reported that there are 47 students attending at this time.

     There was a donation made by Deb Ulmer of the Better Buddies Program for $180 worth of sleds.

 

      A motion was made by Mr. Goulet to accept the sled donation. It was seconded by Mr.Yeaton.

 

 

 

BILL YEATON                              AYE

DAVE GOULET                            AYE

The motion passed on 2-0.

 

                  F. Residency Issue: Postponed

 

  1. Other Business

 

A.     Agenda Preparation:

      Fields Preparation will be put on the next agenda.

 

B.     Staff/Citizen’s Comments: Shannon Carbone spoke about her recent experience with Dail Transportation. She stated that her son had been dropped off by himself and walked all the way down Route 28 to their home.  She reported that she spoke to Dail following the incident and asked if his route could be changed due to the danger of the road. Ms. Carbone stated that she presented an alternative plan to the company and they rejected it.  Ms. Carbone stated that she is concerned about her son’s safety. Mr. Beaverstock stated that he spoke to Kelly at Dail Transportation and she stated that if someone is not at the stop then the student will be brought back to the school. Mr. Ellis stated that the important issue to consider is consistent stop times. Mr. Ellis stated that if a bus shows up to a stop early then the bus should wait their until the actual stop time. Ms. Doughty asked why the buses are arriving early. Ms. Doughty stated that buses should wait at a stop based on posted route times. Mr. Beaverstock stated that he will call the bus company to request that drivers stick to the posted times.  

 

      Mr. Layne Thomas asked if there are guidelines for students being dropped off without an adult waiting for them. He inquired if there is a specific age when a student can be left alone. It was stated that there are no guidelines regarding this matter. Ms. Doughty stated that parents are responsible to communicate with the bus company whether or not they will be at a stop.    

 

                        The meeting recessed for Deliberative Session at 6:22 pm.

      

            At 7:14 pm a motion was made by Ms. Doughty to resume the meeting. The motion was seconded by Mr. Yeaton.

 

                                                BARBARA DOUGHTY                    AYE

                                                GORDON ELLIS                              AYE

                                                DAVE GOULET                                AYE

                                                BILL YEATON                                  AYE

THE MOTION CARRIED ON A VOTE OF 4 – 0

 

C.     It was reported that budget will appear as presented. Mr. Haley stated that a letter had been received in reference to the State Retirement System. Mr. Haley stated that due to issues at the state level, the system must receive additional contributions in the future, and this additional burden may fall on employers.  The amount employees contribute is capped by law.

 

      The LGC is proposing to challenge this. Mr. Haley reported that LGC is looking for the Epsom District to contribute $342.24 toward legal fees. A proposal for contribution has gone to every school board in the state. This impacts anyone who is in the state retirement system. Mr. Haley explained that the contribution will go into a legal fund to challenge any proposal to place the entire funding burden on employers.  The board agreed to hold on providing monetary support at this time.

 

                        Ms. Doughty thanked the kitchen staff for their food and support at this meeting. It was delicious.

 

 

 4.  Immediate Business (Cont.)

 

      F.   Residency Issue

 

            At 7:27 P.M. a motion was made by Bill Yeaton, seconded by Dave Goulet, to enter non-public session under RSA 91-A:3II(c) to discuss a student-specific residency issue.  On a roll call, the Board voted:

 

                                                BARBARA DOUGHTY                    AYE

                                                GORDON ELLIS                              AYE

                                                DAVE GOULET                                AYE

                                                BILL YEATON                                  AYE

THE MOTION CARRIED ON A VOTE OF 4 – 0

 

PRESENT:

 

Board Members:    Barbara Doughty (Chair), Gordon Ellis, Dave Goulet, Bill Yeaton

            Superintendent of Schools: Tom Haley

            Principal: Pat Connors

            Assistant Principal: Brian Beaverstock

 

A residency matter was discussed.

 

At 7:50 P.M. a motion to end the non-public session was made by Gordon Ellis, seconded by Bill Yeaton.  On a roll call, the board voted:

 

                                       BARBARA DOUGHTY                    AYE

                                                GORDON ELLIS                              AYE

                                                DAVE GOULET                                AYE

                                                BILL YEATON                                  AYE

THE MOTION CARRIED ON A VOTE OF 4 – 0

 

Chair Barbara Doughty noted that no action was taken in the non-public session.

 

6.   Adjournment

 

Hearing no further business, Chair Barbara Doughty declared the meeting adjourned at 7:51 P.M.

 

The next regular meeting of the Epsom School Board is scheduled for Tuesday, March 4, 2008 at 6:00 P.M. at E.C.S.