#411

 

 

HOPKINTON SCHOOL DISTRICT

SCHOOL ADMINISTRATIVE UNIT #66

204 MAPLE STREET

CONTOOCOOK, NH 03229

 

MINUTES

 

Hopkinton School Board Meeting

Tuesday, December 4, 2007

6:30 p.m.

 

Present: School Board Members: Joy Bloomfield, David Luneau, and Kim Fuller; Max Lanocha, Student Representative to the Board; Brian Blake, Superintendent; Michelle Clark, Business Administrator; Cindy Dobe, Director of Technology; Valerie Aubry, Director of Student Services; Steve Chamberlin, Principal, Hopkinton Middle High School; Michael Bessette, Principal, Maple Street School; and Bill Carozza, Principal, Harold Martin School. 

 

I.           Call to Order:  The meeting of the Hopkinton School Board was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Chair Joy Bloomfield.

 

After the Call to Order, everyone stood for the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

II.          Additions to or Deletions from the Agenda:

 

Addition:  X. Action Item,  F. was added to the agenda, regarding the insurance contract for Property Liability and Workers Compensation. 

 

III.         Correspondence:

 

Larry Donahue was unable to be present but emailed notes to Mrs. Bloomfield, Chair, Hopkinton School District, regarding tonight’s agenda.

 

IV.         Approval of Minutes 

 

A motion was made by Mr. Luneau, seconded by Mrs. Fuller to approve the November 20, 2007 minutes as amended. The motion was unanimously approved as amended.  

 

 

THESE MINUTES ARE NOT OFFICIAL UNTIL APPROVED AT THE FOLLOWING BOARD MEETING DECEMBER 17, 2007.

 

Hopkinton School Board Minutes 2007-2008                           1789

 

Amended: Page 1784, Paragraph five, to include the following: “Mr. Donahue asked if there was a teaching certification in yearbook development and that perhaps such certification was why it had not been included as a regular class.  Mr. Chamberlin indicated that he was unaware of such certification and cited adventure education as an area where there is no certification either but where the District has elected it to have regular class status.  Mr. Donahue suggested that we might want to discuss this further in non-public session as it may have Collective Bargaining Agreement implications.”

 

Amended:  Page 1788, XII, to add the words “with regret” after “…to accept the resignation of Michael Timm….”

 

Ms. Bloomfield also wished to point out that the Lake Placid trip approved on page 1787 D. would be paid for by students.

            

V.                 Public Comments 

 

Al Bloomquist requested that the Board remain aware of the burden on Hopkinton’s taxpayers, and to continue to spend low for the next couple of years.

 

VI.         Staff Reports/Presentations:

 

Principals Reports 

 

Mr. Carozza, Principal, Harold Martin School, noted that Hopkinton was awarded $11,900 in infrastructure and $18,849 in non-infrastructure funds from the New Hampshire Department of Transportation under the Safe Routes to School Program.  Mrs. Bloomfield asked for information about the bike safety class; Mr. Bessette, Principal, Maple Street School, responded that this was offered in 5th and 6th grades only as an enrichment class.  Mrs. Bloomfield asked whether students rode bikes to Harold Martin School; Mr. Carozza responded no, but we need safety for walkers.  The abutters to the school have agreed to donate a portion of their property for a sidewalk.  Mr. Luneau noted that many people contributed to this effort.  Dr. Blake noted that funds for these improvements were not approved at the last District meeting, and he was pleased to be able to resolve the safety issue.  This is part of a federal highway program.  We may be able to apply for other grants within this program. 

 

Mrs. Bloomfield referred to Mr. Carozza’s report and asked about the cost for the digital portfolio software. Mr. Carozza replied that the cost was approximately $5,000 for the District.

 

Mr. Bessette reported that students are increasingly using the Internet at home, and a workshop on Internet Safety will be held for 5th and 6th graders.  He passed out a booklet on Internet safety that had been provided by Kelly Ayotte, New Hampshire Attorney General.   Mrs. Bloomfield asked whether the PTA would be involved with the workshop, as in the past.

 

Hopkinton School Board Minutes                                                 1790

 

Mr. Bessette responded that many strategies to increase Internet safety are used; Ms. Dobe noted that she teaches Internet safety workshops to children in the District. Mrs. Fuller asked about parent education; Ms. Dobe responded that she did a workshop for parents, and Mr. Chamberlin noted that a police officer provided a workshop recently at the middle/high school.

 

Mr. Bessette addressed concerns from Mr. Donahue about parent conferences and report cards.  The current conference model has difficulties due to parental schedules, varying needs at different grade levels and contract restrictions.  Mrs. Fuller suggested that the Principals meet to discuss ways of improving the current system. 

 

Mr. Chamberlin, Principal, Hopkinton Middle/High School,  reported that a reception for the Senior to Senior program was held today, in which high school seniors make connections with community seniors.  Mr. Donahue had noted that serving the senior luncheon is a good resource between the community and the schools.  Mr. Chamberlin reported a successful peer outreach retreat, with thirteen students involved.  A former Hopkinton graduate has invited current students to help with public service announcements that may be broadcast nationwide.  Members of the Social Studies Department presented examples of best current practice at today’s faculty meeting.  The school store possibility is in the works with a catalog rather than a physical store.  Mr. Chamberlin noted the recent NEASC letter of concern regarding facility issues; Mrs. Fuller asked for an update on the status of the facility issue.  Modulars are in a separate Warrant Article to meet our needs.  The next step in the NEASC process would be to be placed on warning status.  Mrs. Bloomfield asked about the District garage; Mr. Chamberlin reported that the needs were met with portable storage.

 

Superintendent’s Report

 

Dr. Blake indicated that the Jordan Institute, Partnership for High Performing Schools, which works with schools on energy audits, provides grants to be used for energy audits for each building.  Mrs. Bloomfield expressed her pleasure about Jon Reen’s Mobilex Grant.  Mr. Chamberlin stated that the funds would be used for the greenhouse program which was not supported in this year’s budget.       

      

VII.       Comments from the Hopkinton School Board

 

Mr. Luneau noted that Greener Hopkinton had speakers from the Jordan Institute; the town is interested in this initiative as well.  He also noted that Dr. Blake is now on the Board of NHTI which will help in creating partnerships between the NHTI and the Hopkinton School District.

Mrs. Bloomfield reported that she had received a letter from the Budget Committee.  Budget Committee work sessions will begin next month and will be split up by schools.  The public is invited to voice opinions during this process.  A budget meeting will be held next Wednesday.  Ms. Clark noted that the School Funding Subcommittee of the Budget Committee is researching prior years’ budgets, and is not presently concerned with the 2008-2009 budget.

 

Hopkinton School Board Minutes                                                 1791

VIII.      Items for Board Discussion

 

A.  2008-2009 School District Budget

 

Dr. Blake noted information about mandatory increases: the budget reflects the early retirement of four people, split between 2007-2008 and 2008-2009.  His expectation is that this number will continue in 2008-2009 and future years also.   Ms. Clark noted that civil unions will be legal in New Hampshire  after January 1, 2008, so we must budget for partners.  The transportation contract was put out to bid and First Student Transportation was awarded the transportation contract. Next year will include two kindergarten runs; this year there was only one because of lower numbers.  This was not as cost effective as hoped; some runs were very long and there were other issues with the runs.  Ms. Clark was asked if kindergarten busing is required, and she responded that she does not know; other districts vary in transportation provided.

 

Ms. Clark further explained budget items.  There will be an increase of $45,000 next year, in principal on bonds.  There will be an increase of $5,000 for vocational costs at Concord.

 

Dr. Aubrey gave a lengthy explanation of special education costs. There is an increase in costs for existing students in out-of-district placements.  Contracted services are used for specialized types of disabilities or specific types of consults; consults can helps us to service students within the District.  The new counselor/therapist position will supplement the school psychologist; at present there is one for the entire District.  He is responsible for both testing and counseling.  Many counseling sessions are mandated in IEPs, and are almost impossible to service without an increase in staff.   Discussion was held regarding counseling, other services and the District’s obligations. The District is legally obligated to provide counseling and other services that have a direct impact on a student’s learning and ability to function in the learning environment.  Additionally, the District must provide services to private schools within the geographic area. 

 

Further discussion was held about specific positions and needs in the District.  Dr. Blake suggested that a list of responsibilities could be provided to the Board in the next Board packet, which would describe not job descriptions but the actual responsibilities for the positions in the District. 

 

Dr. Aubry noted that the increase in physical therapy is due to specific student needs, and this service is cheaper to contract out. Further discussion was held regarding therapy and other special education positions that are needed throughout the District.  Discussion was held about Medicaid reimbursement for some of the costs.

 

Discussion was held about non-special education positions, specifically middle school basketball.  Mrs. Bloomfield expressed concern about the District funding this position.

 

 

Hopkinton School Board Minutes                                                 1792

 

 

Ms. Dobe explained the technology requests.  The major increase would fund two computer carts, which are mobile computer labs.  One would be for the high school and the other for Maple Street School.  The carts would allow the schools to integrate technology across the curricula.  Other increases include smaller items such as projectors.

 

It was requested that an agenda change be made to allow for public comments and discussion of the sale of the piano prior to the reading of the Board policies.

 

C.       Sale of Piano

 

Mr. Bessette explained that a buyer had been found for a school piano which is no longer needed and is using valuable space.  Mr. Alberici will follow up with authorization.

 

IX.              Public Comments 

 

David Lancaster, Budget Committee Member, requested that a letter of appreciation be sent to the Tessier family for donation of their land for the Harold Martin sidewalk.  He noted that since the District voted down spending at the last meeting, the Board became creative in finding funding sources, and

should continue to do so in the future.  He wondered whether the absence of two Board members affects the budget process.  He requested that a copy of the NEASC report be made public.  He asked that the Board always use last names when referring to people.

 

Mr. Lancaster asked Dr. Aubry whether there had been an increase in the special needs population to mirror the increased budget expense; she responded in the affirmative.  He suggested hiring more part time employees to avoid paying benefits.  He also requested that the name of the purchaser of the piano be added to the minutes.   

 

Diane LaChance noted that the $5,000 digital portfolio expense doesn’t cover the time of the teacher involved.  She has experience with portfolios, and questions their value compared to time spent.  Her understanding was that the law changing the dropout age to18 becomes effective in 2009 rather than 2008.  She noted that the Contoocook School must increase our costs for testing needs.  She referred to a Harvard study entitled “New Skills for New Schools” which might be useful for District personnel to read.

 

Karen Irwin wanted to know whether benefits are included for a .6 position.  The answer is that unemployment, FICA and workers comp must be provided, but medical, dental insurance and retirement benefits are not

 

A brief recess was taken until 9:30.

 

 

Hopkinton School Board Minutes                                                 1793

 

 

VIII.    Items for Board Discussion (Continued)

 

B. Policies

 

1. Regular Board Meetings Policy

 

The Board discussed the Regular Board Meetings Policy.

 

2. Board Policy Process.

 

The Board discussed Board Policy Process and requested it be sent back to the Policy Committee.

 

3. Non-Public Sessions: The Board discussed Non-Public Sessions

 

The Board discussed Non-Public Sessions and requested it be sent back to the Policy Committee.

 

4.  Public Notification of School Board Meetings

 

The Board discussed Public Notification of School Board Meetings.

 

5. Agenda Preparation and Dissemination

 

The Board discussed Agenda Preparation and Dissemination.

 

6. Minutes Policy

 

The Board discussed the Minutes Policy.

 

7.  Access to Minutes and Public Records

 

The Board discussed the Access to Minutes and Public Records Policy.

 

8. Public Participation at Board Meetings Policy

 

The Board discussed the Public Participation at Board Meetings Policy.

 

9. Evaluation of Board Operational Procedures Policy

 

`            The Board discussed Public Participation at Board Meetings Policy.

 

Hopkinton School Board Minutes                                                 1794

10. Evaluation of the Board Policy

 

The Board discussed the Evaluation of the Board Policy.

 

11. School Board Policies and Administrative Procedures 

 

             The Board discussed School Board Policies and Administrative Procedures.

 

             12. School Board Powers and Duties Policy

                                       

The Board discussed the School Board Powers and Duties Policy.

 

             13. Board Member Authority Policy

 

             The Board discussed the Board Member Authority Policy.

 

             14. School Board Member Ethics Policy

 

             The Board discussed the School Board Member Ethics Policy.

 

             15. Board Officers Policy

 

             The Board discussed the Board Officers Policy.

 

             16. Board-Superintendent Relationship Policy

 

             The Board discussed the Board-Superintendent Relationship Policy.

 

X.          Action Items

 

A. Manifests

 

A motion was made by Mrs. Fuller, seconded by Mr. Luneau, to approve 2007-2008 Manifest Nos. 47-52 in the amount of $773,202.40.  The motion was unanimously approved.

 

B. Policies

 

1.    A motion was made by Mrs. Fuller and seconded by Mr. Luneau to adopt the Evaluation of Board Operational Procedures.  The motion was unanimously approved.

 

2.    A motion was made by Mrs. Fuller and seconded by Mr. Luneau to adopt the Evaluation of the Board Policy.  The motion was unanimously approved.

 

 

Hopkinton School Board Minutes                                                 1795

 

3.    A motion was made by Mr. Luneau and seconded by Mrs. Fuller to adopt the School Board Policies and Administrative Procedures Policy.  The motion was unanimously approved. 

 

4.    A motion was made by Mrs. Fuller and seconded by Mr. Luneau to adopt the School Board Powers and Duties Policy.  The motion was unanimously approved.

 

5.    A motion was made by Mr. Luneau and seconded by Mrs. Fuller to adopt the Board Member Authority Policy.  The motion was unanimously approved.

 

6.    A motion was made by Mrs. Fuller and seconded by Mr. Luneau to adopt the Ethics and Policy Statement Policy.  The motion was unanimously approved.

 

7.    A motion was made by Mr. Luneau and seconded by Mrs. Fuller to adopt the Board Officers Policy.  The motion was unanimously approved.

 

8.    A motion was made by Mrs. Fuller and seconded by Mr. Luneau to adopt the Board-Superintendent Relationship Policy.  The motion was unanimously approved.

 

C.         Budget Adjustment

 

A motion was made by Mrs. Fuller and seconded by Mr. Luneau to approve Budget Adjustment No. 2008-15 in the amount of $600.00.  This transfers funds from Miscellaneous Enrichment to Maple Street School Transportation Field Trips.  Ms. Clark noted that this amount is for the Opening Doors program and should be included under Transportation rather than Miscellaneous Enrichment for general education.  The motion was unanimously approved.

 

D.        Hopkinton School District Audit Bid

 

A motion was made by Mr. Luneau and seconded by Mrs. Fuller to award the Hopkinton School District three year Audit Bid with a two year extension to Plodzik & Sanderson. Ms. Clark explained that although the contract was sent out to bid, this was the only firm to submit a bid and from her research is the least expensive choice for the District. The motion was unanimously approved.

 

E.         Sale of Piano

 

A motion was made by Mrs. Fuller and seconded by Mr. Luneau, to approve the sale of an upright Yamaha Piano (Model M1) with a Maple Cabinet for $150.00.  The motion was unanimously approved.

 

             Hopkinton School Board Minutes                                                 1796

 

F.         Insurance Contract 

 

A motion was made by Mrs. Fuller and seconded by Mr. Luneau, to award the contract for property liability and workers compensation insurance to the Local Government Center, for a three-year period ending in 2011, with a maximum increase of nine percent.  Ms. Clark noted that the Local Government Center is far less expensive than providers in the private sector, and other Districts are changing from Primex to the Local Government Center due to cost increases. Without the 9% cap, the increases could vary widely.   The motion was unanimously approved.

 

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

 

A motion was made by Mr. Luneau and seconded by Mrs. Fuller to enter non-public session  in accordance with (RSA 91-A:3, II (a)(c)) at 9:59 p.m.   The Board by voice vote unanimously approved the motion.  Joy Bloomfield, Yes; David Luneau, Yes; Kim Fuller, Yes.

 

X.      ADJOURNMENT

 

 A motion was made by Mr. Luneau and seconded by Mrs. Fuller to adjourn at 10:15 p.m.                                                        

            

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

 

Brian J. Blake

Hopkinton School Board Clerk

 

 

Hopkinton School Board Minutes 2007-2008                                            1797

 

 

#412

HOPKINTON SCHOOL DISTRICT

SCHOOL ADMINISTRATIVE UNIT #66

204 MAPLE STREET

CONTOOCOOK, NH 03229

 

MINUTES

 

Hopkinton School Board Meeting

Monday, December 17, 2007

6:30 p.m.

 

Present: School Board Members: Joy Bloomfield, Larry Donahue, David Luneau, Kim Fuller, and Marshal Rowe;  Brian Blake, Superintendent; Michelle Clark, Business Administrator; Cindy Dobe, Director of Technology; Valerie Aubry, Director of Student Services; Steve Chamberlin, Principal, Hopkinton Middle High School; Michael Bessette, Principal, Maple Street School; and Bill Carozza, Principal, Harold Martin School. 

 

I.           Call to Order:  The meeting of the Hopkinton School Board was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Chair Joy Bloomfield.

 

After the Call to Order, everyone stood for the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

II.          Additions to or Deletions from the Agenda:

 

 Addition, Item VIII, Items for Board Discussion: 7. Acceptance of Grant Funds.

 

III.         Correspondence:

 

Dr. Blake noted that a letter from Beth Henderson accepting the Early Retirement provision was included in the Board packet.  Dr. Blake shared a letter received from U.S. News & World Report acknowledging Hopkinton High School has been awarded the silver medal in the first annual list of American’s Best High Schools placing Hopkinton High School one of the top 500 schools in the country.  The Silver Medal is based on standardized test performance, proficiency rates of all students, including the least advantaged, and challenging college-ready curriculum.

 

IV.         Approval of Minutes 

 

A motion was made by Mr. Rowe and seconded by Mrs. Fuller to approve the December 4, 2007 minutes as amended. The motion was unanimously approved as amended.

 

Amend:  Page 1791, Item VII, should read:  He also noted that Dr. Blake is on the Board of NHTI which will help in creating partnerships between NHTI and the public schools throughout New Hampshire.

 

THESE MINUTES ARE NOT OFFICIAL UNTIL APPROVED AT THE FOLLOWING BOARD MEETING JANUARY 8, 2008.

 

Hopkinton School Board Minutes 2007-2008                           1798

Amend:  Page 1792, Item VIII, should read:  …..consults can help us to service students within the District.

 

Amend Page 1792, Item IX,  David Lancaster recommended it would be good to know the number of tests conducted each year over a three to five year period.

 

Addition Page 1793, Item VIII, C.  Sale of Piano, The Maple Street School piano was sold to Mr. & Mrs. Glenn Walling, Contoocook, NH.

 

Amend:  Page 1793, IX:  Karen Irwin….. The answer is that unemployment, FICA, workers comp, medical and dental insurance and retirement is provided to .6 employees.

                         

VI.               Public Comments   

 

David Lancaster, Budget Committee Member, congratulated Hopkinton High School on receiving the Silver Medal Award.

 

VI.         Staff Reports/Presentations

 

       1. Monthly Financial Report

 

Michelle Clark, Business Administrator, provided a Financial Report produced by our computer system and asked if this report provides all the information the Board needs.  Ms. Clark reported that there are no unforeseen expenses and revenues are as anticipated.

 

VII.       Comments from the Hopkinton School Board

 

Mr. Rowe complimented Michelle Clark for having the audited financials on the Hopkinton School District website.

 

Mrs. Bloomfield read a letter from Hopkinton parents that stated they had met to discuss concerns about ensuring there is support for teachers and staff to promote differentiated education and curriculum development in our schools.

 

VIII.      Items for Board Discussion

 

1.       District Cost Analysis Presentation

 

Larry Donahue noted that for two years he heard that the School District is out of control in spending.   Mr. Donahue questioned how Hopkinton’s spending falls within the state averages and individual districts.  Mr. Donahue shared a PowerPoint presentation based on the DOE 25 which does not include transportation costs.  Mr. Donahue explained that the State average for student costs is skewed because the larger school districts weigh in heavier because they have more students.    Mr. Donahue stated that when Hopkinton is compared with individual districts that are similar, Hopkinton’s per student cost is not out of whack and Hopkinton provides an above average education.  Mr. Donahue’s data showed that Hopkinton’s cost per student has not grown, but weekly wages have not kept pace.  Mr. Donahue stated he is proud of our schools for containing costs and gave kudos to all previous and present Hopkinton School Board members and Leadership Teams for the past eight years.  He noted that by the District maintaining costs the District is actually losing ground.  Mr. Donahue stated the District could continue to improve the quality of education, but the status quo is not maintaining education, or we can try to stem the financial gap between costs and weekly wages.  Mr. Donahue noted that some of the items blocking our ability to make fundamental changes are fear, uncertainty, doubt, current collective bargaining agreements, facility needs and funding.  He noted the mechanisms needed to move forward are creativity and District stature (top 500 high schools in country, blue ribbon awards).  Mr. Donahue asked if the Board and Leadership Team are ready to take on the challenge of moving forward the educational landscape of Hopkinton and the State of New Hampshire. 

 

Hopkinton School Board Minutes 2007-2008                           1799

 

Karen Irwin, Budget Committee Chair, asked what the DOE 25 included.  Ms. Clark stated it included the General Fund and Food Service.  Ms. Clark noted that transportation costs are not included on the DOE 25.

 

Mr. Rowe stated that he agrees with Mr. Donahue and noted it is important to acknowledge the quality of education delivered in Hopkinton while noting that the District has contained spending below the state average.

 

2.       2008-2009 School District Budget

 

Dr. Blake noted that last week the Board requested the Leadership Team provide a budget making significant cuts and showing the impact on education.  Dr. Blake noted that the perception is that the District has too many Instructional Assistants. Before hiring Instructional Assistants, the need is scrutinized very carefully.  Most Instructional Assistants are one on one assistants.  The Board discussed the suggested 2008-2009 Budget cuts presented by the Leadership team.

 

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

 

A motion was made by Mr. Rowe and seconded by Mr. Donahue to enter non-public session in accordance with (RSA 91-A:3, II (a)(c)) at 8:30 p.m.   The Board by voice vote unanimously approved the motion.  David Luneau, Yes; Kim Fuller, Yes; Larry Donahue, Yes; Marshall Rowe, Yes; Joy Bloomfield, Yes;

 

VIII.      Items for Board Discussion (Continued)

 

2.        2008-2009 School District Budget

 

Mr. Carozza presented the Board with Harold Martin School enrollment figures over the last ten years, the average class size for the state and Harold Martin School as well as projected enrollment for 2008-2009.  The Board requested Harold Martin School enrollment be monitored.  Dr. Blake noted that even though the District is able to make these cuts no one is in favor of them and in the long run it is not necessarily the best for kids, but understanding where we are and where the community is they need to be made.  The Board discussed the 2008-2009 Warrant Articles particularly No. IV which would designate the School Board as agents to expend from the Repair and Maintenance Expendable Trust Fund noting that a public hearing would need to be held in order to expend any monies from this fund with the School Board as agents and Warrant Article No. VIII which addresses the creation of a New Hampshire Retirement Expendable Trust Fund due to the prediction that the Employer contribution for the New Hampshire Retirement Fund rate for the 2009-2010 school year will increase from 6% to 10%, a 4% increase.  If this increase happens, the retirement costs to the Hopkinton School District for the 2009-2010 school year will increase by $350,000.

 

Hopkinton School Board Minutes 2007-2008                           1800

 

3.       Additional Kindergarten Bus Run

 

Michelle Clark, Business Administrator, noted that with Kindergarten enrollment, the District felt one Laidlaw Kindergarten run and one District Kindergarten run would be sufficient, but they are not.  Kindergarteners have been on the bus for over an hour, parents have been unhappy and we have asked them to be patient until January 2008.  Mr. Luneau asked what does a Kindergarten route cost.  Ms. Clark reported approximately $5,742.

 

4.       Unemployment Insurance Contract

 

Michelle Clark, Business Administrator, noted that the District requested quotes for the Unemployment Insurance Contract. The Local Government Center quoted a rate of .38% on total wages a savings of approximately $5,000 this year.

 

5.       AMC Highland Center Trip

 

Mr. Chamberlin noted over the holiday break the ski team will participate in an overnight trip at the AMC Highland Center for training.  The students pay for their own trip. There is no cost to the District.

 

6.       Policies

 

It was the consensus of the Board to table discussion of all listed policies until the next Board Meeting.

 

a.       Regular Board Meetings Policy

       b.   Public Notification of School Board Meetings

       c.   Agenda Preparation and Dissemination

       d.    Minutes Policy

       e.    Access to Minutes and Public Records

       f.    Public Participation at Board Meetings Policy

 

7.       Donations

 

Dr. Blake noted that the RSA states a public hearing must be held to accept any donations received by the District over $5,000. Dr. Blake reported that a public hearing will be held in January to accept the Sidewalk grant received by the District.  Donations received in the amount of $5,000 or less needs to be reported to the School Board.  Dr. Blake reported that a donation of $2,000 was received by the Robotics First from Osram Sylvania; $3,000 was received by Robotics First anonymously and $1,000 was received by the Support Student Fund from the Rotary Club.

 

Hopkinton School Board Minutes 2007-2008                           1801

 

XI.              Public Comments 

 

David Lancaster, Budget Committee member, noted his appreciation of all the hard work on the part of the Board.  Mr. Lancaster noted that Mr. Donahue’s presentation was informative, but noted that the per pupil cost was approximately 10% over the state average when the community started to request the District reduce it’s per pupil costs which they did to 4% over the state average.  The process of lowering per pupil costs in the District needed to occur.  Mr. Lancaster stated that with the New Hampshire Retirement costs increasing, the School Board really needs to look at the District Guidelines in relation to class size as staff is the most expensive part of the District’s budget.  Mr. Lancaster remarked that if the community designates the School Board as agents to expend and the RSA does not require the Board to hold a public hearing in order to spend monies from the Repair and Maintenance Trust Fund that just noting that in the minutes won’t bind future Boards to hold a public hearing.  The Selectmen hold a public hearing during their regularly scheduled Selectmen’s meetings to accept grants or donations, etc.

 

XI.        Action Items

 

A. Manifests

 

A motion was made by Mrs. Fuller seconded by Mr. Donahue to approve 2007-2008 Manifest No. 53 in the amount of $55,266.68. The motion was unanimously approved.

 

B. Personnel

 

A motion was made by Mr. Donahue and seconded by Mr. Luneau to accept the resignation of Jacob Roth-Ritchie, Instructional Assistant, Hopkinton Middle/High School, with regret effective January 14, 2008.  The motion was unanimously approved.

 

a.       Additional Kindergarten Bus Run

 

A motion was made by Mr. Donahue and seconded by Mr. Luneau to approve an additional Kindergarten Bus run.  The motion was unanimously approved.

 

b.    Unemployment Insurance Contract

 

A motion was made by Mrs. Fuller and seconded by Mr. Rowe to award the Unemployment Insurance Contract to the Local Government Center.  The motion was unanimously approved.

 

c.       Policies

 

1.       It was the consensus of the Board to table the adoption of the Regular Board Meetings Policy. 

2.       It was the consensus of the Board to table the adoption of the Public Notification of School Board Meetings Policy. 

3.       It was the consensus of the Board to table the adoption of the Agenda Preparation and Dissemination Policy. 

 

Hopkinton School Board Minutes 2007-2008                           1802

 

4.       It was the consensus of the Board to table the adoption of the Minutes Policy. 

5.       It was the consensus of the Board to table the adoption of the Access to Minutes and Public Records Policy. 

6.       It was the consensus of the Board to table the adoption of  the Public Participation at Board Meetings Policy. 

 

d.       AMC Highland Center Trip

 

A motion was made by Mr. Donahue and seconded by Mr. Rowe to approve the AMC Highland Center Trip, December 27, 2007 through December 29, 2007.  The motion was unanimously approved.

 

e.       Budget Adjustment

 

A motion was made by Mr. Donahue and seconded by Mrs. Fuller to approve 2007-2008 Budget Adjustment No. 2008-16 in the amount of $737.00 to replace computer equipment.  The transfer is from Middle School Industrial Arts Repair to the Computer Department.  The motion was unanimously approved.

 

f.        2008-2008 School District Budget and Warrants

 

A motion was  made by Mr. Rowe and seconded by Mrs. Fuller to adopt the 2008-2009 Hopkinton School District Budget $15,573,560 and 2008-2009 Warrant Articles No. 1-10 in the amount of $331,389.  The motion was unanimously approved.

 

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

 

A motion was made by Mr. Rowe and seconded by Mr. Donahue to enter non-public session in accordance with (RSA 91-A:3, II (a)(c)) at 10:45 p.m.   The Board by voice vote unanimously approved the motion.  David Luneau, Yes; Kim Fuller, Yes; Larry Donahue, Yes; Marshall Rowe, Yes; Joy Bloomfield, Yes;

 

XIII.      ADJOURNMENT

 

 A motion was made by Mr. Rowe and seconded by Mrs. Fuller to adjourn at 11:30 p.m.                                                       

            

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

 

Brian J. Blake

Hopkinton School Board Clerk

 

 

 

Hopkinton School Board Minutes 2007-2008                           1803