HOPKINTON SCHOOL DISTRICT
SCHOOL ADMINISTRATIVE UNIT #66
204 MAPLE STREET
CONTOOCOOK, NH 03229
MINUTES
Hopkinton School Board Meeting
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
6:30 p.m.
Present:
School Board Members: Joy Bloomfield, Larry Donahue, Kim Fuller, David Luneau,
and Marshal Rowe; 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
6:35 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:
ADDITIONS: Item X: Action Items, A. Manifests, 1. Budget
Adjustments
a. Recommend the
Hopkinton School Board approve 2007-2008 Budget Adjustment No. 2008-20 in the
amount of $950.00.
b. Recommend the
Hopkinton School Board approve 2007-2008 Budget Adjustment No. 2008-21 in the
amount of $306.00.
III.
Correspondence
Dr. Blake, Superintendent, read a letter from the Association of
School Business Officials International (ASBO) which congratulated Michelle
Clark on her attaining the status of Registered School Business Official with
ASBO, International. The letter noted that this certification is tangible
professional recognition of her personal advancement and demonstrated
proficiency in the specialized field of school business management. Dr.
Blake noted that this is a very high honor. Dr. Blake noted that Michelle
is 1 of 4 Business Administrators in the state to receive this
recognition. The Board congratulated Michelle.
THESE MINUTES ARE NOT OFFICIAL UNTIL APPROVED AT THE FOLLOWING
BOARD MEETING MARCH 18, 2008.
Hopkinton School Board Minutes 2007-2008
1828
Dr. Blake, Superintendent, shared the School Board Association
Policy Index to the classification system. Dr. Blake stated it is a good
overview of where the District is eventually headed in policy development and
the School Board Policy Manuel.
IV.
Approval of Minutes
A motion was made by Mr. Rowe and seconded by Mr. Donahue to
approve the February 19, 2008 minutes as amended. Marshall Rowe, Yes;
Larry Donahue, Yes; David Luneau, Yes; Joy Bloomfield, Yes; Kim Fuller,
Abstained.
Amended: Item IX. Comments from the Hopkinton School Board
should read: He stated 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.
V.
Public Comments - None
VI.
Staff Reports/Presentations
1.
Monthly Financial Report
Michelle Clark, Business Administrator, noted that this MonthÕs
Financial Report was created by the District software. She stated that
the District software report does not include anticipated revenues or expenses
not encumbered but anticipated. Ms. Clark reported that revenues
are as anticipated and expenditures are on target.
2.
Principals Reports
Bill Carozza, Principal, Harold Martin School, reported that
Kindergarten enrollment to date is 49 students which would have class sizes of
16, 16 and 17 for the 2008-2009 school year.. Mr. Carozza stated he had
met with Kevin Nichols, Pastor of St. Andrews Episcopal Church. Reverend
Nichols noted he would like the Hopkinton School District to utilize St.
Andrews Parish House.
Michael Bessette, Principal, Maple Street School, noted that the
TEP evaluations are a wonderful tool for discussing with staff their
competencies, professional development and articulates a process to advance in
classroom instruction and supervision.
Mr. Donahue noted kudos to Mr. Bessette for creatively solving the
planning room and literacy center issue successfully.
Steve Chamberlin, Principal, Hopkinton Middle/High School, noted he
had the opportunity to speak to 25 budding new teachers at UVTIÕs Second Career
Program. He also discussed in his report the Youth Risk Behavioral Survey
and courses under subscribed and the reasons why.
The Board discussed NECAP scores with all three Principals.
Hopkinton School Board Minutes 2007-2008
1829
3.
SuperintendentÕs Report
Dr. Brian Blake, Superintendent, noted that Rick Schaefer, Director
of Maintenance and Fire Chief, has been checking all District buildingÕs roofs.
VII.
Comments from the Hopkinton School Board
Mr. Donahue noted that parents had expressed concerns regarding the
number of school snow days delayed and ½ days for teachersÕ professional
development. Mr. Donahue asked if it would make sense not to have the
pair of early release days in March because we are behind in student
instructional time.
Mr. Donahue stated how much he had enjoyed working with Mrs.
Bloomfield and Mr. Rowe and thanked them for their service to the School Board.
Mr. Rowe thanked Mrs. Bloomfield and stated that no one knows how
much time and energy it takes to be a School Board Member. Mr. Rowe noted
that Joy has provided a real service to the community and I appreciate it.
Mrs. Bloomfield stated she would miss being a member of the School
Board.
Mr. Rowe noted he had really learned a lot from serving on the
Board and stated that he has great appreciation for the members of the
Leadership Team and the significance of their role in our schools as well as
the School Board. Mr. Rowe noted that he appreciated the commitment of
the Leadership Team and their role in the School District and certainly the
School Board and everything they do.
1. Mr. Rowe
encouraged the Board to be really aggressive regarding contracts.
2. Mr.
DonahueÕs concept of 2.0 is very important. He noted the Board should not
think it will happen as a grass root effort but as a directive from the School
Board. Mr. Rowe stated the initiative needs to come from the Board and he
asked the Board to be persistent and stick with it;
3. Mr. Rowe noted
from his perspective, the District has quality teachers and that is
everything. Mr. Rowe stated one thing that will influence our kids is the
quality of the teachers the District attracts. Mr. Rowe encouraged the
Leadership Team and School Board to remember and retain their compassion for
students. Mr. Rowe stated that sometimes compassion gets lost in the
budget process and other issues. Mr. Rowe suggested the Leadership Team
and School Board step back and retain their compassion for every student;
4. Mr. Rowe thanked
everyone on the Leadership Team, School Board and SAU Office and noted he
appreciates the opportunity the community gave him to make a small contribution
to our schools.
Hopkinton School Board Minutes
2007-2008
1830
Dr. Blake, Superintendent, thanked both Marshall Rowe and Joy
Bloomfield for making his first years in Hopkinton a great experience.
Dr. Blake noted he wished both Marshall and Joy the best and stated they both
would be sorely missed as a member of the Hopkinton School Board.
Mrs. Bloomfield noted that one of the questions that will need to
be addressed at the School District Meeting is the rules for spending the
contingency.
Mrs. Fuller suggested that the newly elected School Board members
be urged to attend the School Board AssociationÕs workshop for new School Board
members.
VIII. Items
for Board Discussion
1. Preparedness for
Annual School District Meeting
The Board discussed the meeting set up and information presentation.
2. 403B
Administration Services
Michelle Clark, Business Administrator, discussed the new
regulations regarding 403Bs. Ms. Clark recommended that the District
contract with Gatekeeper to oversee and maintain the DistrictÕs 403Bs. It
was the consensus of the Board to contract with Gatekeeper and that each
individual employee participating will pay for the 403B maintenance fee.
3. POLICIES
a.
Line of Responsibility and Staff Relations
First Reading: January
22, 2008
Second Reading: February
19, 2008
Third Reading: March 4, 2008
The Board discussed the Line of
Responsibility and Staff Relations.
b. Board
Member Conflict of Interest
First Reading:
November 20, 2007
Second
Reading: February 19, 2008
Third
Reading: March 4, 2008
The Board discussed the Board Member Conflict of Interest.
IX.
Public Comments
Merle Dustin, community member, complimented the School Board on
such a nice Annual School District meeting last year.
Hopkinton School Board Minutes
2007-2008
1831
X.
Action Items
A. Manifests
A motion was made by Mr. Luneau and seconded by Mr. Donahue to
approve 2007-2008 Manifest No. 80 in the amount of $65,296.65. The motion
was unanimously approved.
1. Budget Adjustments.
a. A motion was
made by Mr. Donahue and seconded by Mr. Rowe to approve 2007-2008 Budget
Adjustment No. 2008-20 in the amount of $950.00 to cover shelving
expense. The motion was unanimously approved. Mr. Donahue noted
Maple Street School is doing some great work.
b. A motion was
made by Mr. Donahue and seconded by Mrs. Fuller to approve 2007-2008 Budget
Adjustment No. 2008-21 in the amount of $306.00 to cover Special Education Math
Assessment for Grade 3.
C. Policies
1. It was the
consensus of the Board to table the Line of Responsibility and Staff Relations
Policy.
2. It was the
consensus of the Board to table the Board Member Conflict of Interest Policy.
D. Personnel
A motion was made by Mr. Donahue and seconded by Mr. Luneau to
accept the resignation of Marcy Bauers, Administrative Assistant to the
Director of Student Services and the Business Administrator, effective March 7,
2008. The motion was unanimously approved with regret.
XIII.
Non-Public Session (RSA 91-A:3, II (a)(c))
A motion was made by Mr. Donahue and seconded by Mr. Rowe to enter
non-public session in accordance with (RSA 91-A:3, II (a)(c)) at 8:25
p.m. The Board by voice vote unanimously approved the motion.
David Luneau, Yes; Larry Donahue, Yes; Marshall Rowe, Yes; Kim Fuller, Yes; Joy
Bloomfield, Yes;
XIV. ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Mr. Luneau and
seconded by Mrs. Fuller to adjourn at 10:01
p.m.
Respectfully
submitted,
Brian
J. Blake
Hopkinton
School Board Clerk
Hopkinton School Board Minutes
2007-2008
1832
#418
HOPKINTON SCHOOL DISTRICT
SCHOOL ADMINISTRATIVE UNIT #66
204 MAPLE STREET
CONTOOCOOK, NH 03229
MINUTES
Hopkinton School Board Meeting
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
6:30 p.m.
Present: School Board Members: Larry Donahue (Left approximately 6:45
p.m., Returned approximately 8:00 p.m.), Liz Durant, Kim Fuller, David Luneau,
and Peter Yunich; Brian Blake, Superintendent; Michelle Clark, Business
Administrator;
I.
Call to Order
The
meeting of the Hopkinton School Board was called to order at 6:32 p.m. by Dr.
Brian Blake, Superintendent.
After the
Call to Order, everyone stood for the Pledge of Allegiance.
Dr. Blake
stated that this meeting is the first meeting of the Hopkinton School Board
after the March 11, 2008 School Board elections. Dr. Blake noted that the first order of business is to
appoint a School Board Chair.
II.
Election of Officers
Dr. Blake,
Superintendent of Schools, in accordance with RSAÕs, requested nominations for Board Chair.
A
motion was made by Mrs. Fuller and seconded by Mr. Donahue to nominate David
Luneau as Chair of the Hopkinton School Board through the annual Hopkinton
School District Meeting in March 2009.
The motion was unanimously approved.
Mr. Luneau
solicited nominations for Vice Chair.
A
motion was made by Mr. Donahue and seconded by Mr. Yunich to nominate Mrs.
Fuller Vice-Chair of the Hopkinton School Board through the annual Hopkinton School
District Meeting in March 2009.
The motion was unanimously approved.
THESE
MINUTES ARE NOT OFFICIAL UNTIL APPROVED AT THE FOLLOWING BOARD MEETING APRIL 8,
2008.
Hopkinton School Board Minutes 2007-2008
1833
A motion
was made by Mr. Donahue and seconded by Mrs. Fuller to nominate Dr. Blake
Hopkinton School Board Secretary.
The motion was unanimously approved.
III. Comments from Board Chair
Mr. Luneau welcomed the new School Board members, Peter
Yunich and Liz Durant. Mr.
Luneau reminded the Board Members and members of the public that the School
Board meeting is a meeting of the School Board and public not a meeting of the
School Board with the public. Mr.
Luneau noted there would be opportunities during School Board meetings for the
public to make comments and express concerns. Mr. Luneau requested that if members of the public had
questions they be directed to School Board members or the SAU office after the
meeting. Mr. Luneau stated that
during the year the School Board will be scheduling meetings with the public
for a more interactive dialogue with members of the School Board and Leadership
Team which will be a much better forum.
Mr. Luneau noted that regular School Board meetings are business meetings
and the Board needs time to discuss and act on matters pertaining to District
operations. Mr. Luneau
stated that if someone has a special issue they would like the Board to
discuss, please speak with either Dr. Blake or him so the item can be placed on
an agenda so members of the community will be informed and make arrangements to
attend if they are interested. Mr.
Luneau also noted that it is time for the Board to help the School District get
back to the business of improving the educational opportunities for our
children through academics, athletics and other co-curricular programs rather
than accepting the status quo.
Although we must be mindful of cost, we must recognize and advocate the
communityÕs expectations that our childrenÕs education is the priority and that
every member of the community has a vested interest in our schools.
Mr. Luneau discussed with the Board changing the start time
of the School Board meetings from 6:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. It was the consensus of the Board to
start the School Board meetings at 6:30 p.m.
IV Additions
to or Deletions from the Agenda:
Addition: X. Items for Board Discussion 6. Hopkinton 2.0.
V. Correspondence
Dr. Blake
noted letters have been received from both the HEA and HESS bargaining units
requesting negotiations be scheduled for successor contracts.
VI. Approval
of Minutes
A motion
was made by Mrs. Fuller and seconded by Mr. Yunich to table the approval of the
March 18, 2008 Minutes until Mr. Donahue is in attendance. The motion was unanimously approved.
Hopkinton
School Board Minutes 2007-2008
1834
A motion
was made by Mrs. Fuller and seconded by Mr. Donahue to approve the minutes of
the regular Board meeting held on March 4, 2008. The motion was unanimously approved.
VII Public
Comments
Diane LaChance, Community Member, welcomed Peter Yunich and
Liz Durant to the School Board
VIII. Staff
Reports/Presentations
1. Monthly Financial Report
Michelle
Clark, Business Administrator, reported that all revenues and expenses are on
target for this time of year and the anticipated fund balance will be
approximately $572,555.
2. Mexico Trip
Dr.
Blake noted that a request for preliminary approval for a trip to Mexico was
included in the Board packet. This
preliminary approval allows the school to move forward in terms of
planning. Mr. Yunich asked if this
trip was a school sponsored trip or was paid for individually. Dr. Blake noted that no District funds
will be spent on this trip. Mr. Yunich asked if by sanctioning the trip does
the school take on any liability.
Dr. Blake responded no and a Certificate of Liability Insurance was
necessary and included in the packet.
Mr. Yunich asked if participates were required to sign a specific waiver
of liability in excess of the travel policy as he was concerned for the
District.
Mr.
Luneau stated that the Board had examined a waiver that parents and students
signed in conjunction with a trip to France. The Board recommended changes be made to that waiver form
and the Board certainly would expect the form to be updated in advance of this
trip.
Mr.
Yunich asked why the Board needs to approve this trip if it is not a school
sponsored trip. Mr. Yunich noted
that all the Board needs to approve is permission for the teachers and students
to go on the trip because it is the week before vacation. Mr. Yunich stated otherwise are we not
in fact creating a passive liability by the fact that we are approving
something that is not a school event.
Dr.
Blake noted that it is a school sponsored trip as it is organized by the school
for our students and the students pay for the trip themselves so in fact it is
a school sponsored trip.
Hopkinton
School Board Minutes 2007-2008
1835
Mr.
Yunich noted that he is just trying to really address the potential liability
to the District for something that is not on our watch.
Mr.
Luneau stated that the School Board has a responsibility to make sure that
trips being organized by the school are consistent with the goals and policies
of the school and Mr. Luneau noted that he would suspect that the School Board
would want to retain approval of trips that are taking our students to
different places for a significant duration of time to make sure that the trip
is being conducted in a manner that is consistent with the District
policies.
IX.
Comments from the Hopkinton
School Board
Mr. Luneau
noted that the Celebration of the Arts is scheduled for March 26th
at the Hopkinton High School. Mr.
Luneau stated he attended last year and it was one of the finest programs he
had seen. Mr. Luneau encouraged
the School District to widely promote the event.
Mr.
Donahue welcomed both Peter and Liz noting he is looking forward to their fresh
perspective.
Mr.
Donahue commended Brian Blake, Superintendent, and Michelle Clark, Business
Administrator, for the successful Annual School District meeting.
Mr.
Donahue asked about a previous survey that provided feedback from the community
in regard to best practices, staff, etc. that detailed the experiences of the
school.
X.
Items for Board Discussion
1. MS-22 Budget Discussion
Michelle Clark, Business Administrator, reported that the
MS-22 is the legal document for reporting
to the Department of Revenue funds that were voted on at the School
District meeting which needs to be signed by the School Board and the School
District Clerk.
Mrs. Fuller asked if the MS-22 included everything that was
voted on at the School District Meeting.
Ms. Clark reported that the $81,395 is not on the MS-22
because the School Board has been approved as agents of the School Building
Repair and Maintenance Trust.
Mr. Yunich asked if the audit had been competed and noted he
would not sign the MS-22 without the audit.
Hopkinton
School Board Minutes 2007-2008
1836
2. Board Meeting Date Change (April 1st to April 8th)
Dr. Blake noted that the School District has statutory
obligations for providing teacher nominations prior to April 15th. Dr. Blake recommended moving the April
1st Board meeting to April 8th, in order to provide the
Board with teacher nominations for the 2008-2009 school year and the second
April School Board meeting will remain on April 15th.
3. Committee Assignments
Mr. Luneau suggested moving discussion of Committee
Assignments to later in the Board meeting with hopes that Mr. Donahue be
present.
Dr. Blake reviewed all Committee Assignments.
The Board discussed District, school and town committees.
4. AuditorÕs Report Update
A draft of the 2006-2007 School District audit was shared
with the Board. Michelle Clark,
Business Administrator, reported there are very few changes between the report
printed in the Town Report and the 2006-2007 draft audit. Ms. Clark noted
changes that were made were in regard to how to record the bond refinancing and
exhibits changes. Ms. Clark noted
that the fund balance did not change, expenditures did not change other than
the change in recording the bond refinancing.
Mr. Luneau stated that this Board would very much like to
tighten up on its best practices on how to select an auditing team, provide
information and follow up to submitting of the report for printing in the town report.
Mr. Luneau suggested that any comments regarding the audit
should be sent to Dr. Blake and Ms. Clark.
5. POLICIES
Dr. Blake noted that in past years a Policy Manual was
adopted. NHSBA quarterly sends the
District revisions, updates and new policies that have been updated at the
state level.
a.
Line of Responsibility and
Staff Relations
First
Reading: January 22, 2008
Second
Reading: February 19, 2008
Third Reading: March 4, 2008
Fourth
Reading: March 18, 2008
Hopkinton School Board Minutes 2007-2008
1837
The Board
discussed the Line of Responsibility and Staff Relations Policy. This policy will be remanded back to
the Policy Committee for review.
b.
Board Member Conflict of
Interest
First
Reading: November 20, 2007
Second
Reading: February 19, 2008
Third Reading: March 4, 2008
Fourth Reading: March 18, 2008
The Board discussed the Board Member Conflict of Interest
Policy and requested that any revisions be emailed to Dr. Blake. This policy will be remanded back to
the Policy Committee for review
c. Policy
Adoption
First Reading: March 18, 2008.
The
Board discussed the Policy Adoption.
6. Hopkinton Schools 2.0
Mr. Donahue showed a PowerPoint of Hopkinton Schools. 2.0
noting that the fundamental challenge of the Board is in meeting two
imperatives, improving the quality of education and stemming the growing
financial gap.
Mr.
Yunich stated that Mr. DonahueÕs presentation of Hopkinton Schools 2.0 was
excellent. Mr. Yunich noted that
the gap Mr. Donahue showed is not the complete picture because it does not
include the townÕs budget as well.
XI.
Public Comments
Diane LaChance, Community Member, stated she had attended
the Celebration of the Arts a few years ago and it was exceptional and
exciting.
Diane LaChance, Community Member, noted that the Taxpayers
Association has asked for awhile that the community at large be acknowledged
for the financial constraints that are being placed on them to keep the
exceptional schools. Diane
LaChance noted she would like to know what the schools are doing, where the
schools are going and how the schools are getting there.
Frank
Mrozek, Community Member, noted that Mr. Donahue showed that the gap between
cost and ability to pay and that gap needs to be secured.
Hopkinton
School Board Minutes 2007-2008
1838
XII.
Action Items
A. Manifests
A motion
was made by Mrs. Fuller and seconded by Mr. Donahue to approve 2007-2008
Manifest No. 81-84 in the amount of $584,680.91. Larry Donahue, Yes; Kim Fuller, Yes; Liz Durant, Yes; David
Luneau, Yes; Peter Yunich, Abstain.
1. Budget
Adjustments.
a. A motion was made by Mr. Donahue and seconded by Mrs. Fuller
to approve 2007-2008 Budget Adjustment No. 2008-22 in the amount of $281.00 to
purchase an installation kit for a swing for occupational therapy at Harold
Martin School. The motion was
unanimously approved.
b. A motion was made by Mr. Donahue and seconded by Mrs. Fuller
to approve 2007-2008 Budget Adjustment No. 2008-23 in the amount of $8,830.00
to replace the two hot water heaters at the high school. The motion was unanimously approved.