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Most Recent 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 Tuesday, February 15, 2011 meeting to order at 7:36 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 Suzanne Savoie addressed the Board regarding a change to her daughter’s bus route and schedule, which had now created a one-hour ride in the morning and afterschool. Ms. Worth explained that due to new pre-school enrollments and the need to accommodate the new students involved, the route was changed. She apologized for the suddenness for the change, which she admitted did not give families on the route much notice. Mrs. Buzzell encouraged further discussion between Mrs. Savoie, Ms. Worth, and the transportation department to help find a mutually agreeable solution. Mrs. Buzzell announced that the Barre Supervisory School District’s Art Show would be held at the Aldrich Public Library beginning tomorrow, February 16, 2011, at 6:00 p.m. 3. Consent Agenda
On a motion by Ms. Moore seconded by Mr. Kirkland, the Board unanimously voted to approve the minutes of January 19, 2011 Regular Board Meeting, as submitted. 4. Old Business
Mrs. Buzzell reviewed the seven March 1, 2011 Town Meeting articles, including the FY ’12 proposed $10,335,973 budget (including $415K of grant funds that do not increase local taxes). She noted that Barre Town continued to educate students at less than the State per pupil average while making gains in student learning that met or exceeded State standards. Mrs. Buzzell encouraged registered voters to request an absentee ballot from the Town Clerk’s office by contacting Donna Kelty at 479-9391 or at www.dkelty@barretown.org if they are unable to vote on Town Meeting Day, Tuesday, March 1. Mr. Paterson reviewed important features of the budget, which included a new bell and telephone system, improvements to the building’s technology, and changes in staff assignments, in both general and special education, to more efficiently improve interventions. He also explained that educational costs per student were increased primarily because of a loss in revenue including a drop (of approximately 30 students) in enrollments. It was noted that since the departed students were from various grades, K-8, the drop did not allow for fewer classroom teachers. The Board acknowledged the combined BTMES and SHS tax rate would increase to $1.263 from the current $1.231 with the SHS tax rate at .432˘ down from the current .445˘, and the BTMES tax rate slightly impacted with a rise to $.831˘ from the current .786˘. However, since the tax rate would be set later in the school year, when there might be an anticipated small surplus, it was noted the rate might actually fluctuate to a lower rate. Overall the Board acknowledged that this budget was a conservative budget that would keep all current student programs. The Board thanked the school administrators and SU finance staff for their diligent and dedicated work on the budget, and confidence they provide the Board in presenting a solid budget. They also noted their appreciation for the professional work of the staff to improve student learning, without requesting expensive programs. Mrs. Buzzell encouraged questions from the community, and asked they be directed to any of the Board members, administrators, or superintendent. She also announced that a pre-town meeting informational meeting would be held on February 28, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. in the school cafeteria. 5. New Business
The Board acknowledged receipt of a letter of resignation for the purpose of retirement from bus driver, Carolyn Couture, effective January 31, 2011. On a motion by Mr. Kirkland seconded by Ms. Moore, the Board unanimously voted to accept, with regret, appreciation for her many years of service, and best wishes, the retirement of Carolyn Couture, effective January 31, 2011.
The Board acknowledged receipt of a letter of resignation for the purpose of retirement from third grade teacher, Val Collins, effective June 30, 2011. On a motion by Ms. Moore seconded by Mrs. Paterson, the Board unanimously voted to accept, with regret, appreciation for her many years of service, and best wishes, the teacher resignation of Val Collins, effective June 30, 2011. 6. Other Business Dr. Bacon advised that copies of the budget would be distributed fin the World newspaper; however, if community members do not receive the free home delivery, copies of the publication would also be available in local stores. He encouraged the community to review the information and call with any questions.
On a motion by Ms. Moore seconded by Mr. Paterson, the Board unanimously voted to approve the warrants, as submitted.
Ms. Worth spoke of the 2/14/11 bus accident reported on WCAX and in the local newspaper. She said there were no injuries and that the two children checked at CVH were released with no injuries. Ms. Worth advised that the staff worked very well together, the protocols were followed, and there were no residual problems. Along with the Board she thanked the bus driver, transportation and secretarial staff, guidance counselors, parents, and students for their response to this event. Mr. Kirkland reported the bus was nearly paid for, and insured. He said it would be thoroughly inspected to determine its future road worthiness, and repaired depending on the results. Ms. Worth reported the Department of Motor Vehicles inspector was at the school and provided positive feed-back regarding the school’s handling of the event. 7. Future Agenda Items Mrs. Buzzell asked Board members to contact her with items of interest. 8. Next Meeting Dates Meetings are held at 6:00 p.m. on the first and third Wednesday of the month, in the school library, unless otherwise noted. The next Barre Town School Board meeting dates are:
9. Executive Session
At 8:31p.m. on a motion by Ms. Moore seconded by Mr. Paterson, the Board unanimously voted to enter into executive session, pursuant to Title 1 § 313 to discuss a personnel matter. Dr. Bacon was invited into the executive session. At 8:43 p.m. the Board exited executive session. 10. Adjournment On a motion by Mrs. Buzzell second by
Mr. Kirkland, the Board unanimously voted to adjourn at 8:49 p.m.
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