#415

HOPKINTON SCHOOL DISTRICT

SCHOOL ADMINISTRATIVE UNIT #66

204 MAPLE STREET

CONTOOCOOK, NH 03229

 

 

MINUTES

 

Hopkinton School Board Meeting

Tuesday, February 5, 2008

6:00 p.m.

 

Present: School Board Members: Joy Bloomfield, David Luneau, Kim Fuller, and Marshal Rowe;  Brian Blake, Superintendent; Michelle Clark, Business Administrator; 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 6:00 p.m. by Chair Joy Bloomfield

 

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

 

A motion was made by Mrs. Fuller and seconded by Mr. Luneau to enter Non-Public Session at 6:01 p.m.  The Board by voice vote unanimously approved the motion.  David Luneau, Yes; Kim Fuller, Yes; Marshall Rowe, Yes; Joy Bloomfield, Yes;

 

III.              Reconvene Public Session

 

The meeting of the Hopkinton School Board was reconvened at 7:00 p.m. by Chair Joy Bloomfield.

 

Everyone stood for the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

IV.             Additions to or Deletions from the Agenda:

 

Addition:  XII. Action Items, B. Personnel, 6.  Recommend the Hopkinton School Board approve the Superintendent’s nomination of Betsy Spencer, Long-Term Substitute, Hopkinton Middle/High School, for the 2007-2008 school year.

 

THESE MINUTES ARE NOT OFFICIAL UNTIL APPROVED AT THE FOLLOWING BOARD MEETING FEBRUARY 19, 2008.

 

Hopkinton School Board Minutes 2007-2008                      1814

 

V.               Correspondence:

 

Dan Meserve, Athletic Director, received a letter from Kevin Chapman, Referee, extending his thanks and appreciation for the wonderful hospitality extended to him at Hopkinton Middle/High School.   Mr. Chapman also noted that the fans were well behaved and the players showed good sportsmanship.  Mr. Chapman stated he wanted to thank Hopkinton Middle/High School for a very positive experience.

 

A letter was received from Joseph P. Kennedy regarding education funding.

 

Dr. Brian Blake, Superintendent, stated that, if the Board is interested, included in the Board packet was correspondence requesting nominations for the NHSAA Champion for Children.

 

New Hampshire Legislative Bulletins were shared with the Board.

 

VI.             Approval of Minutes  

 

A motion was made by Mr. Rowe and seconded by Mr. Luneau to approve the January 22, 2008 minutes as amended. The motion was unanimously approved as amended.

 

Amend: Page 1810, Item No. VI.  Staff Reports/Presentations, 2.  Bodensee-Gymnasium, Lindau Germany Trip, add.  No District funds are used for this trip.  

 

Page 1810, Item No. VI.  Staff Reports/Presentations, 3.  2008-2009 Hopkinton High School Program of Studies, should read:  Mr. Chamberlin stated that only courses with 12 or more registered students would run in the 2008-2009 school year.

 

Page 1811, 2.  Budget Committee Requests, should read:   The Board discussed at length issues concerning class size at Harold Martin School.  Mrs. Bloomfield asked Mr. Carozza what considerations are used to determine class sizes in Grades K-3.  Mr. Carozza explained that a number of factors go into determining class size, including the specific needs of students in the class.  Mr. Carozza explained that the state average is 15 students per class, and recommended to stay with the state average for 1st and 2nd grades.  Mr. Carozza pointed out that larger class sizes in Grades 1 and 2 will increase the need by some students for more expensive remediation services in later years.  Mr. Carozza recommended staffing Grades 1 and 2 with four teachers each and staffing Grade 3 with three teachers.  Mr. Rowe suggested the Board continue to support the recommended staffing levels as they would yield the best results in terms of preparing students during the critical formative years and also because this practice will help to reduce overall cost of education in future years.

 

Present:  Add Val Aubry, Director of Students Services.

 

Hopkinton School Board Minutes 2007-2008                      1815

 

VII.           Public Comments   - None

 

VIII.         Staff Reports/Presentations

 

1.      Principals Reports

 

Bill Carozza, Principal, Harold Martin School, shared the 2007-2008 Reaching for the Stars Program noting there are 9 courses being offered for Grades 1 through 3.  Mr. Carozza noted that the Reaching for the Stars Program is an all-volunteer program.

Mrs. Bloomfield congratulated Harold Martin School on their successful spaghetti dinner.  Mrs. Bloomfield read an email from Mr. Donahue, who was out of town, extending his family’s apology for being unable to attend the spaghetti dinner due to sickness.

 

Mr. Rowe asked about the Harold Martin School ventilation issue.  Mr. Carozza reported that after a couple of weeks of school, a musty smell which happened only when it was wet outside or the snow was melting.  After investigation, it was determined that the roof intake to the ventilation faces the direction of the water drain.  Rick Schaefer will notify the HVAC Contractors.

 

Mrs. Bloomfield asked if digital portfolios will lead to better assessment in writing.  Mr. Carozza noted that digital portfolios archives the information making it available in one place.  Mr. Bessette provided an example of the use of digital portfolios noting the child study team met to evaluate a particular student’s writing.  The digital portfolio of this particular student was projected on the screen and the team was able to see how the child had progressed in writing from the child’s own writing samples for the past three years.

 

Mrs. Bloomfield asked if the Board will see the results of the My Voice Survey.  Dr. Blake stated he will put together a primer on My Voice for the Board.

 

Michael Bessette, Principal, Maple Street School, reported that the NECAP results have been released by the state and Maple Street School is in the process of assessing the data to see what it means and where the school is going.

 

Steve Chamberlin, Principal, Hopkinton Middle/High School, reported that four Hopkinton School students were invited to Windham to create Public Service Announcements regarding Drug and Alcohol.  Mr. Chamberlin noted that Hopkinton community members are working with community members from Hillsboro/Deering to form a two community privately funded football team. Mrs. Fuller noted her concern with field space.  Mr. Chamberlin stated that a total of approximately 21 male and female students have been recognized as Scholar Athletes.  In order to be eligible, students must maintain a B+ average, do community service and letter in two varsity sports in their senior year. 

 

Hopkinton School Board Minutes 2007-2008                           1816

 

Mrs.  Bloomfield noted she would like to hear more about the Youth Risk Behavioral Survey.    Mr. Chamberlin stated that a Youth Risk Behavioral presentation will be made to both the Board and community.

 

Mrs. Bloomfield read an email from Mr. Donahue, who was out of town, noting that he would like a NECAP report be presented to the Board once the data is analyzed.

 

Mrs. Bloomfield asked how ice fishing meets the physical education competency.  Mr. Chamberlin noted it is the life-long wellness competency.

 

Mr. Chamberlin noted that on Friday, he will know which Hopkinton Middle/High School courses will not run.  It was requested that Mr. Chamberlin provide the Board with a list of drop/add courses.

 

2.        Superintendent’s Report

 

Dr. Blake reported he had received a letter from parents interested in differentiated education and curriculum development.  Dr. Blake noted he had met with these parents and discussed their interest in the curriculum and differentiated instruction offerings.  Dr. Blake stated that the parents had nice things to say about the work going on in each school.  Dr. Blake informed the parents that he will meet with the Leadership Team to discuss curriculum and differentiated instruction and will schedule another meeting with the parents thereafter.

 

Mr. Rowe noted that input, interest and concerns of parents are very beneficial.  Mr. noted that the more interest and commitment to strengthening the schools the better and the Board needs the community to advocate for education not just lower taxes.

              

IX.             Comments from the Hopkinton School Board

 

Mrs. Bloomfield noted that tomorrow evening there is a Budget Committee meeting scheduled at the Town Hall and a Public Hearing on the 2008-2009 Budgets is scheduled for Thursday evening at Hopkinton Middle/High School.

 

Mrs. Bloomfield recommended that when the German Trip comes to the Board for final approval that the Board discuss the drinking policy and define what the Board wants and possibly have the parents sign the policy as well.

 

Mrs. Fuller noted that it was reported to her that sports practice was being held on days that school had been cancelled due to inclement weather. 

 

Hopkinton School Board Minutes 2007-2008                      1817

 

X.               Items for Board Discussion

 

1.  POLICIES 

 

It was the consensus of the Board to table all policies.

 

a.         New Board Member Orientation

First Reading:  January 22, 2008

Second Reading:  February 5, 2008

b.        Suspension of Policies

First Reading:  January 22, 2008

Second Reading:  February 5, 2008

c.         Board Member Development Opportunities

First Reading:  January 22, 2008

Second Reading:  February 5, 2008

d.        Evaluation of the Superintendent

First Reading:  January 22, 2008

Second Reading:  February 5, 2008

e.         Line of Responsibility and Staff Relations

First Reading:  January 22, 2008

Second Reading:  February 5, 2008

f.          School Building Administration

First Reading:  January 22, 2008

Second Reading:  February 5, 2008

g.         Class Size

       First Reading:  February 5, 2008

h.         Board Member Conflict of Interest

       First Reading:  February 5, 2008

 

2.  2008-2009 BUDGET 

 

The Board discussed the Budget Committee’s recommended cuts to the 2008-2009 School District budget.  The cuts included:  $51,609 Maintenance   – Michelle Clark, Business Administrator, reported that she cut this item in 2007-2008 and again in 2008-2009 and stated that if another cut of $51,609 is made we might not have the money for repairs if a maintenance issue occurs; $75,000 increase in the end of year balance; $50,000 Modular Warrant Article; $48,391 New Administrative Staff; $25,000 Maintenance Trust Warrant Article; $25,000 Special Education Warrant Article; $15,000 Non-Union raises;  The total cuts recommended by the Budget Committee is $290,000.

 

Mr. Rowe stated that the Budget Committee’s goal was to have the School District and the Budget Committee in agreement in order to present one budget at the Annual School District meeting.  Mr. Rowe noted that in the spirit of working collaboratively with the Budget Committee, we should listen to the Budget Committee’s recommendations, but we should not respond to their recommended line-by-line cuts and the Board should decide where the cuts are coming from.  It was the consensus of the Board to suggest the following cuts to the Budget Committee: $51,609 from Maintenance; $25,000 Special Education Warrant Article; $50,000 Modular Warrant Article; $25,000 Maintenance Trust Warrant Article; $65,000 increase in the end of year balance; $50,000 Retirement Account Warrant Article.

 

 

Hopkinton School Board Minutes 2007-2008                      1818

 

 

Dr. Blake noted that the Board and Leadership Team worked hard to develop a fiscally responsible budget to present to the Budget Committee and now we are second-guessing our decisions.  Dr. Blake stated that cutting too close to the bone is not the best financial practice and the District could be in financial trouble down the road.

 

Mr. Rowe stated that the Board presented a budget that is responsive to the needs of the District and the best budget to put forth to the town.  Mr. Rowe noted that because of the Budget Committee’s position and the tax rate, we can accept a compromise even if not in the best interest of the School District stating there are risks.

 

XI.             Public Comments – None

 

XII.           Action Items

 

A. Manifests

 

A motion was made by Mrs. Fuller and seconded by Mr. Luneau to approve 2007-2008 Manifest No. 69-72 in the amount of $582,463.40. The motion was unanimously approved.

 

B. Personnel

 

1.        A motion was made by Mrs. Fuller and seconded by Mr. Rowe to approve the Superintendent’s nomination of Alicia Cross, Game Director, Schedule B, for the 2007-2008 school year.  The motion was unanimously approved.

2.        A motion was made by Mr. Rowe and seconded by Mr. Luneau to approve the Superintendent’s nomination of Ryan Nicholson, .5 Ski Jumping Coach, Schedule B, for the 2007-2008 school year.  Mrs. Fuller recused herself from voting.  The motion was approved with the affirmative vote of Marshall Rowe, David Luneau, and Joy Bloomfield.

3.        A motion was made by Mr. Rowe and seconded by Mr. Luneau to approve the Superintendent’s nomination of Scott Zipke, .5 Ski Jumping Coach, Schedule B, for the 2007-2008 school year.  The motion was unanimously approved.

 

Hopkinton School Board Minutes 2007-2008                            1819

 

4.        A motion was made by Mrs. Fuller and seconded by Mr. Luneau to approve the Superintendent’s nomination of Joseph Case, Night Custodian, Hopkinton Middle/High School effective February 4, 2008 for the 2007-2008 school year.  The motion was unanimously approved.

5.        A motion was made by Mr. Luneau and seconded by Mrs. Fuller to approve the Superintendent’s nomination of the following Schedule B Positions for the 2007-2008 school year:  The motion was unanimously approved.

 

                          Varsity Track:             Rick Welch

                          Asst Track:                 Kim Emerson

                          Varsity Baseball:         Dave Chase

                          JV Baseball:                Lucas Hopps

                          Varsity Softball:          Dan Meserve

                          Asst Var. Softball:       Steve Babson

                          JV Softball:                 Mike Gleason

                          Var Girls Lax:             Curt Martin

                          JV Girls Lax:               Chelsea Martin

                          Var Boys Lax:             Doug Maynard

 

6.  A motion was made by Mrs. Fuller and seconded by Mr. Luneau to approve the Superintendent’s nomination of Betsy Spencer, Long Term Substitute, Hopkinton Middle/High School.  The motion was unanimously approved.

 

C.   Harold Martin School Window Shade Bid

 

A motion was made by Mrs. Fuller and seconded by Mr. Luneau to award the Harold Martin School window shade bid to DWC Designs in the amount of $2,843.00.   The motion was unanimously approved.

 

D.    Policies

 

It was the consensus of the Board to table the following Policies Action Items until the next Board meeting.

 

1.                   Recommend the Hopkinton School Board adopt the New Board Member Orientation Policy.

2.                   Recommend the Hopkinton School Board adopt the Suspension of Policies Policy.

3.                   Recommend the Hopkinton School Board adopt the Board Member Development Opportunities Policy.

4.                   Recommend the Hopkinton School Board adopt the Evaluation of the Superintendent Policy.

5.                   Recommend the Hopkinton School Board adopt the Line of Responsibility and Staff Relations Policy.     

6.                   Recommend the Hopkinton School Board adopt the School Building Administration Policy.

 

Hopkinton School Board Minutes 2007-2008                      1820

 

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

 

A motion was made by Mrs. Fuller and seconded by Mr. Luneau to enter non-public session in accordance with (RSA 91-A:3, II (a)(c)) at 9:45 p.m.   The Board by voice vote unanimously approved the motion.  David Luneau, Yes; Kim Fuller, Yes;  Marshall Rowe, Yes; Joy Bloomfield, Yes;

 

XIV.        ADJOURNMENT

 

 A motion was made by Mr. Luneau and seconded by Mrs. Fuller to adjourn at 10:57 p.m.                                                       

            

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

 

Brian J. Blake

Hopkinton School Board Clerk

 

 

Hopkinton School Board Minutes 2007-2008                      1821

 

      #416

HOPKINTON SCHOOL DISTRICT

SCHOOL ADMINISTRATIVE UNIT #66

204 MAPLE STREET

CONTOOCOOK, NH 03229

 

 

MINUTES

 

Hopkinton School Board Meeting

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

6:30 p.m.

 

Present: School Board Members: Joy Bloomfield, Larry Donahue, David Luneau, and Marshal Rowe (Arrived 7:15 p.m.); Brian Blake, Superintendent; Steve Chamberlin, Principal, Hopkinton Middle High School; Michael Bessette, Principal, Maple Street School; and Bill Carozza, Principal, Harold Martin School. 

 

II.                 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 Items, D.  Personnel, 2.  Recommend the Hopkinton School Board approve the Superintendent’s nomination of Amanda Ting, .5 Student Support and .5 Instructional Assistant, Hopkinton Middle/High School.

 

Addition:  VI.  Staff Reports/Presentations, 3.  Gifts.

 

Addition:  VIII.  Items for Board Discussion, 5.  Senate Bill 2 Public Hearing

 

Addition:  X.  Action Items, F.  Zealand Falls Trip, G. Carter Notch Trip and H. Honduras Trip.

 

Delete:  VI.  Staff Reports/Presentations, 1.  Monthly Financial Report. 

 

Delete:  VIII.  Items for Board Discussion, 3.  403B Administration Services.

 

THESE MINUTES ARE NOT OFFICIAL UNTIL APPROVED AT THE FOLLOWING BOARD MEETING MARCH 4, 2008.

 

Hopkinton School Board Minutes 2007-2008                                    1822          

               

III.               Correspondence:

 

1.         Measuring 2007 Aspirations and Participation Executive Summary

2.         New Hampshire School Boards Association Scholarship Program

 

IV.               Approval of Minutes   

 

A motion was made by Mr. Donahue and seconded by Mr. Luneau to approve the February 5, 2008 minutes. The motion was unanimously approved.

 

XIII.          Public Comments   -None

 

XIV.          Staff Reports/Presentations

 

1.       Monthly Financial Report

 

The Monthly Financial Report was tabled until the March 4, 2008 Board Meeting.

 

2.       French Exchange Trip

 

The Board discussed the French Exchange Trip and the rules and conduct code for expected behavior as well as consequences while in France.

 

3.       Gifts

 

Dr. Blake noted the following gifts have been received. 

 

·         A check for $750.00 from the Brenda Fund to support the Artist in Residence Program.

·         An anonymous gift of $12.42 to support the ropes course.

 

XV.            Comments from the Hopkinton School Board

 

Mrs. Bloomfield reported that the Budget Committee was extremely complimentary to the School Board for the compromises made on the 2008-2009 School District budget.

 

Mr. Donahue noted it was good to be on the same page.

 

Mr. Donahue noted that the fundamental differences between SB2 and District meeting is going to the polls and filling in a box versus what is really an appropriation function.  He stated we vote as voters, we go to the Annual School District or Town Meeting as part of a legislative body.  It is an appropriate exercise in government. 

 

 

             Hopkinton School Board Minutes 2007-2008                        1823        

XVI.          Items for Board Discussion

 

1.       2008-2009 School District Budget

 

Dr. Blake reported that the Hopkinton School District’s 2008-2009 Budget was approved by the Budget Committee and  all the appropriate paperwork has been completed.

 

Mr. Donahue thanked all the administrators for their work during this budget process.

 

Mr. Luneau noted that he firmly believes that the Hopkinton 2.0 initiative is going to play an enormous part in the School District budgets in the future.  Mr. Luneau stated it will not be a matter of where we cut but how do we do things better.

 

2.       Preparedness for Annual School District Meeting

 

The Board discussed the presentation of the 2008-2009 School District Budget at the Annual School District meeting.  The Board discussed also presenting the Hopkinton 2.0 initiative and the concept behind Class size.

 

3.       403B Administration Services

 

Discussion on the 403B Administration Services was tabled until the March 4, 2008 Board Meeting.

 

4.       POLICIES 

 

a.          New Board Member Orientation

First Reading:  January 22, 2008

Second Reading:  February 19, 2008

 

The Board discussed the New Board Member Orientation Policy.

 

b.         Board Member Development Opportunities

First Reading:  January 22, 2008

Second Reading:  February 19, 2008

 

The Board discussed the Board Member Development Opportunities Policy.

 

c.          Evaluation of the Superintendent

First Reading:  January 22, 2008

Second Reading:  February 19, 2008

 

The Board discussed the Evaluation of the Superintendent Policy.

 

 

Hopkinton School Board Minutes 2007-2008                        1824

d.         Line of Responsibility and Staff Relations

First Reading:  January 22, 2008

Second Reading:  February 19, 2008

 

The Board discussed the Line of Responsibility and Staff Relations Policy.

 

e.          School Building Administration

First Reading:  January 22, 2008

Second Reading:  February 19, 2008

 

The Board discussed the School Building Administration Policy.

 

f.          Class Size

        First Reading:  February 19, 2008

 

        The Board discussed the Class Size Policy and requested more information.

 

g.          Board Member Conflict of Interest

        First Reading:  November 20, 2007

        Second Reading:  February 19, 2008

 

        The Board discussed the Board Member Conflict of Interest Policy.

 

5.  Senate Bill 2

 

Dr. Blake reported that the School District had received a petitioned Warrant Article for Senate Bill 2 and noted that a Senate Bill 2 Public Hearing has been scheduled for Monday, February 25, 2008, 6:30 p.m. at the Maple Street School

 

XVII.        Public Comments

 

Merle Dustin, Community Member, stated that when she lived in Europe it was illegal to drive on a New Hampshire license.  She noted that an International license was needed.

 

Sam Delgado, Community Member, asked if Hopkinton belonged to the NHSBSA.

Mr. Delgado asked if the Class Size Policy took special education needs into consideration as special education needs students thrive better in smaller settings.

 

XVIII.      Action Items

 

A. Manifests

 

A motion was made by Mr. Donahue and seconded by Mr. Luneau to approve 2007-2008 Manifest No. 73-79 in the amount of $878,466.22.  The motion was unanimously approved.

 

Hopkinton School Board Minutes 2007-2008                       1825

B.   Budget Adjustment

 

A motion was made by Mr. Donahue and seconded by Mr. Rowe to approve 2007-2008 Budget Adjustment No. 2008-18 in the amount of $16,500.00 to cover expenses due to student needs.  The motion was unanimously approved.

 

C.      Policies

 

7.       A motion was made by Mr. Donahue and seconded by Mr. Luneau to adopt the New Board Member Orientation Policy.   The motion was unanimously approved.

8.       A motion was made by Mr. Donahue and seconded by Mr. Rowe to adopt the Board Member Development Opportunities Policy.  The motion was unanimously approved.

9.       A motion was made by Mr. Donahue and seconded by Mr. Rowe to adopt the Evaluation of the Superintendent Policy.  The motion was unanimously approved.

10.    It was the consensus of the Board to table the Line of Responsibility and Staff Relations Policy. 

11.    A motion was made by Mr. Donahue and seconded by Mr. Rowe to adopt the School Building Administration Policy.  The motion was unanimously approved.

 

D.     Personnel

 

1.       A motion was made by Mr. Donahue and seconded by Mr. Luneau to approve the Superintendent’s nomination of Lisa Kimball, .5 Behavioral Assistant, Hopkinton Middle/High School, for the 2007-2008 school year.

2.       A motion was made by Mr. Donahue and seconded by Mr. Luneau to approve the Superintendent’s nomination of Amanda Ting, .5 Student Support and .5 Instructional Assistant, Hopkinton Middle/High School.

 

E.      French Exchange Trip

 

A motion was made by Mr. Donahue and seconded by Mr. Luneau to grant final approval for the trip to France, February 26, 2008 through March 14, 2008.  The motion was unanimously approved.

 

F.      A motion was made by Mr. Rowe and seconded by Mr. Luneau to grant final approval for the trip to Zealand Falls, March 2, 2008 through March 4, 2008.  The motion was unanimously approved.

 

G.     A motion was made by Mr. Rowe and seconded by Mr. Donahue to grant final approval for the trip to Carter Notch, March 9 , 2008 through March 11, 2008.  The motion was unanimously approved.

 

 

 

Hopkinton School Board Minutes 2007-2008                        1826

 

H.     A motion was made by Mr. Donahue and seconded by Mr. Luneau to grant final approval for the trip to Honduras,  February 26, 2008 through March 6, 2008.  The motion was unanimously approved.

 

I.        A motion was made by Mr. Rowe and seconded by Mr. Donahue to confirm the email poll conducted by Dr. Blake to approve the Middle School Leaders in Prevention Program, Camp Cody, Freedom, NH, February 15, 2008 through February 17, 2008.  Mr. Rowe, Yes; Mr. Luneau, Yes; Mrs. Bloomfield, Yes; Larry Donahue, abstain.     

 

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

 

A motion was made by Mr. Rowe and seconded by Mr. Luneau to enter non-public session  in accordance with (RSA 91-A:3, II (a)(c)) at 8:26 p.m.   The Board by voice vote unanimously approved the motion.  David Luneau, Yes; Larry Donahue, Yes; Marshall Rowe, Yes; Joy Bloomfield, Yes;

 

XVI.          ADJOURNMENT

 

 A motion was made by Mr. Luneau and seconded by Mrs. Fuller to adjourn at 10:02 p.m.                                                       

            

Respectfully submitted,