The Walpole Seniors will meet for potluck lunch at the Town Hall on the Walpole Common at noon on Monday, February 17, 2014. (Note date and location as there are renovations at the Church.) Everyone is asked to bring a contribution for the Fall Mountain Food Shelf. Bring a dish to share. All Walpole Seniors are welcome. Come for fun and good socialization.

Thank you to Elaine Heleen for forwarding the minutes because Regina has been in the hospital.  Hope she is doing much better. – Lil

TOWN OF WALPOLE

PLANNING BOARD MEETING

JANUARY 14, 2014

Presiding:         Robert Miller (Vice-Chair); James Aldrich, Henry Fletcher, Dennis Marcom,

Eric Merklein

Alternates:       Steve Dalessio, Jeff White

Recording:      Elaine Heleen, Acting Recording Secretary

These Minutes are unapproved and will be reviewed at the February 11, 2014, meeting for corrections, additions and/or omissions.  There were five people present in the audience.

Meeting Opened:  Mr. R. Miller, Vice-Chair, called the meeting to order at 7:05 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.  He advised that meetings are tape recorded therefore asked anyone that wishes to speak to identify themselves.

Roll Call:  Mr. R. Miller noted that Mr. Jeffrey Miller, Chair, was not present therefore he called upon alternate member, Mr. Steve Dalessio, to sit on the PB in that seat.   Regular member, Mrs. Jamie Teague, is also absent however as the Selectboard representative an alternate member cannot be called upon to replace her.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING on December 10, 2013. There was no Workshop Session in December due to the holidays: 

Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Minutes of the regular PB meeting on December 10, 2013 as printed.  Seconded by Mr. Fletcher.  With all members in favor, the Minutes were approved.

NEW BUSINESS:

Mr. Joe DiBernardo, Land Surveyor with DiBernardo Associates, LLC, was present to represent Aumond Realty Corp in North Walpole for a Boundary Line Adjustment to make 3 lots into 2 lots.  The Residential B property is at Mountain View Rd & Taylor St. Mr. Aldrich moved to schedule a Public Hearing for the “Aumond Realty Corp Boundary Line Adjustment” for the February 11^th meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Fletcher.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Mr. Thomas Bogar was present to ask for a Voluntary Merger of Map 7 Lots 25 & 25-1.  It is zoned Rural Agricultural on Old Keene Road. It is for a possible future pole barn.  The single lot will be 34.3 acres. Mr. Aldrich moved that this Voluntary Merger be approved with no Public Hearing needed.  Seconded by Mr. Merklein.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Mr. Dalessio on behalf of The Wellhead Protection Ordinance Committee has presented updated Source Water Protection maps to be added to the current ordinance to ensure that the correct delineations will be used.  Mr. Aldrich moved that these maps of the River well and the Watkins Hill well delineations be accepted by the Planning Board.  Seconded by Mr. Merklein.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Other Business:

Workshop Session:  There will be a Workshop Session on Tuesday, January 28, 2014, at 7:00 PM in the Town Hall Downstairs Office.  The PB members will review the Timber and Excavation Tax as it applies to the Site Plan and RSA 72-B. A question arose as to whether the measurement of 100,000 cubic feet as listed in the minutes is correct or should it have been cubic yards.

Adjournment:  Mr. Aldrich moved to adjourn this meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Fletcher.  With all members in favor, the motion was approved.  The time was 7:30 PM.

Respectfully submitted, Elaine Heleen, Acting Recording Secretary

Sally McGaffigan asked me to share this announcement from the Historical Society. – Lil

Gail Golec “Fables vs. Forensics” February 22, 2014

            The Walpole Historical Society will present the third of their Speaker Series on Saturday, Feb. 22,2014 at 7:00 PM at the Walpole Town Hall.  The event is free and open to the public.

Gail Golec, a Project Archaeologist with the Monadnock Archaeological Consulting, LLC, will be the speaker.    In “Fables vs Forensics”, Golec will walk the audience through the research that led to a surprising conclusion to a puzzling Walpole Historical Society mystery. Historical research coupled with a forensic anthropological assessment, shed a new light on a set skeletal remains at the WHS with a fabled past.

Golec will explain how the unique landscape and natural resources of the area has attracted people continually for over 10,000 years and what led to this area becoming a hotbed of conflict during the French and Indian War (1755-1763). Walpole and the surrounding region served as the frontlines of a terrifying guerrilla-style war, leading to atrocities and casualties on both sides. It is against this backdrop that Golec’s research has focused, taking an objective view of all known information of the attacks in and around Walpole during 1755 and presenting a coherent narrative of events and how they relate to the skeletal remains.

I hope Jennifer Kelley doesn’t mind but I consolidated the weekly events with dates.  My hope is to highlight the special events . – Lil

Mon. Feb. 3rd, 10th, 17th, 23rd – 2 p.m. Knitting Club – everyone is welcome, beginners as well as experienced knitters.

Tues, Feb. 4th, 7 p.m., Non-Fiction Bookclub “All the Tea in China”

Wed. Feb. 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th – 10:15 a.m. Story Time 

Wed. Feb. 5th, 6:30 p.m. Spanish Conversation Group

Thurs. Feb. 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th – 10 a.m., Homeschooling Group

Mon. Feb. 10th, 17th, 24th, – 10 a.m. Baby Lap Sit

Tues. Feb. 11th, Library Trustee’s meeting, 7 p.m.

Wed. Feb. 12th, 7 p.m. Evening Classics Book Club (Anthony Trollope’s Barchester Towers)

Sat. Feb. 15th, 10-11:30 a.m. Writing It Down

Thurs, Feb. 27th, 12 p.m. Library Afternoon Book Club  (George Orwell’s 1984)

The Walpole Historical Society will sponsor another free Genealogy
Workshop on Thursday February 8, 2014 from 10-12 noon. We welcome
beginners as well as experienced persons. Hints regarding research
sources as well as stone walls will be shared. Call for reservations
at 603 756-2933. More information can be found on the Walpole
Historical Society website: walpolehistory.org.

Jeanne A Jeffries
Box 933
Walpole NH 03608
603 756 2933

Winter Market This Saturday, Jan 18

The first of our four monthly winter markets will be held this Saturday from 11am to 1pm in the Walpole Town Hall. Lark has helped to organize this market and got news about what some of the vendors plan to offer. Abenaki Springs will be bringing potatoes, squash & pork. AmieArt will be there with her whimsical creations. Brookfield Farm will be bringing pork, beef, lamb & goat meat, and if we all get lucky, perhaps a pork pie to serve by the slice for lunch! Bill Lauer will be bringing his special, folding Adirondack chairs. Judi Ryner & Jamie Page will both bring their beautiful Alpaca products. Penni’s Pantry will have a goodly display of jams & preserves. Johanna of the Purple Hummingbird Woolens is especially happy to be bringing felted wool vests – great for cold weather! Sonia of Sawyer’s Artisanal Cheese will be bringing their very newest product, Newmont cheese, aged 3 months. Ken & Hope will come with all their beautiful maple products & fresh-baked bread. And Lark will be there with – still- a very strong assortment of organic fruit jams from one of the best fruit years we’ve seen in awhile. Everyone – come! Dispel the gloom & have a visit!

As we look forward to the summer season of the Walpole Farmers Market, we realize that changes are needed.

A very small number of volunteers have been organizing the market and keeping it running for four years. We are tired and frustrated. There is way more work involved and much less profit than you probably imagine.

The market has won devotees as much for being an amiable, family oriented community event as for being a pleasant place to shop for local food and products. For the farmers and producers who are the foundation of the market, the market continues to teeter either side of the profitability line.

Now is the time for both vendors and shoppers who want to see the market continue to step up to the plate to help keep it going. If there is sufficient interest in keeping the market going, we will schedule a joint vendor/shopper meeting to discuss how to move forward.

Thanks for your support of the market!

Jill, Holly, Bruce
Founders

FALL MOUNTAIN REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

SCHOOL BOARD MEETING

Fall Mountain Regional High School Library

Monday, December 16, 2013

6:30 PM

Chair Henry called the meeting to order at 6:30 PM in the Fall Mountain Regional High School Library. In attendance were John Streeter, Andy Collins, Linda Christie, Lil DeCoste and Gabe St. Pierre. Lori Landry and Jamie Teague were also in attendance.

BOARD HONORS

Superintendent Landry stated that Fall Mountain’s Athletic Program placed 1^st. in Division 3 for the NHIAA Fall Season of School Sportsmanship Award.  She stated it was the goal of Matthew Schmidt, Athletic Director, to improve sportsmanship and improve the culture of the FM athletics program.  Mr. Schmidt announced that the following individuals collectively received the NHIAA Athletic Sportsmanship Award for the Fall 2013 season.

Girls Cross Country Varsity Head Coach- Rick Elliot

Boys Cross Country Varsity Head Coach – Larry Sayers

Varsity Football Head Coach – Frank Brown

Varsity Football Assistant – Kevin Hicks

Junior Varsity Football Coach – Steve Stewart

Girls Varsity Soccer Head Coach – Justin Parrott

Girls Junior Varsity Soccer Coach – Josh Beer

Boys Varsity Soccer Head Coach – Tim St. Pierre

Boys Junior Varsity Soccer Coach – Kristy Zurmuhlen

Girls Varsity Volleyball Head Coach  – Missie Swift

Girls Junior Varsity Volleyball Coach – Ally Robinson

Coed Golf Head Coach – Ron Rosco

The FMRSD School Board commended the coaches for their dedication and hard work and presented them each with a board honors certificate of excellence.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Motion: (Streeter/Christie) to approve the minutes of the November 25, 2013 Public Session.  Passed unanimously.

Motion: (Streeter/Christie) to approve the minutes of the November 25, 2013 Non-Public Session. Passed unanimously.

RECOGNITION OF VISITORS/PUBLIC INPUT

Superintendent Landry discussed the work that is being completed to continue our partnership with the Cheshire Career Center to promote Career and Technical education for our students.  She introduced Jim Logan from the Cheshire Career Center in Keene. Mr. Logan discussed the terms of the three-year agreement presented to the board for approval. He indicated that there might be amendments along the way that will need to be sent back to the board for approval. Mr. Collins commented that he was very impressed with the facility and quality of teachers during a tour last year. Mr. St. Pierre asked Mr. Logan what he expected students to take away from these programs. Mr. Logan explained that he saw them becoming completers in the program and to provide them with the ability to easily enter into certificate programs.

REPORTS OF ADMINISTRATORS

Jamie Teague, Business Administrator provided the board with a draft copy of the proposed warrant articles. Conversations ensued, changes were requested and the board will discuss the updated versions at the next board meeting.

Mike Davie from EEI Energy provided the board with a presentation on potential energy savings. EEI preformed a study for the school district with the goals of reducing energy cost and consumption throughout the district. The audit showed that we would be able to reduce our expenditures by more than $100,000.00 and retain rebates and grants for approximately $130,000.00. The district was selected to receive a 100,000.00 grant for wood pellet stoves in both Walpole Elementary School and Charlestown Middle School. With oil costs trending higher, there is a push to remove oil heating and add propane to larger schools and wood pellet heat to smaller ones. Recommendation for oil to be left as a backup. The energy savings over time will pay for the improvements.

A conversation also ensued regarding the installation of LED light fixtures, walk in cooler controls and other weatherization.

Motion: (Collins/DeCoste) to include the energy saving initiatives and EEI contract into the budget in the form of a lease agreement to be funded by the new efficiencies. Passed 4:2 Streeter/St. Pierre

Mr. Streeter voiced a concern that the individual towns will not have a vote; felt that it should be town specific.

Ms. Teague suggested we survey voters in Charlestown and Walpole regarding fuel sources available and their preferences of wood pellet or propane at the two middle schools.

Mary Henry pointed out that we are promoting energy efficiency, the company can guarantee savings and that she believes it will improve the educational environment.

Mr. St. Pierre commented that he supports it to be put out for a vote.

Andy Collins commented that the school board is elected to do a job. If it is costing the taxpayers money, it should be put out for a vote. This initiative falls in line with the school boards goal to be fiscally responsible in facilities and to become better global citizens.

The board asked that Mike Davies present at the Deliberative Session and answer any questions that the taxpayers my have.

Construction would begin once school closes in June and completed before reopening in August.

Superintendent Landry reported that last week was the statewide kick off leadership Conference for SWIFT. Ms. Landry commented that is was an honor for Fall Mountain to be involved in this national program. The SWIFT team will be coming on January 2^nd and 3^rd for a FITT assessment.    Ms. Landry stated that she was seeking to make the School Board aware of the SWIFT Policy Principles and the SWIFT Domains and Features, such as Administrative Leadership, Multi-tiered Systems of Support, Integrated Education Framework, Family and Community Engagement, and Inclusive Structure and Practice.  She also reviewed the 6 key SWIFT Principles and asked FM School Board to support the SWIFT Program at the Charlestown Schools.  Ms. Connell, stated that through the interview process the SWIFT committee really liked what was happening throughout the district. Ms. Connell commented that the SWIFT Team has met with national leaders and has great hopes for this project.

Ms. Landry also stated that last week; phase-two of the Task Force Report for Teacher Effectiveness was released. She, Deb Connell, Chris Young, and Gail Rowe have been directly involved with the process. The report can be found on the DOE website.

Alstead Primary has been using the teacher evaluation system and the principal’s evaluation has been used for the last two years here in the district. Next year, all Title I schools throughout the state will be required to use the new teacher evaluation process.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Simon Pierpont, Student Representative updated the board on the happenings at the high school.

Chair Henry recognized Bill Ranuaro who stated that the high school would be offering a new course next year. AP European History will be phased out and replaced with AP World History. Mr. Ranauro mentioned that AP Euro History was one of the best professional experiences to happen to him.

OLD BUSINESS

Lil DeCoste reported that she and Andy met with Ms. Stansbery and Ms. Teague regarding Pre-Kindergarten transportation.  The district is willing to try and work with parents when transportation issues arise. Ms. DeCoste mentioned it is important to communicate transportation needs with Ms. Stansbery immediately during enrollment time if there is a potential issue and there should be deadlines to sign up for transportation routes.

The policy committee will review the transportation policy again regarding mid-day runs.

John Streeter mentioned that NHSBA Attorney, Barrett Christina would be here on December 19^th for a policy workshop. This workshop will be specifically to provide clarify on policy process and procedures.

NEW BUSINESS

Motion: (Streeter/DeCoste) to table the approval of the 2014-2015 District Budget as presented.  Passed unanimously. Due to the changes discussed at this evenings meeting, the updated proposed budget will be presented at the next meeting for approval.

Motion: (Collins/Streeter) to accept the 2013 NH Vocational Region 13 renewal agreement for the Career and Technical Education Program as presented. Passed unanimously.

Motion: (St. Pierre/Streeter) to accept the resignation of Amy Robertshaw, Paraprofessional, Charlestown Primary School, effective December 21, 2013. Passed unanimously.

Motion: (Streeter/DeCoste) to approve an unpaid leave of absence for Lisa Holmes, Speech and Language Assistant. Passed unanimously.

Discussed ensued regarding time off requests.

Motion: (Elsesser/DeCoste) to approve an unpaid, two-day leave of absence for Karen St. Pierre, Food Service, North Charlestown School. Passed unanimously.

Motion: (Streeter/Elsesser) to accept the retirement of Meg Green, Reading Specialist, effective December 31, 2013. Passed unanimously.

Motion: (St. Pierre/DeCoste) to approve a conditional contract for Tamala Fletcher, Payroll Administrative Assistant effective, December 11, 2013. Passed unanimously.

Motion: (St. Pierre/Streeter) to approve co-curricular nominations for Amy Jenkins, District Wellness Coordinator, Dakota Benedetto, Drama Club, Bruce Ferland and Liz Collinsworth, Future Farmers of America Club Co-Advisors. Passed unanimously.

Motion: (Streeter/DeCoste) to approve an unbudgeted request for a 1:1 paraprofessional, Vilas Middle School effective December 17, 2013. Passed unanimously.

Motion: (DeCoste/Collins) to approve the reimplementation of a Computer Applications course, effective 2014-2015 school year. Passed unanimously.

A brief discussion ensued.

Motion: (Streeter/St. Pierre) to approve a new course AP World History to replace AP European History, effective SY15.  Passed unanimously.

Motion: (Elsesser/Streeter) to approve Sunday event requests for- UNH Granite State Challenge Studio, January 12, 2014 and KSC Basketball Tournament, December 29, 2013. Passed unanimously.

Motion: (Elsesser/Streeter) to approve the following overnight requests for FMRHS:

March 5-6, 2014, Robotics Competition at UNH

March 14-15, 2014, Dance-a-thon Community Service Project

March 29-30, 2014, Robotics Competition in Hartford, CT

Passed unanimously.

Motion: (Streeter/St. Pierre) to approve amended policy JICI-Weapons on School Property for first reading. Passed unanimously.

Motion: (Elsesser/Streeter) to approve proposed policy GEA-Athletic Team Coaches for first reading. Passed unanimously.

TREASURER’S REPORT

Motion: (Streeter/Collins) to approve the Treasurer’s Report for period ending December 9, 2013. Passed unanimously.

Payroll                                   $753,144.68

Accounts Payable               $455,485.53

OTHER

Jim Elsesser announced that he is looking to purchase a home in Florida. If this happens, he will plan to step down from his position as school board member. He will keep the board posted on the progress. The board members offered their congratulations.

Andy Collins mentioned that he would like to look into Drivers Education funding and discuss it at the next board meeting.

Motion: (Streeter/Collins) to enter into non-public session under RSA 91-A: 3(c) to discuss a student concern. Passed unanimously.

Following an affirmative roll call vote, the Board entered non-public session at 9:44 PM.

The Board exited non-public session at 10:02 PM and immediately adjourned.

Motion: (Streeter/Henry) to adjourn the meeting.  Passed unanimously.

Respectfully submitted,

Misty D. Bushee

School Board Clerk

• The upcoming Common Core State Standards (CCSS) instructional shifts are:
  

• The following information is provided by the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) taken by our students last year: The percentage of students who rode one or more times in the past 30 days in car or other vehicle by someone who had been drinking alcohol: 17.7% (NH State Mean: 18%)
  
• FMRHS Alumni Adam St. Pierre is a US Junior Olympic Nordic Coach and will be representing our country at the World Championships in Norway.