SALEM HIGH SCHOOL

Authorized Regional Enrollment AREA

Joint School Board Meeting

December 4, 2001 7:00 P.M.

Windham Town Hall

MINUTES

Present: Windham School Board Members

Mr. Albert J. Letizio, Jr., Chairperson

Mrs. Marcia Unger, Vice Chairperson

Mr. Richard Horrigan, Member

Mrs. Katherine Smith, Member

Mrs. Daphne Kenyon, Member

Salem School Board Members

Mrs. Pamela Berry, Chairperson

Mr. Roland Maher, Vice Chairperson

Mrs. Martha Breen, Secretary

Mr. Bernard Campbell, Member

Mr. Peter Morgan, Member

Also Present: Dr. Henry E. LaBranche, Superintendent, Salem

Mr. Raymond J. Raudonis, Superintendent, Windham

Mr. Michael Delahanty, Principal, Salem High

Windham School Board Chairperson Al Letizio called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. He then welcomed the members of the Salem and Windham School Boards and also Supt. LaBranche, Supt. Raudonis, and Principal Delahanty.

SALEM HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL'S REPORT

Mr. Delahanty presented his second principal's report to the boards. He commented on the staff changes that have occurred at Salem High and went on to say they are functioning very well and he is pleased with the additional staff. He then discussed future plans to look at retirements and resignations anticipated for the near future.

He reported on several unique features at Salem High including the planetarium, which is up and running. Community groups have come in to see the shows the students have designed. He also talked about the larger greenhouse this year and changes to the cafe.

Mr. Delahanty talked about several goals that have been developed for this year. These include a structured program for new staff and two goals, which were designed specifically to address the BEST Schools Initiative.

He went on further to speak about curriculum issues and SAT scores. Mr. Delahanty was involved in discussions with a college representative that felt rather then looking at SAT results, sophomores be encouraged to take the PSATs. This would give students and staff information about weaknesses and afford them the opportunity to improve that area before the SATs. The PSATs were given in October and the results will be available in December. In the past only 18% had taken the PSAT, this year there were approximately 50%.

Mr. Delahanty then talked about the Running Start Program, which is designed to provide students with the opportunity to earn college credits while still in high school. This is particularly applicable at New Hampshire Technical Colleges. If the Salem High curriculum is consistent with a general college program they will approve the program and honor the credits. Eventually credits may be honored for science, math, and social studies. This gives students a head start on college credits, which are easily transferable to other colleges in the state.

Other areas of interest he included in his report were: the Granite State Challenge Team is in the finals. The semi-finals will occur in May. Most fall sports teams were in the playoffs. Winter sports are off to a terrific start. The musical has concluded. The music concert is scheduled for December 12, 2001.

He stated that overall, the high school is strong, there is a healthy climate, positive culture, the students are safe, generally happy, and SHS is a great place to be. There are a lot of opportunities for the students and he is very proud of the students and how they present themselves.

D. Kenyon inquired about an area of concern with math test scores relative to state testing.

Mr. Delahanty stated the high school and middle school staff will be getting together to study what they have learned from the testing results and will be using a strategy called Vertical Teams to look at weaknesses.

R. Horrigan inquired if the Running Start program was an add-on to the AP courses. Mr. Delahanty stated there would be no change in the curriculum and this has no impact on AP courses.

2002-2003 PROPOSED SALEM HIGH SCHOOL BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS

In regards to the math question asked above, Dr. LaBranche stated that Dr. Moody is focusing on taking a closer look at this in the middle school. Higher expectations and standards will be addressed in this year's budget process. Teachers will do critical problem solving to do an analysis of the math program which will be a long-term process. Verticals Team may include Windham Middle School.

Dr. LaBranche presented the proposed budget highlights for the 2002-2003 school year. In regards to the budget, the Salem School Board is not proposing an addition to the high school this year. They are maintaining the current program and understanding limitations. Overall there will be a minor increase in the budget. Within the budget is the addition of several teachers, and a truant officer. A study is being conducted to consider temporary classroom space at Salem High. Tuition rate for next year will be a modest increase. Figures were provided to Mr. Raudonis. R. Horrigan asked about the tuition and was advised that it will be $6,636.88 per student next year.

A.R.E.A. AMENDMENT PROCESS UPDATE

Mr. Raudonis explained about the four steps in amending the AREA agreement: (1) Convene AREA Review Committee which consists of three members of the Windham School Board and three members of the Salem School Board; (2) the proposed amendment is then adopted by both boards separately after a Public Hearing; (3) the subject proposal is sent to the State Board of Education with supporting documents. The State will review it at their December 12th meeting; (4) if the State Board approves the amendment it is submitted to the voters in both towns as a warrant article for action at the voting session in March.

A.R.E.A TIMETABLE UPDATE

The AREA Timetable was updated on December 4, 2001. When Dr. LaBranche and Mr. Raudonis reviewed the timeline dated April 17, 2000, it was felt it had to be changed due to failure of the library addition in March of 2001. Mr. Raudonis went over each item in the timetable at this time. This document lists possibilities over the next five years. It is just a scenario of "what ifs" concerning both communities. This document is an attempt to cover all the bases and dismiss no eventualities. Mr. Letizio and members of the board felt it should be renamed "Possible A.R.E.A. Events and Timetable". Also, the bullet under 2006-2007 - "Probable date for occupancy of Salem High additions" should be deleted from the December 4, 2001 (Revised) document.

P. Kaiser came before the board to ask if members of the public would be invited to be involved in the process of being on the AREA Review Committee. Mr. Raudonis stated that the composition of an AREA Review Committee consists of representatives from the two school boards. She inquired that if there was a thorough review of the document if members of the community would be included. If the law does not disallow it, she wanted to know if both towns would consider inviting members of their communities to form a committee that would serve the needs of the two communities and provide a stronger document.

Karen Merchant asked if this report would be formed by just six people sitting down and making a decision and if there would be open meetings for people to give their input. She was informed that there will be open meetings and no decisions would be made by just six individuals. She went on to share that there is an active parent group at Salem High that meets once a month and any items of concern any student or parent has can be addressed at this time. These are open meetings and anyone is invited to attend.

STATUS OF N.E.A.S.C. REPORT

Mr. Delahanty came before the boards to give an update on the status of accreditation and the concerns expressed by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges in their letter in July, which created some cause for concern. The letter stated Salem High was put on warning status due to concerns from a 1994 report indicating that the library was inadequate due to the size of the school. A number of attempts have been made to correct the situation, to no avail. In 2003-2004 there will be another site visit from NEASC. At that time there will be the opportunity to demonstrate that a quality program is being provided to the students and the accreditation issue will be addressed. During 2002-2003 Salem High will undertake a self-study, including looking at new standards, and identifying deficiencies. Mr. Delahanty reported to NEASC that they are unable to address the size of the library this year, but they have addressed the issue of students passing through the library. A response is anticipated to be received in the spring from NEASC. R. Horrigan asked if they took into consideration the four block scheduling. Mr. Delahanty stated the study was done before block scheduling. The two concerns were movement of the students and square footage of the library.

UPDATE ON SALEM HIGH SCHOOL CAPACITY STUDY

Dr. LaBranche commented on a couple issues in regards to the accreditation topic above. He stated that Salem High still has its accreditation and the standards for accreditation have changed dramatically. He emphasized that they are working to meet the standards and there is no specific timeline as to when accreditation loss would be an issue.

In regards to Salem High School capacity study, the New Hampshire School Administrators Association completed the study. They looked at ideas, gathered feedback, reviewed floor plans, and enrollments and also at how instruction was delivered. The complete report will be presented to the Salem High School Board on Tuesday, December 11, 2001. The public is welcome to attend.

ADJOURNMENT

A motion was made by D. Kenyon, and seconded by R. Maher to adjourn the AREA meeting at 8:25 p.m. All in favor.

Respectfully Submitted,

Mary Ann Horaj

These minutes are in draft form and have not been submitted for approval.