HOPKINTON SCHOOL DISTRICT

School Administrative Unit #66

204 Maple Street

Contoocook, NH 03229

Hopkinton School Board

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

MINUTES

Present: David Luneau, Chair; Kim Fuller, Vice-Chair; Larry Donahue, Liz Durant, Peter Yunich, members; Dr. Val Aubry, Director of Student Services, Dr. Brian Blake, Superintendent, Steve Chamberlin (Principal, HMHS), Chris Kelley (Asst. Principal, HMHS), Michael Bessette (Principal, MSS), Bill Carozza (Principal, HMS), Sheila Connelly (Nurse, HMS), Jeanne Gearing (Nurse, MSS), district staff; and community members.

I. Call to Order

The Chair called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m. and the gathering rose to recite the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Ms. Fuller.

A. Mr. Luneau asked the Board if they would mind parting slightly from the agenda

to discuss the head lice issue first. All agreed.

· Thank you to the school nurses for attending, will bring a lot to discussion.

· Thank you to Sue Reale for bringing this forward.

· Dr. Blake acknowledged the concern over the number of cases in the community. Current policy: School nurse will conduct periodic examinations of pupils heads at appropriate times, such examinations may be of an entire class or of students selected at random. Students found to have pediculosis (head lice or nits) by the school nurse shall be immediately suspended from attendance, the student may be readmitted by the school nurse only after examination.

· Handouts with information and websites were distributed.

· Ms. Connelly spoke to the materials she distributed as well as to the myths and science behind head lice, this and more information is available on the Hopkinton Schools website. Notices are anonymous, no children are embarrassed but it is very important for parents to communicate with the school and anyone else the child may interact if they are found to have head lice. It would be very hard/impossible to check every child on the first day of school with everything else they deal with (other health concerns, medications, etc.)… suggest a prior free clinic for people to bring their children to. Are going to try to make all procedures now uniform from school to school. HIPAA does not apply in this case because you are not identifying the particular student or protected health information in turn.

· Going forward, if a student has lice, a note will be sent home with the entire class stating that “a student” had had a case of head lice. The High School will have to be handled differently as they change classes all day. Their checks will be based upon an examination of who the student typically interacts with, based on an interview with the student and the student’s schedule, extracurricular activities, etc.

· Information will go out to all parents as well as be attainable from the Hopkinton Schools website. All nurses welcome questions, the more questions, the better a parent can treat the head lice.

· Volunteers are not an option and the School Nurse would be in violation if a volunteer broke a privacy law, because they are essentially practicing under the School Nurse.

· We are also trying to avoid “information overload”… where do you draw the line? If you e-mail everyone about every single case of health concern it will be too much. A school-wide e-mail is only used for multiple cases.

· Communication at the parent level is the key. Could it be there is currently a problem because it’s summer time and kids haven’t been in the schools where people are aware and checking?

· All information will be digested and formulated into plans, policies and procedures.

B. Mr. Luneau suggested the Board move the policy items to this point in the

meeting if the public was interested in hearing about possible changes in

the Graduation Requirements and Class Rank policies. All agreed. Class Rank:

· Dr. Blake passed out the newest versions with additional updates of these policies and read through the Class Rank Policy.

· Mr. Chamberlin stated that the policy was developed so a class rank would be to the advantage of students as applicable, but not disadvantage any. In a smaller school, it can be misleading as just a small GPA, change such as a 1.5 drop can mean a 15 place drop in class rank. By eliminating the publishing of the class rank, colleges are forced to look at the whole package.

· Mr. Donahue recommended that the last 4 words in the policy were striked “in a small school”. Mr. Luneau recommended the whole sentence be removed.

· Ms. Durant asked how is it that the guidance office will have enough knowledge as to which schools students may be applying to will want this information or where it will help them or not? – Mr. Chamberlin responded that 50% of high schools currently do not rank, so colleges are used to this. The office would be very proactive when rank could help the top students.

· Ms. Durant asked if there was a plan for communicating this to the parents? – Mr. Chamberlin responded there have been many discussions, in addition to being in the school policies they may also use the newspaper, website, forums, etc. He will work with the policy committee on a date for this to go into effect.

C. Dr. Blake entered the High School Graduation policy into the record as a

document.

· Changes: Science from 2 to 3; Social Studies 2.5 to 3; World Language, finishing a second year (no language requirement prior); new Practical Art and Experiential Learning requirements – former requirement was a total of 20, now will be 24.

· Will any students be exempt from the World Language requirement? – Can be modified in special cases.

· Mr. Yunich questioned the high number of electives. Mr. Donahue said the 21^st Century Task Force put more electives in for those who needed more, above and beyond the core competencies.

· This is a beginning for where we are going with competencies. Beginning with this year’s Freshman class to ensure competency is met – a student does not get credit until they show a 75% competency in core courses.

· For more flexibility there are also opportunities for extended learning opportunities and online courses to lessen the chance of students not being able to take a course they want because of a course they have to take.

· Ms. Fuller pointed out that this is a better use of a student’s time than sitting in a 90 minute study hall.

· Mr. Luneau recommended that the Task Force report be made available to the public.

II. Public Comments

1. Kathy Frieburg: Core subjects should be worth more, electives extra.

2. Julie Morris: Have to catch kids early not when they’re seniors and don’t have enough credits. Transfer students may also not have as many options.

3. Scott Flood: Need to empower the parent to be part of the process, need education on the processes at high school and college levels. On another note, wanted to suggest that homework on the website is more reliable and uniform between all the schools – it is sometimes inaccurate or incomplete. Another comment on books – some cannot be taken home, in concept, paperless is good, but not in this case. Books should be available to all whenever they need them, particularly in the core courses. Ms. Durant suggested that concerns are brought to the building principal.

III. The Superintendent made the following additions to the Agenda:

A. Will be adding action items and a name change to personnel. The change on #13

is not Nicole Gleason, it is Kathryn Graham, a grant funded position for the

month of August.

IV. Correspondence

A. Letter from Yeaton Associates, who did the original design on the rooftop

handling units, not in packet, received late last week. Indicates the unit on the

roof is the correct size.

B. Non-public letter from legal counsel.

V. Mr. Luneau recommended that the Board approve the minutes from the meeting on

July 15, 2008, Ms. Durant seconded. All in favor.

VI. Staff Reports

A. Mr. Chamberlin spoke to “Z Block”. Trying to create a half hour at the end of

the day for access with all teachers and all kids. Concept is starting 7:45 a.m., 5

minute breaks in between classes to make time. Would include teacher-student

meetings, enrichment opportunities – “after school” would no longer be

technically after school. Will have to discuss accountability for kids, bus

schedules, small extra work time for teachers (10 minutes per day). Mr. Yunich

expressed a concern about Hopkinton 2.0 and the changes that are supposed to

take place and where does this fit in? All agreed it is a great idea, need more

planning on implementation.

B. Dr. Blake attending a conference on Professional Learning Communities and

Best Practices, which is becoming the backbone for 2.0. Since April members

of the Leadership team and Teachers have been learning about Professional

Learning Communities. These can possibly save school spending. Dr. Blake is

currently reviewing all information to bring forward at future meetings.

C. The condenser is the correct size for the unit and the size of the room. Dr. Blake recommended that the Board approve and sign the agreement to replace the air compressor in the high school gym.

D. Mr. Bessette discussed the new tile in Maple Street School. It will be completed by the start of school.

E. Mr. Carozza explained we have run into a snag with the multi-purpose use floor at Harold Martin with moisture. A vapor emission test was conducted and confirmed there is too much moisture to install and would eventually lift. Suggested we wait until December when the water tables have gone back down and possibly install over Christmas break. The company stated will store the floor until them and install at same price guaranteed, with a $500 transport and storage fee. The Board’s recommendation was that we will help with transport but they store it at their cost and install if possible in December, then we pay for materials and labor, not before. They should take responsibility that they should have tested the floor before scheduling installation and cutting materials.

F. The Harold Martin sidewalk – all permitting being held at state level, concern over who will be responsible for maintaining, will be school’s responsibility.

VI. Board Comments

VII. Items for Board Discussion

A. Time Clock – payroll frequently is rushed because of late time sheets and necessary signatures. Ms. Clark is searching for a system that is feasible. There would be a payback in time spent dealing with time sheets on all levels. Mr. Yunich stated that he’d like to see the time clock system extended to all workers, not just hourly workers. It would provide a better understanding of the time spent and what workers are getting paid for. Administration given the permission to continue with research and bring forth to the Board when ready.

VIII. Action Items

VIII.

A. There was a discussion regarding the recommended positions to be filled and even though they are in the budget, should they still be filled if they are decided not to be necessary? These items were tabled until after non-public session.

X. Non -Public Session (RSA 91-A:3, II (a)(c))

The Hopkinton School Board convened a non-public session in accordance with (RSA 91-A:3, II (a)(c)). Roll call, all in favor.

The Board returned to public session at 9:51 p.m.

XI. Action Items, cont.

B. PERSONNEL

1. A motion was offered by Mr. Luneau that the Hopkinton School Board accept the resignation of Kate Winslow, IA at Harold Martin School, effective August 4, 2008. Motioned by Mr. Donahue, Ms. Durant seconded the motion, all in favor.

2. A motion was offered by Mr. Luneau that the Hopkinton School Board approve the Superintendent’s nomination for Schedule B positions for the 2008-2009 school year at the Harold Martin School, as follows:

· Acting Principal, Terry Grady

· Artist In Residence Coordinator, Kim Emerson

· Artist In Residence Committee, Don Helman, Mike Alberici

· Elementary Choral, Edna Griffin

Motioned by Mr. Donahue, Ms. Durant seconded the motion, call for vote,

motion carries, 4 in favor, 1 opposed (Mr. Yunich), after a brief discussion

on whether or not the Acting Principal position could be filled by

administrative coverage.

3. A motion was offered by Mr. Luneau that the Hopkinton School Board approve the Superintendent’s nomination for Schedule B positions for the 2008-2009 school year at the Maple Street School, as follows:

· Early AM Duty, Curt Martin

· Acting Principal, Curt Martin

· Crossing Guard, Sue Garlow

· Elementary Band, Mike Alberici

· Elementary Chorus, Barb Jenkins

Motioned by Mr. Donahue, Ms. Fuller seconded the motion, call for vote,

motion carries, 4 in favor, 1 opposed (Mr. Yunich).

4. A motion was offered by Mr. Luneau that the Hopkinton School Board approve the Superintendent’s nomination for Schedule B positions for the 2008-2009 school year at the Hopkinton Middle-High School, as presented in the Board packet. Note: Additions on back of page in packet. Motioned by Mr. Donahue, Ms. Fuller seconded the motion, call for vote, motion carries, 4 in favor, 1 opposed (Mr. Yunich).

5. A motion was offered by Mr. Luneau that the Hopkinton School Board approve the Superintendent’s nomination of Beth Clark, .2 Nurse Clerical for the 2008-2009 school year at the Hopkinton Middle-High School. Motioned by Mr. Donahue, Ms. Fuller seconded the motion, all in favor, motion carries.

6. A motion was offered by Mr. Luneau that the Hopkinton School Board approve the Superintendent’s nomination of Michelle Cotnoir, .1 additional class for yearbook position for the 2008-2009 school year at the Hopkinton Middle-High School. Motioned by Mr. Donahue, Ms. Durant seconded the motion, all in favor, motion carries.

7. A motion was offered by Mr. Luneau that the Hopkinton School Board approve the Superintendent’s nomination of Mark Dixon, .2 additional class due to Biology II being offered, for the 2008-2009 school year at the Hopkinton Middle-High School. Motioned by Ms. Fuller, Mr. Donahue seconded the motion, all in favor, motion carries.

8. A motion was offered by Mr. Luneau that the Hopkinton School Board approve the Superintendent’s nomination of Scott Semmens, .1 additional class due to Adventure Education being offered for the 2008-2009 school year at the Hopkinton Middle-High School. Motioned by Mr. Donahue, Ms. Durant seconded the motion, all in favor, motion carries.

9. A motion was offered by Mr. Luneau that the Hopkinton School Board approve the Superintendent’s nomination of Suzie Brown and Meghan Ezen, afternoon and morning bus duty, respectively for the 2008-2009 school year at the Harold Martin School. Motioned by Mr. Donahue, Ms. Durant seconded the motion, all in favor, motion carries.

10.A motion was offered by Mr. Luneau that the Hopkinton School Board approve the Superintendent’s nomination of Matthew Stone, Director of Technology. Motioned by Ms. Durant, Mr. Donahue seconded the motion, all in favor, motion carries. Dr. Blake noted that the committee when through the process of interviewing and the candidates turned down the position. Matt was found to have the skill level and experience needed for the position. His current position of Network Administrator will need to be filled.

11.A motion was offered by Mr. Luneau that the Hopkinton School Board approve the Superintendent’s nomination of Jeanne Gearing, School Nurse for the 2008-2009 school year at the Maple Street School. Ms. Durant seconded the motion, all in favor, motion carries.

12.A motion was offered by Mr. Luneau that the Hopkinton School Board approve the Superintendent’s nomination of Kathryn Graham, Inclusion Facilitator for the month of August at the Hopkinton Middle-High School. Candidate replaces Cynthia Kruse. Motioned by Mr. Donahue, Ms. Durant seconded the motion, all in favor, motion carries.

13.A motion was offered by Dr. Blake that the Hopkinton School Board approve the Superintendent’s nomination of Kathryn Graham, Instructional Assistant for the 2008-2009 school year at the Maple Street School. Motioned by Mr. Donahue, Ms. Durant seconded the motion, all in favor, motion carries.

14.A motion was offered by Dr. Blake that the Hopkinton School Board approve the Superintendent’s nomination of Sue Claggett, Student Specific Instructional Assistant for the 2008-2009 school year at the Maple Street School. Motioned by Motioned by Mr. Donahue, Ms. Durant seconded the motion, all in favor, motion carries.

15.A motion was offered by Dr. Blake that the Hopkinton School Board approve the Superintendent’s nomination of Ellen Tidd, Inclusion Facilitator, replacing Rosheen Secor for the 2008-2009 school year at the Maple Street School. Motioned by Mr. Donahue, Ms. Durant seconded the motion, all in favor, motion carries.

16.A motion was offered by Dr. Blake that the Hopkinton School Board accept the resignation of Shannan Hudgins, Administrative Assistant to the Director of Student Services, effective August 8, 2008. Motioned by Mr. Donahue, Ms. Fuller seconded the motion, all in favor, motion carries.

B. Other Action Items

1. A motion was offered by Mr. Luneau that the Hopkinton School Board accept the Superintendent’s recommendation for an overnight trip to Greenway Trail. Motioned by Mr. Donahue, Ms. Fuller seconded the motion, all in favor, motion carries. Information in Board packet.

2. A motion was offered by Mr. Luneau that the Hopkinton School Board accept the Superintendent’s recommendation for a budget adjustment, 2008-33 (share of Artist in Residence costs), 34 (overage in legal line), and 35 (food service deficit) in the total amount of $58,619.43. Motioned by Mr. Donahue, Ms. Fuller seconded the motion, all in favor, motion carries. Information in Board packet.

XII. Ms. Durant moved at 10:20 p.m. and Mr. Donahue seconded that the Board enter non-public session as provided in (RSA 91-A:3, II (a)(c)) to discuss Superintendent goals. Motion passed on a roll call vote- Mr.Yunich, Ms. Fuller and Mr. Luneau (all) in favor.

Following a motion by Mr. Donahue, seconded by Mr. Yunich, roll call vote- all in favor, the board came out of non-public session at 10:45 p.m.

Motion to seal minutes of non-public session for one year, motion made by Ms. Fuller, seconded by Mr. Donahue, all in favor, motion passed.

10. Motion to adjourn was made by Mr. Donahue, seconded by Ms. Fuller, all in favor.

Adjourned at 10:46 p.m.

Respectfully submitted, Tara D. Graham

Hopkinton School Board Meeting Minutes

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Maple Street School, Hopkinton NH

Non-public minutes

XII. Non-Public Session (RSA 91-A:3, II (a)(c)).

During the non-public session, the Board discussed Superintendent goals and negotiations.

Mr. Donahue motioned to come out of Non-Public Session. Second offered by Mr. Yunich. Roll call, all in favor. Board returned to Public Session at 10:45 p.m.

HOPKINTON SCHOOL DISTRICT

School Administrative Unit #66

204 Maple Street

Contoocook, NH 03229

Hopkinton School Board

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

I. Chair David Luneau called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Present: Chair David Luneau; School Board members Liz Durant, Larry Donahue, Kim Fuller and Peter Yunich, Business Administrator Michelle Clark, Superintendent Dr. Brian Blake. A moment of silence was taken in the memory of Hopkinton Police Officer, Sean Powers.

II. Additions/Deletions to the agenda: Dr. Blake noted that the lice issue will be discussed as the first item of the evening. Mr. Luneau expressed the need to update the public on the school district’s plan to manage the lice situation, then direct the floor to public comments.

1. Mr. Luneau expressed thanks to everyone for the time spent last week on the topic, which showed a variety of different viewpoints on what to do, what people want to do, pros and cons, best practices and how to handle the situation. There was a lot to discuss after the meeting, an ad hoc committee consisting of 2 School Board members (Mr. Luneau and Ms. Durant) and the Superintendent sorted through the information to come up with a plan.

2. Liz Durant continued the presentation. The committee met on Thursday, after last Tuesday’s Board meeting, a lot of the information received from the meeting was discussed between the committee members, school personnel, school nurses and other administrators – some important areas were recognized as areas that needed to be addressed:

a. Communication to the community at large to be able to deal with and address the situation proactively, before the start of school. Utilizing the list serves, our website and the Town of Hopkinton’s website, local papers and regular posting places (library, Colonial Village, post office and Cracker Barrel).

b. How do we deal with it before the first day of school? This led to the clinic at the Maple Street School to provide head checks prior to the first day of school for any and all members of the Hopkinton community. This will give parents the tools to do checks at home also and instructions if lice are found.

c. Make sure parents have as much information as possible in their hands to be proactive in the community. School personnel will also be very proactive in looking for cases and how to handle cases properly.

d. The policy issue was followed up on, everything possible to minimize the risk will be done going forward and will be consistently communicated to parents. Arrangements can be made if there are individuals that would like checks but are not able to make it to the clinic.

3. No further comments from the Board, the subject was opened to the public for comments:

a. Maureen Houx: If lice is found in a classroom, why can you not inform the entire student body at that point – one class may have it and one may not, then they are both together in a sporting situation. Mr. Luneau acknowledged that this had been discussed among some of the board members, he agreed that the district does need to look at its’ policies on notification going forward through the school year. Specifically, anyone that may have had direct contact is notified. This will be a focus for the policy committee early on in the year, focusing on consistency. Parents being honest and communicating to each other and the schools if their child does get lice is equally important. This may eventually lead to many health-related notifications.

b. Concern was expressed about the high school level, as they are not always as apt to have parents check their heads. There will be random checks as well as checks on students that have had it in the past.

c. If students are allowed in school if they just have nits, how do we know when the nits hatch? Policies throughout area schools range from no-tolerance to the opposite end of the spectrum, we are in the middle. This is something that can be addressed moving forward by the policy committee, but now we need to focus on the coming weeks and back to school.

d. Do they check the entire class if a student in that class is found with lice? What happens at the high school level when they are in different classes each period? It would depend on their schedule and interactions – it is managed through an interview with the student. As many as possible are checked at all levels, with the most discretion as possible.

e. Katie Fryeburg: Students from all different grades are together in after school programs. Will make the professionals involved with those programs aware of the procedures and precautions to be followed.

f. Ms. Durant added again the importance of parents communicating with the school officials, especially the school nurse if their child does get lice and throughout that 10-day period afterwards where there could be a recurrence. – This is essential to successfully handling this situation.

g. Vickie Baronis – will there be information going out in hard copy to all parents on the first day of school? Yes.

h. Cheryl Sisson (who runs the preschool down the street) – would like the heads up if it is in the schools because she may have siblings or others with contact with older children. Dr. Blake will work with the health staff to identify any gaps or areas that need to be identified and what can be done about them. He will follow up with Cheryl directly for the Preschool.

4. Thanks were extended to the board for jumping right on the issue and spending the time to work towards a resolution.

Additions/Deletions cont.: Dr. Blake had 6 nominations to add to the agenda.

III: Correspondence: None.

IV. Approval of Minutes: Minutes were tabled, since there was no board packet for this meeting and no one had a chance to review them. The minutes will be reviewed at the next board meeting.

V. Public comments: None.

VI. Staff Reports/Presentations: None.

VII. Comments from the Hopkinton School Board:

A. Liz Durant: The sidewalk at Harold Martin will be getting underway a bit later than planned but will be completed by November 15^th for reasons of weather and asphalt curing. There will be minimal disruption out in front of the school.

B. Around the same time period, Mr. Luneau noted that we should hear back from the state regarding our Phase II application for infrastructure and study work, more visible signage in both directions by each school, bike racks, etc.

C. The Safe Routes to School committee will be taking on a broader role regarding looking at safety issues and getting children from place to place safer.

D. Mr. Yunich asked about the flooring in Harold Martin – this has not be finalized yet. Bill Carozza to contact Mr. Yunich.

VIII. Items for Board Discussion: None.

IX. Public Comments: None.

X. Action Items

A. Personnel:

1. Hopkinton Middle/High School: Dr. Blake offered a motion that the Hopkinton School Board accept the nomination of Melissa List, student specific IA for the 08-09 school year. Mr. Donahue motioned, Ms. Fuller seconded, all in favor, motion passes. Peter Yunich asked if this was a new position or a replacement position – it was a budgeted replacement position. Dr. Blake noted he had copies of resumes if anyone would like to see them.

2. Hopkinton Middle/High School: Dr. Blake offered a motion that the Hopkinton School Board accept the nomination of Nancy Early, Inclusion Facilitator for the 08-09 school year. Position is in the budget and is in replacement of someone who has left. Mr. Donahue motioned, Ms. Fuller seconded, all in favor, motion passes.

3. Hopkinton Middle/High School: Dr. Blake offered a motion that the Hopkinton School Board accept the nomination of Veronica Walsh, Middle School Student-Specific IA for the 08-09 school year. Position is in the budget. Mr. Donahue motioned, Ms. Fuller seconded, all in favor, motion passes.

4. Hopkinton Middle/High School: Dr. Blake offered a motion that the Hopkinton School Board accept the nomination of Daniel Sturdy, Middle School Field Hockey for the B Team for the 08-09 school year. Position is in the budget. Mr. Donahue motioned, Ms. Fuller seconded, one abstaining (Mr. Yunich), motion passes 4-1.

5. Harold Martin School: Dr. Blake offered a motion that the Hopkinton School Board accept the nomination of Amanda Rucci, IA for the 08-09 school year. Position is in the budget. Mr. Donahue motioned, Ms. Fuller seconded, all in favor, motion passes.

6. SAU: Dr. Blake offered a motion that the Hopkinton School Board accept the nomination of Ann Gator, Administrative Assistant, replacing Shannan Hudgins in Student Services. Position is in the budget. Mr. Donahue motioned, Ms. Fuller seconded, all in favor, motion passes. A question was raised as to the interview process for the SPED Admin. Asst. Dr. Aubry stated that they interviewed 4 candidates out of all that applied. The interview team consisted of herself, Bette House-Meyers, and Michelle Clark – this candidate stood out because of her extensive experience in doing exactly this job and her experience with all computer systems and reporting that Dr. Aubry has to utilize. Her start date will be in at least 2 weeks.

B. Dr. Blake noted that a date needed to be set for the next Board meeting and the DOE-25 is due to the Department by September 1^st – if the Board is willing to review and sign the DOE-25 outside of a meeting we could wait until after then and go to normal September schedules. The Board will take this under consideration and Ms. Clark will e-mail information out to the Board members. Meetings will be back on the 1^st and 3^rd Tuesday schedule in September.

XII. Mr. Luneau moved at 10:00 p.m. and Ms. Fuller seconded that the Board enter non-public session as provided in (RSA 91-A:3, II (a)(c)) to discuss Superintendent goals. Motion passed on a roll call vote- Mr.Yunich, Ms. Durant and Mr. Donahue (all) in favor.

Following a motion by Larry, seconded by Kim, roll call vote- all in favor, the board came out of non-public session at 10:28.

Motion to seal minutes of non-public session for one year, motion made by Larry, seconded by Liz, all in favor, motion passed.

10. Motion to adjourn was made by Kim, seconded by Liz, all in favor.

Adjourned at 10:40 p.m..