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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: None ADMINISTRATORS: Guests: Video Vision Tech, David Delcore, Times Argus, Steve Murray, Carl & Mirla Davison, Mark & Teresa MacAdams, Mark & Kristin McCarthy, Michael Blair, Dan Lessard, Chris Violette, Gerard Otis, Carolyn Couture, Brian Bibeau, Tamara Cooley, Rachel Trussler, Tara Dunn BOARD SECRETARY: Donna Holden 1. Call to Order The Chair, Brenda Buzzell, called the Wednesday, April 28, 2010, meeting to order at 5:00 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 On behalf of Jeff Gagne and the Green Up Vermont Committee, Ms. Moore invited the community to attend a tree planting ceremony in memory of Solon and Liam Bailey, on Saturday, May 1, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. in the lawn area in front of the school. 3. Consent Agenda
On a motion by Ms. Moore seconded by Mr. Paterson, the Board unanimously voted to approve the minutes of April 7, 2010, as submitted. 4. Old Business
Mrs. Buzzell reviewed the history of the matter before the Board. The Board discussed and agreed the current transportation system could not remain status quo, acknowledging a cost of $600+K per year for the approximately 600 students using the busing system was not fiduciarily responsible or prudent use of tax payer dollars, particularly in light of increasing educational demands on the school from both federal and state levels. The Board agreed there was confusion in the community about the Board’s intent, what the options were, and what a final proposal would contain. The Board agreed too much of the budget was being spent on transportation [second highest in the state]. The Board agreed they needed a clear plan and to educate the community on the plan and facts that led to the Board’s actions. The Board agreed the current model needed to be changed. The Board agreed a safe and reliable transportation was required. The Board agreed the wording on the petitioned ballot item might be confusing and needed to be clarified. The Board agreed the ballot item was not binding; however, the Board would consider the results of its outcome in any further action. Mrs. Buzzell proposed to comprehensively draft (with Board input) a letter for distribution to the community explaining why the Board was reviewing the transportation system, what the facts were including enrollments, costs, etc, what changes were proposed, i.e. start & end times, what the known commitments and details are, i.e. retain control of drivers, fleet, maintenance, etc, educational/institutional benefits to students, and commitment to establish appropriately located and sized bus stops, busing behavior, discipline, seating polices, etc, and what the alternatives are, a single-wave system or a revamped two-wave system that would include fewer busses and possibly longer routes and rides for students. The Board agreed that Mrs. Buzzell would draft a letter for all to proof and edit for distribution to the public before the May 11th vote. Members of the audience present were afforded an opportunity to share new information for the Board to consider. Mr. Bibeau, Mr. Davison, Mr. Lessard, Mr. Otis, Mr. and Mrs. McCarthy, Mrs. McAdams, and Mrs. Dunn addressed the Board. The majority of speakers once again did not support any changes to the current system, reiterated concerns over larger bus stops, student safety on full busses, and K-8 students riding together. Other speakers asked for a clear plan, based on facts, so that debate and decision could be made on the merits of the proposal rather than opinions. One speaker called for the public input and opinions of the transportation officials regarding the issue.
On a motion by Ms. Moore seconded by Mr. Paterson, the Board unanimously voted to approve the Second and Final Reading of Admission of Non-Resident Student Policy (JFAB) for Removal.
On a motion by Ms. Moore seconded by Mr. Paterson, the Board unanimously voted to TABLE action on the First Reading of Admission of Non-Resident Student Policy (JECB), until the next meeting.
On a motion by Ms. Moore seconded by Mr. Paterson, the Board unanimously voted to approve the Second and Final Reading of Non-Resident Tuition Charges Policy (JFABA) code change to JECBA, as submitted. 5. New Business
Dr. Bacon advised the Board despite Head Start’s efforts to reach out to eligible families only four students were registered for the proposed expanded pre-school program. He said for the collaboration to be viable enrollment of at least 10-12 preschoolers was needed; therefore, and based on the current results, the expansion of the program would likely no longer be an option for Barre Town, however, could be adapted for Barre City. Mrs. Pritchard advised the Board several accommodations to the school’s current space and program was also needed to comply with Head Start’s requirements, and that a timely decision of whether to proceed would be beneficial. 6. Administrative Reports to the Board
Dr. Bacon provided an oral report, which included advising the Board $20K of the $30K applied for through VT Pre-School Collaboration Grant was awarded to the Barre Town School District, and that the remaining $10K could be awarded in the future, based on specific achievements. He said the same amount was awarded to Barre City, which allowed the community as a whole to participate in pre-school educational collaboration efforts with many qualified area early care and education providers through ACT 62, the Pre-K Bill. Dr. Bacon also reported that contracts were distributed to teachers with responses being received, the first round of interviews for the business manager were nearly completed with final interviews scheduled before the SU Board on May 13, 2010, and that a second distribution of the Annual Audit RFP was completed with firm responses due shortly. Dr. Bacon agreed to keep the Board informed of results of each of these matters.
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.
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 6:50 p.m. on a motion by Mr. Kirkland seconded by Ms. Moore, the Board unanimously voted to enter into executive session, pursuant to Title 1 § 313, to discuss a real estate and personnel matter. Dr. Bacon was invited into the executive session. At 6:52 p.m. the Board exited executive session. The Board unanimously authorized the Chair to sign a Property Transfer Agreement to clear the Ayers Street (central office location) title. 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. Kirkland seconded by Mr. Paterson, the Board unanimously voted to adjourn at 6:55 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Donna Holden
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