#409
SCHOOL ADMINISTRATIVE UNIT #66
MINUTES
Tuesday,
November 6, 2007
6:30
p.m.
Present: School Board Members: Joy Bloomfield, Kim Fuller, David Luneau; and Marshall Rowe;
Brian Blake, Superintendent; Michelle Clark, Business Administrator; Bill
Carozza, Principal, Harold Martin School; Michael Bessette, Principal, Maple
Street School; Steve Chamberlin, Principal, Hopkinton Middle/High 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 Agenda - None
III. Correspondence - None
IV.
Approval of Minutes
A motion was made by Mr. Rowe and seconded by Mr. Luneau to
approve the October 16, 2007 minutes.
The motion was unanimously approved.
V.
Public Comments
David Lancaster, Budget
Committee Member, commented that he thought the first presentation of the
2008-2009 Budget was scheduled for this Board meeting. Dr. Blake stated that the November 20th
Board meeting will be the first discussion of the budget.
THESE
MINUTES ARE NOT OFFICIAL UNTIL APPROVED AT THE FOLLOWING MEETING NOVEMBER 20,
2007.
VI.
Staff Reports/Presentations
1.
Principals
Reports
Steve Chamberlin, Principal, Hopkinton Middle/High School, reported
the middle/high school has been attempting to recruit volunteers to oversee
study halls and cafeteria duty. The
middle/high school has its first parent volunteer who will relieve a teacher of
their study hall or cafeteria duty in order for the teacher to work directly
with students. Mr. Chamberlin noted that
he had had the opportunity to tour two new school buildings and stated the new
buildings have some innovative development of space.
a.
Mr. Chamberlin reported that dates have not been set for the
Honduras Trip because they are looking at transportation costs and trying to
limit the loss of class time.
b.
Mr. Chamberlin stated that the Chatham Cape
Cod Basketball trip is an opportunity to participate in scrimmages and for the
team to bond. The team pays for this
trip through fund raising.
Mr. Luneau stated that Mr. Chamberlin
reported that a high school student has been successful through Project Running
Start in earning 18 college credits by the end of his junior year. Mr. Chamberlin noted that students can earn
college credits through Project Lead the Way and CRTC. Mr. Chamberlin stated that this student will
graduate high school with a college transcript that is close to a year’s worth
of college credits.
Mrs. Bloomfield stated that she is happy
about the change in the Sports Awards Night.
Michael Bessette,
Principal,
Mr. Carozza, Principal, Harold Martin
School, noted the partnership with New England College is very successful and
gives teachers an opportunity to mentor student teachers. Mr. Carozza stated that the Safe Walk to School
Committee will present the Grant for
2.
Superintendent’s
Report
Dr. Blake reported on today’s Curriculum Day noting that the
staff’s focus was on curriculum scope and sequence, enduring understanding and
discussions about assessment. He also
noted that the teachers enjoyed the opportunity to have conversations with
teachers from different grade levels teaching the same subject.
3.
2007-2008
Tuition Rates
The Board had inquired if they had the authority to charge a higher
tuition rate to parents of out-of-district students. Michelle Clark, Business Administrator,
stated that the District does have flexibility for setting tuition rates for
parents of out-of-district students but not for children being sent by another
District.
4.
Food
Service Update
Tracy Barker, Food Service Director, requested the Board approve
the reintroduction of the Combo Meal (entree and a drink) as a lunch option at
the high school. Mrs. Barker noted that
in September 2006 high school meals sold were 2,520 lunches, 2,160 combo meals
for a total of 4,680 meals compared to September 2007 where only 2,493 meals
were sold. In October 2006, high school
meals sold were 2,286 lunches, 1,856 combo meals for a total of 4,142 meals
compared to October 2007 where only 2,928 meals were sold. The Board requests another update from the
Food Service Director in two months.
VII. Comments from
Hopkinton School Board
Mr. Rowe reported he had been approached by a parent on
behalf of a group of parents who are working with the
Mr. Luneau reported that he had attended the Greener
Hopkinton Strategy Session. He noted
that the committee will be presenting recommendations to both the town and
school and he hoped the recommendations will be looked at positively for both
the community and the environment.
Mr. Luneau asked if the District could utilize Internet Two
Services to improve curriculum and efficiencies within the District. Mr. Rowe asked if the Board could send a
letter to encourage TDS to bring Internet Two Services to the community.
Mrs. Fuller congratulated all the high school sports teams
and thanked them for representing their District in such a great manner.
Mrs. Bloomfield asked if the list of people authorized to
approve purchase orders for payment had been sent to Arnold Coda, District
Treasurer. Michelle Clark, Business
Administrator, noted yes the list had been sent to Arnold Coda.
Mr. Rowe complimented Michelle Clark, Business
Administrator, on her work with the Budget Committee and for her negotiation of
the District’s fuel oil contract back in the spring which saved the District a
great deal of money.
VIII. Items for Board Discussion
1.
Tobacco
Products Ban Policy
The Board discussed the Tobacco Products
Ban Policy.
2.
Advanced
College Placement Policy
The Board discussed the Advanced College
Placement Policy.
3.
Volunteer
Policy
The Board discussed the Volunteer Policy.
4.
The Board discussed the School District
Internet Access for Students.
5.
Placement,
Promotion and Retention of Students Policy
After discussion, the Board changed the
name of this policy to Promotion and Retention of School Policy.
6.
Evaluation
of Instructional Programs Policy
The Board discussed the Evaluation of
Instructional Programs Policy.
7.
Assessment
Policy
The Board discussed the Assessment Policy.
8.
Change
of School or Assignment Policy
The Board discussed the Change of School or
Assignment Policy.
9.
Student
Conduct, Discipline and Due Process Policy
The Board discussed the Student Conduct,
Discipline and Due Process Policy.
10.
First
Aid and Emergency Medical Care Policy
The Board discussed the First Aid and
Emergency Medical Care Policy.
IX. Public Comments
David Lancaster, Budget Committee Member, thanked Michelle
Clark, Business Administrator, for her presentation to the Budget
Committee. He noted it is a big step
towards cooperation between the Budget Committee and the School Board.
Diane LaChance, Community Member,
stated that if food service added 50 cents to lunches, it would bring in an
additional $41,000. The Board noted they
had already raised lunch prices this year.
Diane LaChance asked when the audio recordings
of the Board meetings would be on the website which the town requested. She noted that if there were technical
issues, Chris Lawless would be available to assist the
The Board reiterated that the public comments section on the
Board Agenda is for comments only. If you have questions or wish to have a dialogue please call the
Superintendent or a Board member.
Sam Delgado, Community Member, stated that the
Parent/Teacher Conference was done very well.
He noted that the teacher was very knowledgeable and knew his
child. Mr. Delgado also suggested names
tags for the Board and administrators.
Mrs.
Fuller asked if the District has thought about running our own buses. Ms. Clark noted that the District does not
have maintenance facilities. Ms. Clark
also stated that we can’t get service on our little buses. Dr. Blake noted that by running our own buses
the District’s savings would be minimal due to the need for more personnel.
X. Action Item
A. Manifests
A
motion was made by Mr. Luneau and seconded by Mrs. Fuller to approve 2007-2008 Manifest No. 33-42 for $1,146,751.27. The motion was unanimously approved.
B.
Personnel
1.
A motion was made by Mr. Rowe
and seconded by Mr. Luneau to
approve a Maternity Leave for Kathleen LaClair,
Hopkinton Middle/High School from March 26, 2008 to the first day of the
2008-2009 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 Scott Semmens, Middle School Nordic Ski Coach for the 2007-2008
School Year. The motion was unanimously
approved.
3.
A motion was made by Mr.
Luneau and seconded by Mrs. Fuller to approve the Superintendent’s
nomination of Dee Gilroy, Middle School Alpine Ski Coach, for the 2007-2008
school year. The motion was unanimously
approved.
C. 2007-2008 Tuition
Rates
A motion was made
by Mr. Rowe and seconded by Mr. Luneau to adopt the 2007-2008 Tuition
Rates. The motion was unanimously approved.
Kindergarten $ 6,820.50
Elementary
$13,641.00
Middle School
$13,800.22
High School
$13,714.66
D.
Budget Adjustment
A motion was made by Mrs. Fuller and seconded by Mr. Rowe to
approve Budget Adjustment No. 2008-13 in the amount of $5,267.27. This transfers funds from regular education
salary and benefits to special education salary and benefits. The motion was unanimously approved.
E.
Trips
1.
A motion was made by
Mrs. Fuller and seconded by Mr. Luneau to approve a trip to Tela/Trujillo,
2.
A motion was made by
Mr. Rowe and seconded by Mrs. Fuller to approve a trip to Chatham Cape Cod for
the Basketball Jamboree November 30, 2007 through December 2, 2007. The motion was unanimously approved.
F.
Transportation Contract
Bid
A motion was made by Mr.
Rowe and seconded by Mr. Luneau to award the five-year transportation contract
bid to First Student beginning with the 2008-2009 school year. The motion was unanimously approved.
G.
Policies
1.
A
motion was made by Mr. Rowe and seconded by Mr. Luneau to adopt the Promotion
and Retention of Students Policy. The
motion was unanimously approved.
2.
A
motion was made by Mrs. Fuller and seconded by Mr. Luneau to adopt the
Evaluation of Instructional Programs Policy.
The motion was unanimously approved.
3.
A
motion was made by Mrs. Fuller and seconded by Mr. Rowe to adopt the Assessment
Policy. The motion was unanimously
approved.
4. A motion was made by Mr. Luneau and seconded
by Mr. Rowe to adopt the Change of School or Assignment Policy. The motion was unanimously approved.
5. A motion was made by Mrs. Fuller and
seconded by Mr. Luneau to adopt the Student Conduct, Discipline and Due Process
Policy. The motion was unanimously
approved.
6. A motion was made by Mr. Rowe and seconded
by Mr. Luneau to adopt the First Aid and Emergency Medical Care Policy. The motion was unanimously approved.
H.
Food
Service Combo Lunch
A
motion was made by Mrs. Fuller and seconded by Mr. Rowe to approve the
Superintendent’s recommendation to reintroduce the Combo Meal at the Hopkinton
Middle/High School at a cost of $2.00.
The motion was unanimously approved.
XI 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 RSA91:A-3 at 8:20 p.m.
The Board by voice vote unanimously approved the motion. Marshall Rowe, Yes; David
Luneau, Yes; Kim Fuller, Yes; Joy Bloomfield, Yes.
XII. Reconvene Public Session
1.
A motion was made by
Mrs. Fuller and seconded by Mr. Rowe to accept Bennett Williams as a Hopkinton
Middle/High School tuition student for the 2007-2008 school year. The motion was unanimously approved.
XIII. ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by
Mr. Rowe and seconded by Mr. Luneau to adjourn at 8:50 p.m.
Respectfully
submitted,
Brian J. Blake
Hopkinton School Board Clerk
#410
SCHOOL ADMINISTRATIVE UNIT #66
MINUTES
Tuesday,
November 20, 2007
6:30
p.m.
Present: School Board Members: Joy Bloomfield, Larry Donahue, Kim Fuller, David Luneau; and Marshall
Rowe; Brian Blake, Superintendent; Max Lanocha,
Student Representative to the Board; Michelle Clark, Business Administrator; Valerie
Aubry, Director of Student Services; Bill Carozza, Principal, Harold Martin
School; Michael Bessette, Principal, Maple Street School; Steve Chamberlin,
Principal, Hopkinton Middle/High 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.
III.
Additions to or
Deletions from Agenda
Addition: VIII.
Items for Board Discussion, C. Trip to
Addition: X. Action Items, D.
III. Correspondence
“Right to Know
Guidelines” from the NHSBA was distributed to the Board.
VI.
Approval of Minutes
A motion was made by Mr. Rowe and seconded by Mr. Luneau to
approve the November 6, 2007 minutes as amended. The motion was unanimously approved as
amended.
Amended: Page 1772,
VI.
Staff Reports/Presentations, Mr. Luneau ….. earning
18 college credits by the end of his junior year at no cost to the
` THESE MINUTES ARE NOT OFFICIAL UNTIL APPROVED AT THE FOLLOWING
MEETING DECEMBER 4, 2007.
VII.
Public Comments
David Lancaster, Budget Committee
Member, congratulated Mrs. Fuller on her daughter, Lori’s, engagement. Mr. Lancaster also gave kudos to the School
Board for placing the recordings of the School Board meetings on the District
website. Mr. Lancaster noted that the
town has placed their preliminary budget on the town website and he would like
to see the
VII.
Staff Reports/Presentations
1.
Monthly
Financial Report
Michelle Clark, Business Administrator, reported that revenues
are as expected and expenditures are in line with expectations.
VII. Comments
from Hopkinton School Board
Mr. Luneau reported on the high speed internet initiative
in conjunction with TDS Telecom. Mr.
Luneau noted that the Hopkinton Technology Board is discussing the possibility
of a high speed connection for all town and school buildings. Mr. Luneau asked what would be the advantages
of a high speed connection to the
Mrs. Bloomfield reported that the Clash of the Titans
Friday evening was great fun. Steve
Chamberlin, Principal, Hopkinton Middle/High School, reported that the Clash of
the Titans raised $1,400 for the Special Olympics.
VIII. Items for Board Discussion
A.
2008-2009 School District Budget
Dr. Blake reported that the 2008-2009
School District Budget increase overall is 7.63% but the increase due to
salaries and benefits of existing staff is 2.7%. Dr. Blake noted that the budgets submitted by
various departments have been cut by $200,000 already. These cuts do not affect programs, represents
best practices and satisfies State and Federal mandates. Dr. Blake stated that the District is aware
of the community’s concerns and the tax impact. Dr. Blake noted that he
realizes the budget will be changed but expects that the budget will meet the
needs of the students and provide the excellent education that Hopkinton is
known for.
Mrs. Fuller asked about the
reduction in equipment for the ropes course.
She also asked if any of the cuts that have been made create safety
issues.
Mrs. Bloomfield asked what LEA
means. Valerie Aubry, Director of
Student Services, explained that LEA stands for Local Education Agency. Mrs. Bloomfield asked if we cut
tuition. Dr. Aubry noted a cut of
$15,000 in tuition.
Mr. Donahue asked if the
Superintendent’s cuts were deleted from the 2008-2009 proposed budget or from the 2007-2008 budget. Michelle Clark, Business Administrator, noted
they are cuts from both budgets. Mr.
Donahue inquired about the deletion of a .2 civics teacher. Mr. Chamberlin
noted that an additional .4 civics teacher was included in the 2007-2008 budget and because of students’ course choices, the high
school civic teacher need was .2 so the other .2 civic teacher is being cut for
2008-2009.
Mrs. Bloomfield stated that she
thought the Civics Course was a requirement for graduation. Mr. Chamberlin noted that based on students
who have taken the civics course in their Junior year
that the .2 civics teacher for the 2008-2009 school year will be sufficient for
the 2008-2009 course enrollment.
Mr. Luneau asked how the volunteer monitors was working at the high school. Mr. Chamberlin stated that the high school
has one volunteer, but he believes in the concept that teachers should be
working with students.
Mr. Donahue asked what mechanisms
were used requesting high school volunteers.
Mr. Chamberlin noted that a letter went home with the last report card,
was noted in the new initiatives, emails, Town Crier, sign ups at Parents Night
and the PTA sent out notices.
Mrs. Bloomfield asked what was the middle/high school Nurses Office wall that was cut. Mr. Chamberlin stated it was a privacy wall
in the Nurses Office. He noted that if a
student is sick in the Nurse’s Office and a student needs to talk with the
School Nurse, the School Nurse and student end up talking in the hall. There is no privacy. There is some money left in the budget to do
this.
Mrs. Bloomfield asked if the
Administrators made any cuts. Michael
Bessette, Principal, Maple Street School, reported reducing a number of
categories at Maple Street and several reductions in the supply lines for each subject
to include reading.
Mrs. Fuller asked what would the reduction in Miscellaneous Enrichment have
covered. Mrs. Fuller asked if that was
for the Gifted and Talented program. Mr.
Bessette noted that the $500 cut from Miscellaneous Enrichment was a $500
reduction in the Artist in Residence program.
The $500 has been made up from grants and a gift from the PTA.
Mr. Luneau asked if any of the
increases and decreases on the summary sheet correspond to any grant
revenues. Ms. Clark stated the District
receives Medicare for some special education related expenses.
Mr. Rowe
asked if middle school basketball was part of the HYSA program. Mr. Chamberlin noted that HYSA is
discontinuing the middle school basketball program.
Mrs. Fuller
asked how many middle school basketball teams would the District field. Mr. Chamberlin noted one boys and one girls team to perhaps include 6, 7 and 8 grades. Mrs. Fuller asked if we would be providing
transportation for these basketball teams.
Mr. Chamberlin noted it would be the same as other sport offerings.
Mr. Luneau
asked if there would be both an A and B middle school basketball team. Mr. Chamberlin stated there is gym space for
only one boys and one girls' middle school basketball team.
Mrs.
Bloomfield asked what building landscaping would be cut. Ms. Clark noted that the landscaping budget
originally was $12,000 and was cut to $6,000.
Mrs. Bloomfield asked what the cuts entail. Dr. Blake reported that the school building
property is the first thing that people see when they approach buildings and
all of the District’s buildings are in need of some landscaping work to include
grass and flowers. Mr. Rowe asked if the
SAU was included in the landscaping. Dr.
Blake noted the SAU was not included in the landscaping only the front of the
school buildings. Mrs. Bloomfield asked
if anyone had contacted Mary Congoran.
Mr. Carozza, Principal,
Mrs. Fuller
asked about the addition of a ½ Administrative Assistant. Ms. Clark noted that at this time the
Administrative Assistant works ½ time for the Business
Administrator and ½ time for the Director of Student Services. Ms. Clark noted that both the Director of
Student Services and the Business Administrator need the Administrative
Assistant at the same time. Mrs.
Bloomfield asked how this person would be divided. Ms. Clark stated that the Business
Administrator would have a full time Administrative Assistant and the Director
of Student Services would have a full time Administrative Assistant.
Mrs.
Bloomfield asked about the Director of Curriculum. Dr. Blake stated that while the District does
very well with the academics and outcomes, our curriculum really needs someone
that is focused on development and coordination of curriculum in the
District. Mr. Donahue asked what the
$85,000 would get the District. Dr.
Blake noted it would provide the District with better coordination of all the curriculum and take a load off other personnel. Michael Bessette, Principal,
Mr. Rowe
asked what the impact would be on the students in the District if we had a
Director of Curriculum. Dr. Aubry noted
the District would have a careful analysis of student needs based on
assessments and the curriculum would be designed to meet the students
needs. Mr. Rowe noted it is frustrating
to spend money on assessment and administrative costs when the money should be
spent to benefit students. Mr. Rowe
asked if there are noticeable benefits on some level of having a Director of
Curriculum. Mr. Rowe asked if having a
Director of Curriculum is going to make a difference to the 13 years of
instruction that is provided to students now.
Mr. Rowe stated he wants to spend money where it has the most impact on
kids.
Mrs. Bloomfield stated it would be
helpful to get more information. Dr.
Blake noted this budget presentation is only an overview.
Mrs. Fuller asked about the addition
of a .2 business teacher. Mr. Bessette
noted that the addition of a .2 business teacher at
Mrs. Bloomfield stated there are
lots of things the District wants, we want to make
sure we absolutely need them.
Mrs. Bloomfield asked what is the support for Hopkinton Middle/High School nurse. Mr. Chamberlin stated the support is needed
to assist with vision, hearing, review of records and clerical work that would
allow the school nurse to service the students (530 students to 1 is a high
ratio).
Mrs. Bloomfield asked about the .2
marketing class. Mr. Chamberlin noted
the Marketing, Advertising and Media Awareness course recently was approved by
the Curriculum Council and would expand the business offerings at the high
school. Mrs. Fuller asked why marketing
rather than Mathematics, Science, etc.
Mrs. Fuller asked why a business course.
Mr. Chamberlin noted to meet state requirements that are not being
offered at this time by CRTC.
Mr. Chamberlin noted the increase
for the Yearbook teacher. Mr. Chamberlin
explained that the Yearbook meets for 90 minutes every other day, the students
receive a grade and he feels that constitutes a class rather than a Schedule B
position. Yearbook is unable to meet
after school because most students participate in sports after school. Mrs. Fuller noted that the Yearbook teacher
does more than 90 minutes every other day.
Mrs. Fuller stated that they meet on Saturday and also have homework.
Mr. Chamberlin explained the
increase for Project Lead the Way engineering classes is to include civil
engineering courses training and equipment.
Mrs. Bloomfield asked about the .2
increase for School to Career. Mr.
Chamberlin noted that the drop out age has been increased to age 18 and this .2
position would allow implementing of one on one counseling and partnerships
which might keep students in school and to look at opportunities outside of
class. Mr. Rowe asked if this connects
with Guidance. Mr. Chamberlin noted that
School to Career develops portfolios, and offers one on one
counseling and when the students are ready to make career choices or
select colleges then Guidance would be involved.
Dr. Blake stated he had anticipated
the Board will have continued conversations and that tonight was just an
overview of what is in the budget.
Mr. Luneau asked if the Athletic
Trainer position is one that stays with the school and handles any event or
incident that might happen during games and the away games Athletic Trainer
would handle events or incidents. Mr.
Chamberlin noted that schools that offer football have Athletic Trainers, but
not every school has an Athletic Trainer.
Mrs. Fuller stated there are advantages to having an Athletic Trainer.
Mr. Rowe asked if the increases to
salaries and benefits reflect the changes in staff due to early
retirement. Ms. Clark stated yes it
does.
B.
Policies
11.
Evaluation
of Board Operational Procedures
The Board discussed the Evaluation of
Board Operational Procedures.
12.
Evaluation
of the Board
The Board discussed the Evaluation of the
Board.
13.
School
Board Policies and Administrative Procedures
The Board discussed the School Board
Policies and Administrative Procedures and suggested minor changes.
14.
School
Board Powers and Duties Policy
The Board discussed School Board Powers
and Duties Policy.
15.
Board
Member Authority Policy
The Board discussed the Board Member
Authority Policy and suggested minor changes.
16.
Ethics
Policy Statement Policy
The Board discussed the Ethics Policy
Statement Policy and suggested minor changes.
17.
Board
Member Conflict of Interest Policy
The Board discussed Board Member Conflict
of Interest Policy and requested an opinion from counsel.
18.
Board
Officers Policy
The Board discussed Board Officers Policy.
19.
Board-Superintendent
Relationship Policy
The Board discussed Board-Superintendent
Relationship Policy.
20.
Tobacco
Products Ban Policy
The Board discussed the Tobacco Products
Ban Policy.
21.
Advanced
College Placement Policy
The Board discussed the Advanced College
Placement Policy.