PRESENT: Tom Haley, Peter Warburton, Tom Serafin,
Tammy Boucher, Rick Mitchell, Clint Hanson, Ry Weisiger, Mike Reardon, Deb
Bulkley, Ryan Quinn, Sandy Valine (recording secretary), Gregg Brighenti, Rose
Marie Dodd, Gabrielle Littlefield, Kevin Briggs, Dr. Henry Munroe, Harold
Fabeeja, Myra Munroe, Harry Lellios, Susmita Chabnabing, Tina Newberry, Curt
Edmonds, Janice Edmonds, Roland H. Young, Jr., David Doherty, Gloria Martin,
1. CALL TO ORDER
Chair Clint Hanson
called the meeting to order at
2. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING
A motion to
approve the minutes of the
Corrections to the minutes
were discussed.
The Chair tabled
the minutes until the next meeting so that the corrections can be made. The superintendent will bring the copies.
3. IMMEDIATE BUSINESS
A. CITIZENS’
COMMENTS
A letter from Mr.
and Mrs. Edmonds was received and distributed to the school board regarding the
change in drop off/pick ups at the
A letter from
Mrs. Edmonds stated that she
wanted to bring this situation up with the board. A letter from Mr. Quinn regarding the changes
was mailed just prior to the beginning of school. The changes would involve the use of Perley
and
The
The addition of
The letter from
Mrs. Edmonds stated the
neighbors have been very kind to the school community. They deal with the number of children coming
in and out. The process has been pretty
good but there is a long line of cars on Perley. People come down that street as well, driving
in the opposite direction of the traffic pattern.
Mr. Edmonds stated they
purchased the property in 1955. They
selected the end of the street because they wanted some additional privacy. In 1963 buses started coming down the
road. Board members took buses off the
avenues when new addition opened. People
are parking and driving the wrong way. The
situation is getting out of hand. They thought
they would be getting a peaceful retirement.
The principal shouldn’t be able to send out a letter without getting
approval.
Chair Hanson clarified that
the school board approved the letter in August.
People are parking
on the lawns. Mr. Edmonds has had to call
the school to find the owner. They pay
their taxes but are not getting the money’s worth. There is a fenced in place (TLC playground)
for additional cars. Who uses that play area? The board could put in another
parking lot in that location. This used
to be a nice street, now it’s like
Traffic on an avenue, is it even
allowed? They took the district at their
word… only emergency vehicles. They have
almost been hit by snowplows. He can’t
believe that there’s not another parking lot closer to the entrance to the
school. People want a short cut through
the school.
Harry Watts shared
that a SUV almost killed him on that street.
The car was going almost 60 mph.
Is it worth someone getting hurt? He has seen others almost hit
neighbors. Something has to be done!
Gloria Martin stated that she
pick ups every day. She is so happy to
have Mr. Quinn in our schools. Morning
drop offs are going much faster, and it is much safer for all. In the afternoon it is a long wait. She often gets to school 10-15 minutes early
and is the 8th car in line.
Pick up is a social time for the children. Parents and children get to know teachers as
well. So many play dates are made in the
hallway waiting for the kids to come.
They have lost this opportunity with the new process. Is it possible to meet half way? Could people park on the playground? Kids could be released onto the
playground. This would still be away
from buses. This would be safer and also
alleviate tension. She expressed a
desire to keep Pembroke the small community it is. The new process makes it very impersonal
now. She shared that she has friends who
agree and also disagree. We really miss
that personal touch.
Henry Monroe suggested that
the school also call fire chief about the blockage. It is a safety issue. Due respect to chief of police but fire chief
should also be contacted to get his opinion, as the roads are often blocked and
if there was an emergency the vehicles would not be able to get down the street.
Rosemary Dodd shared that she
doesn’t see congestion in the afternoon because I’m not home. She does have a concern about the cars on the
grass and for the safety of the children walking to bus stops or homes. Cars are going too fast. There are lots of children in the
neighborhood.
Roland Young has been a 49 year
resident on these streets. His home is
now up for sale. A prospective buyer came
at 2:00. This change may have affected
the sale of the property. There is all
kinds of space on
Tina Newberry spoke as a third
grade parent and the President of PALS. She
has heard from parents that there are parents in favor and also parents not in
favor of the change. It was a cumbersome
process. But the changes should not at
the expense of the neighbors.
She really misses the place to
congregate while waiting. Play dates are
often scheduled. PALS could support or
offer invitation to work through it.
Mr. Hanson stated that the
board will take the requests and information and then take action. Mr. Hanson explained that the general process
would be to accept a motion to approve the request for a change in location and
then table the motion until further information had been collected from
additional safety officials, personnel, and administration and meetings have
been held.
A motion to approve the
request to change the location of
Chair will table the motion
until such time that the Fire and Police Chief can be contacted, and
conversations with Principals and Central Office have been held. He expects that there will be a report back
to the board by the first meeting in October.
There was a recommendation to
set up a committee to determine a parking area near the school and explore
other options. The safety of the kids is
paramount. They will look for a solution
that works for the most people. However
understand that there will probably be people who are upset with any decision
that gets made.
Kids do not play in the
parking area. Parents are able to come
into the building at the back entrance and sign out. It is well staffed.
Ms. Newberry
stated that the parents’ use of those parking spaces has not been well
communicated to parents. She also suggested
additional community involvement in the process.
Gabrielle
Littlefield spoke on another bus issue.
She has a very strong concern about the lack of busing at the
Academy. She also has issues with parking
at the high school. She asked for
support of other mothers who share these concerns, however they could not
attend the meeting because they hold full time jobs.
PA is a dangerous place to be
in the morning. She is not sure if there
have been accidents, but would not be surprised. Cars are jutting out. Mothers are coming in harried. She is in support of the schools. Kids are still at risk because there are
dangerous people on the streets in Pembroke.
Not busing the students is wrong.
Kids have to have a way to get to school. Parents have to work and the time is not
convenient. Kids drive to school, but
have no where to park.
Why aren’t there crossing
guards in the town of
Mr. Hanson summarized that her
issues are related to a lack of high school bus and lack of parking. The high school busing can not be addressed
because the town did not support the bus at the school district meeting. The school district, not the board, voted to
eliminate high school busing.
Ms. Littlefield stated that
her taxes have doubled. It’s time that
the schools take care of the children and prevent kids being hit by cars. Could we get statistics on the number of
school districts who provide busing?
Mr. Hanson stated that he
didn’t disagree. The lack of the bus is
specifically related to the school district vote. All registered voters who attend the meetings
in March have the opportunity to make the decisions.
There was discussion about the
process of getting a petition started to put a warrant article regarding high
school busing. Letters to the editor was
suggested. The school board could
communicate that a petition article exists.
Mr. Haley stated that in the
SAU only
Mr. Hanson stated
we don’t have the space to provide the amount of parking that would be
necessary for all of the students who have vehicles. He also stated that the board is not
unsympathetic to the concerns mentioned.
Mr. Haley stated that perhaps
a parent Bulletin Board could be developed.
He suggested that Ms. Littlefield talk to Mr. Reardon to figure out some
other ways to get the issues to the fore front.
B. CONSULTATION
WITH ATTORNEY (NON PUBLIC)
At 7:50 P.M. a motion was
made by Mr. Weisiger, seconded by Mr. Mitchell
to recess the meeting under
RSA 91-A:2I(c) to consult with the school
board’s attorney. On a roll call, the school board voted:
Clint Hanson YES
Tammy
Boucher YES
Rick
Mitchell YES
Tom
Serafin YES
Ry
Weisiger YES
THE MOTION CARRIED
At 8:52 P.M. a motion to
reconvene the meeting was made by Ms. Boucher, seconded by Ry Weisiger. 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
Chair Clint Hanson noted that
no action had been taken by the board during the recess.
C. CONSENT
AGENDA
The consent agenda
consisted of the following:
o Confirmation of polled vote (enrollment)
o Approval of 2007-08 goals
o Approval of tech purchase plan for faculty
through payroll deduction.
A motion to accept
the consent agenda was made by Mr. Weisiger and seconded by Mr. Mitchell.
ALL IN FAVOR
THE MOTION CARRIED
o Nature Studies-overnight field trip
A motion to
approve the request for an overnight field trip was made by Mr. Mitchell and
seconded by Mr. Serafin.
This trip would be
part of the Nature Studies and English course.
Academic requirements are included.
Mr. Serafin expressed a concern
about any further burdens on trips due to recent medical issues that have been
experienced by other schools.
Mr. Reardon stated
that this would be a relatively low impact trip. 20-25 kids are in the class, and the trip is not
mandatory. Alternatives for those not
participating were included in the planning.
Mr. Serafin asked if there
would be assistance for those who can not afford the trip. Mr. Reardon assured him that with any of the
trips/programs, there is financial assistance available.
ALL IN FAVOR
THE MOTION CARRIED
D. PA WRAP AROUND
TEAM
Mr. Reardon wanted
to share with the board the addition of some of the new component to services
offered at PA. This type of program is a
reality of schools today. 24/7 support
is now available.
o Resource Officer
o Intervention/Prevention Counselor Jay Batchelder
o Resource Support Coordinator Seth Hussey
The Wrap Around Team would be
willing to come back to present additional information to the board later in
the year.
Mr. Hussey has interviewed
students who are struggling with credits and block scheduling time commitments. Standards and goals are developed- weekly,
monthly, year long. Community interest
skill service ideas are discussed.
Many of the kids
are in tough academic shape. Internships
are possible. 2 core academic classes
and 2 “academic” classes through the internships. Students could be included through the
Renaissance Project to pursue GEDs.
25 students currently are in
the program, and there are approximately 40 being referred. The team is working with the guidance office
closely. Many of the students are not
technically “at risk”. Educational
process still needs to be refined.
Experience with businesses is
very positive. There has been much more
interest in this community. Kids have to be committed to the program as well.
Mr. Mitchell asked if there
are classes that students are guided into.
Mr. Hussey stated
that getting the core academics is key.
Goals can be set and achieved.
Mr. Batchelder discussed the
substance abuse side and family outreach components of the program. Getting the
word out to kids and faculty about what they may be hearing /seeing or
questioning things. People are being
encouraged to make a referral. What the
students are willing to work on is a key component.
25 students were recommended. 80 referrals involving approximately 55
students have been received. About 46
students have been met with. In dealing
with potential substance abuse and use, part is education and part is setting
the stage to be able to work with the students and present the opportunities. There already have been opportunities at PA.
Start dealing with
the issues right away, rather than dealing with the delayed response. Connect and address the issues as they are
willing to make a change. Family
outreach has been less formal at this time.
The team is looking forward to working with that aspect as well.
Ms. Boucher asked about the
length of time it might take to get the “word” out to students and families
about what is available.
Mr. Batchelder
responded that about a quarter of the school year would be typical. The best PR
could be the actual student referral.
Some intense work with a few students over time might also be very
effective. It will probably take a few
months anyway.
Mr. Reardon shared
a situation of a kid in crisis and the resources that are available in the
district.
E. OPENING OF
SCHOOL REPORTS
The schools opened. Kids arrived and we are off and running.
Mr. Reardon reported that the
facilities and locker rooms are remarkably different but not finished. Security cameras are up and running. New mural on the side of the building was a
class gift from the class of 2007. New
programs are being developed. Literacy
Initiatives will be very important over the next few years. Music program should also be enhanced.
Peter Aubrey been
a huge help.
Overall Mr. Reardon is pleased
with the personnel changes. Most
importantly, the quality of teaching is terrific! Seeing kids involved in student directed
learning. The commitment of the teachers
to use effective practices is extremely evident.
Again, it’s early
in the year and there are a lot of kids in crisis! A lot of administrative time is spent dealing
and working through issues with kids in difficult situations. Hope that this will change.
Mr. Mitchell asked if there
were reasons why so many kids in crisis.
Mr. Reardon stated
systemic and nation-wide issues are part of the reason, but that he didn’t
really know why. Increase is also seen
by having the services available to work with students and families.
Mr. Haley stated that
the district is able to take advantage of the services.
Mr. Serafin
questioned if the resource officer had only worked at PA.
Ms. Bulkley
reported limited contact so far this year.
Mr. Quinn reported
that he oversaw the drop off process.
Ms. Bulkley reported a pretty
decent start at TRS. Glitches were noted
and have been addressed. Fifth graders are the happiest in the school. Lots of
energy in fifth grade has been noted as well.
Other grades dove right into academics.
Constitution Day planning and activities are underway. It’s being done in an authentic way. It’s been fun to watch.
The schedule was re-worked
this year. Change is always hard, but
the staff and students are working through it.
All students have PE every other day.
Blue and White days were designed to help kids know what days are which.
World languages
meet every other day for 90 minutes, rather than 45 minutes. Health classes have a coordination of
schedules. Baseline data is being
gathered on all students. Again it’s
exciting.
Fundraising started for
Great energy from staff
members. There has been lots of positive feedback. Teachers and programs are making an impact
for kids.
New reading program is in
place. There’s a new literacy program
with the new Reading Specialist. She has
been working with kids who are struggling to survive. Balance with reading instruction and
guidance. She is able to get at the meat
of the issues for why some kids are struggling with reading and
comprehension. Also have another reading
specialist working with some of the special education students.
Mr. Quinn reported that at Hill/Village,
it has been a very nice opening. Both
buildings were ready to open. Different
events to bring parents and children to school have been planned and held. He rode the bus with the kindergarteners.
Over 200 people were counted at BBQ.
PALS also held a “boo-hoo” bunch.
Staff hit the ground
running. He is very optimistic about the
year!
The staff was taken
aback regarding the AYP status. He dedicated
the first staff meeting to addressing reading instruction and strategies. Research
based strategies have been discussed and shared. Programs are being developed with students
who struggle with reading. K-4 grade
levels are looking at students scoring at each level. Addressing the results and planning for
improvement in the testing scores is a priority. Enrollment is at 148 for the
Village & 248 for the Hill.
9/18 Hill Open House
9/19 Village Open House
Security doors have yielded a
few comments. Most shared that it’s a
good idea. Some needed reminders about
why and the access. We are looking at
ways to bring people in. Parents can come any day for lunch.
NECAP- when
anticipate with concrete areas of concerns coming back to the board. Mr. Quinn has met with Art Mearlander, neuron-psychologist
working with the district from Dartmouth-Hitchcock to discuss strategies and
interventions.
Mr. Hanson suggested that
there be a presentation as a program report.
Ms. Bulkley
reminded the board they we did not make AYP in special education. School did meet AYP overall! Fundamental concept is flawed. Dig down to make some recommendations. Shy of teaching to the test and giving up
philosophy of teaching kids to be thinkers and learners- not sure that we can
give that kind of an answer.
Mr. Haley stated that the areas
in question, with preliminary answers to what steps are being taken should be
available by the end of Oct. mtg.
F. PROGRAM
REPORT PLANNING
The following topics were
presented for consideration for program reports this year:
AYP
End of October Wrap
Around Program
Music Co
Curricular presentation
Vocational Update
Drop out rate- going down steadily. (3.1 for PA
3.2 for State)
If there are other items let Mr.
Haley know.
Mr. Hanson wanted to
compliment Mr. Haley and Mr. Warburton for the letter that went out at the
beginning of schools. Mr. Haley also
thanked Ms. Boucher for her assistance.
4. OTHER BUSINESS
A. CITIZENS’
COMMENTS None at this time
5. ADJOURNMENT
NEXT SCHEDULED MEETING
Tuesday, Sept.
25 (PA New staff reception from 6-7 and
then the mtg.)
A motion to adjourn the
meeting was made without objection at 9:39 PM/
6. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
NECAP test coming
up. Follow past practice for late
arrival at Pembroke Academy 10/2-4 for students not involved in the NECAP.
Non traditional graduating
students will march with the class.
Football teams are
winning.
Mr. Serafin mentioned that
snacks were missed at the meeting.
9/24 Public Hearing on the CPI 7PM
10/3 presentation to Selectman is scheduled.