STRATHAM SCHOOL BOARD MINUTES
STRATHAM, NEW HAMPSHIRE
August 13, 2008
On Wednesday, August 13, 2008, the Stratham School Board met at the Stratham Memorial School.
PRESENT: Gary Giarrusso, John Hazekamp, Katherine McDonnell, Wendy Poutre, Bruce Scamman, (Chairperson), School Board Members; Laura Nelson, Assistant Superintendent, Tom Fosher, Principal; Becky Ruel, Assistant Principal; Margaret Driscoll, Director.
ALSO PRESENT: Eight visitors.
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mr. Scamman opened the meeting at 6:30 p.m.
All stood for the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mr. Hazekamp announced that the meeting was being audio recorded.
2. NONPUBLIC SESSION
A nonpublic session may be called at any time during the meeting in accordance with
Chapter 91A:311, a, b, c, d, and e.
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
3.1. Mr. Scamman asked for approval of the minutes of June 11, and June 25, 2008. Mr.
Giarrusso requested a change to the minutes of June 25, to indicate he reviewed the
district’s A-133 report, not the financial report. The amendment was acknowledged.
Both sets of minutes were accepted.
4. VISITORS
Mr. Scamman greeted the visitors. He said that the NWEA issues will be addressed later on
the agenda when visitors’ comment will be heard.
4.1. Vision Committee
Mr. Scamman introduced Travis Thompson, Chairperson of the Vision Committee. He
distributed draft copies of the committee’s report, with recommendations. The formal
presentation will be at the September board meeting. Ms. Poutre commended Mr.
Thompson and the members of the committee for their work and for the time committed
to the study. Mr. Thompson asked for suggested changes to be reported to the board.
Mr. Scamman said there is a link to the Vision Committee on the website.
5. GENERAL CORRESPONDENCE
5.1. Sign Installation Approval
Mr. Fosher explained that in June approval to install the sign was received, and the
sign will arrive on Saturday, August 23rd.
6. BOARD REPORTS/POLICY
6.1. Chairperson’s Report
Mr. Scamman reported that at the Joint Chairs meeting, last week, discussed
were the nine applications received for Mr. Frew’s vacancy, the seven
applications received for the SPDC Manager position; the date school will begin
in 2009, since Labor Day falls late, and there was discussion of accepting
minutes of their meetings.
He reminded that Stratham will be hosting the meeting of the Joint Board in
September.
Mr. Scamman mentioned the list of student supplies for the opening of school.
There was a brief discussion of contacting vendors.
6.2. Secretary Report
Mr. Hazekamp distributed his written report, and discussed accomplishments: to
continue to review minutes that become available following each meeting, and
track the emails that should be made available to the public. He reported that he
met with the SAU 16 Database Coordinator to discuss the viability of using the
PowerSchool program to list SMS’s dates of events; the program will accommodate scheduling.
He discussed the goals for 2008/2009: work with Principal Fosher and
Technology Coordinator, Sara Campbell to enhance communication with the
community; to review with the board options for students who need additional
support to succeed, and address the gifted and talented options.
6.3. Financial Report
Mr. Giarrusso distributed his written report saying that the results of the 2007
audit were reviewed with Mr. Lunney and the audit firm; a timeline was set to
receive the final audit report for inclusion in the annual report next year. The
food service operations were reviewed and the school board increased prices to
offset increased costs of food and supplies, and for the potential purchase of
new equipment. Mr. Fosher described what items were increased. The goals
for the 2008/2009 year included working with the administration to develop
reserve funds for Capital Improvements, Technology, Special Education and, as
a result of the audit, review procedures for budget development, recommended
changes and review the reimbursement procedures to develop a policy.
6.4. Legislative Report
Ms. Driscoll reported that the New Hampshire Rules have been finalized. Ms.
McDonnell reported that Dean Michener is preparing a legislative overview for
school boards.
6.5. Policy – First Reading
6.5.1. EEAJ – Video and Audio Recording on School Buses
Ms. Poutre said the committee reviewed this policy. She reported the
changes made to the policy relative to student privacy.
6.6. Policy – Second Reading
6.6.1. KCM – Food Services Policy
Ms. Poutre explained that this policy was drafted as a result of sizeable,
outstanding balances accrued for students’ meals, and she described the
process that will be put in place to avoid such arrearages in the future.
Mr. Scamman asked for a motion to adopt the policy. After discussion,
Ms. Poutre so moved; seconded by Mr. Hazekamp. Mr. Hazekamp
asked if the policy committee was recording minutes of their meetings;
they are not. There was discussion of the process of accepting
policies. Ms. Poutre withdrew her motion to adopt. Action on this policy
will be addressed at the next school board meeting.
7. CURRICULUM
7.1. Literacy Training
Mr. Fosher gave the board notification of the budget for the literacy training
through the Tufts University LRR Program, and referred the board to his
proposed budget for year two. He said that two staff members will be attending
this summer’s institute and the funds are in the budget, and the Title 2A funds
will also be used. A final proposal will be forthcoming.
7.2. NWEA
Mr. Fosher referred to the NWEA testing and explained that Stratham was the only
elementary school in the SAU to be doing this testing this school year; the other
elementary schools in SAU 16 have opted out. He explained that the results of the
NWEAs were used only for math placement at the middle school. Ms. McDonnell asked
for a history of the testing, and what didn’t work. Mr. Fosher explained the
circumstances surrounding the inception of the testing, and the impact of the state’s
NECAP testing. There was discussion of the differences in the testing results, how the
results were reported, and how the testing result are used. Discussion was open to the
public.
Three residents spoke in support of keeping the NWEA testing, expressing: they
appreciate the benefits of the reporting to parents; liked the graphical format of the
students’ progress; the result are an easy reference and can be used as a gauge in their
child’s progress in learning; the test is adaptive; students say they like taking the NWEA
test.
One resident spoke of the other local assessment tools that are available, and that he
has been in touch with the administration.
Staff member input was that students don’t like taking the test; a great deal of time is
dedicated to taking the test; the stresses on the special educators for accommodations;
and the accommodations for the special needs student are significant. Mr. Hazekamp
said this test was part of the SAU’s data driven initiative; that we have a lot of time and
money invested and, since we are using the NWEA test this year, we should evaluate the
alternatives, and he would like to see some kind of report on the NWEAs.
Mr. Giarrusso said that from a parent’s perspective, the growth aspect is a tool parents
can use to assess their student’s progress.
There was a lengthy discussion of keeping the NWEA testing.
Mr. Scamman commented that with NCLB, a second testing outcome is helpful if there
are inconsistencies, and that last year we went through a similar discussion, and the
board voted to keep the NWEAs. The consensus was that the NWEAs would continue.
RECESS
The board recessed from 8:07 to 8:15 p.m.
8. SUPERINTENDENT/ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT REPORT
8.1. SAU 16 Update
Dr. Nelson reported that there have been interviews for the administrative vacancies and
that there are two exceptional candidate for the SPDC Director.
She spoke of the growth proposed for SPDC, and said that the Center will be a robust
training facility for the Seacoast Area. She reported that last week she worked with a
group of 25 educators on phase one of the digital portfolio work for the students.
The grant process, which was the bailiwick of Messers. Frew and Kossakoski, is now her
responsibility, including the REAP Grant for hardware and software for distance learning.
Kathy Weise has provided her with an update on website activity, and she is working to
make certain that the information on the website is timely and accurate.
She has met with the technology staff, and on August 21st, at the SAU Office, a lunch
meeting will be held, and she invited the board to join them.
She reported that she is working with the Professional Development Committee to see
how training dollars can be used, and to build the program.
8.2. Dr. Nelson, referencing Mr. Fosher’s report, said that the enrollment was: Preschool
through Grade Five 623 students. The Kindergarten enrollment is 97 students. Mr.
Fosher said that we are, plus, 13 students.
9. SMS ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM
9.1. Principal Report: School Activities
Mr. Fosher reviewed the school activities through October 23rd, and highlighted that
picture day will be September 10th, 7:30 a.m. until noon. He reminded the board
members to stop by to have their identity pass photos taken.
Ms. McDonnell recounted a parent’s comments about Mr. Fosher’s caring and
attentiveness while enrolling her students.
Mr. Scamman spoke about the meeting with the staff last year to go over goals.
September 18th and 25th are the dates for open houses.
10. EMPLOYEES
10.1. Staff Update
Mr. Fosher reported that the professional positions have been filled. The staff is
working in the building every day. There are two para-professional positions
available, and that he is scrutinizing the applications to see which have had training
and can assume additional responsibilities.
Ms. Driscoll has two openings.
10.2. Mentor/Mentee List
Mr. Fosher said, typically, here are two mentors placed in the budget. He requested
five mentors be assigned this school year in the area of Grade Four; one for a grade
change, and four typical mentors. After discussion, Mr. Poutre moved to allow five
mentors; seconded by Mr. Hazekamp. Mr. Scamman said he does not want this
decision to set a precedent; and that this will be a one-time occurrence. The vote
was four in favor, with Mr. Scamman opposed.
11. BUILDING AND GROUNDS
11.1. Building and Grounds Report
It was reported that the summer project goals have been met and everything was
done in a timely manner. There was a special thank you to Bob McAlpine and his
crew. Mr. Fosher said the lighting project is being completed presently.
12. PUPIL RELATED MATTERS
Mr. Fosher informed the board that there is a letter of concern, receive from a parent, that is
on file at the SAU 16 Office.
13. OLD BUSINESS
There was none.
14. NEW BUSINESS
14.1. September Joint Board Organization
Mr. Scamman said that at the May meeting of the Joint Board it was agreed that the
locations of their meetings would be rotated between the nine school in the SAU.
Stratham will host the first meeting of the year on September 22nd. Mr. Scamman
suggested a tour of the school prior to the meeting. After discussion, is was agreed
that the school board would provide food, and the school will provide the drinks and
paper products.
14.2. 2008/2009 SMS Board Goals
Mr. Scamman discussed the three sets of goals which were distributed, and asked if
there were question or ideas for additional goals. He listed three ideas he had for
additional goals including the operational handbook and having the audit done in a
certain amount of time. Mr. Giarrusso mentioned the capital improvements; Ms.
McDonnell suggested helping the pubic to look at the recommendations of the Vision
Committee and letting the public know how hard the committee had worked, and
having a presentation at the annual school district meeting. Ms. McDonnell
recommended that the board meet for discussion with Dr. Nelson before August 26th.
The seven goals were reviewed by Mr. Scamman, and Mr. Giarrusso moved to put
together a committee; seconded by Ms. Poutre, and voted unanimously.
14.3. Second Monthly Meeting
Mr. Scamman said the he is not planning to continue the second meeting of the month.
There were no objections.
15. BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL
Mr. Giarrusso distributed the Financial Summary FY 2008. Dr. Nelson said to email her
with any questions. Financial Summary FY 2009 was reviewed and Dr. Nelson reminded
that encumbrances are not yet complete, which will change the summary. The General
Fund Projected Fund Equity was reviewed: total revenues, total expenditures, and a
projected fund equity for June 30, 2008 -- $449,979.55. The Projected Fund Equity,
Nutritional Services, was reviewed: the beginning balance, the total revenues, and total
expenditures. The projected Fund Equity, June 30, 2008, is $79,082.57. It was explained
that this amount is not, actually, returned to the town, but that it is an amount that does not
need to be raised.
Ms. Driscoll spoke to the special education funds, and gave the circumstances as to why
they were not spent.
Mr. Scamman spoke of having the Financial Advisory Committee involved early in the
process. Mr. Giarrusso commented that this committee should begin meeting when there is
something to look at. Mr. Fosher suggested meeting toward the end of October.
16. CLOSING STATEMENTS
There were none.
17. NEXT SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
The board will meet next on September 1, 2008.
18. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 9:40 p.m.
Submitted by:
Mary Lou Clinton –Stevens
Action Items are underscored
Meeting Handouts
Attachment 1 – SMS Vision Committee Report (Draft)
Attachment 2 -- SSD Secretary’s Report
Attachment 3 – SSD Financial Officer’s Report
Attachment 4 – Policies: Recordings on School Buses, Food Service
Attachment 5 – Principal Fosher’s NWEA Memo
Attachment 6 -- Bob McAlpine’s Memo on Summer Project Completion
Attachment 7 -- SSB Goals, 2007/08
Attachment 8 -- SSB Goals, 2008/09
Attachment 9 -- Goals for Student Success
Attachment 10 -- SSD Financial Summary FY 2009
Attachment 11 – SSD Financial Summary FDY 2009
Attachment 12 -- August Board Notes on Financials