#413

HOPKINTON SCHOOL DISTRICT

SCHOOL ADMINISTRATIVE UNIT #66

204 MAPLE STREET

CONTOOCOOK, NH 03229

 

MINUTES

 

Hopkinton School Board Meeting

Tuesday, January 8, 2008

6:30 p.m.

 

Present: School Board Members: Joy Bloomfield, Larry Donahue, David Luneau, and Marshal Rowe;  Max Lanocha, Student Representative to the Board; Brian Blake, Superintendent; Michelle Clark, Business Administrator; 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:

 

 Add:  X.  Action Items: C.  Personnel:  3.   Recommend the Hopkinton School Board approve a Maternity Leave for Jessica Ford, Hopkinton Middle/High School, from March 14, 2008 to May 12, 2008.

 

III.         Correspondence:  None

 

IV.         Approval of Minutes 

 

A motion was made by Mr. Rowe and seconded by Mr. Donahue to approve the December 17, 2007 minutes as amended. The motion was unanimously approved as amended.

 

Amend:  VIII:  Items for Board Discussion:  1.  District Cost Analysis – Mr. Donahue showed data that Hopkinton costs per student has grown at a rate less than that of other districts but weekly wages have not kept pace.    He noted that by the District maintaining status quo the District is actually losing ground. Mr. Donahue stated that without making substantial changes we cannot stem the financial gaps between cost and wages and improve the quality of education.

 

THESE MINUTES ARE NOT OFFICIAL UNTIL APPROVED AT THE FOLLOWING BOARD MEETING JANUARY 22, 2008.

 

Hopkinton School Board Minutes 2007-2008                           1804     

Amend:  VIII:  Items for Board Discussion:  3. Additional Kindergarten Bus Run – Ms. Clark reported approximately $5,742 from January 2008 through June 2008.

            

V.                 Public Comments 

 

Merle Dustin, Community Member, asked where in the US News and World Report was Hopkinton High School mentioned and what was the criteria that had to be met for Hopkinton High School to receive an award.

 

Dr. Blake noted that Hopkinton High School was listed as one of the top 500 schools in the country and received the Silver Medal.  Mr. Chamberlin, Principal, Hopkinton Middle/High School, noted that the Silver Medal was based on standardized test performance, proficiency rates of all students, including the least advantaged, and challenging college-ready curriculum.

 

VI.               Staff Reports/Presentations

 

1.         Principals Reports

 

Michael Bessette, Principal, Maple Street School, reported that the new 6th grade African Drumming Unit with Mr. Alberici has begun and the students are thrilled. 

 

Bill Carozza, Principal, Harold Martin School, reported that the extra Kindergarten bus route began on January 3, 2008 and it was too soon to determine the impact.  Mr. Donahue requested the extra Kindergarten route be evaluated as some students saw drastic improvements and other did not.

 

Mrs. Bloomfield asked what the “Tiger” assembly was.  Mr. Carozza noted it is a musical troupe that perform with a positive message and clever theatrics.

 

Mr. Donahue noted that the spaghetti dinner at Harold Martin School last year was a great deal of fun and encourages everyone to attend.  This year’s spaghetti dinner is scheduled for Thursday, January 24th.

 

Steve Chamberlin, Principal, Maple Street School, reported that the high school in collaboration with the Red Cross will be offering a Master of Disaster class.

 

2.         Superintendent’s Report

 

Dr. Blake reported the First Congregational Church has donated $250.00 to the Hopkinton Middle/High School Student Support Fund.  Dr. Blake also reported that the District was successful with our current application to the Jordan Institute for an energy efficient evaluation and audit of all District buildings.  Dr. Blake reported he attended a Legislative Committee Meeting regarding the under funded New Hampshire Retirement System.  Dr. Blake noted that if the Commission’s Report is adopted, the District’s costs for New Hampshire Retirement next year will increase by 2%.

 

Hopkinton School Board Minutes 2007-2008                                1805

3.         Field Trips

 

a.    Carter Notch

b.    Zealand Falls

 

Mr. Chamberlin noted that students that participate in either or both the Carter Notch and Zealand Falls field trips study real life science, physics, chemistry and environmental science.

 

4.         Budget Packet

 

The Board discussed the 2008-2009 School District Budget.  The Board also discussed class sizes at Harold Martin School for the 2008-2009 school year.  Mr. Carozza noted that research shows that smaller class sizes for the lower elementary grades is educationally sound.    The Board discussed establishing a target dollar amount to be maintained in the Maintenance and Trust Fund and the Special Education Trust Fund. 

 

VII.       Comments from the Hopkinton School Board

 

Mr. Donahue stated he thinks that taking today, (Tuesday, January 8, 2008, Voting Day) off was a mistake.

 

VIII.      Items for Board Discussion

 

             1.  Policies

            

a.    Regular Board Meetings Policy

 

The Board discussed the Regular Board Meetings Policy.

 

b.    Public Notification of School Board Meetings

 

The Board discussed Public Notification of School Board Meetings.

 

c.    Agenda Preparation and Dissemination

 

The Board discussed Agenda Preparation and Dissemination.

 

d.    Minutes Policy

 

The Board discussed the Minutes Policy.

 

e.    Access to Minutes and Public Records

 

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

 

Hopkinton School Board Minutes 2007-2008                                1806

f.    Public Participation at Board Meetings Policy

 

The Board discussed the Public Participation at Board Meetings Policy.

 

IX.              Public Comments  - None

 

X.          Action Items

 

A. Manifests

 

A motion was made by Mr. Rowe seconded by Mr. Donahue to approve 2007-2008 Manifest No. 54-63 in the amount of $1,121,974.96. The motion was unanimously approved.

 

B.  Field Trips

 

1.    A motion was made by Mr. Rowe and seconded by Mr. Luneau to approve the Carter Notch Trip, March 9, 2008 through March 11, 2008.  The motion was unanimously approved.

2.   A motion was made by Mr. Donahue and seconded by Mr. Rowe to approve the Zealand Falls Trip, March 2, 2008 through March 4, 2008.  The motion was unanimously approved.

 

C.  Personnel

 

1.       A motion was made by Mr. Donahue and seconded by Mr. Luneau to accept the resignation of Fred Jaskolka, Night Custodian, Hopkinton Middle/High School, effective December 28, 2007.  The motion was unanimously approved.

2.       A motion was made by Mr. Rowe and seconded by Mr. Donahue to approve the Superintendent’s nomination of Natalie Fortier, Student Specific Instructional Assistant, Hopkinton Middle/High School, effective January 3, 2008.  The motion was unanimously approved.

3.       A motion was made by Mr. Donahue and seconded by Mr. Luneau to approve a Maternity Leave for Jessica Ford, Hopkinton Middle/High School, from March 14, 2008 to May 12, 2008.  The motion was unanimously approved.

 

D.  Policies

 

1.       A motion was made by Mr. Rowe and seconded by Mr. Luneau to adopt the Regular Board Meetings Policy.   The motion was unanimously approved.

2.       A motion was made by Mr. Donahue and seconded by Mr. Luneau to adopt the Public Notification of School Board Meetings Policy.  The motion was unanimously approved.

3.       A motion was made by Mr. Donahue and seconded by Mr. Luneau to adopt the Agenda Preparation and Dissemination Policy.  The motion was unanimously approved.

 

Hopkinton School Board Minutes 2007-2008                                  1807

 

4.       A motion was made by Mr. Donahue and seconded by Mr. Luneau to adopt the Minutes Policy.  The motion was unanimously approved.

5.       A motion was made by Mr. Donahue and seconded by Mr. Luneau to adopt the Access to Minutes and Public Records Policy.  The motion was unanimously approved.

6.       A motion was made by Mr. Donahue and seconded by Mr. Luneau to adopt the Public Participation at Board Meetings Policy.  The motion was unanimously approved.

 

XI.      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 9:05 p.m.   The Board by voice vote unanimously approved the motion.  David Luneau, Yes;  Larry Donahue, Yes; Marshall Rowe, Yes; Joy Bloomfield, Yes;

 

XII.      ADJOURNMENT

 

 A motion was made by Mr. Rowe and seconded by Mrs. Fuller to adjourn at 9:30 p.m.                                                       

            

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

 

Brian J. Blake

Hopkinton School Board Clerk

 

 

Hopkinton School Board Minutes 2007-2008                           1808

 

 

 

 

#414

HOPKINTON SCHOOL DISTRICT

SCHOOL ADMINISTRATIVE UNIT #66

204 MAPLE STREET

CONTOOCOOK, NH 03229

 

MINUTES

 

Hopkinton School Board Public Hearing

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

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; 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 Public Hearing

 

             After the Public Hearing was Call to order, everyone stood for the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

II.          Discussion

 

Public Hearing to accept the New Hampshire Department of Transportation’s Safe Walk to School Grant as written.

 

Dr. Blake reported that the members of the Safe Walk to School Grant Committee were:  Natalie Duval, who spearheaded the project, Larry Keniston, David Luneau, Hermie Blanchette, Dr. & Mrs. Tessier, Lt. Pecora, Steve Chamberlin, Michael Bessette, Bill Carozza and himself. Dr. Blake presented an overview of the Safe Walk to School Grant noting that once the state approves the new cost estimates for the walkway, the goal is to begin construction of the sidewalk this summer.  Dr. Blake stated the Town of Hopkinton will oversee the project, but the project will be put out to bid.  Once completed, the School District will be responsible for maintaining the sidewalk.  Dr. Blake noted because the District was awarded the Safe Walk to School Grant, the District will be eligible to participate in other grants that will be forthcoming.  The Board thanked Natalie Duval for all her work on this grant and stated it was certainly appreciated.

 

III.         Action Items

 

             A motion was made by Mrs. Fuller and seconded by Mr. Luneau to accept the New Hampshire Department of Transportation’s Safe Walk to School Grant for approximately $31,000.  The motion was unanimously approved.

 

IV.         Adjourn Public Hearing

 

             A motion was made by Mr. Luneau and seconded by Mrs. Fuller to adjourn the public hearing at 6:50 p.m.

 

#414

 

 

HOPKINTON SCHOOL DISTRICT

SCHOOL ADMINISTRATIVE UNIT #66

204 MAPLE STREET

CONTOOCOOK, NH 03229

 

MINUTES

 

Hopkinton School Board Meeting

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

6:30 p.m.

 

Present: School Board Members: Joy Bloomfield, David Luneau, Kim Fuller and Marshal Rowe (Arrived 7:25 p.m.);  Max Lanocha, Student Representative to the Board; Brian Blake, Superintendent; Michelle Clark, Business Administrator; 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 6:50 p.m. by Chair Joy Bloomfield.

 

II.          Additions to or Deletions from the Agenda:

 

Add:  X.  Action Items, B. Personnel, 2.  Recommend the Hopkinton School Board approve the Superintendent’s nomination of Kara Watts, Temporary English Teacher, Hopkinton Middle/High School, approximately January 30, 2008 through June 30, 2008,

 

III.         Correspondence:   

 

Dr. Blake noted that included in the Board packet was a letter from the Selectmen thanking the District for the use of the high school and commending our staff for their professionalism and cooperation during the recent Presidential Primary Elections and a copy of the recent NHSBA Bulletin.  Dr. Blake stated that the District had received a $100.00 donation from PSNH for the Robotics Program.

 

IV.         Approval of Minutes 

 

A motion was made by Mr. Luneau and seconded by Mrs. Fuller to approve the January 8, 2008 minutes. The motion was unanimously approved.

 

VII.             Public Comments  - None

 

THESE MINUTES ARE NOT OFFICIAL UNTIL APPROVED AT THE FOLLOWING BOARD MEETING FEBRUARY 5, 2008.

 

Hopkinton School Board Minutes 2007-2008                           1809

 

VIII.           Staff Reports/Presentations

 

1.       Monthly Financial Report

 

Michelle Clark, Business Administrator, reported that revenues are as anticipated and expenditures are on target.

 

2.       Bodensee-Gymnasium, Lindau Germany Trip

 

Steve Chamberlin, Principal, Hopkinton Middle/High School, discussed the Trip to Bodensee-Gymnasium, Lindau Germany from June 16, 2008 through July 13, 2008.   Dr. Blake reported that Carl Olson, recipient of last’s years Susan Graham Pisinski Award, requested the funds provided with his award be put towards this trip to support the students.

 

3.       2008-2009 Hopkinton High School Program of Studies

 

Steve Chamberlin, Principal, Hopkinton Middle/High School, discussed the 2008-2009 Program of Studies. Mr. Chamberlin noted that because of the State’s curriculum changes, students are going to have to demonstrate proficiencies and competencies.  Mr. Chamberlin stated that only courses with 12 or more students would be offered in 2008-2009.

 

VII.       Comments from the Hopkinton School Board

 

Mrs. Fuller noted she appreciated the thank you note from the Selectmen regarding the use of the high school gymnasium for voting but the students missed a day of school.  Mrs. Fuller suggested that the voting be moved to the Slusser Senior Center so that students do not miss another day of school.   

 

Mr. Luneau reported that he had attended the NHSBA Delegate Assembly meeting.  The meeting provided information on the funding of the New Hampshire Retirement System and noted that in 2008-2009 the District’s staff retirement costs could increase by 40% to 50%.

 

Mrs. Bloomfield informed the Board that a Budget Committee meeting has been scheduled for tomorrow, Wednesday, January 23rd, to discuss the School District Budget. 

 

VIII.      Items for Board Discussion

 

1.       Budget Discussion

 

Dr. Blake reported that at the Budget Committee meeting last week, there was discussion regarding the amount of the increase in the School District budget noting that while the increase in the proposed operating budget is 4.03% due to the decrease in revenues the increase is actually 7%. 

 

 

Hopkinton School Board Minutes 2007-2008                           1810

 

2.       Budget Committee Requests

 

Dr. Blake noted that the Budget Committee requested that the School District limit their budget increase to $500,000, a 4.4% increase.  He stated that in order to limit the School District budget increase to $500,000, the Board would need to reduce the budget by $213,000.

 

The Board discussed eliminating the Warrant Articles for the high school modular and the Retirement System.  The Board discussed class sizes particularly at the Harold Martin School.  Mr. Rowe stated that small classes in the first two grades are critical for student success throughout their school years.  The Board discussed tabling the elimination of teachers at the K-3 level unless enrollment drops below what is expected.  The Board recommended not funding the high school modular and the Retirement System Warrant Articles because they will not degrade the current educational opportunities.

 

Mr. Rowe noted that if the District had to decrease the School District budget by $200,000 the District’s educational programs will be impacted.

 

The Board discussed increasing revenues by instituting athletic fees, bus fees, general student fees and increasing preschool tuition.  The Board discussed course offerings at the middle/high school level.

 

The Board discussed at length and felt very strongly that the answer is not in eliminating teachers at the elementary level.  The Board felt that small classes in the first two grades are critical.  The Board noted the elimination of Warrant Articles for the high school modular and the retirement system would cut the District’s budget by $100,000.  The Board noted that reducing the District budget by more than $100,000 would start to impact educational programs directly.  The Board stated that eliminating the two Warrant Articles is not good fiscal management and is just postponing the expense particularly in the case of Retirement costs.

 

Because of the significant cuts made to the 2008-2009 School District budget prior to Board approval, it was the consensus of the Board that the 2008-2009 Budget presented to the Budget Committee is the budget the Board believes is the best for the students and the community.

 

3.       Policies

 

a.       New Board Member Orientation

 

The Board discussed the New Board Member Orientation Policy.

 

b.        Suspension of Policies

 

The Board discussed the Suspension of Policies Policy.

 

 

Hopkinton School Board Minutes 2007-2008                           1811

 

 

c.       Board Member Development Opportunities

 

The Board discussed the Board Member Development Opportunities Policy.

 

d.       Evaluation of the Superintendent

 

The Board discussed the Evaluation of the Superintendent Policy.

 

e.       Line of Responsibility and Staff Relations

 

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

 

f.        Individual School Administrative Personnel

 

The Board discussed the Individual School Administrative Personnel Policy and requested the Policy Committee reviewed the Board’s suggested revisions.

 

g.       School Building Administration

 

The Board discussed the School Building Administration Policy.

 

4.       Establish a Position on Retirement, Tenure Laws, Etc.

 

This discussion item was tabled.

            

X.                Public Comments  - None

 

X.          Action Items

 

A. Manifests

 

A motion was made by Mr. Rowe seconded by Mrs. Fuller to approve 2007-2008 Manifest No. 64-68 in the amount of $451,901.01. The motion was unanimously approved.

 

B.  Personnel

 

4.       A motion was made by Mrs. Fuller and seconded by Mr. Luneau to accept the resignation of Jenifer Drouin, Behavioral Assistant, Hopkinton Middle/High School, effective January 24, 2008.  The motion was unanimously approved.

5.       A motion was made by Mrs. Fuller and seconded by Mr. Luneau to approve the Superintendent’s nomination of  Kara Watts, temporary English Teacher, Hopkinton Middle/High School, approximately January 30, 2008 through June 30-2008.  The motion was unanimously approved.

 

 

 

Hopkinton School Board Minutes 2007-2008                           1812

 

 

C.    Budget Adjustment

 

A motion was made by Mrs. Fuller and seconded by Mr. Rowe to approve Budget Adjustment No. 2008-17  for $65,538.27 to properly record support staff assignment at Hopkinton Middle/High School.  The motion was unanimously approved.

 

D.   Bodensee-Gymnasium, Lindau Germany Trip

 

 A motion was made by Mrs. Fuller and seconded by Mr. Rowe to grant preliminary approval for the Bodensee-Gymnasium, Lindau Germany Trip, June 16, 2008 through July 13, 2008.  The motion was unanimously approved.

 

XI.      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 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;

 

XII.      ADJOURNMENT

 

 A motion was made by Mr. Rowe 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                           1813