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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 Wednesday, March 16, 2011 meeting to order at 6:32 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 101 children and 70+ adults attended the recent Milk & Cookies event at the Aldrich Public Library. She thanked Mr. Crowley for agreeing to be a reader at the event again this year. 3. Consent Agenda
On a motion by Mr. Tewksbury seconded by Mr. Kirkland, the Board unanimously voted to approve the minutes of March 2, 2011 Regular Board Meeting, as submitted. 4. Old Business None Ms. Moore arrived during the next item. 5. New Business
Mr. Crowley explained the reading, writing, and math NECAP exams, which he noted were given annually in October to grades 3-8, and 11. The scores for the multiple student groupings tested, of which up to seven groups may be designated when it includes 40 or more students, are reported at four academic levels: 1-substantially below proficient, 2-partially proficient, 3-proficient, and 4-proficient with distinction. The BTMES results for the fall 2010 (sixth year) NECAP administration included the following superior results:
The Board reviewed and discussed the prior four-year historical performance in the testing categories, cohort data, as well as the “tracking” scores in reading for the same groups of students since 2007. Mr. Crowley also advised that based on the overall scores, including the cohort groups (free & reduced lunch students and students with disabilities) the school would likely be identified again as NOT meeting annual yearly progress (AYP). Mrs. Pritchard remarked on the data related to the special education cohort group of only 65 students and briefly discussed the strategies and work being contemplated to address the issues and interventions. The Board and Administration thanked Dr. Barone for his work in compiling the data.
Mr. Crowley announced that the tentative graduation date was scheduled for Wednesday, June 15, 2011, with the caveat that there is no conflict with Barre City Elementary School or the Spaulding High School. He agreed to post the date to the web site before the end of the week.
The Board agreed a presentation would be give by the auditing firm at an April meeting. Specific questions related to the audit that members would like the auditor to address should be forwarded to the Superintendent. Mrs. Buzzell also advised the audit would be discussed at the next Finance Committee meeting. 6. Administrative Reports
Dr. Bacon provided an oral report, including a legislative report. He also distributed financial reports from Business Manager, Mark Lyons, revealing a projected FY ‘11 operating surplus of $361,189, and would ultimately provide a cumulative fund balance projected at $185,309. Mr. Crowley explained that due to the weather-related cancellation of the February 28th in-serviced professional development day, that he was requesting a cancelation of the April 15th student day in order to provide the previously scheduled guest author, Dr. Mendler, an opportunity to educate BTMES teachers in his strategies as explained in his book, “Discipline With Dignity.” On a motion by Ms. Moore seconded by Mr. Kirkland, the Board unanimously voted to authorize the scheduling of an in-service professional development day on April 15th and to cancel school for student on that day. The Board discussed and agreed that due to the current number of snow days and the rescheduling of the professional development day with Dr. Mendler that grades K-7 would be attending classes through Friday, June 17th and that 8th graders would be expected to attend through Thursday, June 16, 2011.
Mr. Crowley provided current and upcoming events information. For additional information on these and other topics, visit www.btmes.org. The Board agreed to meet on April 27th (the only April Board meeting) and return to the regular schedule in May. Ms. Worth announced receipt of a letter of retirement from Myrna Lawson, Assistant School Nurse, to be effective June 30, 2011 after 15-years of reliable and dedicated service to BTMES students and parents. On a motion by Ms. Moore seconded by Mr. Tewksbury, the Board unanimously voted to accept, with regret and best wishes, the letter of resignation from Myrna Lawson, effective June 30, 2011.
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.
7. Other Business
On a motion by Mr. Kirkland seconded by Mr. Paterson, 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. Executive Session
At 8:31p.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 negotiations, and personnel matters. Dr. Bacon, Mr. Crowley, and Ms. Worth were invited into the executive session. At 9:48 p.m. the Board exited executive session. On a motion by Ms. Moore seconded by Mr. Tewksbury, the Board unanimously voted to approve issuing letters of intent as presented. 10. 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:
11. Adjournment On a motion by Ms. Moore second by Mr. Tewksbury, the Board unanimously voted to adjourn at 9:49 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Donna Holden |
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