August 24, 2010

Hopkinton School District School Board  

School Administrative Unit #66

Meeting Minutes

August 24, 2010

 

IN ATTENDANCE:

School Board: Chairman: David Luneau, Vice Chairman: Elizabeth Durant, School Board Members: Larry Donahue, Louis Josephson, William Jones

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

CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:

Mr. Luneau called the meeting to order at 6:30pm; Ms. Merle Dustin, community member, led the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

SUPERINTENDENT ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO AGENDA:

None

CORRESPONDENCE:

Mr. Chamberlin presented a thank you note from Sheila Conley, a note of appreciation from Carole Reddish, and a picture of Jackie Foti, alumnus of Hopkinton High School, on the inside cover of WPI magazine pole-vaulting.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

Motion to approve the minutes of August 5, 2010 was made by Ms. Durant, seconded by Mr. Jones, all in favor as presented (Mr. Donahue abstained), minutes carry.

PUBLIC COMMENT (1):

Sue Claggett, community member, stated she was at the meeting because she is in the process of working toward her teaching certification in special education and she is required to attend a school board meeting.

 

COMMENTS FROM THE HOPKINTON SCHOOL BOARD

Ms. Durant welcomed everyone back.

Mr. Donahue stated his concerns regarding the grades necessary for admittance into honors classes. He stated he would like to have a discussion at some point regarding grades and honors.

Mr. Chamberlin stated that the principal can place a youngster into a class, so the student is appropriately placed.

Mr. Jones and Mr. Josephson welcomed everyone back.

Mr. Luneau welcomed everyone back as well. He stated that he recently spent a morning and part of an afternoon with 15 or more seventh and eighth graders while they built, from scratch, 24 PCs in approximately four hours. He said it was a formative educational experience – they did a terrific job. Mr. Luneau extended many thanks to Matt Stone and Rob Woolner who mentored and drove the process.

STAFF REPORTS AND PRESENTATIONS:

1. a. Summer Facility Projects
   1. i. Harold Martin School multipurpose room floor

Mr. Chamberlin gave an overview on the HMS multipurpose room floor. He stated that they are doing the lines today and, because of the curing process, the floor will not be ready for the first two days of school. The kitchen will be in full operation after Labor Day.

 

1. ii. Hopkinton High School locker relocation

Mr. Chamberlin stated the lockers have been moved to the walls surrounding the café. He commended the custodial staff for their outstanding efforts. Mr. Chamberlin stated they look great. The new eating area (mini café) can also be used for student meetings, club meetings, and study halls.

Mr. Chamberlin stated floor tile work was completed this summer as well.

 

1. iii. Maple Street School classroom location changes

Mr. Chamberlin stated that the reading room has been moved; it is now a dedicated music room. There is a new reading room located near the library. Two doors were also installed in the student support center to create privacy and allow more individual counseling.

1. iv. Harold Martin School office reconfiguration  

The nurse’s office is located behind Betsy’s office and Betsy’s office was moved to create more space. Mr. Chamberlin stated that much of the reconfiguration work was done in-house.

 

1. b. Update: Community Initiative, Facility Improvement, Maple Street School Gymnasium

Mr. Chamberlin gave an update on a meeting held last June on a community initiative to consider an additional gymnasium at Maple Street School. Architect Lance Whitehead presented designs. Mr. Chamberlin stated the school configuration committee will be looking at the plans. Lance Whitehead is willing to join the configuration committee.

Mr. Luneau stated that he and Ms. Durant asked Mr. Chamberlin to speak tonight about this. He stated it is not ready for a lot of comment – it is a community interest. Mr. Chamberlin stated that they are grateful to Lance Whitehead for his time and expert concepts.

Louis Josephson stated that he wants it to be clear that neither the administration nor the school board solicited this.

Mr. Luneau and Ms. Durant felt it was important for the board to be informed about the initiative taken by the community.

1. c. 2010-2011 Hiring/Nominations
   1. i. HMS Staffing

Mr. Chamberlin stated there is an action tonight regarding the reallocation of FTEs at Harold Martin School. This was budgeted; it is to correct the allocation to meet student need.

1. ii. Nurse Assistant

Mr. Chamberlin stated the nurse assistant is nominated tonight. The nurse assistant is a new budgeted position, supporting a student transitioning within the district.

 

1. iii. Additional 0.1 at Hopkinton High School

Mr. Chamberlin stated this is budgeted for an Asian Studies class. He stated the reason they wait is for final enrollment figures, which are very strong.

Mr. Donahue asked what certification is required to teach Asian Studies. Mr. Chamberlin replied social studies – it is a social studies course.

1. iv. Schedule b

Mr. Chamberlin stated the junior varsity field hockey coach nomination this evening is an action item; she is a Hopkinton High School alumnus.

1. v. Transportation safety: crossing guards, bus monitors

Mr. Chamberlin stated these are action items tonight to support student safety.

 

1. vi. Sub Caller

Mr. Chamberlin stated our sub caller provides support and orientation to new substitutes as well as feedback and evaluation. Mr. Chamberlin stated that they think this is a good value; other districts outsource this service.

 

1. vii. Open positions  

Mr. Chamberlin stated that currently there is a part time lunch position and half time Harold Martin School IA position open, as well as a couple of schedule b positions.

Mr. Donahue asked where we ended up on the food service study and when can we expect a report out and a recommendation.

Ms. Clark stated one goal of the Operations and Efficiencies Committee is to address this when they reconvene in September.

Mr. Chamberlin stated we are going to look at program growth since the POS system, marketing, as well as looking at Wellness Committee initiatives.

1. d. Financial Report
   1. i. MS-25/DOE-25

Mr. Chamberlin handed out copies of the MS-25 (School Financial Report for the year ending June 30, 2010) and the DOE-25 (Annual Financial Report for the year ending June 30, 2010) and gave an overview of both documents.

Mr. Chamberlin stated the year-end net unreserved fund balance is designated at $405,144.

Ms. Clark mentioned the year-end unreserved fund balance exceeded the estimated amount brought before the voters at the March 2010 meeting.

Larry Donahue asked what the difference was between the MS-25 and DOE-25. Ms. Clark stated the MS-25 is more detailed – it is broken down by level: elementary, middle, and high.

Ms. Clark stated she estimated in the May report the food service deficit to be $59,000 and it ended up at $66,000. The difference is because there were a number of field trips and activities in June, and $3,000 (POS) was received during the year and not used.

1. ii. Budget Adjustments 2010-10, 2010-11, 2010-12

Mr. Chamberlin stated these are action items tonight and gave an overview of each of the budget adjustments forms; funding of the Harold Martin School multipurpose room floor, the district share of the Artist in Residence, and the deficit in the food service program.

 

1. iii. Budget Adjustment 2011-1

Mr. Chamberlin stated this is a reclassification in a special education line.  

1. Items for School Board Discussion

1. a. School Board Meeting Schedule through October

Sept.  7

Sept. 16 – board retreat

Sept. 21 – no meeting

Sept. 27/28 joint meeting with selectmen

Oct. 5

Oct. 19

Mr. Luneau and Mr. Donahue asked Mr. Chamberlin to pursue the St. Methodias Faith and Heritage Center (Retreat House) for the school board retreat next month.

1. b. Tuition Student (Action Item)

Mr. Chamberlin recommended we accept this ninth grade student. He stated that this is a former Hopkinton student.

Mr. Luneau suggested we set tuition rates in May/June versus October. Ms. Clark stated this could be done in May 2011 for 2011-2012 rates.

1. c. Emergency Federal Funding: NH/Hopkinton Allocation

Mr. Chamberlin handed out copies of the article: Stimulus Millions for NH Teachers could buttress other state spending by the Associated Press, Aug 13, 2010. New Hampshire’s estimated $41 million share of the federal stimulus measure for education and how it would be allocated to school districts in the state. There is some concern about the money getting to school districts.

Mr. Luneau stated that based on the state’s aid formula, Hopkinton should be receiving $176,000.

Mr. Luneau asked board members how they felt about writing to our state representatives expressing their opinion. He said he would be happy to put together a short draft. Ms. Durant liked the idea of stepping forward – to try to encourage the debate.  She stated if we don’t show interest we cannot cry fowl. She thinks being proactive is a good approach. All board members agreed.

1. d. Authorization to sign OBM Form (Action Item)

This allows Steve Chamberlin and Michelle Clark to sign Form 1’s, Form 3’s, and Form 4’s (federal funds) originating in School Administrative Unit #66.

9. Public Comment (2)

Merle Dustin, community member, shared that she saw both of her senior to senior friends from the last two year this week: Lillie Scheffey and Dorothy England. She stated that she does not know where the senior-to-senior project started, but it is a success. Mr. Chamberlin stated Ms. Allen started it when they were doing the senior lunches at the community center.

Ms. Durant asked how could we market this program better: District Newsletter, Town Crier, etc.

Ms. Claggett stated the St. Methodios Faith and Heritage Center retreat house was beautiful.

10. Materials Included

Overnight Trip Form

Budget Adjustment Forms: 2010-10, 2010-11, 2010-12

Budget Adjustment Form: 2011-1

Nomination Packets (2)

Opening Day Staff Letter

Draft School Board Minutes, August 5, 2010

11.  Important Dates

• 8/30/10: Opening Day for staff, Hopkinton Middle High School
• 8/31/10: First day of school for students
• 9/02/10: In-service Day: Collaboration Day
• 9/07/10: School Board Meeting
• 9/16/10: School Board Retreat

 

ACTION ITEMS

12.  The Hopkinton School Board approve the Superintendent’s nomination of Linda Caswell, nurse assistant, Hopkinton Middle School, 2010-2011 school year.

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

carries all in favor, not opposed.

 

13.  The Hopkinton School Board approve the Superintendent’s nomination of Jacquelyn Mellen, instructional assistant, Harold Martin School (an additional 0.08 FTE), 2010-2011 school year.

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

14.  The Hopkinton School Board approve the Superintendent’s nomination of Carolyn Foley, junior varsity field hockey coach, Hopkinton High School, 2010-2011 school year.

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

 

15.  The Hopkinton School Board approve the Superintendent’s nomination of Bonnie Wilson, sub caller, Hopkinton School District, 2010-2011 school year.

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

 

 

 

 

16.  The Hopkinton School Board accept the Superintendent’s recommendation to

approve the Hopkinton High School Cross Country overnight trip to Cardigan Mtn., August 22-24, 2010.

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

 

Note for the record: the superintendent would have brought this up earlier, but meeting dates have changed.

17.  The Hopkinton School Board approve the Superintendent’s recommendation to accept a tuition student into Hopkinton High School, for the 2010-2011 school year.

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

18.  Recommend the Hopkinton School Board authorize Steven Chamberlin, Superintendent of Schools and Michelle Clark, Business Administrator, to approve and sign the OBM Form I, Form 3, and Form 4 originating in School Administrative Unit 66.

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

19.  Recommend the Hopkinton School Board approve/sign the DOE-25 for the 2009-2010 school year.

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

20.  Recommend the Hopkinton School Board approve/sign the MS-25 for the 2009-2010 school year.

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

 

21.   The Hopkinton School Board approve the Superintendent’s nomination of Katherine Graham, early morning duty, Maple Street School, 2010-2011 school year.

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

22.  The Hopkinton School Board approve the Superintendent’s nomination of Susan Garlow, am crossing guard, Maple Street School, 2010-2011 school year.

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

 

23.  The Hopkinton School Board approve the Superintendent’s nomination of Robin O’Dougherty, morning bus monitor, Hopkinton School District, 2010-2011 school year.

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

 

24.  The Hopkinton School Board approve the Superintendent’s nomination of Meaghan Ezen, afternoon bus monitor, Hopkinton School District, 2010-2011 school year.

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

25.  The Hopkinton School Board approve the Superintendent’s nomination of Matthew Krogman, social studies teacher (an additional 0.1 FTE), Hopkinton High School, 2010-2011 school year.

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

26.  The Hopkinton School Board approve the superintendent’s recommendation to accept Harold Martin School Instructional Assistant, Colleen Sawitsky’s resignation, effective August 24, 2010.

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

 

NONPUBLIC SESSION

At 7:54pm Mr. Donahue made a motion, seconded by Mr. Josephson that the Board enter into nonpublic session in accordance with RSA 91-A: 3, (a) ) for the discussion of negotiations and a student specific issue. Motion passed on a roll call vote: Mr. Luneau (yes), Mr. Jones (yes), Ms. Durant (yes), Mr. Josephson (yes), Mr. Donahue.

27. Nonpublic Session for the Discussion of Matters as Per RSA 91-A: 3, II (a)

Negotiations

Addition: Student specific issue

RETURN TO PUBLIC SESSION

 

27.  Adjournment

At 8:22pm, a motion was made by Mr. Josephson, seconded by Ms. Durant, to return to public session, motion passed, all in favor, not opposed.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Jean Eaton

Nonpublic Minutes

August 24, 2010

27. Nonpublic Session for the Discussion of Matters as Per RSA 91-A: 3, II (a).

Negotiations

Addition: Student specific issue

Mr. Donahue motioned to come out of nonpublic session, seconded by Mr. Jones.  Motion passed on a roll call vote: Ms. Durant (yes), Mr. Luneau (yes), Mr. Josephson (yes), Mr. Jones (yes), Mr. Donahue, all in favor, not opposed. The board came out of nonpublic session at 8:20pm.