November 16, 2010
Hopkinton School District School Board
School Administrative Unit #66
Meeting Minutes
November 16, 2010
IN ATTENDANCE
School Board: Chairman: David Luneau, Vice Chairman: Elizabeth Durant, William Jones, Louis Josephson, Larry Donahue
Administration: Superintendent: Steven Chamberlin, Business Administrator: Michelle Clark
CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mr. Luneau called the meeting to order at 6:22pm; Ms. Eaton led in the Pledge of Allegiance.
SUPERINTENDENT ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO AGENDA
See revised agenda
CORRESPONDENCE
None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Motion to approve the minutes of regular school board meeting held on November 2, 2010 was made by Ms. Durant, seconded by Mr. Jones, all in favor, minutes carry, (Mr. Donahue abstained).
PUBLIC COMMENT (1)
None
COMMENTS FROM THE HOPKINTON SCHOOL BOARD
Mr. Josephson stated, regarding the article in the Concord Monitor on school funding, that the board might want to send a follow up letter to the new representatives to let them know where the school board stands. He also saw the movie Waiting for Superman and thought it was well done.
Mr. Luneau stated that a follow up letter may draw some attention to the article on school funding.
Mr. Luneau welcomed David MacKenzie, School District Treasurer, to the meeting.
STAFF REPORTS AND PRESENTATIONS
a. Pupil Safety and Violence Prevention Policy (JICK)
(Second Reading)
- i. Public Forum
Mr. Chamberlin thanked the members of the public for attending the forum.
Policy discussion:
- Does drugs/alcohol and bullying/harassment transition with students from building to building?
- Each building has a Title IV Coordinator and there is a district coordinator.
- Strengthen transitioning guidelines.
- Bullying/harassment incidents are entered in the student information system and kept with the Title IV Coordinator.
Policy edits:
- (Page one/ para. one)
Change reference from Hopkinton School Board is committed – it is the Hopkinton School District.
- (Page one/ para. one)
Strike the reference to: or cyberbullying – it is in the definition of bullying.
- (Page three/IV.)
Investigation Procedures: completed within ten school days of incident or report – may extend the time period for investigation by up to seven school days. (10 days/17 days – tighten timeframe)
Marcy Bauers, community member/LGC Representative, reported those ten days has been putting some restrains on administrators. Mr. Chamberlin will review this information with the Leadership Team.
- (Page one/A.)
Definition of bullying is loose.
- Directed at another which: add intentionally: included in the statute
- Too many incidents were passed by e.g. “I was just joking around,” or “it was an accident”
- Definition is a higher threshold – giving latitude to the administrator to use reasonableness.
- It is an act that someone could report, be investigated, then the perpetrator would be vindicated.
- Modeled on the child abuse and neglect laws; inclusive about keeping kids safe.
- Add a reasonableness standard to the investigation.
- (Page one, para. one)
Change: foundation to activities
Sentence should read: This policy applies to all students and school aged persons on school property or participating in school activities regardless of their status under the law. (Confirm: regardless of their status under the law)
- (Page two, line 37)
Change sentence to read: Use of the form is encouraged, but not required. If the principal…
- (Page four, line four))
Change: remove or cyberbullying, change that to then those
- (Page four, X.)
Add: non-disciplinary intervention
- Ambiguous using the word: pupil/ student – we specifically define perpetrator/victim (use these in the policy where it seems apparent that the student is clearly now a perpetrator or victim – include alleged).
- (Page one, line 13)
Strike: The Superintendent is responsible for ensuring that this policy is implemented.
- (Page four, line 32/33)
Tighten up: The Principal or his/her designee is responsible for developing a plan to protect all pupils from retaliation and/or false accusations.
b. Background Investigations and Criminal Records Check Policy (GBCD)
(Second Reading)
Mr. Chamberlin stated that the most significant change is that a final offer for employment is not made, until the results of the criminal background records check (state and FBI) have been returned to the district.
This policy does not apply to anyone who has already been hired.
Mr. Luneau asked if the grounds that are in this policy for denying employment are also grounds for removing someone. Do we suspend with pay?
Mr. Donahue asked what if an employee has been charged with child pornography?
Mr. Chamberlin will follow up with these questions.
Policy edits:
(Page one, lines 11-13)
The Superintendent shall develop a background investigation protocol for use in completing a background investigation and shall keep a written record of all background investigations, which have been done. How long do we keep this information?
Mr. Donahue stated that sensitive information should be kept as long as there is a need for it, and as soon as there is not a need for it we should get rid of it. Mr. Donahue stated that we should consider this; maybe this is a separate privacy policy.
Mr. Jones stated he would put this under records management.
(Page one, line 27)
“Persons regularly in contact with students.”
Mr. Donahue asked if we use this terminology anywhere else in this policy? Should it say “Persons regularly in contact with students should undergo a criminal records check.” and then define what that term is.
(Page one, lines 24/25)
Mirror: regular contact with pupils students to line 27: Persons “regularly in contact with students” these are quotes – exact terminology should be used.
Mr. Chamberlin stated that this is connected to our volunteer policy, which does use that language.
(Page one, line 24)
Change: Board to District
Mr. Jones stated – do we want to take the position that everyone has a criminal background check?
Mr. Chamberlin stated that we should have a criminal background check done on everyone.
(Page two, line 43)
Felony conviction – should this be under a different headline called: Termination
Ms. Durant’s question: where this policy is speaking to background investigations and criminal records check, not district policy on convicted criminals, do we want to include this in this particular policy, or is there already a termination policy in place.
Mr. Chamberlin will review (for similar language) the district termination policy.
Change: State Police to authorities
(Page two, line 15)
Add: the word result after which
Mr. Jones asked about policy IJOC.
Mr. Chamberlin stated this is our volunteer policy, which will need to be looked at.
ITEMS FOR BOARD DISCUSSION
- a. Donations
- i. HMS Playground Fund ($1000 Stockwell Physical Therapy, LLC, $1000 Cilley Veterinary Clinic, $1000 Lance Klingler and Angela Goldman Klingler)
- ii. HMHS Student Support Fund ($1000 Hopkinton Rotary Club)
The school board asked that thank you notes be sent for the donations that come before the board.
- b. Overnight Trip Proposals
- i. Zealand Falls, White Mountains (March 6 – 8, 2011) Action Item, approval
- ii. Carter Notch, White Mountains (March 12 – 14, 2011) Action Item, approval
- iii. Trujillo, Honduras (February 23 – March 3, 2011) Action Item, preliminary approval
Mr. Chamberlin gave an overview of the overnight trips presented.
Mr. Chamberlin stated that currently the State Department has not issued any travel warnings for Honduras. He will continue to monitor for travel warnings.
Mr. Luneau asked if the superintendent recommends in February that we abort the trip, do the participants involved have insurance for out of pocket expenses.
Ms. Durant stated that Sra. Hassett recommend insurance be purchased. Ms. Durant stated that each student’s family is responsible for making their own flight arrangements, which gave them the option to purchase insurance.
- c. School Board/Central Office Donation to the Hopkinton Food Bank
The central office and school board are putting together Thanksgiving food baskets for the Hopkinton Food Pantry. Mr. Chamberlin passed out feathers with needed food items listed on them. The baskets will be brought to the local food pantry on Tuesday, November 23.
d. Financial Report
- i. Budget Timeline
Mr. Chamberlin included a revised budget timeline in the board packets.
- ii. December 2010 Tax Rate
The Hopkinton tax rate has been set. The local school tax rate is $16.27/1000; the state school tax rate (raised locally, stays locally, different valuation formula) is $2.68/1000.
- iii. Electricity Rate
The district electricity rate has been locked in for two years (.0878 to .06986). This was a direct result from working with the Energy Buying Group.
- iv. Monthly Financials (October)
Ms. Clark stated that not much has changed; food service is looking better and the end of year fund balance is anticipated higher.
Ms. Clark reported that we changed our Life and LTD carrier effective January 1, 2011 (a saving of $7000 to $10,000/year).
e. Hopkinton Safe Routes To School Round 5 Application (Action Item)
Mr. Chamberlin stated that the grant application is to extend the sidewalk on Kearsarge Avenue to the back of the high school and the walkway into the fields (not to exceed $250,000).
f. Attendance, Absenteeism, and Truancy Policy
- i. Listening Post
Mr. Chamberlin stated that public input is required for this policy; a Listening Post has been scheduled for Wednesday, December 1, 2010.
PUBLIC COMMENT (2)
Merle Dustin, community member stated that she heard at the selectmen’s meeting that the signage on Cedar Street was not going to happen.
MATERIALS INCLUDED
Monthly Financials (October)
Overnight Trip Proposal Forms (3)
Hopkinton School District 2011-2012 Budget Timeline (Revised)
Draft Hopkinton School Board Minutes, November 2, 2010
CIP Rationale
Background Investigations and Criminal Records Check Policy (GBCD)
Pupil Safety and Violence Prevention Policy (JICK)
Pupil Safety and Violence Prevention Policy FAQs
Youth Support Team brochure
HMHS Library Newsletter
Staff Letter
11. Important Dates
11/24 – 11/26 – Thanksgiving Recess
11/30/10 – School Board Meeting, MSS Cafeteria (budget preparation)
12/07/10 – School Board Meeting, MSS Cafeteria
12/14/10 – School Board Meeting, MSS Cafeteria
12/21/10 – School Board Meeting, MSS Cafeteria (If Needed)
12/22/10 – Half Day of School
12/23/10 – 12/31/10 – Holiday Recess
01/05/11 – Budget Committee Meeting
Mr. Luneau stated that the school board meeting on November 30, 2010 would start at 5:30pm.
ACTION ITEMS
12. The Hopkinton School Board accept the Superintendent’s recommendation to approve the Hopkinton High School Science Department overnight trip to the Zealand Falls Hut (White Mtn.) March 6 – 8, 2011.
A motion was made by Mr. Donahue, seconded by Mr. Jones, motion carries, all in favor, not opposed.
13. The Hopkinton School Board accept the Superintendent’s recommendation to approve the Hopkinton High School Science Department overnight trip to the Carter Notch Hut (White Mtn.) March 12 – 14, 2011.
A motion was made by Mr. Donahue, seconded by Mr. Jones, motion carries, all in favor, not opposed.
14. The Hopkinton School Board approve the Superintendent’s recommendation for preliminary approval of the Hopkinton High School Interact International Service overnight trip to Trujillo, Honduras, February 23 – March 3, 2011.
A motion was made by Mr. Donahue, seconded by Mr. Jones, motion carries, all in favor, not opposed.
15. The Hopkinton School Board approve the Superintendent’s recommendation to accept a donation of $1000 from the Hopkinton Rotary Club, for the Hopkinton Middle High School Student Support Fund.
A motion was made by Mr. Donahue, seconded by Mr. Jones, motion carries, all in favor, not opposed, with much appreciation.
16. The Hopkinton School Board approve the Superintendent’s recommendation to accept a donation of $1000 from Cilley Veterinary Clinic, for the Harold Martin School playground fund.
A motion was made by Mr. Donahue, seconded by Mr. Jones, motion carries, all in favor, not opposed, with much appreciation.
17. The Hopkinton School Board approve the Superintendent’s recommendation to accept a donation of $1000 from Stockwell Physical Therapy, LLC, for the Harold Martin School playground fund.
A motion was made by Mr. Donahue, seconded by Mr. Jones, motion carries, all in favor, not opposed, with much appreciation.
18. The Hopkinton School Board approve the Superintendent’s recommendation to accept a donation of $1000 from Lance Klingler and Angela Goldman Klingler, for the Harold Martin School playground fund.
A motion was made by Mr. Donahue, seconded by Mr. Jones, motion carries, all in favor, not opposed, with much appreciation.
19. The Hopkinton School Board approve the Superintendent’s nomination of Larry Nice, Assistant Nordic Ski Coach, Hopkinton High School, 2010-2011 school year.
A motion was made by Mr. Donahue, seconded by Mr. Jones, motion carries, all in favor, not opposed.
20. The Hopkinton School Board approve the Superintendent’s nomination of Tom Warner, Ski Jumping Coach, Hopkinton High School, 2010-2011 school year.
Action Item Tabled
21. The Hopkinton School Board accept the Superintendent’s recommendation to support the Hopkinton Safe Routes to School Grant (Round 5) application not to exceed $250,000.
A motion was made by Mr. Donahue, seconded by Mr. Jones, motion carries, all in favor, not opposed.
At 8:14pm Mr. Donahue made a motion, seconded by Mr. Jones that the Board enter into nonpublic session in accordance with RSA 91-A:3 (a) for discussion of negotiations. Motion passed on a roll call vote: Mr. Donahue (yes), Ms. Durant (yes), Mr. Jones (yes), Mr. Josephson (yes), Mr. Luneau (yes).
NONPUBLIC SESSION
22. Nonpublic Session for the Discussion of Matters as Per RSA 91-A: 3, II (a)
RETURN TO PUBLIC SESSION
23. Adjournment
At 8:28pm a motion was made by Mr. Donahue, seconded by Mr. Jones to return to public session, motion passed, all in favor, not opposed.
Respectfully submitted,
Jean Eaton
Maple Street School, Hopkinton, NH
Nonpublic Minutes
November 16, 2010
22. Nonpublic Session for the Discussion of Matters as Per RSA 91-A: 3, II (a)
Negotiations
During the nonpublic session the Board discussed negotiations.
Mr. Donahue motioned to come out of nonpublic session, seconded by Mr. Jones, motion passed on a roll call vote: Mr. Donahue (yes), Ms. Durant (yes), Mr. Luneau (yes), Mr. Jones (yes), Mr. Josephson all in favor, not opposed.
The board came out of nonpublic sessio
