|
|
School Board Meeting Minutes |
||||||||
|
|
|||||||||
|
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 6, 2010, meeting to order at 6:03 p.m., which was held in the Barre Town Middle and Elementary School Cafeteria, 70 Websterville Road, Barre Town, VT. A flag salute followed. 2. Visitors and Communications Mr. Kirkland shared his impressions and observations of recently visited schools in Ohio and North Carolina school districts. He noted NC had state owned buses with drivers that are leased to the school districts. Mr. Kirkland indicated that in comparison he felt Vermont students were very lucky. 3. Consent Agenda
On a motion by Ms. Moore seconded by Mr. Paterson, the Board unanimously voted to approve the minutes of September 15, 2010, as submitted. 4. Old Business
Ms. Moore advised the Board the breakfast program had not yet expanded beyond last year’s status of approximately 20% K-grade 1 participation. However, she noted approximately 50% of the students were currently using the food services for lunch. She also said the Abby Group was seeking volunteers to expand the breakfast/snack program.
Mrs. Buzzell informed the Board she had received a call from a concerned citizen questioning what activities took place to explain and celebrate Veteran Day. Mr. Crowley advised that well-known school community member, 82-year old Richard Swift, who was a WWII (navy) veteran, current oldest VT National Guard member, as well as Civil War re-enactor, had for several years shared a patriotic message and the meaning of Memorial and Veterans Days. He explained all grade levels in small ways were introduced to the meaning of holidays, and the upper grade bands participate annually in parades. He thanked Mrs. Buzzell, and the caller, for helping the school to refocus on the importance of the topic.
Dr. Bacon advised the Board that preschool enrollment was currently at a maximum. He reminded the Board a sufficient numbers of pre-K students were not identified to warrant opening an additional program with Head Start at the school. However, in partnerships through the VT Community Preschool Collaboration (VCPC), 3 and 4 year-old students were being served in participating, qualified, community registered family homes and licensed childcare centers. He said the VCPC Coordinator was establishing collaborations and providing support for STARS accreditation, and through the partnerships centers also receive help in curriculum development, teaching, and strategies to improve school readiness for approximately 30 qualified children throughout the district. 5. New Business
Mr. Crowley reviewed the extensive credentials and experience of Donna Tully, and advised of the school’s good fortune in her ability to fill the part-time math position at BTMES in conjunction with her duties at the Barre City Elementary School. Mr. Crowley thanked Dr. Bacon and pointed out the benefits of a Supervisory Union partnership.
Dr. Bacon advised the Board he expected to present a very preliminary budget draft by early November, which would reflect the Challenges for Change target reduction of $165K. Mrs. Buzzell asked that the Finance Committee review the budget proposal first, perhaps at their October 27, 2010 meeting, prior to a Board presentation.
The Board discussed their recollections of the process and several past ideas and options regarding appropriate building security. Mr. Kirkland agreed that the Facility Committee would revisit the issue at their next meeting, prepare an update of information and costs, and present a renewed proposal to the Board. Ms. Moore asked that the staff be reminded frequently to be vigilant and that a proposal include a formal/updated assessment from Barre City School and Spaulding High School regarding their experience with video screening and buzz entry systems. 6. Administrative Reports to the Board
Dr. Bacon provided an oral report. He discussed the upcoming staff development schedule, and said in a continuing effort to seek ways to reduce costs, very beneficial joint purchasing ventures with neighboring schools were developed, and savings realized, through wood chip and maintenance supplies purchases.
Ms. Worth and Mr. Crowley reviewed recent and upcoming events. For additional information on these and other events, visit www.btmes.org. Mr. Crowley advised the Board the YMCA After School Program was growing with an enrollment now at 17, an increase of eight students from the initial registrations. Mrs. Buzzell suggested the YMCA provide a program presentation to the Board.
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 reminded the Board of the Vermont School Board’s Association October 28 & 29 meeting at the Lake Morey Inn. Board members interested in attending should contact Debbie in the Central Office.
On a motion by Ms. Moore seconded by Mr. Paterson, the Board unanimously voted to approve the warrants, as submitted. 8. Future Agenda Items
9. Executive Session
At 7:48 p.m. on a motion by Ms. Moore seconded by Mr. Paterson, the Board unanimously voted to enter into executive session, pursuant to Title 1 § 313, to discuss negotiations and a personnel matter. Dr. Bacon, Mr. Crowley, and Ms. Worth were invited into the executive session. At 8:42 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. Paterson seconded by Mr. Kirkland, the Board unanimously voted to adjourn at 8:43 p.m. Respectfully submitted,
|
|||||||||
