June 1, 2005 Minutes of Regular Meeting

Chesterfield School Board

Chesterfield School, 5:30 PM

Present: Jacqueline Reilly, Chair

Barbara Girs, Vice Chair

Jane Carroll, Board Member

Kristin McKeon, Board Member

Judy Idelkope, Board Member

Barbara S. Tremblay, Superintendent of Schools

Wayne Woolridge, Assistant Superintendent of Schools

Timothy Ruehr, Business Manager for Towns

Patricia Trow Parent, Manager of Personnel Services

Martin Mahoney, Principal - Chesterfield School

Sharyn D’Eon, Assistant Principal - Chesterfield School

Susan DeLuca, Recording Secretary

Also Present for a portion of the meeting:

Courtney Penny, 8th. Grade Student

Marissa Philbin, 8th. Grade Student

Chelsea Shepard-ONeil, 8th. Grade Student

Jess Advaree, 8th. Grade Student

Mark Cotton, 8th. Grade Student

Jessa Gobbo, 8th. Grade Student

Alize Cordell, 7th. Grade Student

Sarah Bortnick, 7th. Grade Student

Collie Fulford, Parent

David Cotton, 8th. Grade Student

Mickey Cronin, Parent

Linda Hadden, Parent

Ege Cordell, Parent

Diana Blouin, Parent

Muffy White, Parent

Maria Bissell, Parent

Jim Hogancamp

Karen LeDuc, Teacher

Patty Harris, Teacher

Marilyn Goulas, Teacher

Susan Carbin-Hardee, Parent

Kathy Cotton, Inclusion Aide

Jeremiah Harvey, Student

T.J. Hadden, Student

Ella Montgomery, 8th. Grade Student

Michaela Tolman, 8th. Grade Student

Ruth VanHouten, Community Member

Michele Munson

Jessica Guyette, 7th. Grade Student

Allison Blouin, 7th. Grade Student

Chelsea Fletcher, 7th. Grade Student

Nikki Vanderpoel, 8th. Grade Student

1. Call to Order

2. Non-Public Session - R.S.A. 91-A:3

Staff Personnel

Negotiations

Student Personnel

Chesterfield Minutes

Page 2 of 6

Motion made by Ms. Carroll that the Board move into non-public session at 5:32 under the provisions of R.S.A. 91-A:3 to discuss negotiations. The motion was seconded by Ms. Idelkope and a unanimous roll call vote was taken. Accompanying the Board were Mr. Mahoney, Ms. D’Eon, Ms. Trow Parent, Ms. Munson and Mr. Woolridge.

Motion by Ms. McKeon to return to open session at 6:15 pm. Ms. Carroll

seconded the motion and a unanimous roll call vote was taken.

Motion made by Ms. Reilly that the Board move to non-public session at 6:15 under the provisions of R.S.A. 91-A:3 to discuss staff personnel. The motion was seconded by Ms. Carroll and a unanimous roll call vote was taken. Accompanying the Board were Mr. Mahoney, Ms. D'Eon, Ms. Trow Parent, Ms. Tremblay, Ms. Munson and Mr. Woolridge.

Motion by Ms. McKeon to return to open session at 6:23 pm. Ms. Idelkope seconded the motion and a unanimous roll call vote was taken.

Motion made by Ms. Girs that the Board move to non-public session at 6:23 under the provisions of R.S.A. 91-A:3 to discuss student personnel. The motion was seconded by Ms. McKeon and a unanimous roll call vote was taken. Accompanying the Board were Ms. D'Eon, Mr. Thielen, Ms. Tremblay, Ms. Munson and Mr. Woolridge.

Motion by Ms. Idelkope to return to open session at 6:30 pm. Ms. McKeon seconded the motion and a unanimous roll call vote was taken.

Public Hearing called to order at 6:30 PM

Mr. Ruehr spoke regarding the withdrawal of the expendable trust. As of June 1, 2005 the balance in the general fund is $7,500.00. The tuition line and the special education costs are currently in deficit. They warned the voters they may withdraw up to $66,133 from the expendable trust to cover deficit caused by unexpected tuitions. We budgeted for 164 students and ended up tuitioning 172.5 students.

Ms. VanHouten spoke in regards to the expendable trust withdrawal. She spoke of the Vice Principal’s salary. We should compensate her for extra days worked despite the current deficit.

Ms. Girs made a motion to close the public hearing. Ms. Idelkope seconded. The vote was unanimous.

3. Public Input I

Ms. Tolman requested to read a letter/petition that many students had signed regarding the social studies teacher. Mrs. Tremblay reminded Ms. Tolman that this was a personnel matter and that no discussion could be entertained at this meeting. With that understanding, Ms. Tolman read the letter in support of the social studies teacher.

Mr. Hogancamp spoke regarding Governor Lynch’s program. Mr. Hogancamp complained that in the last meeting in March, kindergarten facts were not presented to school board/budget committee. Mr. Hogancamp also contented that we need succession planning in SAU 29.

Ms. Bissell spoke to the lack of any recreational sports being available to the students in grades kindergarten thru grade 8. The school board, town and the parks and recreation department

Chesterfield Minutes

Page 3 of 6

all agree that the town needs a recreation facility.

4. Approval of Minutes

Ms. Idelkope made a motion to approve the minutes of May 4, 2005 (R). The motion was seconded by Ms. McKeon. The vote was unanimous.

Changes to the May 10, 2005 (S) meeting are as follows: Mr. Woolridge and Ms. Carroll were not present at the meeting. Ms. Carroll did not make the motion, Ms. Idelkope did. Ms. Idelkope made the motion to accept the minutes as revised. Ms. McKeon seconded.

The vote was unanimous.

5. Bills and Manifests

Ms. Girs requested that the Waste Management check be held out. The check amount includes payment into the next fiscal year. We should void check #1000959 in the amount of $827.13. Ms. Girs made a motion to void check #1000959. Ms. Idelkope seconded. The vote was unanimous. Ms. Girs made a motion to approve the manifest of $1,031,220.66 minus check #1000959 in the amount of $827.13. Ms. McKeon seconded and the vote was unanimous.

6. Financial Report

Mr. Ruehr explained the financial standing of the district as of June 1, 2005. He went over each line and explained where we were financially. Ms. Carroll made a motion to approve the financial report as presented. Seconded by Ms. McKeon. The vote was unanimous. Ms. Idelkope made a motion to withdraw up to $66,133 from the expendable trust. Ms. Carroll seconded it and the vote was unanimous.

There are three options for health insurance. Ms. Idelkope made a motion to accept option number 3. Discussion ensued. Ms. Girs seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous.

Mr. Ruehr went over the school lunch program budget report. (See report summary). Recommendations were made for costs to be in line with Keene. Ms. Girs spoke to the lack of participation in the school lunch program. Ms. McKeon made a motion to adopt prices and charge 50 cents for milk. Ms. Girs made a motion to amend the motion. Amendment failed. Discussion ensued. Ms. McKeon suggested that we do not pass recommendations until we can come up with a purpose in July. Put on the agenda in September.

7. Public Input II

In regards to the breakfast menu Ms. VanHouten stated that the statistics show that hungry students are naughty students. School lunch recommendations made by the committee. Mr. Mahoney stated that the school has been making an effort to increase participation in the school lunch program. He has reported to the Board on different occasions.

8. Reports

a. Attendance

Mr. Woolridge reported on the attendance. There were seven students with 15 or more absences for the year. One student of six is in jeopardy of not graduating. Ms. Girs wants a report on what happens to make students drop out. Mr. Woolridge spoke to what the high school is doing now to encourage attendance. Mrs. Tremblay stated that every four weeks a progress report/report card is sent home (eight times a year).

Chesterfield Minutes

Page 4 of 6

b. Principal’s Report

Mr. Mahoney talked about his report touching on the highlights: Honor students, Reading/Math camp, (proactive measure), rubbish removal. There was an accident involving a former student on Sunday, May 29, 2005 that resulted in tragedy.

Assistant Principal’s Report

Ms. D’Eon said that there are still glitches with the conversion. (See her report for further details). She also noted that they are short a couple of hundred dollars for referees.

c. Superintendent/Assistant Superintendent

Mrs. Tremblay spoke regarding the search for the high school principal, which is still ongoing. There is now a need for a Principal for Westmoreland as Mr. Gurney took the position of Assistant Superintendent. We are in need of a Principal for Jonathan Daniels as Ms. Smith is relocating with her family. We have a position open for a Keene Administrator.

AREA meeting was successful. New standards for public school approval (by July).

Mr. Woolridge spoke about Curriculum/NWEA. Curriculum work for two weeks in the summer and Grade level expectations. Piloting NWEA with Marlborough and Westmoreland (small groups).

On June 16, 2005 there will be people in to do training. Discussion ensued regarding curriculum.

d. School Board Members

Ms. McKeon went to a workshop on different ways school boards work. She also learned about Consent agendas.

Ms. Reilly commented that the Endowment Committee is working hard on the September Silent Auction to be held at the fire station.

e. SAU 29 Committees

Ms. Idelkope reported on the health insurance. A motion was defeated to change the health insurance.

f. Facilities

None

g. Treasurer

None

9. Old Business

a. AREA Agreement Status

This was an informational session.

Chesterfield Minutes

Page 5 of 6

b. Other

Ms. McKeon spoke about the approved teacher in the budget. Discussion ensued. Ms. McKeon made a motion, Ms. Girs seconded, to hire the additional teacher that was voted on. Ms. Reilly spoke to the issue as did Ms. Girs, Ms. Idelkope disagreed with a third teacher in the 8th grade with an aide. Ms. McKeon asked who made the decision not to hire another teacher? Who was on the committee? Mr. Mahoney stated that the decision was one of the administration, not the staff. Ms. D’Eon said that it is not class size only but the configuration and other issues that play into the decision. Ms. Carroll spoke. Mrs. Tremblay spoke to all aspects of class size and fiscal responsibility. Establish guidelines with your administration.

Vote taken and Ms. McKeon and Ms. Girls voted in the affirmative and Ms. Carroll, Ms. Reilly, and Ms. Idelkope voted in the negative. The motion failed.

10. New Business

a. Appoint the School District’s Attorney, Physician and Attendance

Officer.

Ms. Idelkope made a motion to appoint Doug Hatfield as the school district attorney. Ms. Carroll seconded. The vote was unanimous.

Ms. Carroll made a motion to appoint Dr. Idelkope as the school district physician. Ms. Girs seconded. The motion passed. Ms. Idelkope abstained.

Ms. Carroll made a motion to appoint Mr. Fairbanks as the attendance officer, Ms. Girs seconded. The vote was unanimous.

b. Student Conduct Policy #2071 - 1st. Reading

Motion made by Ms. Idelkope to approve the policy as presented. Ms.

Carroll seconded. The vote was unanimous.

c. July and August Meeting Dates and Agendas

July 6th., 5:00 - 9:00 PM. Email ideas for the agenda to Ms. Reilly.

Invite board members, Mr. Woolridge and Ms. Munson.

August meeting after Mr. Woolridge and Mr. Mahoney have a chance togo over the policies. It was decided to have a meeting on August 10th., from 5:00 - 9:00 PM.

d. Scholarships

Ms. Carroll spoke regarding scholarships. For the vocational scholarship there were two applications. At the time of this meeting it is down to one applicant. The amount is $500.00.

e. Retreat Follow-Up

f. Action taken as a result of the public hearing

g. Non-School Sponsored Activities

Ms. Bissell sent a letter regarding expanding recreational activities and what the future needs are. Ms. Bissell is looking for direction/support from the school board/friends of Chesterfield School as far as what you deal with on a daily basis. Discussion ensued. Ms. McKeon spoke to the

Chesterfield Minutes

Page 6 of 6

Board coming together with all services for the town, and the school.

h. Assign Board Members to Review Bills and Manifests for July and August

Ms. Girs and Ms. Carroll will review the bills and manifests.

i. Other

Rubbish removal - Waste Management, Orr Brothers or ITT.

Discussion ensued regarding the Waste Management claim. Ms. Girs made a motion to pay Mr. Winn $1,565 via a special manifest. Ms. McKeon seconded. The motion passed.

Ms. Carroll commented that the Orr Brothers were responsible. Ms. Carroll voted in the negative.

Referee money is in account 415 the general fund. The money should be moved to the officials account. Ms. Carroll made a motion to move the money to the officials account. Ms. Girs seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous.

11. Future Agendas

July - Manual of the Chesterfield Board of Education

12. Public Input III

Ms. Munson suggested that the Board work on the length of their meetings.

13. Non-Public Session - R.S.A. 91-A:3

A motion was made by Ms. Idelkope that the Board move into non-public session at 11:45 PM under the provisions of R.S.A. 91-A:3 to discuss student and staff personnel. The motion was seconded by Ms. Carroll and a unanimous roll call vote was taken. Accompanying the Board were Mrs. Tremblay, Mr. Woolridge, Mr. Mahoney and Ms. D’Eon.

Motion by Ms. Reilly to return to open session at 12:15 PM. Ms. Idelkope seconded the motion and a unanimous roll call vote was taken.

14. Adjournment

Motion made to adjourn. The vote was unanimous.

Susan L. DeLuca

Recording Secretary