Rochester School Board
Instruction Committee
School Board Conference Room
September 20, 2007

7:00 PM

Members Present:	Members Absent:	Others Present:
Mrs. Anne Grassie, Chair Mr. Robert Watson Mr. William Brennan	Mrs. Pamela Hubbard Mr. Charles DeVito	Mr. Kent Hemingway Ms. Susan Deese Mrs. Sally Riley

The Chair called the meeting to order at 7:15 p.m. with a quorum present.

Virtual Learning Academy – see attached materials. Mr. Hemingway informed the committee of the establishment of a new NH Virtual Charter School managed through SAU16. Students will be eligible next semester to enroll at no cost in fully accredited online courses. Mr. Hemingway is working with SAU 16 staff to match course offerings with student needs.

AYP Report - Mrs. Riley, Ms. Deese and Mr. Hemingway updated the Committee on the status of our AYP appeal. The appeal will be delivered to the Dept. of Education on September 21st. A response is expected by the middle of the following week. Mr. Hemingway shared the DVD production of Rochester School Department’s compliance with NCLB legislation which will be submitted as part of the appeal.

Alternative Education Grant – Mr. Hemingway informed the Committee of plans to apply for an alternative education grant offered through the NH Department of Education. The proposal centers on the expansion of Bud Carlson Alternative School programming, increasing capacity, course offerings, availability of courses and the establishment of an Alternative School Diploma.

October 90% Reading Goal Presentations – The proposed dates for these presentations were revised. More formal notification to Board members and Management Team will follow.

Field Trips were reviewed as presented.

Other – Mr. Brennan inquired about the availability of additional classroom space in the city. He asked the administration to explore alternative options for Kindergarten and preschool programming. Ms. Deese reported on the status of the Breaking Ranks II committee at SHS. Math teacher Lee Sheedy has agreed to chair the committee to be comprised of administration, parents, Board members, teachers and students exploring high school structures consistent with the goals established in the nationally recognized Breaking Ranks II report. Mrs. Grassie indicated she would like to attend as a School Board representative.

At 8:10 pm, Mr. DeVito moved, second by Mr. Watson, to adjourn. The motion passes unanimously.

Respectfully submitted,

Mrs. Anne Grassie, Chair