HANOVER SCHOOL BOARD
PUBLIC HEARING IN ACCORDANCE WITH RSA 198:20-b, and
REGULAR MEETING
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 2007
7:15 P.M., RAY SCHOOL MULTI
Minutes
Present: Board members Asmus, Bruce, Carpenter, Chamberlin, Fleischer (left 9:45), Rose; Administrators Gersen, Aubin, Williams, Curtis; and five members of the public.
1. Call to order
Chair Asmus called the meeting to order at 7:15 p.m.
2. Public Hearing in Accordance with RSA 198:20-b, for the purpose of accepting a large gift.
Principal Bruce Williams presented an overview of the $5,000 gift from Kevin and Punam Keller to benefit special education. Mr. Williams reported that he would identify the use for the funds with the Special Education staff and share that information with the Board at a future meeting.
Chip Fleischer moved and Robin Carpenter seconded a motion to accept the gift of $5,000 from Kevin and Puma Keller for the special education program.
3. Approval of minutes
John Chamberlin moved and Chip Fleischer seconded a motion to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of March 21, the special meeting of March 3, and the nonpublic session of March 21, as amended. The motion passed with abstentions from Robin Carpenter, Bob Bruce, and Marjorie Rose for meetings missed.
4. Communications and reports
a) Report of Chair:
1. Board Calendar – Chair Asmus announced that the next regular Board meeting will be Wednesday, May 16, 7:00 p.m., at the Ray School Multi. Chair Asmus also welcomed new Board member Marjorie Rose.
2. Committee assignments –Chair Asmus reviewed the committee assignments for 2007-08 and invited committee members to share goals.
Robin Carpenter indicated the Budget Committee and Communications Committee held their organizational/goal-setting meetings. He indicated that the upgrade of the school websites would be a primary goal for the Communication Committee and he will have further description of Committee goals at the next Board meeting.
John Chamberlin reported that he had no NHSBA update, but did update the Board on pending legislation and his efforts to secure a mutually acceptable meeting date with the local delegation. In response to a question he posed regarding potential meeting times for the legislative committee, Board members agreed that June would be the best time to schedule a joint meeting with the delegation.
Chip Fleischer reported that the Educational/Long Range Planning Committee had not yet met. He hopes the Committee will work with Assistant Principal Sarah Curtis to communicate the K-5 curriculum goals, which are an important part of its mission. Kari Asmus suggested to Chip Fleischer that he approach the PTO, in his capacity as PTO Liaison, to see if it would co-sponsor a roundtable. Marjorie Rose expressed her hope that the Quality of Education committee work would dovetail with the Educational/Long Range Planning Committee.
3. Teacher Appreciation Week Kari Asmus reminded Board members that Teacher Appreciation Week is May 6-12, and that the Board is responsible for some type of recognition on Thursday, May 10. John Chamberlin volunteered to coordinate the effort to distribute breakfast to the school staff.
4. Retaining Current Calendar – Chair Asmus reminded the Board that the calendar would be set at next month’s meeting for 2007-08. Board members supported the third Wednesday as the time for meetings.
b) Reports of Administrators:
Superintendent’s report: The Superintendent updated the Board on legislation regarding catastrophic aid that was changed contrary to assurances the staff received earlier in the school year.
Assistant Superintendent for Business report – John Aubin reviewed the financial reports he prepared for the end of the third quarter. He flagged the budget variance report, which did not as yet include the effects of the HEA agreement. He also noted that none of the $250,000 for residential placements had been spent. As a result, he felt it was not advisable to draw against the reserve fund this year. He responded to several Board questions regarding the over spent accounts, particularly staffing of educational assistants.
Principal’s report: Principal Bruce Williams distributed his Message from the Principal announcing Earth Day activities and giving examples of small steps the school is taking to reduce the “footprint” of the Ray School.
6. Public comments
A member of the community raised the question of transportation ridership. The Board discussed various alternatives to addressing this concern. John Aubin remarked that bus service complaints are notably fewer this year.
7. Old Business
a. Election of Board Secretary
John Chamberlin nominated and Chip Fleischer seconded the nomination of Marjorie Rose for secretary. The nomination passed unanimously.
8. Business requiring discussion
a. Audit report – John Aubin began his review of the Hanover School District Audit, which was cut short due to a problem with the reproduction of the document. He indicated he would include an amended version in the next Hanover packet.
b. Draft Policy DFA, Investment Policy – John Aubin briefly reviewed the most recent draft of the Investment Policy required by law and under review by all three boards. He indicated that this will be discussed in depth at a subcommittee meeting scheduled later in the week.
c. NECAP results – Bruce Williams introduced Sarah Curtis, Ray School Assistant Principal, who gave an overview of the 2006 Ray School NECAP results. A copy of the results is attached to the original minutes of the meeting.
d. Possible Retreat topics – Superintendent Gersen gave an overview of two ideas for the retreat: a review of the “Education at Bernice Ray School: A Common Vision of Quality” document or a thorough discussion on assessments. Board members suggested other topics: professional development, the tenure process, K-1 structure, motivating teachers to perform at a higher level. After discussion, the Board decided to focus on assessments, a draft of Bruce Williams’ and Sarah Curtis’ long range plan for the Ray School, and the goals for 2007-08. The date and location for the retreat was tentatively set for May 8, 2007 at 4:00 p.m. at Hanover High School.
e. Draft Ray School Handbook – Bruce Williams asked Board members to send their recommended edits electronically to Della.
9. Nonpublic session
Bob Bruce moved and Robin Carpenter seconded a motion to enter nonpublic session in accordance with RSA 91-A:3 (I. ) for discussion of a personnel matter at 10:18 p.m. The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.
The Board returned to public session at 10:38 p.m.
10. Adjournment
John Chamberlin moved and Marjorie Rose seconded a motion to adjourn at 10:40 p.m. The motion passed unanimously.
The meeting adjourned at 10:40 p.m.
Wayne F. Gersen
Superintendent of Schools
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