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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, December 1, 2010, meeting to order at 6:03 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 Ms. Moore announced that the David Stefaniak Holiday gift drive had begun. She asked that interested community members contact Kerri Lamb at 595-2968 or at BTMES@hotmail.com for questions or to make donations. Families in need should contact the school nurse. 3. Consent Agenda
On a motion by Ms. Moore seconded by Mr. Paterson, the Board unanimously voted to approve the minutes of November 17, 2010 Regular Board Meeting, as submitted. 4. Old Business
Mr. Kirkland advised the Board two estimates were obtained for the tree removal, as discussed at the previous meeting, and that Farr Tree Service was hired at a bid cost of $650 to remove the large tree at the garden location. He said he was now waiting for the Town to complete the project with respect to stump removal, which was expected to be completed as timely as possible.
Dr. Bacon advised that an anticipated cost of $70K was built into the budget, with the expectation that an RFP would be issued in the spring for a summer (FY’11) installation.
The Board reviewed the proposed budget totaling $9,941,110 including regular education, special education, and EEE education expenses, and represented an overall decrease of $169,030.
The Board agreed it would be appropriate (at this time) for the Superintendent to notify the Commissioner of Education of Barre Town Middle and Elementary School’s intent to meet their Challenges for Change target. The Board further agreed they would continue to work on the budget with additional adjustments and questions addressed, as needed, prior to its final approval. Mr. Kirkland expressed his concerns regarding the special education budget and impact of unanticipated special education expenses. The Administrators assured the Board that under Mrs. Pritchard’s capable direction that she had implemented many improvements and cost saving measures. Mr. Crowley noted that “surprise” expenses necessary for serving any new BTMES special needs students could not be calculated or anticipated, unless the Board authorized a contingency. However, he noted, in the absence of contingency expenses, surprise expenses would continue to be dealt with as in previous years. Ms. Moore also pointed out that many of the reductions in the budget were not just the result of the Challenges for Change request, but the result of the Board’s fiduciary commitment to the taxpayers to annually scrutinize programs and the budget. She also advised that a Tri-Board meeting would be held with area legislators at 7:30 a.m. on December 16th in the SHS Green Room, to discuss the district’s response to the Challenges for Change target requests. 5. New Business
The Board acknowledged receipt of a letter dated November 18, 2010, from Carl Rogers, advising that the Select Board had to decline for the current, due to staffing, their ability to plow and maintain the school’s driveway and parking lot. 6. Administrative Reports to the Board
Dr. Bacon provided an oral report including reiteration of the announcement of the Tri-Board meeting scheduled for December 16th at 7:30 a.m. in the SHS Green Room. All members were encouraged to attend the meeting with area legislatures to discuss the district’s response to the Challenges for Change expectations. Dr. Bacon advised that he received a notice of resignation from special education teacher, Chris Duka, to be effective January 1st. On a motion by Ms. Moore seconded by Mr. Paterson the Board unanimously voted to accept Mr. Duka’s resignation, to be effective January 1, 2011. Dr. Bacon also advised that he received the Barre Town fleet maintenance contract for FY ’11, which reflected only a slight labor increase.
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. 8. Future Agenda Items
9. Executive Session
At 7:05 p.m. on a motion by Ms. Moore seconded by Mr. Tewksbury, the Board unanimously voted to enter into executive session, pursuant to Title 1 § 313, to discuss a personnel and contractual matter. Dr. Bacon, Mr. Crowley, and Ms. Worth were invited into the executive session. At 7:45 p.m. the Board exited executive session. On a motion by Ms. Moore second by Mr. Tewksbury, the Board unanimously voted to approve the custodian and bus driver contract and authorized chair to sign the contract. 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 Ms. Moore second by Mr.
Tewksbury, the Board unanimously voted to adjourn at 7:47 p.m.
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