PEMBROKE SCHOOL BOARD
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2006
PRESENT: Clint Hanson, Rick Mitchell, Gerry Fleury, Ry Weisiger, Tom Serafin, Tom Haley, Deb Bulkley, Mona Sandberg, Jon Marston, Sandy Valine (recording secretary), Linda Beaudoin, Robert Warner, Cory Meloon, Catherine Sullivan, Michael Reardon,
1. CALL TO ORDER
Chair Clint Hanson called the meeting to order at 7PM in the library at PA.
2. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS
November 14, 2006 and November 28, 2006
A motion to approve the minutes of the November 14th and November 28th meetings was made by Mr. Weisiger and seconded by Mr. Mitchell.
ALL IN FAVOR
THE MOTION CARRIED
3. IMMEDIATE BUSINESS
A. CITIZENS’ COMMENTS
□ Cory Meloon thanked the board for their approval of the dugout project at TRS. At this time the project is basically completed. A few minor details still need to be finished. Those items include a Home/Visitor sign, a listing of contributors, and repairs made to a small section of the fence.
Cory shared before and after photos of the project.
The Board offered congratulations on the completion of the project. Cory stated that he will be presenting to the Eagle Scout Board before March.
□ Salvation Army Poster
Mr. Haley alerted the board that there has been a request to put up poster(s) at PA. The posters at the school are for volunteers to be bell ringers at various locations.
Mr. Reardon has denied request based on the board’s policy of distribution of materials to students.
Mr. Haley stated that the board could make an exception to the policy and grant the request.
Mr. Warner works for Merchants Automotive. He is and has been involved in the Salvation Army Kettle Campaign. This project could be tied to the 30 hours of community service that is needed for graduation. The Salvation Army Kettle Campaign serves and supports many types of needs in various communities such as emergency family situations, and provides programs tied to youth and adults. This request is only asking for posters to be displayed at the school. He stated that this was not a religious statement. It would be helping out the community and helping PA kids also receive credit for their volunteerism.
A poster has previously been displayed at PA (years ago). This request for help is also for helping others in our community.
Mr. Hanson clarified the policy. The policy covers non-school sponsored events. He stated that this citizen’s request is to waive policy for a specific purpose.
Mr. Warner stated that he sees this as a win/win situation. Totally understands and agrees with the premise of the policy, however he feels that it is important to have further discussion.
Mr. Fleury wanted to have the board think about reason why
we have the policy. The Board finds
itself on the defensive if other groups come forward making similar
requests.
Mr. Haley stated that the board might have to explain why one distribution is different from another.
Mr. Hanson reported that the board allows schools to distribute school-related information and have the board authorize the non-school related items as a practice.
Mr. Serafin asked about the practice of offering information regarding school volunteering and other opportunities for students to become involved.
Mr. Reardon stated that the guidance department makes information available for the students. That option would probably reach far fewer students. Since board policy was implemented, that has been the practice.
Mr. Fleury asked about having signs on a private vehicle in the parking lots. An opportunity could potentially be advertised without breaking the guidelines or the need for additional school board discussion. He didn’t recommend this option, but was just asking the question.
The board didn’t feel like that option would go against the policy, but had concerns about the potential of having vehicles displaying signs.
A motion to approve the request to waive the policy regarding distribution of non-school related materials was made by Mr. Fleury and seconded by Mr. Weisiger.
Mr. Serafin discussed ties to school activities or a school sponsored affiliate. There are gray areas regarding community service and the ways to advertise such an opportunity which should be addressed at some point.
Mr. Fleury stated that he would support the motion because it’s defensible and based on “Gerry’s belief of what’s right!” as well as his knowledge of the organization.
Mr. Mitchell shared a concern regarding the potential for a number of others requesting similar waivers.
Mr. Weisiger called the question.
THREE IN FAVOR
TWO IN OPPOSITION
THE MOTION CARRIED
B. TRANSPORTATION MATTERS
Mr. Haley reported that the board previously made a decision
to retain a seasonal stop. From conversations
with Ms. Beaudoin and
He did contact Dial Transportation. Upon further review, it was recommended that there be a trial basis (for this season) to travel Brickett Hill in the winter with driver’s right to alter the decision on a daily basis if road conditions didn’t warrant using Brickett Hill.
The existing seasonal stop is still in place and would be the “back up” if Brickett Hill is not to be used.
The board addressed the first portion of the letter at
previous meetings, but had not taken action regarding the
Mr. Weisiger asked if any stops that are currently in use a back up (backing up the bus to turn around) process.
Mrs. Beaudoin stated that the bus drivers are supposed to prevent any backing up as per recommendation of the State.
Mr. Hanson stated that for the 2006-07 year, the board could make Jack’s Drive a year round stop with a caveat regarding unsafe conditions (which is applicable to any stop).
The board/administration could offer a mechanism of a phone chain to notify parents if the stop was going to be changed.
Mr. Weisiger stated that the buses really can’t wait for phone tree to become activated.
Mr. Haley stated that the buses have radios on board.
Ms. Beaudoin reported that the bus drivers would probably know based on other roads and conditions and could probably give a 15 minute heads up.
Mr. Fleury stated that the board has no legal obligation to do this. This is not a particularly safe road to travel in winter conditions. Board has reviewed this stop several times. He asked how many times do people have to be told NO. Strong concern about the safety of making the change has been expressed. He stated he would not make a motion to accommodate this and will vote against it.
Mr. Weisiger asked if any roads were any worse than Brickett Hill in the winter.
Ms. Beaudoin stated that almost all roads have had trouble at some time. The beginning and ending of the routes tend to have difficulty. Parts of Cross Country also have been problematic.
Mr. Weisiger stated that Cross Country has a straight section; Brickett Hill has more curves and steep inclines.
Mr. Fleury stated that the board may not be able to take back some of the roads they currently have runs on; but why would they want to add to the number of roads that might be difficult.
Mr. Hanson reminded the board that we don’t travel this road at all in the winter. It’s not just the stop, it’s the road itself in the winter.
Mr. Serafin asked to what degree are we obligated to formally respond to the request.
Mr. Hanson stated that the letter was sent to the Superintendent to request that the board take action. The board’s response to the letter should be, if action is to be taken.
Mr. Weisiger has concerns about liability. There was discussion about where the school district’s liability begins and ends.
Mr. Haley stated that it is based on the interpretation of the law
Ms. Beaudoin reminded the board that in the Village, kids
who are picked up at the
A motion to instruct superintendent to reiterate the board’s previous decision regarding request to make the seasonal stop on Brickett Hill Road a year round stop, and to respond to the liability question based on the letter received was made by Mr. Fleury and seconded by Mr. Mitchell.
Mr. Hanson asked about the second part of the request regarding the liability issue.
Mr. Haley stated that they can gather the necessary information and respond based on liability insurance agent’s recommendation.
Mr. Serafin shared a concern about parents bringing a concern forward and then making a decision. It is the board’s responsibility to listen to the request and make the best decision they can. There may be people who do not agree with the board’s decision.
ALL IN FAVOR
THE MOTION CARRIED
C. ATHLETIC DIRECTOR REPORT
A few meetings ago the board requested information regarding practices and procedures.
Mr. Marston provided a broad overview. He stated that a set written policy and philosophy probably doesn’t exist. Both schools try to set a culture about expected behavior both in school and on the athletic playing surface. Behavior contracts and academic requirements are also a component. Once the culture has been established, we are able to handle most situations.
He stated that the Athletic Directors set firm expectations and follow through. Coaches are also holding athletes accountable. There has been a great deal of support of the Athletic Directors by the principals and administrative staff up through the board level.
Parents are often approached by coaches and the Athletic Director if their behavior is causing difficulties. The code of conduct for spectators is also included on the sports’ schedule.
Mr. Weisiger asked if it (poor sportsmanship) does happen, how is it handled?
Mr. Marston stated that parents have been asked to leave by coaches or officials. He also stated that some times it’s tough to hear everything. A conversation will be held and spectators are welcome to come back if they can abide by the rules and the code of conduct.
Mr. Marston reported that the coaches know their players as a coach, and know when to reel behaviors in or address situations right then. It is part of their responsibility. We all represent the school community and town. People need to act appropriately.
Ms. Hutchinson stated that co-curricular activities are an extension of the classroom. If students do not act appropriately, they will lose opportunity to participate.
Mr. Serafin asked about questionable officiating and gray areas.
Ms. Hutchinson stated that she has had that experience. She shared information regarding the issues. Athletic Directors can make recommendation to the assigners and respond to NHIAA. They also work through the situation with the athletes and coaches, it’s all part of the learning process. She stated that she could write to NHIAA with a response to what happened. If the team left, or refused to play, they would ultimately forfeit the game. If it’s a physical unsafe situation, the Athletic Directors have no problem with stopping the game. She felt that the coaches would also stop the game.
D. CONSENT AGENDA
There were several items on the consent agenda:
No place for skis on the bus; kids would not be riding in truck; the advisors would be driving the truck to carry the skis and other pieces of equipment.
A motion to grant permission to use the school truck for the ski team was made by
Mr. Fleury and seconded by Mr. Mitchell.
ALL IN FAVOR
THE MOTION CARRIED
A motion to approve the polled vote was made by Mr. Weisiger and seconded by Mr. Fleury.
TWO IN FAVOR
THREE IN OPPOSITION
THE MOTION FAILED
A motion to approve the Montreal Foreign Language trip with the caveat regarding trip insurance was made by Mr. Mitchell and seconded by Mr. Serafin.
There was discussion about students needing a Passport/Birth Certificate.
Students be made aware of the impending need to bring identification with them.
ALL IN FAVOR
THE MOTION CARRIED
Staff Resignation
A motion to approve the request for staff resignation was made by Mr. Mitchell and seconded by Mr. Weisiger.
ALL IN FAVOR
THE MOTION CARRIED
PA Senior has made a request to remain at PA (non resident enrollment)
Mr. Haley presented information to the board regarding this situation.
A note from parent and from the family would be necessary.
The Chair tabled this motion until such time as information has been received & reviewed.
4. OLD/UNFINISHED
BUSINESS
A. POLICY REVIEW
The board needs to take action on the following policies. This would be the second review.
A motion to approve the above policies was made by Mr. Weisiger and seconded by Mr. Mitchell.
ALL IN FAVOR
THE MOTION CARRIED
The following policies were presented for Information and a first review.
There was discussion about the language of some of the policies, and the need to clarify meaning. If board members had further questions or areas for clarification, they should send the information to Mr. Haley. The board will take action on these policies at the next meeting.
B. BUDGET DEVELOPMENT
Mr. Haley distributed a new version of the budget. Same bottom line, but there were some changes in format due to alignment with the state forms.
The board discussed and clarified the following amounts to be added to the trusts.
$100,000 in the capital reserve trust funded from surplus
$50,000 in the equipment trust funded from surplus
$50,000 to the special education trust funded from surplus
Mr. Haley stated that 8 teachers have applied for early retirement. The deadline for the applications was December 1, 2006. The Master Agreement includes 3 early retirements.
Mr. Haley shared information related to a meeting with Honeywell representatives.
It doesn’t appear to be possible to obtain state aid on the bond process. However if we incorporate the entire project, with Honeywell to be the manager of the fund, it could be funded. Instead of taking out a bond, an agreement with Honeywell for a lease-purchase to include all of the previous components could be made. There is no loss for the district. At the district meeting it would need a majority vote for approval versus a 2/3 vote on a bond.
If the state reneges on the building aid, we would be on the hook to pay the costs. There may be some ramifications. Financing would be requested through Honeywell as a lease-purchase option. Further information has been requested. Mr. Haley requested that representatives attend the January 9th, 2007 meeting. It was suggested that the MBC and the chairman of the CIP also be invited to the meeting.
A motion to approve 3 Early Retirements as ordered by seniority and the other guidelines of the Master Agreement was made by Mr. Serafin and seconded by Mr. Fleury.
ALL IN FAVOR
THE MOTION CARRIED
C. VOCATIONAL CONTRACT
Mr. Haley reported on the status of the Vocational
Contract. The Commissioner of Education
was contacted. A warrant to have the
district meeting accept the long term vocational contract is in the process of
being drafted. Fiscal responsibility is
a sticking point. All involved want the
contract to go forward and continue the relationship with the
5. OTHER BUSINESS
A. FUTURE MEETING SCHEDULE
December 26 cancelled due to the holidays
January 9 PA
January 23 TRS
February 3 MBC Public Hearing
February 13 PA
February 27 cancelled due to school vacation
March 6 PA
March 10
March 24 Village
April 10 PA
April 24 cancelled due to school vacation
The above meeting schedule will be followed, unless there is a need to make adjustments.
B. CITIZENS’ COMMENTS None at this time
C. NON PUBLIC SESSION
At 9:25 P.M., a motion was made by Gerry Fleury, seconded by Ry Weisiger, to enter non-public session under RSA 91-A:3II(e) to discuss a legal matter (attorney-client privilege).
On a roll call, the board voted:
Clint Hanson Yes
Gerry Fleury Yes
Rick Mitchell Yes
Tom Serafin Yes
Ry Weisiger Yes
THE MOTION CARRIED
Present in the Non Public Session: Clint Hanson, Gerry Fleury, Rick Mitchell, Tom Serafin, Ry Weisiger, Peter Warburton, Tom Haley.
At 9:45 P.M., a motion to end the non-public session was made by Rick Mitchell, seconded by Gerry Fleury. On a roll call, the board voted:
Clint Hanson Yes
Gerry Fleury Yes
Rick Mitchell Yes
Tom Serafin Yes
Ry Weisiger Yes
THE MOTION CARRIED
Clint Hanson noted that no action was taken in the non-public session.
6. ADJOURNMENT
NEXT
SCHEDULED MEETING January 9, 2007 at
7. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
A couple of grievances at PA are in process. Mr. Haley updated the board regarding status of the grievances.