PEMBROKE SCHOOL BOARD
Present: Tom Haley, Clint Hanson, Mike Reardon, Deb Bulkley, Susanne Whitbeck, Gerry Fleury, Mona Kraus, Dorothy O’Rourke, Sandy Valine (recording secretary), Linda Beaudoin (transportation coordinator), Rick Mitchell, Patty Willis, Ry Weisiger, Tom Serafin, Carol Cotnoir, Laura Mitchell, Carolyn Black, Deb Rasmossen, Katherine McIntosh, Karen Palleschi, Steve Palleschi, Emily Palleschi, Darren and Gina Johnson
1. CALL TO
ORDER
Chair Clint Hanson called the meeting to order at
2. MINUTES OF
PREVIOUS MEETING
A motion to approve the minutes as amended Mr. Mitchell and seconded by Mr. Fleury.
ALL IN FAVOR
THE MOTION CARRIED
Mr. Weisiger mentioned several typos and corrections in the minutes.
Mr. Fleury appreciated the change in the format of the minutes as recommended at the last meeting.
3. IMMEDIATE BUSINESS
A. CITIZENS’ COMMENTS None at this time
B. TRANSPORTATION UPDATE
Mr. Hanson discussed the summary which was provided by bus coordinator. The information highlighted the new stops since the beginning of school year.
Mrs. Beaudoin (transportation coordinator) stated that the removal of several stops was done with reasons such as no shows and families moving out of the area.
A motion to approve the amended bus schedule was made by Mr. Mitchell and seconded by Mr. Fleury.
Mr. Fleury asked if she thought any of the changes would be potentially controversial. The changes tonight are minor adjustments due to no children being at the stops.
Mrs. Beaudoin stated that Mr. Fleury’s perception was correct, but one never knows whether or not the changes would become controversial.
ALL IN FAVOR
THE MOTION CARRIED
Mrs. Cotnoir of
Mrs. Beaudoin noted a correction
to the letter presented tonight. The bus
does not go to
Mr. Hanson asked if it is possible to accommodate Mrs. Cotnoir’s child.
Mrs. Beaudoin stated that she currently picks up 6 students in the morning and drops off 3 in the afternoon. Green bus numbers fluctuate based on weather conditions. There are children who are signed up to ride the bus who may not be riding consistently this fall.
Mr. Mitchell asked if she could make the change for both am/pm runs.
Mr. Haley stated that the change in and of itself isn’t a problem, but it would impact numbers of students potentially riding on the buses during inclement weather.
Mr. Fleury asked if full rider-ship was achieved, would there be capacity for 3 to 6 additional students, and what happens if bus capacity is reached and there are more students needing to be picked up.
Mrs. Beaudoin stated that she would have to call for another bus as the capacity numbers will not be exceeded.
Mr. Weisiger wondered if during foul weather the bus would be maxed out.
Mrs. Beaudoin stated that the answer was yes, with the names of those who filled out bus slips.
Mr. Fleury asked what happens if we make an adjustment for one child? Is it precedence setting?
Mr. Hanson stated that YES, this would set a precedence.
Mr. Fleury made the recommendation that the bus coordinator research this issue further to see if an agreement can be reached and report back to board in two weeks.
Mrs. Cotnoir asked about the number of students able to ride the bus.
Mrs. Beaudoin reported that 77 students can be seated on the bus.
Mrs. Cotnoir asked if a list of students could be presented. She has seen the bus go by with empty seats. She wanted to know how many times the bus has been full.
Mr. Fleury wondered how we are doing with bus contract and drivers, contract, etc. Last year we had a short fleet.
Mrs. Beaudoin stated that it is not currently a problem.
Mr. Johnson suggested changing the child’s bus for the two week trial period.
Mr. Hanson stated that the motion would have to include that as part of the motion.
A motion to defer a decision on the matter tonight, but to authorize the dialogue between the two parties before the next meeting and report back in 2 weeks, was made by Mr. Fleury and seconded by Mr. Weisiger.
Mr. Fleury expressed concern that the board sits in a judiciary capacity and that he was disappointed that the board was asked to rule on an issue without having the bus coordinator try to work out a solution before the meeting. He also applauded Mrs. Beaudoin for success in developing the bus routes and coordinating transportation for the district as it is often a thankless job.
Mr. Haley explained that there was not an opportunity to make the bus coordinator aware ahead of time and allow Mrs. Beaudoin to make a recommendation or different solution prior to the letter being presented tonight.
Mrs. Cotnoir stated that she did have a conversation with the bus coordinator; she felt that Mrs. Beaudoin was not willing to work with her; Mrs. Beaudoin’s suggestion was to come to the board. She felt that Mrs. Beaudoin was not helpful at all regarding the issue.
Mr. Fleury wondered what would happen if a decision could not be made between the parties. What are the ramifications of the decision? Where is the other bus coming from? What is the plan?
Mr. Mitchell asked what you do if there are more children than spaces on the bus. Take some of the kids, all, none? Where is the additional bus coming from? How long would that take?
Mrs. Cotnoir stated that she was speaking for her son, and that her request was to make sure that he gets what he needs.
Mr. Hanson reminded the board that they needed to create a solution that would not create additional problems or issues.
ALL IN FAVOR
THE MOTION CARRIED
Mr. Fleury suggested that the coordinator make the assumption that all students at 82 Broadway would want to take the bus switch, and look at that when developing a solution.
Mrs. Mitchell presented additional information to the board. There was some information in the board packet. Her reason for being here is the safety of the children. She has no hidden agenda. Jacks Drive should be a year round bus stop.
There are 12 registered sex offenders in our town with a range of assaults.
Walking a mile alone safely in the community is part of the guidelines in developing stops.
She depends on safety officials to do their jobs.
Emile Lacerte states that
Seasonal stops were enforced all year even without snow or inclement weather.
Corporal Burke was contacted regarding RSA 189:8 (school bus stops). Mrs. Mitchell reported that Corporal Burke felt that the current bus stop has unsafe conditions.
She respectfully places confidence in the school board to do their job to ensure safety of children getting to their bus stop.
Mrs. Black stated that she drove their children to the bus
stop on
Mr. Hanson stated that the request is to establish a
permanent stop at
Mrs. Black said that she is still willing to walk to the end at Jacks, but not to 4th Range.
Mr. Mitchell clarified that a seasonal stop has been made.
Mr. Shover stated he was on the
same page as these folks. Safety
concerns are tough at this stop. Mrs.
Beaudoin did change a previous stop for his child to
Mr. Johnson brought this topic up a couple of years
ago. Still nothing has been done to make
it a permanent stop. Approximately 16
kids are in that area now. Parking is
one issue; the safety issue is critical.
Bus drivers are safer operators than the typical driver. Sand and salt are available, and the road
agents monitor the road conditions and take the necessary action. A comparison of another road was used as an
example. There was a Neighborhood
meeting to discuss the Concord Monitor
article dated
Mrs. McIntosh would like to propose a possible stop on
Mr. Hanson stated that this is really an additional issue for another new bus stop.
Mrs. Johnson concluded that we’ve done our homework and presented concerns. Safety is a #1 concern. The width of road, conditions, and other factors all impact the safety of their children. What is the argument for denying the motion?
Mr. Hanson stated that this decision doesn’t have to be made
immediately as the weather isn’t a factor right now. The seasonal stops become
effective in November. It could be
tabled until further information is gathered, and provide time for officials to
re-look at the issue. Creating the
additional stop at
Mr. Shover wants to know what the reason is as to why this is not a year round stop?
Mr. Hanson explained that the Dept. of Safety indicated that it was not a safe stop during the winter months when the topic was previously presented. Safety officials would again be contacted relative to road and weather conditions. Insurance company would also require that updated information to ensure safety of the children to and from school.
Mr. Fleury was concerned that there are sections of the town that are not appropriately maintained for winter bus routes. Many of those roads do not have adequate sidewalks or road repairs. There are many necessary requirements. The law says we’re ok to have kids walk up to a mile to a bus stop. Conditional seasonal stops accommodate the law.
Mr. Shover works with snow and ice removal for business. The safe condition of the road is the issue. It is safe with the equipment of Pembroke.
Mr. Hanson stated that the decision to close school when the conditions occur before school begins is not difficult if there is enough time, but often the conditions change between when the original call is made and when the buses need to roll. Many people are involved in the decision. Decisions are based on the information at the time by the professionals. The district could be liable if there is an accident. We need to go back and confirm and gather additional information from Corp. Burke and then make a decision based on the facts gathered. The potential liability is a concern.
Mr. Johnson stated that this was brought up two years ago,
and additional concerns have been raised.
Is Mrs. Beaudoin familiar with Brickett Hill and
Mrs. Rasmossen wondered if the front part of Brickett Hill was evaluated.
Mr. Hanson stated that the entire road was evaluated. The district will go back to Corp. Burke and ask for additional information particularly in the case of inclement weather.
Mrs. Rasmossen suggested that only the part of road that is being addressed be re-evaluated. She agreed that the lower section of the road would be problematic.
Mrs. McIntosh stated there are many other roads with similar issues.
Mr. Hanson clarified that there is conflicting information and it will need to be sorted out. We will make adjustments if necessary
Mr. Weisiger lives on the upper section of Brickett Hill. Jacks Drive didn’t have a turn around at the time of the initial discussion. There is no turn around at Ashley.
Mrs. McIntosh stated that fire trucks can make the loop in an emergency.
Mrs. Black shared information from highway dept. They said priority is given to Brickett Hill. Brickett Hill is hit 3 times at beginning of storms and back several times during it. There isn’t a safe bus stop on 4th Range. They still have to walk to and have a bus stop. All they want is a safe bus stop in their development.
Mr. Hanson will ask Corp. Burke for feedback as well. We all are looking for safe solution.
Mr. Fleury asked what’s the response time for drivers to get back to school in case school is cancelled during the day.
Mrs. Beaudoin reported that all the bus drivers are on call.
Mr. Fleury asked how long does it take for them to make the decision or get to school.
Mrs. Whitbeck stated that it’s a nightmare to cancel school during the day.
Mr. Haley said that it is often better to hold students safe in place. It is safer to release students at scheduled times. Generally it takes at least 2 hours between the decision being made and students being picked up. It also takes that time to get buses prepared and the drivers back.
Mr. Fleury brought up a second point- where stops are located. He wondered if there is a need to negotiate with property owners about bus stops due to potential liability issues for the property owner. There are some parents who stay until buses leave, but that is not the case in all situations.
A motion to approve the request the
The chair tabled the motion until such a time that additional information is available and can be acted on.
A second motion to request an established permanent stop at
The chair put that motion on the table as well until further investigation can be done.
Mr. Fleury often inspects the bus stops during active times
when there is a request. Does
Mr. Johnson said that when they purchased 5 years ago, they were told that it would have a bus stop. He believes that information came from the town, perhaps.
Mr. Hanson said he may have received that information but it may have not been the town’s information to give.
Mr. Fleury reported that although people can get assurances
from highway department, the district can’t get the town to plow
Mr. Hanson reminded people that there was a fatality at the
base of
Mrs. Johnson stated that the area was under developed. New homes with many children have been built.
Mrs. Black would like the board to take the other roads in consideration when making the decision.
Mr. Shover suggested that areas to pull off and park cars be considered for bus stops. He does not mind traveling. He will take the time to bring kids to school to get them there safely. He is very familiar with the road and the possibilities. This is a reasonable stop and should be year round.
Mrs. Whitbeck reported that the
C. MAINTENANCE UPDATE
Mr. Burnham is not able to be present tonight.
Mr. Serafin did bring what was prepared to the CIP meeting.
The
Mr. Hanson reported that there have been discussions between Mr. Burnham and the CIP committee.
Mr. Serafin wondered about the status of the engineering study.
Mr. Haley reported they are still working on the study. Monies have been encumbered.
D. SPECIAL EDUCATION UPDATE
Patty Willis and Dorothy O’Rourke are present tonight to share information about Special Education. Part of the presentation will be the results of our on site reaccreditation.
Ms. Willis stated that the onsite looks at programs inside and out. This is an incredibly in depth process for the whole SAU. The approval was granted for 5 years! GREAT NEWS!
Pembroke should be really proud of results:
In Pembroke, access to curriculum, transitional programs, and behavior plans were examined.
At the Hill- positive comments related to access to curriculum included:
Total inclusion, teachers and expertise, familiarity of parents and students, clusters of students and needs in classrooms, portfolio, collaboration among staff, FM system, inclusion facilitator, portfolio, and ownership of each child
Suggestions included addressing the growing social/emotional needs of children and families.
For Transitional programs, commendations included Vertical teams, horizontal teams, BBQ, transition days, meetings. Inclusion, portfolio K-4, preschool program at Hill,
No Suggestions were given for improvement.
For the Behavior Section, the School-wide plan, consistency among staff, training, CPI trainings, behavior training, and consultations with others were noted as positives.
Suggestions for the future included the location of quiet area.
At TRS- the same three areas were examined
In terms of access to curriculum, commendations included support from regular and special education teams, communication, inclusion practices, variety of program, longevity of teachers, dual certifications and staff development options.
Suggestions for improvement included additional staff training for specialized disabilities, additional rooms and space, life skills, programming for students with Emotional Handicaps, and writing annual goals in measurable terms,
In terms of transition programs, strengths were seen with the step up days, collaboration between special education and regular education, and visits between schools.
Suggestions included having meeting notice include 14 year old students.
In terms of the Behavior component, strengths were seen in the BRAVE program, education of staff, support systems, school wide program re: PSR, behavior planning room, in-school support, and function of the Assistant Principal.
At PA, strengths in access to the curriculum, include alternative programs, transitions through 21 years old, communication, and team meetings,
Suggestions included writing annual goals in measurable terms.
Strengths in the transition program realm included relationship between teachers and students, the transition coordinator, and meetings.
Signed notification of rights by students and measured goals were noted for improvement.
Alternative program, supportive staff were noted as strengths for behavior.
No suggestions for improvement were provided.
The freshmen team, START, and creative and successful programs for special education were noted.
Kudos for Pembroke Staff and board for supporting and developing program!
Mr. Serafin wondered if the accreditation/review was going to hit the paper.
Mr. Fleury wanted to know if there was a school board representative on the team.
Ms. Willis stated that they wanted only one board member for the whole SAU.
Mr. Fleury was concerned that the time-out space was not adequate and that additional space may be needed in district. The board has never looked at blueprints for developing space particularly for special education programming when designing new buildings. What is the percentage of space needed for special education? Is TRS beginning to be too crowded?
Ms. Willis reported that the SAU space issues are current. Some special education students were in spaces that “typical” kids would not be placed in- partial rooms, hallways, etc. This was not just noted in Pembroke.
Mrs. O’Rourke stated that there are bubbles of children with very specific and challenging needs. Sometimes the bubble travels from school to school within the district. It is hard to assess on a daily/yearly basis and plan for the needs of all. Sometimes the needs require other or additional spaces at times.
The requirements have allowances based on specific situations, but there is a great deal of documentation required for approval.
Mr. Serafin requested that Mr. Haley add Special Education Program Update to the program report schedule. The update should include a “state of the issue” address and space requirements that may be needed. It would be helpful to know more about assistants and how they impact the program. Basically he is looking for a “behind the scenes” report and the rationale behind it.
Mrs. O’Rourke reported that this may be an interesting year. There have been some cross building swaps of specific populations. This year it appears to be an even swap. However as we all know, changes can be sudden and intense. Ie. If a student with a significant disability moves into the district requiring an intense program.
Mr. Fleury discussed that 40% of new students to the
district were identified students last year.
Mrs. O’Rourke stated that in looking at numbers this year, it doesn’t appear to
be the same.
Mr. Fleury wondered about the fundamental social problems of students with educational concerns. WHY? Is the trend stabilizing, or increasing or decreasing?
Ms. Willis stated that the answer isn’t clear. Some of the needs/issues have plateaued. We as a society and field have also become better at identifying issues and concerns. The advances in medical intervention have also impacted the number of students receiving support or different programs.
Mr. Haley said he does not see the numbers increasing per se, but does see a significant impairment in the population that we do have.
Mrs. Whitbeck stated that medical science may have increased the number of children who have significant issues because so much more can be done for premature children and/or children who may not have survived decades ago.
There’s a bubble of numbers in preschool which will be moving into the Village soon.
E. CONSENT AGENDA
There were no items on the agenda.
4. OLD/UNFINISHED BUSINESS
A. POLICY REVIEW
Mr. Haley presented the rest of the current policies that need to be reaffirmed due to changes in the law. He predicts that there will be many new policies at the next meeting.
A motion to approve the packet of policies as presented in the board packet was made by Mr. Weisiger and seconded by Mr. Serafin.
Mr. Serafin is concerned about “bullying”. There are many concerns about non-physical forms of bullying. Are we as prone to non-physical forms in the district?
Mr. Reardon stated that absolutely it is a problem. Emotional bullying often leads to physical. It’s insidious. Culture created in schools and interactions with adults modeling behavior is important. Bullying can be brutal!
ALL IN FAVOR
THE MOTION CARRIED
B. VOCATIONAL CENTER AGREEMENT
Mr. Haley spoke with Attorney Graham. He has looked at the agreement and his advice remains the same as presented earlier. The fiscal funding clause has been included in the agreement.
A motion to approve the Vocational Center Agreement as recommended by counsel was made by Mr. Weisiger and seconded by Mr. Serafin.
ALL IN FAVOR
THE MOTION CARIRED
C. PROGRAM REPORT FORMAT
Mr. Haley included information in the packet regarding the format of program reports based on previous discussions. Principals will provide the format to the presenters.
Special Education added to April schedule.
Mr. Serafin stated that power point or handouts are fine. The presentation style doesn’t need to be standardized.
D. NATIONAL REGISTER NOMINATION
Mr. Mitchell reported that it sounds like there is no threat to the district regarding financial obligation of listing the Pembroke Grange building on the National Register. Preparation of nomination has begun by friends of the district and the Pembroke Grange. The concerns that the board had regarding the Grange building appear to be answered.
There would be some strings attached if the school district receives federal monies to support the building.
The board would need to authorize the chair to sign the register of historic property on behalf of the district.
Mr. Mitchell suggested that the board may want to preserve the building in some way.
Mr. Hanson reminded the board they can’t sell the building without authorization from the school district. Ultimately the Grange is going to go away due to lack of membership.
Mr. Fleury wondered about the market value of the building. Why is the district holding on to it? This is not a good business deal.
At some time a school board is going to have to make a decision about the building.
It doesn’t cost us anything to list the building as a historic property. We don’t have to do anything to the building. There are no dollars involved in listing the building.
Mr. Fleury reiterated that the district is saddled with something that is of no use to the district.
A motion to authorize the Chair to sign any documentation, contingent on there being no financial obligation to the district, was made by Mr. Fleury and seconded by Mr. Weisiger.
ALL IN FAVOR
THE MOTION CARRIED
5. OTHER BUSINESS
A. CITIZENS’ COMMENTS None at this time
B. MUNICIPAL BUDGET COMMITTEE
Mr. Fleury reported that there seems to be an urgency to the budget process that didn’t exist before. The Budget Committee listened to the CIP presentation in September. Then they pushed back the meeting schedule to the town until Nov. and Dec.
The
The Budget hearing is scheduled for February 3rd.
A ratified collective bargaining agreement would need to be reached by February 3rd to be included.
Mr. Hanson stated that the legal requirement would be prior to February 8th, which is after the Public Hearing. That might require another meeting for the Public Hearing if an agreement is reached after the 3rd, but before the 8th.
Jan. 11th becomes a target date for collective bargaining agreement to present information to the budget committee.
December 9th has been scheduled as “Bloody Saturday” to review & prepare the district’s school budget, with a follow up meeting at the school board meeting on 12/12/06.
Mr. Serafin stated that many of the roads are in terrible condition; if we bonded the money 5 years ago, we could have repaired so many more roads than currently projected. The cost of asphalt has significantly increased. He further suggested that the board check out the CIP for additional information.
C. MEETING LOCATIONS
Mr. Serafin suggested that the board use only one location for meetings. It is very confusing for people. It is hard to know where the meetings are going to be held.
Mr. Fleury stated that by alternating schools, it gives the board a glimpse of conditions, and if the buildings are well-kept. Other concerns have been about lighting, cleanliness, and other issues which have some merit.
Board decided to do rotation of building because there were
people who complained that the board was only seeing
Mr. Serafin stated that meetings should definitely not be held in this room at the Village. Perhaps the gym would be a better location. Changing buildings just adds to the level of confusion for people who want to attend.
It was suggested that the board make it a part of agenda to take a quick walk around.
Mr. Hanson stated that these were valid points, and that they could take action on at it at another meeting.
6. ADJOURNMENT
NEXT
SCHEDULED MEETING 10/10/06 PA
7. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
What about school funding? How will it be defined?
Mr. Haley stated that work is being done by various groups. A meeting with the Legislative Committee is scheduled for the SAU next week. He hasn’t heard too much.
Mr. Fleury recommended that the board/district take a pro active stance. He wondered if there would be a Constitutional amendment.
Mr. Hanson provided an update regarding speculation of action at the State House regarding funding.
A motion to adjourn the meeting was made at 9:31 by Mr. Weisiger and seconded by Mr. Serafin.
ALL IN FAVOR
THE MOTION CARRIED