May 18, 2010
Hopkinton School District School Board
School Administrative Unit #66
Meeting Minutes
May 18, 2010
IN ATTENDANCE:
School Board: Chairman: David Luneau, Vice Chairman: Elizabeth Durant, Louis Josephson, William Jones, Student Representatives Emma Brown and Noah Meister
Administration: Superintendent: Steven Chamberlin, Principal: Michael Bessette, Maple Street School
CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Mr. Luneau called the meeting to order at 6:32pm; Noah Meister and Emma Brown led us in the Pledge of Allegiance.
7. Staff Reports and Presentations
a. Student voices at Maple Street School
Students from Maple Street School gave a presentation to the Maple Street School PAC (Parent Advisory Council) and the school board about their work on improving building climate and culture. The students call themselves the Team of Tomorrow.
Mr. Luneau welcomed Dr. Bill Preble of Main Street Academix and the students from Maple Street School, and then the meeting was turned over to Mr. Bessette who then gave an overview on the work of Mr. Preble and the students.
Main Street Academix specializes in school climate (working with students and staff) focusing on helping schools become safer, more respectful, and more effective learning communities.
Dr. Preble stated it is fun to work in Maple Street School because everyone cares. He stated the students are committed to a long haul effort – it is an effort that will take time.
Dr. Preble told us the federal government is moving away from DARE and is moving toward a national school climate improvement initiative. He passed around copies of the Maple Street School SafeMeasures National School Climate Standards Based Survey Parent Data.
Two hundred fourteen students attend Maple Street Elementary School. Sixty-five parents completed the SafeMeasures Survey in January 2010. The report shows the parent responses compared with the student and faculty responses to the survey questions.
The survey was based on the following standards:
Policies & Behavioral Support
Teaching & Learning Practices
Safe & Welcoming Environment
Social & Civic Responsibility & Social Justice
Dr. Preble stated school climate is about perception; you can’t change school climate if everyone is pointing a finger at everyone else. It is student lead collaborative research to make choices on moving forward.
The students came forward and told stories about their projects and explained what they have learned from their work at school
Mr. Bessette stated the most important work that came out is the student empowerment. Kids have stood up and shared their message with teachers. Mr. Bessette stated they are proud of their work as a faculty and know it is not done. It is wonderful and empowering to listen to the students talk about how they can keep this movement going.
SUPERINTENDENT ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO AGENDA:
None
CORRESPONDENCE:
None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Motion to approve the minutes of May 4, 2010 was made by Ms. Durant, seconded by Mr. Jones, all in favor, minutes carry as amended. Page 2173, line 41 and 42, change Mr. Josephson to Ms. Durant and Mr. Donahue to Mr. Jones.
PUBLIC COMMENT (1):
Merle Dustin, community member, was happy to receive an invitation to the Robotics Team parade and she also received a nice thank you note from the team.
COMMENTS FROM THE HOPKINTON SCHOOL BOARD
Ms. Durant thanked the faculty, staff, and students who helped to make the prom a successful, enjoyable event – they did a great job.
She also thanked Mr. Chamberlin and Mr. Luneau for the presentation by Dr. Preble of Main Street Academix. She appreciates the presentations to further educate parents in the district.
Emma Brown stated she appreciated Dr. Preble’s presentation. She does not think anyone in the high school knows about it and she thinks it would be helpful if they did.
Mr. Jones stated he found the new school board member orientation very educational and he appreciated being able to go.
Mr. Josephson had a request/question on the use, validity, and the benefit we get from MAP testing. Mr. Chamberlin stated that assessment was the topic of the next school board meeting; building and district level.
Mr. Luneau stated it was great to see Dr. Preble and the students here; he is excited about the Robotics Team parade coming up this week, and for the Fine Arts Forensics Tournament debate tomorrow night at the high school.
Mr. Luneau stated when he went to the school board orientation, he found it beneficial and he made some good contacts.
Mr. Luneau stated he hoped we could find a way to repair and/or replace the HMS multi-purpose room floor without damaging our warranty claim. Many teams/activities had to find other places in Hopkinton and surrounding towns to play (sometimes at a cost to the community), because we did not have the HMS gym.
STAFF REPORTS AND PRESENTATIONS:
- a. Student voices at Maple Street School
(See page 2175)
ITEMS FOR SCHOOL BOARD DISCUSSION
Hopkinton High School Class of 2010 Overnight Trip Proposal Form (Action Item)
Mr. Chamberlin gave an overview of the senior class trip to the Forks, Maine to whitewater raft. Mr. Chamberlin stated that the kids are looking forward to the trip.
Ms. Durant asked what the costs have been in the past for senior trips. Mr. Chamberlin stated that it has varied with the destination.
Hopkinton High School Environmental Science Overnight Trip Proposal Form (Action Item)
Mr. Chamberlin gave an overview of the overnight trip to Woods Hole, Cape Cod, Massachusetts to explore ecology. He stated that this is authentic and experiential learning. The students will learn about a new trend in fishing – collaborative fishing.
Mr. Luneau asked if he would have a chaperone from each gender attending. Mr. Chamberlin stated that is the plan.
Hopkinton School District/NH School Reform Race to the Top Application Memorandum of Understanding (Action Item)
Mr. Chamberlin and other superintendents met with the Commissioner of Education, regarding moving forward with the second application, which is due May 21, 2010.
Mr. Chamberlin stated there is a memorandum of understanding and the district commitment on the four assurances:
Standards
Data systems
Retaining great teachers
Turning around low Achieving Schools (not a Hopkinton issue)
Mr. Chamberlin stated that it is in our best interest to participate, because it aligns so strongly with our movement of time, tools, and training.
Ms. Durant asked what if the proposal differs from the MOU. Mr. Chamberlin stated it is a point system – if we will not do something we will lose money.
Joint Meeting with the Hopkinton Board of Selectmen
The meeting is planned for Monday, June 14, 6:30pm in the Hopkinton Middle High School auditorium. Mr. Chamberlin and Mr. Cass will work on the agenda: joint collaboration, future collaboration. Mr. Chamberlin thinks it is a good signal to the community that they are working together. (Gary Richardson has agreed to moderate the meeting.)
Staff Nominations (schedule b, support staff, non union support staff, superintendent) (Action Item)
Mr. Chamberlin gave an overview of the evaluation process and the staff nominations.
Mr. Luneau stated, for the record, that the school board does have an evaluation process for the superintendent, the school board’s sole employee. The school board conducts a 360 review of the superintendent which involves meeting with all the directors that report to the superintendent and members of the Leadership Team and getting their feedback on the performance of the superintendent. There is a uniform series of questions so they can detect trends, as well as open-ended questions to allow the Leadership Team members to give personal thoughts and considerations on their boss. They also ask the superintendent to provide a self-reflection. They meet with the superintendent and interview him, and then they meet as a board in nonpublic session. This is typically done twice a year: midterm and at the end of the school year.
Summer school board meeting schedule/school board retreat
Mr. Chamberlin stated that he wanted to schedule the board retreat in September, as he will not be able to make it happen this spring. It was not a lack of importance, but really a lack of time to put together a quality, substantive board retreat. He wants to commit to the first or second week in September.
The summer board meeting schedule:
June 1 – school board meeting
June 14 – joint meeting
July – no meetings
August 3 and 17 – school board meetings
The Celebration of OZ-RAM Team 1922
Mr. Chamberlin has received some great feedback on the success of the team. He is looking forward to honoring the team.
Acceptance of the Hopkinton Rotary Club donation ($1,000) to the Hopkinton High School Student Support Fund. (Action Item)
Mr. Chamberlin thanked the Rotary for being a wonderful supporter. The funds have paid for tuxedos, shoes, sneakers, holiday gift cards, etc.
Safe Routes to School Grant Round 4 (Action Item)
Mr. Chamberlin stated that there is a signing tonight. It is the completion of a sidewalk on Cedar Street. He went to the Fun Fair and the bike rack was full of bikes. Next Wednesday is the governor’s fitness walk, with all buildings participating. The Harold Martin School walkway will be christened on Wednesday, May 26, between 8:15 and 8:30am.
Monthly Financials – April
Mr. Chamberlin stated that Ms. Clark is not here tonight, as she is attending the Tri-State Association of School Business Officials Annual Conference. He further stated the fund balance is where it should be and that we are in good shape.
PUBLIC COMMENT (2)
Merle Dustin asked if kids can be alerted to wear helmets at the skate park.
Mr. Chamberlin stated that the skate park is town property. He added that he went to another town and they require students to participate in a safety workshop and they get a sticker to wear on their helmet.
Janet Krzyzaniak stated that Holly Charron worked with a group of students providing lunch at the Slusser Center last week. She said the kids were terrific, they were quiet, and they showed great respect for Holly.
10. MATERIALS INCLUDED
Overnight Trip Form (2)
Monthly Financial Report – April
Safe Routes to School, Round 4 Program Agreement
The NH School Reform Race to the Top Application Memorandum of Understanding for Participating Schools
Nomination Slates (3)
11. IMPORTANT DATES
May 19 – Hopkinton High School Forensic Tournament
May 20 – FIRST Robotics Celebration
May 25 – All District Staff Meeting
May 27 – Sue Pisinski Arts and Science Field Day
May 27 – Hopkinton High School Academic Awards Night
June 17 – School Board/Senior Class Barbecue
June 18 – Hopkinton High School Graduation
ACTION ITEMS
12. The Hopkinton School Board approve the superintendent’s recommendation to accept the Hopkinton Rotary donation ($1000) to the Hopkinton High School Student Support Fund.
A motion was made by Ms. Durant, seconded by Ms. Jones, motion carries, all in favor, not opposed.
13. The Hopkinton School Board accept the superintendent’s recommendation to approve the Hopkinton High School Class of 2010 overnight trip to the Forks, Maine, June 6 to June 7, 2010.
A motion was made by Ms. Durant, seconded by Mr. Jones, motion carries, all in favor, not opposed.
14. The Hopkinton School Board accept the superintendent’s recommendation to approve the Hopkinton High School Environmental Science class overnight trip to Cape Cod, May 23 to May 25, 2010.
A motion was made by Ms. Durant, seconded by Mr. Jones, motion carries, all in favor, not opposed.
15. The Hopkinton School Board approve the superintendent’s recommendation to support the Safe Routes to School Round 4 Program Agreement and to have the board chair sign on behalf of the board.
A motion was made by Ms. Durant, seconded by Mr. Jones, motion carries, all in favor, not opposed.
16. The Hopkinton School Board approve the superintendent’s recommendation to support the NH School Reform Race to the Top Application Memorandum of Understanding for Participating Schools and to have the board chair sign on behalf of the board.
A motion was made by Ms. Durant, seconded by Mr. Jones, motion carries, all in favor, not opposed.
17. The Hopkinton School Board approve the superintendent’s recommendation to accept Harold Martin School Instructional Assistant Erin McMyne’s resignation effective June 30, 2010.
A motion was made by Ms. Durant, seconded by Mr. Jones, motion carries, all in favor, not opposed.
NONPUBLIC SESSION
At 7:54pm Ms. Durant made a motion, seconded by Mr. Jones that the Board enter into nonpublic session in accordance with RSA 91-A: 3, (a) and (e) for the discussion of personnel and legal matters. Motion passed on a roll call vote: Mr. Luneau (yes), Mr. Jones (yes), Ms. Durant (yes), Mr. Josephson (yes).
22. Nonpublic Session for the Discussion of Matters as Per RSA 91-A: 3, II (a) and (e)
Personnel
Legal Matters
RETURN TO PUBLIC SESSION
18. The Hopkinton School Board approve the superintendent’s nomination of Schedule b assignments. 2010-2011 school year, as presented.
A motion was made by Ms. Durant, seconded by Mr. Jones, motion carries, all in favor, not opposed.
19. The Hopkinton School Board approve the superintendent’s nomination of support staff, 2010-2011 school year, as presented.
A motion was made by Ms. Durant, seconded by Mr. Jones, motion carries, all in favor, not opposed.
20. The Hopkinton School Board approve the superintendent’s nomination of non-union personnel, 2010-2011school year, as presented.
A motion was made by Ms. Durant, seconded by Mr. Jones, motion carries, all in favor, not opposed.
21. The Hopkinton School approve the superintendent’s nomination of Steven M. Chamberlin, Superintendent of Schools, 2010-2011 school year.
A motion was made by Ms. Durant, seconded by Mr. Jones, motion carries, all in favor, not opposed.
23. Adjournment
At 8:35pm, 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
Maple Street School, Hopkinton, NH
Nonpublic Minutes
May 18, 2010
22. Nonpublic Session for the Discussion of Matters as Per RSA 91-A: 3, II (a) and (e)
Personnel and Legal Matters
During the nonpublic session the Board discussed personnel and legal matters, and Action Item 18, 19, 20, 21.
Mr. Josephson 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) all in favor, not opposed. The board came out of nonpublic session at 8:30pm.
