#411
SCHOOL ADMINISTRATIVE UNIT #66
MINUTES
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,
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.
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
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,
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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.
A
motion was made by Mr. Luneau and
seconded by Mrs. Fuller to award the
E.
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
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
#412
SCHOOL ADMINISTRATIVE UNIT #66
MINUTES
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
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.
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,
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
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
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
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
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
5.
Mr.
Chamberlin noted over the holiday break the ski team will participate in an
overnight trip at the
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.
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
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.
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.
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