February 2, 2010
Hopkinton School District School Board
School Administrative Unit #66
Meeting Minutes
February 2, 2010
IN ATTENDANCE:
School Board: Chairman David Luneau, Vice Chairman Elizabeth Durant, School Board Members Kim Fuller, Louis Josephson
Administration: Superintendent Steven Chamberlin, Business Administrator Michelle Clark, Director of Student Services Dr. Valerie Aubry, Principals: Michael Bessette, William Carozza, Christopher Sousa, Assistant Principal Christopher Kelley, Student Representatives: Emma Brown, Noah Meister
CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
School Board Chairman David Luneau called the meeting to order at 6:30pm. Liz Durant, School Board Vice Chairman, led the meeting in the Pledge of Allegiance.
SUPERINTENDENT ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO AGENDA:
Revised agenda: Discussion item regarding receipt of the SB 2 petition and two additional action items: 19 & 20
CORRESPONDENCE:
SB 2 petition
Flowers were sent to Maple Street School Nurse Jeanne Gearing, her grandmother passed away.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Motion to approve the minutes of the regular board meeting held on January 19 was made by Ms. Durant seconded by Mrs. Fuller, all in favor, minutes carry as amended: Mr. Chamberlin spoke to Mr. Donahue and he asked that on page 2109, line 28, please strikeout the parenthesis.
PUBLIC COMMENT (1):
Merle Dustin, community member, commented on Bill Carozza and the kindergarten students who came to sing at the Slusser Senior Center – they were wonderful. Also, Ms. Dustin stated that the young ladies from the National Honor Society came and served and they were delightful. She suggested that next year they wear nametags, so they can call them by name.
COMMENTS FROM THE HOPKINTON SCHOOL BOARD
Mr. Luneau stated that he is very impressed with the work the Safe Routes to School Committee continues to do and their work with the Town of Hopkinton. Currently, they are looking at sidewalk designs toward MSS and HMHS. Mr. Luneau expressed his thanks to everyone involved.
STAFF REPORTS AND PRESENTATIONS:
- a. Principal Reports
Bill Carozza, Principal Harold Martin School
Mr. Carozza stated, regarding the Safe Routes to School Committee, that they are presenting round four to the state on February 11, 2010. Mr. Carozza thanked Natalie Duval for giving so much of her time to the program.
Mr. Carozza praised Artist in Residence Kelly Doremus Stuart, a dancer, for doing a wonderful job. Today, she held a workshop for teachers – it was perfect.
Mr. Luneau asked about the multipurpose room floor. Mr. Carozza stated that it is about the same. It is OK for physical education classes and HYSA is using it for practices. Mr. Luneau would like this to be made a priority item.
Michael Bessette, Principal Maple Street School
Mr. Bessette stated that Mr. Josephson’s daughter was the winner of the MSS Spelling Bee, runner-up was Joe McCaffrey – there is a great picture featured of the winners on the Maple Street School web site.
Mr. Bessette stated that the first meeting with MainStreet Academix took place today with students. They came in with staff and reviewed student and staff survey data and began the process of goal development. Mr. Preble will be back with his staff to continue this cycle of growth.
Christopher Sousa, Principal Hopkinton Middle High School
Mr. Sousa stated that today was the last day for mid-term exams. Also, Social Studies teacher Rob Nadeau has coauthored, in conjunction with the New Hampshire Banking Commission, a financial literacy lesson called The Road Ahead. The program guides students through the process of car ownership – teaching them the real cost of car ownership. It is going to be used in conjunction with some programs at Southern New Hampshire University.
Mr. Sousa stated that they are meeting with MainStreet Academix this Tuesday. They have not yet completed the parent survey. He stated that they had a large number participate in the student/teacher survey. Lastly, Mr. Sousa wanted to make everyone aware that several organizations are working on raising awareness/funds for Haiti, so you might be hearing about this.
b. Director of Student Services Report
Dr. Valerie Aubry, Director of Student Services
Dr. Aubry highlighted the staff development opportunities scheduled for the special education department tomorrow, which includes teachers and instructional assistants. She stated that some of the training tomorrow is follow the “train-the-trainer model.” Also, they have instructional assistants working on the Read Naturally program and on how to help students focus during school.
Mrs. Fuller asked Dr. Aubry about the article in Sunday’s Concord Monitor entitled “Special ed rule change questioned” and how it would affect our district if such a bill goes forward.
Dr. Aubry was quite pleased that the article made the front page. She stated that if this legislation were to pass, it would mean those students who simply had a need for a related service (e.g. speech and language, PT, OT) and did not require specialized instruction, would qualify for special education services in our schools.
Mr. Chamberlin is attending a meeting on legislative issues on Monday. He will keep the board aware of his findings.
- b. Superintendent Report
Steven Chamberlin Superintendent of Schools
Mr. Chamberlin spoke to Sue Roberts today and she has a few hurdles left, but is doing well.
Tomorrow begins training for the new Point of Sale program at the high school – Thursday they will be going live. The elementary schools will be going live beginning next week.
Mr. Chamberlin gave an overview on the plan for the district professional day being held tomorrow, February 3 the first early release day. He stated that there was a lot of collaboration in the planning of this day between the Leadership Team and the Professional Development Committee.
Mr. Luneau stated that he is concerned about the kickoff of the Point of Sale day. Mr. Chamberlin stated that he asked the building principals to send out separate “special” emails regarding the POS program beginning this week. Mr. Chamberlin stated that no child who is not ready would be denied; they are there to support students and families.
Mr. Josephson commented on the professional day packet. He believes it is important for parents to know what teachers and staff are accomplishing tomorrow. Mr. Josephson stated that he appreciates all the hard work that went into organizing the professional day.
ITEMS FOR BOARD DISCUSSION
- a. 2010-2011 Proposed School District Calendar
Mr. Chamberlin gave an overview on the current status of the district calendar. Mr. Chamberlin stated that he went through the minutes of the last board meeting and addressed all the questions and concerns in board notes. Mr. Chamberlin spoke to Mr. Donahue today regarding April vacation. He would like us to take a look at making it a four-day weekend, as next year has such a late February break (Feb 28 – March 4, 2011) and we could recapture three days to get out earlier in June.
Mr. Chamberlin stated that this is a bold move – he would like to hold a public survey. He does not know how the community would react. He believes that there is room for innovation in the calendar. Mr. Chamberlin asked the board how far did
they want him to look into April vacation innovation.
Mrs. Fuller stated that she feels this is rushed. She does not believe that we have the time to do it for this calendar – maybe next year.
Ms. Durant stated that if we hold off a year and don’t get positive feedback – what do we gain by waiting a year? Concord made a move this year to change their calendar – they went back three days earlier than us. Ms. Durant stated that if we were seriously considering this option, we should get the message out and if we receive a lot of negative feedback, then the decision is made. If we don’t get feedback or we get some positive feedback we should do it.
Ms. Durant asked Mr. Chamberlin if there was any discussion at superintendent’s meetings about any other districts eliminating the April vacation. Mr. Chamberlin stated that no one has been talking about this, every other district who has done it has gone back.
Mrs. Fuller stated that we should look at an earlier start date. Families are back from vacation because kids start fall sports.
At this time, the board agrees not to go ahead with the survey. Mr. Chamberlin will get the message out, so the community knows what we are thinking about.
- b. Budget Adjustments 2010-06, 2010-07 (Action Items)
Mr. Chamberlin stated that budget adjustment 2010-06 is for transportation costs for a student and budget adjustment 2010-07 is to cover the financial server replacement.
Ms. Durant asked if the transportation budget adjustment was for a year? Ms. Clark stated that it is to continue for the remainder of the year. Dr. Aubry stated that this transportation cost was unanticipated, although the cost has been mitigated, as we are sharing the cost with neighboring districts.
- c. Hopkinton Budget Committee Public Hearing
Mr. Chamberlin stated that he spoke to the facilities director and they are ready for the public hearing tomorrow night at 6:30pm in the high school auditorium.
Mr. Luneau stated that Patty Gerseny would be presenting all the budgets.
- d. Hopkinton School District’s receipt of a SB 2 petition
Mr. Chamberlin reported that on February 1, 2010 the SAU received a petition for SB 2. The Town of Hopkinton received a petition as well. Mr. Chamberlin spoke to Neal Cass today about the possibility of having a joint hearing on SB 2. The town has scheduled the meeting for February 16, 6:15pm at the Town Hall. Mr. Chamberlin stated that we could move our school board meeting to 7:00pm that night.
PUBLIC COMMENT (2)
Merle Dustin, community member, stated that she thinks it is marvelous to have student representatives at school board meetings. She asked what the reasoning is behind them there. Also, what do they do with the information at the meetings?
Mr. Luneau stated that the students have been eager to participate in discussion during several topics where they have some firsthand experience.
Noah Meister stated that he talks to his friends about school government and what goes on at school board meetings. Noah also stated that it is an opportunity for him to learn how the school functions.
Emma Brown stated that for her it has been a heads-up on things that are going on – she tells all of her friends; she feels it is of value to attend the meetings.
10. MATERIALS INCLUDED
Principal Reports (3)
Director of Student Services Report
Superintendent Report
Minutes, January 19, 2010 School Board Meeting (Draft)
2010-2011 Hopkinton School District Calendar Memorandum
French Exchange Overnight Trip Form
Washington DC Trip Final Approval Memorandum
Budget Adjustment Forms (2)
Nomination Packets (2)
February 3rd Early Release Day Packet
Thoughts from the Bay Window
11. Important Dates
- February 3, 2010, Hopkinton Budget Committee Public Hearing, 6:30pm Hopkinton Middle High School auditorium
- February 10 and/or 11, 2010, Hopkinton Budget Committee deliberations, 6:30pm, Hopkinton Town Hall
- February 16, 2010, School Board Meeting, Maple Street School cafeteria
ACTION ITEMS
12. Hopkinton School Board approve the Superintendent’s recommendation to support the Hopkinton High School French Exchange overnight trip to Paris, France and Lycée St-Ouen, Saint Germain Village, Normandy, February 23 – March 12, 2010.
A motion was made by Mrs. Fuller, seconded by Mr. Josephson, motion carries, all in favor, not opposed.
13. Hopkinton School Board accept the Superintendent’s recommendation to grant final approval of the Hopkinton High School Washington D.C. overnight trip, March 26 – March 29, 2010.
A motion was made by Mrs. Fuller, seconded by Mr. Josephson, motion carries, all in favor, not opposed.
14. Hopkinton School Board approve the Superintendent’s nomination of Laura Stewart, Instructional Assistant, Hopkinton Middle School, effective February 2, 2010.
A motion was made by Mrs. Fuller, seconded by Mr. Josephson, motion carries, all in favor, not opposed.
15. Hopkinton School Board approve the Superintendent recommended Budget Adjustment 2010-06 in the amount of $4,000.
A motion was made by Mr. Josephson, seconded by Ms. Durant motion carries, all in favor, not opposed.
16. Hopkinton School Board approve the Superintendent recommended Budget Adjustment 2010-07 in the amount of $14,866.16.
A motion was made by Mr. Josephson, seconded by Ms. Durant, motion carries, all in favor, not opposed.
17. Hopkinton School Board accept the donation of $639.55 from Marklin Candle Design to the Hopkinton Middle High School Student Support Fund.
A motion was made by Mr. Josephson, seconded by Ms. Durant, motion carries, all in favor, not opposed.
18. Hopkinton School Board approve the Superintendent’s nomination of Lauri Izzi, Girls Varsity Soccer Coach for the 2010 – 2011 season.
A motion was made by Mr. Josephson, seconded by Ms. Durant, motion carries, all in favor, not opposed.
19. Hopkinton School Board approve the Superintendent’s nomination of Jacquelyn Mellen , .25 Instructional Assistant, Harold Martin School, effective February 3, 2010.
A motion was made by Mr. Josephson, seconded by Ms. Durant, motion carries, all in favor, not opposed.
20. Hopkinton School Board approve the Superintendent’s nomination of Scott Semmens, .1 Adventure Education Teacher, Hopkinton Middle High School second semester 2009-2010.
A motion was made by Ms. Durant, seconded by Mr. Josephson, motion carries, all in favor, not opposed.
NONPUBLIC SESSION
21. Nonpublic Session for the Discussion of Matters as Per RSA 91-A: 3, II (a)
Personnel
At 7:55pm, Mrs. Fuller made a motion, seconded by Ms.Durant, that the Board enter into nonpublic session in accordance with RSA 91-A:3, II (a) for discussion on personnel matters. Motion passed on a roll call vote: Ms. Durant (yes), Mrs. Fuller (yes), Mr. Luneau (yes), Mr. Josephson (yes), all in favor, not opposed.
RETURN TO PUBLIC SESSION
At 8:28pm, a motion was made by Mrs. Fuller, seconded by Liz Durant, to return to public session, motion passed, all in favor, not opposed.
22. Adjournment
Respectfully submitted, Jean Eaton
Maple Street School, Hopkinton, NH
Nonpublic Minutes
February 2, 2010
21. Nonpublic Session for the Discussion of Matters as Per RSA 91-A: 3, II (a)
Personnel
During the nonpublic session the Board discussed personnel matters.
Ms. Durant motioned to come out of nonpublic session, seconded by Mr. Josephson motion passed on a roll call vote: Ms. Durant (yes), Mrs. Fuller (yes), Mr. Luneau (yes), Mr. Josephson (yes), all in favor, not opposed. The board came out of nonpublic session at 8:28pm.
