MINUTES OF MEETING

BARTLETT SCHOOL BOARD

Josiah Bartlett School Library

September 4, 2007

1.         Call to Order: 

The meeting of the Bartlett School Board was called to order at 6:00 p.m. Present were: Vicki Harlow, Rob Clark, Michael Murphy, Dan Perley, Nancee Caughey, Dr. Carl Nelson, and Joe Voci.   There were 2 members of public/staff present.

2.         Approval of Minutes (8-7-07):  The following correction was noted by Mr. Perley:  Pg. 2, Item 8,E, should reflect Motion to increase adult lunch price to $2.00 was made by Mr. Perley, seconded by Mr. Murphy.  Motion was made by Mr. Perley, seconded by Mr. Murphy, to approve the Minutes of the August 7^th meeting as corrected.  The motion carried with 3 votes in the affirmative and Mr. Clark abstaining as he had not been present.  Ms. Caughey did not vote.

            Swearing In of Newly Appointed Member:  Justice of the Peace, Rob Clark, conducted the swearing in of newly appointed member, Nancee Caughey.

3.         Presentation of School Programs/FYI Items: 

            A.  JBES Survey Questionnaire – Ms. Harlow made note of the number of places where parents referred to the idea of challenging brighter kids, closing the achievement gap by putting a lot of attention and support to the kids that are getting lower grades.  She said we have a dual challenge to accelerate the performance of those who are already ahead, and to help those who are academically behind to catch up and achieve success. 

            Ms. Harlow questioned the section referring to “Child’s specific classroom,” which references closed door policy.  Mr. Voci stated they have always had an open door policy, holding kids till the first bus comes in (going to classrooms).  He noted a lot of parents want conferences, but that is the teachers’ time to get ready for the day.  Mr. Clark questioned wouldn’t the closed door policy relate to the classroom? it is not actually a closed door policy. 

Mr. Voci said we achieved AYP this year.  He said he has from the State a listing of every student in the building and their projected target, but needs to explain to parents that when he did the count today of those who did not make their projected target, it was probably only by one or two points.

            Ms. Caughey questioned percentage of response and Mr. Voci said about 1/3 responded (94 references).  Ms. Caughey questioned whether this is the first time out for this survey.  Mr. Voci said it is for that one – they have done three in the past.  Last year they did not do it - teachers K-8 sent out evaluations to parents on their own. 

            Mr. Murphy noted under extra curricular activities it sounds like communication sometimes gets lost.  Mr. Voci said he feels part of that is middle school kids do not bring it home, and part is referring to the recreation dept.  Mr. Clark suggested a listing of frequently asked questions might help.  Mr. Voci stated also he will be beginning again this year the “Meeting with the Principal” meetings.  Mr. Perley pointed out that much of the information is grade specific and felt the teachers could come up with frequently asked questions from their loop. 

4.         Public Comments:  Henry Villaume provided a list of questions:  (1) Has the Board considered the implications to Bartlett of a statewide NEA contract for teachers?  He noted at the meeting at the Grand Summit they were talking about a statewide contract with the teachers.  Is the Board going to discuss and take a position with that?  Ms. Harlow advised him that no one has come to the Board with that.  Mr. Villaume said he feels we have, within the valley, a better than average NEA contract, and having a statewide contract would have the potential of taking that advantage away from the towns.  There will be no differentiation, which will come into play when Mr. Voci is trying to hire people.  Mr. Voci agreed he has lost a couple of good candidates because of better money being offered elsewhere.

            (2)  Where do we stand on the school bus utilization survey that is necessary to make a prudent bus size decision when this comes up during the budgeting process?  Dr. Nelson stated Carol Bennett will do a count this week over a four day period.  Mr. Clark said based on a rumor he was told the driving age was going up to 18 (which is not true), but if that should happen it would change the bus numbers drastically.

            (3)  Has the fee for Jackson bus pick-up been eliminated?  Are we considering a fee for similar trip sharing with the late bus from the high school?  (Note:  this is petty on both sides and should be eliminated.)  Mr. Villaume was told nothing has changed at this point.  He stated we should then discuss cooperation with high school students and the late bus; we need to give the Jackson Board a reason for considering that in a positive manner.  Ms. Harlow stated the Board did meet with the Jackson Board and is discussing and looking into various ideas.

            (4)  The Board voted last year to develop a policy on the summer fishing trip sponsored by the Principal.  Has this been done?  Dr. Nelson stated the Board is currently setting up a date for policy meeting. 

            (5)  Is the Board considering adjusting the calculation that is used for tuition calculations [for out-of-towners? For adjacent school districts?]  If we consider the Conway tuition contract as a model of modern thought on the subject, these outside tuitions can provide significant savings for the Bartlett taxpayer as it has done for Conway taxpayers.  Mr. Villaume noted Conway has lead the way in giving us an opportunity of revising our thoughts on this, providing for a cash flow increase.  It would allow us to offset it, would be less of a turn back without something like this.  He asked whether the Board would consider recalculating this in line with the model of modern thought on the subject of these tuitions?   Ms. Harlow told him we discussed that and are considering the cost either way.  Mr. Villaume said tuition charges are based on 35/65%, if we dropped that, it would increase the income for the town.  He noted we have always used ADM and should consider using the other formula.  Dr. Nelson said when this was discussed there was agreement at the table that there was an incentive to change the contract.  Ms. Harlow asked “You want us to place a higher percentage on property value and less on ADM?”  She said she feels that would be hypocritical now to resort to a formula that heavily weights equalized property value.  Mr. Villaume stated we are getting whacked really hard and that is the only place we have,  this becomes a bargaining chip in the game of playing with the school buses, etc.   

            (6)  Has the Board considered preparing a goal set for the testing reported by the SAU #9 on the high school?  All categories are currently below state averages as shown in last year’s report.  Mr. Villaume said the report last year listed a number of categories that were all listed as being below State and national average and questioned whether we have the opportunity under the contract of putting in meat and forcing a gain or program where they make gains against those goals of at least getting par with State averages?  Ms. Harlow stated we cannot get out of the contract, but can take a positive position in expressing our deep concern in that they have not met with a par value.  Dr. Nelson said you can look at the goals you want to attain and say you agree or do not agree with them.

            Mr. Villaume said when it came time this year for the Conway School Board to consider what to do with $1.25 million overage he wrote to them to do something to correct the deficiencies outlined in the SAU #9 report.  Their response was there is nothing we can do.  He said he would urge that we be more aggressive in telling the Conway School Board we expect them to do something, and will have results.  Ms. Harlow stated she feels that is happening. 

            Mr. Villaume questioned ratio of students per computer, his feeling being that with the Bartlett School our ratio is much better than the State or the high school.  Dr. Nelson stated with the new high school it is going to be closer to 3 to 2 or 2 to 1.  Mr. Villaume questioned SAT scores for last year.  Dr. Nelson stated the report card is put together in February, that is the focus time to see how we stack up to last year.

5.         Old Business:  None.

6.         Instructional Issues:  None.

7.         Consider Personnel Actions:     

            A.  Re-election of Jay Barnett as Bus Driver – Motion made by Mr. Clark, seconded by Ms. Harlow, that the Board approve rehiring of Jay Barnett as Bus Driver at $13.69/hr. and that he be allowed to bring his bus to his home. 

            Discussion:  Ms. Harlow said we discussed previously the wisdom of the bus traveling those extra miles and questioned why the driver does not drive from his home to the bus.  Mr. Voci explained they can only keep two buses presently at the town hall due to space and number of plug-ins.  Last year they stored the bus at Valladares’ (who does the bus repairs) in Albany, five miles from Kennett Middle School.  It was his opinion that the best place for Mr. Barnett to take the bus and, what he should do, is to take that bus home (Madison), that he would put more miles on it if he were to drive back to town hall.

            Dr. Nelson suggested they could store it at the SAU Office, that the key issue is the miles being put on the bus.  Mr. Clark questioned whether it is better to park it at a private residence where there is someone present as opposed to in a parking lot.  Dr. Nelson said we can see if we can find a better location, if not, allow Mr. Barnett to take it home until we find a better location.

            Motion was made by Ms. Harlow, seconded by Mr. Clark, to amend the motion to allow the driver to take the bus to his home in Madison until a more appropriate location can be found.  Motion carried as amended by unanimous vote.

            B.  Accept Resignation of Gloria Brennan – Motion was made by Mr. Clark, seconded by Ms. Caughey, that the Board accept with regret the resignation of Gloria Brennan as Title I Reading Teacher and Hiking Club Coordinator effective 8/14/07.  Carried by unanimous vote.

            C.  Accept Resignation of Jamie Webb - Motion made by Mr. Clark, seconded by Mr. Murphy, that the Board accept with regret the resignation of Jamie Webb as 2^nd grade Assistant and Field Hockey and Softball Coach effective 8/31/07.  Carried by unanimous vote.

            D.  Recommendation to Hire William McCarthy as Custodian – Motion was made by Ms. Caughey, seconded by Mr. Murphy, that the Board approve hiring William McCarthy as full time year round Custodian effective 8/27/07.  Carried by unanimous vote.

            E.  FYI - Transfer of Aides – A listing of four Aides to be transferred was provided as well as note of one open Aide position.    

            F.  Election of Sarah Giroux as Middle School Field Hockey Coach – Motion was made by Mr. Murphy, seconded by Mr. Perley and carried by unanimous vote, that Sarah Giroux be elected Middle School Field Hockey Coach. 

            G.  FYI – Long-term Substitute for Beth Richards – The Board was advised that in the absence of Beth Richards who is on sick leave, Jennifer Sabina will serve as long term substitute in Title I Reading effective 8/30/07. 

            H.  Recommendation to Hire Carol Weeks as Title I Reading Assistant – Motion was made by Mr. Murphy, seconded by Mr. Perley and carried by unanimous vote, that Carol Weeks be hired as Title I Reading Assistant, a 3-hour per day position.

8.         Business Affairs:

A. 2007-08 Budget Status Report – Report not available at time of meeting.

B.  Consider Request for Tuition Student – Motion was made by Mr. Clark, seconded by Mr. Murphy, that the Board approve accepting Andrew Casella as a tuition student in the 6^th grade class.  It was established that there is room in the class to accept this student.  Motion carried by unanimous vote.

C.  FYI – 2006-07 Year End Summary of Expenses and Receipts – Dr. Nelson reported the District will use $454,322 to offset taxes for the coming year, which includes about $108,000 in revenues not anticipated.  Dr. Nelson noted that $42,000 was collected on the bus which was totaled, they received $26,000 in Catastrophic Aid, $11,000 to $12,000 in private school tuition not anticipated.  It was noted that under expenditures there was $185,000 not spent in regular tuition to Conway, and $224,000 in regular and Special Ed tuition or Aides that they did not spend budgeted money for (either due to IEP having changed or the person having moved).

Ms. Caughey questioned whether the Board reviewed a wish list.  Dr. Nelson advised that they did and it included a number of items in the kitchen, some spending for the new truck, and some equipment.  Mr. Clark questioned why it is that we cannot hold the money and then use it.  Dr. Nelson explained the State does not allow School Districts to carry over funds – they can be placed in reserve, but it has to be voted on at the Annual Meeting, or the District could establish a trust fund for money left in the fund balance at the end of the school year.  

D.  Signing of DOE-25/MS-25 Reports – All documents were duly signed. 

E.  Consider Request for Tuition Student – Motion was made by Ms. Caughey, seconded by Mr. Perley, that the Board accept a student residing in Jackson into the JBES 6^th grade class on a tuition basis.  Carried by unanimous vote.

9.         Administrators’ Reports: 

A.  Principal – Mr. Voci noted that Vicki Varrichione is established at the high school one day a week and will be submitting monthly reports to the Board.  He said she has already made a huge impact with meetings, attended freshman orientation, was on hand for first day of school to help kids find buses, will be establishing a mentoring program, and has an office at the school. 

Mr. Voci noted in our continuing community service, we have from the NH Community College a microbiology class using high quality microscopes, etc. 

The Policy Committee will be meeting on Oct. 2^nd prior to the regular Board meeting. 

Mr. Voci reported opening day was awesome; the second year of looping helped.  They had 17 withdrawals, 25 enrollments; a total of 310 students.

Mr. Voci stated the Unified Arts Team, with Peace as the theme, will be designing T-shirts for the next two days culminating with a gathering on Friday, Sept. 7^th, at 9:15 a.m.

A letter has been received from a Principal from Lincoln saying how much he liked being in the building. 

Invitation has been extended by Valley Outreach (an organization that provides psychological and social services for families in need) for the School District to attend the annual dinner forum on Sept. 26^th.

Mr. Voci reported the trusses are up on the garage.  The K-wing went off flawlessly, all the trim and stucco have been repainted, the landscaping looks good.  Mr. Clark acknowledged the fine job done by everyone involved.

B.  Superintendent – Dr. Nelson wished to reiterate Mr. Voci’s comment about the start of the school year, noting they had a great start throughout SAU #9, including Kennett Middle School which was ready on time, and offered a big thank you to the custodians and people who put everything together. 

Dr. Nelson announced an SAU Executive Board meeting has been scheduled for Sept. 12^th; however, it is a light agenda and may not go forward. 

He noted Bartlett’s representative to the Conway Building Steering Committee (which will be meeting on Sept. 20^th at the high school) was Frank Moffatt who is no longer on the Board.  Ms. Caughey volunteered to replace him; however, it was noted that the high school piece is done, the Middle School will not be done until 2008 and Bartlett has its own Middle School.  Dr. Nelson offered to notify Ms. Caughey of the agendas and she can decide whether she wishes to attend. 

It was reported that there will be a joint School Boards meeting on Sept. 27^th  at 6:30 p.m. at Mineral Springs Café at KHS. 

There will be a meeting with Jackson School Board on Oct. 2^nd at 5:00 p.m., with a Policy meeting at 5:45 p.m.

10.      Board Member Issues – Board Discussion:

A.  Committee Reports (Bus, Budget, Personnel, Policy, Technology) –

Ms. Harlow reported the Bartlett/Jackson tuition contract committee met, relooked at bus routes to see if there is financial advantage to calculating inflation factor to 2.5%.  Mr. Perley said even if it meant we got the money up front, at the end of the year we might owe Jackson money so it is a wash. 

Ms. Harlow noted she attended the first staff meeting and was struck by the  enthusiasm of the group and the compassion for fellow teachers.  She noted Mark’s new cafeteria equipment looks great. 

Mr. Clark questioned how scheduling of committee meetings is handled and was told they are scheduled as needed.  Mr. Voci suggested he and Mr. Murphy should meet regarding the Enrichment Committee.  Mr. Clark noted also there are issues that need to be addressed with regard to the Bus Committee.  Messrs. Clark and Murphy serve on that Committee. 

Ms. Harlow questioned why on the small bus if there are empty seats why are there not other children on that bus in order to foster social interaction and so the students can get to know each other.  Mr. Voci stated the problem is that they have two kids who get to school at 8:00 a.m. and need to be picked up – this was written into their IEPs and being in this environment settles them down.  Also there is one student who goes to Pine Tree, one who goes to Kennett. 

B.  Election of Vice-chairperson – Motion was made by Ms. Caughey, seconded by Mr. Perley, that Rob Clark be nominated as Vice-chairperson.  Motion carried with 4 votes in the affirmative and Mr. Clark abstaining.   

C.  Goal Setting Date – It was agreed Dr. Nelson will send out last year’s goals, members can see if there are changes they want made or goals to be added.  Also Mr. Voci will submit a summary of what has been accomplished thus far.  All will be reviewed at the Oct. 2^nd meeting.

11.       Public Comments:  None.   

12.       Non Public Session – None.

13.       Adjournment – Motion was made by Mr. Perley, seconded by Mr. Murphy and carried by unanimous vote, that the meeting be adjourned at 7:30 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

                                                                        Gail T. Currier, Recording Secretary