Attendance

PRESENT: Mr. Kent LaPage (Chair); Mr. John Lyons, Jr. (Vice-Chair); Mr. Raimond Bowles, Mrs. Nancy Novelline Clayburgh; Mrs. Nansi Craig; Mr. Jack Dowd; Mr. Clay Hayward; Mr. John Lyons; Mr. Kenneth Muske

ABSENT: Mr. Carvel Tefft

PARTICIPATING: Dr. Lyonel B. Tracy (Superintendent of Schools); Dr. Robert J. Lister (Assistant Superintendent): Mr. W. Peter Torrey (Business Administrator); Mr. Alan Robinson (Student Representative); and Mrs. Ann Walker (Employee Representative)

Non-Public Session

A non-public session was held in Council Room A at 5:08 p.m. The non-public session was held in accordance with RSA 91-A:3 II. c. The non-public session was adjourned at 6:08 p.m.

Call to Order

Chair LaPage called the regular meeting of the Portsmouth School Board to order at 7:00 p.m. Mr. LaPage asked Board members, during the moment of silent reflection, to remember people serving our country both at home and abroad. Mr. Charles Vaughn, School Board member-elect, led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Newly Elected Board Members

Chair LaPage congratulated Mrs. Colleen MacLeod Montminy and Mr. Charles Vaughn for being elected to the School Board.

SECRETARY’S REPORT

Minutes Approved

The Chair called for approval of the minutes of the October 9, 2001 meeting. Mr. Lyons moved, seconded by Mr. Hayward, the minutes be approved as submitted. The motion was unanimously approved.

The Chair called for approval of the minutes of the October 23, 2001 meeting. Mr. Dowd moved, seconded by Mr. Hayward, the minutes be approved as written. The motion was unanimously approved.

RECOGNITION OF GROUPS OR INDIVIDUAL VISITORS

There were no groups or individual visitors wishing to address the Board.

RECOGNITION OF STAFF/STUDENTS

There were no staff/student presentations.

PERSONNEL

There were no personnel issues to bring before the Board.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

High School Renovations Project

Mr. LaPage reviewed the minutes of the October 3, 2001 Joint Building Committee meeting. He entertained questions regarding that meeting. Mr. LaPage reported that representatives from Team Design and members of the Joint Building Committee are scheduled to meet with the Planning Board on Thursday evening to discuss the New Franklin School project. The committee discussed the standard components included in Team Design’s process and energy efficiency for the high school. This process is close to 85% efficiency. The committee also unanimously voted an interest that the high school building can be used 12 months out of the year and can have air-conditioning in specific areas in the current building with future air conditioning planned in the design of the building. Mr. LaPage said the Joint Building Committee, at its November 7 meeting, voted to meet more frequently and to begin its meetings at 7:30 a.m.

New Franklin School Renovations Project

Mr. Bowles asked if the New Franklin School project is on schedule. The Chair stated construction will not begin until late March, but, due to the size of the project, they feel comfortable in saying the project will be complete. Mr. LaPage said it may be necessary to move the school starting date back a bit, but it would come close. Mr. Bowles said he appreciates the speed in which the Joint Building Committee is proceeding on the New Franklin School project.

Joint Building Committee Report (continued)

Mr. Lyons inquired about the construction schedule at the high school and if there is a need to secure an alternate site for the students during construction. Mr. LaPage said that students would be able to remain in the high school during construction of the new section, and there would be minimal disruption. Once the new construction is complete, the students would be able to move in. They would then abandon the present building in order for renovations to begin. He said it does not appear there is a need to move students off the property. Mr. Lyons said he believes the School Board should feel very comfortable and confident in the Joint Building Committee’s job in addressing these issues. He congratulated the members of the Joint Building Committee for their work to date.

Chair LaPage concluded his remarks by thanking Bob Iafolla for his contribution to the committee. (Mr. Iafolla pointed out to the committee that they can increase accessibility to the new building by 33% if they install air conditioning.)

Mrs. Clayburgh said there is some hope to do private fundraising to supplement this construction project. These funds would be used to fund some of the things that had to be cut in order to meet the budget. Mrs. Clayburgh said anyone interested in joining this fundraising venture is welcome.

Technology Committee

Mr. Muske reported on the November 6 meeting of the Technology Committee. He said all committee members were present; also attending was the Superintendent of Schools. Committee members reviewed the technology plan budget and discussed parameters for next year’s budget proposal. They agreed the budget proposal should: reflect no more than the 0% increase directed by Central Office; attempt to replace or update computers and related technologies that are five or more years old; and to consider recommending the e-Rate reimbursement funds continue to be used to augment the technology plan budget.

Sub-Committee

Mrs. Clayburgh reported the sub-committee to discuss student trips will meet next; no definite date has been set at this time.

NEW BUSINESS

Holiday Parade

Mrs. Clayburgh reported that George Hosker, from Prescott Park, has invited the School Board to lead the holiday parade on Saturday, December first, at 5:00 p.m. She said Board members would hold the banner that reads "Portsmouth." Mrs. Clayburgh said the Board led the parade last year, and it was a lot of fun.

CONTINUING BUSINESS

Adoption of Policies

The second readings of the following policies were presented for Board adoption: Security of Buildings and Grounds; Employee Bonds; Transportation/Purpose(s); Food Service: Purpose(s) and Facilities; and Director: Food Services. Dr. Tracy said the edits requested by the Board had been made. Mr. Bowles moved, seconded by Mr. Muske, the Board adopt these policies. The motion to adopt the policies was unanimously approved in a roll call vote.

Mrs. Craig reminded Board members to take a look throughout the policy book to see if anything jumps out at them that they would recommend be revised. Recommendations would be discussed at the next Policy Committee meeting.

NHSBA Delegate Assembly

Chair LaPage and Mr. Muske reported on the New Hampshire School Boards Association’s Delegate Assembly held on November second and third. The Chair reviewed information he received at the assembly; a historical timeline of education in New Hampshire, and estimates of "new" money grants to local education agencies under the Harkin-Hagel Amendment.

Mr. Muske, who represented the School Board as its delegate, reported he expressed the Board’s vote to eliminate the word "income" from resolution number six. He said there was much discussion to that issue, but, ultimately, they were not able to remove the word "income" from the resolution. Mr. LaPage said this was a good example of how the Delegate Assembly works, and that they do not just rubber-stamp resolutions presented to them.

Mr. Muske also reviewed some of the historical dates in the New Hampshire education timeline.

Mrs. Clayburgh stated she finds it frustrating that no one has been able to solve the education funding crisis. She said everyone agrees the property tax is not fair, yet no one has been able to come up with a solution that is agreeable to everyone. Mr. LaPage said the State School Board Association has actually stated that it prefers a state income tax, and that is moving through the political process.

Referring to the timeline, Mr. Bowles stated that he sat on the legislative committee that drafted the "Authorized Regional Enrollment Area" law, and that he is pleased Portsmouth and the surrounding towns got on board with it and that it is still working today.

NHSBA Delegate Assembly

Dr. Tracy said he attended some of the Delegate Assembly on Saturday. He said the Portsmouth School Board was very well represented by Mr. Muske and Mr. LaPage, and he does not take that for granted. The Superintendent said the Board will need to fill a vacancy as Mr. Muske will be leaving the Board at the end of this year. He said the Board’s delegate does influence the other delegates and their votes. The Superintendent concluded his remarks by stating he understands the frustration about the State property tax, and the Board needs to stay involved at the State level.

Board Holiday Dinner

The Chair reminded Board members that the annual holiday dinner will be held on December 18, 2001.

Information re: Special Education Laws

Chair LaPage said he received information from Attorney Jerry Zelin

regarding New Hampshire Board of Education Rules on Educating Children with Disabilities and proposed amendments to ED 1128 (governing special education hearings) and ED 1132 (governing catastrophic costs for special education placements). He said copies of this information would be made available to Board members upon request.

School Board Retreat

The Superintendent referred to a one-page memo from the Board Chair and himself regarding discussion topics for the December first Board Retreat. He asked Board members to complete the form and to return it no later than November 27. The information will be used to frame the agenda for the Board Retreat.

GPEPC

Dr. Tracy stated a very productive meeting was held with the Executive Committee of GPEPC (Greater Portsmouth Education Partnership Council) on November first. He said their intent at that time, at the request of this Board, was to redesign and regroup, and to take a look at GPEPC to determine what had been planned to accomplish the goal of the strategic plan that started in 1993. He said a report will be given to the Board in December, which will include the mission statement and the redefinition and reorganization of GPEPC to bring it in line with the strategic plan. Mrs. Craig said a lot of the conversation was about the structure of the membership, and that it will be changed to a 20 person team. Anyone interested in joining the partnership should contact her or Jim Noucas.

FINANCIAL

October 2001 Financial Report

Mr. Torrey reviewed the October 2001 financial report. He stated the City Manager will be meeting with Department Heads on a quarterly basis to review their budgets.

2001/02 Tax Rate

Mr. Torrey reviewed his memo concerning the 2001/02 tax rate. There was, again, discussion about the Statewide property tax to fund education.

NEXT AGENDA

FIRST Program

Dr. Lister said he would be meeting with people about the FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Program, a high school robotics program that is coming to the Seacoast. He said FIRST has existed since 1989, and its focus is the importance of science and technology. It is a non-profit organization

Special Olympics Basketball Tournament

Dr. Lister said Portsmouth will host the Special Olympics basketball tournament on April 6 and 7, 2002. He said about 60 teams will participate; creating a positive economic impact on the City of Portsmouth and the surrounding towns. He said a meeting for people interested in volunteering at these events will be held on November 28 at 7:00 p.m. Dr. Lister said they are excited about hosting this event.

Results

Mrs. Clayburgh asked if the Board would receive a report on the NHEIAP (New Hampshire Educational Improvement and Assessment Program) tests. The Superintendent stated a report would be presented to the Board at a later date.

Student Presentation

Dr. Lister said that at the December 11 meeting, a group of Middle School students will give a presentation to the Board about a project they have been involved in.

Thanksgiving Dinner at PASS

The Chair stated the Board is invited to a Thanksgiving luncheon at the PASS Program on Thursday, November 15.

There was no further business to come before the Board. The Chair entertained a motion to adjourn. Mr. Lyons moved the Board adjourn its meeting; Mr. Hayward seconded the motion. The motion was unanimously approved.

Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 8:10 p.m.