January 19, 2010
Hopkinton School District School Board
School Administrative Unit #66
Meeting Minutes
January 19, 2010
IN ATTENDANCE:
School Board: Chairman David Luneau, Vice Chairman Elizabeth Durant, School Board Members Kim Fuller, Louis Josephson, and Larry Donahue (Mr. Donahue had to leave at 7:00pm)
Administration: Superintendent Steven Chamberlin
CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
School Board Chairman David Luneau called the meeting to order at 6:32pm. Larry Donahue, school board member, led the meeting in the Pledge of Allegiance.
SUPERINTENDENT ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO AGENDA:
Revised agenda: Addition of action items 15 & 16
CORRESPONDENCE:
None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Motion to approve the minutes of the regular board meeting held on January 5 was made by Mr. Donahue seconded by Mrs. Fuller, all in favor, minutes carry as amended: Correct Mrs. Meserve to Mr. Meserve, Petit Papillon and loosing to losing.
Motion to approve the minutes of the regular board meeting held on January 11 was made by Ms. Durant, second by Mr. Josephson.
PUBLIC COMMENT (1):
Ian Tewksbury, community member, made a suggestion for next year’s school calendar. Mr. Tewksbury suggested that instead of starting on August 31, 2010 we start on August 24, 2010. In June of 2011, school would end on June 20 (five full snow days are built into this date). Mr. Tewksbury stated that if we did not need these days, we would back up the last day of school by five days. With this calendar, we would not have to go to school until June 28 or 29, 2011.
Mr. Luneau thanked Mr. Tewksbury for coming tonight and for his suggestions. He stated that this is a perfect time to discuss the calendar, as tonight the board is taking its first look at proposed district calendars. Mr. Chamberlin stated that the Leadership Team altered some of the Calendar Committee recommendations, but they will meet again after this meeting.
COMMENTS FROM THE HOPKINTON SCHOOL BOARD
Ms. Durant thanked everyone who came out and supported the Maple Street School band and choral concert last Thursday night. She was amazed by how many parents were there. Ms. Durant also thanked Mr. Tewksbury for coming out and speaking about the calendar.
STAFF REPORTS AND PRESENTATIONS:
- a. 2010-2011 Hopkinton School District Calendars
Mr. Chamberlin gave an overview of the calendar memorandum and the three proposed calendars: grades P – 6, grades 7 – 12, and a district compilation. Mr. Chamberlin stated that this is the first attempt at differentiating calendars based on the educational needs of the different grade levels.
Mr. Chamberlin highlighted on the following:
- The proposed 2010-2011 school district calendars support one of the tenets of Hopkinton 2.0: collaboration is essential. There are four days labeled C for collaboration mornings. During this time, staff will meet for 45 minutes focusing on revising and assessing common assessments, sharing instructional strategies, and collaborating around intense student needs. Busses will run as usual, but the formal school day will begin at 8:55am. Alternative education opportunities will be planned for the students from 8:00am to 8:55am.
- The Kearsarge School District is piloting the “Learning Online/Blizzard Bags” initiative. On a snow day, students may complete their work online, or have the option to complete work using a “Blizzard Bag.” Teachers with Internet access are available online during school hours on these days.
- April vacation has been looked at as a possible time to makeup snow days, but it would be hard for parents/guardians to plan – it would not be well received in the community.
- February/April vacation melded into one vacation in March. The Timberlane Regional School District did try it, but they went back to two vacations after one year. The state of Connecticut went to one vacation in March, but found that there were more absences due to illness.
Mr. Donahue asked if holding an election in the gym disrupted the school day. Mr. Chamberlin stated no. He stated that they had positive feedback when they held parent/teacher conferences on the presidential Election Day. Mr. Donahue suggested we have school on Election Day.
Mrs. Fuller asked why we don’t have parent/teacher conferences and professional development days the week of Thanksgiving, so the students can have the whole week off. Mr. Chamberlin stated that the professional development days are in October and the spring. Mrs. Fuller is curious about how many parents take their children out of school this week. Mr. Chamberlin stated that we could check because we have the data.
Mr. Luneau asked what the students would be doing on collaboration mornings when the teachers are meeting. Mr. Chamberlin stated that the students would have alternative education activities from volunteers and instructional assistants.
Ms. Durant asked about the April professional development day (April only has 15 school days). She asked why we would not have it in the month of May when there are 21 school days to balance it a little better. Mr. Chamberlin replied because there is more time left in the school year to share/practice the professional development learned. Ms. Durant asked about giving some thought to the balance of the calendar, because we dip in April and bump way up in May.
Mr. Luneau asked when spring sports began. Ms. Durant stated traditionally the first week in April. Mr. Luneau also asked when the fall athletes report. Mr. Chamberlin stated typically two weeks before school starts.
Mr. Josephson asked if 45 minutes is enough time for collaboration mornings. Mr. Chamberlin stated that they are trying to balance meaningful collaboration time and meaningful alternative education time. Mr. Chamberlin stated that this is a pilot and there will be an evaluation. He stated that there has to be a change in the culture; at 8:00am teachers need to be ready to begin talking for the full 45 minutes of collaboration.
Mr. Luneau asked Mr. Chamberlin what the path was on the proposed calendar. Mr. Chamberlin stated that the hope is to get this approved within the next two meetings. Comments will be going back to the Leadership Team for consideration. Mr. Chamberlin will take feedback to the Leadership Team, and then come back with changes or additional rationale.
Mr. Josephson asked Mr. Donahue what he proposed if we did not have April break. Mr. Donahue stated that the Calendar Committee is nearly unanimous against April break as snow days make up week. He believes we can be more creative – perhaps a four-day weekend that you can tack on one of the professional development days and a day off.
Mr. Luneau stated that where February break is so late next year (Feb. 28 – March 4, 2011) that maybe this is an opportunity where it is worth a try or certainly worth consideration by the Calendar Committee.
Mr. Donahue stated that it is worth reminding that the calendar is a contractual obligation – it is a voice for the teachers. Possibly we need community contribution to the committee. Mr. Chamberlin stated that this has been added to the new contract.
Mr. Chamberlin stated that his charge is to do what is best for the community.
Mr. Luneau stated that this is the most innovative approach in his three years: looking at a P-6 and a 7-12 calendar. Mr. Luneau believes that there are a lot of elements of Hopkinton 2.0 in this: trying some new things in response to feedback from the community over the years. He thinks the “Blizzard Bags” comment is a great educational opportunity online for students.
Mr. Donahue stated that he really appreciates the creativity that went into the calendar proposal.
Mrs. Fuller commented that you are always going to lose students at the beginning of the year and at the end of the year – she had to do this with her children when they went to camp.
Mr. Chamberlin believes that progress is “fixing” the end of the school year and collaborating with the community.
Ms. Durant stated that it is a disadvantage to students who work getting out of school so late – it isn’t enough time for the kids to make any money (employers are up and going by the second week in June).
Ms. Durant asked if there was any discussion to have a PD day on January 3. This would give teachers a chance to get back into the building, and the kids/families another day so they don’t have to travel on the Sunday. Mr. Chamberlin stated that there wasn’t any discussion on this topic.
Ms. Durant asked about the two PD days in February – is there anything specific about the timing. (Parents are planning for a lot of time off: two early release days and February vacation) Could they back up a week, possibly the week of February 7? Mr. Chamberlin stated that it might be because of midterm exams.
Mr. Luneau stated that the question comes down to tradeoff: summer days vs. vacation days. We are heading in the right direction: innovative and creative.
Ms. Durant asked if there is any documentation that dictates when coaches are allowed to call students back for preseason and tryouts? Mr. Chamberlin stated that the summer is open to coaches; the rule is you cannot compel someone to go and have consequences. He will find out the exact start date for sports.
- b. 2010-2011 Hopkinton High School Program of Studies (Action Item)
Mr. Chamberlin presented the proposed 2010-2011 Program of Studies. He stated that there is a new course that went through the Curriculum Council and the Leadership Team: Creative Nonfiction. Mainly, the program is moving forward on the language regarding competencies through junior year and the change in graduation requirements.
Mr. Luneau asked if the AP courses in item ten of the summary sheet were new. Mr. Chamberlin stated that AP Physics Electro-Magnetics was an independent study. It was a budgeted flexible fifth last year.
Ms. Durant asked what steps are taken to evaluate courses before the Program of Studies is done. Mr. Chamberlin stated through the adopted curriculum review cycle. It is a built in cycle within each department; course selection is audited and reviewed each year based on enrollment, staff interest, and cutting edge.
Mr. Josephson asked what was the thinking behind careers going from a quarter to a half credit. Mr. Chamberlin stated that this is a part of the change in graduation requirements.
Ms. Durant stated that it was discussed at a previous Curriculum Council meeting that in the career course technical writing may be taught. Mr. Chamberlin stated that he is not sure if the discussion has gone any further as yet, but embedding technical writing in science, careers, and all these courses as opposed to the defined technical writing will continue.
Mr. Luneau asked if we are still printing copies of the Program of Studies. Mr. Chamberlin stated that this year we are printing in-house. Mr. Luneau stated that this is one of the most import documents the districts presents. Mr. Chamberlin spoke with Mr. Sousa and they know it has to represent the quality of what we do – it will be of equal or better quality.
- c. Update: Maple Street School Gymnasium
Mr. Chamberlin reported that the pads are up throughout the entire gym – they are set-up/takedown. He stated that they are working with our Local Government Center on floor treatments to make the tile more adhesive. He has communicated with Mr. Marklin and he is pleased. The gym is safer now than it was.
ITEMS FOR BOARD DISCUSSION
a. Hopkinton Budget Committee Presentation: January 13, January 20
i. Concord Monitor article January 10, 2010, City could lead lawsuit against N.H.
Mr. Chamberlin stated that the presentation to the budget committee last week was successful. Copies of the contracts and cover memos were included in the school board packets. Mr. Luneau thanked Ms. Clark, Mr. Chamberlin, and the Leadership Team for their outstanding support.
Mr. Chamberlin passed out copies of the article on the lawsuit against New Hampshire. About half the school districts in the state joined – he will bring copies to hand out at the Budget Committee meeting.
b. Preparation for the March 6, 2010 Hopkinton School District Meeting
Upcoming speaking engagements in the community:
PTA – TBD
February 17 – Hopkinton Rotary
March 3 – Senior Lunch
Mr. Josephson commented that Mr. Chamberlin is on the ball about this – the rest is a town and community piece. He is challenging himself to get people to understand that this is the best deal for the community – maybe we should follow the model of the Bohanan Farm outreach.
Ms. Durant suggested sandwich boards in the triangles. She really liked the idea of investing in the corrugated signs – similar to the ones used for the Bohanan Farm.
Mr. Luneau stated that we must be careful how we do this. The school district needs to make everyone aware of the meeting and what will be discussed. We should not turn the signs into political advertising.
c. Target Grant (Action Item)
Mr. Chamberlin stated that our policy is the school board must approve any grant over $500.00. The Target Field Trip Grant ($800.00) is to support the Maple Street School field trip viewing of the movie Ocean at the Cinemagic IMAX Theatre, Hooksett, NH.
- d. Monthly Financials – December 2009
Mr. Luneau will compare the December financial report with November. He stated that things have been going in the right direction: increasing the anticipated end of year fund balance, food service deficit go down.
Mrs. Fuller asked if the card system has gone into effect yet. Mr. Chamberlin stated that the account has been opened and approximately $1,000 in deposits have been made. The training for staff is scheduled for February 3 (early release day).
Ms. Durant suggested we invite parents to school for breakfast and encourage them to sign up for the POS program, but also as a catalyst to what we are serving to our kids and the healthy kids initiative.
PUBLIC COMMENT (2)
None
10. MATERIALS INCLUDED
Minutes, January 5, 2010 School Board Meeting (Draft)
Minutes, January 11, 2010 School Board Meeting (Draft)
2010-2011 Hopkinton School District Calendar Packet (Draft)
2010-2011 Hopkinton High School Program of Studies
Target Grant Letter
Monthly Financial Report (December)
January 2010 Hawk Eye
Project WEB Article
Concord Monitor article January 10, 2010 – City could lead lawsuit against N.H.
Overnight Trip Proposal Form – Teen Institute Leaders in Prevention, Camp Cody, Freedom, NH: January 15-17, 2010
11. IMPORTANT DATES
January 20, 2010 Budget Committee Meeting (Town Hall, 6:30pm)
February 2, 2010 School Board Meeting, Maple Street School Cafeteria, 6:30pm
February 3, 2010 Budget Committee Public Hearing, Hopkinton High School, 6:30pm
ACTION ITEMS
12. The Hopkinton School Board approve the Superintendent’s recommendation to accept the resignation of Lorraine Keavany, effective January 29, 2010.
A motion was made by Ms. Durant, seconded by Mr. Josephson, motion carries, all in favor, not opposed.
- The Hopkinton School Board approve the superintendent’s recommendation to accept an $800.00 2010 Target Field Trip Grant for the Maple Street School.
A motion was made by Mrs. Fuller, seconded by Ms. Durant, motion carries, all in favor, not opposed.
- Recommend the Hopkinton School Board approve the Hopkinton High School
2010-2011 Program of Studies, as presented.
A motion was made by Mrs. Fuller, seconded by Mr. Josephson, motion carries, all in favor, not opposed.
15. The Hopkinton School Board accept the superintendent’s recommendation to approve the overnight trip (retroactive) to the Teen Institute (Camp Cody, Freedom, NH), sponsored by the Leaders in Prevention program: January 15-17, 2010.
A motion was made by Mrs. Fuller, seconded by Mr. Josephson, motion carries, all in favor, not opposed.
16. The Hopkinton School Board accept the superintendent’s nomination of Ken Chorney, long-term substitute special education teacher, Maple Street School.
A motion was made by Ms. Durant, seconded by Mr. Josephson, 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 (e)
Negotiations
Legal Matters
At 7:50, Ms. Durant made a motion, seconded by Mr. Josephson, that the Board enter into nonpublic session in accordance with RSA 91-A: 3, II (a) for discussion on negotiations and legal 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 8:15pm, a motion was made by Mr. Josephson, seconded by Ms. Durant, to return to public session, motion passed, all in favor, not opposed.
17. Adjournment
Respectfully submitted, Jean Eaton
Maple Street School, Hopkinton, NH
Nonpublic Minutes
January 19, 2010
16. Nonpublic Session for the Discussion of Matters as Per RSA 91-A: 3, II (a) and (e)
Negotiations
Legal Matters
During the nonpublic session the Board discussed negotiations and legal 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 8:15pm.
