|
|
School Board Meeting Minutes |
|
|
|
|
Minutes are not official until approved by the Barre Town School Board
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT:
ADMINISTRATORS: Guests: Video Vision Technician, Chris Bond, Jeanne Daniele, Carlotta Simond-Perantoni, Theresa McAdams, Marion Fish, Heather Bond, Marianne Mullen, Fred Thumm BOARD SECRETARY: Donna Holden 1. Call to Order The Chairperson, David Harrington, called the meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. on Wednesday, February 21, 2007, which was held in the Barre Town Middle and Elementary School Library, 70 Websterville Road, Barre Town, VT. A flag salute followed.
Dr. Fagan presented Mrs. Lamb and Mr. Gagne with plaques. Mrs. Buzzell read a resolution in honor of Mr. Gagne and Ms. Moore read a resolution in honor of Mrs. Lamb, which became an official part of these minutes. Mr. Harrington shared a statement, which included personal reflections and a quote from George Bernard Shaw. He thanked them for their service, presented Mrs. Lamb and Mr. Gagne with a card and gift on behalf of the Board, and wished them both well in their new endeavors.
Each of the four candidates, Chris Bond, Jeanne Daniele, Carlotta Simond-Perantoni, and Bill Kirkland introduced themselves and briefly explained their qualifications and interest in becoming Board members. 2. Visitors and Communications
None 3. Consent Agenda
On a motion by Mr. Gagne seconded by Mrs. Buzzell, the Board unanimously voted to approve the warrants and minutes of February 7, 2007, regular meeting, as submitted. 4. Board Action Items
On a motion by Mrs. Lamb seconded by Mr. Gagne, the Board unanimously voted to approve the Second and Final Reading of Identification Procedures (Visitors to School) Policy (KIA), as submitted. Mr. Crowley advised the Board the Safety Committee continues to work on new procedures and will present amendments to this current policy once new equipment was purchased and installed, and new processes are established.
This item was listed in error, therefore no action was taken. The First Reading was tabled until the March 21, 2007 meeting.
On a motion by Mrs. Lamb seconded by Mrs. Buzzell, the Board unanimously voted to approve the Second and Final Reading of Tax Anticipation Notes Policy (DCA), as submitted.
On a motion by Mrs. Lamb seconded by Ms. Moore, the Board unanimously voted to approve the Second and Final Reading of Revenues from Investments Policy (DFA), as submitted.
On a motion by Mr. Gagne seconded by Mrs. Lamb, the Board unanimously voted to acknowledge middle school teacher, Kevin Lawrence, for his logging project suggestion and authorized a one-time payment of 10% of the proceeds, or approximately $410.00 to Mr. Lawrence for the suggestion. Mr. Harrington advised the Board a check in excess of $4,100 was already received from the logger managing the project.
On a motion by Mr. Gagne seconded by Mrs. Buzzell, the Board voted to approve the 2006 – 2007 Action Plan, as submitted. Mrs. Lamb voted no. 5. Board Discussion Items
Mr. Harrington reviewed the proposed FY ’08 budget information, which included a 2.97% increase, along with other special article ballot items. He said with the approval of all articles the school tax rate would increase slightly to $1.134, but not because of school spending rather due to the 8¢ increase from the common level of appraisal. Mrs. Buzzell reflected on a list of accomplishments, activities, and educational opportunities appreciated by BTMES students. Residents were encouraged to attend a public informational hearing at the school on Monday, March 5, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. and to vote on Tuesday, March 6, 2007, at the school from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. 6. Old Business
7. Reports to the Board Written reports are typically provided in Board packets.
Dr. Fagan advised that she and Mr. Shepard had provided budget presentations to several service clubs and organizations. She also mentioned that Daylight Savings time would begin several weeks earlier, on march 11, 2007.
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.
8. Bi-Monthly Reports to the Board (2nd meeting of the month)
Mr. Crowley provided information regarding current and upcoming events. He and Dr. Riggen briefed the Board on recent staff meeting topics and issues, including teen suicide prevention and teen depression training.
Dr. Moccia provided a PowerPoint presentation to share the results of the October 2006 NECAP test results of the 622 grade 3-8 students tested in reading and math, and 211 grade 5 and 8 students tested in writing. He will provide further, more detailed data, at a later date.
Mrs. Gossens distributed Vermont Child Counts information from current special education data as reported by the Department of Education, which reflected an increase in identified special education students amid the national and state-wide declining student enrollment environment. She noted that despite more stringent qualifiers established for special education enrollment, identified students in Vermont have increased. It was further discussed, however, that while at the district level there were increased special education enrollments and demands, there was a steady decline in special education students at Barre Town School since 2003.
Mr. Walz had nothing to add to his report; however, he stated he was working on individual students profiles pursuant to the NECAP data results received. The Board also discussed the need for either an internal tech security audit or contracting with an outside service to test security and establish protocol for the protection of confidential student information. Mr. Harrington suggested Mr. Walz provide the Board with the current policies and procedures including web procedures, etc.
Dr. Fagan announced the next SU meeting is scheduled for March 8, 2007, at 5:00 p.m., and may be immediately followed by a quarterly Tri-Board meeting. 9. Other Business None 10. Executive Session
At 9:05 p.m. motion by Mrs. Buzzell seconded by Mrs. Lamb, the Board unanimously voted to enter into executive session, pursuant to Title 1 §313, to discuss personnel and contract negotiation matters. Dr. Fagan and Mrs. Gossens were invited into executive session. At 10:35 p.m. the Board exited executive session. 11. Next Meeting Dates Future 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: March 7, 2007 – 6:00 p.m. 12. Adjournment On a motion by Mr. Gagne seconded by
Mrs. Lamb, the Board unanimously voted to adjourn at 10:36 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Donna Holden
|
|
