ROCHESTER SCHOOL BOARD

Regular School Board Meeting

April 10, 2008

City Council Chambers

DRAFT

 

Members Present:

Mr. Robert Watson, Chair

Mr. Mark Torr

Mr. John Connelly

Mrs. Anne Grassie

Mrs. Peggy Parker

Mrs. Pamela Hubbard

Mrs. Audrey Stevens

Mr. Travis Allen

Dr. Anthony Pastelis

Mr. Frank Callaghan

 

Members Absent:

Ms. Caroline McCarley

Mr. Timothy Bruneau

Mr. William Brennan

 

 

 

 

 

Also Present:

Mr. Michael Hopkins, Superintendent

Mr. Kent Hemingway, Assistant Superintendent
Ms. Linda Casey, Business Administrator

Atty. Jerome Grossman

 

Guests/Press

 

Mr. Watson called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. on a roll call with a quorum present. Members participated in the pledge of allegiance. 

 

Last Minutes                        Mr. Callaghan moved, second by Mrs. Hubbard ,  to accept the minutes of the Regular meeting of  March 13, 2008 and the Special Board meeting March 27, 2008.

 

Superintendent’s Report

 

Employee Recognition        Mr. Hemingway, Assistant Superintendent, with the assistance of representatives from RMS, Ms. Allard and Mrs. McKenney; Gonic School, Mrs. Wingate; and SHS parent Gina Warner acknowledged the recipients of the March  Rochester School Department Employee of the Month award, highlighting their attributes:    Ms. Pat LeClair, Elementary Media Specialist/Technology Coordinator (District); Ms. Marie Bahlert, Middle School Grade 8 Math Teacher; Mr. Jerome Lachance, High School Science Teacher/Varsity Baseball Coach; and Ms. Jami Dow, Head Cook at Gonic School.

 

                                                Recipients received a $25 gift certificate from The 103 Restaurant in Rochester along with a certificate of appreciation from the School Board and District.

 

Citizen of the Year                The Superintendent congratulated Mr. Callaghan for his selection as Rochester Citizen of the Year, an honor that is well deserved.

 

Student Recognition           The Superintendent commended Katelyn Yerardi, a National Honor Society student at Spaulding, who collected personal care items for a project in response to a request from the Extended School Programs and Volunteer Office. She solicited contributions from classmates, neighbors, and college connections and delivered the goods at a time when supplies were almost depleted.

 

                                                Congratulations were extended to all the students who participated in the Skills USA statewide competition.  Students from Mr. David Foote’s Drafting Class who placed first in their division will represent New Hampshire at the National level in Kansas City.  The Automated Manufacturing team is Michel Bilodeau, David Guilmette, and Nick Peters; and Technical Drafting, Kyle Gentle.

 

 

High School Update            Mr. Hopkins reviewed the incident at the high school involving a rumor going around about a potential threat. After a thorough investigation by high school administrators and the Rochester Police Department, students and parents were notified that there was no validity to the rumor.  To assure the safety and security of all students and faculty, a significant police presence will be in and around the High School for the remainder of the week.   The communication to students and parents by the administration is commendable; the conduct of students regarding this issue is also praiseworthy.

                                               

Student Senate Report

                                                Sara Hussey, Student Senate President reported that the drama production of the Wizard of Oz last month was a great success.  Students are looking forward to April vacation and are beginning to make summer plans:  the seniors have received their college acceptance letters and now must choose a school and begin packing up; juniors are looking toward SATs and visiting schools.  Everyone is looking forward to the rest of the school year.

 

                                                Spaulding has had six juniors accepted to attend the Advanced Studies Program this summer at St. Paul’s:  Spencer Pallas, studying Ancient Greece; Tom Brown, studying Ecology; Christian Ahern, studying Law and Government; Sarah Scott, studying Chinese Language and Culture; Stacy Horn, studying Japanese Language and Culture; and Sara Hussey, studying International Terrorism.

 

                                                Seven students from the SHS Music Department qualified and attended the All-State Music Festival last weekend.  They were: Derek Bado, Sandi Moon, Becca Martin, Danielle Ellis and Kevin Clough for chorus; and Ryan Hayward for band.

 

                                                Upcoming events at Spaulding include the Spring Fling, hosted by the Key Club with a Pep Rally to recognize spring sports; April 17, the Spanish Honor Society will hold its induction ceremony at 7:00 p.m.; the Sophomore Semi-Formal is scheduled for May 10th at the Elks in Rochester; and the Junior Prom is scheduled for May 24th , the theme is entitled Une Belle Nuit, the Grand March is at 3:30 pm with the dance beginning at 7:00 pm at the Frank Jones Center in Portsmouth.

 

                                                With the recent rumors of a security threat at Spaulding the students appreciated the candor of the administration, and how they were forthright with recognizing the possibility of anxiety of some students.  The communication to students and families helped to gain an understanding of the rumor and the steps being taken to ensure students safety.

 

Public Comment                 

                                                Mr. Tom Kaczynski addressed the Board regarding the results of the MAP test at Spaulding High School.  He is concerned that the system in place has failed and would like to know what is being done to bring Rochester students up to basic and proficient levels of learning.  Mr. Kaczynski passed out articles from the Wall Street, Personal  Journal, which he summarized; “fuzzy math” or conceptual math has failed according to thousands of research publications from National Studies.  He stated that the Board is empowered to push for improvements and should not allow future generations to go out in the world unprepared.   Instead of looking for increased funding maybe putting aside athletic and music development should be considered and have more of a focus on improving academic learning for students.

 

                                                Mr. Fred Leonard of East Rochester echoed the concerns brought forth by Mr. Kaczynski; money spent on curriculum should be producing better results - something is not working.  Mr. Leonard complimented the High School administration for the notification that was sent out to parents, it was the right way to comfort people letting them know that a potentially dangerous situation was being taken care of.

 

                                                Mr. Leonard expressed his concerns with two School Board members, who were voted into their position on the Board to do what is best for children and yet voted as State Representatives to decriminalize marijuana.  He is very concerned that this vote will be perceived by students that the use of marijuana is okay because there are no consequences; not a message he feels students should hear.  Mr. Leonard asked that these School Board members either resign from the Board or apologize for their support of decriminalizing marijuana.

 

                                                Mrs. Martha Wingate, Gonic resident and Principal of Gonic School addressed the Board in regard to all the positive work that is happening within the schools.  Monthly reports are submitted to the Superintendent outlining activities going on throughout the schools; students demonstrating and talking about what they are learning and working hard in their classes to achieve.   Mrs. Wingate stated that it is about who we are and what we do every single day in school, not just testing that matters.  In closing she informed the Board that she is very proud to be part of the Rochester School system; things may not be perfect, but everyone works really hard every day to provide the best education to our students.            

 

Committee Reports

 

Building Committee:        

 

School Renaming                 Mr. Connelly moved, second by Mrs. Grassie, that the Board approve changing the name of the East Rochester Annex to the Nancy Loud School.  The motion carried unanimously.

 

                                                Ms. Loud expressed her thanks to the Board for this honor and the privilege to have worked so many years in Rochester.   Working within a District that has so many educators working hard to provide the best possible foundations for students has been a rewarding experience.

 

BCA Space                            Mr. Connelly moved, second by Dr. Pastelis, that the Board approve the Alternative School space move and the request to the City Manager for use of the space.  The motion carried unanimously.

 

Signage                                  Mr. Connelly moved, second by Mr. Callaghan, that the Board approve the replacement of the current Richard W. Creteau Technology Center sign.  The motion carried unanimously.

 

Instruction Committee:

                                                No action required.

                                                 

Personnel Committee:

 

Retirement                             Mrs. Stevens moved, second by Mrs. Grassie, that the Board accept the resignation for retirement purposes of Theresa Burke, Art Teacher at Spaulding High School.  The motion carried unanimously.

 

Resignations                         Mrs. Stevens moved, second by, that the Board accept the following resignations:

                                               

Alison O’Mally.............................................. Special Education Program Assistant
Theresa Nixon..................................................... Occupational Therapist Assistant
Dwayne Turmelle.............................................................................. ROTC Instructor

 

                                                The motion carried unanimously.

 

Nominations                         Mrs. Stevens moved, second by Mrs. Grassie , that the Board approve the following nominations: 

Gwen Guess............................................................................. Gonic School Principal
Maureen Oakman.................................. East Rochester Annex Teaching Principal
Anastasia York...................................................... Special Education Personal Aide
Carla Rainaud................................................................................. Personal Assistant

 

                                                The motion carried unanimously.

 

08-09 Nominations               Mrs. Stevens moved, second by Mrs. Grassie, that the Board approve the following 2008-2009 Teacher nominations:

 

Kate Kelly............................................................................. Resource Room Teacher
Steven Nugent.......................................................................
CTE/Plumbing Teacher
Thomas Pearce.........................................
CTE/IA Technology Education Teacher
Martha Whitehouse......................................
CTE/Technology Education Teacher

 

                                                The motion carried unanimously.

 

Co/Extra-Curricular              Mrs. Stevens moved, second by Mrs. Grassie, that the Board approve the following Co-Curricular/Extra-Curricular nominations:

 

Deborah Cooper........................................................... Student Council Co-Advisor
Davita Fortier...................................................................... Student Council Advisor
Davita Fortier...................................................................................... Jump Rope Club
Robert Fortier................................................................ Student Council Co-Advisor
Caitlen McCarthy......................................................... Student Council Co-Advisor
Alison Whitty............................................................... Student Council Co-Advisor

 

The motion carried unanimously.

 

Job Descriptions                  Mrs. Stevens moved, second by Mr. Torr, for second reading and adoption of the Director of Student Services job description.  The motion carried unanimously.

 

                                                The Committee recommends for first reading the following job descriptions:

-Second Cook and/or Cashier

-Cook Manager

-Free and Reduced Lunch Clerk

-Bud Carlson Academy Program Director

-Bud Carlson Academy Secondary School Teacher

-Bud Carlson Academy Special Education Teacher

-Bud Carlson Academy Computer Education Teacher

-Bud Carlson Academy Guidance Counselor

-Bud Carlson Academy Nurse

-Bud Carlson Academy RENEW/PBIS Facilitator

-Bud Carlson Academy Learning Lab Assistant

-Bud Carlson Academy Secretary

 

New Position                        Mrs. Stevens moved, second by Mrs. Grassie, that the Board approve the posting of the new High School Guidance Director position.  The motion carried unanimously.

Special Services Committee

 

                                                No action required.                                                                                                         

Finance Committee:

 

Coach’s Stipend.................. Mr. Watson moved, second by Mr. Connelly, that the Board approve the Boys Varsity Basketball Coach’s request to not accept his stipend and the funds be spent on items for the boys and girls basketball program and overall athletic programs.  The motion carried unanimously.

 

High School Windows....... Mr. Watson moved, second by Mr. Allen, that the Board approve the sale of the old High School windows to Fern, Eldridge and Friends Antiques of Northwood, NH for $1,000.   The motion carried unanimously.

 

Stipend................................. Mr. Watson moved, second by Mrs. Grassie, that the Board approve the stipend of $1,500 for Willard Young as the RENEW Facilitator, to be funded by the Drop-Out Prevention grant.  The motion carried unanimously.

 

Aide Position....................... Mr. Watson moved, second by Mrs. Grassie, that the Board approve a High School Personal Aide position for the remainder of the 2007-08 school year at a cost of $3,500.  The motion carried unanimously.

 

NHIAA Lacrosse................ Mr. Watson moved, second by Mr. Callaghan, that the Board approve the purchase of any items for Lacrosse as required by the safety rule changes from NHIAA.  The motion carried unanimously.

 

Discipline Committee:

      ......................................... Mrs. Hubbard moved, second by Mrs. Grassie, the Board accept the Committees recommendations as presented for case #4174, #4129, #4130, #4309, #4923 and STA #3.  The motion carried unanimously.

 

Policy Committee:             

                                                No action required.

 

Old Business                       None

     

New Business                      None

 

Adjournment

                                                Mr. Connelly moved, second by Dr. Pastelis, to adjourn.  On a unanimous vote, the Board adjourned at   7:41 p.m.

 

                                                                                                                                                Michael Hopkins 

                                                                                                                                                Board Secretary