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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: BOARD SECRETARY: 1. Call to Order The Chair, Brenda Buzzell, called the Wednesday, October 20, 2010, meeting to order at 6:00 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 Mr. Kirkland addressed the Board to praise the BTC Pre Tech Outreach (PTO) Program, its students, and for their recent work at the Barre Town Elementary and Middle School. He acknowledged the leadership of PTO instructors Mike Ducharme and Paul Parsons, and thanked Bob Pope for a donation of granite curbing used in the school’s new flower garden. 3. Consent Agenda
On a motion by Ms. Moore seconded by Mr. Tewksbury, the Board unanimously voted to approve the minutes of October 6, 2010 Regular Board Meeting, and September 9, 2010 Tri-Board Meeting, as submitted. 4. Old Business None 5. New Business
Billie Corrette of the YMCA appeared before the Board to provide a general overview of the newly created BTMES YMCA Afterschool Program, which currently serves 14 students and the potential for more with several applications pending. Ms. Corrette advised the Board the 1 to 10 ratio of licensed staff members provide grade K-8 students a variety of activities including study time, indoor activities (cooking, board games, painting, etc), snacks, and outdoor activities daily from 2:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. She also noted on early release days the program would run from dismissal to 6:00 p.m. and that February and April school vacation camp plans were under development. The Board discussed the $71.00/student/week reduced fee schedule and opportunities for subsidy. Parents interested in participation in the YMCA Afterschool Program were encouraged to contact the school.
Ms. Worth distributed the May 2010 Board approved Reconstruction (Action) Plan, which was created in response to the school not meeting Annual Yearly Progress (AYP) in 2008. She explained the Plan consisted of several targets, goals, and strategies across all aspects in the school, and invited Board members to attend the 2/28/11 in-service professional training when Alan Mendler, author of “Discipline with Dignity” would address the staff. Ms. Worth also discussed and praised the efforts and progress of the Educational Support Team. The Board thanked Ms. Worth, administrators, teachers, and staff for their progress in meeting the goals and employing the strategies. Ms. Worth agreed to keep the Board informed of future accomplishments with regard to Plan implementation.
Mr. Barone addressed the Board to review the grade 4, 8, and 11 Spring 2010 test scores. He reported 61% of grade 4 students scored proficient, an out-performance of the state average of 52%, however, only 22% of grade 8 students scored proficient, an under-performance to the state average of 28%. Mr. Barone noted, however, that 67% of 8th graders scored nearly proficient, a significant out-performance of the state’s average at 49%. The Board discussed that the consistent weaknesses were in the area of “inquiry” tasks, which Mr. Barone explained required further imbedding of communication, writing, and critical thinking in all subject areas. Mr. Barone also advised the Board the VT science grade expectations were being rewritten to embed requirements of Common Core Standards. He said when completed the changes would ultimately require changes to the current curriculum. Mr. Barone also advised that under the anticipated re-enactment of No Child Left Behind, science assessments would likely be given annually in grades 3-8, along with reading, writing, and math. 6. Administrative Reports to the Board
Dr. Bacon provided an oral report advising the Board of current pre-school enrollments, video vision costs, and reviewed Vermont Education Spending cost facts. The Board discussed the budget development schedule and agreed to hold extra special meetings as needed beyond the 10/27 Finance Committee, and 11/3, 11/17, and 12/1 Board meetings. Dr. Bacon advised the Board he recently sent notice to the BTMES, BCEMS and SHS teachers advising of intent to negotiate a district-wide contract for next year. He agreed to provide the Board with a copy of the recently imposed BCEMS/SHS teacher contracts for the Board to review in preparation of negotiations.
Ms. Worth and Mr. Crowley reviewed recent and upcoming events. For additional information on these and other events, visit www.btmes.org. Mr. Crowley and Mr. Blanchard presented a “Barre Town Baseball” proposal for 7th and 8th grade boys. Mr. Crowley explained that Mr. Joyal volunteered to run the April, May, and June program, which would bridge the time students, could be idle before the regular baseball season began. He also noted donations, grants, and unspent budget funds would cover the cost of the program. On a motion by Mr. Kirkland seconded by Mr. Tewksbury, the Board unanimously voted to support the development of a BTMES 7th and 8th grade baseball program.
Mr. Barone had noting to add.
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
Mrs. Buzzell advised the Board the Barre Town Recreation Committee recently changed its meeting schedule to the first Tuesday, monthly. Mr. Tewksbury volunteered to serve as the school’s representative.
On a motion by Mr. Tewksbury seconded by Ms. Moore, the Board unanimously voted to approve the warrants, as submitted. 8. Future Agenda Items
9. Executive Session
At 8:25 p.m. on a motion by Mr. Paterson seconded by Ms. Moore, the Board unanimously voted to enter into executive session, pursuant to Title 1 § 313, to discuss a personnel matter. Dr. Bacon, Mr. Crowley, and Ms. Worth were briefly invited into the executive session. They left the executive session and were not included in the superintendent’s evaluation discussion. At 9:21 p.m. the Board exited executive session. 10. Next Meeting Dates 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. Tewksbury seconded
by Mr. Paterson, the Board unanimously voted to adjourn at 9:21 p.m.
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