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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, January 19, 2011 meeting to order at 6:04 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 Mrs. Buzzell announced that due to the weather the January 12th Milk and Cookie’s event was postponed and would likely be rescheduled for sometime in March. She also advised a “Dabble Day” event sponsored by the Barre Area Success by Six and Central Vermont Building Bright Futures program would be held on Saturday, February 5, 2011, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., in the SHS cafeteria. 3. Consent Agenda
On a motion by Ms. Moore seconded by Mr. Tewksbury, the Board unanimously voted to approve the minutes of January 5, 2011 Regular Board Meeting, as submitted. 4. Old Business
Mrs. Buzzell reviewed details included in the upcoming FY ’12 budget of $9,920,973.00 to be presented to votes at their Town Meeting on March 1, 2011. The Board discussed the options of how to present information to taxpayers (and eventually the State) in the area of anticipated budget revenue, and whether to include an audited deficit of approximately $176K from FY ’09 and FY ’10. The acknowledged the deficit was created by the one half purchase of a SPED bus, the SU building purchase, and a DOE audit for a bus purchase. Dr. Bacon explained including the deficit would raise the combined BTMES and SHS tax rate from $1.231 to $1.275. The Board compared the alternative of not listing the deficit, which they verified through adjustments already made and with Administrators watching the matter carefully it was expected to retire the debt by the end of the current school year. Dr. Bacon explained by not including the deficit the combined tax rate would only slightly be impacted up to $1.258 from the current $1.231. Mr. Paterson shared notes form the 1/11/11 Finance Committee meeting at which members agreed, for clarity and transparency purposes, to show and be prepared to discuss the accumulated audited deficit in the revenue presentation, while making every effort to retire that deficit by the end of the current fiscal year.
The Board briefly discussed and offered a minor edit to the job description. Ms. Worth advised that job descriptions would also be developed for other job areas.
Mr. Crowley explained a previously accommodated bus stop (Cutler Corner Road proximity) had to be stopped since the winter’s snow had accumulated, and because of bus driver staffing. He explained when the accommodation was created it was explained to families in that area that it would be a temporary resolution.
Mr. Crowley reported there had been no significant change in the program’s enrollment, which was currently at 19 students. He noted the bulk of students being served were from grades K-4. 5. New Business
The Board agreed to discuss the resignation letter from seventh grade science teacher, Jane Beth Connolly Smith, effective January 20, 2011, in executive session. 6. Administrative Reports to the Board
Dr. Bacon provided an oral report including an update of the newly established SU special education transportation program, which involves vans purchased by the SU and driven by district employees. The new vans replace the alternative taxi transportation that was previously used to transport students to alternative sites and are expected to generate substantial savings. He also notified the Board that the teacher’s union responded to a request to begin negotiations. The Board agreed to discuss the matter in executive session.
Ms. Worth and Mr. Crowley provided current and upcoming events information. For additional information on these and other topics, visit www.btmes.org. Mrs. Pritchard announced that preschool screenings would be held the week of January 31st. Interested parents should contact the school for an appointment.
None
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.
On a motion by Mr. Tewksbury seconded by Mr. Kirkland, the Board unanimously voted to approve the filing of a Crops by Kids Grant application (ranging from $500 to $1,000), to be used for the purpose of moving the garden.
7. Other Business
On a motion by Ms. Moore seconded by Mr. Tewksbury, the Board unanimously voted to approve the warrants, as submitted. 8. Future Agenda Items Mrs. Buzzell asked Board members to contact her with items of interest. 9. 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:
10. Executive Session A. Personnel Matter 1 V.S.A. § 313 (4) Dr. Bacon and Mr. Crowley were invited into the executive session. At 8:14 p.m. the Board exited executive session. The Board discussed and agreed to hold its second monthly meeting in February on February 28, 2011, to coincide with the annual meeting. 11. Adjournment On a motion by Mr. Paterson second by
Mr. Tewksbury, the Board unanimously voted to adjourn at 8:16 p.m.
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