December 14, 2010
Hopkinton School District School Board
School Administrative Unit #66
Meeting Minutes
December 14, 2010
IN ATTENDANCE
School Board: Chairman: David Luneau, Board Members: Larry Donahue, William Jones, Louis Josephson, Student Representative: Samuel Helrich
Administration: Superintendent: Steven Chamberlin, Business Administrator: Michelle Clark, Harold Martin School Principal: William Carozza
CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mr. Luneau called the meeting to order at 5:30pm; Hopkinton Middle High School civics class students led in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mr. Luneau started the meeting with a moment of silence in memory of Dr. Aubry’s son Travis.
SUPERINTENDENT ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO AGENDA
Mr. Chamberlin moved the 8b before 8a.
CORRESPONDENCE
None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Motion to approve the minutes of the regular school board meeting held on November 30, 2010 was made by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Josephson, (Mr. Donahue abstained), minutes carry.
PUBLIC COMMENT (1)
Jim Scammon, President of the Hopkinton Soccer Club, stated that he attended tonight to reiterate that if the middle school sports proposal goes through, the soccer club would probably cease to exist. He wanted to make sure this was understood. He stated that there is a meeting tomorrow night with HYSA, which he thinks will be a productive discussion on what will best serve the town and kids.
Dan Meserve, Hopkinton High School Teacher and Athletic Director, stated that the goal of the meeting with HYSA and the Hopkinton Soccer Club is to look at what is best for all kids.
COMMENTS FROM THE HOPKINTON SCHOOL BOARD
Mr. Donahue recognized Merle Dustin’s performance at the first Friends of the Library sponsored community theatre last weekend.
Mr. Josephson stated that members of the community have approached him regarding middle school sports; he is glad everyone is meeting to unite.
STAFF REPORTS AND PRESENTATIONS
- a. 2010-2011 Hopkinton School District Tuition Rates (Action Items)
Mr. Chamberlin stated that there is an action item tonight for traditional tuition setting – it is the same formula that has been used in the past
ITEMS FOR BOARD DISCUSSION
- b. Preschool Enrollment
Mr. Chamberlin stated that preschool has a rolling admission process, as students are eligible for services on their third birthday. Students enter preschool through Early Support Services or through parent referral/team evaluation. A student is entering the preschool through Early Support Services in January. Regulation requires that an inclusive preschool program have the number of typically developing students higher than identified students. The administration is currently reaching out for typically developing students. They will be advertising for preschool after the first of the year. These students will provide revenue (families pay $180 for three days, $135 for two days.) for preschool. The staffing increase that will be needed is a half time instructional assistant.
- a. Hopkinton School District 2011-2012 Budget
Budget Timeline
Mr. Chamberlin presented the following tentative timeline:
- December 21, 2010 – A proposed budget presented as an action item.
- December 27 – 31, 2010 – Budget information package finalized.
- December 31, 2010 – Budget information provided to the Budget Committee in advance of the January 5, 2011 Budget Committee meeting.
- January 5, 2011 – Hopkinton School District budget presented to the Budget Committee.
- January 12, 2011- Return to the Budget Committee to answer questions and present HESS contract (if applicable).
Funding of Trust and Contingency Funds
Mr. Chamberlin presented the following final recommendations on the trust and contingency funds.
Contingency Fund – $75,000 ((Unstable nature of the retirement fund)
Health Insurance Trust Fund – $25,000 (Offset health insurance costs for future years.)
Vehicle Capital Reserve Fund – $25,000 (Replace district vehicles)
Revised Preliminary Budget: Expense
Mr. Chamberlin reviewed the memorandum on Revised Preliminary Budget Recommendations.
Mr. Chamberlin stated that the reductions listed bring the increase above 2010-2011: $309,075 or 1.89% on last year and $0.49/1000 on the tax rate.
Mr. Donahue stated to make sure we are benchmarking on the right areas – our human resources vs. competitiveness in laptops and technology.
Mr. Josephson stated that if this is what is needed to meet our goals that he is fine with it.
Revised Preliminary Budget: Revenue
Increasing revenue by $71,000
Mr. Chamberlin reviewed the following revenue sources:
Parking fees
Building use fees
Athletic fees
Restricting spending Dec – June (mission critical expenses only)
Revenue from Health Insurance Trust
Summary
The total increase on the tax rate: 0.94/1000
Listening Post
Mr. Chamberlin stated that he put out an announcement regarding the Listening Post on student fees.
Middle School Sports
Mr. Chamberlin stated that six teams would cost approximately $20,000. This cost does not include Alpine. He stated that through Dan and Dave’s leadership, they would find the right place for all kids that want to play. Mr. Chamberlin stated that they would run six-week intramural programs.
Mr. Donahue thanked everyone’s efforts and the creativity making it revenue neutral and the desire to make tomorrow better than today. He asked how it fits in the current context of our program and is it the best place to spend those dollars.
Mr. Donahue asked the following questions:
What are the goals of our athletic programs?
How do we carry out current programs as far as meeting those needs?
How do those goals align with district goals?
How does the proposed middle school expansion align with district goals?
Mr. Donahue stated that if we are going to do something different, let’s make sure we are engaging all kids.
Sam Helrich stated that early learning is beneficial in sports such as cross-country and Nordic skiing.
Mr. Chamberlin stated that he believes that if we take on these middle schools sports that this will ensure student learning and best 21st century practice and high school plus for all students.
- c. Update: Hopkinton Public Schools Foundation
Mr. Chamberlin stated that they have officially filed for the Hopkinton Public Schools Foundation non profit number and officers have been elected:
Michael Timm, Chairman
Donald Lane, Vice Chairman
Kim Fuller, Secretary/Treasurer
- d. Hopkinton Annual Town Report
Mr. Chamberlin stated that Town Administrator Cass is providing strong oversight to ensure the community has the Annual Town Report in a timely manner. The deadline for submission of reports to be included is January 3, 2011.
- e. Policy Subcommittee
Mr. Donahue and Mr. Josephson will meet with Mr. Chamberlin after the holiday break regarding the Absenteeism, Attendance, and Truancy policy.
9. Public Comment (2)
Hopkinton High School student Justin Tracy asked about the student-parking fee. Mr. Chamberlin explained that the fee is in the proposal and there is a Listening Post regarding student fees on Thursday, December 16, 6:30pm, at Maple Street School.
Merle Dustin, community member, asked if there was any more interest in ski jumping. Mr. Chamberlin stated that the numbers were still at eight.
10. Materials Included
Principal Reports (3)
Superintendent Report
Nomination Packet
Safe Routes to School Round 5 (letter of support, survey results)
Revenue Streams for Consideration Memorandum
Expendable Trusts/Capital Reserve Summary
- 11. Important Dates
12/14/10 – School Board Meeting, MSS Cafeteria, 5:30pm
12/21/10 – School Board Meeting, MSS Cafeteria, 5:30pm (If Needed)
12/22/10 – Half Day of School
12/23/10 – 12/31/10 – Holiday Recess
01/05/11 – School District Budget Presentation: Budget Committee Meeting, 6:30pm, Town Hall
01/12/11– School District Budget Presentation: Budget Committee Meeting, 6:30pm, Town Hall
02/02/11 – Public Hearing, 6:30pm, Hopkinton Middle High School auditorium
03/12/11 – Annual School District Meeting
ACTION ITEMS
12. The Hopkinton School Board approve the Superintendent’s recommended 2010-2011 Hopkinton School District, Kindergarten tuition rate of $7037.65.
A motion was made by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Donahue, motion carries, all in favor, not opposed.
13. The Hopkinton School Board approve the Superintendent’s recommended 2010-2011 Hopkinton School District, elementary school tuition rate of $14,075.30.
A motion was made by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Josephson, motion carries, all in favor, not opposed.
14. The Hopkinton School Board approve the Superintendent’s recommended 2010-2011 Hopkinton School District, middle school tuition rate of $16,289.72.
A motion was made by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Donahue, motion carries, all in favor, not opposed.
15. The Hopkinton School Board approve the Superintendent’s recommended 2010-2011 Hopkinton School District, high school tuition rate of $15,185.80.
A motion was made by Mr. Donahue, seconded by Mr. Jones, motion carries, all in favor, not opposed.
NONPUBLIC SESSION
16. Nonpublic Session for the Discussion of Matters as Per RSA 91-A: 3, II (a) and (b)
Personnel
No nonpublic session
17. Adjournment
At 7:18pm a motion was made by Mr. Josephson, seconded by Mr. Donahue to adjourn the meeting, motion passed, all in favor, not opposed.
Respectfully submitted,
Jean Eaton
