A regular scheduled meeting of the Portsmouth School Board was held on Tuesday,

January 22, 2002 in the library of the New Franklin Elementary School.

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

Mrs. Colleen M. Montminy, Mr. Carvel Tefft, Mr. Charles Vaughn

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

Chair LaPage called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.

Minutes of January 3, 2002 reorganization meeting unanimously approved on a motion by C. Vaughn; seconded by C. Hayward.

Minutes of January 8, 2002 meeting unanimously approved on a motion by C. Vaughn; seconded by C. Hayward.

Included in the folders were the following: draft of Constitutional amendment; spreadsheet of cities and towns in New Hampshire listing population and per capita tax information; "The Navigator," – high school guidance newsletter; flyer announcing Ray McGarty speaking at Portsmouth High School on January 30; and a cartoon about snow days and superintendents closing school.

Mr. George Carlisle and Mr. William Elwell reviewed plans for the February 19, 2002 dedication of the Stone Gymnasium.

City Manager John Bohenko and Deputy Manager Ted Jankowski were present to discuss the Bowles’ Constitutional Amendment, which, if passed, would provide "hold harmless" for the donor towns. J. Lyons moved, seconded by C. Hayward, the Board support the Constitutional Amendment to part two, article five, as included on the last page of the packet distributed this evening. In a roll call vote, the motion passed eight to one (R. Bowles,

N. Clayburgh, N. Craig, C. Hayward, J. Lyons, C. Montminy, C. Tefft, and K. LaPage voted for the motion; C. Vaughn voted against the motion).

Mr. Joseph Arnstein presented a report to the Board on his sabbatical during the first semester of this school year.

The Chair declared a recess at 8:49 p.m. The meeting was reconvened at 9:00 p.m.

Dr. Lister provided an update of activities held in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Day.

There were no personnel issues to come before the Board.

The Chair read the list of committee assignments. R. Bowles requested his name be taken off the Policy Committee. C. Montminy agreed to fill that vacancy.

The Chair reported on activities of the Joint Building Committee, including the recent vote of the Planning Board.

C. Montminy and C. Vaughn reported on the January 17 meeting of the Curriculum Council.

The Chair informed the Board that he, the Athletic Director, the Business Administrator and the Superintendent of Schools will meet with all Booster Clubs on March 25, 2002 to discuss the financial set-up of their organizations. Mr. LaPage said this was one of the School Board’s goals, and it was decided to begin the process with these clubs.

Mr. LaPage said an excellent alliance has been formed consisting of the Foundation for Seacoast Health, the Community Day Care Center, and SAUs 50 and 52 to start a program on early education. Superintendent Tracy said the school districts want to share information and establish a partnership with those nursery schools and day cares so those students have a better chance of being prepared when they come to our schools.

Dr. Tracy provided an update on the status of "Exchange City" at the Wentworth School.

C. Vaughn moved the Board approve the extension of the footprint of the Wentworth School subject to Planning Board approval. N. Craig seconded the motion. The motion was unanimously approved.

Chair LaPage stated the membership of GPEPC (Greater Portsmouth Educational Partnership Council) will be announced at the next meeting. Superintendent Tracy stated there will be reports from the High School and Middle School regarding the NHEIAPs (New Hampshire Educational Improvement and Assessment Program) at the next meeting.

There was no further business to come before the Board. The Chair thanked Mrs. Constance Carmody, Principal of New Franklin School, for hosting the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 10:24 p.m. on a motion by C. Vaughn, seconded by J. Lyons, and unanimously approved.