PEMBROKE SCHOOL BOARD
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
PRESENT: Tom Haley, Clint Hanson, Tom Serafin, Ry Weisiger, Tammy Boucher, Rick Mitchell, Peter Warburton, Deb Bulkley, Mike Reardon, Susanne Whitbeck, Mona Kraus, Sandy Valine (recording secretary), Grace Forest, Hannah Seidner, Bradley Kinney, Molly Hamilton, Liam Wright, Cindy Hamilton, Gary Seidner, Sue Seidner, Carol Ehmling, Sue Kinney, Lauren Wright, Sue Hutchinson, Kip Riel, Kevin Hamilton, Edward Kinney, Tim Wright
1. CALL TO ORDER
Chair Clint Hanson called the meeting to order with the bell in the Village at approximately 7 PM.
2. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS
A motion to approve the minutes of the March 6, 2007 was made by Mr. Weisiger and seconded by Mr. Mitchell.
A correction of Holly Dunlea’s name was noted.
ALL IN FAVOR
THE MOTION CARRIED
A motion to approve minutes of March 22, 2007, as presented, was made by Mr. Weisiger and seconded by Mr. Mitchell.
ALL IN FAVOR
THE MOTION CARRIED
3. IMMEDIATE BUSINESS
A. CITIZENS’ COMMENTS None at this time
B. GRADE 4 PROJECT REPORT
Ms. Whitbeck reported on a community service project linked to reading. She noted that everything that will be
presented tonight is the students’ work, as they were the ones who drove this
project. The presenters tonight are part
of Mrs. Forest’s fourth grade: Hannah Seidner, Bradley Mitchell, Molly
Hamilton, and Liam Wright.
Hugs Across America was started to help children in the hospital receive some comfort while they were being treated. The patients are comforted and often smile when the receive one of the bears. That brings a smile and helps them feel better. 286,000 bears have been distributed to hospitals. This project started in responses to the terrorism associated with the 9-11 tragedy. One of the goals is to send 25 bears each month to Southern New Hampshire Medical Center. SNHMC is a participating hospital.
The bears carry a comforting message that the children are safe and hopeful for a better future. Each of the bears sport a tag signed by the child giving it.
This project has helped us with reading, writing, math, and oral presentations. The students read a variety of articles, write donation letters, tally the totals and money raised, and speak to classes. The students shared examples of letters to companies asking for donations
Published books, quilt raffles, and company donations have produced 531 dollars for the project. PALS was contacted and they have committed to purchase bears for PHS students who pledge to participate.
This is an at home reading project with pledge signed by parents and students. Fourth graders were responsible for March, the third graders will tag in April, and second graders in May. Fourth graders who participated also had a “tagging” party with teddy grahams and hugs. Each child needed to read 400 minutes during the month to tag a bear.
The project was modeled after the book TBears’ Tales. A few of the donated bears highlighting the process were shared with the board.
The class discussed their favorite books read at home. Special projects were also developed such as dioramas, displays, and posters to share favorite books. This was a great project. We were able to serve a community to help other kids. The kids were glad to be a part of it. Kids who aren’t feeling well, feel better as a result of this project and get to keep a bear sent to them with a message of hope.
Mr. Hanson asked if the students had heard back from anyone who received a bear. The students responded that they are not allowed to photo kids who received a bear. A couple of letters from NH organizations have been received.
Mr. Serafin asked how many participated. 78/91 pledged in fourth grade. They hope to bring this project to TRS next year. Third graders will be pledging in the next couple of weeks.
Mr. Hanson thanked the students on behalf of the board. Great presentation!!
C. CONSENT AGENDA
□ Requests for Maternity Leave
A motion to approve a request for maternity leave was made by Mr. Serafin and seconded by Mr. Mitchell.
ALL IN FAVOR
THE MOTION CARRIED
A motion to approve a request for maternity leave was made by Mr. Mitchell, seconded by Ms. Boucher. This request impacts the beginning of the 2007-08 school year.
ALL IN FAVOR
THE MOTION CARRIED
□ A motion to approve the request for continued enrollment with the standard
transportation stipulation was made by Mr. Serafin and seconded by Mr. Mitchell.
ALL IN FAVOR
THE MOTION CARRIED
□ Field Trip Policy
Mr. Riel was present to discuss the recent ruling/policy disseminated regarding the need for requests to come before the board 2 months prior to a proposed trip. He was here on behalf of the Outing Club, specifically. One of the problems with this is specifically related to the logistical nightmare regarding rotating on-call for spouses, weather conditions, and the ability to schedule spontaneous trips that the organization may like to offer the students.
He stated that one night excursions are perhaps the most frequent request, with an occasional 2-3 night trip. On average 2 week long trips are proposed each year. He is asking for some type of leeway or parameters to allow for the continuation of activities that have been offered in the past. As with all proposed trips, the administration is aware of the agenda and the general plan as soon as possible.
Larger trips are planned as many months ahead of time as possible. The advisors and groups let the administration know as soon as possible. They also come before the board to present information.
At times vacation weeks are also used, requesting trips of 4-8 overnights / year as a general premise.
Mr. Hanson stated that the fundamental reason for the change in the policy is related to insurance. In order to extend insurance coverage of school district, participants and employees, the insurance policy requires prior approval by the board.
Mr. Weisiger asked about the range of dates and tentative approval of trip.
Mr. Riel stated that his concerns were strictly linked to the 2 month window of presenting information to the board for approval. He asked if that would be in the parameters of the insurance company’s requirements.
Mr. Haley wondered if the groups would know approximately the dates of proposed trips ie. Trips in the winter.
Is there a way to expedite the process that would maintain responsibility and coverage?
Could the board delegate responsibility to an administrator
if a trip was planned without a 2 month window?
Mr. Haley and Mr. Hanson stated that the intent of this policy is to be sure
event is properly covered, not prevent activities.
24 after school outing club trips have been scheduled to date this year. They try to give as many students the opportunity to participate.
Mr. Hanson does not disagree with the intent of the group’s activities; if the board doesn’t take specific action and something happened, the coverage could be limited.
The board asked Mr. Haley to contact insurance company to gather further information and obtain the information necessary to provide coverage based on the requirements.
Board meets at least every 3 weeks, items will need to come before the board in order for action to take place. There shouldn’t be issues that would arise before the board could meet.
Mr. Hanson stated that they could revise the policy based on this new information and come back to the board if necessary.
Mr. Riel thanked the board for their consideration of this request.
4. OLD/UNFINISHED BUSINESS
A. POLICY REVIEW
Repeating a Failed Course (IKE-B)
Financial Obligation (JQ)
The above policies were presented for action at tonight’s meeting.
A motion to approve the policies listed above was made by Mr. Weisiger and seconded by Mr. Mitchell.
Mr. Serafin asked how standard these policies are with other high schools.
Mr. Reardon stated that he could make some calls, but didn’t know an exact number of schools.
This policy could be revised if additional information or similar policies are discovered.
ALL IN FAVOR
THE MOTION CARRIED
B. SCHOOL CALENDAR
A motion to adopt the school calendar as presented was made by Mr. Serafin and seconded by Mr. Mitchell.
Mr. Hanson asked for information to defend having the Wednesday before Thanksgiving as a no school day.
Ms. Whitbeck stated that it is a growing issue with so many surrounding towns having the day off. Staff members often request to bring their own kids, or substitute is needed.
She reported that there is a 300% higher rate for absence for students. Early Release of students is also significant.
Ms. Bulkley reported that the number of parents dismissing students from 10AM on has been considerable. There is a constant stream of students leaving early. She didn’t have the percentage of absence but felt that it was higher than an average day.
Mr. Reardon stated that holidays and family life are also important. School is in session for 185 day year, and how those days are arranged is up to the board.
FOUR IN FAVOR
ONE IN ABSTENTION
THE MOTION CARRIED
5. NEW BUSINESS
A. PRINCIPAL SEARCH PROCESS
Mr. Haley reported that they are reluctantly looking for a successor for Ms. Whitbeck. Copy of the ad, revised job description, and a memo was distributed.
Search committee has been established. 37 applications to date have been received. There are current principals among the applicants.
Ms. Boucher asked about who is on the search committee? Did they include a business member?
Mr. Haley stated that all facets of the community were included, but there was a goal to keep the committee size to manageable number.
The first meeting of the committee is scheduled for April 11. The committee will be asked to review applications and make preliminary decisions regarding interviews.
The goal would be to have a candidate before school ends in June, and able to come aboard during the summer.
A motion to approve the Principal’s job description was made by Mr. Weisiger and seconded by Mr. Mitchell.
ALL IN FAVOR
THE MOTION CARRIED
B. BOARD ORGANIZATION
Current structure and board responsibilities were reviewed. Highlights of each committee’s responsibility were also shared.
Chair Clint Hanson
Vice Chair Ry Weisiger
Municipal Budget Committee Rep. Tom Serafin
SAU Executive Board Ry Weisiger
AREA Advisory Committee Tom Serafin/Tammy Boucher
Maintenance Tom Serafin/Rick Mitchell/Ry Weisiger
NHSBA Representative Rick Mitchell
Trustee Scholarship Ry Weisiger
Manifest Review Rick Mitchell/Tammy Boucher
CIP Representative Tammy Boucher
Negotiations Does not need to be assigned for 2007-08
Cable Committee Rep. Does not need to have school board member on committee
Peer Recognition Review as a board, rather than sub committee
Mr. Serafin suggested that the Peer Recognition be placed as an agenda item for the board to review, rather than a sub committee. The process was reviewed.
A motion to approve the slate as presented above, was made by Mr. Weisiger and seconded by Mr. Mitchell.
ALL IN FAVOR
THE MOTION CARRIED
Town Outsourcing Trash has been discussed. This may or may not affect the board organization for committee representation.
6. OTHER BUSINESS
A. CITIZENS’ COMMENTS None at this time
B. STAFF REVIEW
At 8:09 PM a motion was made by Tom Serafin, seconded by Rick Mitchell to enter non-
public session under RSA 91-A:3II(a) to discuss staff reviews. On a roll call, the school
board voted: Clint Hanson YES
Rick Mitchell YES
Tammy Boucher YES
Tom Serafin YES
Ry Weisiger YES
THE MOTION CARRIED
Present in the non-public session were: Clint Hanson, Tammy Boucher, Rick Mitchell, Tom
Serafin, Ry Weisiger, Tom Haley, Mike Reardon and Sue Hutchinson.
At 8:25 PM a motion to end the non-public session was made by Ry Weisiger, seconded by Rick Mitchell. On a roll call, the school board voted:
Clint Hanson YES
Rick Mitchell YES
Tammy Boucher 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.
At 8:30 PM a motion was made by Tom Serafin, seconded by Rick Mitchell to enter non-
public session under RSA 91-A:3II(a) to discuss staff reviews. On a roll call, the school
board voted:
Clint Hanson YES
Rick Mitchell YES
Tammy Boucher YES
Tom Serafin YES
Ry Weisiger YES
THE MOTION CARRIED
Present in the non-public session were: Clint Hanson, Tammy Boucher, Rick Mitchell, Tom
Serafin, Ry Weisiger, Tom Haley, Susanne Whitbeck and Mona Sandberg.
At 9:15 PM a motion to end the non-public session was made by Ry Weisiger, seconded by Rick Mitchell. On a roll call, the school board voted:
Clint Hanson YES
Rick Mitchell YES
Tammy Boucher 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.
C. NOMINATION/ELECTION OF STAFF
Superintendent Tom Haley reviewed his
written listing of certified staff which he placed in nomination for the
2007/08 school year.
A motion was made by Mr. Serafin,
seconded by Mr. Weisiger, to approve the superintendent's nominations for
2007/08 as presented.
ALL
IN FAVOR
THE
MOTION CARRIED
7. ADJOURNMENT
A motion to adjourn the meeting was made at 9:25 without objection.
ALL IN FAVOR
THE MOTION CARRIED
NEXT SCHEDULE MEETING Tuesday, April 10, 2007 PA 7 PM
8. INFORMATIONAL
ITEMS
SAU wide Reading Task Force has been created. Reading Comprehension strategies and capacity of reading achievement for all students is a goal. They are pursuing an “Even Start” grant. This grant would allow for work with area families with Pembroke and Allenstown as a focus group. There are some financial requirements and targets parents of younger children. Mr. Warburton has done a great deal of work on this topic.
Mr. Reardon reported that one component is partner organizations (one main group)
In
Jim Snodgrass is the Executive Director
Mr. Serafin asked how similar this is to the Renaissance Project.
Mr. Reardon stated that it is probably very similar in many ways. Bring parents into schools to work on their own literacy skills as well as going into the home to teach literacy skills. There is a huge commitment on the part of parents. It will be important to target a population who are interested and motivated to commit to 15 hours/week.
Mr. Hanson asked if they are planning on doing a Needs Assessment.
Mr. Reardon stated that they are starting to work on that. Grant is based upon need. Probably could identify folks who would benefit and would commit to the program. Matching funds from the district would also be impacted in the future as the grant monies are expended throughout the process.
Mr. Hanson stated that it would also be important to get Allenstown’s board approval and support.