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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: None ADMINISTRATORS: Guests: Video Vision Technician, Steve Murray, John Madigan BOARD SECRETARY: Donna Holden 1. Call to Order The Chairperson, David Harrington, called the Wednesday, June 4, 2008, meeting to order at 6:00 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 A. Public Comment Mr. Harrington introduced Dr. Bacon. The Board also expressed their sympathy and observed a moment of silence in memory of Christopher Rogers, a 9-year old BTMES student, who recently died in a tragic ATV accident. 3. Consent Agenda
On a motion by Mr. Kirkland seconded by Mrs. Buzzell, the Board unanimously voted to approve the warrants, and minutes of June 4, 2008, July 8, 2008, July 15, 2008, and July 28, 2008, as submitted. 4. Board Action Items
Dr. Bacon advised the Board there were no teacher contracts for Board action. Dr. Bacon also advised the Board that Julia Pritchard accepted the position offered to replace Laurie Gossens as BTMES Special Education Services Director. He said Ms. Pritchard would be arriving in Vermont from Michigan in early September and would receive a proration of the $76,000 annual salary for the remainder of the 2008-09 school year. 5. Board Discussion Items
John Madigan of KD Associates appeared before the Board to provide a report on the status of the school’s asbestos inspection and clean-up. Mr. Madigan reported that an inspection was completed by his firm, the FDA, and State Department of Health. He said part of his inspection also included testing of the air quality, ceiling tiles, and ventilation, which resulted in evidence of a clean and more than safe and healthy school. Mr. Madigan said the three areas within the building that had recent flooring work were identified as; 1.) the lobby area, which had carpet over non-asbestos tile with asbestos mastic, 2.) the entrance at door #28, which was asbestos tiled, and 3.) room 110, which had non-asbestos tile over asbestos mastic. Mr. Madigan said prior to the cleanings of the affected areas 13 dust samples were taken from the ventilation and ceiling tiles, and 33 air samples were taken from throughout the building. He said of the 13 dust samples tests revealed that only three samples (furthest away from the affected areas) had very, very small amounts of asbestos fibers, which could have been there historically and not related to the most recent flooring work. He also reported of the 33 air samples taken, all were well below the standards for particulate, and that only one sample showed one fiber of asbestos. He said results were more than adequate and recognition for the very high quality of the results led to the occupancy certification. Mr. Madigan said there was evidence that the contractor may have committed some regulatory infractions of work practices, i.e. the potential use of a floor tile chipper, which is prohibited from use on asbestos tiles. However, in this school’s case very little asbestos fibers were found in the affected areas, air quality, or ventilation system and may have been there prior to the recent flooring work. Mr. Madigan said the school was very thorough in letting the contractor know there was asbestos in the building and contracted the vendor to remove it according to all state and federal standards. Mr. Madigan also commended the school on its procedures in place, and acting responsibly and quickly. He indicated the school would likely receive a letter from the EPA and State Department of Health regarding this matter. Dr. Bacon said he would be following-up with any further matters related to the asbestos removal and related flooring contract.
Dr. Bacon advised the Board only one bid was received in response to the school bus specifications for two 76 passenger busses. He said a letter from Carl Rogers, Barre Town Manager, indicated the quote at $86, 003, exceeding the authorized spending by $6,000 per bus. Dr. Bacon advised the Board he contacted a vendor in Jericho that could provide a 72 passenger bus for $78,000, however when asked Mr. Murray indicated based on bus route requirements that the larger busses were preferable. The Board discussed and agreed, that Dr. Bacon would work with Mr. Murray to resolve the bus purchasing at the best possible cost and to meet the needs of the school.
The Board agreed to support adoption of the SU bylaws, after considerable discussion of the current and future SU Board composition 6. Old Business None 7. Regular Reports to the Board Written reports are typically provided in Board packets.
Dr. Bacon distributed an FY ’08 budget review, which revealed an anticipated $497,068 fund balance. Dr. Bacon explained the two options for disbursement of the surplus, which are 1.) incorporate the balance into future budgets to reduce the tax burden, or 2.) request permission from the voters to put some or all of the funds into reserve for future liabilities. The Board requested further information on the history of the $319,226 prior years’ fund balance. Dr. Bacon advised the first draft of the FY ’10 budget would be presented by the November meetings. Mr. Harrington also asked for a budget schedule to be developed and distributed to the Board.
Dr. Bacon recommended the Board consider increasing long-term substitute pay for teachers in a position with no benefits but requires licensing, or a DOE waiver, and sub 15 or more consecutive days. He said the change would be an increase of the current $110/day to approximately $175/day, and that the SHS Board has already agreed to use the BA Step 1 scale, which was consistent with several neighboring school districts, thereby eliminating the competitive advantage. Dr. Bacon also explained the Barre City Board requested further information before making a decision on the change. The Board discussed and agreed, to accept the recommendation to pay long-term substitutes a rate consistent with the BA Step 1 scale, beginning on day one (1) of the commitment. Mr. Harrington expressed his desire that the whole district adopt the change to avoid intra-district competitiveness.
Dr. Bacon advised the Board of the August 12 & 13 District Administrator retreat. He said as a result of the retreat in addition to his exposure to the Boards, and talking with former and current administrations that he developed four goals based on what he believed would initially best serve the district. He outlined the four goals set forth as 1.) To create a vision for the SU with a focus on student learning, 2.) Better understand and develop effective use of the finances and spending within the district, 3.) Provide support and guidance to the administrators throughout the district, and 4.) Created and develop methods to achieve greater efficiencies and collaborations for the schools in the district.
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.
The Board discussed development of an in-school awareness, detection, and assistance program for parents and students exposed to sexual abuse. The Superintendent also advised he has been in the early stages of organizing a public forum on this topic. 8. Monthly Reports to the Board (2nd meeting of the month)
Mr. Crowley share information regarding new bus rules and student behavior expectations, which will be presented to the 4-8th grade parents at upcoming meetings. He agreed to provide follow-up information to the Board at a later date for evaluation of whether bus cameras are needed. Mr. Crowley shared copies of the new student handbooks, bus schedules, and Web site improvements. Other information is available at www.btmes.org.
The next monthly meeting is scheduled for September 11, 2008, at 6:00 p.m., in the Supervisory Union Central Office Conference Room. 9. Other Business None 10. Executive Session
At 8:55 p.m. on a motion by Mrs. Buzzell seconded by Ms. Moore , the Board unanimously voted to enter into executive session, pursuant to Title 1 § 313 to discuss contracting, personnel, and legal matters. Dr. Bacon and Mr. Crowley were invited into the executive session. At 10:20 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: September 3, 2008 - 6:00 p.m. 12. Adjournment On a motion by Mrs. Buzzell seconded by Mr. Kirkland, the Board unanimously voted to adjourn at 10:25 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Donna Holden
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