HOPKINTON SCHOOL DISTRICT

School Administrative Unit #66

204 Maple Street

Contoocook, NH 03229

Hopkinton School Board

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

I. Chair David Luneau called the meeting to order at 6:37 p.m. Present: Chair David Luneau, Co-Chair Kim Fuller, School Board members Larry Donahue (arrived at approximately 6:50 p.m.), Liz Durant and Peter Yunich, Superintendent Dr. Brian Blake, Business Administrator Michelle Clark, Director of Student Services Dr. Val Aubry, Director of Technology Matt Stone, Administrative Assistant Tara Graham, Principal Steve Chamberlin, Principal Michael Bessette, Principal Bill Carozza, and Assistant Principal Chris Kelley.

II. Additions/Deletions to the agenda: Action items #3 and #4, regarding early retirements, to be read later during that section of the meeting.

III. Correspondence

A. Dr. Blake received notice from Counsel Tom Barry following up on the Irrevocable Letter of Credit which was asked to be reviewed during the last Treasurer’s Report. Mr. Barry communicated that he saw no problem with the letter.

IV. Approval of Minutes

A. Motion to approve the 11/18/08 minutes made by Ms. Fuller, seconded by Ms. Durant, motion passes, all in favor, minutes approved with minor edits.

V. Public Comments

A. Scott Flood: Mr. Flood commented that the Town’s 2009-2010 budget is 1% below their 2008-2009 budget. He suggested looking at decreasing the School District’s 4% increase.

B. David Lancaster: Mr. Lancaster expressed his disappointment that there were not more Budget Committee members at this meeting.

C. Marion Paxton: Ms. Paxton inquired as to why there were non-public budget items and if they should be under law, made public. Dr. Blake responded that they were items dealing with specific personnel and were therefore non-public. Ms. Paxton suggested that the details of that be made clearer on the agenda.

VI. Staff Reports/Presentations

A. Principal Bill Carozza (Harold Martin School):

· In addition to his written report to the Board, Mr. Carozza remarked that the old gym floor will be replaced starting 12/20/08.

· Mr. Luneau gave “kudos” to Mr. Carozza for the Web 2.0 Outreach.

B. Principal Michael Bessette (Maple Street School):

· In addition to his written report to the Board, Mr. Bessette noted that student Kevin Donahue, who was congratulated at a previous meeting for winning a computer for the school, actually gave the school two computer systems – the one he won as well as one his uncle donated.

C. Principal Steve Chamberlin (Hopkinton Middle-High School):

· In addition to his written report to the Board, Mr. Chamberlin congratulated the Girl’s Varsity Soccer Team for being recognized for not receiving any yellow cards all season.

· Ms. Fuller asked how many responses are expected from the online survey of recent graduates? Mr. Chamberlin responded that with the phone interviews they received about a 40% response, the outlook is promising for the online survey as well.

· Mr. Luneau congratulated the recent inductees to the National Honor Society and noted that it was quite an achievement. He asked what specific criteria they look for? Mr. Chamberlin responded that there are national as well as district-based criteria, mainly focusing on academics, service, leadership and character.

D. Superintendent Dr. Brian Blake:

· In addition to his written report to the Board, Dr. Blake noted that the white paper on Hopkinton 2.0 (H2O) will be posted on the website tomorrow. Mr. Luneau asked how the Board would be made aware of schedules, or receive progress updates on the H2O process? Dr. Blake responded that he will be reporting on a monthly basis. Mr. Yunich asked if there was a timeline for deliverables? Dr. Blake responded yes, as they move forward. The subcommittees are choosing their groups now and reports will be expected starting in February.

· Dr. Blake also attended the National Honor Society Induction Ceremony and commented on what a nice ceremony it was.

· Mr. Luneau asked how “Tough Choices, Tough Times” by Marc Tucker, relates to the model for the school calendar for next year? Dr. Blake responded that it discusses ways to restructure education, including exit exams for students leaving earlier and the opportunity to attain college credits sooner. Mr. Luneau expressed his appreciation that New Hampshire was selected for this initiative and hopes Hopkinton benefits. A link to information on “Tough Choices, Tough Times” will be posted on the website.

· Mr. Donahue asked if when reviewing goals with the Leadership Team were any of the goals moved, noting his concern over burnout. Dr. Blake responded that they were not necessarily moved or changed, but priorities were set.

E. Business Administrator Michelle Clark (Financial Report):

· Ms. Clark reviewed the month end financials for the month of October. She also discussed a memo regarding revised expenditure numbers, due to an incremental adjustment in the number of credits with tuition reimbursement per the HEA contract.

VII. Comments From The Hopkinton School Board

A. Mr. Luneau noted that he was invited to and attended the Department of Resources and Economic Development’s Economic Summit. Although he was the only School Board member there, it was a very educational-based conference. He commented that it was nice to see that New Hampshire is concerned with education and the future of it for our workers.

VIII. Items For Board Discussion

A. Budget 2009-2010:

· Dr. Blake presented on the challenges of cutting the 2009-2010 budget to a 2.5% increase and a 0% increase, and what that would mean to delivering education as we know it in the Hopkinton School District. Mr. Donahue noted that a break out of the budget line items would be helpful, he also asked about the budget cuts being asked of the Government. Dr. Blake responded that those cuts are specifically for the Department of Education, the direct effect on us will be through building and catastrophic aid reductions. It may also offset our bond interest payment, directly affecting the budget.

IX. Public Comments

A. Merle Dustin: The DAR contest deadline is 12/19.

B. David White: It is hard for the public to understand the budget discussion with all of the account numbers being read. Also, budget cuts will be damaging for the kids in the “middle” – a law of unintended consequences. There will not only be a “bright flight”, but students in the middle as well, and a public unrest. Perhaps education bonds (similar to war bonds)?

C. Rebecca Briccetti: Also agrees about children in the middle. The community has enthusiasm regarding H2O and thinks it’s a great step forward – when deliberating, please think outside of the box, consider new paradigms, and remember why so many families come to live here.

D. Richard Brandt: Regarding putting a link to “Tough Choices, Tough Times” on the website, we should also counter with other viewpoints.

E. Martha Madsen-Greabe: Suggested that the schools also consider survey to parents and the community at large to find out what the concerns are. Also noted that the social environment at the schools is a very prevalent problem.

F. David Lancaster: Are the reimbursements cuts for building funds from the state current or future? Dr. Blake answered that currently it is prorated at 85%, next year it will prorated again. Mr. Lancaster suggested that the Board try to hold the state responsible for the money they already approved. Mr. Lancaster then asked that the budget committee be e-mailed the dates of the district budget workshops and suggested that the Board look at the trends of lunches sold as an effect on the budget.

G. Karen Irwin: Ms. Irwin asked the Board if there were any H2O initiatives incorporated into the budget or budget process? Dr. Blake responded that it would be difficult to point to any one line in the budget, but overall, efficiencies are being examined at every stage of the process, for example, the energy audits and printing costs that have already been examined.

H. Rob Thompson: Mr. Thompson asked where the 0 and 2.5 numbers came from in Dr. Blake’s presentation. Mr. Donahue responded that they are examples for the purpose of defending the current proposed budget. It is important to know what the challenges are and to be prepared.

X. Action Items

A. Recommend the Hopkinton School Board approve the early retirement of Curt Martin, effective June 30, 2009. Mr. Donahue motioned, Ms. Durant seconded, all in favor, motion carries with regret and best wishes.

B. Recommend the Hopkinton School Board approve the early retirement and accept the resignation of Linda Walsh, effective June 30, 2009. Mr. Donahue motioned, Ms. Fuller seconded, all in favor, motion carries with regret and best wishes.

C. Recommend the Hopkinton School Board approve budget adjustment 2009-08 in the amount of $1000.00 for unexpected out of district special education transportation costs. Ms. Fuller motioned, Ms. Durant seconded, all in favor, motion carries.

D. Recommend the Hopkinton School Board approve the Superintendent’s recommendation of winter coaches for the 2008-2009 winter sports season, a combined total cost of $30,589.00. Ms. Fuller motioned, Mr. Donahue seconded, all in favor, motion carries.

XI. Ms. Fuller moved at 9:30 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 negotiations, personnel, and budget. Motion passed on a roll call vote- Mr. Donahue, Ms. Durant, Ms. Fuller, Mr. Luneau and Mr. Yunich, (all) in favor.

XIII. Following a motion by Mr. Donahue, seconded by Ms. Fuller, the board voted to seal the minutes of the non-public session for one year. Motion passed on a roll call vote- Mr. Donahue, Ms. Durant, Ms. Fuller, Mr. Luneau and Mr. Yunich, (all) in favor.

XIV. Motion to adjourn by Mr. Donahue, seconded by Ms. Fuller. Motion passed on a roll call vote- Mr. Donahue, Ms. Durant, Ms. Fuller, Mr. Luneau and Mr. Yunich, (all) in favor.

Adjourned at 11:35 p.m.

Respectfully submitted, Tara D. Graham

Hopkinton School Board Meeting Minutes

Tuesday, December 2, 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 negotiations and personnel.

Mr. Yunich motioned to come out of Non-Public Session. Second offered by Mr. Donahue. Roll call, all in favor. Board returned to Public Session at 11:34 p.m.

HOPKINTON SCHOOL DISTRICT

School Administrative Unit #66

204 Maple Street

Contoocook, NH 03229

Hopkinton School Board

School Board Meeting/Budget Workshop

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

XII. Chair David Luneau called the meeting to order at 6:32 p.m. Present: Chair David Luneau, School Board members Larry Donahue, Liz Durant and Peter Yunich (excused at 7:40 p.m.), Superintendent Dr. Brian Blake, Business Administrator Michelle Clark, Director of Student Services Dr. Val Aubry, Director of Technology Matt Stone, Principal Steve Chamberlin, Principal Michael Bessette, Principal Bill Carozza, and Assistant Principal Chris Kelley.

XIII. Budget Discussion

· Mr. Luneau: housekeeping: This is a regular board meeting with a special purpose. The School Board has developed a user’s guide and copies are available tonight at the meeting, or on the website. There may be a time opened later in the evening for public comments.

· Dr. Blake: Two weeks ago a budget with a 2.54% increase (not inclusive of negotiated agreements) was presented. Last meeting the Leadership Team was asked to look at two different scenarios – a 2.5% overall budget and a 0% budget. Purpose tonight should be to answer any questions from the Board and receive guidance on where to go from here. Also note that the budget and contracts are voted on in separate warrant articles by the voters.

· Mr. Donahue: Three years ago (the last time agreements were negotiated) the operating budget was in one column for review and the contract agreements were in a separate column – it would be a good idea to also have a “net” column, to have an idea of the overall impact.

· Mr. Yunich: It is a labor vs. non-labor separation, it is easier to compare variable costs year to year and easier for the general public to understand.1

· Mr. Donahue: What does a successful budget workshop look like? What are we trying to accomplish tonight before we leave? – Completing the packet? Looking at line items? Naming a percent (landing zone) to work towards?

· Mr. Luneau: We need to provide a clear message to the Superintendent regarding what the School Board is expecting for the budget that they will be behind recommending.

· Mr. Donahue: Are there any changes since the other presentations?

· Ms. Clark: We are revenue neutral with education grants/state aid. We will be short $6500.00 in building aid this year and that is subject to change for the following year up until September 1^st. We are hopeful that there will not be a decrease as there was this year.

· Dr. Blake: Experience from the past has been that the Board work from the budget presented by the Superintendent, which would keep the negotiated contract agreements out of the equation for the purpose of a percent budget increase. The voters will decide whether to add the contract amounts as well when they vote on the different warrant articles.

· Mr. Yunich: When the budget is presented, the voters should be looking at the total amount.

· Mr. Luneau: The information can be hard for the public to understand and separate, we want to make it as easy as possible. It is also very important to compare apples to apples – a total in non-bargaining years as well as bargaining years.

· Mr. Donahue: It is also easy to mislead people and we want to avoid that.

· Mr. Luneau: We should be looking at the big picture – personnel and non-personnel related.

· Dr. Blake: Goal is to leave the meeting tonight with all the Board’s questions asked and answered. The charge is to be able to vote on a budget to present by our next meeting.

· Mr. Luneau: Suggest starting with where we add and subtract items, then discuss the 0% and 2.5% examples, then establish priorities in the budget. Does the new spreadsheet received today contain the negotiated agreements.

· Ms. Clark: The current spreadsheet contains the HEA proposed agreement.

· Mr. Luneau: In the Schedule B reductions, how were they arrived at and how many students will be effected by the cuts/reductions?

· Mr. Chamberlin: HS Drama Club – students will still have Fall and Spring performances, just not as many other chances to perform throughout the year. MS Alpine – 6-8 students, chosen because it has the fewest kids, loss of instructional time and the highest expense per member. MS Field Hockey B – 15 students, will cut 6^th graders, 7^th and 8^th will all be combined onto one team. MSS Peer Leader Advisor – 25-30 students, hoping the Peer Leader program will continue on a volunteer basis (Mr. Yunich commented that authorization from the Union would be needed for this to happen). Sue Pisinski Lab – will still have equipment on site, but teachers will have to access it independently. Artist In Residence Coordinators (2 positions) – will double the workload on the other two coordinators.

· Mr. Luneau: What are the savings from the Schedule B adjustments?

· Ms. Clark: $12,753.00.

· Mr. Luneau: How was the heating oil/gas costs arrived at? When does our current fuel contract expire?

· Ms. Clark: These were numbers agreed to by the energy buying group we are a part of. Our current contract expires June 30, 2009.

· Mr. Yunich: It would be useful to poll where we believe we are to “land”, percentage-wise, to provide a direction for the Leadership Team. It would also be good to know that if these items suggested are cut, that there are still enough alternatives for the students to maintain the richest possible education experience, while remaining in our “landing zone”.

· Mr. Chamberlin: We tried to get to a number that the Leadership Team was comfortable with, while trying to also reduce the impact as much as possible.

· Mr. Donahue: If given a year or two to focus on the and increase revenue, what might we look at? Perhaps activity fees? Parent transportation to extracurricular activities to keep the programs whole?

· Ms. Durant: Athletics are one thing, but there are many other areas to also consider. Can we purchase online books?

· Mr. Yunich: We need to look at the inefficiencies of a stand-alone school of our size with student numbers declining. How do we maintain our quality of education at a reasonable cost? It may mean costs, but they don’t have to be detrimental.

· NOTE: Mr. Yunich excused due to illness, asked for the contents of his “bias” (an e-mail to Dr. Blake) be submitted into record – Mr. Luneau read the document later in the meeting.

· Mr. Luneau: Having now analyzed the 0% and 2.5% samples, would it shift any priorities?

· Dr. Blake: The Leadership Team had the expectation for clear direction and a landing zone, reprioritizing is planned for the next Leadership Team meeting.

· Mr. Donahue: Would it be efficient to discuss at what obvious areas we can get creative with cuts? Have there been any changes with food service?

· Ms. Clark: We will not be replacing one position next year. Any other changes we will not know until closer to the District meeting. Funds allocated for food service are only $1.00 – it is a revenue vs. expense program and has been running at a deficit.

· Ms. Durant: What is our arrangement with Driver’s Ed? Could we look at creatively funding the books?

· Ms. Clark: Revenue offsets the line in the budget, it is self-sustaining.

· Mr. Luneau: Is there anything in the budget that would go against the principles of H2O?

· Ms. Durant: Could we reallocate any funds and save at the same time? – The Curriculum Coordinator position – would it help to bring efficiencies to our operations, therefore cost effective in the long-run?

· Mr. Carozza: It is difficult to coordinate throughout the entire district when we do not have one person focusing solely on curriculum.

· Mr. Bessette: Helps the total alignment throughout the system.

· Mr. Stone: Technology tries to receive the most bang for the buck – it is impossible for us to predict what we will buy 18 months down the line.

· Mr. Luneau: Back to guidance and landing zone… we should focus on new revenue sources and look at educational programs and services. We’d like to see the minimum impact on students participating in current programs.

· Ms. Durant: We do not want to lose sight of what our goal is – to invest in our kids’ educations as much as we can, within our means. The Leadership Team has worked diligently to find programs that are not as, or no longer as valuable to our students – prioritizing these things go directly to the bottom line – the kids.

· Mr. Donahue: What is the total percentage of the current proposed budget increase? What do we want to get to?

· Mr. Luneau: We would like to get to what we were at last year, a 3.68% increase, we are currently at 4.91%. We should be looking towards any revenue source we can to get to that number.

· Ms. Durant: How many students are in the vocational program?

· Mr. Chamberlin: 12 student who participate their junior and senior years.

XIV. Public Comments

· Allan Bloomquist:

1. Last year the economy was good and we were at a 3.68% increase, why a 4.91% increase when the economy is bad?

2. Hopkinton has 18% with income under $10,000.00 and 15% under $25,000.00 – remember the strain on taxpayers. Mr. Donahue noted that these numbers also include individuals who work less than full-time – including per diem and part-time workers, retirees, teenagers/students, etc.

3. The first things usually cut in business are conferences, travel, etc.

4. At the appropriate point, it would be helpful if the budget packet can be e-mailed out or available on the website.

· Jim Lewis:

1. Would we be spending additional revenue that we found as well as adding 3.68%? (Mr. Luneau answered, “No”)

2. 2.5% would be easier to stomach than 3.68%

· David Lancaster:

1. Appreciate the hard work the Board and Leadership Team have put into this process.

2. Would like to see how much we’ve saved from the early retirement program.

3. Tax liens in Hopkinton went from $20,000.00 in 2005 to $397,000.00 currently. Mr. Luneau noted that had a conversation recently with a town official who commented that the tax revenues had started coming in much better than originally anticipated.

XV. Motion to adjourn by Mr. Donahue, seconded by Ms. Durant. Motion passed on a roll call vote- Mr. Donahue, Ms. Durant, and Mr. Luneau (all) in favor.

Adjourned at 8:37 p.m.

Respectfully submitted, Tara D. Graham