November 3, 2009

Hopkinton School District School Board

School Administrative Unit #66

Meeting Minutes

November 3, 2009

IN ATTENDANCE:

School Board: Chairman: David Luneau (absent), Vice Chairman: Elizabeth Durant, Kim Fuller (arrived at 6:40pm), Louis Josephson, Larry Donahue, Student Representatives: Emma Brown, and Noah Meister

Administration: Superintendent: Steven Chamberlin; Business Administrator: Michelle Clark

CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:

School Board Vice Chairman, Elizabeth Durant, called the meeting to order at 6:30pm. Mr. Donahue, School Board Member, led the meeting in the Pledge of Allegiance.

SUPERINTENDENT ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO AGENDA:

(Additions are underlined in the agenda)

No additions and deletions to the agenda. Mr. Chamberlin stated that flowers were sent to Sue Roberts.

CORRESPONDENCE:

No correspondence this evening.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

Motion to approve the minutes of October 20, 2009 was tabled until the end of the meeting or when Mrs. Fuller arrives.

PUBLIC COMMENT (1):

Alyssa Grise, a senior at Hopkinton High School, wanted to comment on the article that caused some controversy regarding the high school Civics class. Alyssa stated that she took the class last year and she really enjoyed it, she learned a lot, and the teacher did a really good job. Alyssa also stated that some of her friends have taken both Civics and AP US History and they learned very different things in both classes.

Emma Brown, Student Representative to the School Board, stated that she agreed with the aspect that Civics is focused on local and state government and AP US History is focused on national government.

COMMENTS FROM THE HOPKINTON SCHOOL BOARD

Noah Meister, Student Representative to the School Board, stated that Civics is his favorite class this year.

Mr. Donahue stated that he is nothing but impressed by the teachers sticking to the mission at hand. He stated that having the contract shot down was a blow for all of us, but it was wonderful to see the commitment and quality of our staff and goodness as a district.

Ms. Durant thanked everyone involved in the preparation for the Special School District Meeting. She really appreciated the support of the Negotiating Team, faculty, administration, and the community as a whole (for the number of people that came out for the meeting). It was a great show of respect from everyone.

STAFF REPORTS AND PRESENTATIONS

a. Principal Reports:

William Carozza, Principal, Harold Martin School, stated that during tough budget times they understand the reality of not increasing programs, but there are always things that they’d like to keep out there as being important. He has always felt it would be great to have the option of full day kindergarten. Also, they are trying to supplement in world languages (Spanish, German, and French) at the early elementary level. Tonight, he spoke to Leanne Hassett, the Spanish teacher at the middle high school. Leanne is one of the three teachers providing language classes to Harold Martin kids. Currently, they have twenty-seven students who are participating.

Mr. Donahue is concerned about how the language program is handled, as payments are made directly to the teachers, how rigorous it is, and if it is private or not. He wants to be careful as to what degree the school is taking responsibility and, if we are, why we are not hiring the teacher to do it versus pay them directly. Mr. Carozza stated they are trying to keep it out of the budget, so it is not a taxpayer issue.

Ms. Durant stated that last year our parent community wanted to have languages offered as an enrichment activity to the school day – the program was met with great success.

Mr. Donahue stated two topics to consider in the future. The first would be how do we look at world language being more embraced by the curriculum and the second, after school programs.

Mr. Donahue stated that he does not remember seeing anything about the parenting class being put together. Does the preschool/case manager have extra cycles (are we budgeting too much time). Mr. Carozza stated that Barbara Houldsworth is the type of person that will just find time, probably from her family, to do this. Mr. Carozza stated that he thinks she is seeing a lot of parents asking questions (parents of older children), whereas they are having difficulty at home. Mr. Carozza stated that the thought was to try and do something about this: help parents.

Michael Bessette, Principal, Maple Street School, stated that he wanted to thank Mr. Fred Roberts, community volunteer, who he has been working with students in all three levels providing math assistance. Mr. Roberts is a former math teacher and principal. He is retired and wanted to come back and contribute.

Mr. Bessette stated that Maple Street School just had a wonderful Halloween costume contest. Mr. Bessette stated that it was another opportunity to use the website; there are fresh slides up. This is another emphasis on the power of the website; getting pictures out there and communicating with people in Hopkinton about what is going on in their schools.

Mr. Donahue asked Mr. Bessette about community clubs. Community clubs are an opportunity for students and teachers to come together, where staff members teach students activities such as knitting, pearl beading, toothpick modeling, capture the flag, etc. Students choose an activity and work on it every Friday morning from 8:00-9:00am for four weeks. Mr. Bessette stated it has been fantastic. Students have been staying in at recess to knit with Mrs. Martin. On November 13, students will come together in the gym for a show and tell.

Christopher Sousa, Principal, Hopkinton Middle High School, stated that today was the first day of z-block. After meeting with his staff after school and talking to students, he was impressed how it came off. Overall, Mr. Sousa stated it went quite well. Mr. Kelley is looking forward to seeing how it works tomorrow.

Ms. Durant asked Emma Brown and Noah Meister what their impression was about z-block. Noah thought it was a really good idea. A couple of his friends that are seniors went to see language teachers during z-block for help. Emma thought it was good too. She stated that it would have helped her going through high school, because she played three sports and it would have been extremely helpful to have any extra time.

Ms. Durant asked Mr. Sousa how we were going to inform parents about z-block. What guiding questions can parents ask their students on how to take advantage of z-block, i.e. cues to help them. Mr. Sousa stated that they are still at the planning stage. Communicating with parents will come within the next few weeks, e.g. Hawk News, letters, and email.

Mr. Josephson asked, regarding student leadership teams (he read the article – it looks like a good plan), what is the extent of the bullying problem. Is there a problem you are trying to address specifically? Mr. Sousa stated that he did not feel they had a pervasive issue, but they do have issues. He believes it is a great program to empower students to be part of the solution. Mr. Josephson asked how you will know if you are successful. Mr. Chamberlin stated this has been done and academic performance has increased; this is the measuring stick.

b. Superintendent Report

Steven Chamberlin, Superintendent of Schools, stated that the Safety and Security Committee met yesterday and the yearly roundtables are being planned. Today, he met with Chief Schaefer, Lieutenant Pecora, and Sheila Conley, School Nurse, regarding coordinating the H1N1 vaccination clinic with the town. He has also communicated with the Local Government Center, our insurance carrier, on the district’s liability.

Mr. Chamberlin stated that they are beginning budget preparation; he had three meetings today and three more are scheduled tomorrow. These meetings are in preparation of the presentation of the superintendent’s budget on December 1.

Mr. Donahue asked Mr. Chamberlin about the self-funded and limited winter track program. Mr. Chamberlin stated that this program is for a group of elite runners who are interested in scholarship opportunities. Mrs. Fuller asked where they would practice and would there be a cost to the district. Mr. Chamberlin stated that they would practice at health clubs, on roads, hallways, and parking lots. Mr. Chamberlin has been in touch with LGC (district insurance carrier) regarding a memo of understanding and approval of transportation. Mr. Chamberlin stated that the district will have to pay the NHIAA fee of $75.00, but they will make more in revenue from student participation.

Mr. Donahue stated that we need to have a clear update on the district website regarding H1N1. Mr. Chamberlin stated that we send information to the state and the state has reporting by school districts on its website, which includes an H1N1 surveillance map. Mr. Chamberlin will include this link on our homepage to the state website (surveillance map) tomorrow.

c. Business Administrator Report: September 2009 Financials

Michelle Clark, Business Administrator, gave an overview of the September financial report that was included in the board packets. She noted that at this point things are coming in as expected: no concerns currently. Ms. Clark stated that, conservatively, the anticipated fund balance at the end of the year would be just under $450,000.

d. Hopkinton 2.0/Hopkinton School District Goals

Mr. Chamberlin gave an update on the revisions to Hopkinton 2.0/Hopkinton School District Goals. He met with the Professional Development Committee and talked about where the PD Committee fits with Hopkinton 2.0/Hopkinton School District Goals. Mr. Chamberlin passed around a visual representing Hopkinton 2.0/Hopkinton School District Goals regarding what we have talked about. Mr. Chamberlin gave a narrative about the visual, explaining each component.

Mr. Chamberlin passed around the latest version of the Hawk Eye.

e. Food Service Point of Sale Program (Action Item)

Mr. Chamberlin stated that the district received five bids. The bids have been evaluated (references called) and the recommendation was to go with Nutrikids. (This has been moved ahead in our priorities, as to not lose this year for implementation.) Mr. Chamberlin stated that the program is much more efficient: not handling cash, shorter lines, more time to eat. Further stating that this would also increase our discretion regarding free and reduced lunches.

Mrs. Fuller asked if cash would be totally eliminated. Mr. Chamberlin stated no. Mr. Donahue asked if this would be paid for out of the food service budget. Ms. Clark stated that this would go under the food service program because it is a cost that directly affects it. The hope is that the deficit will be less because of implementing the Point of Sale Program.

Ms. Durant asked about security. Mr. Stone stated that parents can view each transaction and a picture of the student pops up when the card is used. Also, if a student has already purchased lunch that day, it will also come up on the screen.

Ms. Durant asked Mr. Chamberlin if the districts he spoke to felt the training was necessary. When talking to Kearsarge today, they had one day of training on a low production day. The money that we budgeted for is to pay our staff. Mr. Chamberlin is not sure we will need it, but they want to be as transparent as possible with all costs related to this.

Ms. Durant asked if this would be a swipe or pin system. Mr. Chamberlin stated that with mid-year implementation and because the cards have already been distributed, it will be a pin system this year. Next summer, this will be looked at again. Mr. Chamberlin stated that for the younger students, it could be done with a name/picture. His son uses a pin at Bow Elementary.

ITEMS FOR BOARD DISCUSSION

a. Special School District Meeting

Mr. Chamberlin was very pleased with the logistics of the meeting. He felt that Mr. Kaplan did an excellent job. We will look at how we can provide information (threefold pamphlets) to make sure the community members have all the information they need. Mr. Chamberlin stated that Mr. Stone reported we had 143 hits to our contracts page on the website in the two weeks prior to the meeting.

Mr. Josephson stated that Mr. Luneau asked him to reach out to neighbors and community members. He stated that there were two themes that came up. First, people thought that we did not market enough. This came from people very invested in the school system; these people were not at the meeting. Second, is a number of people felt that there should have been more discussion on the teacher’s contract at the meeting. Mr. Josephson asked that when there isn’t discussion, what is the role of the school board? Should the board be ready with frequently asked questions?

Mr. Donahue stated that Evergreen is an issue, but not such as it blocked the HESS contract. Mr. Donahue stated that raises never came up other than under the guise of Evergreen. He stated that maybe some of the letters to the editor and blogs (or the thought that the support staff is better connected in the community) could have affected the vote – it could have been any number of things.

b. Budget and negotiation timeline

Mr. Chamberlin gave an overview of the timeline presented. He stated that this is a proposed timeline, subject to change.

c. Safe Routes to School: Round 4 (Action Item)

Mr. Chamberlin gave a summary of the Round 4 Grant application. Ms. Durant thanked Mr. Chamberlin for the summary of the previous rounds that were included in the board packet. Ms. Durant asked if Mr. Hersey, community member, is being included in the loop, as requested at a prior meeting. Mr. Chamberlin stated yes.

d. Job Share (Action Item)

Mr. Chamberlin stated that two staff members have requested to form a job share. A job share is a classification that is supported by the state. It is different than two part time jobs – it is one job divided between two people and together they form one job. It is a specific classification supported by the NH Retirement System. Currently, there is a successful job share in the district. This job share request is for Maple Street School. Mr. Bessette stated that the request is for sixth grade and these students are already familiar with motion between classes.
Mr. Donahue asked if this would be budget neutral. Ms. Clark stated that the cost would decrease because we would have to hire someone for the other half.

e. Schedule B Winter Coach Nominations (Action Item)

Mr. Chamberlin stated that the winter coach nominations are action items; each nomination is listed separately. Mr. Chamberlin stated there is one new coach replacing Mary Harb, Assistant Nordic Ski Coach.

9. PUBLIC COMMENT (2):

Mr. Tom Manseau, community member, asked if it is a requirement for the board to vote on winter coaches or could Mr. Chamberlin do this. Mr. Chamberlin stated that the state RSA does not mandate it, but it is past practice of the district.

Mr. Tom Manseau stated that he feels the POS System should be a budget item at the March meeting. He does not think we are being transparent.

Mr. Manseau also stated that he hopes the job share does not increase benefit costs.

Merle Dustin, community member, stated that the school district does a wonderful job providing childcare at School District Meetings. Ms. Dustin stated that childcare has been discussed at the selectmen’s meeting. Ms. Dustin asked if there was a way to get a group from the high school to provide childcare at the next annual Town Meeting because it did not happen last year. Ms. Durant will take the input back and talk about it. She is glad when it is provided and the public values it.

10. MATERIAL INCLUDED

Principal Reports (3)

Superintendent Report

Draft School Board Minutes (October 20, 2009 School Board Meeting)

Monthly Financials: September 2009

Budget and Negotiation Meeting Schedule

SRTS Grant Summary

Food Service Point of Sale Proposal

Hiring Packet (Asst. Nordic Ski Coach)

IMPORTANT DATES:

November 10, 2009 Parent Teacher Conference Day

November 11, 2009 Veterans Day

November 17, 2009 School Board Meeting

November 25, 26, 27 Thanksgiving Recess

ACTION ITEMS

12. The Hopkinton School Board accept the Superintendent’s recommendation to create a grade six job share at the Maple Street School for the 2010-2011 school year.

Tabled until after discussion in nonpublic session.

13. The Hopkinton School Board accept the Superintendent’s recommendation to support the Safe Routes to School Grant Round 4 application.

A motion was made by Mr. Josephson, seconded by Mr. Donahue, motion carries, all in favor, not opposed.

14. The Hopkinton School board accept the Superintendent’s recommendation to purchase and implement LunchByte Systems’ NutriKids Point of Sale food service program at a cost not to exceed $18,610. (As amended: change wording to purchase and implement).