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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: Video Vision Tech, Steve Murray, Mark &Teresa MacAdams, Carl & Mirla Davison, Carolyn Couture, Matt Safford, Robin Cappetta, Sherye Swift, Dan Bellavance, Carlotta Perantoni, Garritt Bresett BOARD SECRETARY: Donna Holden 1. Call to Order
With the Board’s permission, items on the agenda were taken out of order. 2. Administrative Reports to the Board
3. Old Business
Mrs. Buzzell reviewed the history of the numerous (1991, 1995, 1998, 2002, 2008) internal, board, and commission studies performed over the past several years with regard to the single-wave system, many of which were conducted by, or involved Mr. Davison’s input. She noted the BTMES transportation budget at 6% of the total budget was the second highest cost in the state, compared to the average of 3%. Mrs. Buzzell also spoke of the changing and challenging educational demands at both the federal and state levels, with fewer dollars shared placing more and more burden on tax payers. Dr. Bacon distributed a memo outlining estimated savings and options for restructuring of the current BTMES transportation department, while retaining local ownership and control of the drivers, busses, and maintenance of the fleet. He also confirmed 664 names on the petition previously presented were verified as legal Barre Town voters, and a non-binding item would be included on the May 11, 2010 ballot. Mrs. Buzzell cautioned that the wording of the petition, which could not be altered for the ballot, was very confusing, and based on her interpretation; voters may be unclear as to what they are being asked to consider. Other members of the Board stated the “intent” of the petition and wording was two different things; however, the result would be beneficial as a fact-finding item. Discussion ensued among Board members, with strong support and appreciation extended to the school’s bus drivers. Some members of the Board advised they had received many calls, e-mails, and communication from the community in support of the effort to save money and maximize use of the busses. The Board acknowledged the “message received” from the community forum was to support and retain local control, current staff, and the fleet. Mrs. Buzzell called on the Administration and Transportation Department to start working on a solid proposal of how a single wave bus system would work using the school’s fleet and staff. They also discussed and agreed to move forward at this time with their own bus plan taking into consideration that Barre City was not as far along in the process of evaluating the single wave proposal and still faced Board deliberation, community fact finding, etc. along with not being in a position to negotiate a contract for another year. However, they agreed, if all aligned in the future, and if additional savings could be achieved with Barre City, to revisit a combined contract venture at that time. The Board agreed two questions were before them. The first – whether they supported a single-wave system, and the second – how would that type of bus system be implemented. Mr. Tewksbury suggested a sub-committee/group including parents be involved in the implementation phase. Ms. Moore agreed and felt confident that the community would engage and meet any difficult changes or challenges to have the best possible system. The Board also acknowledged their responsibility [as elected Board members] was to be fiduciarily responsive to tax payers while providing the most educationally sound environment possible to students, summarized by Mrs. Buzzell as “education, economics, and families”. Mrs. Buzzell further emphasized the Board’s role was to oversee that the school was well managed, not micro-manage departments and/or staff. She said, the Board governed through set policies, but the administration managed the procedures and processes within the organization. Mrs. Buzzell encouraged the Board to reach a timely decision regarding their intention with respect to step one above, before the vote on May 11th noting it would give the school administrators and community confidence in knowing which direction the Board was moving. She said many times the Board faces making difficult and/or unpopular decisions, but she trusted the community believed that each member and as a group the Board acted in the best interest of the children and community. Mr. Crowley advised the Board planning for the next school year, with respect to staff, cafeteria and other scheduling, etc. needed to begin now. He said the Administration could be flexible and would do whatever needed to be done, but timing was critical. He suggested the Board could make their decision, however, to best plan, coordinate, and transition, they consider setting a Fall 2011 implementation target date. Mrs. Buzzell disagreed and stated the topic had been thoroughly studied by the existing Board for the past two years, and periodically by many others since 19991, and that the time to act and move forward was now for a Fall 2010 implementation. Mrs. Buzzell asked the Board to be prepared to make a decision on a proposal for the bus system at the next Board meeting. Mrs. Buzzell opened the floor to public comment, however, requested that speakers to limit themselves to sharing new information or ideas not already expressed at the public hearing. Ms. Moore left the meeting. 4. Visitors and Communications Speakers included:
Mrs. Buzzell clarified that the December letter given to bus drivers notifying them of a potential change in employment was issued in response to legal advice and as part of the contract negotiation process, and not because the decision had already been made. Mrs. Buzzell thanked the community again for their feed-back and encouraged anyone with information, suggestions, ideas, etc. to contact the Board or Superintendent. 5. Consent Agenda A. Minutes of March 17, 2010 Regular
Board Meeting On a motion by Mr. Tewksbury seconded by Mr. Paterson, the Board unanimously voted to approve the minutes of March 17, 2010, Regular Board meeting, minutes of March 31, 2010, Informational Board meeting, and warrants, as submitted. 6. New Business
Mr. Kirkland referred the Board to the Barre Town and Central Vermont Regional Planning Commission Sidewalk Plan, which included three sidewalks to be added on school property, which were the first scheduled for construction. On a map displayed, he pointed out two of the sidewalks were within the curved drive in front of the school, and the third leading into the parking lot/recreation area. He said the question before the Board was whether to accept ownership of the sidewalks (once constructed), which included assuming all costs and responsibility for maintenance. Mr. Kirkland advised the Board that both he and Mr. Murray felt the sidewalks proposed created grave safety concerns with bus traffic, and maintenance issues. He also pointed out the sidewalks within the driveway had two designated crossing areas, and the parking lot/recreation area sidewalk ended at no particular destination. Mr. Kirkland said of the current population approximately 14 children walk to school. Dr. Bacon cautioned the sidewalk into the parking lot/recreation area could create an additional hazard if parents chose to drop children at that sidewalk from the road; an increased number of children would have to continue walking through the large parking lot to the school, potentially in the way of traffic and the current parent drop-off area. Mr. Paterson confirmed the remaining sidewalks proposed in the Plan that extend down Websterville Road and Quarry Hill to Sterling Estates had no timeline for installation based on grant funding, therefore, the school sidewalks lacked connectivity. The Board also discussed and agreed the Administration would notify staff, beginning immediately that based on safety concerns two adults would be required for crossing students to the garden area, and that at least one adult should be equipped with appropriate crossing garb and stop signs. The Board agreed they supported the sidewalk concept and Plan as a whole, and would also support further expansion, however, if possible in lieu of the school property sidewalks they would like to see grant funds used to install radar speed signs at each end of the school’s property. On a motion by Mr. Paterson seconded by Mr. Tewksbury, the Board unanimously voted to respectfully decline at this time installation and ownership of the sidewalks proposed for school property, to support the remaining sidewalk project as designed and with expansion if possible, and to request in lieu of the sidewalks on school property to allocate grant funds to install radar speed signs to further designating the school’s location.
On a motion by Mr. Paterson seconded by Mr. Kirkland, the Board unanimously voted to approve the First Reading of Admission of Non-Resident Student Policy (JFAB) for Removal, as discussed.
On a motion by Mr. Paterson seconded by Mr. Kirkland, the Board unanimously voted to approve the First Reading of Non-Resident Tuition Charges Policy (JFABA) code change to JECBA, as discussed.
On a motion by Mr. Paterson seconded by Mr. Kirkland, the Board unanimously voted to TABLE the First Reading of Admission of Non-Resident Student Policy (JECB), until the next meeting.
The Board acknowledged receipt of the letters of resignation from art teacher, Malia Timmerman, and 3rd grade teacher, Gretchen Casey. On a motion by Mr. Kirkland seconded by Mr. Paterson, the Board unanimously voted to accept, with regret and best wishes, the resignation of Malia Timmerman. On a motion by Mr. Kirkland seconded by Mr. Tewksbury, the Board unanimously voted to accept, with regret and best wishes, the resignation of Gretchen Casey. Dr. Bacon also advised the Board of receipt of two letters of retirement, one from 30 year veteran and 6th grade teacher, Al Kaiman, and transportation/custodian staff member, Matt Safford. On a motion by Mr. Kirkland seconded by Mr. Paterson, the Board unanimously voted to accept, with regret and best wishes in his future endeavors, the retirement notice of Al Kaiman. On a motion by Mr. Tewksbury seconded by Mr. Paterson, the Board unanimously voted to accept, with regret and best wishes, the retirement notice of Matt Safford. 6. Administrative Reports to the Board
Dr. Bacon provided an oral report including notice of potential changed being proposed in the “Challenges for Change” being discussed by the VT Legislature, including consolidating of school districts, and incentives to for districts for contributing and finding ways toward saving the state $23 million in the next year(s). He also advised based on new regulations the food service vendors would be required to submit new bids. Dr. Bacon further advised of receipt of preliminary notice that both Barre City and Barre Town districts would each receive $20K of the $30K Collaboration Grant funds applied for, which must be used for preschool outreach and collaboration with qualified area early care and education providers. He also informed that the Head Start Program was moving forward with plans to collaborate and expand the pre-k program at Barre Town School.
Mr. Crowley and 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. Mr. Crowley distributed a March 2010 enrollment report demonstrating a drop in student population to a total 835 students, which was down from the September 2009 high of 850.
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 (If Needed) Mr. Crowley advised the Board of a pending dedication and appreciation ceremony acknowledging the large Library book donation from the family of Solan and Liam Bailey. He also advised a used musical instrument collection drive was being held in May, also in memory of the Bailey children. 8. Future Agenda Items
9. Executive Session A. Negotiations – 1 V.S.A. §313(1) At 7:55 p.m. on a motion by Mr. Tewksbury seconded by Mr. Paterson, the Board unanimously voted to enter into executive session, pursuant to Title 1 § 313, to discuss negotiations, a personnel matter. Dr. Bacon and Mr. Crowley were invited into the executive session. At 8:30 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 8:32 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Donna Holden
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