RYE, NEW HAMPSHIRE - SAU 50 - Greenland, NH

To be approved by the Rye School Board at its May 15, 2013 meeting.

RYE SCHOOL DISTRICT

RYE, NEW HAMPSHIRE

The regular monthly meeting of the School Board of the Rye School District was held at Rye Junior High
School on April 17, 2013 at 5:00 p.m.

School Board Members: Peggy Balboni, Mike Schwartz, Jeanne Moynahan,
Michael Moody, Scott Marion

Administrators: Dr. George A. Cushing, Superintendent
Mary Lyons, Assistant Superintendent
Chris Pollet, Principal, Rye Junior High
Patricia-Lane Richardson, Principal, Rye Elementary

Staff: Mary Coombs, Sheila Adams, Dr. Robin Ellwood, Sally Welch, Phoebe
Bischoff, Jeanne Brown, Ron Fortier, Maggie Hanna, Sharry Sparks

Residents/Visitors: Peter Crawford, Karen Allen, Kate Hillman

CALL TO ORDER Mrs. Moynahan called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.

Recognition of Dr. Robin Ellwood – Dr. Cushing and Mrs. Moynahan presented Robin with a recognition
plaque for recognition of her achievement in receiving her Doctorate degree.

SECRETARY’S REPORT
Approval of minutes
Mrs. Balboni made a motion, seconded by Mr. Schwartz, to approve the public minutes of March 20, 2013 as
presented. Vote: unanimously approved.
Mrs. Balboni made a motion, seconded by Dr. Marion, to approve the public minutes of March 27, 2013 as
presented. Vote: unanimously approved.
Mrs. Balboni made a motion, seconded by Dr. Marion, to approve the public minutes of March 28, 2013 as
presented. Vote: unanimously approved.
Dr. Marion made a motion, seconded by Mr. Schwartz, to approve the public minutes of April 1, 2013 as
presented. Vote: unanimously approved.

Communications

Rye Recreation After School Program newsletter
Letter of resignation – David Glidden for 2013-2014 – due to the needs of his family

River Bissonnette is being honored by Phillips Exeter Academy for being an inspiring

educator; he was nominated by a former RJH student who is currently at Phillips Exeter.

Committee Assignments
The following 2013-14 school board committee assignments were established. The school board representative
is noted for each committee with a back up in parentheses as appropriate.

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Reporting Committees:

AREA/Secondary School Advisory: Peggy
Budget Committee (Town of Rye): Peggy
Capital Improvements Plan (Town of Rye): Jeanne
Curriculum (SAU 50): Scott (Peggy)
DINI/SINI: Scott (Peggy)
Emergency Management (Town of Rye): Jeanne
PTA: Peggy (Jeanne)
Policy (SAU 50): Jeanne
Professional Development (SAU 50): Peggy (Scott)
Rye Education Foundation: Mike M. (Mike S.)
Rye Recreation (Town of Rye): Mike M.
Special Issues: Mike M., Mike S.

Advisory Committees:

Class Size Advisory: Scott, Mike S.
Health Insurance Advisory: Mike M.
Teacher Evaluation: Scott (Mike S.)
Technology Advisory: Mike S.

Special Duties:

Building Use/Physical Plant - Mike Moody
Contract Negotiations (staff) - Mike Moody
Communications – Peggy Balboni, Mike Schwartz
Manifest Review– Jeanne Moynahan
NHSBA Representative– Jeanne Moynahan, Scott Marion
Peer Schools – Scott Marion
Superintendent’s Evaluation (SAU50) – Jeanne Moynahan
Survey– Scott Marion
Transportation (SAU 50) – Mike Moody
Wage and Benefit (SAU 50) – Mike Moody

Other - none

Public Hearing 5:30 – 6:00
Tuition Expendable Trust Fund - The Rye School Board will hold a Public Hearing, in
compliance with RSA 198:20-c, in the cafeteria at the Rye Junior High School, 501 Washington
Road, Rye, NH on Wednesday, April17, 2013 at 5:30 p.m. for the purpose of potentially
authorizing expenditures from the Tuition Expendable Trust Fund.

There is $100,000 in the tuition expendable trust fund. Mr. Katkin is asking to use up to $99,000 and will spend
only what he needs. This can be used for PHS tuition . Due to illness Mr. Katkin was not present at tonight’s
meeting.

Resident, Peter Crawford stated that he had spoken to Mr. Katkin and that PHS was to come in well under
budget. His question concerned the number of students at PHS. Mrs. Balboni clarified that the expendable trust

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is for all tuitions. Shortfall may have been in special education. Dr. Cushing will confirm with Mr. Katkin and
get the clarification to Mr. Crawford.

REPORTS
Scheduling committee: Assistant Superintendent Mrs. Lyons reported out on the scheduling committee and put
forth the committee’s recommendation to the board. The committee recommends changing the hours at Rye
Junior High with classes beginning at 8:15 a.m. and ending at 2:50 p.m. Rye Elementary School hours will
remain unchanged: -8:15 a.m. – 2:45 p.m. The bus route will be changed in the fall to pick up RES students
first in the afternoon. Mr. Katkin will look into individual bus routes for efficiencies as he does each year. The
May special issues meeting will address the new schedule and there will be a Q and A session. It will also
address the increase in core instructional time at RJH. Concerns from Ron Fortier about athletic buses were
brought up. Mrs. Lyons discussed this with Mr. Katkin and he was not aware of any late buses. Mr. Katkin
was not aware that there were issues around timing for athletic buses, but he will work with the bus company.
Mr. Schwartz stated that there is another bus company that could be looked at. There was discussion about
obtaining parent input regarding the afternoon bus change. Concerns should be forwarded to Mr. Katkin and he
will address them with the bus company. Mr. Pollet talked about the increase in core instruction time and the
balance of unified arts time at RJH.

Mrs. Balboni made a motion, seconded by Mr. Schwartz, to accept the recommendation of school schedule
committee and approve the new hours at RJH effective August 27, 2013. Vote unanimously approved.

Discussion: Unified arts – Mr. Pollet are working on some changes to the schedule and will have that
information by the May Board meeting. This committee has completed its charge and will be disbanded. Vote:
Unanimously approved.

Mrs. Balboni made a motion; seconded by Dr. Marion, to suspend the regular meeting for the purpose of
discussion of expendable trust fund. See discussion above.

Mrs. Balboni made motion, seconded by Mr. Schwartz, to open the public hearing at 5:35 p.m.

The Class Size Advisory Committee – Membership consists of: two principals, two teacher reps from each
school, Mr. Schwartz and Dr. Marion from the board. There was some discussion about altering the
composition of the committee. It was suggested that we look into parent representation from someone who was
initially invested in the class size discussion. Ms. Richardson stated that Elise Bolton from the Parent Advisory
Council had been selected to serve as the RES parent on this committee. It was suggested that as Ms. Bolton
had already served on many committees, that perhaps she might be willing to drop off the committee and allow
another parent to serve. Dr. Marion will speak to Ms. Bolton.

There was discussion about changing the charge of the committee to add differentiated instruction. Dr. Marion
is concerned that we are not meeting the needs of the upper end (academically advanced) students. Dr. Cushing
talked about our mission about challenging each child. If parents have concerns they should see teachers and
principals. Dr. Cushing has not heard that we are not meeting these challenges. This is an appropriate topic for
the retreat and not for the class size committee. This committee should remain focused on considering the
appropriate class size for grade levels.

Dr. Marion expressed some concerns with educational programming; this maybe a topic for another committee.
Topic: Examining best practice. Ms. Lyons stated that it is the administration who examines best practice. We
use data to drive those discussions. Data shows that the children excel and do well. We are always looking to
improve – RTI is a great example. We are looking at students’ growth and data driven instruction.

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Dr. Marion will bring research studies to this committee. Mr. Schwartz stated that Dr. Cushing, or the
principals, should present how students are being challenged. Technology is being highlighted tonight; maybe
math can be highlighted at the next board meeting. Mr. Moody said we have to be realistic otherwise we would
have one on one student learning. Mrs. Balboni felt the meeting should continue with its existing charge.

Next month update on math. Examples: How we are differentiating math?, extended student learning,
examples of where we are “pushing the top end”. Principals will get together with math teachers and Giselle
Chagnon, the math specialist. How are students identified? And what program changes are made?

Mrs. Moynahan asked if there were more questions about the public hearing

Mrs. Balboni made a motion, seconded by Dr. Marion, to end the Public Hearing ended at 6:15 p.m. Vote:
Unanimously approved.

Mrs. Balboni made a motion, seconded by Dr. Marion, to spend up to $99,000 from the tuition expendable trust
fund to cover the shortfall in HS tuition. Vote: unanimously approved. Mr. Katkin will be asked to come to the
next meeting to clarify the proposed expenditures from the tuition expendable trust.

Superintendent’s Reports
Dr. Cushing reported on two state committees that he sits on: the Governor’s Dropout Recovery Council and
Early Learning New Hampshire.

Highlights included:
NH has made significant progress in the past several years in reducing the high school dropout rate, to
the point that NH’s dropout rate is one of the lowest in the Nation. Governor Lynch made this a
centerpiece of his administration and under his leadership the age that NH students could drop out of
school was changed from 16 years old to 18 years old. That change alone made a significant impact on
reducing the number of dropouts. In addition, the Governor and NHDOE forged a bond with
community colleges and alternative pathways to colleges were developed and expanded.

In 2003 Governor Benson and the governor’s council established a Dropout Recovery Council which
included members of the legislature, the Deputy Commissioner of Education, the Community College
System Chancellor, and I was selected as the New Hampshire School Administrative Association
(NHSAA) representative. The Commission meets quarterly. Over the years there have been two main
focuses of the commission: The first is awarding what used to be $3.5 million dollars (and is now $1.5
million dollars) by way of competitive grants to NH high schools to support innovative dropout
recovery programs and the second focus is to prepare a yearly report on NH Dropout Recovery
progress to the state legislature. Over the ten years that I have served on this council I have had the
opportunity to visit some of these funded programs in Laconia, Manchester, Farmington, Milton, and
Rochester to see how the dollars are being spent.

Dr. Cushing was asked to visit the Manchester School District with Deputy Commissioner Paul Leather
and other Dropout commission members to see why, after several years of lowering Manchester’s
dropout rate, the dropout rate has increased significantly this year.

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In speaking with the staff and students at the Manchester School of Technology, which is the alternative
high school, it was obvious that the school has made inroads with their programming. They have begun
to offer competency based diplomas and extended learning opportunities. The other high schools in
Manchester are not fairing as well, citing poor attendance of at risk students and lack of supports in
place.

Superintendent Tom Brennan made it crystal clear why he felt the city schools were trending in the
wrong direction and cited two drivers: First, the shrinking school budgets which, because of a tax cap
and reduced state funding have seen the elimination of assistant principals (those on the front line with
at risk students) and a total reduction of 118 full-time equivalent staff members. The resulting larger
class sizes have some classes with 30+ students to 1 teacher. The overall economy has created the need
for more students to go to work to support their families. Secondly, the lack of resources for the pre-K-
Grade 2 age group that would assure all children are able to read before they pass through the grades. As
we know, and research shows, a struggling reader is more likely to become a dropout.
Dr. Cushing stated the cuts that are made to social programs, education, police, etc. may help balance or
reduce a state or local budget, but what is the real long-term cost of not putting the money where it
needs to be to assure that essential services are available for students and citizens?

Dr. Cushing is most proud of the joining of the two boards that he sits on: the Dropout Recovery and Early
Learning NH. For the first time the Dropout Recovery report to the legislature will feature a section on the
importance of state and local support of quality early childhood education in preventing high school dropouts.
There is an obvious connection, but like so many things, one that has not been made at the local legislative
level. He expects that each year the cooperation, coordination and sharing of resources between the early
childhood council and the high school dropout recovery council will become a united thoughtful, deliberate NH
discussion.

A. Rye Elementary School Report

Ms. Richardson reported out on Rye Elementary School. Highlights included:

The grade 3-5 concert
The second grade biography presentations
Spaghetti supper
Field trips
Physical Education Dance unit
Artist in residence, Ryan Higgins (author/artists
The book fair, guidance programs:
SASS and Kids and Company
Grade 5 science fair
Many exciting enrichment activities.
Fun Finale is well underway for our fifth grade students.

Ms. Richardson was asked why RES is moving to the departmentalized model. She responded that it is a sound
educational model.

B. Rye Junior High School Report

Mr. Pollet reported on the following:

Teachers are reaching out to parents to inform them of classroom and school events. Ms. Adams was
published for her work

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Dr. Ellwood has 2 teams going to Buzzards Bay for robotics
Advisory unit on common courtesy was a success
Cafeteria is starting a new pre-made salad program with environmentally friendly box. It has been a
great year for the lunch program. Thank you to Lisa Furman.

C. Financial
Mrs. Balboni made a motion, seconded by Mr. Schwartz, to accept the manifest of 3/15/13 to 4/1/13 in
the amount of $370,914.25. Vote: Unanimously approved.
Dr. Marion made a motion, seconded by Mr. Schwartz to accept the manifest of for 4/2/13 to 4/15/13
in the amount of $376,622.93. Vote: Unanimously approved.

Mrs. Balboni made a motion, seconded by Mr. Schwartz, to approve the non-pubic minutes of March 20; 2013
Vote: unanimously approved.
Dr. Marion made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Balboni, to approve the non-public minutes of March 27; 2013
Vote: unanimously approved.
Dr. Marion made a motion, seconded by Mr. Schwartz, to accept the non-public minutes of March 28; 2013
Vote: unanimously approved.
Dr. Marion made a motion, seconded by Mr. Schwartz, to accept the non-public minutes of April 1, 2013Voted:
unanimously approved.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
 Calendar of policy action – April
All completed

Mrs. Wheeler and Mr. Lawson presented an excellent PowerPoint presentation. They talked about where we
came from, where we are going, and the three-year plan. They showed examples of some of the work that
students and staff are doing including morning news announcements using the equipment donated by REF.
They also spoke about how technology is imbedded in our K-5 curriculum. Mrs. Wheeler talked about how she
integrated internet safety and citizenship and ethics into her library/media curriculum.

RECOGNITION OF GROUPS OR INDIVIDUAL VISITORS
Mrs. Hillman stated that she is happy with RTI but not happy that students who are high performing are
not having their academic needs met. Mr. Moody agreed that high performing students are not being
met. Are all kids getting extra enrichment who should be? There should be indicator that the schools
are picking up on. Mrs. Balboni felt that the class size committee was not the right way to address
academic achievers. Dr. Cushing will bring this topic to the summer retreat.

Dr. Marion talked about the survey and questions about level of challenge and engagement that students
feel. This is more important than test scores.

The school board should determine what data we are using to determine programming for individual
student needs. How are students being challenged? There was discussion about how we can make our
schools even better. Instructional practices in classrooms designed to motivate accelerated learners.

At the next meeting administrators should bring a plan for the summer retreat to address the concerns
around differentiation and maximizing learning opportunities for all students.

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Public Comment
Mrs. Allen stated that she wants to open communication between parents and the school board. She
requested that the school board post draft minutes. Mrs. Allen also felt that the agenda was not specific
enough. Parents would like to know more specific agenda items. Discussion followed and school board
members agreed to send out a reminder email with specific topics noted for discussion

Suggestion: Communication: 2 sentences and 3 bullets and then the link would be more helpful.

Other: RESPA agreement – Mike Schwartz updated the school board members about a health care
agreement in the recently signed 3-year RESPA contract. Per the contract, the school board agreed to
contribute up to $12,500 per year for reimbursement for any prescription co-pays in excess of $20,
which is the difference between preferred name brand drugs and non-preferred name brand drugs. The
school board and RESPA researched potential vendors who would provide such a service and contacted
four for an estimate of cost to the district. Of the four vendors, Mr. Katkin recommends that the Board
go with Benefit Strategies of Manchester, NH. The total cost to the school district is estimated to be
$1,387 per year.

Mr. Marion made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Balboni, to accept Mr. Katkin's recommendation to
proceed with the Benefit Strategies of Manchester, NH. The motion passed unanimously.

STANDING COMMITTEES
Advisory Committees

A. Rye Technology Advisory Committee - nothing further to report
B. School Schedule Advisory Committee – nothing further to report

Reporting Committees
A. Policies

The following policies were presented for adoption
CB - Duties of the School Superintendent – Mrs. Balboni made a motion for adoption; Dr. Marion seconded;
Vote: unanimously approved.

CF - School Building Administrators – Dr. Marion made a motion for adoption; Mrs. Balboni seconded;
discussion followed. Vote: unanimously approved.

CFB - Building Administrator(s) Evaluation – Mrs. Balboni made a motion to adopt; seconded for discussion.
Mrs. Balboni withdrew her motion.. After board discussion it was agreed to delete the “should area of need…”
paragraph .Mrs. Balboni made the motion, seconded by Dr. Marion to adopt the policy with noted change. Vote:
Unanimously approved.

CHD - Administration in Policy Absence - Mr. Schwartz made a motion to adopt; Mrs. Balboni seconded: Vote
unanimously approved.

JFAA - Admission of Resident Students - Mrs. Balboni made a motion to adopt; Mr. Schwartz seconded: Vote:
unanimously approved.

The following policy was presented for first reading:
EBBD - Indoor Air Quality Program – (required policy). The board accepted the policy for first reading.

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B. Curriculum Report

C. Rye Education Foundation –
REF has the spring grants and they will ready in May to review grants.
Lee Ingraham Grant – no one applied.
Discussion about Rachel’s Challenge.
Parent night is being rescheduled.
Social Emotional Development –
Sound system at RES – look at microphones

D. Portsmouth High School – area meeting May 8th at 5:00 p.m. Portsmouth has sister city in Japan.

E. Parent Teacher Association – next meeting tomorrow at 9:30 at RES. Jeanne is retiring as membership
chair. There will be a new treasurer (Nicky Callahan) sworn in at the meeting.

F. Rye Recreation – there was a meeting, but Lee Arthur and the chairperson were not present. Working
on language for memorandum of agreement.

G. Budget – nothing to report. Jim has requested funds to seal coat the parking lot at RES. Mr. Schwartz
made a motion, seconded by Mr. Moody, to allocate up to $6,350 from maintenance objective fund to
seal coat the parking lot at RES as it has become a safety issue. Cracks will be filled. Vote:
unanimously approved.

H. Special Issues – Topics are bus schedule, RJH schedule. length of school day, and middle school
philosophy. Mr. Pollet will follow up with Mrs. Lyons to determine if either May 21 or 28 works for
her.

I. Class size committee

NEW BUSINESS none

AGENDA PLANNING
Wednesday, May 15th, 5:00 p.m. – Rye School Board meeting, new principal to be introduced
Wednesday, May 29th, 6:30 p.m. – SAU #50 School Board meeting, New Castle
Monday, May 13th, 6:00 p.m. – Mark Joyce – Superintendent search PHS Conference room
Friday, June 14th – Portsmouth HS graduation – 5:30
Tuesday, June 18th – RJH graduation at 7:00 PM
Monday, June 10th, 5:00 PM – Rye School Board meeting (PLEASE NOTE CHANGE OF DATE)
Rye School Board retreat to be held July 9, 11 or 12 (preference is the 11th) Dr. Cushing will book a
meeting room.

Other
Mrs. Balboni made a motion, seconded by Mr. Schwartz, to accept David Glidden’s resignation effective June
30, 2013. Vote: unanimously approved.

NON-PUBLIC SESSION
RSA 91-A: 3, II (a)

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On a motion by Mrs. Balboni, seconded by Mrs. Moynahan, the school board entered non-public session at
9:00pm, in accordance with RSA: 91-A:3 II (a). Vote: Unanimous on a roll call vote.
PUBLIC SESSION:
The Board returned to public session at 9:14 p.m. on a roll call vote.
Dr. Marion made a motion, seconded by Mr. Moody to seal the non public minutes of April 17, 2013. Vote:
Unanimous on roll call vote.
ADJOURNMENT –
Dr. Marion made a motion, seconded by Mr. Moody, to adjourn at 9:15 p.m. Motion passed unanimously.
School board secretary

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