APPROVED

SAU 28 JOINT WORKSHOP MEETING

August 1, 2007 – 7:00 p.m.

Public Session

Pelham Board Members Present

Cindy Kyzer, Eleanor Burton, Linda Mahoney, Bruce Couture, Michael Conrad

Pelham Student Representative

Scott Cloutier

Windham Board Members Present

Barbara Coish, Beverly Donovan, Beth Valentine

Superintendent

Dr. Frank Bass

Assistant Superintendent

Roxanne Wilson

SAU Business Administrator

Toby Eaton

SAU Board Chair, Cindy Kyzer called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. SAU Board Clerk, Eleanor Burton, requested a call of the roll: Beverly Donovan – aye; Barbara Coish – aye; Beth Valentine – aye; Linda Mahoney – aye; Bruce Couture – aye; Michael Conrad – aye; Cindy Kyzer – aye and Eleanor Burton – aye.

Superintendent’s Report

Dr. Bass shared his vision for both school districts. Dr. Bass spoke of the upcoming Leadership Retreat which was scheduled to take place on August 8 & 9, 2007. He stressed that the retreat would be an opportunity to share his goals and objectives with all principals in both districts. Dr. Bass then gave an overview of his expectations as Superintendent of SAU #28 by noting the following three (3) issues:

• Attention on classroom related issues. Differentiating classroom instruction with a variety for all students. Setting classroom goals and supporting teachers with the emphasis being on value beyond the classroom.
• Tone and climate of all schools. Empowering students and creating success and excellence that will spill over into both towns.
• Continuation of professional development – noting this will be key in attracting and keeping the best educators.

Beth Valentine voiced her concern and thoughts regarding the few teachers who might use intimidation with students. She wanted to stress the expectations of students with regard to not bullying be the same expectations of educators. She felt that now might be the perfect time to convey this message to them.

Dr. Bass agreed with Mrs. Valentine. Mrs. Wilson noted it would be helpful if administration knew of specific educators that Mrs. Valentine was referring to.

Bruce Couture noted he has seen a reversal in holding parents more accountable - Stressing respect for everybody.

Linda Mahoney questioned how Dr. Bass would know which teachers needed direction with engaging their students. Dr. Bass responded by stating he will rely on feedback from Principals and being in the classroom and observing.

Michael Conrad stated he would like to see updates throughout the year with regard to this progress. He suggested announcements at school board meetings and making the public aware of funded programs; i.e. TGIF and PCM programs.

Bruce Couture noted it would be a good idea to explain these programs and speak of highlights every month at school board meetings.

Board members discussed with Dr. Bass and Roxanne Wilson the need for NWEA and NECAP testing. Dr. Bass stressed that AYP is not going away and that both districts need to know expectations.

Eleanor Burton noted she felt teachers were overburdened with the amount of time that testing takes away from classroom study. Dr. Bass noted that NWEA testing drives instruction and that it is a good thing.

At this time, Roxanne Wilson noted teachers are being asked for two demonstrations of learning and that this is a new requirement of educators. She noted they will be asked once in their three year period of time as part of their recertification.

Cindy Kyzer requested that an educator present their demonstration of learning to the School Board for the community to see.

Business Update

Business Administrator, Toby Eaton, updated board members noting the annual audit had been complete and that they were awaiting exact numbers. He was happy to report there were no findings with the SAU #28 Audit and that a modest balance was left.

It was noted a meeting would be held in upcoming weeks to discuss future staffing needs.

Michael Conrad questioned if Mr. Eaton and Kathleen Sargent were working together with regard to purchasing power for such items as paper and fuel costs. Mr. Eaton noted he had put together an oil bid, which is new for both districts, for both Pelham and Windham. He noted the bid would be posted in newspapers.

Dr. Bass stated he and Mr. Eaton were concerned with next year’s budget, further stating they will be coming back to the Board in October with a report of what kinds of support/personnel needs would be for the future.

Beverly Donovan stated she knew it was becoming difficult to manage at the SAU office and questioned if it was possible to add part-time support staff now to alleviate some of the work, noting she wants to avoid burnout of the present staff.

Dr. Bass noted they will be looking into short and long-term needs.

Linda Mahoney requested to know what work was not getting done, in order to justify a new hire.

Beth Valentine spoke of the retirement process and the need to inform teachers and offer counseling for their upcoming retirements.

Roxanne Wilson stated the New Hampshire Retirement System is available to come to the SAU and speak to teachers about their retirement decisions.

Other Business

Dr. Bass spoke of the Leadership Retreat and what will be on the agenda.

Eleanor Burton noted her concern that when there is an administrative meeting during the school year, that both administrators are out of their building/school at the same time. She felt this was unsafe. Dr. Bass stated he will look at that issue and the safety/security and running of the buildings during such a meeting.

Motion to Adjourn under RSA 91 AII (a) was made at 8:01 p.m. by Beth Valentine with a 2^nd by Eleanor Burton.

Respectfully,

Diane Figaro