DEERFIELD SCHOOL BOARD DEERFIELD COMMUNITY SCHOOL LIBRARY DEERFIELD, NEW HAMPSHIRE WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 2011 6:00 P.M. Minutes
Members present: Mr. Gorman, Mr. Williams, Mr. Barry, Mrs. Clark, Mr. Menard, Supt. Peter Warburton, Assist. Supt. Student Services, Patti Sherman, Paul Yergeau, Andrew Chouinard, Kandy Davitt
1. Call to Order – Mr. Gorman
Mr. Gorman called the meeting to order at 6:00 P.M.
2. Pledge of Allegiance – Mr. Gorman
Mr. Gorman led those present in the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. Minutes of Previous Meeting – April 6, 2011 and April 13, 2011
A motion was made by Kevin Barry, seconded by Maryann Clark to remove the April 6, 2011 min. off the table.
All In Favor Motion Carried
A motion was made by Kevin Barry, seconded by Maryann Clark to accept the April 6, 2011 minutes as written.
The board reviewed the minutes and made minor corrections.
A motion was made by Kevin Barry, seconded by Maryann Clark to accept the April 6, 2011 minutes as corrected.
All In Favor Motion Carried
A motion was made by Kevin Barry, seconded by Maryann Clark to accept the April 13, 2011 minutes as written.
The board reviewed the minutes and made minor corrections.
A motion was made by Peter Menard, seconded by Kevin Barry to accept the April 13, 2011 minutes as corrected.
All In Favor Motion Carried
4. Immediate Business
A. Agenda Review
The board added to the agenda a discussion and review of a letter explaining the proposed changes to 4th and 5th grade for the 2011-12 school year. Mr. Yergeau reviewed with the board members the following:
1 Data on students from 2019, 2020 and 2021 Year of Graduation (YOG)
Current School year 2010-2011 (8 classes)
Grade 2 (YOG 2021) Grade 3 – total 44 students (2020 Grade 4 – total 45 YOG) students (2019 YOG) class 1 class 2 class 3 class 1 class 2 class 3 class 1 class 2 15 15 14 15 15 14 22 23
Upcoming School year 2011-2012 (originally proposed) (8 classes)
Grade 3 (YOG 2021) Grade 4 – total 44 students (2020 Grade 5 – total 45 YOG) students (2019 YOG) class 1 class 2 class 3 class 1 class 2 class 3 class 1 class 2 15 15 14 15 15 14 22 23
Issues to consider: Need to move a fifth grade teacher to fourth grade Two fifth grade classrooms are located in the modular rooms – 840 ft2 vs. 900 ft2 in building which would necessitate moving the fifth grade into the building and a younger grade out to the modular classrooms These sized rooms work best with 18 students or less Same group of children experience larger classes two years in a row
School year 2012-2013 (following original model) (9 classes – adding one more teacher)
Grade 3 (YOG 2022) Grade 4 – total students (2021 Grade 5 – total 44 students (2020 YOG) YOG) class 1 class 2 class 3 class 1 class 2 class 3 class 1 class 2 class 3 20 19 18 14 15 15 14 15 15
Issues to consider: During this school year, Grade 5 moves to middle school – a teaching position would be added to accommodate current levels of students.
2 Preferred Proposal School year 2011-2012 (8 classes)
Grade 3 (YOG 2021) Grade 4 – total 44 combined Grade 5 – total 45 students (2020 YOG) class 4/5 students (2019 YOG) class 1 class 2 class 3 class 1 class 2 class 1 class 2 15 15 14 17 17 10 Fourth 19 18 8 Fifth
Issues to consider: All classes fit in rooms already occupied by each level – no need for summer moves One teacher teaches the 4/5 combination class in the building All classes are of near equal number Curriculum differentiated for literacy (reading, language arts, word study) in the 4/5 class Grade level math curriculum taught to all five classes (4, 4/5, 5) All students taught Grade 5 science and social studies curriculum in 4/5 class
Proposed Model School year 2012-2013 (8 classes)
Grade 3 (2022 YOG) Grade 4 – total combined Grade 5 – total 44 students (2021 YOG) class 4/5 students (2020 YOG) class 1 class 2 class 3 class 1 class 2 class 1 class 2 20 19 18 18 18 8 Fourth 17 17 10 Fifth Issues to consider: No teacher added this year Ability to accommodate special education needs within the building rather than providing services inside as well as outside the building Curriculum continues to be differentiated for literacy Grade level math curriculum taught to all five classes (4, 4/5, 5) All students taught Grade 4 science and social studies curriculum
The board members invited Mrs.Tatulis and the other 5th grade team members to review the proposal. The teachers noted that Mrs. Tatulis would receive support from the 4th and 5th grade teams regarding materials etc. Mrs. Tatulis stated that she was not concerned about the spread because this occurs when a typical 5th or 4th is self-contained. She noted that a teacher is never teaching to one educational level. Mr. Yergeau also informed the members of the board that in the past DCS has had multi-age classrooms. It was also noted that lunch and recess would be scheduled with their peers. The purpose of this proposal would alleviate the high 4th grade numbers without hiring another teacher.
A motion was made by Kevin Barry, seconded by Maryann Clark to approve the request to send out the proposed letter regarding the 4/5 grade level combination.
3 A motion was made by Kevin Barry, seconded by Maryann Clark to amend the motion to include proposed program.
A motion was made by Kevin Barry, seconded by Maryann Clark (as amended) to approve the request to for the proposed 4/5 program and to send out a letter regarding the d 4/5 grade level combination.
All In Favor Motion Carried
B. Citizens’/Staff Comments
The board recognized citizens/staff comments: Mr. Dillon informed the members that he could not locate the minutes for January 17th, 2011. Mr. Dillon also asked board members about electronic information such as e-mails, the board’s background material and how the public may be able to gain access to that information. Supt. Warburton stated that he would look into the January 17th min. and if they were approved.
C. Board Semi-Annual Meeting with Staff – Mr. Gorman
Mr. Gorman started the meeting with Item 4C. The school board recognized Supt. Peter Warburton for his service to the Deerfield School District. The following Deerfield Community School staff was recognized for 25 years of more of service to the Deerfield Community School: Paul Yergeau, Nancy Shute, Patty Cameron, and Deb Campelia. School board members and staff met in the cafe to meet new school board members and review with the members of the board their vision for the school community. At 7:00 pm the board closed this portion of the meeting and continued their school board meeting in the library.
D. Principal’s Report - Mr. Yergeau
Mr. Yergeau informed the board that Jess Dickey (DCS Art Teacher) would be offering to DCS students “Art Camp” this summer. Ms. Dickey has done this in the past and it has been enjoyed by those who attend. Mr. Yergeau noted that the program is fully funded by tuition. Mr. Yergeau also brought to the boards’ attention the changes in time for the 2011-12 school year. After asking for parents input the school day for the 2011-12 school year would be 8:00-2:30.
A motion was made by Maryann Clark, seconded by Gregg Williams to have the 2011-12 school day begin at 8:00 am and end at 2:30 pm.
All In Favor Motion Carried
5. Old Business
A. Correspondence from Fred McGarry
Mr. Gorman informed the members of the board that the state was requiring additional test pits. The test pits were done prior to the meeting and Mr. McGarry was preparing additional drawings for the state and the board to review. Mr. Gorman asked Mr. Menard to relay the information to the Greenhouse Committee regarding the septic and he that he also asked Mr. McGarry if the septic and greenhouse could be separated. Mr. Gorman noted that Mr. McGarry stated that the waiver was based on the greenhouse request and could not be separated.
4 B. Accepting Grants Policy, 2nd Reading – Mr. Gorman
Will be reviewed at the next school board meeting.
C. Concord High School Information – Mr. Warburton
Supt. Warburton informed the members of the board that the Concord Executive Board will be meeting May 24th. Mr. Gorman and Mr. Williams will attend. Supt. Warburton noted that he has spoken to Coe Brown’s headmaster and currently Coe Brown has 715 students. Supt. Warburton also informed the members that Oyster River may have additional placement space.
A motion was made by Maryann Clark, seconded by Kevin Barry to begin a dialogue with the appropriate committee(s)/designated person(s) from Coe Brown and Oyster River regarding a future High School contract with the District of Deerfield.
All In Favor Motion Carried
D. Green Building Update – Ms. Clark
Mr. Menard informed the board members that the Committee that is involved with the Green Building has determined the building phases for the greenhouse. Phase 1 will include excavating, foundation, site-work, footings, Phase 2 will include insulation, slab work, framing. The board also discussed how to bond the project but more information needs to be gathered. Mr. Williams and Mr. Menard will continue to gather information regarding how to bond the project. The board discussed how to separate the work Mr. Nichols is responsible for from the additional work created by the septic and greenhouse projects.
A motion was made by Maryann Clark, seconded by Gregg Williams to designate Don Nichols as Clerk of the Works, to oversee the green building, and septic project.
All In Favor Motion Carried
A motion was made by Kevin Barry, seconded by Peter Menard to have two contracts drawn up. The first to address the summer maintenance work and the second as Clerk of the Works.
The board continued to discuss how to word the two contracts. Supt. Peter Warburton suggested that he and Mr. Yergeau review the options and come back to the board with suggestions.
Kevin Barry withdrew his motion. Peter Menard withdrew his second.
A. Cost Per Pupil Committee – Ms. Clark
Mrs. Clark informed the school board members that Mr. Daley and Mr. Dillion from the MBC have volunteered to participate on the Cost per Pupil Committee.
B. Personnel (Non-Public per NH RSA 91-A:3, II., a) – Mr. Gorman, Mr. Warburton
5 At 8:30 P.M. Kevin Barry made a motion seconded by Maryann Clark to go into Non-Public Session (RSA 91-A:3, II.,a.) Roll Call Vote: Mr. Menard-Yes Mr. Barry – Yes Mr. Williams – Yes Mrs. Clark – Yes
All in Favor The Motion Carried
Present: Don Gorman, Kevin Barry, Maryann Clark, Gregg Williams, Supt. Peter Warburton Paul Yergeau, Mr. Chouinard
At 9:00 P.M. a motion was made by Maryann Clark, seconded by Kevin Barry, to come out of the non-public session. All in Favor The Motion Carried
Mr. Gorman, Chair of the Deerfield School Board, stated that no decisions were made in non-public session.
The board reviewed a parent request.
A motion was made by Kevin Barry to approve the parent request seconded by Gregg Williams.
All in Favor The Motion Carried
7. Informational Items
A. Citizens’/Staff Comments
B. NHSBA Orientation and Refresher Workshop – May 10, 2011
Mr. Barry informed the members of the board that the NHSBA orientation May 10th. Mr. Barry also informed the board that the Supt. Search for SAU 53 is going well and that interview process will begin May 14th.
8. Adjournment
A motion was made by Gregg Williams, seconded by Peter Menard to adjourn the May 10th 2011 school board meeting at 9:10. All In Favor Motion Carried
Next Scheduled Meeting: Wednesday, June 1, 2011 – 6:00 P.M. Deerfield Community School
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