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 1st. 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 2nd and 3rd 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 19th 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 Walpolean 
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