December 1, 2009
Hopkinton School District School Board
School Administrative Unit #66
Meeting Minutes
December 1, 2009
IN ATTENDANCE:
School Board: Chairman: David Luneau, Vice Chairman: Elizabeth Durant, Kim Fuller (absent), Louis Josephson (absent), Larry Donahue, Student Representatives: Emma Brown and Noah Meister
Administration: Superintendent: Steven Chamberlin, Business Administrator: Michelle Clark, Director of Student Services: Dr. Valerie Aubry, Director of Technology: Matthew Stone, Principals: Michael Bessette, William Carozza, Christopher Sousa, Assistant Principal: Christopher Kelley
CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
School Board Chairman, David Luneau, called the meeting to order at 6:30pm. Merle Dustin, community member, led the meeting in the Pledge of Allegiance.
SUPERINTENDENT ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO AGENDA:
One addition of 7b – discussion about the Bohanan Farm as it pertains to the budget committee and school board representation.
CORRESPONDENCE:
Mr. Chamberlin passed around three notes of appreciation from: the Desmond Family, the Lightfoot Family, and Doris Cayer.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
None
PUBLIC COMMENT (1):
Marion Paxton, community member, asked that everyone speak loudly, clearly, and slowly.
COMMENTS FROM THE HOPKINTON SCHOOL BOARD
Ms. Durant, Mr. Donahue, and Mr. Luneau – no comment
STAFF REPORTS AND PRESENTATIONS:
Steven Chamberlin, Superintendent of Schools
a. 2010-2011 Proposed Hopkinton School District Operating Budget
Mr. Chamberlin opened by thanking the Leadership Team for their thoughtfulness, respect, and collaborative/cooperative effort during the budget process. At this time, Mr. Chamberlin provided data of each slide of the Powerpoint presentation on the proposed 2010-2011 Hopkinton School District Operating Budget, articulating each bullet point.
Highlights of questions and feedback:
Mr. Donahue asked what the payback was on the interactive white boards and what is the use model? Mr. Chamberlin stated that last year we used a grant to dip our toe. The data showed increased student engagement: more interaction. Mr. Chamberlin believes that this tool supports formative assessment. He stated that they have seen the data by Marzano as effective learning.
Mr. Luneau asked what is the district’s plan for growth in the area of interactive white boards. Mr. Chamberlin stated that putting one at each building and watching it grow – he believes this is the best way to grow.
Mr. Donahue asked for help to understand how the interactive white boards get used.
Noah Meister, student representative to the school board, stated that he has an interactive white board in his math class. He stated that it is like the projector screen being used at tonight’s meeting, but it also has a pen and you can write on the screen (similar to Microsoft paint). Also, if you have a web page up on your computer, it is going to be on the projector and you can write on the web page. You can show an article on the Internet make notes on it. The information on the interactive white board can be saved and printed. It is extremely helpful to have the notes from class. Noah stated that the interactive white board is used daily in his math class.
Mr. Carozza stated that when looking at the trends in technology, white boards are at the top of the list – internationally as well. He stated that if anyone has ever seen Melanie Thornley teach geometry using an interactive white board, you would never imagine it being taught without one again – it is like day and night.
Ms. Durant asked what the feedback was from our staff when the pilot was done last year, and how many of our staff are grabbing onto this?
Mr. Stone stated that the pilot project was in the middle and high school math classes (two interactive white boards in one building). The two primary users are extremely enthusiastic. The interactive white boards provide quick anonymous assessment; the teacher can see who has responded. Mr. Stone stated that Mrs. Thornley can quickly look and see which students are being left behind – this has transformed her teaching.
Mr. Donahue asked about the Netbooks for all schools – what drives $500 for Netbooks? Mr. Stone stated that it is the cost of hardware and software upgrades (Windows 7 Pro) that allows access to the network system. Also included is a cart for storage and transportation.
Mr. Luneau asked about the increase in books at Maple Street School. Mr. Bessette stated that the books are to support health and wellness at all grade levels (these books are bringing them into compliance). He also stated that Maple Street School was sited for not having a certified health teacher.
Mr. Luneau asked if there were any programs offering multi-year payments, and if any of them would convert into soft license versions down the road?
Ms. Durant asked if there is any opportunity to pilot online textbooks.
Mr. Sousa stated that he has had conversations with textbook company representatives and will be seeing a big move into online textbooks. Mr. Sousa stated that most of the textbooks that they are purchasing come with online access. Next year they are going to push the envelope to get more from the textbook companies.
Mr. Luneau asked if the 1/5 co-teacher is in addition to what is already budgeted? Mr. Chamberlin is allocating one of the flexible fifths that remain – it is not an addition.
Mr. Donahue stated that there are a lot of people who move to this community because of the special education we provide. The natural question is: Do we do too much? He realizes that it sounds cold, but he thinks it is an important question to consider.
Mr. Luneau asked if they are going to get revenue projections. Ms. Clark stated that the projections are done and she will bring them to next week’s meeting.
Mr. Donahue stated that every time he sees P – 6, he feels compelled to reiterate our preschool program is a mechanism for providing our obligations for special need students. When he sees literacy P-6 – a red flag goes up.
Mr. Donahue stated he is sorry he will miss the presentation on middle school sports next week, as he will be traveling for business.
Mr. Luneau asked board members for their thoughts on the budget packet. The board members were in agreement that they all liked the spreadsheet, the FTE summary, and the 40 page information bulletin (that breaks things out on a program basis with a narrative). Mr. Luneau stated that the FTE page and the comparative budget summary would be great additions to the 40-page bulletin.
8. PUBLIC COMMENT (2 – out of order)
Tom Manseau, community member, comment that it looks like books and technology are a dilemma. He stated that we are not ready to use more technology and we are spending a lot on books. Mr. Manseau stated that he hopes we keep in mind our last two town wide school district meetings and remember the people are paying the bill. Also, he would like to see an interactive white board in every class – when fewer people are unemployed.
David Lancaster, community member and budget committee member, stated that the spreadsheet handout was excellent. Also, he was impressed with the questions from the board after the presentation. Mr. Lancaster gave a heads up to the board – he received an email that there is a petition drive to demand the school board negotiate 30-70% split for teacher healthcare premiums; he is not signing it.
Janet Krzyzaniak, community member stated that she wished more people would come to the school board meetings. Noah Meister’s explanation on the interactive white boards was great – it would help people understand.
Jim Hersey, community member, stated that he supports the need for technology. Mr. Hersey also stated that he does not have a crystal ball, but the closer the proposed budget is to zero the better off it is going to be.
b. Principal Reports
c. Technology Director Report
d. Superintendent Report
Mr. Luneau asked if there were any questions regarding the reports.
Mr. Donahue asked regarding the Assessment Committee (follow the child model) – how do competencies fit into this?
Mr. Carozza stated that competencies are not just in the high school, but heading down to the elementary level – it will definitely be part of the kid grid or follow the child.
Mr. Donahue stated that he was disappointed that Are You Hooked on Facebook was strictly on safety. Mr. Kelley stated it would also focus on how easy it is to pull information off of Facebook.
Mr. Donahue asked about the canine police units. He continues to get feedback that there is a serious drug problem at the high school.
Mr. Sousa stated that all high schools in America have issues with substance abuse. One of the tools we have to get a handle on is enforcing rules and regulations and policies and procedures to maintain a safe atmosphere. One of the tools is a canine unit with the police.
Emma Brown, student representative to the school board, asked if they would know beforehand if dogs will be brought in. Mr. Sousa stated no.
Noah Meister, student representative to the school board, asked if you need school board approval. Mr. Sousa stated no.
7. ITEMS FOR BOARD DISCUSSION
- a. Maintenance Issue – Replacing financial servers
Mr. Chamberlin stated that since the last school board meeting that there have been more indicators of instability on the financial software and servers. Mr. Chamberlin brings it forward to be taken care of as soon as possible – it would significantly risk and impact all we do. Mr. Luneau stated that it should be moved on. All board members were in agreement.
- b. Bohanan Farm (addition to agenda)
Mr. Luneau stated that tomorrow night at the Budget Committee Meeting (he believes) they are going to take a position on the Bohanan Farm warrant (Mr. Luneau is the school board representative on the Budget Committee). Mr. Luneau said, “Does the school board want me to make my position?” Does the school board want to take a position?
Merle Dustin, community member, stated that the Budget Committee is not going to take a position.
Mr. Donahue stated that he is happy for Mr. Luneau to make an audible on this.
9. MATERIAL INCLUDED
Draft: 2010-2011 Proposed Hopkinton School District Budget Summary
Staffing Level Report (FTEs)
Overnight Trip Proposal Form (HS Nordic Team)
Fall Sports Awards Night Program and Newsletter
10. IMPORTANT DATES
- November 25 – 27, 2009 Thanksgiving Recess
- November 30, 2009 Automatic Call System Test, 5:00pm
- December 8, 2009 School Board Meeting: Budget
- December 15, 2009 School Board Meeting
- December 22, 2009 School Board Meeting (tentative)
- January 5, 2010 School Board Meeting
- January 12, 2010 School Board Meeting: Contracts (tentative)
- January 13, 2010 Budget Committee Meeting (Town Hall, 6:30pm)
- January 19, 2010 School Board Meeting
- January 20, 2010 Budget Committee Meeting (Town Hall, 6:30pm)
- February 3, 2010 Budget Committee Public Hearing (HHS, auditorium 6:30pm)
ACTION ITEMS
11. The Hopkinton School Board accept the Superintendent’s recommendation to approve the Hopkinton High School Nordic Team overnight trip to the AMC Highland Center, December 28-30, 2009.
A motion was made by Mr. Donahue, seconded by Ms. Durant, motion carries, all in favor, not opposed.
12. The Hopkinton School Board accept the Superintendent’s recommendation to approve the Adoption Agreement for the 403(b) Plan Document for Public Education Organizations.
A motion was made by Mr. Donahue, seconded by Ms. Durant, motion carries, all in favor, not opposed.
NONPUBLIC SESSION
13. Nonpublic Session for the Discussion of Matters as Per RSA 91-A: 3, II (a) and (c)
Negotiations
At 9:20pm, Mr. Donahue made a motion, seconded by Ms. Durant, that the Board enter into nonpublic session in accordance with RSA 91-3:II (a) and (c) for discussion on negotiations. Motion passed on a roll call vote: Ms. Durant (yes), Mr. Luneau (yes), Mr. Donahue (yes), all in favor, not opposed.
RETURN TO PUBLIC SESSION
At 9:30pm, a motion was made by Ms. Durant, seconded by Mr. Donahue, to return to public session, motion passed, all in favor, not opposed.
14. Adjournment
Respectfully submitted, Jean Eaton
Hopkinton School Board Meeting minutes
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Maple Street School, Hopkinton, NH
Nonpublic Minutes
13. Nonpublic Session for the Discussion of Matters as Per RSA 91-A: 3, II (a) and (c)
Negotiations
During the nonpublic session the Board discussed negotiations.
Mr. Donahue motioned to come out of nonpublic session, seconded by Ms. Durant. Motion passed on a roll call vote: Ms. Durant (yes), Mr. Luneau (yes), Mr. Donahue (yes), all in favor, not opposed. The board came out of no
