October 11, 2011
Hopkinton School District School Board
School Administrative Unit #66
Meeting Minutes
October 11, 2011
IN ATTENDANCE
School Board: Chairman: David Luneau, Vice Chairman: Elizabeth Durant, Board Members: Louis Josephson, William Jones, Larry Donahue (arrived at 6:28pm), Student Representative: Susanna Keilig
Administration: Superintendent: Steven Chamberlin, Business Administrator: Michelle Clark, Director of Student Services: Dr. Valerie Aubry, Director of Technology: Matthew Stone, Principals: William Carozza, Harold Martin School, Michael Bessette, Maple Street School, Hopkinton Middle and High Schools Assistant Principal: Rebecca Gagnon
CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mr. Luneau called the meeting to order at 5:30pm; Susanna Keilig led the Pledge of Allegiance.
SUPERINTENDENT ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO AGENDA
Additional Item For Board Discussion item – 8f: Dunbarton, Neighboring District
CORRESPONDENCE
Mr. Chamberlin presented a thank you note and the NHSBA 2011 Legislative Summary.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion to approve the minutes of the regular board meeting held on August 29, 2011, was made by Ms. Durant, seconded by Mr. Josephson, all in favor, minutes carry.
Motion to approve the minutes of the public hearing held on September 12, 2011,was made by Ms. Durant, seconded by Mr. Josephson, all in favor, minutes carry.
Motion to approve the minutes of the regular board meeting held on September 12, 2011was made by Ms. Durant, seconded by Mr. Josephson, all in favor, minutes carry.
Motion to approve the minutes of the regular board meeting held on August 29, 2011was made by Ms. Durant, seconded by Mr. Josephson, all in favor, minutes carry.
Motion to approve the minutes of the joint board meeting held on September 26, 2011, was made by Ms. Durant, seconded by Mr. Josephson, all in favor, minutes carry.
PUBLIC COMMENT (1)
None
COMMENTS FROM THE HOPKINTON SCHOOL BOARD
Ms. Keilig stated that when talking in civics class today, weighting grades was discussed.
Mr. Chamberlin stated that one of the issues is what is the proper weight – if someone is gifted in math and not in wood – how would this be weighted. There was a study committee and they found that students would chose classes based on their weight.
Mr. Luneau stated that people fall strongly on one side or the other on this issue – some school’s rank, some college’s care and some do not, and some colleges weight grades their own way.
(Mr. Donahue’s comment on page 2448)
STAFF REPORTS AND PRESENTATIONS
Mr. Chamberlin stated that the theme for this month’s administrator reports is visitation, visibility, and observation. He asked administrators to provide a glimpse of “A Day in the Life” of our schools.
- a. Administrator Reports
i. Principal Reports (3)
William Carozza, Principal, Harold Martin School
Mr. Carozza stated that the best part of the activity was to see just how much work gets done in the hallways. It is true that hanging in your office is not the place to be. He is feeling connected – it was a good exercise for him.
Mr. Luneau thought it was fascinating reading the administrator’s reports. He stated that a CEO of a company he was with used this effective management style – management by walking around. Mr. Luneau stated that visibility is tremendous and this management style really works.
Michael Bessette, Principal, Maple Street School
Mr. Bessette stated that he found it amazing to see and spend time in the classrooms. He observed the Rebecca Sitton spelling program class taught using three different types of instruction: one using technology, one a more traditional approach, and one completely outside the box. The kids were enjoying quality instruction in all three ways.
Rebecca Gagnon, Assistant Principal, Hopkinton Middle High School
Ms. Gagnon followed a sophomore student around for a day. She said it was fun to see the day from a different perspective – to gain an insight on what really happens during break time, or what happens when you’re asked to break into a small group and report out, or take notes.
Christopher Kelley, Principal, Hopkinton Middle High School
(Ms. Gagnon spoke on Mr. Kelley’s behalf)
She stated that he focused on the opportunities for the seventh graders. He visited all the world language and unified arts classes and found it rewarding to see the students in different educational settings.
Dr. Valerie Aubry, Director of Student Services
Dr. Aubry stated that she had great fun being back in the classroom. She spent a lot of time in the special education rooms and in one regular education class with support to students. She feels very good about the work being done. Dr. Aubry stated that she is proud of the faculty; we owe them a lot of thanks for including students to the maximum extent that is reasonable and appropriate.
Steven Chamberlin, Superintendent of Schools
Mr. Chamberlin stated that it was fascinating to see how things change and kids are growing. He observed, for the first time, a teacher using a microphone. It was great to see the new staff and how they have acclimated to the Hopkinton School District. It was amazing to visit the classroom of ten different teachers in the span of 24 – 48 hours; the experienced teacher to the new teacher, it was a great experience.
Mr. Chamberlin spoke about the October 7 Professional Development day and the two future Professional Development days. He stated that there is a strong plan for Professional Development this year.
The Professional Development days will be focused on the following questions that guide the District’s work on ensuring student learning:
October 7, 2011: What do we want our students to know and be able to do?
January 3, 2012: How do we know if our students are learning?
February 6, 2012: What do we do if our students have difficulty learning a standard or have already learned a standard?
- b. Maple Street School Climate
(To be discussed after the Technology Plan/page 2447)
- c. Hopkinton School District Enrollment: October 3, 2011
Mr. Chamberlin gave an overview of his memorandum regarding October 3 enrollment. He also reviewed withdrawal data from June 2011 to the start of school in September.
Enrollment October 3, 2011
Harold Martin School: 299
Maple Street School: 178
Hopkinton Middle School: 153
Hopkinton High School: 317
2011 – 2012 Withdrawal Data
Harold Martin School: 7
(7 moved)
Maple Street School: 8
(3/private school, 4/moved, 1/other)
Hopkinton Middle School: 3
(1/private school, 2/moved)
Hopkinton High School: 20
(12/private school (8th to 9th grade), 8/moved)
Mr. Jones asked if we have historical information or if we ask parents why they leave.
Mr. Chamberlin stated that he has spoken to several parents/guardians: some are legacy, hockey, and higher academic challenge. He stated that withdrawal exit interviews are on tomorrow’s Leadership Team meeting agenda.
Mr. Luneau stated that they have talked about data collection and tracking in the past. He thinks it is important to set up a spreadsheet that tracks this historical data.
Mr. Chamberlin stated that the last Trends of Hopkinton Students Attending Non-Hopkinton Schools report he found from John Zimmerman was June 2009.
- d. Overnight Trip Proposal – 9th Grade, Washington D.C., March 15 – March 18, 2012 (Action Item)
Mr. Chamberlin stated he appreciated Ms. Sintros planning this trip. This is an annual trip and will be a single approval tonight.
Mr. Luneau asked about the approximately 20 students who do not go on the trip.
Mr. Chamberlin stated that they have planned alternate activities.
- e. Financials
i. August 2011
Mr. Luneau asked what specifically contributed to the improvement of the food service deficit.
Ms. Clark stated reduced staff, an increase in the meal cost at the elementary schools (this increase was required to match federal prices), and eliminating the combo meal at the middle high school.
Mr. Chamberlin stated Subway sandwiches would be offered at the middle high school one day a week starting next week.
ii. Budget Adjustment Forms: 2012-01, 2012-02, 2012-03, 2012-04, 2012-05 (Action Items)
2012-01: Cover costs that we did not receive funding for under the 2011-2012 IDEA grant (cost per employee increased, changes in health insurance)
2012-02: Reclassifications to cover for additional retirement costs due to the change in state funding of teacher retirement expense.
2012-03: Reclass amounts due to change in benefits by employees
2012-04: Reclass amounts to cover 1% increases for nonunion
2012-05: Reallocation of FTEs from middle school to high school
ITEMS FOR BOARD DISCUSSION
- a. Technology Plan
Mr. Chamberlin stated that the first draft was presented in June. The vision was vetted by the Technology Committee and is drastically different. The Technology Plan qualifies the District for E-rate funds.
At Mr. Luneau’s request, the Technology Plan was shared with a couple of community members (he has not received feedback to date).
Ms. Durant suggested posting a summary of the Technology Plan on the website, so parents feel that they have a connection to our technology goals.
Mr. Luneau stated it is missing the executive summary and the full plan is the backup.
Ms. Durant asked if there was any way to access and approve all the beginning of the school year paperwork (and field trips) electronically.
Mr. Stone stated that they are currently looking at consolidating the parent/guardian contact information. They have been looking into this function with X2/Aspen.
Mr. Luneau asked what we are doing about digital portfolios and the effect on students, as the initiative has slowed due to unreliable technology.
Mr. Stone stated that the product we have been using for the last five or six years did not grow as web technology exploded and overtime we began to struggle with its limitations; they are looking at new software.
7 b. Maple Street School Climate
Mr. Bessette stated that Maple Street School engaged in a contract with Dr. William Preble, MainStreet Academix, Henniker, NH (last year was year two). The program was designed to help promote school climate, student leadership, and safe schools.
Accomplishments:
- Data collection: supports initiatives (changed our practice/some students felt unsafe in certain locations – accommodations made so students felt safe).
- Community Clubs: 2pm Friday afternoons (to create opportunities for staff and students to share common interests)
- Talking Wall: (feedback on what is going on in the walls of the school)
- Team of Tomorrow: (a group focused on school improvement; MSA worked with our students on engagement)
- IMPACT: (parent group/14-16 members)
- CORE: (teacher group)
Mr. Bessette stated much of the work this year has been taking on the issue of perception: student, faculty, and parent. Survey data was collected in year one and year two. The data was analyzed and practice has changed and accommodations have been made.
Mr. Donahue asked, regarding the IMPACT Group, if Mr. Bessette actively sought out and succeeded recruiting some of its toughest critics?
Mr. Bessette answered yes. He stated that maintaining parent participation has been difficult. At the last meeting, the group had a homework assignment to invite a person of interest to attend the next meeting on November 17.
Mr. Bessette stated that the work of MainStreet Academix was profitable – a “punch in the nose” for the staff.
Mr. Donahue asked if he felt 100% of the staff got a sufficient wake up call from the “punch in the nose”?
Mr. Bessette answered, an acceptable amount. He stated that everyone walked away from looking at the data with a common goal and commitment. They may not agree with the perceptions, but know it is in the best interest of the community to take on the perceptions themselves.
Mr. Donahue asked what are the data points/indicators used to track school climate.
Mr. Bessette stated they have used MSA’s survey twice; they will continue to poll using MSA’s data, but will not be using MSA as the facilitator.
Mr. Donahue recommended having a consistently applied metric and consider what is the right macro data to track.
- b. Donation – MSS Project Soar ($2500/Hopkinton Woman’s Club) (Action Item)
Mr. Chamberlin stated Project Soar is a girls group started by Carlie Wardell. It is a pilot project that seeks to empower students in spirit, mind and body via engaging discussions, guest speakers and off campus learning opportunities.
Mr. Donahue asked if Project Soar was offered to boys?
Mr. Bessette stated that currently it is only offered to girls.
Mr. Donahue asked if there were title IX ramifications?
Mr. Chamberlin stated a girls’ group or discussion group was not an uncommon model in public schools. Getting a group of student together to talk about issues and experiences is not a title IX issue. We are well within our rights to provide program and meet need.
- c. Personnel
i. Hopkinton Middle High School Office Manager (Action Item)
Mr. Chamberlin stated that Donna Bernatas has been hired as the new office manager. Ms. Bernatas has had a similar position at two schools.
- d. Schedule b (Action Items)
i. Middle School Nordic Coach
ii. Freshmen Class Advisor (2)
Mr. Chamberlin stated that the nomination for middle school Nordic coach is Scott Semmens and Susan Foss and Tim Carson for freshmen class advisors.
- e. School Board Meeting Schedule
i. Retreat, November 7
Mr. Chamberlin handed out a draft of the school board retreat agenda and gave an overview of the following discussion items.
- Hopkinton School District structure in light of Hopkinton 2.0
- Setting of Priorities
- Information to the board: Administrator Report
- Hopkinton Middle and High School: Youth Risk Behavior Survey
- Balanced Scorecard – Baldrige Education Criteria for Performance Excellence
ii. October – December Revised Meeting Schedule
Mr. Chamberlin handed out a revised school board schedule (October through December 2011).
Mr. Josephson stated that he will not be able to attend the October 24 meeting.
- f. Dunbarton, Neighboring District
Mr. Chamberlin stated that the Dunbarton area agreement with Goffstown expires in June 2014. There is no particular dissatisfaction with the Goffstown schools; Dunbarton is shopping around.
The Dunbarton school board chair, Rene Ouellet, called Mr. Luneau at home last week and asked him to meet for coffee. Dunbarton is looking at opportunities in other districts as well.
Mr. Luneau stated that the Dunbarton School Board would like to meet with the Hopkinton School Board before the end of October.
Board Comment: (Mr. Donahue was not present for Comments From the Hopkinton School Board/page 2443)
Mr. Donahue stated that he is hearing the middle school soccer team is doing well. He stated that part of the discussion leading into this was – what are the goals of our athletic programs and how do we know we are meeting those goals – he does not want this to get lost.
PUBLIC COMMENT (2)
None
MATERIALS INCLUDED
Nomination Packet
Overnight Trip Proposal
August 2011 Financials
Budget Transfer Forms 2012-01, 2012-02, 2012-03, 2012-04, 2012-05
School Board Minutes – August 29, 2011
School Board Public Hearing Minutes – September 12, 2011
School Board Minutes – September 12, 2011
Joint Board Public Meeting Minutes – September 26, 2011
IMPORTANT DATES
October 24 – School Board Meeting
November 4 – No School (grades 7 & 8 only)
November 5 – Global Connect Test
November 7 – School Board Retreat
November 14 – School Board Meeting
November 10 – No School – Parent/Teacher Conferences (all grades)
November 11 – No School Veterans Day
November 23, 24, 25 – No School Thanksgiving Recess
ACTION ITEMS
12. The Hopkinton School Board approve the Superintendent’s nomination of Donna Bernatas, Hopkinton Middle High School Office Manager, effective as determined by the Superintendent.
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 nomination of Scott Semmens, Middle School Nordic Coach, winter 2011-2012.
A motion was made by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Donahue, motion carries, all in favor, not opposed.
14. The Hopkinton School Board approve the Superintendent’s nomination of Tim Carson, Freshmen Class Advisor, 2011-2012 school year.
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 nomination of Susan Foss, Freshmen Class Co-Advisor, 2011-2012 school year.
A motion was made by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Donahue, motion carries, all in favor, not opposed.
16. The Hopkinton School Board approve the Superintendent’s nomination of Karen Locke, long-term substitute, ICT Teacher, 0.4 (prorated), from September 27, 2011 – January 30, 2012.
A motion was made by Mr. Donahue, seconded by Mr. Jones, motion carries, all in favor, not opposed.
17. The Hopkinton School Board approve the Superintendent’s nomination of Will Renauld, long-term substitute, Business Teacher, 0.2 (prorated) from September 27, 2011 – January 30, 2012.
A motion was made by Mr. Donahue, seconded by Mr. Jones, motion carries, all in favor, not opposed.
18. The Hopkinton School Board approve the Superintendent’s recommendation to accept Christine Ball’s resignation, Inclusion Facilitator, Harold Martin School, effective September 30, 2011.
A motion was made by Mr. Donahue, seconded by Mr. Jones, motion carries, all in favor, not opposed.
19. The Hopkinton School Board approve the Superintendent’s nomination of Catherine Cowan, Harold Martin School Instructional Assistant, an additional 0.32 FTE, effective October 12, 2011.
A motion was made by Mr. Donahue, seconded by Mr. Jones, motion carries, all in favor, not opposed.
20. The Hopkinton School Board accept the Superintendent’s recommendation to approve Hopkinton High School ninth grade overnight trip to Washington, D.C., March 15 – 18, 2012.
A motion was made by Mr. Donahue, seconded by Mr. Jones, motion carries, all in favor, not opposed.
21. The Hopkinton School Board accept the Superintendent’s recommendation to adopt the 2011 Hopkinton School District Technology Plan.
A motion was made by Mr. Donahue, seconded by Ms. Durant, motion carries, all in favor, not opposed.
22. The Hopkinton School Board approve the Superintendent’s recommended Budget Adjustment 2012-01 in the amount of $26,039.65.
A motion was made by Ms. Durant, seconded by Mr. Josephson, motion carries, all in favor, not opposed.
23. The Hopkinton School Board approve the Superintendent’s recommended Budget Adjustment 2012-02 in the amount of $105,046.36.
A motion was made by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Josephson, motion carries, all in favor, not opposed.
24. The Hopkinton School Board approve the Superintendent’s recommended Budget Adjustment 2012-03 in the amount of $22,979.84.
A motion was made by Mr. Donahue, seconded by Mr. Jones, motion carries, all in favor, not opposed.
25. The Hopkinton School Board approve the Superintendent’s recommended Budget Adjustment 2012-04 in the amount of $4,164.31.
A motion was made by Mr. Jones, seconded by Ms. Durant, motion carries, all in favor, not opposed.
26. The Hopkinton School Board approve the Superintendent’s recommended Budget Adjustment 2012-05 in the amount of $10,537.98.
A motion was made by Mr. Jones, seconded by Ms. Durant, motion carries, all in favor, not opposed.
27. The Hopkinton School Board approve the Superintendent’s recommendation to accept a donation of $2500 from the Hopkinton Woman’s Club, for the Maple Street School Project Soar.
A motion was made by Mr. Jones, seconded by Ms. Durant, motion carries, all in favor, not opposed, with many thanks.
At 7:44pm Mr. Donahue made a motion, seconded by Ms. Durant that the Board enter into nonpublic session in accordance with RSA 91-A:3 (a), (b), (c) and (e) for the discussion of negotiations and personnel. Motion passed on a roll call vote: Mr. Luneau (yes), Mr. Jones (yes), Mr. Donahue (yes), Ms. Durant (yes), Mr. Josephson (yes) all in favor, not opposed.
NONPUBLIC SESSION
Nonpublic Session for the Discussion of Matters as Per RSA 91-A: 3, II (a), (b), (c), and (e)
Negotiations
Personnel
RETURN TO PUBLIC SESSION
- Adjournment
At 8:15pm a motion was made by Mr. Donahue, seconded by Mr. Jones to adjourn the meeting, motion passed, all in favor, not opposed.
Respectfully submitted,
Jean Eaton
Maple Street School, Hopkinton, NH
Nonpublic Minutes
October 11, 2011
Nonpublic Session for the Discussion of Matters as Per RSA 91-A: 3, II (a), (b), (c), and (e)
Negotiations
Personnel
During the nonpublic session the Board discussed negotiations and personnel.
Mr. Donahue motioned to come out of nonpublic session, seconded by Mr. Jones, motion passed on a roll call vote: Mr. Luneau (yes), Mr. Donahue (yes), Ms. Durant (yes), Mr. Josephson (yes), Mr. Jones (yes), all in favor, not opposed.
The board came out of nonpublic session at 8:15pm.
RETURN TO PUBLIC SESSION
