APPROVED

Windham School Board

Public Session

October 3, 2006

Planning Department

 

School Board Members:         Chairman, Bruce Anderson, Barbara Coish

                                                                        Galen Stearns, Beth Valentine, Beverly Donovan

Superintendent:                              Dr. Elaine Cutler

Asst. Superintendent:                Roxanne Wilson

Business Administrator:          Brian Gallagher

 

 

Chairman, Bruce Anderson called the public session of the Windham School Board to order at 6:59 p.m. followed by the pledge of allegiance and moment of silence. Call of the Roll followed.

 

Good News from Windham Schools

 

At Golden Brook School, Beverly Donovan stated that 2nd grade students visited Deerfield Fair as a culmination of their studies of animals and their habitats.

 

At Windham Middle School, Beth Valentine noted that the Peer Assistance Program was up and running.  Galen Stearns noted that the Rail Trail Ceremony was a great success.  The 7th and 8th grade band members participated in the ceremony, as well as playing during halftime at a recent Salem High football game.  Bruce Anderson read a piece of correspondence from the Rail Trail Alliance thanking the band members for their participation.

 

Board Buddies from Windham Middle School

 

Anthony Bernie, Madison Lichtman and Melissa Higgins addressed the Board regarding the Peer Assistance Program at Middle School.  They stated that through this Program, members are able to gain the trust of younger students and develop meaningful relationships.  This is a rewarding program for all.

 

PTA Presentation

 

Julie Noel presented the Volunteer of the Year Award to Mrs. Jo-Ann Houde for her outstanding volunteerism at Windham Schools. 

 

Adoption of Minutes

 

Motion to Approve the September 1, 2006 Minutes was made by Barbara Coish with a 2nd by Beverly Donovan.  Approved 5-0.

 

Motion to Approve as Amended the September 5, 2006 Public Minutes was made by Barbara Coish with a 2nd by Beverly Donovan.  Approved 5-0.

(Amendments:  page 4 – name spelling; page 4 – corrected dollar amount $3.3 million to $33million; page 5 – name spelling; page 7 word change down to done; page 20 Beth Valentine to Beverly Donovan)

 

Motion to Approve the Non-Public Minutes from September 5, 2006 was made by Beverly Donovan with a 2nd by Barbara Coish.  Approved 5-0.

 

Motion to Approve as Amended the September 19, 2006 Public Minutes was made by Barbara Coish with a 2nd by Beverly Donovan.  Approved 5-0.

(Amendments:  pg. 2 – change project to bids;  page 5 name spelling; page 6 corrected dollar amount $3.3 million to $33 million; page 7 name spelling)

 

Motion to Approve as Amended the September 19, 2006 Non-Public Minutes was made by Beverly Donovan with a 2nd by Barbara Coish.  Approved 5-0.

(Amendment:  wording decided on the final – to Board suggested the following)

 

Motion to Approve the September 26, 2006 Public Minutes was made by Beverly Donovan with a 2nd by Galen Stearns.  Approved 5-0.

 

Motion to Approve the September 26, 2006 Non-Public Minutes was made by Beverly Donovan with a 2nd by Beth Valentine.  Approved 5-0.

 

Vendor and Payroll Manifest to be Signed

 

Chairman Anderson noted that the Manifest was being circulated for signatures.

 

Presentations and Policies/Reports by Superintendent and Staff

 

Middle School – Peer Assistance Program

Mr. Plocharczyk, Principal at Windham Middle School, addressed the Board regarding the successful Peer Assistance Program.  He stated that the program targets students that could benefit from having an older peer.  He noted that there is a selection progress that is followed.  Laidlaw transports students to Center School, while others walk to Golden Brook.  He has noted that this program makes a big difference. 

 

Galen Stearns questioned if this program could be expanded in some way.  Mr. Plocharczyk agreed that as the district grows, this Program should grow too.

 

Leach Fields at Middle School

Brian Gallagher and Principal Plocharczyk addressed the Board regarding the recent situation at Middle School.  They stated that the leach fields are struggling.  Mr. Gallagher noted that a company along with civil engineers will be coming out to look at the fields and to determine any problems.  If work needs to be done, we will come back to the Board immediately.

 

Beth Valentine asked if they needed anything from the Board tonight.  Mr. Gallagher responded that they will keep the Board apprised of the situation. 

 

Galen Stearns asked the age of the leach fields.  Mr. Plocharczyk responded that they are 20 years old.  Mr. Stearns stated that the fields are kind of young to be having this problem.  He requested that they ask the engineers if it is failing because it is undersized and not designed properly. 

 

Beth Valentine suggested that a mini CIP be created for these types of large building projects, rather than it be a surprise when major work needs to be done.  She noted the age of the school buildings.  Mr. Gallagher thought this was an excellent idea.

 

Mr. Plocharczyk stated that the school is restricting the use of the field.  Physical Education is looking to use other town fields for the time being.

 

My Voice Student Survey

Roxanne Wilson addressed the Board on the Commissioner of Education’s survey instrument to help all NH schools assess student aspirations in grades 6-12.  She distributed a sample survey for the Board’s review.  Roxanne noted that the survey will measure what it means to be in school these days.  It is a measuring tool and will show our districts’ strengths and weaknesses. 

 

Galen Stearns noted that some of the questions in the survey seem to mirror our own surveys that are already given.  Dr. Cutler responded by stating that this survey is more in depth. 

 

Roxanne Wilson stated that the President and Founder, Dr. Russell J. Quaglia, of the Institute of Student Aspirations, may be able to speak to the District regarding our results.  Beth Valentine requested that Roxanne contact him.

 

Other Business Items

 

Building Charge for Windham High School

Bruce Anderson stated for the Board that the Charge Orders had been drafted, reviewed and revised.  He noted that the Board will probably approve them next Tuesday at the 7:00 SAU meting.

 

High School Update and Committee Reports

 Bruce Anderson noted that there was a very good group of Building Committee members and that they would be looking at value engineering items in the near future.

 

Barbara Coish explained that the FYI’s would be continuing.

Beverly Donovan stated that Integration had met and that they will be looking at the Committee Charge Orders.

 

Dr. Cutler noted that the website will be updating and that the Curriculum Committee will be meeting to see if Windham will be meeting graduation requirements.  This will pertain especially to the students of the transition years at Salem/Windham High School.  Dr. Cutler will be arranging a meeting between the Curriculum and Integration Committees regarding this.

 

Beverly Donovan noted that in regard to the high school logo, there will be a meeting on the 19th where the logo person (?) will attend.  She will be asking the athletic department for their input.

 

Galen Stearns noted that Athletic Committee will be meeting on the 25th of October.

 

Public Input from Tom Case

Mr. Case inquired if the fly problem had been addressed at Golden Brook School.  Chairman Anderson responded by stating that this was first time he had heard of this problem.  Brian Gallagher will look into this matter.

 

Salem High School and the AREA Agreement

Galen Stearns update the Board on the recent meeting between Windham and Salem School Board members.  He noted that both sides were on the same page and that Salem is very willing to work with us.  He stated that a draft of a one year Tuition Agreement is being worked on for the October 12, 2006 meeting with both Superintendents.  Legal counsel has been contacted.

 

Dr. Cutler asked if the Board wished to have the same terms in this new Agreement as is in the Standing Agreement.  Consensus of the Board was yes.

 

Correspondence/Information

 

The following pieces of information were provided to the School Board:

 

Administrative Monthly Reports

 

Project Budget Worksheet – Brian Gallagher noted nothing of significance with regard to the high school project budget.

Monthly Budget Worksheet – The monthly worksheet was presented to the Board for their review, Mr. Gallagher noted the newly enhanced format of the worksheet.  Mr. Gallagher also noted that the monthly investment money continues to grow each month. 

 

Roxanne Wilson made the Board members aware that in the teacher’s workshop line items, she is trying to track and see exactly where we are for each school.  She is tracking it according to each school’s use.

 

Monthly Attendance Report – Dr. Cutler noted that the report was not available at the time of this meeting.  She stressed that we have a larger 1st grade class this year.

 

Information and Proposals from Board Members

 

School Councils – Barbara Coish noted that Center school will be meeting on the 17th.  Beth Valentine noted that Middle School will be meeting tomorrow and that they may be looking for new parent additions.

TGIF – Roxanne Wilson noted that they met on Monday and that proposals are well thought out.  She also stated that music teachers presented what they did over the summer.

CIP – Beth Valentine stated that CIP heard the second round of Town and School District presentations, noting there are a couple more groups to go.  At this time, Ms. Valentine discussed/followed up on the placeholders for:

Beth Valentine stated that we want to really make sure all of the pieces are in place before moving forward.  She noted that parking is critical at this school.  She would like to see firmer numbers ($) on the ball field and parking. 

 

It was noted that if there were intentions of building an addition off the back of Middle School that it would interfere with the paving piece. 

 

Beverly Donovan stated that she wants to be clear on this subject.  She noted that regarding our Master Planning, it is an odd lot and we (the Board) thought to not build an addition to the Middle School.  Drainage is a problem out in back of said school.

 

Barbara Coish noted that we have always been discouraged to add onto the back of the middle school. 

 

Galen Stearns noted that it would be many years out (addition) and the benefits of a ball field and parking lot outweigh the negative.

 

Mr. Gallagher stated with that in mind, we will proceed with the first two projects.

 

NHSBA – Beverly Donovan stated that the Delegate Assembly will be coming up and they are asking for input from Board members.  She gave the Board a website to state their input.  She also noted that the Delegates would like more board members to attend this year’s Assembly.

 

Salem School Board Update – Barbara Coish had nothing to report at this time.

Legislative Update – Beth Valentine updated the Board on the Supreme Court Ruling, noting that the Representatives and Senators are going back to square one based on the ruling.

 

NHCAFE – The Board was presented with an explanation of the latest Supreme Court ruling and discussed potential questions for our legislators.  Beth Valentine noted that she would like the legislators to address the NHCAFE issue.  The Board agreed to ask the legislators to attend one of the School Boards upcoming meetings.  Dr. Cutler suggested that each candidate give a three (3) minute opening statement to the Board.  She further suggested that Board members select 3 questions to ask each candidate.

 

It was noted at this time, the School Board approved the draft Representative letter.

 

Safety Committee – Beverly Donovan requested an update of the Safety Committee.

Dr. Cutler noted that the safety manual had been finished and that an emergency plan is in place at every school.  Dr. Cutler spoke about the recent national school shootings and that memorandums had been sent out to all Principals to review their visitor procedures.  She noted that all exterior doors (exception: front doors) are always kept locked.

 

Beth Valentine inquired about the status of the Resource Officer.  Galen Stearns stated that Chief Lewis is on top of this and that he is a firm supporter of a resource officer position.  He will do his best to fill this position as quickly as possible.

 

Beth Valentine noted violence through Myspace.com and would like our guidance counselors to be proactive.  Dr. Cutler will look into this.

 

Beverly Donovan stressed that the District needs to update our radios.

 

Dr. Cutler acknowledged that there is not a unified radio system, where everyone is connected to everyone else.  She noted that perhaps a warrant article be requested for this.  To that end, she will be speaking with Dave Sullivan on this matter.

 

Galen Stearns noted that on the town side, they have a number of “dead spots” in Town.  The Town is performing a number of steps to improve communication.  He noted that a good place for an antenna will be on top of the new high school.

 

Beverly Donovan suggested that the Middle School was also a good place for an antenna.

 

Beth Valentine stated that the School Board needs to set goals.  Bruce Anderson suggested scheduling a goal-setting meeting for early November.

 

Future Meeting Dates

 

October 4, 2006                                 SAU Meeting – SAU Office                     7:00 p.m.

October 5, 2006                                 Endowment Social – Searles Chapel  7:00 p.m.

October 10, 2006                              SAU Owner’s Rep. Finalization

October 17, 2006                              Workshop Meeting Planning Dept.     7:00 p.m.

                                                                        (Candidates Invited)

October 24, 2006                              AREA Agreement Meeting – SHS      7:00 p.m.

 

Future Agendas

 

 

 

Motion to Adjourn the public session and go into Non-Public under RSA 91-A:3II(b) at 8:45 p.m .was made by Galen Stearns with a 2nd by Barbara Coish. 5-0.  Galen Stearns-aye; Beverly Donovan-aye; Barbara Coish-aye; Beth Valentine-aye and Bruce Anderson-aye. 

 

Motion to go back into public session at 9:41 was made by Barbara Coish with a 2nd by Beth Valentine.

 

Board Relationships

 

Dr. Cutler discussed with the Board the possibility that they participate in a team building exercise.  She noted that she was being very honest with them and that at times they do not work well together as a Board.  She further noted that it (team building) would be worth their time and effort.  She was aware that they are all involved in very difficult situations.  The stated that she had someone in mind for a Team Building Workshop – to help them get through difficult times.

 

Bruce Anderson noted that they could try for a November date workshop.

 

The consensus of the Board was that it was good idea.  Galen Stearns stated that he was getting burned out and did not have a lot of time.  He stated that we (the Board) need to listen to each other before responding.  Each person needs to complete their thoughts.  We need to slow down.

 

Beth Valentine would like to go back to having the Chairperson call on you to speak.  We have to be united as a Board.

 

High School Discussions

 

Bruce Anderson discussed the Building Committee’s strong suggestion to obtain getting bids for the smaller building.

 

Beverly Donovan stated that we made a decision without thinking it through.  She then discussed Option A & B (previously presented by Harvey Construction).

 

Bruce Anderson – Putting fees aside, do we want to continue with Option A.

 

Beverly Donovan – Prefers Option B, stating she would rather do it with options to add back in.  She stressed to do what we can afford.

 

Dr. Cutler – Thinks people want to see the bigger building – They want the opportunity.

 

Barbara Coish – Thinks that people need to see what the 167,000 building will be.

 

Beth Valentine – Hears that people think it will pass if it is reasonable.

 

Galen Stearns – We have a responsibility to the Town to build an adequate facility.

 

Bruce Anderson – My concern is that over the summer, the land transfer vote was only 58%.  The election concerns me.  There should be two (2) options in front of voters.  I am disappointed that we did not reengineer the 167,000 square foot facility in August.  He doesn’t want the 167,000 to be designed on the fly.

 

Brian Gallagher – It may be difficult after the December tax bills go out to residents.

 

Roxanne Wilson – If you give voters two (2) options at vote, you may loose your positive vote.

 

 

Motion to Adjourn the public session under RSA 91-A:II(b) at 10:40 p.m .was made by Beth Valentine with a 2nd by Barbara Coish.  Galen Stearns-aye; Beverly Donovan-aye; Barbara Coish-aye; Beth Valentine-aye and Bruce Anderson-aye.