WENTWORTH SCHOOL BOARD
MEETING MINUTES
WENTWORTH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
April 17, 2006
MEMBERS PRESENT Mr. Morrison, Mrs. Gelsi, Mrs. Mack
OTHERS PRESENT Mrs. Gaides, Mr. Keene, Mrs. Bownes – Recording Secretary
PUBLIC PRESENT 34 members of the Wentworth community were present.
CALL TO ORDER Mr. Morrison called the meeting to order at 6:06 p.m.
NON-PUBLIC SESSION At 6:05 p.m. it was moved by Mrs. Gelsi, seconded by Mr. Morrison that the Board move into non-public session in accordance with RSA 91-A:3, II to discuss a resignations and a parent issue. The Board was polled, vote was unanimous.
It was moved by Mr. Morrison, seconded by Mrs. Gelsi to accept the resignations of the following staff:
1. Steve Ligett
2. Janice McKim
3. Jennifer Walker
4. Andrea Canterbury
5. Erin Decotis
6. Tristan Blake
Vote was unanimous.
It was moved by Mr. Morrison, seconded by Mrs. Gelsi to approve the transfer of Alison Bagley to grade 6. Vote was unanimous.
AGENDA REVIEW The Board reviewed and disposed of the agenda.
AND DISPOSITION
MINUTES It was moved by Mrs. Gelsi, seconded by Mrs. Mack to approve the minutes of the March 23, 2006 meetings as amended. Vote was unanimous.
The following amendments were made to the minutes of the March 23, 2006 meeting:
1. The spelling of Gaudette will be corrected throughout the document
2. Under Call to Order, Mrs. Gaides shall replace Mrs. Dustin
3. Under Election of the Chairman, it shall be noted that Mrs. Gelsi nominated Mr. Morrison and the motion was seconded by Mrs. Mack
4. Throughout the minutes, Mrs. Dustin shall be replaced by Mrs. Gelsi
5. In Public Session the slate of nominations shall be reflected as having been approved with a vote of 2 – 1 (Mrs. Mack opposing)
PRINCIPAL’S REPORT None
DISCUSSION ITEMS Tabled to the next meeting.
Electronic Equipment/
Cell Phone Policy
Weapons Policy Tabled to the next meeting.
NECAP Results Tabled to the next meeting.
Other Issues Tabled to the next meeting.
RECOGNITION & None
AWARDS
THE FLOOR
Mr. Muzzey unnecessary for the Board to spend so long in the executive session and it could have been continued under Item X.
Mr. Morrison said that with regard to the non-public session, and parent issues, it does take precedent. He said that he apologizes for this, but that is the way it is going to be.
Mr. Millican agreed with Mr. Muzzey and stated that in his opinion the best way to handle this is to schedule these items earlier or do these items at the end of the meeting.
Scott _____________ regarding resignations read a letter voicing his opposition to the dismissal of staff.
Mr. Muzzey asked if these staff members that have resigned been given a reason for their request. Mrs. Gaides reviewed with those present RSA189:14A with regard to renomination/re-election.
Mrs. Comeau advised that with regard to No Child Left Behind these staff members may not be highly qualified as required by NCLB.
Mrs. Borger asked who makes the initial recommendation for dismissal and who makes the final decision. Nominations come from the Superintendent and Election from the School Board.
Mr. Muzzey pointed out that the Board can’t elect unless the Superintendent nominates.
Ms. Frederick asked if the Superintendent offered alternatives for staff to become highly qualified and Mrs. Gaides said that the alternative IV and V is offered throughout the SAU.
Mr. Blake advised that he is certified in English 5 – 12 and the SAU paid for the praxis test and he is scheduled to take the test. He commented that he thought he had until June to become highly qualified.
Mr. Morrison said that there was a certain date that the nominations had to be made and the Board can’t wait to see if he passes the test or not. Mr. Morrison said that the opening will be posted and Mr. Blake can apply for the position.
A citizen at the meeting Are there other highly qualified teachers line up for these positions. Mr. Morrison said that the positions will be advertised and posted as required.
Mrs. Gaides advised that she did not ask Mr. Blake for his letter of resignation. Mr. Blake said he was asked to put in his letter that he was non-renewed.
Mr. Morrison said he is not going to give a reason for the staff resignations.
Ms. Plante asked who requested the resignations and Mr. Morrison said no one. Mr. Keene said that he gave Mr. Blake that option (resignation). Mrs. Gelsi explained that Mr. Keene had advised Mr. Blake that he would not be renewed and for his benefit, he could resign.
Mr. Muzzey said that what Mr. Blake was forced into was making a decision on the lesser of two equals. Mr. Muzzey asked if the Board has ever visited the classrooms of those being non-renewed. Mr. Muzzey asked if teacher evaluation reports written and if any of these evaluations were negative.
Mrs. Sullivan said she has several letters in support of the staff being non-renewed. She said that Wentworth has all sorts of positions vacant at the moment. She said that attracting candidates with the low salaries being offered will be difficult. Mrs. Sullivan said it is her belief that we need to make some effort to retain these people for both continuity and quality of education.
A citizen at the meeting asked what the percentage of highly qualified middle school teachers in the SAU. Mrs. Gaides said that the highly qualified percentage in the SAU is very high throughout the K-12 districts.
Mrs. Herlihy asked if other schools are getting hit like Wentworth is with regard to highly qualified teachers and she asked why Wentworth wasn’t prepared for this. Mrs. Gaides said that there are similar situations in other districts.
Mr. Young asked if there wasn’t a way to work with these teachers, especially since they are going to take the test.
Ms. Gaudette asked if there is anything that can be done to retain the personnel that have resigned. Mrs. Gelsi said that there isn’t anything that can be done.
Mr. Morrison inquired as to the process for hiring staff and this was reviewed by Mr. Morrison and Mrs. Gelsi.
Mr. Muzzey said that the motion made after non-public session could be rescinded by the Board. He said that the motion should have been made after input from the public was received.
Mr. Muzzey said that for the SAU to pay for the test doesn’t make sense if the person is being non-renewed.
Mr. Muzzey suggested there my have been personal differences involved between the staff and the staff resigning and suggested that perh
Mrs. Gaides with regard to the certification of the staff being non-renewed, advised that she is unable to comment on this.
Mr. Morrison advised that Mr. Legitt resigned on his own because he found something better as did Ms. Decotis as well as Ms. Walker.
Mr. Muzzey said he would like the Board to make a directive to the SAU to make sure the teacher knows why they are being let go. Mr. Morrison
Mr. Kolb asked what procedure is in place for replacing Mr. Keene. Mr. Morrison advised that a search committee is being formed and an advertisement has been placed soliciting participation.
Mrs. Comeau requested that parents be included on the search committee. Mr. Morrison said that those interested are to contact Mrs. Gaides at the SAU.
Mrs. Sullivan asked with regard to No Child Left Behind if the federal or state interpretation was being used. Mrs. Gaides said that New Hampshire has to go by the federal guidelines set forth in the No Child Left Behind Act.
Mr. Millican asked what the penalty is for not following No Child Left Behind. Mrs. Gaides advised that we would no longer be eligible for federal grants and as a title I school, if you do not have highly qualified teachers, letter have to go home to the families of the school. Mr. Millican asked how much money that would mean to the school annually. Mrs. Gaides said that it would be under $200,000. Mrs. Gaides pointed out that this is also part of the minimum standards and loss of accreditation. She said the Superintendent would also lose his certification for not hiring qualified staff.
Mrs. Morrison asked if the Board will be hiring teachers aides to replace those leaving and the Board confirmed that they would be hiring aides.
Mr. Muzzey asked why the Board allowed the administration to spend money and make a person jump through hoops with no clue as to why they are not being renewed.
Ms. Gossler, a student, commented that she is upset that these teachers are leaving.
Ms. Frederick asked if there was a cut off for applications. Mr. Morrison said that no limit for hiring has been established. Mr. Morrison advised that teachers must be highly qualified by June 30, 2006.
Mr. Patten asked if any of the teachers being dismissed if they were to become highly qualified, would they have a better chance of being hired since they are already in house.
Ms. Brown asked if Mr. Blake were to become certified would he be qualified to apply. The Board said that any qualified teacher is welcome to apply for openings.
Mr. Millican asked how much money the Wentworth School is spending to stay in compliance with NCLB. Mrs. Gaides said she would have to look this up and advised that NHSBA has done some research on this and she will get the information to Mr. Millican.
Mrs. Sanborn voiced her frustration with NCLB and the loss of these staff members.
A citizen at the meeting inquired if there are a lot of highly qualified teachers looking for jobs? Mrs. Gaides said that the positions have to be advertised and posted as required.
Mrs. Young asked if there are plans to reconfigure the grades. The Board explained the plans for the configuration of the grades.
Mr. Muzzey commented that his opinion is that the Board would want to know a reason for not being rehired if they were in this position. He asked if the Board would consider rescinding the motion for non-renewal.
Mr. Kenyon asked if a contingency plan will be developed if we don’t have enough teachers to run the school. The Board expressed confidence that the school will be fully staffed.
Mrs. Kolb said that Tristan Blake was an excellent teacher and it will be hard to replace him. Mrs. Kolb said that her feeling is that Wentworth will get bottom of the barrel in place of a quality teacher.
A citizen at the meeting asked what the costs related to searching, hiring and retraining new people is and who foots that bill. Mr. Morrison said that the positions that are opened will be filled by highly qualified teachers.
Superintendent makes the decision to cut these positions knowing they should be supporting Wentworth. Mrs. Mack said that the costs involved are already contained in the budget. Mr. Morrison said that there is no extra cost.
Mr. Millican pointed out that whether the state, SAU or Wentworth pays for all of this it, it is still in your taxes.
Mrs. Borger asked when these job postings will be in the public. Mr. Morrison advised that they will be posted tomorrow on edjobsnh.com.
Mr. Muzzey said that the cost of hiring is not a remote concern as it is a pittance. He said what is an issue is the damage done. Mr. Muzzey said everyone here has spoken in favor of those who resigned. He said something smells afoul here.
Ms. Frederick suggested that those with concerns write letters to your representatives expressing your disapproval of the NCLB.
Mr. Young thanked the Board for being patient with the public and the questions asked.
FUTURE MEETINGS Following are the upcoming meeting dates for the Wentworth School Board:
May 15, 2006
June 19, 2006
ADJOURNMENT At 9:40 p.m., it was moved by Mrs. Gelsi, seconded by Mrs. Mack that there being no further business to come before the Board, that the meeting be adjourned. Vote was unanimous.
Respectfully Submitted,
Karen A. Bownes
Recording Secretary
Board Works