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School Board Meeting Minutes |
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SUPERVISORY UNION #61
SCHOOL DISTRICT August 14, 2008 Minutes are not official until approved by the Board BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: ADMINISTRATORS: GUESTS PRESENT: Video Vision Tech, David Harrington, BTMES Chair BOARD SECRETARY: Donna Holden 1. Call to Order The Chairperson, Laura Moore, called the Thursday, August 14, 2008, meeting to order at 6:14 p.m., which was held in the Barre Supervisory Union Central Office, 120 Ayers Street, Barre, Vermont? 2. Public Comment None 3. Approval of Minutes 3.1 Regular Meeting – June 5, 2008 On a motion by Mr. Santorello seconded by Mr. Kirkland, the Board unanimously voted to approve the minutes of June 5, 2008, June 12, 2008, and June 18, 2008, as submitted. 4. Board Discussion 4.1 BSU Goals See Section 7.1: Superintendent’s Report
for discussion. Ms. Moore advised the Board the Barre Town Board would meet next week and discussion of the by-laws was an agenda item, therefore, action on a final reading would be postponed until the September 11, 2008, meeting. Mr. Santorello advised the Board that after relatively little discussion the SHS Board supported approval of the by-laws. Mrs. Carrier advised the Board the Barre City Board wanted the bylaw language to state that representation from each school board was required to be in attendance for the SU to take action on any item, however, if a Board was absent after two consecutive meetings, the SU Board could proceed with action on items at their third meeting. The Board discussed the impact that boycotts could have on conducting the business of the SU, and the inability to move forward with timely matters such as personnel contracts, policies, budgets, etc. The Board also discussed whether a balance of representation on the SU Board was prudent, and whether it would be appropriate for the SHS Board to establish a policy [or practice] to ensure that at least one of their representatives would be from the City and one from the Town, and the third undesignated, dependent on who volunteered or was appointed. Mr. Santorello agreed to discuss the proposal with the SHS Board. 5. Board Action 5.1 Second and Final Reading of Acceptable Use Policy (IIC) On a motion by Mr. Kirkland seconded by Mr. Santorello, the Board unanimously voted to approve the Second and Final Reading of Acceptable Use Policy (IIC), as presented. 5.2 Second and Final Reading of Surplus Funds Policy (DFAA) On a motion by Mr. Cecchinelli seconded by Mr. Kirkland, the Board unanimously voted to approve the Second and Final Reading of Surplus Funds (DFAA), as presented. 5.3 Technology Director Contract Mr. Harrington advised the Board that in addition to himself as BTMES Chair, SHS/BTC Chair, Mrs. Conti, and BCEMS Chair, Mrs. Biondilillo, served on the Tech Director Hiring Committee. He said the Committee unanimously supported the applicant selected for consideration, and believed Mr. Hazzard was highly experienced, motivated, and the best candidate for the position. On a motion by Mrs. Buzzell seconded by Mr. Kirkland, the Board unanimously voted to approve the Technology Director Contract for Jeff B. Hazzard, at $65,000 annually, prorated to $55,250 for the remainder of the FY ’09 year, as recommended by the Superintendent. 5.4 Medicaid Clerk Dr. Bacon advised the Board the BCEMS and BTMES schools each received approximately $80-$90K per year in Medicaid payments for providing school nursing and special education billable services, which was at about 80% of the total eligible for billing. He said the high school, however, only received approximately 35K, which was due to a lack of documentation, billing practices, and efficiencies. Dr. Bacon said the Barre Town district had a billing clerk and system that they were satisfied with, therefore he suggested hiring a part-time Medicaid billing clerk to share between the high school and Barre City school in an effort to increase the funds available for school-wide preventative services, projects, and programs. He said the position would be self-supported through the billing process. Dr. Bacon further reported the high school Board supported the hiring of a clerk at the SU level with a request that some part of that person’s time be dedicated on a regular scheduled to on-site coordination at the high school. On a motion by Mr. Santorello seconded by Mrs. Carrier, the Board unanimously voted to authorize the Superintendent to move forward with a search for a ˝ time SHS and BCEMS Medicaid Clerk. 5.5 Bookkeeper Contracts Dr. Bacon advised the Board he was prepared to discuss individual contracts for the four current bookkeepers employed by the SU. The Board agreed to discuss this matter in executive session. 6. Other Business as Needed Ms. Moore advised the Board she provided information to the Business Manager regarding a U.S. House of Representatives bill pending, which would provide relief to school districts with respect to higher heating oil and bussing diesel costs. 7. Reports to the Board 7.1 Superintendent’s Report Dr. Bacon provided an oral report on current and upcoming issues, including that the special education administration positions were fully staffed, the half-time ESL Coordinator position was still vacant and being recruited. He reported his business with contracting and licensing issues, and distributed the agenda for the August 12 & 13 District Administrator retreat. Dr. Bacon advised the Board as a result of the retreat and his exposure to the Boards, and talking with former and current administrations that he developed four goals based on what he believed would initially best serve the district. He outlined the four goals set forth as 1.) To create a vision for the SU with a focus on student learning, 2.) Better understand and develop effective use of the finances and spending within the district, 3.) Provide support and guidance to the administrators throughout the district, and 4.) Created and develop methods to achieve greater efficiencies and collaborations for the schools in the district. Ms. Moore asked members to reflect on what the SU Board and the sending Boards need to do to support and assist the Superintendent in achieving his goals. The Superintendent also asked the Board for feedback and direction in any other goals they felt were reasonable. 7.2 Business Manager’s Report Dr. Bacon provided a copy of the FY ’09 SU Budget projections prepared by the Business Manager, and reported, at this point in time, the FY fund balance was expected to be approximately $175K. The Board discussed which projects were appropriate to maximize fuel savings, and agreed proposed attic insulation with appropriate ventilation, and window covering would help toward the winterization goals. 7.3 Technology Director’s Report None 7.4 Curriculum Director’s Report Dr. Bacon distributed a written report from Mr. Barone. 8. Executive Session (if needed) A. Finance Office Contracts At 8:08 p.m. on a motion by Mrs. Buzzell seconded by Mr. Kirkland, the Board unanimously voted to enter into executive session, pursuant to Title 1 § 313 to discuss personnel matters. Dr. Bacon was invited into the executive session. At 8:10 p.m. the Board exited the executive session. On a motion by Mr. Santorello seconded by Mr. Kirkland, the Board unanimously voted to approve the bookkeeper contracts, as recommended by the Superintendent. 9. Adjournment On a motion by Mrs. Buzzell seconded by Mrs. Carrier, the Board unanimously voted to adjourn at 8:12 p.m. Next Meeting(s) September 11, 2008 – 6:00 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Donna Holden
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