School Board Members:    Al Letizio - Chairman, Beverly Donovan, Bruce Anderson, Beth Valentine and Barbara Coish
Superintendent:Dr. Frank Bass
Assistant Superintendent: Roxanne Wilson
Business Administrator: Toby Eaton


Chairman, Al Letizio called the public session of the Windham School Board to order at 7:00 p.m.  All those in attendance stood for pledge of allegiance and a moment of silence.

Good News

Beth Valentine congratulated all students who participated in the Geography Bee at Windham Middle School.  The winner of this year’s Geography Bee is Maggie Cochrane with Stephen Dennison in 2nd place.

Board Buddies

Andrew Coish and Julia Mague from Mr. Hachey’s class from Golden Brook School were voted best readers by Principal McGuire.  The children also spoke of Junior Achievement and upcoming Valentine’s Day activities.  The students were presented with Certificates of Participation.

Public Address 

Walter Colbert – stated he felt it was important for juniors and seniors to remain at Salem High School.  He spoke of his child being heavily involved in band at Salem.

Paul Cino – stated Dr. Bass has applied to Manchester and stated he felt the town of Windham needed him to stay.  He also stated he has the fullest support of the Windham parents.  Mr. Cino then asked that the Board look at transition and that they try to identify the number of juniors and seniors that would return.  He stated it would be hard to plan for staffing.  He felt that would be the risk if the Board had the juniors and seniors return in 2009.

Katie Smith - spoke stating it would be a difficult decision and that she felt curriculum pieces were missing.  She felt if they opened and were not prepared to educate, that it could do damage to the reputation of the high school.


Windham High School Principal

Richard Manley new Principal of Windham High School was introduced by Chairman Letizio.  Mr. Letizio spoke of Mr. Manley’s many degrees and fields of study.

Mr. Manly thanked the School Board and members of the public for the privilege of serving as first Principal to the high school.  He spoke of the philosophy of the school -noting the interdisciplinary component to make our school great.  He stated he is very interested in hearing about the curriculum and will be talking in greater detail of what he thinks should be the next steps in opening the school.

Teachers Work Area Change at WHS

The Board reviewed proposed changes to teachers work areas – presented by Mr. Glenn Davis.  It was noted that these were a conceptually first design.  The areas would create more availability for teacher collaboration.

Mr. Davis is requesting $2500 so that he can go forward with plans to see what the change to work areas would actually cost.  It was noted this would cover engineering costs.  Mr. Davis stated they currently have 5 pod areas for teachers.  He stated he would need to get going on the electrical and data components and that there should be a meeting as to what exactly should be in those rooms.

Mr. Letizio noted there would need to be further consideration regarding the number of computers, he questioned if there would be duplication.

Beverly Donovan noted her concern that the workrooms looked a little crowded.  Mr. Davis responded by stating that seven (7) teachers could fit in comfortably. 

Dr. Bass stated that this type of layout correlates to what other schools are doing and that it is a natural collaboration for the teachers.

Beverly Donovan stated after touring other high schools, that a different type of shelving unit should be considered for Windham High School.

Bruce Anderson questioned if Mr. Davis had $2500 in his budget for engineering.

Motion to authorize $2500 from Windham High School Building Fund to be expended for architectural design studies for faculty design rooms was made by Bruce Anderson with a 2nd by Barbara Coish.  Approved 5-0.

Transition Discussion

Dr. Bass stated that he and Mr. Eaton carefully reviewed numbers again along with speaking with Salem regarding tuition.  He stated the number is closer to $700,000 for juniors and seniors to remain at Salem.  This number would be a savings to Windham during those years.  He noted that for seniors only to remain at Salem, the savings would be approximately $432,000.

Chairman Letizio summarized the two scenarios.  It was noted that the tuition rate will probably change in the 2nd year – it will go up.

Bruce Anderson apologized to residents for not being able to respond to everyone’s email on this topic.  He stated he has met with Dr. Bass and talked at length on this issue.  He looked at the proposed numbers and noted his concern about the number of teachers and elective choices.  His conclusion was this could be cost neutral after considering other financial factors.

Barbara Coish stressed that the taxpayers will need to know that the costs will rise in other areas, i.e. SAU splitting/preschool and transportation.  She noted there could be two sets of buses going to two different high schools.

Dr. Bass noted that transportation was taken into consideration and that the District will be busing students to two different sites – noting this is reflected in the numbers presented.

Toby Eaton discussed his concern about heating the high school facility – noting HVAC issues.

Bruce Anderson stressed that he was not looking to make a decision to just save money.

Beth Valentine stated that a year ago, there was an assumption made that to keep the seniors at Salem that it would be an expense to Windham.

Bruce Anderson questioned Salem’s tuition – questioning if we pull 300 students out of Salem will it drive up the tuition for any of the students that remain.

Regarding Windham’s District Budget, Mr. Eaton noted they are entitled to costs in the default budget, per legal counsel.  A handout from legal counsel was distributed for the Board’s review.

Dr. Bass stated that after speaking with the Salem School Board, they were very receptive to sitting down with Windham and discussing transition issues.

Mr. Letizio stated although it is important for us to look at costs, we have a moral obligation to serve the whole community and that the numbers will not be the overriding factor.

At this time, Amanda Lacaroz gave her curriculum presentation – outlining typical academic programs for incoming students.  She stated each individual child will be looked at.  She discussed what classes Windham students will still need to take that they have not yet taken at Salem.

Beth Valentine questioned the prep work needed to implement senior seminar.  Ms. Lacaroz responded by stating this will happen when you have teachers to develop it.

Estimated teacher calculations per grade/year were discussed:

•    2009-2010 – 16 teachers needed – freshman
•    2009-2010 – 14 teachers needed – sophomore
•    2009-2010 – 18 teachers needed – juniors
•    2009-2010 – 16 teachers needed – seniors

Bruce Anderson sees the biggest hitch in the areas of humanities and social studies curriculum.  Ms. Lacaroz agreed with this statement.  Mr. Anderson then questioned the difficulties with electives.  Ms. Lacaroz responded by stating this can be a concern and those certain, rare electives may be offered during off years.

Dr. Bass discussed IB programs, noting it usually takes two years to get it up and running, which would allow us time to get it up and running for the freshman and sophomores.

Beth Valentine discussed her concerns with hiring staff for the high school.  She noted her concern with hiring for four grades all at once.

Bruce Anderson questioned if there would be enough students, without upperclassman, to support performing arts.  He stated they have to worry about the other kids too.

Dr. Bass stated you can still provide performing arts but at a different level.

Amanda Lacaroz stated that the District should open with two years, as this would allow them to concentrate on quality education.  She stated she felt that seniors and juniors would not be happy if they came back and they would create a negative environment.

Roxanne Wilson gave her position on the subject, by stating juniors and seniors should remain at Salem.  She stated she felt they can grow the culture at the school with smaller classes.

Tina McCoy stated it is her job to ensure that every student with educational disabilities will succeed.  She feels that starting with two years would best serve all our students.

Mr. Manley stated he would be prepared to open under all scenarios.  He recommends taking the school climate into account.  He stated that extra curricular problems are very real.  He also noted that smaller schools do an outstanding job and that they would develop the whole child.  As Principal, he stated he will be doing the mentoring process to a smaller faculty.  He felt the students of Windham would be better served under a two year model.

Dr. Bass followed up by stating starting with two classes there would be the opportunity to create a positive environment.

Comments from Board Members and the Public

Bruce Anderson stated that whatever decisions the Board makes tonight, they will hire great people.  Mr. Anderson stated his one concern is that they have not negotiated with Salem yet.  He stated if a motion is made tonight, he would like to add language to said motion that would protect the Windham School District.

Dr. Bass addressed this issue by stating Windham would have the right to pull all their students back if tuition is raised too much.  He stated there is a 98% chance that tuition will be between $8,500 and $9,000 per pupil.

Al Letizio noted that Windham has had a mutually beneficial relationship with Salem over the years and that their rate is still a competitive rate.

Alan Carpenter – requested that the Board take public input before making any decision. 

The Board agreed to take public input, holding comments to 2-3 minutes.

Walter Colbert – stated he was concerned from day one that Windham High School would not be able to offer the level of courses that Salem offers now.  He stated he feels the senior year is very important.

Pam Kaiser – stated she was hopeful the newly elected School Board would revisit this issue.

Alan Carpenter - stated that in 2006 the School Board made a decision to put forth a high school and open with all four grades.  He noted that many parents have made significant financial decisions based on this – stressing some have moved to Salem and some are sending to private schools.  He stated that he feels his family is being offered a continuation of Windham Middle School and that many will not be happy.  Also stating he feels there are students at Salem who would jump at a chance to attend Windham High School and take on some leadership roles.  He questioned the need for additional athletic facilities this March.  He stressed that no matter what the Board decides tonight, that he feels it will be revisited again in March with the new School Board.

Mr. Letizio stated he appreciated Mr. Carpenter’s comments, but that the Board needs to provide direction for the children.

Mr. Carpenter responded by stating the children already have direction.  He further stated he personally feels they should open with three years, but that he felt that option would not be discussed at this meeting.

Beth Valentine noted that Salem has provided a choice and now we have a divided community.  She felt that if we say we will open with all four classes that we will not have enough students showing up.

Mr. Anderson stated his personal opinion is to open with three classes, but that the professionals are saying to open with two.

Peter Cannone – spoke stating he has three children at Salem High and one at Windham Middle School.  He noted the rules have changed when Salem said we can keep our kids there.  He requested that the Board listen to the experts.

Joni Matthews – thanked the Board for listening to the professionals.  She stated she felt we would be doing a disservice to the future residents if the athletic facilities are disregarded - for future classes of students that will attend the high school.

Dan Raymond – noted he has a bigger concern with Dr. Bass potentially leaving the District.  He stated he would like to know what is causing the turmoil with the School Board.

Chairman Letizio noted and appreciated his questions stating he would like to stay on the topic of transition.  He noted there will be a meeting on Thursday night at the SAU in public session to discuss what he is concerned about.

Kimberly Smith questioned if the vocational classes taken at Salem High School were included in the tuition payments.  It was noted that it was.  She stated that Salem always treated Windham students well. 

 Chris Lane - Suggested the Board listen to the experts and not to upset the Salem School Board when they make a motion, but he does think the District should protect themselves.

Charlie MacMahon – stated he wanted the best possible high school and that he felt the promise was made and should be kept.  He requested the Board vote 5-0 to allow juniors and seniors to remain at Salem.

Barbara Coish discussed the Boards vote in 2006 – noting they listened to the experts at that time before making their decision.  She noted that only Galen Sterns at the time, voted to bring back three grades and to leave the seniors at Salem.  She stressed she felt she can not put the freshmen and sophomores in the new building alone.

Motion to reconsider the opening of Windham High School with all four grades beginning in 2009 was made by Beth Valentine with a 2nd by Bruce Anderson.  Approved 3-2 (Barbara Coish and Beverly Donovan in the negative).

Mr. Anderson questioned having two separate motions.

Beth Valentine questioned if the new School Board could make reconsideration – noting this shouldn’t be done every six months.

Mr. Anderson stated he would want to put some sort of tuition cap on the motion.

Mr. Letizio stated he would have an issue with putting a tuition cap.

Dr. Bass stated they would always have the ability as a Board to negotiate in good faith with Salem and to bring back all four grades if the tuition is too high.

Beverly Donovan questioned if there would be a penalty by Salem if our time is extended there.  Mr. Letizio responded by stating this is a different set of circumstances now and that it is not extending our time there.

Barbara Coish noted she would feel better hearing from the Salem School Board members.

Mr. Letizio noted that Dr. Bass has already spoken with them.

Motion that when we open Windham High School we keep 2010 seniors at Salem High School contingent upon completing successful tuition negotiations with the Salem School Board was made by Bruce Anderson with a 2nd by Beth Valentine.  Approved 5-0.

Motion that when we open Windham High School we keep class of 2011 juniors there for two years at Salem High School contingent upon completing successful tuition negotiations with the Salem School Board was made by Beth Valentine with a 2nd by Bruce Anderson.  Approved 3-2 (Barbara Coish and Beverly Donovan in the negative).

Beverly Donovan stated her fear is that they will not be done with this topic – noting she feels the freshman and sophomores will notice what they don’t have.  She stated she felt the sophomores will be more negative than you think.

Dr. Bass spoke of working with the incoming freshman and sophomores over at Windham Middle School and over at the high school before they come over to Windham.  He talked of building tours with the students and spoke of mentorship.

Beverly Donovan noted she would like to discuss it further and questioned if there would be an opportunity for the current 8th graders to stay there.

Bruce Anderson questioned the same thing

Mrs. Wilson responded by stating not when you have been planning for them.

FIVE MINUTE RECESS


Approval of Minutes

Motion to accept the non-public minutes of January 22, 2008 with addition of Roxanne Wilson’s name was made by Bruce Anderson with a 2nd by Beverly Donovan.  Approved 4-0-1.

Motion to accept as amended the public minutes of January 22, 2008 was made by Beth Valentine with a 2nd by Bruce Anderson.  Approved 5-0.

Vendor and Payroll Manifests

Motion to accept the Consent Agenda was made by Beth Valentine with a 2nd by Bruce Anderson.  Approved 5-0.

Future Meeting Dates

February 7, 2008    SAU Joint Meeting     7:00 SAU
February 8, 2008    Deliberative Session    7:00 GBS
February 12, 2008   Workshop Meeting     7:00 SAU
February 19, 2008   Workshop Meeting (cancelled)


Motion to Adjourn the public session under RSA 91-A:3II(b) at 10:35 p.m. was made by Barbara Coish with a 2nd by Beth Valentine.  Al Letizio-aye; Beverly Donovan-aye; Beth Valentine-aye; Barbara Coish – aye; Bruce Anderson – aye.

Respectfully - Diane Figaro