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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, WCAX-TV, Times Argus, David Delcore, Randy Edmuns, Dan Lessard, Laura Wheeler, Art Kennell, Dan Bellevance, Carl & Mirla Davison, Carolyn Couture, Robin Carpetta, Niki Perkins, John Raper, Tamara Cooley, Jack Mitchell, Brian Bibeau BOARD SECRETARY: Donna Holden 1. Call to Order The Chair, Brenda Buzzell, called the Wednesday, May 19, 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 May 5, 2010, as submitted. 4. Old Business
Mrs. Buzzell thanked the Board for all of their time spent on the busing issue. She reviewed the reason for examining the transportation system and process used to reach the Board’s recommendation. She acknowledged of the 1070 community members who voted on Town Meeting Day, the 757-294 vote on the advisory ballot article in favor of maintaining the two-wave system could arguably be interpreted in different ways, however, was difficult to ignore. She stated the Board would interpret the vote that there was a majority of people who supported the current two-wave system. Mrs. Buzzell pointed out that Board members were elected to serve as fiduciaries of the system and were responsible for ensuring the best possible education for students, at the lowest cost, with consideration for the families and taxpayers in the community. She noted it was sometimes a difficult job, however, that each member of the BTMES Board was dedicated to their responsibility. Mrs. Buzzell expressed her regret that the busing discussion at times dissolved into personal attacks that were occasionally fueled by inaccuracies and innuendo. The Board agreed the vote was advisory and thanked the community for their input. They also agreed the transportation system could not be continued or maintained in its current structure, and that it needed improvements in efficiencies and to save resources. Mrs. Buzzell stated that although she believed that the one-wave system would be a benefit to children, families, and taxpayers, however, respecting the Town Meeting vote she proposed the Board direct the Transportation Department to bring forward the best possible consolidated two-wave schedule, using only six of the current 10 busses, while maximizing seating capacity and limiting student rides to not more than one-hour. She estimated by using six buses that approximately 54 students would ride per bus, assuming the approximate 650 students currently using the transportation system remained constant. Discussion ensued. Mr. Paterson stated his support for any efforts to maximize efficiency and savings. Mr. Tewksbury objected to the Board assigning the number of buses to be used and preferred the Transportation Department bring their own recommendation. Ms. Moore agreed, but also wanted the new consolidated two-wave system plan to keep in mind the concerns raised in the single-wave system discussions, i.e. large bus stops, etc. Ms. Moore also stated that a benefit to revamping to fewer buses would reduce pressure on the Transportation Department with respect to staffing. Mr. Kirkland reiterated his belief in a one-wave system, but stated he would agree with the sentiment expressed by other Board members to restructure the current two-wave system. Mr. Crowley suggested that other stakeholders, i.e. drivers, parents, and administrators be included in developing the plan with the Transportation Department, however, cautioned that the plan would likely include changes in the community’s culture and past practices such as no longer maintaining “seat reservations” for all students enrolled, creation of more centralized bus stops (eliminate door-to-door pickups), and that the end result would be a plan that the community would support. The Board agreed the committee should take sufficient time to develop a comprehensive plan, however, they wanted to see a Fall 2010 implementation, and as part of the development process a survey to parents from the Administration querying family needs for busing/ridership, whether implementation of the After School Program changed their needs, whether a two-wave system impacted their family, etc. would be useful. On a motion by Mr. Kirkland seconded by Mr. Paterson, the Board unanimously voted to maintain a two-wave bus system, to direct the Transportation Department to work with the Administration to develop the most efficient, reasonable, and cost efficient bus system possible through consolidation and reduction of routes and to present the plan to the Board in a timely manner before the start of the 2010-2011 school year. Once again Mrs. Buzzell and the Board thanked the community for their input. 5. New Business
Mrs. Pritchard advised the Board a third candidate, Mr. King, had accepted a position in another district, therefore a search to fill another special education position would continue. On a motion by Mr. Kirkland seconded by Mr. Tewksbury, the Board unanimously voted to approve extending a Special Education contract to Staci Decere-McDougall, and a kindergarten teacher contract to Jennifer Bessery, as discussed.
Dr. Bacon distributed the 2010-2011 school calendars. The Board acknowledged the slight deviations from the other two district schools, including that parent/teachers conferences would be held during the day time rather than in the evenings. Mr. Crowley agreed to have the schedule posted to the BTMES Web site as timely as possible.
Dr. Bacon advised the Board that since only seven eligible preschool children were identified ; therefore, the Head Start program had withdrawn its proposal to place another teacher in the BTMES preschool. Mrs. Pritchard confirmed, however, that accommodations were being made to take the additional seven students into the pre-school program next year. Dr. Bacon also stated he was seeking other alternatives to supplement the Early Ed Grant award to identify and increase the ADMs through pre-school students, and establish collaborations with qualified area child care providers.
Mr. Tewksbury advised that the Policy was now compliant with all state requirements, and thanked the BTMES school nurse for her assistance in the Policy re-write. On a motion by Ms. Moore seconded by Mr. Kirkland, the Board unanimously voted to approve the First reading of Immunization Policy (JLCB-R), as submitted. 6. Administrative Reports to the Board
Dr. Bacon provided an oral report, which included advising the Board that upon a second solicitation of annual audit services the SU Board voted to offer a local firm, Mudget and Jennet, a three–year contract, with the understanding audits would be completed by 12/31 annually. Dr. Bacon also advised the Board the SU Board interviewed and selected a new Business Manager, Mike Lyons, who would eventually be introduced to the Boards. He also said an ad for a new SU Technology Director/Coordinator was approved and the process of replacing Mr. Hazzard was in place. In conclusion Dr. Bacon also highlighted and discussed several 2010 legislative changes. Dr. Bacon discussed the “Governance Policy” model used by several schools throughout the state. He said the basic policies needed to administer schools, including the 28 required by state and federal mandates, would be adopted by the SU Board, and that each school would then create their own procedures to implement the policies. Dr. Bacon said the SHS/BTC Board discussed the need to cull their own policy manual of 118 policies and was seeking a streamline process to handle the cumbersome and unruly policy accumulation. The Board agreed to support exploring further information and details of how to implement District Governance Policies. Ms. Moore agreed a joint meeting of all three Boards would also be useful. Dr. Bacon advised that pursuant to a statewide mandate for SU Districts the process to bid food service contract(s) would be initiated soon, with details to follow.
Mr. Crowley 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 advised the Board as a result of a recent PISTOL fund raiser for funds and used instruments, the family of Solon and Liam Bailey committed to a $2,000 donation to the music department for use by the musical instrument loan program, which promoted exposure to learning a musical instrument for each of BTMES 4th grader. He said the donation solved the current and foreseeable future dilemma of providing scholarships to families who would otherwise have difficulty renting instruments for their children.
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. Kirkland seconded by Mr. Tewksbury, the Board unanimously voted to approve the warrants, as submitted. 8. Future Agenda Items
9. Executive Session
At 8:05 p.m. on a motion by Mr. Tewksbury seconded by Mr. Kirkland, the Board unanimously voted to enter into executive session, pursuant to Title 1 § 313, to discuss a personnel matter. Dr. Bacon, Mr. Crowley, Ms. Worth, and Mrs. Pritchard were invited into the executive session. At 8:59 p.m. the Board exited
executive session. 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 Ms. Moore, the Board unanimously voted to adjourn at 9:00 p.m.
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