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Rochester School
Board
The Chair
called the meeting to order at 1. 2. a.
Math graduation requirement – Mr. Shea proposed that the fundamental
math track be expanded to require an additional course, Math Connections
2a. The Mrs. Hubbard moved, second by Dr. Pastelis, that students enrolled in
the standards based mathematics pathway must complete four (4) courses
culminating with Math Connections 2a, achieving a total of 4 math credits. The
motion passed unanimously. b.
Procedures for students repeating a failed
class – Mr. Shea proposed
changing the existing procedure to allow students to
repeat a failed class, only if seats are available and with permission of
administration. Dr. Pastelis moved, second by Ms. McCarley, to endorse the administrative
procedure to allow students to repeat a failed class in the next, only if
seats are available and with permission of administration. The motion passed
unanimously. c.
Latin Program – Mr. Shea and Mr. Wintje
discussed the challenges of, finding qualified Latin teachers, student
enrollment in world languages and course sequences. Board members discussed
the merits of Spaulding course offerings. Mr. Shea proposed a phasing out of
the Latin program, requesting the option of hiring a part time teacher to
lead Latin 2 and 3 courses. Staffing is not currently budgeted for this
position. Mrs. Hubbard moved, second by Ms. McCarley, to phase out the Latin
program, offer Latin 2,3 and 4 contingent on the
ability to hire a qualified Latin teacher on a part-time basis next year.
Latin 1 would not be offered in the 2008-09 school year. The motion passed
4-1. d.
Foreign exchange students – Mr. Shea requested the ability to determine
the number of exchange students accepted to Spaulding based on
qualifications, enrollment numbers and course availability. Mrs. Hubbard moved, second by Ms. McCarley, to allow the Principal to
determine the number of foreign exchange students enrolled. The motion passed
5-0. e.
Plans to review f.
Virtual High School Virtual Learning
Academy Charter School
courses – Mr. Shea requested that the Board reconsider the present practice
of allowing students only 2 courses per year outside of the standard
Spaulding curriculum. The advent of state endorsed distance learning
opportunities has grown and greater flexibility would benefit students in
many ways. More information will be
provided next month for the Instruction Committee’s consideration 3. RMS
– NEASC Report – tabled to
May meeting 4. Field
Trips – were reviewed as
presented. 5. Other – Mr. Hemingway briefly spoke about the
development of a Graduate Equivalency Diploma (GED) option developed by the
NH Dept. of Education. As of next year, students participating in an approved
GED option program may remain enrolled in school. Presently, students must
withdraw from school and be considered a “drop out” before entering an
approved GED program. More information will be presented at the May meeting. At Respectfully
submitted, Mrs. Anne
Grassie, Chair |