FALL MOUNTAIN REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
Fall Mountain Regional High School Library
Monday, February 24, 2014
6:30 PM
Chair Henry called the meeting to order at 6:31 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.
Motion: (Streeter/DeCoste) to approve the minutes from Monday, February 10, 2014 Public Session. Passed unanimously.
Motion: (Streeter/St. Pierre) to approve the minutes from Monday, February 10, 2014 Non-Public Session. Passed unanimously.
RECOGNITION OF VISITORS/PUBLIC INPUT
Chair Henry recognized Susan Tollett (Walpole) who expressed a concern regarding the proposed budget cuts that include the elimination of the High School Crisis Counselor.
Three letters of concern were presented to the board for review.
Chair Henry recognized Linda Sue Webb, Licensed Family Therapist who practices in Walpole. Ms. Webb expressed her concerns stating that provided service to several Fall Mountain district adolescents ranging from elementary to high school. She stated that in recent years, there has been a dramatic increase of social emotion needs in adolescents. Ms. Webb strongly urged the administration to reconsider their decision.
Mike Tollett (Walpole) stated that he was attending on behalf of his three sons who attend the Fall Mountain Regional High School. Mr. Tollett commented that he is a full time police officer for the Winchester Police Department, part-time officer for Walpole as well as a Youth Safety Officer for the Winchester School District. He commented that he has witnessed first hand, the needs of adolescents today and the issues that today’s teenagers have to deal with. Mr. Tollett respectfully requested that the position be looked at differently, stating that removing this position will not enhance the safety environment of the school.
Andy Collins requested that Tom Ronning provide and explanation for the justification of the elimination of the position.
Tom Ronning addressed the board and parents regarding their concerns. Mr. Ronning explained that when looking at the ASCA Model and accreditation standards, the guidelines for counselor to student ratio is one counselor to every 250 students. With approximately 540 students and three guidance counselors on staff, the high school would meet the criteria. Mr. Ronning further expressed his gratitude for the parents and students who came out to discuss the issue.
Mr. Collins asked if with their current caseloads, the counselors would be able to handle students in crisis.
Lisa Ranauro responded by stating that the counselors handle students in crisis everyday. She further explained that the decision was made with careful consideration. Their primary concern is meeting academic and social emotional needs of each student. They will be setting up a rotating call schedule and receiving training is responsive services. Ms. Ranauro stated that she felt that the department was prepared and ready for the change.
A brief discussion ensued regarding student needs and declining enrollment.
Mr. Tollett (Walpole) asked how the caseload of 20-25 students would be redistributed.
Ms. Ranauro reiterated that there would be a rotation schedule in place.
Cameron Tollett (Walpole) stated that he is currently a junior at the FMRHS. Mr. Tollett expressed a concern with the possibility of more than one student being in crisis and how the rotating schedule would work.
Ms. Ranauro explained that the guidance office deals with students in crisis everyday and that responsive services are part of the role as guidance counselor.
Mr. Ronning pointed out that other district services could be utilized as well.
Lil DeCoste commented that while she has concerns, she does have faith in the administration and feels that they would not make this decision unless they truly believed that there was a safety net in place. Cuts are difficult, but there needs to be faith in the administration.
Joanne Andros (Walpole) expressed a concern that while Resource Officers are being added in many districts due to the increase in needs, we are eliminating a position. With incidents of anxiety and depression on the rise, she felt that the need for someone who specialized in the area was essential.
Andy Collins and Mary Henry reiterated Ms. DeCoste’s comment that there needs to be faith in the administration.
Susan Tollett (Walpole) expressed concerns with the addition of technology.
Lil DeCoste mentioned that Lynne Lyons will be visiting in August to speak to staff regarding Childhood Anxiety.
Gabe St. Pierre respectfully requested that the public input portion of the meeting be closed and the meeting be moved forward.
The board thanked the public for coming and speaking.
REPORT OF ADMINISTRATORS
Superintendent Landry read a letter from the Commissioner of Education commending the district for the hard work.
Ms. Landry also mentioned that she was asked to speak at the Commissioners Expanded Cabinet, where she provided feedback regarding the SWIFT Initiative in the district.
A survey showed that 90 percent of teachers felt that SWIFT could make a difference.
Ms. Landry spoke to the recent snow day and commended the administration for the hard work. The early release day was a success.
Ms. Landry informed the board that the Fire safety meeting has been rescheduled to March 20, 2014 from 8:30-10:30AM.
OLD BUSINESS
John Streeter reported that the policy committee would be meeting again on March 10th.
A discussion ensued regarding the guidance model.
Lori Landry mentioned that the administration has revised screening for mental health and suicide/at risk screenings and are posted for staff to use.
Tom Ronning reiterated that our district has vast resources and will work together to ensure that student needs are met.
The board closed the discussion and will revisit it on March 24, 2014.
Gabe St. Pierre reported that RVTC had 13 Business and Finance students participate at DECA. Sara Fernette took 1st place and received a SNHU scholarship valued at $4000. Taylor Rock, another FM student took 2nd place in the buyer and merchandising category and received a $4000 scholarship as well. The board will recognize these students with board honors at a later date.
NEW BUSINESS
Motion: (Streeter/DeCoste) to approve an unpaid leave of absence for Kim Costello, Teacher. FMRHS. Passed unanimously.
Motion: (Streeter /DeCoste) to approve an unpaid leave of absence for Amanda Neilsen, APS-Failed 2:3 (St. Pierre/Collins/Christie)
A discussion ensued regarding unpaid leave requests.
Motion: (Streeter/DeCoste) to revisit the unpaid leave of absence request for Amanda Neilsen, APS. Passed unanimously.
Motion: (Streeter/Christie) to approve proposed policy GEA-Athletic Team Coaches for first reading. Passed 4:1 (St. Pierre)
A discussion ensued regarding background check and the procedure and process of evaluation and discipline.
Motion: (Streeter/Christie) to approve amended policy JKA-Restraints for first reading. Passed unanimously.
Motion: (Streeter/Christie) to approve amended JICI-Weapons on School Property for first reading. Passed 4:1 (St. Pierre)
A brief discussion ensued.
Motion: (Streeter/Christie) to approve proposed policy GBB-Weapons in the Workplace for first reading. Passed unanimously.
The board requested that “uniformed” officer be added.
A discussion ensued, Lori Landry will check with Rose Millard regarding the addition.
Motion: (Streeter/Christie) to approve amended policy ADD-Safe Schools for first reading. Passed unanimously.
Motion: (Streeter/Christie) to approve amended policy AC-Non-Discrimination for first reading. Passed unanimously.
Motion: (Streeter/Collins) to grant permission to the Town of Walpole to lease a school bus for the Children’s Winter Festival, Sunday, March 2, 2014 traveling from WES to Hooper Institute. Passed unanimously.
OTHER
Andy Collins requested that the Policy Committee revisit the Sunday Event Policy.
The Board conducted a straw poll vote of those in support of eliminating the policy 4:2 (Streeter/St. Pierre)
Jamie Teague informed the board made of a change that was made to the tax rate.
Tom Ronning reported that the Varsity Girls Basketball Team made the playoffs. They will play Thursday at home and if they win, they will move on to Saturday 7:00 PM for the quarterfinals at SNHU.
Upcoming district events include the Walpole Academic Fair, Wednesday, March 5th 6:30-8:00 PM. Also the Alstead Attendance Area will host an Art Show, Thursday, March 6th.
TREASURER’S REPORT
Motion: (Christie/Streeter) to approve the Treasurer’s Report for period ending February 24, 2014. Passed unanimously.
Account Payable: $510,399.75
Payroll: $873,618.20
Motion: (Streeter /DeCoste) to approve an unpaid leave of absence for Amanda Neilsen, APS-Passed 3:2 (St. Pierre/Collins)
Motion: (Streeter/Christie) to adjourn. Passed unanimously
Hearing nothing further, the meeting adjourned at 8:45 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Misty D. Bushee
School Board Clerk
The Walpolean 
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