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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: BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: ADMINISTRATORS: Guests: Video Vision Tech BOARD SECRETARY: Donna Holden 1. Call to Order The Chairperson, Brenda Buzzell, called the Wednesday, June 17, 2009, meeting to order at 6:07 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 Mr. Kirkland thanked Mr. Crowley and Mrs. Prichard for their dedication and hard work during the past year. He also advised that he had personally extended the same appreciation, on behalf of the Board, to many other members of the faculty and staff throughout the school. Mrs. Buzzell echoed her appreciation to all including students, parents, volunteers, and the Superintendent acknowledging the resiliency and support of each during this transition year of new administration in both the school and supervisory union. 3. Consent Agenda
On a motion by Mr. Kirkland seconded by Ms. Moore, the Board voted to approve the regular meeting minutes of June 3, 2009, and special meeting minutes of June 9, 2009, as submitted. 4. Board Action Items
Mr. Tewksbury explained amendment to the policy was to provide broader discretion for administration, and to permit the handling of discipline in a timelier manner, which could still include bringing matters to the Board. On a motion by Ms. Moore seconded by Mr. Kirkland, the Board unanimously voted to approve the first reading of Threats and Disruptions to School Operations Policy (EBCC), as submitted. The Board agreed to review the policy for a second and final reading at their July 6th retreat meeting. 5. Board Discussion Items
The Board reviewed the proposed agenda and schedule for the July 6, 2009 retreat, which is to be hosted by Ms. Moore at her home, beginning at 9:00 a.m. The Board agreed the Superintendent and Administrators would also be included during parts of the day. 6. Old Business
Mr. Crowley reported the administration, including new principal Alice Worth, have been continuing development of the plan to reduce class sizes by strategically sharing a classroom teacher between grades 1 & 2 in the core subject areas of literacy and math. He said the new model was being widely accepted by the 1st & 2nd grade staff, and a more defined plan and schedule would be available for discussion at the July 6th retread.
Mrs. Buzzell reported that the Board held a very congenial and productive meeting was held with the Barre Town Select Board on June 9th regarding the current bussing contract, and that she was confident both Boards would work together to reach the best solution for students and Barre Town taxpayers. 7. Regular Reports to the Board Dr. Bacon arrived at the meeting during the next item.
Mrs. Buzzell reviewed the 6/2/09 written report provided in the Board’s packet.
Dr. Bacon provided an oral report advising that a district-wide woodchip contract had been successfully negotiated with Lathrops at a fixed cost of $63/ton. He said the high school used this vendor’s product during the past heating season and realized a savings based on the higher quality woodchip product provided. Dr. Bacon also advised the Board that BTMES would receive an additional $13K in FY ’10 from ARRA stimulus funds for the use of preschool programs. He said the funds would be in addition to a co-op arrangement negotiated with the Head Start Program to increase preschool exposure for 3 & 4 year old at-risk students, and that Head Start has agreed to provide an additional teacher at their cost, for the addition of eligible students. Dr. Bacon noted that Barre City Schools also had an arrangement with the Head Start Program. C. Administrative Reports Mr. Crowley reviewed several current and upcoming events. For additional information on these and other events, visit www.btmes.org. Mrs. Prichard added brief comments, and expressed her appreciation for the opportunity to serve the BTMES students and community, and was looking forward to continued good work by and with the faculty and staff. D. Committee Reports 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.
Mrs. Rosa reported bids were sought regarding interest on deposits (sweep), and short term borrowing (TAN). She said of the four bids received the Merchant’s Bank offered the best rates in both areas, therefore it was her recommendation to end its contract with TD BankNorth, and contract with Merchant’s Bank for the 2009-2010 year. On a motion by Ms. Moore seconded by Mr. Tewksbury, the Board unanimously voted to contract the sweep and TAN banking services with Merchant’s Bank, effective July 1, 2009.
8. Other Business Ms. Moore provided a Supervisory Union Report, which included notice of a Tri-Board meeting on Thursday, October 8, 2009, at 6:00 p.m. in the SHS Library, for the purpose of a thorough review of the financial management and student management systems. Ms. Moore also advised a first reading of the SU Action Plan was approved and asked for comments on the Plan before the September 10, 2009, SU Board meeting. In conclusion, Ms. Moore also reported that part of the SU’s ARRA stimulus fund spending proposal included purchase of 200 fully equipped integrated smart/white boards, to be placed in every classroom (where appropriate) throughout the SU. She noted the spending plan also included training of all staff and administrators, with an expectation that all teachers district-wide would use the boards and integrate their use into curriculum. 9. CONTINUED – Board Action
On a motion by Ms. Moore seconded by Mr. Bond, the Board unanimously voted to approve the warrants, as presented. 10. Executive Session
At 7:25 p.m. on a motion by Mr. Tewksbury seconded by Ms. Moore, the Board unanimously voted to enter into executive session, pursuant to Title 1 § 313, to discuss a personnel matter, contracting, and the bus contract/cost sharing matter. Dr. Bacon, Mrs. Prichard, and Mr. Crowley were invited into the executive session. At 8:24 p.m. the Board exited executive session. The Board unanimously agreed to hire the 4 teachers (listed in Item 4A) as recommended by the Administration. 11. 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: July 6, 2009 – 9:00 a.m. Annual
Retreat 12. Adjournment On a motion by Ms. Moore seconded by
Mr. Bond, the Board unanimously voted to adjourn at 8:27 p.m.
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