ASHLAND SCHOOL BOARD REGULAR MEETING MINUTES ASHLAND SCHOOL CAFETERIA, ASHLAND September 4, 2013

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1 ASHLAND SCHOOL BOARD REGULAR MEETING MINUTES ASHLAND SCHOOL CAFETERIA, ASHLAND September 4, 2013 MEMBERS PRESENT MEMBERS ABSENT ADMINISTRATORS PRESENT ADMINISTRATORS ABSENT OTHERS PRESENT Ms. Badger; Ms. Brown; Ms. Liebert; Ms. Ulricson; Ms. Wrath None Ms. Ormond, Ms. Temperino, Ms. Bartlett None David Ruell, Media Lee Nichols, Ashland Electric Department Sandra Coleman, Resident CALL TO ORDER PRESENTATION Ms. Badger called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Mr. Nichols addressed the Board regarding the grant for two-way radios for the school. He stated that the Governor s Council has approved the grant, and they are waiting for FEMA approval for the base units. Mr. Nichols provided a brief demonstration of how the radios will be used. He stated that a PA system is typically used in a school. He spoke of the need to remain calm in a crisis, especially when using a two-way radio. In response to a question raised, Mr. Nichols stated that the range on the radios goes from the Notch down to Concord. Ms. Ormond asked about the process for getting messages to the police, fire, and public works departments. Mr. Nichols stated that all departments have scanners and he will write up a procedure. He also suggested that, once the school has the radios, Steve Heath could give a demonstration since he is on the volunteer fire department. In response to another question, Mr. Nichols stated that you only need 110 power and an antenna for the base station. Even if you only key the microphone and hold it, someone can trace it and get help. Another reason for installing the base station is that the school is the emergency shelter for the town. Mr. Nichols confirmed that calling 911 is the first way to go in the event of a crisis; the two-way radios would serve as a back-up. Ms. Badger asked about the timeframe for FEMA approval. Mr. Nichols stated that he hoped to be able to have the base station installed by mid-september. Ms. Ulricson inquired about a back-up battery. Mr. Nichols stated that he would speak to the installer.

2 Ashland Meeting Minutes Page 2 September 4, 2013 MINUTES A. Regular Meeting, Ms. Ulricson moved, Ms. Wrath seconded, to approve the minutes August 20, 2013 of the regular meeting of August 20, 2013, as printed and distributed. The vote was unanimously in favor. COMMUNICATIONS A. Superintendent of Schools None. B. Secretary of the None. C. Members of the None. CURRENT BILLS PAYABLE A. General Operating Ms. Wrath moved, Ms. Ulricson seconded, that the Board approve Expenses the payment of bills, as presented, including manifests #2006 (checks #21251-#21253 in the amount of $2,080.59) and #2007 (checks #21254-#21302 in the amount of $72,760.98). The vote was unanimously in favor. Ms. Temperino noted the MS 25 and DOE 25 reports are ready for Board members signatures this evening. She will prepare a yearend summary report for the Board s October meeting. The fiscal year ended with an unreserved fund balance of $9,447 that will be used to reduce the assessment for this fall s tax rate setting. On average, over the last ten years, $114,571 has been returned. It is anticipated that the reduced amount returned will not change for the upcoming, budget-challenging year. PUBLIC INPUT Mr. Ruell asked for, and received clarification that the grant referred to by Mr. Nichols is a school security grant. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS A. Superintendent/Assistant Superintendent Report 1. Policy Review and Ms. Ormond noted that she has been looking at district policies as Minimum Standards they relate to the revised minimum standards. For the most part, the district is in good shape. The greatest number of changes deals with high schools. The Policy Review Committee will be looking at grading and competencies, and working on those policies with little or no changes regarding minimum standards to ensure that all are up to date. 2. IDEA Report Ms. Ormond referred the Board to the attachment included with the agenda regarding the determination of the district s special education report card. The district s final total score is a zero, which is the highest score a district can receive. The report deals with suspensions, expulsions, evaluations, grant management, etc., regarding special education. This is the fifth year that the district has scored the highest score.

3 Ashland Meeting Minutes Page 3 September 4, 2013 ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS (cont d.) 3. Out-of-District Ms. Ormond noted that an out-of-district placement report will be Placements Report included in every agenda packet for the purpose of keeping the Board informed on what was budgeted and has been expended to date. B. Principal s Report 1. First Week Mr. Ormond spoke to the enrollment chart included in the agenda Enrollment Report packet which shows a comparison from September, 2012 to The school s numbers are down slightly compared to last year at this time. 2. Advisory Group Update Ms. Bartlett reported that the school will be hosting its annual open house tomorrow from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. At 6:30 p.m., an announcement will be made regarding the solicitation of parent volunteers to serve on the principal s advisory committee. There will be a brief meeting of those interested to determine future meeting days and times. Ms. Bartlett reported that they had a great opening of school with four days of orientation for the middle tier students to lay ground rules for internet safety, core value discussion, student management changes, etc. The customized learning plan is progressing nicely. The new lunch program is going relatively well with students learning the new system of keying in information regarding payment. A lot of assistance is being provided to the students. Ms. Bartlett stated that there will be a staff cookout prior to the open house. UNFINISHED BUSINESS A Budget Some discussion ensued regarding the calendar, as revised. Development Calendar Ms. Liebert moved, Ms. Brown seconded, to approve the proposed budget development calendar, as revised, with the date for the school board budget work session being October 15 th beginning at 6:00 p.m. The vote was unanimously in favor. B. CIP Update Ms. Temperino reported to the Board regarding the last meeting of the Capital Improvement Plan Committee on August 27 th. A 10-year spreadsheet was handed out that included all town departments, the electric commission, water and sewer, and the school district. She will provide more school district information for additional updates. The committee s next meeting will be held on September 19 th at 7:00 p.m. Ms. Badger noted that the meeting will include presentations from both the CIP Committee and the Budget Committee. Ms. Temperino noted that she had informed Steve Felton regarding approval of the grant, but the money cannot be expended until it is approved by FEMA. Ms. Badger stated that worksheets provided at last meeting are posted on the town s website.

4 Ashland Meeting Minutes Page 4 September 4, 2013 NEW BUSINESS A. Board Goal Setting Ms. Badger stated that she and Ms. Ormond had discussed the need for the Board to develop short and/or long term goals, and asked that Board members provide some input this evening, as well as think about what they feel are priorities for further discussion at the Board s next meeting. Ms. Ormond noted that the repair of the gymnasium roof has been discussed in the past. Quotes were received on that, as well as energy conservation projects. Ms. Brown noted that the roof requires an engineer study. Ms. Wrath suggested a goal related to technology and its future at the school. Ms. Bartlett noted that a new technology plan is expected to be written this year. Providing the administration direction for the development of the budget was also suggested. Ms. Ormond suggested that this be discussed at the next Board meeting. Ms. Wrath commented on the impact on the budget if the teachers agreement fails. Ms. Temperino commented that the gymnasium also has some issues regarding energy inefficiencies. Ms. Ormond stated that a preliminary budget will be developed by the administration and will be conservative. Ms. Badger commented that she does not want to impede the integrity of the education at Ashland School. Ms. Ormond noted that the initial budget presented will be status quo until after the vote on the collective bargaining agreement. ADDITIONAL BUSINESS A. Members of the Ms. Badger asked whether Ms. Brown had any additional information on the garden committee. Ms. Brown stated that she had received an earlier today regarding approval by the town on using the property. B. Members of the None. Administration C. Committee Updates None. ANNOUNCEMENTS A. Ashland Regular Meeting Tuesday, October 1, 2013, 6:00 p.m. (No Policy Review Committee meeting.) Heffernan Media Center, Ashland Ms. Liebert requested clarification of the date of the Board s October meeting. It was noted that the meeting will be held on October 1, the day of the official ballot vote. Ms. Liebert stated that she will not be able to attend the Board meeting that evening.

5 Ashland Meeting Minutes Page 5 September 4, 2013 ANNOUNCEMENTS (cont d.) B. Second (Official Ballot Voting) Session of the Special School District Meeting Tuesday, October 1, 2013, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. William J. Tirone Gymnasium, Ashland C. SAU #2 Meeting Thursday, October 3, 6:30 p.m. Humiston Building Conference Room, Meredith Ms. Liebert noted that she will be unable to attend the SAU meeting. NON-PUBLIC SESSION Not necessary. At this time, Ms. Coleman asked if the school s enrollment has decreased from 2011 and She noted that she had seen a short film about enrollments dropping all across New Hampshire. The film was produced four years ago and it was stated then that enrollments would continue to decrease, but why? She noted that the number of apartments is increasing and taxes are up as well. Also, Ashland does not have business to attract people from the outside. Students today will move on to college, but the people and families are coming and going from the apartments. What is the future of the school? Ms. Ormond noted recent demographic studies. New Hampshire s population is predominately baby boomers who are hitting retirement age. What we are also finding is that, while the population is aging, students leaving the state to go to college are staying in that area, with the exception of Nashua, Manchester and Portsmouth. There is an influx of people in those communities that are either foreign and/or are there for the social choices. Ms. Ormond noted that the outlook is for the next two decades not two years. Some discussion ensued. Ms. Ormond noted the expense of post-secondary schooling. Sometimes it is cheaper not to attend state schools. Ms. Coleman asked how much money should be put into a school for maintenance if enrollments will steadily decline. She feels the town does not go out and attract new people/families. Ms. Ormond noted that all cities/towns will be facing the issue of declining enrollments. There are already discussions on how to share resources. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Board, at 7:29 p.m., upon a motion made by Ms. Ulricson, seconded by Ms. Brown, the meeting was adjourned by a unanimous vote in favor. Respectfully Submitted, Jodi Lamoureux Recording Secretary