ROCHESTER SCHOOL BOARD

Regular School Board Meeting

August 9, 2007

City Council Chambers

DRAFT

Members Present:

Mr. Charles DeVito

Mrs. Audrey Stevens

Mrs. Peggy Parker

Mr. John Connelly

Ms. Diane Moody

Dr. Anthony Pastelis

Mr. William Brennan

Mrs. Pamela Hubbard

Mrs. Anne Grassie (arr. 7:05 pm)
Mrs. Nancy Warren (arr.
7:07 pm)
Mrs. Jae Duntley (arr.
7:07 pm)

 

Members Absent:

 Mr. Frank Callaghan

 

 

 

Also Present:

Mr. Michael Hopkins, Superintendent

Mr. Kent Hemingway, Assistant Superintendent

Ms. Linda Casey, Business Administrator

Atty. Jerome Grossman

 

Guests/Press

 

Mr. DeVito 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. Connelly moved, second by Dr. Pastelis, to accept the minutes of the Regular meeting of July 12, 2007 and the Special meeting of July 24, 2007.  The motion carried unanimously.

Superintendent’s Report

 

Modular Classrooms           Mr. Hopkins reported that the four modular classrooms were delivered and are in place.  The decking and ramps will be installed at all 3 locations; plumbing and electrical work is schedule to begin immediately.  The interior design creates spacious rooms and the overall buildings are in good condition.                                                      

 

RMS Traffic Pattern             The traffic pattern will be changed next week, affecting the entry and exit to the Middle School and McClelland.  Ample notice will be forwarded to parents regarding the changes being made.

 

Teacher Openings               Mr. Hopkins reported that there are currently fourteen teaching positions open.  Most all positions will be filled after the special Personnel Committee meeting scheduled for August 16, 2007.

 

Enrollment                             Kindergarten and first grade is on track with 248 students enrolled in kindergarten and 354 first graders.  It was not possible to fill all requests for the full-day kindergarten program and there is a waiting list established from the lottery for all those who were not selected.  There are plenty of openings in half-day programs to accommodate new registrations.  Mr. Hopkins explained that there are space and budget issues that would need to be considered before adding another full-day program.

 

Rochester Night Out           Mr. Hemingway, Assistant Superintendent recognized the efforts and commitment put forth by the Police Department; the Community Drug Coalition; the Main Street Committee; Chartwells; and the School Department for the National Night Out in Rochester.  There were an estimated 1000 participants during the night’s activities.  Many thanks were extended to the individuals who made the evening a success.

 

Community Project              Mrs. Stevens provided information regarding the ongoing Community Project involving the collection of school supplies and money to send to Afghanistan.  More information regarding the progress and development of the school that is being built may be found at www.rochesterhelps.org.  Collection boxes have been placed all over town and in schools for school supplies.  If anyone would like more information or would like to offer assistance contact Audrey Stevens at Audrey@wemissdave.com; or Andrew Grassie at Andrew.grassie@rochesternh.net    

 

Student Senate Report

                                                Reports will begin in September.

                                               

Public Comment                  None

                                               

Committee Reports

 

Building Committee:        

                                                No Action Required

 

Instruction Committee:

                                                Mrs. Grassie announced that an Instruction Committee meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday, August 14, 2007 at 6:30 p.m. in the School Department Board Room.  The Freshman Academy Study conducted by SERESC will be reviewed at that meeting.

 

Personnel Committee:

 

Retirement                             Mrs. Stevens moved, second by Dr. Pastelis, that the Board accept the retirement resignation of Lorraine Ramsey, Special Education Teacher.  The motion carried unanimously.

 

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

Rebecca Buzzell...................................................................... Social Studies Teacher
Michelle Farrar............................................................................ Guidance Counselor
Melissa Lacroix....................................................................... Social Studies Teacher
Beth-Ann Rowell......................................................... Itinerant Elementary Teacher
Marissa Spencer.................................................... Special Education Personal Aide
Kimberly Torres.................................................................................... Cook Manager
Patricia Treadwell......................................... Special Education Personal Assistant

Dorothea Wortley......................................... Special Education Program Assistant

                                                The motion carried unanimously. 

 

Nominations........................ Mrs. Stevens moved, second by Dr. Pastelis, that the Board approve the following administrative nominations:  David Robbins, Career and Technical Education Director; and Robert Seaward, Assistant Principal.  The motion carried unanimously.

 

Department Head/

Curriculum Advisor             Mrs.  Stevens moved, second by Mr. Connelly, that the Board approve the following Department Head and Curriculum Advisor nominations:

Claudia Watson.......................................................... Department Head – Guidance
Joanne Houston............................................................... Department Head – Music
Katherine Grace........................................... Curriculum Advisor – Grade 6 Science
Warren Buzzell............................................. Curriculum Advisor – Grade 7 Science
Marilyn Shephardson................................. Curriculum Advisor – Grade 8 Science

The motion carried unanimously.

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

Michael Bergeron.............................................................. Elementary Band Director
Melissa Smith..................................................................... Elementary Band Director

Eric Diamond................................................................ Middle School Band Director

Steve Eliscu.................................................................. Middle School Band Director

Julie Sullivan................................................................ Middle School Band Director
Joanne Houston.............................................................. High School Band Director
Cheryl Richardson........................................................................... Band Drill Master

Joseph Widman.............................................................. Auditorium Stage Manager

Joanne Houston................................................................................... Drama Director

James Keays........................................................................... Varsity Football Coach

Donald Innis...................................................... Varsity Football Coach Assistant 1

David Keller....................................................... Varsity Football Coach Assistant 2

Kevin Boyle............................................. ($1.00) Varsity Football Coach Assistant

Paul Cormier....................................................................... Freshman Football Coach

David Chick...................................................... Freshman Football Coach Assistant

Adam Asadoorian........................................... Freshman Football Coach Assistant

Steve Hyzer......................................................... Junior Varsity Boys Soccer Coach

Rusty Whitehouse.......................................................... Varsity Girls Soccer Coach

Steve McEntire.................................................................... Varsity Volleyball Coach

George Pendleton.................................................... Junior Varsity Volleyball Coach

David Foote.................................................................................... Varsity Golf Coach

Richard Rogers.................................................................. Junior Varsity Golf Coach

Julie MacNeil...................................................................... Varsity Spirit Coach (Fall)

Michael O’Brien.......................................................... Varsity Cross-Country Coach

Richard Choate.............................................. Middle School Cross-Country Coach

Cassandra Doore................................................... Middle School Volleyball Coach
Brandon Albert.................................................... Girls Junior Varsity Soccer Coach
Daniel Curran.................................................................. Boys Varsity Soccer Coach   

 

                                                The motion carried unanimously.

Summer School                     Mrs. Stevens moved, second by Mr. Connelly, that the Board approve the following Summer School nominations:  Susan Jasneski, Special Education Personal Assistant and Donna Souther, Special Education Program Assistant.  The motion carried unanimously.

 

Job Description                    The Committee recommends to the Board for first reading the amended Speech/Language Pathologist job description.

 

Substitute Pay                      Mrs. Stevens moved, second by Mr. Brennan, that the Board approve an increase in the Certified Substitute Teacher pay to $80 per day; after 20 consecutive days, BA Level daily rate according to the Teacher Contract.   The motion carried unanimously.

 

Retirement                             Mrs. Stevens moved, second by Dr. Pastelis, that the Board approve the retirement resignation of Juliette Lamb, Second Cook/Cashier.  The motion carried unanimously.

 

Resignations                         Mrs. Stevens moved, second by Mrs. Duntley, that the Board accept the resignation of Nicole Patridge, Special Education Personal Assistant and Faith Williams, Special Education Program Aide.  The motion carried unanimously.

 

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

Joseph Benham............................................................ Physical Education Teacher

Cheryl Boulay............................................... Special Education Personal Assistant

Sandra Cartier........................................................................................ Cook Manager

Tracy Craig.................................................... Special Education Personal Assistant

Donna Desjardins......................................... Special Education Program Assistant

Brandi Gaulin................................................. Special Education Program Assistant

Shea Harriman................................................ Special Education Program Assistant

Amanda Petruzelli.............................................................................. English Teacher

Ashley Walker.............................................. Special Education Personal Assistant

............................................... Cheryl Wisminiti....................................................... Alternative Education Teacher

 

                                                The motion carried unanimously.

 

Staff Commitment                 Board members acknowledged and thanked Susan Crichton for the dedication and commitment demonstrated throughout the SHS Summer Band Camp.

 

Special Services Committee:           

                                               

2007-2008 Bus Routes         Mrs. Parker moved, second by Mr. Brennan, that the Board approve the School bus routes for the 2007-2008 school year.  The motion carried unanimously.

 

                                                Mrs. Parker extended thanks and appreciation to The 103 Restaurant for their support of the Employee Recognition Program through their generous donation of $25 gift certificates for each EOM recipient.  Thanks were also extended to Kent Hemingway, Robin Despins and the four anonymous staff that serve on the selection committee.

 

Finance Committee:

 

Increased Hours                   Mrs. Warren moved, second by Dr. Pastelis, that the Board approve increasing the Gonic Kindergarten Aide position from 14 hours per week to 27.5 hours per week.  The motion carried unanimously.

 

New Position                        Mrs. Warren moved, second by Mrs. Parker, that the Board approve adding a 27.5 hour per week Kindergarten Aide position at East Rochester School.  The motion carried unanimously.

 

Stipends                                Mrs. Warren moved, second by Mrs. Stevens, that the Board approve the grant funded stipend request for Sally Riley in the amount of $2,500 for management of the DINI Grant.  The motion carried unanimously.

Brief discussion was held regarding the concern of adding additional responsibilities to staff that manage grants within the District.  Further review of stipend positions will be conducted through the Personnel Committee.

 

Parking Lot Paving              Mrs. Warren moved, second by Mr. Brennan, that the Board approve the bid from Perm-A-Drive Paving Co., Inc. of Conway, NH for parking lot paving at East Rochester School in the amount of $28,750.  Funded through CIP Account #745000-06105 and 745000-07103.

 

                                                Mr. Watson expressed concern with the elimination of greenery in front of the school; other options should be explored before moving forward.

                                               

                                                Mr. Watson moved, second by Mr. Brennan to table the motion on the floor for paving at East Rochester School.  The motion is tabled.

 

                                                The Building Committee will schedule a special meeting to review the current plan in place as well as other options to increase much needed parking at East Rochester School.

 

Discipline Committee:

                                                Mrs. Hubbard moved, second by Mr. Brennan, that the Board approve the Committee’s recommendation for re-entry to school for case #2006-07:4585; #RMS06/07-04; #2006-07:3493; and  #2006-07: 0069.  The motion carried unanimously.

 

Policy Committee:

 

Second Reading                   Mr. Connelly moved, second by Dr. Pastelis, that the Board approve second reading and adoption of the following policies:

 

                                                Policy JFABD, Admission of Homeless Students

                                                Policy JFCC-R, Student Conduct on Buses

 

                                          The motion carried unanimously.

 

First Reading                  The Committee submits for first reading the following policies:

 

                                                Policy GBEA-1, Anti-Fraternization Policy:  Staff

                                                Policy ACA, Sexual Harassment

 

Old Business

 

SHS Landscaping                Mr. Connelly requested an update on the status of landscaping at Spaulding High School.  Mr. Hopkins indicated that he had spoken with David Robbins, CTE Director about assisting with the development of a landscaping design.  Mr. Hopkins will be meeting with Mr. Robbins and Mr. Kalisz at SHS to discuss possible designs and a timeline for completion.

Freshman Advisory            

                                                No report.

NHSBA Update

                                                No report.                                                                                                                             

New Business

                                                None

 

Non-Public Session

                                                Dr. Pastelis moved, second by Mr. Brennan, that the Board enter non-public session in accordance with RSA 91-A:2, Paragraph II (c), to discuss matters which, if discussed in public, would likely affect adversely the reputation of any person, other than a member of the body or agency itself.  Time:  8:12 p.m.  The roll call vote was as follows:

                                                YES:  Mrs. Hubbard, Mrs. Duntley, Mr. Connelly, Mrs. Grassie,
            Mr. DeVito, Dr. Pastelis, Mr. Brennan, Mrs. Parker, Mr. Watson,

                                                            Mrs. Stevens, Mrs. Warren, Ms. Moody

 

                                                NO:     None

                                               

                                                 The motion carried unanimously.

Public Session

                                                Mr. Connelly  moved, second by Mrs. Hubbard, to re-enter public session.  On a unanimous vote, the Board entered public session at 9:20 p.m.

 

Suspension Pay                   Mr. DeVito moved, second by Mrs. Warren, to reimburse a teacher for a three-day suspension without pay.

 

Non-Public Session

                                                Mrs. Connelly moved, second by Mrs. Grassie, that the Board enter non-public session in accordance with RSA 91-A:2, Paragraph II (c), to discuss matters which, if discussed in public, would likely affect adversely the reputation of any person, other than a member of the body or agency itself.  Time:  9:27 p.m.  The roll call vote was as follows:

 

                                                YES:  Mrs. Warren, Mr. Brennan, Mrs. Duntley, Mr. Watson,

                                                            Ms. Moody, Mrs. Stevens, Mr. Connelly, Mrs Parker,

                                                            Dr. Pastelis, Mr. DeVito, Mrs. Grassie

                                                NO:     Mrs. Hubbard

 

                                The motion carried by majority vote.

 

Public Session

                                                Mrs. Warren moved, second by Mr. Watson to re-enter public session.  On a unanimous vote, the Board entered public session at 9:45 p.m.

 

                                                 A roll call vote was requested for the motion to reimburse a teacher for a three-day suspension.  The roll call vote was as follows:

 

                                                          YES:        Mrs. Hubbard, Mr. Brennan, Mrs. Warren, Mr. DeVito,

                                                                          Dr. Pastelis, Mrs. Duntley, Mrs. Stevens

 

                                                          NO:         Mrs. Parker, Ms. Moody, Mr. Watson, Mr. Connelly,

                                                                          Mrs. Grassie

                                               

                                                The motion carried by a 7 to 5 vote.                                                                      

     

Adjournment

                                                Mrs. Warren moved, second by Mrs. Hubbard, to adjourn.  On a unanimous vote, the Board adjourned at 9:47 p.m.

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                                Michael Hopkins 

                                                                                                                                                Board Secretary