PEMBROKE SCHOOL BOARD
PRESENT: Tom Haley, Clint Hanson, Rick Mitchell, Gerry Fleury, Ry Weisiger, Tom Serafin, Mike Reardon, Deb Bulkley, Susanne Whitbeck, Mona Sandberg, Sandy Valine (recording secretary),
1. CALL TO ORDER
Chair Clint Hanson called the meeting to order in the
library at PA at
2. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS
A motion to accept the minutes of the
ALL IN FAVOR
THE MOTION CARRIED
3. IMMEDIATE BUSINESS
A. CITIZENS’ COMMENTS None at this time
B. CONSENT AGENDA
The consent agenda included:
Recommended by Mrs. Beaudoin
A motion to accept the consent agenda was made by Mr. Weisiger and seconded by Mr. Fleury.
ALL IN FAVOR
THE MOTION CARRIED
C. ASSESSMENT SUMMARY
NECAP results were recently released and the schools are just beginning to analyze the data.
Ms. Whitbeck reported that third graders scored slightly below state average. Difficulties were noted in areas of comprehension, especially in higher level skills in reading. In math, difficulties were noted with data analysis, statistics and probability.
Fourth graders scored at or above state average, and showed more than a year’s growth in year’s time.
It appeared that some of the verbiage used in the questions may have been difficult for the students. Some of that may be developmental. Many of the questions were stated in the negative. For example, “Which of the following is not the best answer?”
Mr. Haley stated that this is the test we are going to live with for a number of years. He predicts that over a few years, the students will become more familiar with the testing format, test questions and vocabulary.
Ms. Whitbeck reported that for some of our students this is
the first time in a testing situation. The
Mr. Haley shared that there are a couple of schools in the SAU moving in the direction of testing first and second graders to help get them more familiar with this type of testing.
Ms. Whitbeck stated that there is a progression of skills and concepts over time. Over time teachers and students will learn about the structure of the test and help kids get more accustomed to the format.
Mr. Hanson stated that a growth model type of assessment is probably the way the test will go in the future. He predicts that there will be changes in the direction of testing/ assessment, and major changes to the types of assessments used across the country.
Ms. Bulkley reported that the proficiency performance increased in 6th grade reading;
7th graders decreased in math; and there appears to be a lack of ”buy-in” at the 8th grade level.
One of the differences is that the MAP tests give immediate feedback, and it appears that the students are more invested. The NECAP was given in October and students/ families/schools are just receiving the results now (in February).
Ms. Bulkley stated that she can prove that the students are learning. On the NECAP, however, the scores may not indicate that as much to the public.
Ms. Bulkley predicts that AYP may not be met due to special education subset.
Mr. Hanson reported that the subset numbers are not standardized across the country. The Number (N) = 11 in NH in order to qualify but it’s N=30 in TX.
Ms. Bulkley stated that she is continuing to look for common areas of errors.
Mr. Fleury asked about the percentage change in the
performance groupings.
Mr. Haley reported that the writing subtests were just reinstated after having been dropped for a number of years. In 2007-08 a science test is to be added, with Social Studies due to be introduced in the future.
There was further discussion about the tests and the results, and considerations for the future. A lot more research will be done and further recommendations will be made.
Mr. Serafin requested that there be some additional presentations regarding core subjects such as science and social studies K-12 during the curriculum rotations.
4. OLD/UNFINISHED BUSINESS
A. DISTRICT MEETING PLANNING
The Warrant has not changed from the previous meeting. The
B. POLICY REVIEW
A motion to approve the above policies under review was made by Mr. Fleury and seconded by Mr. Mitchell.
ALL IN FAVOR
THE MOTION CARRIED
This is the first time these policies are coming before the board. Action will be taken at the next meeting.
5. NEW BUSINESS
A. NOMINATION OF STAFF
A motion to elect Stacy Beaudoin as a math teacher (PT) at PA was made by Mr. Mitchell and seconded by Mr. Serafin. This is the position that Mr. Reardon requested several meetings ago.
ALL IN FAVOR
THE MOTION CARRIED
B. BULLYING REPORT
A report of an incident and subsequent report involving a first grader was made to the board.
6. OTHER BUSINESS
A. CITIZENS’ COMMENTS None at this time
B. STAFF REVIEW (Non-Public)
At
public session under RSA 91-A:3II(a) to discuss staff reviews. On a roll call, the school
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 were: Clint Hanson, Gerry Fleury, Rick Mitchell, Tom
Serafin, Ry Weisiger, Tom Haley, Susanne Whitbeck and Mike Reardon,
Mrs. Whitbeck requested to speak to the board prior to the PA Staff Review regarding a separate staff matter.
The board discussed staff reviews with Mr. Reardon.
At
Clint Hanson YES
Gerry Fleury YES
Rick Mitchell YES
Tom Serafin YES
Ry Weisiger YES
THE MOTION CARRIED
Chair Clint Hanson noted that no action had been taken in the non-public session.
7. ADJOURNMENT
NEXT SCHEDULED MEETING
A motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Mr. Serafin and
seconded by Mr. Mitchell at
8. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
There was discussion about a Student Resource Officer and how it could be utilized in the schools.
Mr. Reardon reported that uniforms are purchased on a five year replacement track. Rotation list by sport will be made available. Some supplemental uniforms have been purchased.
Mr. Serafin discussed the practice of reviewing the “club-status cycle” before coming to the voters. He recommended that the board consider some type of an approval process. There might be concern related to cost of the participation and the voters will have the opportunity to make the decision regarding district level support. Perhaps our decision making procedures and/or practices need to be reviewed. Perhaps it would be clearer if the board takes an actual vote after three years of proven sustainability before going to the school district meeting.
Mr. Hanson responded that the board could look at being even more upfront with the club supporters about the process of recommendation or presentation to the district in three years. The School Board may vote to not recommend particular activities at the school district meeting.
It was recommended that the board get a reference cost for each of the sports and activities in order to determine what each activity costs per participant and what amount of revenue that group brings in.
It would be helpful to know how much the “Friends Of” contribute to the sport/activity.
Mr. Fleury stated that the board may need to further look at these items in a very tight budget year.
Mr. Fleury updated the board regarding his presentation at the legislature regarding legal custody/guardianship and students who part of a junior team (I.e. Jr. Monarchs).