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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 Ferch, David Delcore, Times Argus, James Hagerl, Sheila Cross, Venus Allen BOARD SECRETARY: Donna Holden 1. Call to Order The Superintendent, Dorothy Anderson, called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 15, 2006, which was held in the Barre Town Middle and Elementary School Library, 70 Websterville Road, Barre Town, VT. A flag salute followed.
Ms. Anderson opened the floor for Chairperson nominations. Mrs. Buzzell nominated David Harrington. Hearing no other nominations, the floor was closed to nominations. On behalf of the Board, the Clerk was instructed to cast one ballot in favor of the election of David Harrington to serve as Board Chairperson. Ms. Anderson stepped down as acting Chair; Mr. Harrington assumed the role as Chair. Mr. Harrington opened the floor for Vice-Chair nominations. Mr. Gagne nominated Brenda
Buzzell. On behalf of the Board, the Clerk was instructed to cast one ballot in favor of the election of Brenda Buzzell to serve as Board Vice-Chairperson. Mr. Harrington opened the floor for Clerk nominations. Mrs. Buzzell nominated Jeff Gagne. Hearing no other nominations, the floor was closed to nominations. On behalf of the Board, the Clerk was instructed to cast one ballot in favor of the election of Jeff Gagne to serve as the Board Clerk. Mr. Harrington introduced and welcomed the newly elected Board member, Laura Moore. Mr. Harrington asked for volunteers to serve as the Barre Town representatives to the Supervisory Union #61 Board. To which Mr. Gagne, Mrs. Lamb, and Ms. Moore volunteered. The Board unanimously voted to appoint Mr. Gagne, Mrs. Lamb, and Ms. Moore to serve at the Barre Town representatives to the Supervisory Union #61 Board. 2. Visitors and Communications
Mrs. Buzzell shared information on two upcoming events. The March 29, 2006, “Music From Around the World” with Deirdre Moore will be at the Aldrich Public Library from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. and is sponsored by the Central Vermont Early Childhood Council and Barre Area Success by Six program. Parents and children under the age of six were invited to the free event where each child would also receive a free book. The second event, also sponsored by the Central Vermont Early Childhood Council is open to childcare providers, pre-school and kindergarten teachers, and administrators, will feature Gary Dulabaum and is scheduled for March 30, 2006, at the Presbyterian Church with dinner at 6:00 and a program of activities until 8:30 p.m. Mr. Gagne announced the winner of the state-wide Green-Up Day poster contest, Sara Bellavance, was a BTMES student. Mr. Harrington thanked the Barre Town voters for their Town Meeting Day support of the Board and approval of the FY ’07 budget, and other requested articles. 3. Consent Agenda
On a motion by Mrs. Buzzell seconded by Mr. Gagne, the Board unanimously voted to approve the warrants, and minutes of February 15, 2006, as submitted. 4. Board Action Items
The Board reviewed the list provided, which represented 76.5 positions. Mr. Harrington confirmed with the Administrators that each teacher listed would be properly licensed in the areas assigned, by July 1. On a motion by Mrs. Lamb seconded by Mr. Gagne, the Board unanimously voted to approve the teacher contracts for FY ’07, as presented. With the Board’s permission, items on the agenda were taken out of order.
Ms. Anderson explained that recent language changes in 16 V.S.A §562(8) required voters to authorize spending of all district revenue, including grant funds. The education spending warning for the March 7th voted erroneously omitted the information; however, approval of a Validation Resolution would resolve the matter. She said the approval would not affect the tax rate or voter approved expenditures, in any way, and that future ballots will be warned correctly. Mr. Harrington apologized for the error and any confusion created. On a motion by Mrs. Buzzell seconded by Mrs. Lamb, the Board unanimously voted to adopt the Validation Resolution, as presented by the Superintendent.
Mr. Harrington advised the Board the teachers ratified their contract on Thursday, March 9, 2006. He described the negotiation process and highlights of the 3-year contract. He thanked the BTEA for their cooperation and successful results. Ms. Allen, BTEA Representative, thanked the Board for their “interest based” approach and mutual cooperation. On a motion by Mr. Gagne seconded by Mrs. Buzzell, the Board unanimously voted to adopt and ratify acceptance of the 3 -year teacher’s contract, pending reconciliation of final language.
Mrs. Lamb explained that removal of the policies was due to coverage by negotiated master agreements for all associated employees. On a motion by Mrs. Lamb seconded by Mr. Gagne, the Board unanimously voted to approve the Second and Final Reading of Management Contract Policy (GCFB-E) for Removal, Staff Positions Policy (GDA) for Removal, and Support Staff Hiring Policy (GDF) for Removal.
After considerable discussion the Board could not reach consensus. On a notion by Mrs. Lamb seconded by Mr. Gagne, the Board unanimously voted to refer the Adoption & Maintenance Policy (BGB) back to the Policy Committee. H. First Reading Professional Staff Orientation & Training Policy (GCH) On a notion by Mrs. Buzzell seconded by Mr. Gagne, the Board unanimously voted to approve the First Reading Professional Staff Orientation & Training Policy (GCH).
On a notion by Mrs. Lamb seconded by Ms. Moore, the Board unanimously voted to approve the First Reading Substitute Teacher Policy (GCG).
After considerable discussion the Board could not reach consensus. Suggested was to differentiate use of materials for educational/instructional vs. entertainment and ratings of those materials. On a notion by Mrs. Lamb seconded by Mrs. Buzzell, the Board unanimously voted to refer the Library and Instructional Materials Selection, Public Concerns & Complaints Policy (IJK) back to the policy Committee. Mrs. Lamb encouraged Board members to attend and participate in the Policy Committee discussions. 5. Board Discussion Items None 6. Old Business Pending Items: Dr. Riggen reported the County Forrester would appear at the April 5th meeting to provide a report. He also shared that BTMES and its woodchip plant was featured in a recent Northern Woodlands periodical. He also promised to provide a future report on a composting program. 7. Regular Reports to the Board The Board was provided written reports in their packets.
Ms. Anderson – none.
Mr. Crowley reviewed current and upcoming events, which may be viewed on the school Web site at www.BTMES.org. C. Committee Reports
The Board agreed to suspend regular meeting of the Student Enrichment Committee, which would be evaluated again at the summer retreat. 8. Bi-Monthly Reports to the Board (2nd meeting of the month)
Dr. Paul Moccia reviewed his 3/8/06 report, highlighting the timeline for release of NECAP results.
Laurie Gossens shared information on a number of items including the anticipated pre-school validation visit, kindergarten registration, which resulted in approximately 90 student enrollments for FY ’07, recognition of staff and students who participated in and supported the Unified Sports snowshoeing program, announcement of the Barre Annual Book Read, and the reading of a special needs student’s winning writing contest submission.
Tommy Walz cautioned parents to closely monitor, and exercise parental control over, their child’s access to Web sites such as myspace.com, which inappropriately contains the profiles of many BTMES students. He said since the recent discovery, access to the site had been blocked at the BTMES. Mr. Harrington suggested the Board and Administration host a multi-faceted “parent’s only” internet night, which would include an introduction to the school’s technology curriculum and computer activities, guest speakers, and most especially an “internet safety” component. Mr. Harrington will solicit participation from the State Police computer forensics unit, and the Administration will contact other potential participants. D. Supervisory Union
9. Other Business None 10. Executive Session
At 9:10 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 a personnel matter. Mr. Crowley, Dr. Riggen, and Mrs. Gossens were invited into the executive session. At 10:35 p.m. the Board exited executive session. 11. Next Meeting Dates Meetings are held on the first and third Wednesday of the month, unless noted. The next Barre Town School Board meeting dates are:
12. Adjournment On a motion by Mr. Gagne seconded by
Mrs. Buzzell, the Board unanimously voted to adjourn at 10:36 p.m.
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