Serving Walpole, New Hampshire since 2005
1. Mary Farrell says the library will be closing at noon on March 12th.
2. The Town Hall was locked with a note saying, “If the weather is bad, the office may be closed.” Consequently I was unable to get the official tally from the elections yesterday. I “heard” that Steve, Jason and Kelley won their respective races and that SB2 was defeated. Hope someone out there can tell us more.
Lil
Doesn’t this poster catch your eye? Thanks David and Susan Howell for finding a way to remind us that spring really is coming! – Lil
The Brattleboro Museum & Art Center (BMAC) is throwing a party at Alyson’s Orchard in Walpole, New Hampshire, on Saturday, April 5th starting at 5 p.m. This year’s festivities will include music by Samirah Evans and The Band of Love, appetizers, food stations, and a desert bar by Hardy Foard Catering, a great selection of beer and wine, and dancing to your heart’s content. Also, a silent and live auction of amazing art, jewelry, fine wine, dining experiences, and vacation getaways. Tickets are $75 and may be purchased online at http://www.brattleboromuseum.org or by calling 802-257-0124, ext. 101.
TOWN OF WALPOLE
SELECTBOARD MEETING
FEBRUARY 27, 2014
Selectboard Present: Jamie Teague (Chair); Chas Street, Whitney Aldrich
CALL TO ORDER: Mrs. Teague called this meeting to order at 6:00 PM in the Walpole Town Hall with two people present in the audience.
These are unapproved Minutes.
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:
Mr. Street moved to approve the Accounts Payable check register and manifest for checks dated February 28, 2014, in the amount of $62,670.08. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.
PAYROLL:
Mr. Street moved to approve the payroll voucher for the week ending February 22, 2014, for checks dated February 28, 2014, in the amount of $22,610.95. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.
Mr. Street moved to approve the electronic fund transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes for Withholding, MEDI and FICA taxes in the amount of $5,880.29 for the week ending February 22, 2014. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.
SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:
SELECTBOARD MEETING – February 20, 2014: Mr. Aldrich moved to approve the Minutes of the regular Selectboard meeting of February 20, 2014, as submitted. Seconded by Mr. Street. With Mr. Aldrich and Mr. Street in favor, the Minutes were approved. Mrs. Teague abstained as she was not present at this meeting.
NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – February 20, 2014: Mr. Aldrich moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of February 20, 2014, as submitted. The Minutes will remain sealed. Seconded by Mr. Street. With Mr. Aldrich and Mr. Street in favor, the Minutes were approved. Mrs. Teague abstained as she was not present at this meeting.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
The Selectboard received and reviewed Minutes of the following meetings:
Conservation Commission – February 3, 2014;
Zoning Board of Adjustment – February 19, 2014; and
North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners – February 25, 2014.
PUBLIC BUSINESS:
MR. RAY BOAS: Mr. Boas reported that on week-ends people are getting into the Walpole Players things in back of the curtains. It happened again in January, the stage curtains were open and the stage was cleared. A week or so ago on a Friday he was checking the lights but could not get them to work. Apparently a group had found a way to by-pass their set-up. Another time a band was setting up on the stage. Mrs. Edkins contacted the company so they could get a new key to lock the fuse box upstairs. His frustration continues with people getting in their things upstairs. He sees what is happening on week-ends. In time he will have everything put away. He feels that maybe now is the time to have somebody in the Town Hall when events are going on. Mrs. Teague explained that the rentals are important because they set-off the expenditures; the hall is used a lot. It is hard for some bands to set-up in front of the curtain. It was agreed to have an electric plug installed in front of the stage which should help keeping
some people from going back stage. Most people respect things but it was recommended that the Rental Agreement should be reviewed and changes made where appropriate.
BUILDING PERMIT:
GALLOWAY, Galloway Lane, Map & Lot #005-036-001: Mr. Street moved to approve Building Permit No. 2014-03 for Stephen Galloway and Tina Galloway to “Construct a 83’7” x 31’8” 2 Story Home with Attached Garage” at 38 Galloway Lane. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.
ABATEMENT:
COLEMAN, March Hill, Map & Lot #009-012-001: Mr. Street moved to grant the Property Tax Abatement in the amount of $1,454.46 plus interest accrued for Jeffrey Coleman and Deborah J. Coleman. The land was removed from Current Use erroneously. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.
CERTIFICATION OF YIELD TAXES ASSESSED & TIMBER TAX WARRANT:
LaCLAIR, North Road, Map & Lot #009-028-001: Mr. Street moved to approve the Certification of Yield Taxes Assessed and the Warrant for Timber Tax Levy, Operation #13-461-10-T, for Lewis S. LaClair in the amount of $29.40. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.
NEW BUSINESS:
NORTH WALPOLE SIDEWALK COMPLAINT: The Selectboard were in receipt of Ms. Andria Bernard’s letter regarding the sidewalks in North Walpole. The Selectboard sent their Highway Crews to respond to the issues. They feel they have addressed the situation but Ms. Bernard needs to do her part in cleaning her personal area which may be contributing to the problems.
RECESS SELECTBOARD MEETING:
Mr. Street moved to recess this Selectboard meeting. The Selectboard will enter into a meeting as the Hooper Trustees. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved at 6:58 PM.
The regular meeting resumed at 7:06 PM.
NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION:
Mr. Street moved to enter into a Non-Public Selectboard Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (c) Reputations. Mr. Aldrich seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with all in favor, the motion was approved.
The regular meeting resumed at 7:28 PM. No announcements were made.
TOWN OF WALPOLE
MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD
FEBRUARY 20, 2014
Selectboard Present: Whitney Aldrich, Chas Street, (Absent: Jamie Teague, Chair)
CALL TO ORDER: Mr. Aldrich called this meeting to order at 6:05 PM in the Walpole Town Hall with five people present in the audience.
These are unapproved Minutes.
RECESS SELECTBOARD MEETING:
Mr. Street moved to recess this Selectboard meeting. The Trustees will enter into a meeting as the Hooper Trustees. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.
The regular meeting resumed at 6:23 PM.
PUBLIC BUSINESS:
JIM TERRELL – Highway Department: Mr. Terrell discussed the vacancy in the Highway Department and the hiring of an applicant to fill that vacancy. The Selectboard had looked at the applications, Mr. Terrell interviewed two of them and both were very good. He made a decision and had talked to Mrs. Teague about it. Mr. Aldrich and Mr. Street agreed to have Mr. Terrell offer that person the job.
Mr. Terrell advised that he has now used about two-thirds of this calendar year’s budget for salt. If winter keeps going, that line will be in trouble for the fall as he might need approximately $30,000 more. The Selectboard agreed that this will be brought up during the Town Meeting.
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:
Mr. Street moved to approve the Accounts Payable check register and manifest for checks dated February 14, 2014, in the amount of $73,823.03. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.
Mr. Street moved to approve the Accounts Payable check register and manifest for checks dated February 21, 2014, in the amount of $476,842.68. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.
It was noted that the above amount included a payment in the amount of $460,493.39 to the Fall Mountain Regional School District.
PAYROLL:
Mr. Street moved to approve the payroll voucher for the week ending February 08, 2014, for checks dated February 14, 2014, in the amount of $21,000.46. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.
Mr. Street moved to approve the electronic fund transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes for Withholding, MEDI and FICA taxes in the amount of $4,790.52 for the week ending February 08, 2014. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.
Mr. Street moved to approve the payroll voucher for the week ending February 15, 2014, for checks dated February 21, 2014, in the amount of $20,035.74. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.
Mr. Street moved to approve the electronic fund transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes for Withholding, MEDI and FICA taxes in the amount of $5,115.98. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.
SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:
SELECTBOARD MEETING – February 4, 2014: Mr. Aldrich moved to approve the Minutes of the regular Selectboard meeting of February 4, 2014, as submitted. Seconded by Mr. Street. With all in favor, the motion was approved.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
The Selectboard received and reviewed Minutes of the following meetings:
Planning Board – February 11, 2014;
Hooper Committee – January 21, 2014;
North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners – February 11, 2014;
North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners – February 18, 2014; and
2014 Proposed Budget Public Hearing – February 4, 2014.
NEW BUSINESS:
Concerts On The Green: The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of a letter from the Savings Bank of Walpole regarding the 2014 Concerts on the Green that they are again sponsoring. They will feature eight concerts performed by area bands playing an entertaining mix of music and musical styles.
Mr. Street moved to approve the request from the Savings Bank of Walpole to use the Town Common on consecutive Sunday evenings beginning at 6:30 pm and concluding at 8:00 pm. They are proposing that the first concert take place on Sunday, June 29, 2014 and then every Sunday thereafter through August 17, 2014. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.
Warrant and MS6 Budget of the Town: Mrs. Clough explained that the Department of Revenue Administration requests these reports. The Selectboard reviewed the Warrant.
Mr. Street moved to approve and sign the 2014 Town of Walpole Warrant and that it be published and posted. The Town Meeting is set for March 15, 2014, at 1:00 PM in the Town Hall. There is a total of nine (9) Warrant Articles. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.
Mr. Street moved to approve and sign the MS6 form as submitted. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.
Farmers Market Request: Holly Gowdy and Jill Robinson, representing the Farmers Market, would like to reserve the Common for every Friday afternoon from May 16th thru Thanksgiving, and December 13th, 2014. Mrs. Clough told them they would have to check with the Old Home Days people about June 27th and with Ray Boas about December as that has been reserved for A Christmas Carol. The prom is scheduled for May 23rd and weddings have booked September 19 and 26 so those dates are not available. They would also like to reserve the Town Hall for the first Saturday in January, February, March and April of 2015. The Selectboard agreed to keep their policy the same as in the past which has been if the space is available they can use it. They suggested using the field next to St. John’s Church or the Drewsville Common as alternative locations, if they are available.
NON-PUBLIC SESSION:
Mr. Street moved to enter into a Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (c) Reputations. Mr. Aldrich seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with all in favor, the motion was approved. The time was 7:06 PM.
The regular meeting resumed at 7:20 PM. No announcements were made.
RECESS SELECTBOARD MEETING:
Mr. Street moved to recess this Selectboard meeting. The Selectboard will enter into a meeting as the Hooper Trustees. Mr. Aldrich seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with all in favor, the motion was approved. The time was 7:21 PM.
The regular meeting resumed at 7:31 PM. No announcements were made.
ADJOURNMENT:
Mr. Street moved to adjourn this meeting. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved. The time was 7:32 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Regina Borden, Recording Secretary
TOWN OF WALPOLE
PUBLIC HEARING
2014 PROPOSED BUDGET HEARING
FEBRUARY 4, 2014
Selectboard Present: Whitney Aldrich , Chas Street (Jamie Teague absent)
Mr. Aldrich called this Public Hearing for the 2013 Proposed Warrant for Budget and Warrant Articles to order in the Walpole Town Hall at 6:10 PM.
Copies of the proposed 2013 Budget were available for the public.
PROPOSED BUDGET:
Mr. Aldrich advised the Town employees would be receiving an across the board raise of 2%. He also advised Healthcare increased an average of 9%. Mr. Aldrich then stated he would highlight on various sections of the 2014 proposed budget.
Town Clerk / Tax Collector:
The major increase in the budget of the Town Clerk/Tax Collector is due to a pay increase and increase in hours for the part time employee, Deputy Town Clerk/Tax Collector.
Financial Administration:
The proposed budget for Financial Administration is down 55.6% due to the change of position in the office. The office now employees two part time people which decreases the cost of Health Insurance and NH Retirement.
Zoning Board:
The Zoning Board of Adjustment proposed budget is up due to the need for an increase of the secretary’s hours.
Municipal Buildings & Maintenance:
There is a large increase in the Municipal Building & Maintenance budget this year as the Board has decided to allocate additional funds to the MUN Repairs/Maintenance/Improvement line. The plans are to have the outside of the building painted as well as upgrades to the interior of the building; kitchen, bathrooms, stairs and foyer.
Police Administration & Operation
The major increase of the proposed Police Department budget is due to adding a full time officer. Mr. Ray Boas asked about the decrease in the part time and over time wage lines. Mr. Aldrich explained that with the 4th full time officer there should not be as much need for part time personnel or overtime. Decreasing these lines will help offset the full time salary line. Adding a new officer also increases the insurance and NH Retirement. Mr. Steve Dalessio asked why Workman’s Compensation rates are down if salaries are up. Mrs. Clough explained that Workman’s Compensation rates are based on the 2012 salaries.
Welfare:
Mrs. Clough spoke as the Welfare Director. She advised that there will be an increase in heating expenses this year due to the decrease in state fuel assistance. More people are heating their homes with portable electric heaters as they cannot afford fuel. This is then driving up the electricity costs.
Parks & Recreation Administration:
Mr. Aldrich advised they will be hiring a part time “Recreation Coordinator”. The main responsibility of the coordinator will be to manage the pool and employees. He or she will also be the point person for sports programs in the off season.
Patriotic Purposes:
Mr. Ray Boas asked what the Patriotic Expenses were for. Mr. Aldrich explained that flags are purchased and placed on Veteran’s graves for Memorial Day. Wreaths are also purchased for the Memorial Day exercises.
Mr. Peter Graves asked to explain the Police Department phone bill expense. Chief Michael Paquette explained that the phone bill includes the two lines at the Police Station, the Police cruiser phones as well as cellphones for his officers.
Mr. Evans Juris questioned the Board about the expenses of the Fire Department. Mr. Aldrich explained that the Fire Department has its own warrant and budget. The Fire District meeting will be held on Thursday, March 20, 2014 at 7:00 PM at the Walpole Fire Station.
Ms. Cheryl Mayberry had a few questions for the Selectboard. She first asked about the line item “Transfer to Conservation Trust”. Mrs. Clough explained that any Land Use Change Tax money, (up to $25,000) that is received for removing land from current use is transferred to the Conservation Trust. Ms. Mayberry also asked about the overage in the 2013 Highway Tar Fund budget. Mr. Aldrich advised that the Town experienced heavy road damages with the rain storms that we had in 2013. Due to the increased maintenance of the roads the Tar Fund went over budget. Ms. Mayberry also requested information on the EME Emergency Management line. Mrs. Clough explained that the majority of the expense in that line is what Southwest NH Fire District charged the Town for assessment fees from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2013. That line also includes the Emergency Management phone line and the salary for the Emergency Management Director.
Adjournment: Mr. Aldrich moved to adjourn this meeting. Seconded by Mr. Street. With all in favor, the motion was approved. The time was 6:35 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Janet Clough, Administrative Assistant
Minutes
For the regular meeting of the
Town of Walpole Selectboard
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
Present: Chas Street, Whitney Aldrich
Not Present: Jamie Teague
Five people in the audience
Mr. Aldrich, acting chair, called the meeting to order at 5:03 PM.
RECESS SELECTBOARD MEETING: Mr. Street moved to recess this Selectboard meeting. The Selectboard will enter into a meeting as the Hooper Trustees. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved. The time was 6:14 PM.
The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 5:16 PM
Accounts Payable
Mr. Street moved that the Accounts Payable Check Register in the Amount of $42,312.19 for payments dated 2/7/14 be approved as submitted. Mr. Aldrich seconded, and the motion passed with all in favor.
Mr. Street moved that the Void Check register for checks dated 2/7/14 in the amount of $14,731.02 be approved as submitted. Mr. Aldrich seconded, and the motion passed with all in favor.
Mr. Street moved that the Accounts Payable Check register for checks dated 2/4/14 in the amount of $14,731.02 be approved as submitted. Mr. Aldrich seconded, and the motion passed with all in favor.
Payroll
Mr. Street moved that the Payroll Register in the Amount of $20,178.96 for payments dated 2/7/14 be approved as submitted. Mr. Aldrich seconded, and the motion passed with all in favor.
Selectboard Meeting Minutes
Mr. Street moved that the Selectboard Minutes of January 16, 2014 be approved as submitted. Mr. Aldrich seconded, and the motion passed with all in favor.
Mr. Street moved that the Selectboard Minutes of January 29, 2014 be approved as submitted. Mr. Aldrich seconded, and the motion passed with all in favor.
Committee Reports
The Selectboard acknowledges receipt of the North Walpole Village District and Planning Board Workshop committee reports. Both committees met on January 28, 2014.
Abatement Refunds
Mr. Street moved that 3 Abatement Refunds to Wullbrandt, 277 Wentworth Rd, Map & Lot 008-022-000 (Tax Year 2011 for $13,319.88, TY 2012 for $726.67, and TY 2013 for $684.47) be approved as submitted. Mr. Aldrich seconded, and the motion passed with all in favor.
Veterans Credit
Mr. Street moved that the Veterans Credit be granted to Ms. Bard, 1048 County Rd, Map & Lot 003-012-007. Mr. Aldrich seconded, and the motion passed with all in favor.
Public Business
Petitioned Warrant Article: Mr. Peter Graves has presented a Warrant Article for SB2. In his opinion, this would lead to 600-800 voters participating instead of the 125 that currently attend Town Meeting. There would still be a Deliberative Session in which changes can be made. While warrant articles cannot be eliminated, changes could be made to the money part of them. Mr. Graves believes that Town Meeting has become less informative with less debate and wishes to try something new to increase participation.
Mr. Graves would also like to see the Town employees’ wage information added to the Town Report. Mr. Street and Mr. Aldrich agree that this is Public information but are hesitant to take this step without input from Ms. Teague.
Mr. Aldrich read the Petitioned Warrant article:
The Question: Per RSA 40:14, V, “Shall we adopt the provisions of RSA 40:13 (known as SB2) to allow official ballot voting on all issues before the Town of Walpole on the 2nd Tuesday of March?”
Adjournment
Mr. Aldrich moved to adjourn the meeting at 5:45pm. Mr. Street seconded, and the motion passed with all in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Elaine Heleen, Acting Recording Secretary
TOWN OF WALPOLE
PLANNING BOARD MEETING
PO Box 729
Walpole, NH 03608
AGENDA
MEETING DATE AND LOCATION:
Tuesday, March 11, 2014, at 7:00 PM in the Walpole Town Hall on the Second Floor.
Open Meeting:
Public Hearings:
Old Business:
New Business:
Other Business:
Planning Commission:
Adjourn Meeting:
Peggy Pschirrer was so happy to be able to share this with us. My feeling is, “right back at you Peggy”! – Lil
The first ever Winter Festival was a huge success because you all turned out for an afternoon of outdoor fun at the Hooper Institute and the Hooper Golf Club. It was exciting to see so many children, youth and adults enjoying the snow and the organized activities. A heartfelt thanks to all of you who participated.
The Savings Bank of Walpole generously sponsored the Winter Festival, which was planned by both the Hooper Preservation Fund and the Hooper Institute. This sponsorship, plus the donations from local businesses enabled us to bring the Festival activities and food to everyone without charge. In addition to The Savings Bank of Walpole, we received support from the following: Allen Bros. Farms, Best Septic, E. E. Houghton Co, Inc., Fall Mountain Regional School District, Great Brook Farm, Green Mountain Orchards, Hooper Hill Hoppers, L.A. Burdick Chocolate, Shaw’s Supermarket, Walpole Highway Department, and the Walpole Police Department.
The Volunteer Corps was numerous and dedicated as they worked as a team on Sunday. We couldn’t have carried out the Festival without them. All volunteers were important but a few need special mention: Andrea Blades who coordinated the event; Marcia Galloway who brought us the Hill Hoppers; Peter Graves who drove the tractor pull hayride; Jamie Teague who set up the mansion, made the chili and baked cupcakes; Jack Blades who made the pulled pork – a real treat; Sarah Downing who served cup after cup of hot chocolate made by John Cook; Ryan Owens who led a snow shoe hike in the woods; Pam Howard and Gail LaHaise who sold t-shirts and took donations; Christina Mansfield, Jennifer Lefebvre, Sue Dalessio, and Jennifer Kenson who assisted with games; Chas Street, our traffic director; Steve Dalessio, our MC; Joe Aldrich and Whit Aldrich who assisted with games; Eloise Clark and Rebecca Whippie for keeping the Hooper Institute open and Lowell Bauer whose pictures have recorded the event for posterity.
A new Walpole tradition began on Sunday, March 2, 2014. Let’s begin the plans for next year!
Regards to all,
The Hooper Preservation Committee
Although I have not been successful in getting a copy of the actual ballots, I did want to give everyone a heads up on contested seats that we will need to vote on next week. – Lil
Uncontested seats include:
Ernest Vose, moderator
Ray Boas, Treasurer
Robert Kimball, Trustee of Trust Funds
Cindy Westover, Supervisor of the Checklist
Ernest Vose, Zoning Board
Roberta Nelson, Library Trustee (1 year term)
Shirley Capron, Jennifer Kelly, Katherine Nerrie (three 3 year terms)
Dale Woodward, Cemetary Trustee
Thank you to all these people who have made the commitment. – Lil
The interest really comes from the contested races, however. Those races include:
Steve D’Alessio and Joe Aldrich, Selectman
Jamie Teague, Kelley Hicks, Eric Merlein, and Jason Perron for two seats on the Planning Board
Thank you to all six of these people who have stepped up to the plate and are ready to make a three year commitment. – Lil
In the Fall Mountain Regional School District races, there are three open seats.
Alstead has a vacancy and while no one filed for the position, it is my understanding that David Hogan has agreed to be a write-in candidate.
Charlestown has two people running – John Streeter and Eric Johnson
Langdon has two as well – Mary Henry and Kenneth Hart
David Edkins is uncontested as Moderator
To be better prepared to enter the voting booth, you should be aware that the Town Report is now available in the Town Hall and the School Report can be obtained at the office at school. These reports include the Warrant Articles that you will have an opportunity to vote on, either in the booth (in the case of the school warrant) or at Town Meeting for the Town articles. – Lil
FALL MOUNTAIN REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
Fall Mountain Regional High School Library
Monday, February 10, 2014
6:30 PM
Chair Henry called the meeting to order at 6:34 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, January 27, 2014 Public Session. Passed unanimously.
Motion: (Streeter/St. Pierre) to approve the minutes from Monday, January 27, 2014 Non-Public Session. Passed unanimously.
REPORT OF ADMINISTRATORS
Lori Landry, Superintendent presented the board with a PowerPoint Presentation highlighting the 2013-2014 NECAP scores. In addition, she spoke to the timeline of initiatives, elements of Common Core as well as strategic plan goals.
Deb Connell spoke to the professional development happening throughout the district, including SWIFT initiative, depth of knowledge, Common Core curriculum alignment, technology integration, STEM and data driven instruction.
Ms. Connell commented that she is continuously impressed with the technology platform that has been created at Fall Mountain.
Donna Jones spoke to the happenings in the Special Education Department. The Special Education teachers and service providers have been spending time with the regular education teachers, looking at common core to better align their curriculum. Ms. Jones also mentioned that the West Central Special Education Directors would be offering trainings in the spring.
John Streeter asked about the FM NECAP scores, specifically the 11th grade MAP scores and why the decline in scores. He also asked how this data would be looked at three years from now.
Superintendent Landry commented that the district is currently working to align their curriculum, and that the Math Department is meeting continuously to work on strategies to improve.
Mr. St. Pierre requested that data from the Charlestown and Alstead Preschools be reviewed and trends be discussed at a later date.
OLD BUSINESS
Chair Henry recognized Simon Pierpont, Student Representative who reported that the Walpole Clarion would be publishing an article on the upcoming FM JROTC Normandy trip as well as producing a follow up article once they have returned.
Lil DeCoste mentioned that the she would be happy to post an article for the Walpolean. Mr. Pierpont will get her the information.
Simon also mentioned that the students are talking about the upcoming Dance Marathon scheduled for March 14th. He also mentioned that the senior class is planning their senior trip and that more information will be brought forward soon.
Brandon Hill, Teacher Representative reported that the Walpole School has been participating is various wellness events and preparing for the March 5th academic fair. Other happenings around the district include, district wide basketball tournaments, 100-day activities at NCCS, and an Iditarod unit.
Lil DeCoste reported that the PD Committee meets this week and the next Pre-Kindergarten meeting is scheduled for early March.
John Streeter reported that the Policy Committee met this evening and policies will be brought forward for review at the next meeting.
NEW BUSINESS
Motion: (Streeter/DeCoste) to approve a conditional contract for Emma VanAlystyne, Paraprofessional, Vilas, effective February 10, 2014 (S1/C2). Passed unanimously.
Gabe St. Pierre asked for clarification on the Para II certification requirements and certification process.
Chair Henry requested that the remaining agenda items be voted on after non-public session.
OTHER
Lil DeCoste commented that there were two parent letters received and requested that a discussion be added to the next board agenda.
TREASURER’S REPORT
Motion: (Christie/Streeter) to approve the Treasurer’s Report for period ending February 10, 2014. Passed unanimously.
Account Payable: $670,135.83
Payroll: $513,967.67
Motion: (Streeter/St. Pierre) to enter into non-public session under RSA 91-A: 3(c) to discuss a personnel issue. Passed unanimously.
Following an affirmative roll call vote, the Board entered non-public session at 7:22 PM.
The Board exited non-public session at 8:30 PM and resumed public session.
Motion: (DeCoste/Streeter) to approve an unpaid leave of absence for Evelyn Pogorzelski, Special Education Teacher, APS. Passed unanimously.
Motion: (DeCoste/Streeter) to approve a conditional contract for Mark Tanner, Special Education Teacher, effective February 10, 2014-June 30, 2014. Passed unanimously.
Motion: (Streeter/St. Pierre) to approve an unpaid leave of absence for Michelle O’Brien, Alstead Attendance Area Custodian. Passed 4:1 (Collins)
Motion: to approve an unpaid leave of absence for Angela Smith, Paraprofessional, Alstead Primary School. Passed unanimously.
Motion: (DeCoste/Christie) to adjourn the meeting. Passed unanimously.
Hearing nothing further, the meeting adjourned at 8:40 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Misty D. Bushee
School Board Clerk
The Walpolean 
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