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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, November 17, 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 None 3. Consent Agenda
On a motion by Ms. Moore seconded by
Mr. Tewksbury, the Board unanimously voted to approve the minutes of
November 3, 2010 Regular Board Meeting, as submitted. A. Phone System Dr. Bacon distributed a proposal from Integrity Communications, the same vendor used by SHS. The cost for the three options presented ranged from $54K to $68K. In comparison he shared a copy of the Key Communications proposal used in July 2009 to install a 12-phone system in East Orange SU, which totaled $6,700. He said by multiplying the cost times 10 to meet the BTMES needs, the first estimate didn’t seem out of order. The Board agreed an RFP was needed, however, a figure not to exceed $70K was reasonable. With the Board’s permission the following item was added to the agenda. 5. Miscellaneous
Mr. Crowley welcomed Mrs. Barnard and read a notice celebrating a recent Distinguished Honor Award bestowed on Mrs. Barnard from the Vermont PE Educators Association, at the Lake Morey Resort.
Mr. Kirkland distributed a drawing and explained the plan for the 100’ x 60’ fenced garden to be located to the right of the main entrance. Mr. Kirkland continued saying that two large pine trees needed to be removed to make the space available, which would involve a minimal cost for cutting of the trees and brush, and stump removal. On a motion by Mr. Tewksbury seconded by Ms. Moore, the Board unanimously voted to accept the new garden location plan, including tree removal, as discussed, but not to exceed $1,000 from the school’s budget. Mrs. Barnard spoke of the sunflower garden, which would be located to the right of the main entrance, indicated the crops by kids sign would be displayed again, and that as much as possible would be recycled from the old garden and incorporated into the new plan. 5. New Business
The Board reviewed the FY ’12 budget draft, which totaled $9,819,659 and represented a reduction of $290,481 in the following areas:
The Board acknowledged the $60K-$70K phone system was not included in the total proposed, however, even with the expense the Board would meet the DOE 2% Challenges for Change target. The Board reviewed several budget line items. The Administration agreed to research several line items and to clarify proposed expenses in #5, #109, and #185. Mr. Lyons agreed to distribute a revised budget to the Board in advance of the next meeting scheduled for Wednesday, December 15, 2010 at 5:00 p.m. (in advance of the regular board meeting). Mr. Crowley also agreed to provide a report to show the total amount with a breakdown of the regular and special education expense and revenue used for behavioral educational costs. Mrs. Buzzell asked the Board to consider adding funds of approximately $600.00 to the EEE or Board budget to be used to provide a book to each pre-school student screened. The Board agreed budget #408 was the appropriate line item to add the amount, to be used only for book distribution at pre-school screening. Dr. Bacon suggested the Board consider adding another pre-school teacher and class room to the budget to expand the pre-school program. Mrs. Buzzell questioned whether under Act 62 the collaborations with qualified private preschool providers were a better use of preschool outreach and education. The Board agreed to discuss the proposal further at a later date. Mr. Crowley distributed a 2011-2012 Anticipated Staffing report for the projected 795 K-8 students, and said there were reassignments but no reductions planned to the 42.5 member staff. Mrs. Buzzell asked for a similar report indicating the projected special and regular para educator assignments. 6. Administrative Reports to the Board
Dr. Bacon provided an oral report including distribution of a recent School Spending article by Representative John Zenie. He discussed a recent meeting with Mrs. Buzzell, Mr. Tewksbury, Carl Rogers, and Select Board Chair, Jeff Blow, who (among many other topics discussed) agreed to several cost sharing items, including publishing the Town Report, school election costs, and Town Treasurer’s time. He also noted that part of the discussion included snow removal as a cost saving measure for the School and revenue for the Town. As requested by Mr. Blow, he submitted a letter asking the Town to consider plowing the schoolyard in the future. Mr. Tewksbury also advised that the Recreation Board agreed the original agreement found by Mr. Kirkland would be upheld, and that no charges for field use would be charged to BTMES. Dr. Bacon advised the Board that he received notice from the para educator’s union to begin negotiations. He noted it should be negotiated as a Supervisory Union-wide contract if possible.
Ms. Worth and Mr. Crowley reviewed recent and upcoming events. For additional information on these and other events, visit www.btmes.org.
A written report was included in the Board’s packet.
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
On a motion by Mr. Tewksbury seconded by Ms. Moore, the Board unanimously voted to approve the warrants, as submitted. Mr. Kirkland announced that due to a lack of information that he would not support the Challenges for Change target recommendations. 8. Future Agenda Items
9. Executive Session
At 8:20 p.m. on a motion by Ms. Moore seconded by Mr. Kirkland, the Board unanimously voted to enter into executive session, pursuant to Title 1 § 313, to discuss a contractual and personnel matters. Dr. Bacon was invited into the executive session. At 8:55 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. Tewksbury, the Board unanimously voted to adjourn at 8:56 p.m. Respectfully submitted,
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