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School Board Meeting Minutes |
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Minutes are not official until approved by the Barre Town School Board BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: ADMINISTRATORS: Guests: Video Vision Tech, Robin Cappetta BOARD SECRETARY: Donna Holden 1. Call to Order The Chairperson, Brenda Buzzell, called the Wednesday, December 16, 2009, meeting to order at 5:06 p.m., which was held 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 Mr. Tewksbury seconded by Mr. Kirkland, the Board voted to approve the Regular Board Meeting minutes of December 2, 2009, as submitted. 4. Old Business
Mr. Kirkland advised the Board he was still working with Mr. Murray and Lajeunesse Construction to develop a design, and would be meeting with vendors for cost estimates of a list of equipment. He said the fact finding was needed to create an estimate for the bond article and hopefully voter approval. Mr. Kirkland confirmed formal bid requests would be issued at a later date when the ballot item was approved. Ms. Moore arrived at the meeting.
Dr. Bacon advised the Board that he and Mr. Kirkland met and discussed the single wave bussing proposal with representatives from First Student, the contractor providing bussing for Barre City Schools. Dr. Bacon said there was potential for significant savings for both districts by entering into a joint contract. He noted the proposed contract would contain many options to review including selling the BTMES busses, or leasing the busses to First Student, or retaining the fleet and adding first Student busses as needed. Dr. Bacon agreed to keep the Board informed.
Dr. Bacon advised the Board that Mr. Murray was still awaiting information from the vendor. He explained the dilemma was that a new bus would have to be built to meet the current specs and emission regulations; however, the possibility of purchasing a used bus was an option being explored. Dr. Bacon confirmed the special needs bus still would be a purchase by the school, using the grant money awarded, and would be a separate transportation need and independent of the previously discussed bussing contract. Dr. Bacon agreed to provide further information when available.
Mrs. Buzzell advised the Board the Finance Committee was continuing its work to understand and scrutinize the proposed budget. She said further information was requested from the Business Manager and administration, which the Board agreed would be discussed at the next Finance Committee meeting on December 30, 2009, at 3:00 p.m. Mrs. Buzzell thanked the administration for their work on the budget and responsiveness to the Board. Mr. Crowley distributed an updated enrollment report, which revealed a total of 834 K-8 students, a loss of four students since October, and a loss of eleven since August. He noted the numbers would be used when considering staffing for the next fiscal year. 5. New Business
Mrs. Buzzell reported she formally discussed the treasurer position with Mrs. Kelty and also confirmed with the Select Board Chair that they would support someone else taking over the duties. Mrs. Kelty agreed to work with Dr. Bacon to develop a list of job duties, which he noted were expected to be approximately one-hour per week. The Board questioned why Mrs. Kelty felt burdened by the duties if they took so little time. Mrs. Buzzell stated that Mrs. Kelty wanted the Board to be aware that she is appointed school treasurer by default according to state statue if no one is elected by ballot. Members of the Board also stated they were not seeking a replacement, were not dissatisfied with the current arrangement or management of the Treasurer’s duties, and expressed concerns with changing the current structure.
Mr. Tewksbury advised the Board the policy presented was a new and required pursuant to Act 154 of 2008. On a motion by Ms. Moore seconded by Mr. Paterson, the Board unanimously voted to approve the First Reading of the Animal Dissection Policy (G13), as presented. 6. Administrative Reports to the Board
Dr. Bacon provided an oral report advising a renewable energy grant was applied for by the SU in cooperation with another school in the district. He also advised the woodchip supplier would be reimbursing approximately $105 per delivery.
Mr. Crowley and Ms. Worth reviewed information regarding student and staff achievements, along with recent and upcoming events. For additional information on these and other events, visit www.btmes.org. Mr. Paterson asked for follow-up reports from the Data Team, once budget deliberations were concluded. Mrs. Worth will arrange the presentation for a February meeting.
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.
7. Other Business (If Needed)
On a motion by Mr. Kirkland seconded by Mr. Paterson, the Board voted to approve the warrants, as submitted. 8. Future Agenda Items
9. Executive Session
At 6:25 p.m. on a motion by Mr. Paterson seconded by Mr. Tewksbury, the Board unanimously voted to enter into executive session, pursuant to Title 1 § 313, to discuss contract negotiations and a personnel matter. Dr. Bacon and Mrs. Pritchard were invited into the executive session. At 7:55 p.m. the Board exited executive session. By unanimous consensus the Board
agreed to approve stipends for two teachers, as discussed. Meetings are held at 6:00 p.m. on the first and third Wednesday of the month, unless noted. The next Barre Town School Board meeting dates are:
11. Adjournment On a motion by Mr. Paterson seconded
by Mr. Tewksbury, the Board unanimously voted to adjourn at 7:58 p.m.
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