1. education
2. school

CHICHESTER SCHOOL BOARD
CHICHESTER CENTRAL SCHOOL
CHICHESTER, NEW HAMPSHIRE
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2015
Present:
1.
Ben Brown, Sally Kelly, Harold Losey, Jr., Gail Paludi, Brian
Beaverstock, Judith Clark (19 citizens signed-in, list available upon
request)
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order by Co-Superintendent Gail Paludi at 6:35 P.M.
2.
Pledge of Allegiance
Piper Mattice-Collins led the Pledge of Allegiance.
3.
Reorganization of the Board
Sally Kelly made a motion to nominate Ben Brown as Chairperson of the
Chichester School Board.
Harold Losey, Jr. seconded the motion.
Sally Kelly – Aye
Harold Losey, Jr. – Aye
The motion passed on a vote of 2-0.
Harold Losey, Jr. made a motion to nominate Sally Kelly as Vice-Chairperson of
the Chichester School Board.
Ben Brown seconded the motion.
Harold Losey, Jr. – Aye
Ben Brown – Aye
The motion passed on a vote of 2-0.
Chichester School District Officers and Committee Chairs for 2015-2016:
Chair
Vice Chair
NHSBA Delegate
P.A. Scholarship
Facilities/Grounds
A.R.E.A. Advisory Board
Ben Brown
Sally Kelly
Sally Kelly
Judith Clark
Harold Losey, Jr.
Sally Kelly
Kate Mara
Ben Brown
Ben Brown
Ben Brown
SAU Executive Board
Negotiations, Certified Staff
Energy Study Group
4.
Minutes of Previous Meeting – February 18, 2015
Harold Losey, Jr. made a motion to approve the Chichester School Board minutes
for February 18, 2015 as printed.
Sally Kelly seconded the motion.
ALL IN FAVOR
IT WAS A VOTE
5.
Immediate Business
A.
Agenda Review
Add non-residency request (public or non-public)
Trimester
Expenditure – J. Myron Leavitt Trust
B.
Citizens Comments
Missy Mattice, on behalf of the PTO, presented refreshments, coffee and
coffee mugs to the Board as a thank-you for all they do to support
education, staff and students at CCS.
John Conway asked about the lag in receiving federal funds for special
education. He also referred to the article in the Monitor regarding the
proposed less state aide for schools and who will cover the cost of the
Affordable Care Act “Cadillac Tax” on health insurance in 2018.
Ben Brown stated that the federal funds for special education were two to
three years behind and were not being paid at the full 40%. Addressing
health care insurance in anticipation of the Affordable Care Act “Cadillac
Tax” is a work in progress.
Sally Kelly stated that the process has just started in developing the state
budget and all proposals will go through the process…some will pass and
others will fall by the wayside or change. Nothing is certain until the
process is complete.
C.
Student Presentation
Allison Miner and Brooke Davison, presented a unique 5th grade project, a
folded chart of the Elements of the Periodic Table. They had to include a
solid, liquid, gas, metal, non-metal and an alloy. The students, when
asked, were able to clearly explain what an element is.
D.
Executive Board Report
Ben Brown reported that as of the last full Board meeting there was
nothing new to add. A new Business Administrator, Amber Wheeler, has
been hired to replace retiring Peter Aubrey.
E.
Principal’s Report
Brian Beaverstock presented his Principal’s Report.
The enrollment as of March 20, 2015 is 228.
Mr. Beaverstock reported on:
Read Across America Week
March 10th SAU Workshop Day
Four students (Summer Pescinski, Allison Miner, Corey Cleasby, and
Helen Cika) participated in a Music and Art collaboration called “Drawn
to the Music” (their art work was presented in concert at a regular
orchestral performance of the New Hampshire Philharmonic of which they
attended)
Smarter Balanced Testing – Began March 16th
Jump Rope for Heart – raised $5,000
Upcoming Events:
March 24
April 1
April 2
April 4
April 8
April 8
Smarter Balance Testing continues grades 3&4
Smarter Balance Testing begins grades 5 & 6
Science Fair – Grades 7 and 8, CCS MPR room, 9-11 A.M.
PTO Egg Hunt
12:30 P.M. Early Release/Staff Development Time
Grades close for third quarter
April 8
PTO Meeting, 6:30 P.M. CCS Library
April 14
Smarter Balanced Assessment – Grade 8
April 17
Report Cards sent home for 3rd Quarter
April 21
Poetry Night at CCS
April 22
Chichester School Board Meeting, CCS 6:30 P.M.
April 27 – May 1
April Vacation
Mr. Beaverstock presented discussion points and advantages to moving to
a Trimester schedule:
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
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A longer grading period
Grades 1-3 teachers will develop 6 progress reports to be sent home
Provide for a longer period for students to demonstrate growth and for
teachers to assess
With a longer grading period, missing a day of instruction does not
have as big of an effect on grades
This is a common movement in many schools
With the instantaneous reporting of grades on line, there is no loss of
communication
More time is allowed for students to improve grades after a progress
report
Mr. Beaverstock recommends Chichester Central School change from
quarterly marking periods to a Trimester system.
Harold Losey, Jr. made a motion to approve Brian Beaverstock’s
recommendation to move to a Trimester Schedule.
Sally Kelly seconded the motion.
ALL IN FAVOR
IT WAS A VOTE
F.
Building and Grounds Committee
No Report
G.
Heating System
Blaze Konefal, Trustee of the Trust Funds, reported that the Trustees
agreed that Building Trust Funds money couldn’t be used to replace the oil
pipelines from the tank to the oil burners as they are outside the buildings.
The funds can be used for only buildings and maintenance inside the
buildings. The School Board would have to change the wording on the
use of the Trust Fund by a special meeting or as a Warrant Article at the
Annual School District Meeting.
Rich Edmonds asked why the Board was considering heating by Propane,
if the heating system is changed. Propane is cleaner, but more expensive
than anything else.
Ben Brown stated that it is only one of several options to be discussed by
the Energy Study Group. Ben invited Mr. Edmonds, Mr. Valotto and
anyone else to attend the April 6th Energy Study Group meeting at CCS at
6:30 P.M. to join in the discussion and join the group.
A quotation was received from Paradigm Plumbing, Heating & Air
Conditioning, Inc. to re seal #2 Smith boiler, replace burner motor on #2
Smith boiler, or for a New Heating System (three new high-efficiency
Viessmann boilers gas-fired).
Mr. Edmonds gave the Board the name of a referral of another contractor
for quotations.
H.
2015-2016 Proposed School Calendar
Brian Beaverstock presented a revised 2015-2016 Calendar that included
five early release days.
Harold Losey, Jr. made a motion to approve the revised 2015-2016
Calendar which includes five early release day.
Sally Kelly seconded the motion.
ALL IN FAVOR
IT WAS A VOTE
A parent asked, “Why do we have Early Release days when some
Districts have none?”
Dr. Paludi stated that early release days were to meet the needs of the
District. Some have full day teacher workshops before the school year
begins. Others use a full day during the school year. Brian Beaverstock
said early release days were used for teacher workshops.
A parent requested that Administration schedule early-release days on
Mondays or Fridays otherwise scheduling on other weekdays is an
interruption to the student and the continuity of learning.
I.
Non-Residency Request
A March 1, 2015 letter from Eric and Jennifer Krochmal was received by
the School Board requesting permission for their three children Owen,
Mason, and Ella to finish the school year at Chichester Central School.
The Krochmals expect to sign papers on the sale of their home and
purchase a home in Epsom on March 31, 2015. Mr. Krochmal stated that
the three children moving into the Chichester home have received
permission to remain in the Pembroke School system for the remainder of
the school year.
The Board reviewed the Policy on School Entry/Enrollment. The Policy
“may allow for students already enrolled to complete a current academic
year of 45 school days or less, at a reduced tuition of $5 (five dollars) per
day to offset the cost of consumable supplies and overhead. “The $5 (five
dollars) fee may be modified at the discretion of the Chichester School
Board.” “The Chichester School District reserves the authority to
determine and grant exceptions to the above policy at its sole discretion,
based upon determination of emergency, hardship, or other compelling
circumstances as outlined by the Superintendent of School or a designee.”
The Krochmal students’ request is for 51 days.
Sally Kelly made a motion to make an exception to the Policy on School
Entry/Enrollment and to approve the request of Eric and Jennifer
Krochmal to allow their three children Owen, Mason, and Ella to remain
at Chichester Central School for the rest of the 2014-2015 school year,
waive tuition and the District is not responsible for transportation.
Harold Losey, Jr. seconded the motion.
Ben Brown requested further discussion in a non-public session.
The Board voted to go into non-public session at 7:35 P.M. under RSA
91-A:3 II c for discussion of reputation.
Ben Brown – Aye
Sally Kelly – Aye
Harold Losey, Jr. – Aye
Present:
Ben Brown, Sally Kelly, Harold Losey, Jr., Gail Paludi,
Brian Beaverstock (by Board invitation), Eric Krochmal
was invited to join the Board at approximately 7:40 P.M.
At 7:43 P.M. Ben Brown made a motion to end the non-public session.
Sally Kelly seconded the motion.
Ben Brown – Aye
Sally Kelly – Aye
Harold Losey, Jr. – Aye
Chairperson Ben Brown stated that no action had been taken in non-public
session.
Ben Brown made a motion to amend Sally Kelly’s motion to make an
exception to 7a of the Policy on School Entry/Enrollment and to approve
the request of Eric and Jennifer Krochmal to allow their three children
Owen, Mason, and Ella to remain at Chichester Central School for the rest
of the 2014-2015 school year, waive $5 tuition and the 45 day limit. The
District is not responsible for transportation. The remainder of School
Entry/Enrollment Policy remains in effect.”
Harold Losey, Jr. seconded the motion.
ALL IN FAVOR
IT WAS A VOTE
Sally Kelly made a motion to approve Ben Brown’s amended motion for
the Krochmal family.
Harold Losey, Jr. seconded the motion.
ALL IN FAVOR
IT WAS A VOTE
6.
New Business
A.
Nominations – Certified Staff 2015-2016 – Dr. Paludi
The Board voted to go into non-public session at 9:05 P.M. under RSA
91-A:3 II (b, c) – for discussion of personnel.
Ben Brown – Aye
Sally Kelly – Aye
Harold Losey, Jr. – Aye
Present:
Ben Brown, Sally Kelly, Harold Losey, Jr., Gail Paludi,
Brian Beaverstock (by Board invitation)
At 9:50 P.M. Ben Brown made a motion to end the non-public session.
Sally Kelly seconded the motion.
Ben Brown – Aye
Sally Kelly – Aye
Harold Losey, Jr. – Aye
Chairperson Ben Brown stated that no action had been taken in non-public
session.
Gail Pauldi, Co-Superintendent placed in nomination the following names
of staff to be offered contracts by the Chichester School District for the
2015-2016 school year:
Ruth P. Bidwell
Amy R. Binder
Anthony D. Cipriano
Beatrice G. Douglas
Christopher W. Gagnon
Wendy D. Kneeland
Anne M. Lakeman
Cheryl M. Molleur
Sharon Reeves
Corinne Rowe
Lauren Saccoccio
Jessica Smith
Elementary Teacher
Elementary Teacher
Elementary Teacher
Elementary Teacher
Elementary Teacher
Elementary Teacher
Elementary Teacher
Kindergarten Teacher
Elementary Teacher
Elementary Teacher
Elementary Teacher
Elementary Teacher
Samantha Smart
Theresa K. Audet
Christina Carrier
Lisa Clark
Kristen G. Dougherty
Sarah J. Downer
Chantal Duval
Katherine L. Dockham
Jane T. Heely
Paula Jean Jacobson
William Stewart King
Carolyn J. Rasanen
Kathleen Tiernan-Mara
0.5 Art Teacher
0.8 Reading Specialist
Guidance Counselor
SPED Teacher
0.6 Physical Ed. Teacher
0.9 Speech/Lang. Therapist
0.8 Technology Integration
0.5 Media Generalist
SPED Coordinator
0.5 Music Teacher
SPED Teacher
Nurse
Reading Recovery/Reading
Teacher
Response to Intervention
Coordinator
Laurie Jaquith
Brian Beaverstock
Principal
Ben Brown made a motion to elect staff members nominated for contracts
by the Chichester School District for the 2015-2016 school year.
Harold Losey, Jr. seconded the motion.
ALL IN FAVOR
IT WAS A VOTE
B.
Resignations
None
C.
2014-2015 Reflections and Future Strategy Discussion
Harold Losey, Jr. would like to develop a five-year plan with vision for
the Chichester School District. The plan would include programs,
building needs, teacher concerns/staffing, etc., somewhat like the Goal
setting meeting the Board holds every July. He would like to purpose
Board work sessions, inviting some and open to all. Mr. Losey asked
2014-2015 Reflections and Future Strategy Discussion added to an April
or May Board Agenda for further discussion.
D.
Creation of a Budget Advisory Committee Discussion
At the March 14th Town Meeting it was suggested that the Chichester
School Board create a Budget Advisory Committee. Ben Brown
presented a memo for review and approval to be sent to the Board of
Selectmen. The memo explains what the Chichester School Board is
thinking and invites them to join the School Board in discussing the best
way they can work together to use a Budget Advisory Committee.
Harold Losey, Jr. made a motion to approve the memo created by Ben
Brown and send it to the selectmen.
Sally Kelly seconded the motion.
ALL IN FAVOR
IT WAS A VOTE
Kate Mara has talked with Bea Douglas, a Pittsfield School Board
member, and suggests that the Chichester Board look at Pittsfield’s model
used between the School and Town.
7.
Policy
None addressed
8.
Informational Items
KDCA – Use of Students in Public Information Program
JFAA – Declaration of Student Residence
2014-2015 Current Year Budget Projection
Fund 1 2015 Projection
SAU#53 Office Administrative Staff and other Additional Staff
and Responsibilities
Policy:
Policy:
9.
Other Business
A.
Non-Public Session – (NHRSA 91-A:3 II,. A, b, c, d, e, j)
See 5I and 6A
B.
Agenda Preparation
Selectmen – Creation of a Budget Advisory Committee Discussion
2014-2015 Reflections and Future Strategy Discussion
J. Myron Leavitt Trust
Energy Study Group
C.
PA Scholarship
Judith Clark, as Board representative for the P.A. Scholarship Committee,
asked the Board to advertise in the Suncook Sun and the Concord Monitor
the opening dates for Chichester students (and students from all other
SAU #53 districts) to pick up Applications for Scholarships from the
Guidance Office at P.A. More publicity is needed to get this information
out to parents, as students are not taking advantage of these Scholarships.
Last year there were no applicants for some of the Scholarships. Only 15
applied out of a class of 203 students. There was only one applicant from
Chichester. If there are enough funds, there is a small amount of
Scholarship money available for P. A. Alumni.
Co-Superintendent Gail Paludi will contact the P.A. Guidance Office and
have them forward this information to Sally Kelly.
Sally Kelly will write an article for the Suncook Sun.
10.
Adjournment
At 9:52 P.M. Ben Brown made a motion to adjourn the meeting.
Harold Losey, Jr. seconded the motion.
ALL IN FAVOR
IT WAS A VOTE
Next Scheduled Meeting:
Wednesday, April 22, 2015 – Chichester Central School, 6:30 P.M.
Monday, April 6, 2015 – Energy Study Group, CCS, 6:30 P.M.