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School Board Meeting Minutes |
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back to School Board meeting minutes archive BARRE TOWN SCHOOL DISTRICT Minutes are not official until approved by the Barre Town School Board BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: ADMINISTRATORS: Guests: Video Vision Technician, David Delcore of Times Argus, Val Collins, Cathy Hilgendorf, Heather Durkee, Sheila Cross, Sheila Bailey BOARD SECRETARY: Donna Holden 1. Call to Order The Chairperson, David Harrington, called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 4, 2006, in the Barre Town Middle and Elementary School Library, 70 Websterville Road, Barre Town, VT. A flag salute followed. 2. Visitors and Communications
None 3. Consent Agenda
On a motion by Mrs. Buzzell seconded by Mr. Gagne, the Board unanimously voted to approve the warrants, and minutes of December 20, 2005, as submitted. 4. Board Action Items
The Board reviewed and discussed the final draft of the FY ’07 budget proposed at $8,910,948, representing a 3.04% increase over the prior year’s budget. Ms. Anderson explained the estimated .08¢ tax increase, which would raise Barre Town’s education tax from $1.08 to $1.16. She said the proposed 3.04% budget increase influenced the educational tax by only .01¢, however, the common level of appraisal, which the Board had no control over, added the other .07¢. Ms. Anderson advised the Board the BC/BS increase would only be 8% rather than the budget’s estimated 9%. By consensus the Board agreed not to remove the small excess created from the budget. Ms. Anderson also reminded voters of their option to file for property tax relief based on income sensitivity. The Board encouraged voters to support the very responsible budget. With the Board’s permission, the following agenda item was taken out of order. 5. Board Discussion Items
Mr. Kirkland summarized the Committee’s charge, composition, and four-month process in reaching the recommendation presented to the Board. Dr. Moccia, Cathy Hilgendorf, Val Collins, and Dr. Riggen also provided information and support to the proposal. Dr. Riggen emphasized “there was overwhelming evidence” from the Committee’s research that “student achievement was irrevocably connected to class size.” The Committee also presented proposed language for a policy or guideline, which the Board agreed to forward to the Policy Committee. Dr. Riggen suggested the committees work together to draft the policy. Proposed class sizes included, Kindergarten 16 students (changed from current 15), First, Second and Third grade 18 students (changed from current 18, 20, 20 respectively), Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth grade 20 students (fourth grade remained unchanged from the current, however, changed Fifth and Sixth from current 24), and Seventh and Eighth grade 23 students (changed from current 24). Considerable discussion ensued, which concluded with Mr. Harrington thanking the Committee for their work, and recommendation. 4. Board Action Items (CONTINUED)
On a motion by Mrs. Buzzell seconded by Mr. Gagne, the Board unanimously voted to approve the FY ’07 budget, as presented, for presentation to the voters on March 7, 2006. B. Approval for Warning for March 7, 2006 Vote Ms. Anderson reviewed the proposed warning, which included six articles. On a motion by Mrs. Buzzell seconded by Mr. Gagne, the Board unanimously voted to approve the warning, as presented, for the March 7, 2006 vote.
The Board reviewed Mr. Jakob’s December 29, 2005 memo regarding the FY ’07 tuition rate. On a motion by Mr. Gagne seconded by Mrs. Buzzell, the Board unanimously voted to set the FY ’07 tuition rate at $7,500, as recommended by Mr. Jakob. 5. Board Discussion Items (CONTINUED)
Ms. Anderson recited a list, to which other added. Among others some of the items included:
Pending Items: 7. Regular Reports to the Board The Board was provided written reports in their packets.
Ms. Anderson had nothing to add to her report.
Dr. Riggen shared information on current and upcoming events, which may be viewed on the school Web site at www.BTMES.org.
All Committee meetings are held in the BTMES 2nd floor conference room. Approved minutes for each Committee can be viewed on the Website at www.BTMES.org.
8. Bi-Monthly Reports to the Board (2nd meeting of the month)
9. Other Business None 10. Executive Session None 11. Next Meeting Dates Meetings are held on the first and third Wednesday of the month, unless noted. The next Barre Town School Board meeting dates are: January 18, 2006 – 6:30 p.m. 12. Adjournment On a motion by Mrs. Buzzell seconded by
Mr. Gagne, the Board unanimously voted to adjourn at 8:50 p.m.
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