HOPKINTON SCHOOL DISTRICT

School Administrative Unit #66

204 Maple Street

Contoocook, NH 03229

 

Hopkinton School Board

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

 

 

 

I.              Chair David Luneau called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m., the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Ms. Fuller.  Present: Chair David Luneau, Co-Chair Kim Fuller, School Board members Larry Donahue, Liz Durant and Peter Yunich, Superintendent Dr. Brian Blake, Business Administrator Michelle Clark, Administrative Assistant Tara Graham, Principal Steve Chamberlin, Principal Bill Carozza, and Student Representative Quinn Blue.

 

II.           Additions/Deletions to the agenda:

 

A.  None at this time.

 

III.         Correspondence

 

A.  Dr. Blake received notice of a business grant received by Kristin Jacques from the NH Chamber of Commerce.

 

IV.         Approval of Minutes

 

A.  Motion to approve the 10/21/08 minutes made by Ms. Fuller, seconded by Mr. Donahue, motion passes, all in favor, minutes approved with minor edits.

 

V.           Public Comments

 

A.  Merle Dustin:  Noted an essay contest for 5th graders only, with a 12/19 deadline.  The topic being ŇHow are the ideals of the Gettysburg address still relevant today?Ó  Information will be forwarded to Mr. Bessette at Maple Street School. 

 

VI.         Staff Reports/Presentations

 

A.  Harold Martin School, PrincipalŐs Report (Bill Carozza):

á      The Professional Development day went very well and they worked this time on writing.  There was also the opportunity to learn more about the digital portfolios at the Middle School.

á      Congratulations to Christin Doneski for winning the Manchester Marathon!

á      Planning for the World Languages Program is underway.  This will be a parent funded, after-school program where the elementary children will be bussed to the High School – there has already been great interest in this program and some funding will be available for children that would like to participate but cannot afford it.

 

B.   Maple Street School, PrincipalŐs Report (Dr. Blake for Mr. Bessette):

á      Mr. Yunich asked about NECAP testing.  Dr. Blake will acquire reports and will decide, along with Mr. Luneau, which Board meeting to bring this information to, as the next few will be tied up with budget topics.

 

C.   Hopkinton Middle-High School, PrincipalŐs Report (Steve Chamberlin):

á      At their Professional Development Day they discussed what everyone thought the most important things to connect grade to grade were.  Assessments were worked on and they experienced the World CafŽ Model.  Small groups connected the 4 Professional Learning Community questions and used brainstorming to start fitting them into strategies.

á      There is discussion regarding using the High School LibraryŐs Communication Room for Boys & Girls Club mentoring.

á      There will be a presentation at the High School on Thursday, November 13th at 9:15am on Polio, as part of an ongoing education series there.  This presentation will focus on the roadblocks that eradication faces.

á      Ms. Fuller extended her congratulations to Patty Connelly for winning the Walter A. Smith Award from the Athletic Association. She also commented that she was pleased to see weighted grades being discussed.

 

D.  SuperintendentŐs Report (Dr. Blake):

á      Dr. Blake commented on the Safe Routes To Schools meeting that took place last week.  The bids for the curbing and asphalt (for the new sidewalk in front of the Harold Martin School) came back much higher than expected.  The contractor will now be pricing them separately to see if we are able to attain a better deal.  He is still hopeful that this project will be done before winter.

á      Everyone is in the beginning phases of budget preparation and should have initial numbers to look at by the end of next week.

á      There are 10-12 homeless students in the district as of 10/01/08.  Total enrollment is 971, down from 1032 at this time last year (10/01/07).

á      Dr. Blake noted that a Safety and Security Roundtable Meeting was held last Thursday (10/30/08).  The group walked through a mock incident of a bus accident as if it had happened after 4pm – a better understanding of necessary communications and roles (both internal and external) was reached through this exercise.  He also discussed the lockdown drill at Harold Martin, which had taken place last Tuesday (10/28/08).

á      Mr. Donahue commented on the food service comparisons/research that Dr. Blake and Ms. Clark are working on.  He noted that we do not want to only examine the gross numbers, but also the per meal costs.  Ms. Clark said she will be acquiring information at her upcoming ASBO conference and will also be getting information for outsourcing quotes.

E.   TreasurerŐs Report:

á      Rescheduled until next meeting.

 

VII.      Comments From The Hopkinton School Board

 

A.  Ms. Fuller asked about the calendar committee and if there was an upcoming meeting?  She suggested they may want to explain on the next calendar why a student might have a day off and what the teachers and staff are doing on that day.

 

B.   Mr. Yunich noted that he ordered reprints of last SundayŐs New York Times which included a survey among colleges and universities regarding admission requirements.  Interesting enough was that class rank and GPA were lowest on the scale – the highest was the level of curriculum the student was exposed to and SATs were in the middle.  College interviews were marginal.  Mr. Yunich also ordered copies of Charles MurrayŐs new book ŇReal EducationÓ.

 

C.   Mr. Luneau received a letter from 5th grader Nick Meserve who is trying to raise his own funds to go to Washington D.C. for the People to People event he was selected to attend.  He is making cookies for donations, Mr. Luneau brought in some of these cookies he received for donating, to share with the group.

 

D.  Mr. Luneau gave Dr. Blake a copy of the Capital Improvements Plan from the Hopkinton Planning Board and asked for copies to be distributed to the Board members and Administrators to review and comment on.

 

VIII.    Items For Board Discussion

 

A.  Hopkinton 2.0 Framework:

á      Dr. Blake presented the framework developed by the H20 committee (PowerPoint available on our website).

á      Ms. Durant asked about a PR plan, all agreed that newspaper articles would be a good idea.

 

B.   Locks for Harold Martin School:

á      Butterfly locks have been recommended for locking access on the inside of the classroom (currently, you must open the door to lock from outside).  Maple Street and the Middle-High School both have these locks and have had great success with them.

á      50 locks would cost $8707.04, it is proposed the money come from the Repair and Maintenance Trust.

á      Dr. Blake will schedule a Public Hearing to precede the next Board meeting (11/18/08).

 

C.   Handicap Accessible Door at Hopkinton Middle-High School

á      A handicap accessible door has been recommended for what is now the teacherŐs entrance at the Middle-High School.

á      The door from NE Door (whom we have used before), would be $1725.00, plus $600.00 for the electrical work.  It is proposed the money come from the Repair and Maintenance Trust.

á      This will be included in the Public Hearing to precede the next Board meeting (11/18/08).  Both this door and the locks were on the 08-09 Maintenance and Trust withdrawals list.

 

D.  Tutition Rates:

á      Ms. Clark had e-mailed the Board with more information on the tuition rates, including the DOE 25 numbers, which are:

¤      Elementary:                   $12,100.73

¤      Middle School:     $13,021.94

¤      High School:                 $12,189.06

 

á      Our rates, based on the projected current yearŐs (08-09) budget would be:

¤      Kindergarten:        $7,346.79

¤      Elementary:                   $14,693.57

¤      Middle School:     $14,206.33

¤      High School:                 $14,995.16

 

á      There was also a mention of allowing employeesŐ children to attend at a discounted price – this will be discussed at a later time.

 

IX.         Public Comments

 

A.  Betsy Reinhart:  H20 is very encouraging.  Suggested that community members be involved on all task forces.

 

B.   Joy Bloomfield:  Suggested that groups looking to help and do any type of community service should also be looking at local areas and not always other countries with expensive trips.  There is much needed right here in our state.

 

X.           Action Items

 

A.  Tuition Rates

á      Mr. Luneau offered a motion that the Hopkinton School Board accept the tuition rates as proposed for the 2008-2009 school year. Ms. Fuller motioned, Mr. Donahue seconded, vote: all in favor, motion passes, tuition rates approved.

 

XI.         Ms. Fuller moved at 8:25 p.m. and Mr. Donahue seconded that the Board enter non-public session as provided in (RSA 91-A:3, II (a)(c)) to discuss negotiations and personnel.  Motion passed on a roll call vote- Mr. Donahue, Ms. Durant, Ms. Fuller, Mr. Luneau and Mr. Yunich, (all) in favor.

 

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

 

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

 

 

Adjourned at 9:05 p.m.

 

 

Respectfully submitted,  Tara D. Graham

 

 

 

 

 

Hopkinton School Board Meeting Minutes

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Maple Street School, Hopkinton NH

Non-public minutes

 

 

 

 

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

 

During the non-public session, the Board discussed negotiations and personnel.

 

Mr. Yunich motioned to come out of Non-Public Session.  Second offered by Mr. Donahue.  Roll call, all in favor.  Board returned to Public Session at 9:04 p.m.

 

 

 

 

 

HOPKINTON SCHOOL DISTRICT

SCHOOL ADMINISTRATIVE UNIT #66

204 MAPLE STREET

CONTOOCOOK, NH  03229

 

PUBLIC HEARING

 

11/18/08

 

Dave Luneau, Chair, Kim Fuller, Vice Chair, School Board Members Larry Donahue, Liz Durant, and Peter Yunich, Dr. Brian Blake, Superintendent, Michelle Clark, Business Administrator, Tara Graham, Administrative Assistant.

 

 

Public Hearing for the Hopkinton School Board called to order at 6:02pm, relating to the installation of butterfly locks at the Harold Martin School and the installation of a handicapped-accessible door at the Hopkinton Middle-High School.  Both to be funded through the Repair and Maintenance Trust, current balance approximately $141,179.00.

 

Butterfly Locks:

 

1.    Cost:  $8707.04 (50 locks) from Independent Hardware, Inc. by bid process, will be installed by Rick Schaffer and the facilities department.

2.    Project initiated by the Safety and Security Committee.

3.    The Middle-High School and Maple Street have already been done, with great results.  These locks allow for the doors to also be locked from the inside in the case of a lockdown, currently, the door would need to be opened and locked from the outside – causing an obvious, unnecessary risk.

4.    No questions or comments.

 

Handicapped-Accessible Door:

 

1.    Cost:  $2325.00 from NE Door by bid process, includes installation and electrical work to install an automatic pedestrian door at the current teacherŐs entrance to allow handicapped access from both ends of the building.

2.    Ms. Fuller raised the question of how people will know not to use the door if it is locked, as it will only be open for functions and locked during the school day from 8am to 3:30pm.  It was decided that signage will have to be improved.

3.    Ms. Durant noted the difficulty that will still exist should there be a fire and the best route to get a handicapped individual out of the auditorium in particular.  This will be examined for future discussion.

4.    No further questions or comments.

 

Mr. Luneau made the motion to close the public hearing.  Public hearing closed at 6:28p.m.

 

 

 

 

 

 

HOPKINTON SCHOOL DISTRICT

School Administrative Unit #66

204 Maple Street

Contoocook, NH 03229

 

Hopkinton School Board

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

 

 

 

XII.      Chair David Luneau called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m., the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Ms. Fuller.  Present: Chair David Luneau, Co-Chair Kim Fuller, School Board members Larry Donahue, Liz Durant and Peter Yunich, Superintendent Dr. Brian Blake, Business Administrator Michelle Clark, Director of Student Services Dr. Val Aubry, Director of Technology Matt Stone, Administrative Assistant Tara Graham, Principal Steve Chamberlin, Principal Michael Bessette, Principal Bill Carozza, Assistant Principal Chris Kelley, and Student Representative Quinn Blue.

 

XIII.    Additions/Deletions to the agenda:

 

A.  To Items For Board Discussion (VIII), # 6:  Lake Placid Ski Jumping Camp.

B.   To Action Items (X) #7: Lake Placid Ski Jumping Camp, #8:  Nomination of Christina Hart at Hopkinton Middle-High School, replacing Jaclyn King for her maternity leave, #9:  Nomination of Michael Arruda, replacing a staff member at Hopkinton Middle-High School.

 

XIV.    Correspondence

 

A.  Dr. Blake received notice of a business grant received by Kristin Jacques from the NH Chamber of Commerce last week, to specify, it is for Math Mall and Exchange City.

B.   Dr. Blake received notice from the National Center on Education and the Economy that Hopkinton has been accepted into the Tough Choices/Tough Times initiative and handed out information regarding this to all in attendance.

C.   Dr. Blake received notice that we have received two donations for the 1st Robotics Team – one from PSNH for $100.00 and one from the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce for $1000.00.

D.  Dr. Blake handed out copies of the Fall Sports Awards Newsletter provided for the Board by Dan Meserve.

E.   Dr. Blake received notice that Maple Street student, Kevin Donahue had won a contest that provided his school with a brand new Dell computer and printer, as well as an identical set for his own individual use.

 

XV.      Approval of Minutes

 

A.  Motion to approve the 11/4/08 minutes made by Mr. Donahue, seconded by Ms. Fuller, motion passes, all in favor, minutes approved.

 

XVI.    Public Comments

 

A.  David Lancaster:  Requested that a copy of the budget be available to the public, to which Mr. Luneau answered that it will, when available, as this is only the first meeting touching on the budget.  Mr. Lancaster also asked if the Board will be voting tonight on the Public Hearing items and Mr. Luneau answered, yes.

 

XVII. Staff Reports/Presentations

 

A.  Budget Report (Dr. Brian Blake):

á      Dr. Blake presented a 2009-2010 budget overview.

á      PowerPoint to be posted on website after minutes are approved.

á      Dr. Blake hopes to begin detailed budget discussions starting at the December 2nd Board meeting.  The goal is for the budget to be finalized by December 19th.

á      Ms. Fuller asked if there are foreseen reduction in special areas (art, music, etc.).  Dr. Blake responded that it is possible, but too early to say for sure.

á      Dr. Blake was also asked by the Board to work with the Leadership Team to outline what the cuts would look like at only a 2.5% increase as well a 0% increase – to have on hand to show the Budget Committee should they ask.  This should outline the detrimental cuts that would be necessary to get to these budget levels.  We are currently at about a predicted 4% gross increase for the upcoming year, which is inclusive of all budgets and potential warrant articles.

 

B.   TreasurerŐs Report (Allan Bloomquist):

á      Mr. Bloomquist provided and handout and noted that he is 98 to 99% comfortable with our current collateral (about $1.8m) and banking institutions.

á      Mr. Bloomquist noted that he is leaning towards having legal counsel review the collateral documentation – unless it has been done in the past.

á      Mr. Bloomquist suggested looking into opening a money market account up to $235,000.00 (under the FDIC insurance limit) to fall back on in an emergency situation.  Ms. Clark agreed that this was a good idea and should be examined.

 

XVIII.        Comments From The Hopkinton School Board

 

A.  Ms. Fuller commented that the Budget Committee would like to see two public meetings on the budget before the public hearing, information on line 2314 (part-time employees) and all materials one week prior.

 

B.   Ms. Fuller asked where we are on oil contracting?

á      Ms. Clark answered that it is not an option to lower our contract with HR Cluff.

á      Mr. Yunich noted that at the time of contracting, oil was $147.00 per barrel.  We will be paying $4.1355/gallon this year.

 

C.   Mr. Donahue would like to recognize all of the members of the H2O Steering Committee, they had a great meeting last week and everything is moving along quite nicely.

 

D.  Mr. Luneau commented on a ŇconfidentialÓ memo that was opened by a 91A request.  The memo was from Scott Flood to the Board of Selectmen.  Mr. Luneau noted that it is important to remember that the School Board members were elected to take care of school issues, budgets, etc. and they will deliberate the issues to come to a solution that will provide the voters with what they believe are the most responsible decisions.

 

XIX.    Items For Board Discussion

 

A.  Budget Adjustment 2009-07:

á      Ms. Clark presented this budget adjustment for some unexpected smaller expenses at Maple Street School (nursing notes and site licenses) in the amount of $557.96.

 

B.   HHS Zealand Falls and Carter Notch, White Mountains Trips:

á      To be held in March to collect CO2 samples for national databases.

 

C.   HHS Hyannis Cape Cod Trip:

á      To visit another High School and participate in activities, competitions, etc.

á      Mr. Luneau asked if there are district costs for these trips?  Mr. Chamberlin responded that there are minimal costs – gas and substitutes if needed.

 

D.  Smart Start Program:

á      A lighting specific audit was conducted on the Middle-High School, Maple Street and the SAU (Harold Martin was previously converted, the cost of that project to be paid off in early 2009).

á      Ms. Clarke distributed information from LighTec, Inc. and suggested payment option #2, so as not to prolong it.

á      Mr. Yunich asked if this was a guaranteed payment for the time you agree to.  Ms. Clark confirmed it was.

á      This will save us $15,000.00/year after it is paid off at the Middle-High School alone.

á      Mr. Yunich asked what happens in the case of a building consolidation – are we locked in?  Ms. Clark will look into this as well as have legal counsel Tom Barry examine the contracts.

 

E.   Lake Placid Ski Jumping Camp:

á      For ski jump team to have the opportunity to ski and learn with elite athletes in the sport.

 

XX.      Public Comments

 

A.  Merle Dustin:  Donated a book – ŇWrite RightÓ.

 

B.   David Lancaster:  Will the budget workshop be open to the public?  Mr. Luneau responded, yes.

 

XXI.    Action Items

 

A.  In response to the preceding Public Hearing, recommend the Hopkinton School Board approve the SuperintendentŐs recommendation, regarding the replacement of locks at the Harold Martin School and the installation of a handicapped accessible door at Hopkinton Middle/High School.  Both of which are to come from the Repair and Maintenance Trust in the amount of $8707.00 and $2325.00 – a total of $11,032.00.  Mr. Donahue motioned, Ms. Durant seconded, one abstaining (Mr. Donahue), motion carries.

 

B.   Recommend the Hopkinton School Board approve budget adjustment 2009-07 as presented, in the amount of $557.96.  Mr. Donahue motioned, Ms. Durant seconded, all in favor, motion carries.

 

C.   Recommend the Hopkinton School Board approve the SuperintendentŐs recommendation of the HHS Zealand Falls, White Mountains trip.  Mr. Donahue motioned, Ms. Durant seconded, all in favor, motion carries.

 

D.  Recommend the Hopkinton School Board approve the SuperintendentŐs recommendation of the Carter Notch, White Mountains trip.  Mr. Donahue motioned, Ms. Durant seconded, all in favor, motion carries.

 

E.   Recommend the Hopkinton School Board approve the SuperintendentŐs recommendation of the HHS Hyannis Cape Cod trip.  Mr. Donahue motioned, Ms. Durant seconded, all in favor, motion carries.

 

F.   Recommend the Hopkinton School Board approve the SuperintendentŐs recommendation of participating in the Smart Start program.  This will be tabled until more research is done.

 

G.  Recommend the Hopkinton School Board approve the SuperintendentŐs recommendation of the HHS Lake Placid trip.  Mr. Donahue motioned, Ms. Durant seconded, all in favor, motion carries.

 

H.  Recommend the Hopkinton School Board approve the SuperintendentŐs recommendation of Christina Hart, replacing Jaclyn KingŐs maternity leave at HMHS.  Ms. Fuller motioned, Mr. Donahue seconded, all in favor, motion carries.

 

I.     Recommend the Hopkinton School Board approve the SuperintendentŐs recommendation of Michael Arruda, replacing a staff member at HMHS.  Ms. Fuller motioned, Mr. Donahue seconded, all in favor, motion carries.

 

XXII. Ms. Fuller moved at 9:30 p.m. and Mr. Donahue seconded that the Board enter non-public session as provided in (RSA 91-A:3, II (a)(c)) to discuss negotiations and personnel.  Motion passed on a roll call vote- Mr. Donahue, Ms. Durant, Ms. Fuller, Mr. Luneau and Mr. Yunich, (all) in favor.

 

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

 

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

 

 

Adjourned at 11:35 p.m.

 

 

Respectfully submitted,  Tara D. Graham

 

 

 

 

 

Hopkinton School Board Meeting Minutes

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Maple Street School, Hopkinton NH

Non-public minutes

 

 

 

 

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

 

During the non-public session, the Board discussed negotiations and personnel.

 

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