APPROVED

WINDHAM SCHOOL BOARD

Public Session

Workshop/Budget Meeting

November 20, 2007 SAU #28 & Planning Department

School Board Members: Al Letizio, Barbara Coish, Beverly Donovan, Beth Valentine

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 6:03 p.m. at the SAU #28.

Kindergarten Update

Dr. Bass discussed the growing state of concern regarding mandated kindergarten. He stated Pelham voted 5-0 not to support kindergarten. It is the hope that the state legislature will allow all districts a one year opportunity. Dr. Bass requested consideration of a Warrant Article of $400,000 for the fall of 2008 for the implementation of kindergarten.

Beverly Donovan questioned what space will be used. Dr. Bass responded by stating the state will provide portable locations and they will pay for the first year completely.

Motion to not place a warrant article on ballot for 2008 and that we put together a detailed plan for implementation for 2009 was made by Beth Valentine with a 2nd by Barbara Coish. 4-0.

Dr. Bass requested that Roxanne Wilson set up a committee to plan the implementation of kindergarten.

Motion for Roxanne Wilson to set up a committee to implement kindergarten before the preparation of the 2009 Warrant was made by Barbara Coish with a 2nd by Beth Valentine. Approved 4-0.

Golden Book School Budget

Principal McGuire outlined the 2008-2009 School Budget for the School Board. She noted almost all increases were due to increased enrollment numbers. She expected 519 students next year. With regard to personnel, a full time Assistant Principal is requested because of enrollment. Classroom teachers are also requested due to enrollment numbers. She noted desirable class size should be fewer than 20 for 1^st grade. Mrs. McGuire offered her help with kindergarten decisions. Ideally class size of 16-18 in 1^st grade; Transition would be 16 and 2^nd grade would be 20. Over 20 students can become very difficult.

Barbara Coish questioned if no new teachers were approved, would we be up to 23 children per class. Mrs. McGuire indicated yes.

Beverly Donovan questioned where the state felt portables should go for kindergarten. Dr. Bass indicated they would be placed at Golden Book School.

Beth McGuire questioned if the state was aware that portables might be added for other grades at Golden Brook.

Beverly Donovan recommended a teacher(s) be placed in the budget and not on a Warrant Article.

Beth Valentine questioned the validity of the projected enrollment numbers. Principal McGuire indicated they would know better in April.

Windham Center School Budget

Principal Desrosiers outlined the proposed Center School 2008-2009 Budget. He noted supply costs increased due to supplies needed for a new math program and the 6 traits writing program. Language Arts supplies increased for new reading series workbooks. A storage shed is needed for PE equipment to alleviate space issues in the cafeteria and gym. Social studies and mentors were noted. The use of mentors is for three anticipated teacher openings. It was noted mentors was previously funded by grant money but that it should now be placed in the Budget.

Windham Middle School Budget

Vice Principal, Dan Moulis, outlined the proposed Middle School 2008-2009 Budget. Mr. Moulis noted 53 more students were anticipated next year along with supply increases due to the enrollment increase. Mr. Moulis stated administration will have to get creative with regard to space issues at Middle School, buy putting Spanish and French on rolling cars. He noted overall it is a small increase to the proposed budget.

Al Letizio questioned what the student to teacher ratio would be. Mr. Moulis noted he will be getting that information to the Board. Mr. Letizio stated it is the practice of the district to keep classroom size to 25 or less.

Beverly Donovan questioned the need for a Spanish Teacher and not a French teacher. Mr. Moulis noted that Mrs. Hone (current French teacher) would serve as a consultant.

Mr. Moulis noted they are putting together a scheduling committee in order to integrate Health curriculum should a teacher be approved for this subject matter.

Beverly Donovan requested seeing a preliminary budget for the startup of the high school. Mrs. Donovan requested this be placed on the next agenda as a specific item for discussion.

RECESS (Meeting moved to Planning Department)

Chairman Letizio called the Planning Department meeting to order at 7:15 p.m. All those in attendance stood to salute the flag and observe a moment of silence.

Superintendent Remarks

Dr. Bass gave an overview of athletics at the high school. He noted community concerns and stated the goal tonight was to cut through information and provide clear testimony of what can and cannot be done. He hoped that the School Board will come to decisions regarding priorities.

Dr. Bass also discussed the transitioning of students bringing back all four grades. He noted the Superintendent of Salem was appropriate in creating guidelines for tuitioning students at Salem High School. He stated parents of juniors and seniors are concerned about meeting the curriculum and athletic needs of their children. He stressed the Board will need to look at what makes the most sense.

It was noted that the School Board previously voted to have all four classes return to Windham when the high school opens. Beverly Donovan questioned if the School Board would vote to reconsider their previous vote regarding such.

Athletics

Chairman Letizio noted the purpose of this meeting is for the School Board to conduct its business and then open the meeting up for public input.

Mr. Letizio gave an overview of the situation of Windham High School athletic fields. A summary for the approved site and athletic fields was presented. Mr. Letizio noted the Board adopted an Athletic Vision for the high school. He noted the recommendation of the Athletic Committee and stated that 14 programs would have to be cut with the current facilities given.

Mr. Letizio discussed the planning for a future Middle School on the site and showed a map depicting said school. He noted that once the Middle School is positioned on the site, it would become a challenge as to the how the high school athletic vision would also fit. He noted they would come up short on suitable land.

A plan depicting a multipurpose athletic field on the Gage land was shown. He noted it was recommended by our site engineer. The plan also showed the placement of a 2^nd gym. It was noted for safety reasons and visibility and emergency access that this was the best place for the fields. It was further noted that some School Board members felt they should not ask for the Gage land. It was stated the Board agreed by majority to speak with Conservation. Also noted, the Recreation Committee voted unanimously to pursue the vision.

Of note, the Gage land consists of 145 acres. The School Board is looking at 16 of those acres or 11% of the total parcel. It was noted the School Board will have the opportunity to offer land in exchange. Both groups offered no objection to the School Board.

Dr. Bass summarized the recommendation of the Consultant, Mr. Mitchell. Dr. Bass distributed a schedule of how sports will unfold. Dr. Bass gave practice field times. He spoke of dividing fields to be used by two different teams to practice on simultaneously. He then showed options of utilizing whole field for practice with limited practice times and staggering schedule times. It was noted the possibility of running a soccer program until 7:00 p.m. He noted these fields will be used continuously with no time in between to recover. It was stressed that games will also be played on the same practice fields.

Dr. Bass noted it would be quite problematic in spring. It was noted that most field hockey fields are now artificial turf.

Beth Valentine spoke of JV and Varsity teams traveling together and the games being played simultaneously requiring two separate fields.

Barbara Coish noted, regarding Salem soccer, that they almost always travel together, but many times do not play on the same site.

John Larochelle, Athletic Committee, spoke stating the games are played simultaneously at Salem. He noted in Windham, we can not play at the same time and that Griffin Park does not have the capacity. He noted there were 880 kids in the Windham Soccer Program.

Regarding the Gage land, Dr. Bass noted the fields would run all the games there and not the practices. He stated it would be nice to have the marching band practice on the field also. He stressed this would provide a community venue and that concession stands could generate money.

Dr. Bass addressed the possibility of turfing one of the two existing fields. He noted it would help but that you should use turf fields for games only. Dr. Bass stated baseball and softball could run with what we currently have. He also noted wrestling could be done in the cafeteria. This would not be ideal. He then noted a spirit squad would practice in the cafeteria also and this would create scheduling problems. A 2^nd gym would alleviate this. He further stated that gymnastics could not run in a cafeteria. Winter track will also have a problem without a 2^nd gym. Dr. Bass stated he was trying to point out all considerations given the current situation.

Athletic Committee

Chris O Neil commented on compiling a schedule for the School Board. He noted soccer is the most difficult and that you can not have football without a separate practice and playfield. Mr. O Neil noted that with the Master Plan, the Athletic Committee feels they can provide a full athletic program.

Mike Hatem stated that conversation land is town owned land like the high school site. He stated the town needs these fields too and by building them on the high school site we will get 30% back from the state.

John LaRochelle stated the high school site does not have much useable space around its fields and that the topography drops off quickly and does not have flexibility.

Glenn Davis, Owner s Representative, noted the cost of a stadium from sub-grade up is $1.498M. He noted suggested track would be an upgrade from a latex track and that the turf would also be an upgrade. Mr. Davis then noted for the site work with soft costs would be $2.8M. Alternatives: Bleachers/lighting/fence around track, scoreboard, etc. would be about $603,000.00.

Dan Sheehan, Building Committee, noted he was satisfied with the costs presented.

Toby Eaton gave the estimated tax impact for what is being presented as being $68.00 per year per household.

Barbara Coish responded by stating she knows they need a track and rectangle field but that it is a financial problem. She noted the $4M from last year and the start up costs have not been disclosed yet and are not placed in our budget. She further stated they do not know how much the teacher s contract is yet. She then noted that the School District may have to share in the cost of finishing the road. Mrs. Coish stated that given all those numbers and thinking of the community as a whole, people are having trouble financially. She stressed she can not support anything more now and felt they were running off in too many different directions.

Beverly Donovan stated she has seen many variations of the plan and that she agrees we need these things but is not convinced the Gage lands are the place to put them. She noted she was denied the chance to attend the Recreation and Conservation Meeting and that she would like to have a conversation with them and meet with the Selectmen as well. Mrs. Donovan stated she would like to know what the FF&E would include before making a decision. She would also like the operating costs and the cost to provide maintenance. She noted the School Board was asked for $400,000 tonight for Kindergarten. She stressed she would like to study it further and take more time.

Beth Valentine noted the Board has listened to many professionals and that they have accepted the vision and are on common ground with that. She noted the professionals are indicating the best place for the multipurpose filed and track is on the Gage land. She felt there would be a problem with parking if the multi-complex field and track complex wre across the street. Mrs. Valentine noted, in terms of waiting, she felt they did not have the time to do the site development to open it in 2009 if they wait. She noted another consideration would be transitioning students. She felt they have to be smart and she still has to get her hands around the costs that were presented.

Al Letizio stated the School Board did support the vision and that the questions were where and when. Mr. Letizio stressed he did not want requests for information to stall the decision making. He felt that now is the time to ask people if they want to do it and he believes they should ask the community. He noted that the majority of Conservation was in favor, but not unanimous. He noted the Recreation Committee is unanimous. Mr. Letizio stated he did not think it was smart to bus students cross town for athletics and that athletics keep our community focused in a positive way.

Beverly Donovan stated she disagreed and that the Board should prioritize. She noted that over the next few years they are looking at Kindergarten and an operating budget. She stressed she wanted to put forward a plan that was solid.

Mr. Letizio stated he wanted to give voters a choice to complete Windham High School as presented or not. He stated they will discuss at the next meeting what is the ultimate master plan.

Tom Case addressed the Board by stating he can agree with a long term master plan but is bothered with the information that was presented to voters in 2005. Mr. Case discussed the previous land swap. He felt it was probably the best location to put fields but that each year the budget the school budget goes up and questioned how much it is going to cost to run the high school facility. He stated he wanted people to see the whole story before voting.

Al Letizio stressed the board members are volunteers who put in a lot of time to do the best thing for their community. He noted that sometimes it is an imperfect science. He noted it is going to cost more to educate students at Windham than at Salem.

Tom Waterhouse noted he is favor of the Gage land but that money is a problem with a lot of people. He stated he thought we are getting beyond the needs of the citizens and focusing on wants. He noted that Rockingham County is an expensive part of the state to live and that we still have to fund an adequate education, kindergarten and a Middle School. Mr. Waterhouse stated the public needs to know all the different increases and needs the operational costs first and how much it will all cost. He stressed the School Board should look at private partnerships and that the site work should be bonded while workers are on the site and then look at financing the rest privately. He suggested the Windham Endowment be looked at.

Jim Cooney addressed the Board stating the Gage land is for the whole town. He also questioned if it was possible to know within the next 3 months if there would be enough money for a 2^nd gym. Mr. Cooney suggested trying to cut the costs and phase it in.

Barbara Coish noted you need a town vote to use Gage land.

Mike Hatem stated that in order to get the 30% matching from the state it requires a vote.

Floyd Wagoner spoke stating his taxes have gone up 17% since he moved here a few years ago. He noted that this year it will be up another 6% and that his last raise was 3% like most people. He stated he was in favor of this, but to share the burden over time with other generations. Mr. Wagoner questioned how many students will be in Windham High when it opens. Dr. Bass stated about 671. Windham is a wealthy town, but not all are wealthy and questioned if it has to be so perfect now.

Nancy Burnett questioned how the Board could promise to supply everything that Salem High has given their large numbers and Windham s small numbers. She noted it is wise to be moderate. She noted there are plenty of people who do not play sports she would rather have public kindergarten.

Beth Valentine clarified that the number one priority is academics but that not every child loves academics and may need athletics.

Dan Sheehan stated that looking at numbers, the site work alone is $1M. He stated that if the multipurpose field was placed across the street it would be a lot more than $1M.

Mike Hatem stated speaking as a resident, everyone was promised the same education as what was offered at Salem. He noted this was a bad piece of land, but now we are here and that every class high school in the state offers this. He stated this is what we need to have an adequate school and he felt there will be a rush out of town and property values will plummet if not accomplished.

Beverly Donovan noted she is thinking ahead to a new Middle School and where it will be located on the land. She noted she is asking for master planning.

Charlie McMahon addressed the School Board by stating he built Griffin Park and he knows how to raise money. He feels Windham should broaden their tax base and that the athletic project is the right thing to do. He stated we should move very cautiously with kindergarten. He felt the goal is to do it right the first time and that sports keeps kids in school.

Randy Donovan commented on the operational costs. He stated it would be unfair to ask the town for more money before seeing them. He stressed the Board be upfront with the Town.

John Carpenter stated that this is a benefit for this community with the whole package. He noted he is in support of this facility and that maybe some expenses could be eliminated with sponsorship. Mr. Carpenter suggested moving the 8^th grade into the high school to fill classes.

Transitioning Students

Dr. Bass gave an overview of potential savings over a two year period with regard to phasing in students from Salem High School.

Mr. Tim Mayes, Superintendent of Bedford High School, addressed the School Board by sharing his experiences of his town with regard to phasing in students. He stated when juniors and seniors are taken out of their school there is a lot of anxiousness on the part of students. He stated that Bedford was allowed the opportunity to focus on the curriculum of only two grades and allowed them to stagger the hiring process of staff. He then noted that without juniors and senior there will not be the maturity level at the school however. He noted they are very happy with how they handled their situation.

Dr. Bass noted he came up with the potential cost savings numbers by looking at current Windham numbers of 671 and finding the average class size.

Barbara Coish noted the vote of the School Board was to bring back all four (4) classes and that she is not changing her vote. Mrs. Coish read an article from the Tribune with regard to the subject of transitioning.

Beverly Donovan stated she has not had time to look at what was just presented and she feels they are a bit away from giving a complete operating budget.

Roxanne Wilson gave input regarding Tim Mayes statement, that by staggering transitioning students it would allow more time to put curriculum into play. She further stated that certain things will have to be in place per state requirements and those conversations will need to be had with the staff that we will be employing. She noted she could see the benefit of phasing it in and that whatever the Board decides will dictate the SAU s work. She noted it would be very hard to move juniors and seniors, but that you would work through that.

Dr. Bass commented on phasing in transitioning students by stating you need to consider the emotional identity of the student and that by the time they are juniors their relationships become cemented. From an educational point, we can provide the programs. Dr. Bass noted he had spoken with some students at Salem High School regarding returning to Windham and it was noted most kids do not want to leave their home school.

Barbara Coish stated that some 8^th graders want to be on the agenda at an upcoming meeting.

Mr. Letizio noted at this time that he hoped a decision regarding athletic issues will be made at the next school board meeting. Mr. Letizio then requested that Toby Eaton review the numbers and give his opinion at an upcoming meeting also.

FIVE MINUTES RECESS

Joni Matthews addressed the Board by stating she felt the class of 2010 and 2011 will be greatly affected socially. She stated she did not think the numbers coming back would support what the School Board has planned for the high school. She requested that this issue be well thought out.

Betsy Delfosse requested the School Board to consider that classes will not be fully populated and if given an option, students will choose to stay at Salem High School.

Jack Donahue stated he could not believe Windham will bring back all four classes.

Nancy Burnett referred to the Integration Committee Charge and stated if only two classes return to Windham High School when it opens then those students will have a smaller experience than at Middle School. She noted there will be less opportunity for mentors.

Sarah Fabian stated she has three students who will be affected and noted they won t all have the same opportunities. She noted she would rather pay for the athletic fields than give her money to Salem.

Patty Michael stated she has three children in the transition period and that she thought the School Board made their decision. Therefore, as a family, they made their own decisions. She stated her child will not like being in a school that is smaller than Windham Middle School. She suggested that everybody that starts at Salem, stay at Salem.

Jake Matthews spoke, stating he is a sophomore at Salem High School and he loves it there. He noted he plays football now, but will not be able to at Windham High School.

Margaret Donahue would like the Board to consider the students who do not want to leave Salem. She noted transitions take time and if it is phased in there will be a smaller curriculum.

Andy Michael stated it is very emotional and to consider the feelings of the current 7^th ad 8^th graders.

Al Letizio asked Mr. Michael what if three grades came over and one stayed. Mr. Michael responded by stating that scenario would help.

Paul Cino noted that someone is going to be disadvantaged. He saw his junior coming back to Windham as a good leadership opportunity.

Lisa Vanberlo stated she felt juniors would be hurt the most, as they start to collect letters of recommendation from their teachers for college.

Julie Gallo stated junior year is a pivotal year.

Diane Carpenter stressed to do what is best for the kids and to be visionaries and look at solutions. She suggested tuitioning in students from other towns to offer all four grades. She stated there has to be other solutions. She stated she could not see opening up a high school for 1000 students with only 200 attending.

Scott Burnett stated the decision to uproot was a difficult one and he decided to send his child to private school based on the School Board s previous decision of opening with all four grades. He stated he thinks it is horrible to change kids.

Charlie McMahon stated he believed that as a Town we should provide funds to those families to complete their education at Salem High School.

Allan Matthews suggested doing something with Salem so that they are part with upper classman.

Adoption of Minutes

Motion to approve as amended and seal until April, 2008 the non-public minutes from September 18, 2007 was made by Al Letizio with a 2^nd by Beth Valentine.

Approved 4-0.

Motion to approve as amended the public minutes from September 18, 2007 was made by Barbara Coish with a 2^nd by Beverly Donovan. Approved 4-0.

Motion to approve as amended the public minutes from October 2, 2007 was made by Barbara Coish with a 2^nd by Beth Valentine. Approved 4-0.

Motion to approve as amended the public minutes from October 9, 2007 was made by Barbara Coish with a 2^nd by Beth Valentine. Approved 4-0.

Motion to approve and seal until April, 2008 the non-public minutes from October 16, 2007 was made by Beth Valentine with a 2^nd by Beverly Donovan. Approved 3-0-1 (Barbara Coish abstained).

Motion to approve as amended the public minutes from October 16, 2007 was made by Beverly Donovan with a 2^nd by Beth Valentine. Approved 3-0-1 (Barbara Coish abstained).

Motion to approve the public minutes from the Windham School Board and the Building Committee of October 23, 2007 was made by Barbara Coish with a 2^nd by Beth Valentine. Approved 4-0.

Motion to approve the public minutes from the Windham School Board and the Building Committee of October 30, 2007 was made by Barbara Coish with a 2^nd by Beth Valentine. Approved 4-0.

Motion to approve as amended the public minutes from November 6, 2007 was made by Beth Valentine with a 2^nd by Barbara Coish. Approved 4-0.

Vendor and Payroll Manifests

Chairman Al Letizio noted the manifests were being circulated for signatures.

Motion to approve the Consent Agenda was made by Barbara Coish with a 2^nd by Beth Valentine. Approved 4-0.

Motion to Adjourn the public session under RSA 91-A: 3II(b) at 12:00a.m. was made by Barbara Coish with a 2^nd by Beth Valentine. Al Letizio-aye; Beverly Donovan-aye; Beth Valentine-aye; Barbara Coish aye.

Respectfully submitted - Diane Figaro