October 6, 2009

Hopkinton School District School Board

School Administrative Unit #66

Meeting Minutes

October 6, 2009

IN ATTENDANCE:

School Board: Chairman: David Luneau, Vice Chairman: Elizabeth Durant, Kim Fuller, Louis Josephson, Larry Donahue (arrived at 6:55pm), Student Representatives: Emma Brown and Noah Meister

Administration: Superintendent: Steven Chamberlin; Director of Student Services: Dr. Valerie Aubry

CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:

School Board Chairman, David Luneau, called the meeting to order at 6:30pm. Ms. Durant, Vice Chairman, led the meeting in the Pledge of Allegiance.

SUPERINTENDENT ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO AGENDA:

(Additions are underlined in the agenda)

There is a revised agenda and there are two additional staffing nominations – action items that are underlined on the revised agenda: numbers 16 and 17.

CORRESPONDENCE:

No correspondence

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

Motion to approve the minutes of September 1, 2009 was made by Ms. Durant, seconded by Mrs. Fuller, all in favor, minutes carry.

Motion to approve the minutes of September 15, 2009 made by Mrs. Fuller, seconded by Ms. Durant, as amended (remove the extra letter s on Mrs. Fuller), all in favor, minutes carry.

PUBLIC COMMENT (1):

Merle Dustin, community member, gave her copy of US News and World Report to Mr. Sousa for a student in the junior class at Hopkinton Middle High School. Mr. Chamberlin stated that US News and World Report donated 45 copies of last year’s magazine to the high school (same article). These copies are available in the guidance office at the high school.

COMMENTS FROM THE HOPKINTON SCHOOL BOARD

Ms. Durant thanked everyone who was involved with Homecoming. She also thanked everyone who worked so hard preparing for the public Budget Committee Meeting.

Mr. Josephson stated that the Hopkinton Middle High School Open House was a success. Teachers were organized in their presentations. He commended Mr. Sousa for a job well done.

Mrs. Fuller echoed Ms. Durant’s comments regarding all the hard work that went into preparing for the public Budget Committee Meeting. She only wished that more people attended the meeting.

Mr. Luneau stated that it was an honor and privilege to drive (with Mr. Donahue in the right front seat) the car that carried the Grand Marshalls (Mr. Chamberlin and Mr. Sousa) in the Homecoming Parade. Today Mr. Luneau was at the opening of the new Beverly D. Grappone Medical Technology Center at New Hampshire Technical Institute (it will carry NHTI and support the medical infrastructure well into the future). He stated that it was a terrific event. He encourages everyone to look at the campus – it is truly a remarkable campus. Also, we are at 100 days and he wanted to say how much he appreciates Mr. Chamberlin and his administration for the tremendous work they are doing for the district – he sees it and feels it personally, but more importantly he hears it everywhere.

STAFF REPORTS AND PRESENTATIONS:

Principal Reports

William Carozza, Principal, Harold Martin School, stated that HYSA and Harold Martin School are working together to build a ball field behind Harold Martin School. The Woman’s Club recently donated $500 toward building the ball field. Mr. Carozza stated that the ball field will be ready for spring and will cost between $5,000 and $6,000 (completely from donations).

Ms. Durant thanked Mr. Carozza for the preschool brochure.

Michael Bessette, Principal, Maple Street School, was not in attendance this evening, as he is traveling: report submitted.
Christopher Sousa, Principal, Hopkinton Middle High School, stated it was his first Homecoming – it was a great opportunity for him to see all the community pride and enthusiasm the kids have in the school. Despite the rain, there was a nice crowd and a lot of collegiality. Mr. Sousa thanked Mr. Luneau for the ride in the Homecoming Parade. The middle school students are off at Environmental Camp this week. Mr. Woolner called in today and said that they were having an absolutely fantastic time. Mr. Kelley stated that the juniors just finished their second day of NECAP testing and he is very impressed with their behavior.

Dr. Valerie Aubry, Director of Student Services, stated that the District is bustling in terms of student services, and she is very proud of the preschool and every other program they have started. All of these programs have allowed her to keep our students within their own community to the greatest extent possible. She was pleased to attend the Department of Education and the Director’s meetings, which made it very clear that we are ahead of the curve – we are solid. We won approval quickly on our grant. We are keeping everything in timely fashion so we can get reimbursed. Dr. Aubry is incredibly proud of the entire student services faculty and service providers, because they search out professional development opportunities, they want to keep improving their skills and they want to serve kids.

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT:

Steven Chamberlin, Superintendent of Schools, stated that he drove to Durham today with the high school Granite State Challenge Team as co-coach. He told everyone the results are embargoed, but he said it was a fantastic finish – down to the very last moment. He said it was a lot of fun and they stopped at Johnson’s Dairy Bar for an ice cream on the way home (a tradition).

Mr. Chamberlin echoed the comments about Homecoming – it was great! He stated he was honored that the Student Council asked him to be Co-Grand Marshall.

Mr. Luneau thanked Mr. Chamberlin for a great kick-off to his first one hundred days.

Mr. Chamberlin stated that it has been just about one hundred days that he has been superintendent and he is in his eleventh year in the district. He presented Hopkinton 2.0/Hopkinton School District Goals. He stated that this is the framework that puts in a structure that will reinforce and set the system in place for continual improvement. He believes that with his 21 years in education and a great deal of discussion with the people around this table, superintendents, workshops, and courses, that this is a structure in place that supports continual improvement.

Mr. Chamberlin stated in his opening address that the one thing that separates this district is the idea of continual improvement: this is the foundation of what we do. As principal he strived for continual improvement. He believes that Hopkinton 2.0 has to be the acceptance of this model of continual improvement (a pinnacle for him). He wants everyone to embrace this idea and state of mind (when we look at something we look for a way to improve). The mindset of continual improvement of Hopkinton 2.0/Hopkinton School District Goals is the magic in the moments. The key is high expectations in every aspect of what we do. Mr. Chamberlin stated that this process has to be manageable. He stated that we must make sure the community sees and understands what we are doing. He hopes that this framework is long lasting and stable, connecting infrastructure that is in place.

Mr. Chamberlin gave an overview/presentation of the Steering Committee and the Hopkinton School District Goals.

Mr. Luneau stated that his presentation was terrific and that the document serves as a good framework. He is glad we recorded this, as it will help serve to build this out.

Mrs. Fuller said that she felt like a “Dancing with the Stars” judge and said, “Wow you hit it out of the…”

Mr. Luneau stated when he listened to you describe the areas of ensuring that learning is happening and also with best practices, that he got the sense that we were looking at it in a microcosm level. He asked how do we look at it in a macro view too? Are we serving the needs of our customers (the kids and families of this community) while they are in school, one year out, five years out, ten years out?

Mr. Chamberlin stated that we do look at that kind of data whenever possible, whether it is this framework or not. Finding out whether our graduates are successful and meeting their goals is part of good practice (we have been doing it every other year at the middle high school). Mr. Chamberlin looks at this as simultaneous as in systemic – it provides the structure, but it also gets down to by course. Using the expertise of our staff to look at what we want in math: what is the best instruction, what is the best delivery? This is part of our curriculum review process. This summer, Mr. Chamberlin and twelve math teachers spent three days, looking at stage one math curriculum power standards/competencies (for the next three years). They are off in two weeks (through a grant) to the regional NCTM Conference looking at best practice for program and delivery, framework, and other schools. Does our math program meet the needs of kids in school and post?

Mrs. Fuller asked Mr. Chamberlin if they ever considered questions for parents on how their children were doing in college. Mr. Chamberlin stated yes. Mrs. Fuller asked about the curriculum mapping done years ago. Mr. Chamberlin stated that different teachers have different amounts invested in the maps in what they do. The foundation of what we are doing is to make sure students are learning – those are power standards. Mr. Chamberlin stated that having everyone embrace skill, content, and knowledge is his priority. Once we have this in place we can look at mapping.

Mr. Donahue has more inputs than questions. On page two he really likes the definition. He thinks it encompasses almost everything. He stated we need to include (in terms of state of mind and culture) challenging ourselves. He also thinks sustainability is missing (part of it falls under financial circumstances). They have also discussed human sustainability as well.

Guiding principles – he absolutely disagrees that structures in place must be utilized. He stated that structures that are in place that make sense should be utilized. Fundamentally, we need to challenge ourselves on whether the structures in place are sufficient, make sense, and should be sustained.

Mr. Chamberlin stated that for him (maybe the structures weren’t the word) it is using structures of the work in place (using the Calendar Committee, using the PD Committee, using the Curriculum Council) – not adding another committee about curriculum, calendar, or PD. To Mr. Donahue it is the finality of must be utilize. Mr. Donahue does not believe that anything he does is beyond reproach. Mr. Luneau stated, “don’t make it fit just because we have it.” Mr. Chamberlin stated that he appreciated their comments.

Mr. Chamberlin agrees that it is inefficient to have this committee over here and this committee over here, but that being said we won’t just make it fit for the sake of making it fit. We can integrate this continual improvement model into structures that are already there. Mr. Donahue stated that he wanted to make sure we weren’t painting ourselves into a corner. Mr. Donahue stated that we were missing alignment with community expectations in the guiding principles. Mr. Chamberlin stated that the transparency in what we are doing in all aspects of this continual improvement process is out there. Mr. Chamberlin commented on how we get information. How, as superintendent, he gets feedback, how approachable he is, how available he is, how visible he is. We talk about two quotes, “visibility is credibility.” Mr. Chamberlin believes (now going into his eleventh year) that there is already an avenue in place for feedback to him.

Regarding Mr. Chamberlin’s presentation on Hopkinton 2.0 – Mr. Donahue stated that it is awesome – thank you. Mr. Chamberlin thanked Mr. Donahue.

Mr. Luneau stated that Mr. Chamberlin put a lot of time into this and made an incredible presentation.

Mr. Donahue stated a concern regarding the Steering Committee configuration. He sees as he looks through that there are multiple people doing multiple rolls (administrators that are already members of these committees). Mr. Donahue questioned having a HESS and HEA member. Mr. Chamberlin stated that having some people passionate about that topic, and who share their wisdom on a compelling product, and that are closer to the negotiating table might expedite change. Mr. Chamberlin stated that we’ve got to win friends and influence people.

Mr. Donahue stated that outside the role of our current calendar committee – he is just not bought off on this. He will leave this open for further discussion.

Tools – he questioned that Mr. Chamberlin means technology.

Efficiencies are only called out when you talk about operations (which is really non- academic operations); that sense of efficiencies needs to be pervasive throughout this.

Mr. Josephson stated that he really appreciated Mr. Chamberlin’s discussion – it really helped. He wanted to amplify on Mr. Luneau’s comment regarding who the customer is, what the product is, and what the outcome is. He agrees with Mr. Luneau that the customers are families and kids. One thing he does not see is enough of how we’re going to do everything within our power, as a school district, to engage families and get their feedback about their sense of what would make a quality education. Regarding the product being the outcome of what kids are going to learn and how do we know they learn it. Mr. Josephson stated that for him it is about the moment – the moment between the educator and the child. The teachers are just as much the product – without them there is no product (they are enmeshed with the product and the outcome). Do we have the right people to get the job done? He stated that we should have a critical look at those processes. Mr. Josephson wants to know, as a board member, what he can do to make sure Mr. Chamberlin has the right people to fill his mission. Even though it’s a little more negative way to look at it, he would like an appreciation of it.

Ms. Durant asked Mr. Chamberlin about the evaluation process of this course of action. What is the timeline for this in terms of always looking at how we are doing? How do we stay on a journey that is moving forward? Have a formal evaluation process in place that after six months we look to see if we need to shift.

ITEMS FOR BOARD DISCUSSION:

Preparation for Special School District Meeting

Mr. Chamberlin spoke at the PTA Meeting last week – he passed out elevator cards. He will be speaking at Rotary tomorrow. This Saturday is the last Farmer’s Market from 9:00am – noon. Mr. Chamberlin has some scheduling issues, but his plan is to go for an hour or so. On October 14, Mr. Chamberlin and Mrs. Fuller are going to the senior lunch at the Slusser Center. On October 17, Mr. Chamberlin and some board members will be at the transfer station (Mr. Brizard plans to come too). Sandwich boards will be put out in town, at schools, and posters will be hung.

Mr. Luneau, Ms. Durant, and Mr. Chamberlin will be meeting with the Moderator, Mr. Kaplan, this coming week. Mr. Luneau encouraged everyone to get the word out about the meeting. Mr. Josephson will be writing a letter for the Concord Monitor from the board members. Ms. Eaton has communicated with the supervisors of the checklist.
Mr. Luneau would like, perhaps, the vice-chairman to walk us through the PowerPoint. Mr. Chamberlin will be there to answer detailed questions.

Mr. Donahue stated that there is an opportunity for being absolutely accurate, truthful, and direct, yet still coming across as not transparent. We need to go out of our way with the lightening rod issues and take them straight on. Don’t be caught in the situation that there are no raises (the attendance bonus could be perceived as a raise). There are really good reasons to justify the attendance bonus.

Overnight Trip: Boys Varsity Basketball Team, Cape Cod (Action Item)

This is an annual trip, there will be no loss of education time.

October 1, 2009, Enrollment

Mr. Luneau stated that Mr. Brown’s projection was 960. Enrollment on October 1, 2009 is 997.

PUBLIC COMMENT (2):

Merle Dustin, community member, stated that the article on cursive writing today sounded like it was almost useless now. Ms. Dustin thought it was very interesting. She stated that Mr. Chamberlin is slowing down, but some of the people speak too fast and she cannot hear everyone.

Tom Manseau, community member, stated that he liked Mr. Donahue’s comments and Mr. Chamberlin’s comments on transparency. Mr. Manseau asked the board if they always go into a nonpublic session. He said that it is perceived as a private meeting. Mr. Donahue said it would be illegal for them to do.

MATERIALS INCLUDED:

10. Materials Included

Principal Reports (3)
Director of Student Services Report
Superintendent Report
Hopkinton 2.0/School District Goals
The Hawk Eye, Hopkinton School District Staff Newsletter
Thoughts from the Bay Window
Information (elevator) cards, Special School District Meeting
October Professional Development Day Program
Overnight Trip Form: Cape Cod, Boys Varsity Baseball Team
Hiring Packet
Harold Martin School Preschool Program Pamphlet
October 1, 2009 Enrollment Data
Draft School Board Meeting Minutes September 1, 2009
Draft School Board Meeting Minutes September 15, 2009

IMPORTANT DATES:

October 20, 2009: School Board Meeting
October 21, 2009: Special School District Meeting

ACTION ITEMS

12. Recommend the Hopkinton School Board approve the Superintendent’s nomination of Kate Sintros, Peer Leader Advisor, Hopkinton High School, 2009-2010.

A motion was made by Mr. Donahue, seconded by Ms. Durant,