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School Board Meeting Minutes |
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back to School Board meeting minutes archive BARRE TOWN SCHOOL DISTRICT Minutes are not official until approved by the Barre Town School Board
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT:
ADMINISTRATORS: Guests: Video Vision Technician, David Delcore-Times Argus, Steve Gurin, Deborah Bailey, Barb Shipman, Cathy Hilgendorf, Michelle Woodcock, Paul Malone, Deborah Barnett, Ruth Dunn, Nancy Pope, Val Collins, Denise Routhier, Teresa McAdams, Al Kaimans, Dalton Routhier, Harrison Bailey, Marianne Miller, Patty Meriam, Bridgette Walbridge, James Carpenter, Lauren Bruneau, Andrea Wasson, Karen Heath, Cathy Frey, Nancy Fowler, Suzanne LeCours, Alison White, Jay Paterson, Bill Kirkland, Cassie Majors, Sheila Cross, Sheila Paterson BOARD SECRETARY: Donna Holden 1. Call to Order The Chairperson, David Harrington, called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. on Wednesday, January 3, 2007, 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 A. Public Comment None 3. Consent Agenda
On a motion by Mrs. Buzzell seconded by Ms. Moore, the Board unanimously voted to approve the minutes of December 6, 2006, Regular and December 14, 2006 Special Board meetings, as submitted. With the Board’s permission, items on the agenda were taken out of order. 4. Board Discussion Items
Mr. Harrington explained the Board and Committee structure, thanking Board members, administration, Superintendent and staff, and interested community members who all work in tandem to support the school’s, students’, and community’s best interests. He continued with an explanation of the budget development process and provided a number of statistics, publication excerpts, and personal statements including his frustration over the Board’s dwindling control and ever increasing State and Federal mandates that severely impact the budget. He further explained that a lack of community input during the budget development process was also difficult for the Board, noting that decisions made by the Board were extremely complicated and not without much research, discussion, and debate. Mr. Harrington and other Board members beseeched the community to assist them and/or provide constructive ideas and ways to maintain what was currently being provided, while still meeting their fiduciary responsibility, and assuring budget approval. Dr. Fagan advised that a year-round budgeting process would be implemented beginning with the FY ’09 budget, and encouraged communication and public participation in that on-going process. Mr. Harrington explained the original draft budget received demonstrated a 7+ % increase, which based on historical Barre Town voting evidence was quickly and unanimously determined by the Board as too large to present to the voters. He said the commitment such as providing stable and secure transportation, modest class sizes, quality staff, faculty, and Administration, etc. come at a cost, however, the Board looked at all areas of the budget in search of reductions, which resulted in a number of cuts bringing the budget to the currently proposed 3.29% increase. Mr. Harrington also advised that nearly 75-80% of the budget was associated with salaries and benefits, with another defined percentage dedicated to operating costs i.e. fuel, electricity, etc., leaving only a very, very small part of the overall $9+ million budget available to the Board to use in containing costs. Discussion ensued including statements from several students. The majority of the remaining discussion focused on opposition to the proposed elimination of the foreign language program, which represented a net budget reduction of $128K. Parents questioned what would replace the 7th & 8th grade tri-weekly foreign language classes, to which Mr. Crowley responded no definite plan was prepared at this time. Some parents also requested that eliminated items be replaced in the budget for the voters to decide what was acceptable. Some other items discussed were private funding of the foreign language program, and surveying parents & teachers for cost saving ideas. 5. Board Action Items
On a motion by Mrs. Lamb seconded by Mrs. Buzzell, the Board unanimously voted to table action on the FY ’08 budget approval and warning until the January 17, 2007 meeting. Mr. Harrington reminded interested community members the next Finance Committee meeting would be held in the 2nd Floor Conference Room at BTMES at 8:00 a.m. on January 11, 2007. The Board and Administration agreed to develop and provide a more comprehensive schedule adjustment plan, for parents and students, in the event the foreign language program was eliminated. Copies of the budget would also be made available at the Superintendent’s Office.
On a motion by Mrs. Buzzell seconded by Mr. Gagne, the Board unanimously voted to approve the Second and Final Reading for Removal of Authority and Function Policy (BBAA), as submitted.
On a motion by Mrs. Lamb seconded by Mr. Gagne, the Board unanimously voted to approve the First Reading of School Board Member Conduct Policy (BC), for a name change revision, as submitted.
On a motion by Mrs. Lamb seconded by Ms. Moore, the Board unanimously voted to approve the Second and Final Reading for Removal of School Board Member Conduct Policy (BEC), as submitted. 6. Other Business
Mr. Kirkland addressed the Board to recommend the purchase of the Ayers Street facility (and tennis court parking lot) for the $143K asking price. Ms. Moore said the Supervisory Union’s Facility Sub-committee was looking at an array of options, which included the purchase of the Ayers Street property, new construction, and rental space. She said a meeting of the sub-committee was scheduled for 1/4/07 to develop a final recommendation for the January 11, 2007 SU Board meeting.
As a result of Mrs. Lamb’s resignation, Mr. Harrington agreed to serve as one of the SU Board representatives until March 2007. 3. (CONTINUED) Consent Agenda
On a motion by Mrs. Lamb seconded by Mrs. Buzzell, the Board unanimously voted to approve the warrants, as submitted. 7. Executive Session
At 9:40 p.m. on a motion by Mrs. Buzzell seconded by Mr. Gagne, the Board unanimously voted to enter into executive session, pursuant to Title 1 § 313, to discuss personnel and contract negotiation matters. Dr. Fagan was invited into the executive session. At 10:26 p.m. the Board exited executive session. 8. 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: January 17, 2007 – 6:00 p.m. 9. Adjournment On a motion by Mrs. Lamb seconded by
Mr. Gagne, the Board unanimously voted to adjourn at 10:28 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Donna Holden
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