EPPING SCHOOL BOARD MINUTES - SAU 14

EPPING SCHOOL BOARD MINUTES
EPPING TOWN HALL
JANUARY 17, 2013
7:00 PM
APPROVED
I. CALL TO ORDER
Chairman David Mylott called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance.
In attendance were David Mylott (Chair), Jeffrey Harris (Vice Chair), Gregory Dodge (Member), Brian Reed
(Member), Shannon Boelter (Member), and Barbara Munsey (Superintendent).
In the audience were Larry Averill (Athletic Director) and Robin O’Day (community member).
II.
SCHEDULED GUESTS
A. GRADE 4 TEACHERS – INTEGRATED STUDIES PRESENTATION
This will be rescheduled at a later date.
B. LARRY AVERILL (ATHLETIC DIRECTOR) – UNIFORMS (ADDITION TO AGENDA)
Board members had received e-mails from several parents who were unhappy that the new basketball
uniforms are black and white, rather than blue and white. Superintendent Munsey distributed copies
of School Board minutes from the April 24, 2008 meeting (SEE ATTACHED) where the following
motion was passed:
Shawn Patton’s final motion was that the official mascot of the Epping Middle School and Epping
High School shall be the “Epping Blue Devils” and that the official school colors of the Epping
Middle School be blue and white with red trim and the Epping High School be blue and white with
black trim. Further, that no variations shall be made to either the school mascot or the school colors
of the Epping Middle School and Epping High School without the expressed written consent of the
Epping School Board, and that the Epping School District administrators and staff shall encourage,
not discourage, the students from proudly wearing the official mascot and/or colors of the Epping
Middle School and Epping High School. Susan Kimball seconded the motion. Motion passed
unanimously 5-0.
Athletic Director Averill explained that the basketball uniforms were due to be replaced this year and
his vendor made him aware of an exceptional value where he could purchase $99 uniforms for $48,
which brought the total cost of 34 uniforms (17 each for boys and girls) to $812. When the order was
placed, the uniforms were available in blue and white; however, the vendor ran short of those colors
so, having no awareness of the April 24, 2008 School Board directive, Athletic Director Averill made
the decision to replace blue and white with black and white. He admitted his mistake and apologized
for it. He stated that he still has the old uniforms, but they are showing signs of wear and tear.
Member Harris was concerned with an e-mail from a parent of one of the boys on the varsity team
who requested that the boys be allowed to keep their black away jerseys after the season ends.
Athletic Director Averill said he had no knowledge of the e-mail, but seniors often request to buy
their uniform jersey which is allowed for full replacement cost.
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APPROVED
Member Dodge asked if there are other teams wearing uniforms that are not blue and white, to which
Athletic Director Averill confirmed that middle school cheerleaders are wearing red tee shirts with
blue Soffe® shorts because the size of the group is quite large (32) and there were not enough
uniforms for everyone. The tee shirts and shorts were again chosen for economic reasons. Member
Dodge questioned why red was chosen for the tee shirts rather than blue, to which Athletic Director
Averill replied, again, that he missed the directive and admitted that the tee shirts should have been
blue. Member Dodge felt that too many mistakes had been made and suspected that there was
something more behind this. He said that school identity is very important and a school’s colors and
mascot are what gives it an identity.
Superintendent Munsey confirmed that the April 24, 2008 directive was never put into policy and got
buried over the years.
Member Boelter commended the Athletic Director for saving money in replacing the uniforms. In his
opinion, it is not the position of the School Board to dictate colors of uniforms and the Athletic
Director should be able to poll coaches and decide what the uniforms should look like. Member Reed
disagreed and said that in order to insure consistency, the official school mascot and colors must be
governed by the School Board.
Robin O’Day came to the podium and said that this issue was all about honoring tradition, history,
and identity. Epping’s colors have always been blue and white, and the addition of red for the middle
school and black for the high school was done without proper permission. She said that coaches,
teachers, and administrators all come and go so they should not be the ones to decide school/uniform
colors, and the present inconsistency in uniform colors is proof of that. The school district is run by
the School Board which should be upholding Epping’s history.
Member Dodge motioned to take the vote of the Epping School Board on April 24, 2008 and
incorporate it into the athletic policy and handbook; seconded by Member Reed.
Athletic Director Averill restated that this happened because he missed the directive…it was not done
in a “fishy” or underhanded way. It was based solely on economics.
Chairman Mylott called for the vote. Motion carried 4:1:0 with Member Boelter voting nay.
Athletic Director Averill asked if this policy extends to warm-up gear, sweatshirts, sweatpants, etc.
that are purchased by the student-athletes, to which consensus was these purchases must be kept in
the spirit of the directive.
Member Reed asked the fate of the current uniforms, to which Chairman Mylott thought it would be
best to continue using the black uniforms this year, then replace them next year. It was confirmed
that there is no plan in place for the athletes to keep the black uniforms. If someone wishes to keep
their uniform, they may do so by paying the full replacement cost.
Athletic Director Averill asked if he should report athletic accomplishments to the Board at the end of
each season, in a similar fashion as other extra-curricular activities such as band, chorus, etc. The
Board replied in the affirmative. Member Boelter suggested that Athletic Director Averill ask the
student-athletes who receive awards and recognition to come to Board meetings to be recognized
publicly for their accomplishments.
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APPROVED
At the Board’s request, he read the recipients of the sports awards for the fall season. He also
reported another notable milestone in that senior Frank Stanley scored his 1000 th point during a home
basketball game on January 4, 2013.
III.
IV.
POLICY – NONE
ADMINISTRATOR REPORTS
A. MARK VALLONE – ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PRINCIPAL (SEE ATTACHED REPORT)
Principal Vallone was excused from tonight’s meeting in order to participate in the Harlem Wizards
basketball game sponsored by the elementary school PTO. The Board reviewed his written report but
did not have any questions or comments.
B. KYLE REPUCCI – MIDDLE SCHOOL & HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL (SEE ATTACHED REPORT)
Principal Repucci was also excused from tonight’s meeting so he, too, could participate in the Harlem
Wizards game. The Board reviewed his written report but did not have any questions or comments.
C. BARBARA MUNSEY – SUPERINTENDENT
Covered under Section V. – Sections A-D
V. FACILITIES/FINANCIAL (SEE ATTACHED SUPERINTENDENT’S & BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT)
A. 2013-2014 WARRANT – SIGNATURE
Superintendent Munsey reported that the 2013 warrant has been revised to reflect the actions taken by
the Budget Committee and School Board at the Public Hearing last Saturday (January 12, 2013). The
school district budget (Article 4) was reduced by $135,324 to a total of $17,307,303. Several copies
of the warrant were ready for Board approval and signatures.
Member Dodge motioned for the Board to sign the final draft of the school warrant; seconded by
Chairman Mylott. Motion carried 5:0:0.
B. 2013-2014 DELIBERATIVE SESSION MATERIALS – APPROVAL
Superintendent Munsey reported that the 2013 warrant explanations were also revised to reflect the
actions taken by the Budget Committee and School Board at the Public Hearing. She reviewed the
updated material and noted that the tax impact has been reduced from $1.69 to $1.48.
Member Boelter motioned to approve the Deliberative Session materials; seconded by Member
Reed. Motion carried 5:0:0.
C. 2012-2013 ADEQUACY FUNDING UPDATE
As reported by Superintendent Munsey at the last meeting, several school districts were notified by
the Department of Education that their 2012-2013 state adequacy funding would be reduced. This
was due to a misunderstanding of how the hold harmless provision was to be applied in the funding
calculation. The revenue loss to the Epping School District is $46,991; however, she was under the
impression that the legislature is looking to fix the deficiency.
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APPROVED
Member Harris, who is also a State Representative, confirmed that there is money available and the
problem will be remedied with the affected districts receiving the correct funding.
D. 2012-2013 FINANCIAL FORECAST
Superintendent Munsey reported that, due to many variables, the expenditure side of the forecast has
improved from a projected surplus of ($10,921) in November to $82,310 in January. It is important
to note that Special Education costs continue to fluctuate and the forecast has been negatively
impacted by increases in homeless transportation costs.
VI.
PERSONNEL
A. VARSITY SOFTBALL AND BASEBALL COACHES
Superintendent Munsey stated that Athletic Director Averill is recommending the nominations of
EMS teacher Gabe Mosca for varsity softball coach and EHS teacher Tyler Nekton for varsity
baseball coach.
Member Dodge asked if these positions were advertised, to which Athletic Director Averill replied in
the affirmative. At Member Dodge’s request, Athletic Director Averill also explained the selection
process, which includes asking a teacher, a parent, and a student athlete who plays on the specific
team, to sit on the interview/selection committee.
Mrs. O’Day asked if the open positions were posted in-house prior to being posted outside, to which
Superintendent Munsey replied that they are posted in both places simultaneously. The District uses
the free EDjobsNH website for posting purposes rather than paying for newspaper advertising.
Athletic Director Averill also posts his openings on the NHIAA website, although he stated that he
only posts in-house for middle school openings.
Member Reed motioned to approve Gabe Mosca as the varsity softball coach and Tyler Nekton as
the varsity baseball coach; seconded by Member Harris. Motion carried 5:0:0.
VII. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. PUBLIC MINUTES FOR JANUARY 3, 2013
Member Boelter motioned to approve the public minutes of January 3, 2013; seconded by Member
Dodge. Motion carried 5:0:0.
B. PUBLIC MINUTES FOR JANUARY 12, 2013 BUDGET PUBLIC HEARING AND MEETING
VIII. MANIFEST
Member Dodge motioned to approve the public minutes of January 12, 2013 budget public hearing
and meeting; seconded by Member Reed. Motion carried 4:0:1 with Member Boelter abstaining.
A. PAYROLL
Member Dodge motioned to approve Payroll Manifest #P-15 dated January 18, 2013 in the amount
of $409,159.83; seconded by Member Reed. Motion carried 5:0:0.
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B. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE
APPROVED
Member Boelter motioned to approve Accounts Payable Manifest #14 dated January 17, 2013 in
the amount of $216,810.91; seconded by Member Harris.
Member Harris questioned an invoice that included 20 lbs. of chocolate chips for the Integrated
Studies program. Superintendent Munsey explained that Integrated Studies has a food component
where the students prepare baked goods, but she will check into it further and get back to the Board.
Member Harris also questioned whether facilities work that resulted in a $8,700 invoice went through
the proper approval process or if a decision was made based on only one bid. Chairman Mylott said it
would be necessary to go back to the minutes of the specific meeting to confirm what transpired, but
he remembered that exceptions were made to accept only one bid in some cases in order to retain a
consistent vendor.
Superintendent Munsey confirmed that some exceptions were made to the three bid process. One was
specific to a specially designed roof at the elementary school which was a safety issue.
Chairman Mylott called for the vote. Motion carried 5:0:0.
IX.
COMMENTS/OTHER
A. SCHOOL BOARD
Jeff Harris – None
Shannon Boelter – None
Greg Dodge
Member Dodge commented that recently a rumor had been spread regarding some overtime that was
paid to one employee, to which there was a perfectly reasonable explanation. When people have
questions regarding the payroll of school staff, he requested they should get the facts from the SAU
office (salaries are public record) rather than gossiping about it.
Brian Reed – None
Dave Mylott
Chairman Mylott stated that the filing period for folks interested in running for public office is
Wednesday, January 23 through Friday, February 1 at 5:00 p.m. Sign up at the Town Clerk’s office.
B. ADMINISTRATION
Barbara Munsey
Superintendent Munsey stated that she’s been cancelling school due to inclement weather for ten
years, but she wished she could retract the decision she made yesterday. She apologized for not
making the call to cancel school, but it was a tough decision based on the timing of the snow. Any
time a snow event occurs between the hours of 6:00-8:00 a.m., it makes the decision difficult because
busses are already rolling and staff are already en route. Chairman Mylott confirmed that absences
will be excused for all students who couldn’t make it in and the day will count as a school day.
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APPROVED
Superintendent Munsey also reviewed and explained the NH Growth Reports section of her written
report. Included was information on the federal waiver submitted by the NH Department of
Education (NHDOE) regarding the No Child Left Behind legislation, reforms in leader and teacher
preparation, mentoring, professional development, and teacher evaluation. Also included was an
analysis of reading and mathematics for grades 3-8. The data provided indicates the need for a
discussion regarding the assessments that are being used for students with disabilities. The New
England Common Assessment Program (NECAP) may not be the appropriate measure for these
students. More information will be forthcoming as Cathy Zylinski, Director of Special Services, is
participating on a state committee regarding the growth model as it pertains to students with
disabilities.
On another note…Member Harris asked if employees had been notified that the amount on line 22-D
(part of the Affordable Care Act) of their W-2 form must be on their return. Superintendent Munsey
replied that the District typically doesn’t give tax advice to employees, but she will look into it further
to see if it is prudent in this case.
C. PUBLIC
Mrs. O’Day (School District Clerk) informed the Board that she has asked Susan Kimball (School
Board Secretary) to take the minutes at the Deliberative Session on February 7, 2013. Mrs. O’Day
explained that her son is in the National Guard and is being deployed on February 8 th so it’s important
that she be with her family. She thanked Secretary Kimball for filling in for her. Chairman Mylott
requested that Mrs. O’Day inform Bob Goodrich (School District Moderator) of the substitution,
which she agreed to do. Superintendent Munsey will provide Secretary Kimball with all of the
warrant article information prior to the Deliberative Session.
X. NEXT MEETING TO BE SCHEDULED
▪ February 7, 2013 – Deliberative Session at 7:00 p.m. in the Middle School Gymnasium
▪ February 21, 2013 – Regular School Board Meeting at 7:00 p.m. in the Town Hall
It was determined that February 7 th will be posted so business can be transacted if necessary. Member Harris
was concerned about the manifests because of the three week interval between meetings. He thought a
special meeting should be held to sign the manifests, however Chairman Mylott said that the Board does not
typically do that. Superintendent Munsey will check with Business Administrator Williamson to see if there
is a need for a special meeting, but School Board policy does give permission to pay certain bills if they
come due.
Superintendent Munsey asked if the Board wanted to provide a PowerPoint presentation at the Deliberative
Session, to which Chairman Mylott replied in the affirmative. It was also decided that Member Harris will
present the warrant article on the paraprofessional contract. Chairman Mylott and Superintendent Munsey
will work together to decide the format and presenters for the remainder of the warrant articles.
XI.
NON-PUBLIC SESSION: RSA 91-A:3, II
Chairman Mylott made a motion to go into non-public session in accordance with RSA 91-A:3 II
(a) Personnel and to adjourn immediately thereafter; seconded by Member Dodge. Motion carried 5:0:0.
Roll call vote: Reed, Dodge, Mylott, Boelter, and Harris all voted Aye.
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XII. ADJOURNMENT TO NON-PUBLIC SESSION AT 8:18 P.M.
APPROVED
Respectfully submitted,
Susan H. Kimball
Secretary
Epping School Board
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APPROVED
EPPING SCHOOL BOARD NONPUBLIC MINUTES
JANUARY 17, 2013
The Epping School Board met immediately after the regular meeting for a nonpublic session held in the Epping
Town Hall. Please reference the regular public meeting minutes for January 17, 2013. In attendance were School
Board Members Dave Mylott, Jeff Harris, Gregory Dodge, Shannon Boelter and Brian Reed. The meeting was
called to order at 8:22 pm.
The Board discussed the Superintendent’s evaluation. No action was taken.
Gregory Dodge made a motion to exit nonpublic session, seconded by Shannon Boelter. The motion passed 5-0 at
8:50 pm the Board exited nonpublic session.
Gregory Dodge made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Shannon Boelter. The motion passed 5-0 and the meeting
was adjourned at 8:50 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
David Mylott
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