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School Board Meeting Minutes |
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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, August 19 2009, meeting to order at 6:02 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 The Board welcomed BTMES new co-principal, Alice Worth. 3. Consent Agenda
On a motion by Mr. Kirkland seconded by Mr. Bond, the Board voted to approve the Regular Board Meeting minutes of June 17, 2009, Retreat Meeting minutes of July 6, 2009, and warrants, as submitted. 4. New Business
Ms. Worth reviewed profiles of the newly hired teaching staff authorized by the Board at their July 6th meeting. The new hires included: Sandra Parker, grade 1 & 2 interventionist for math and literacy, Merrin Mandigo, 3rd grade (1-yr position to cover an LOA), Sonja Shedd, 4th grade, and Kathryn Bryant, grade 7 & 8 World Geography. The Board welcomed the new staff and agreed new staff would be invited to a reception and introduced to the community at the September 16, 2009 meeting. B. Class Size Reduction Position Ms. Worth advised the Board the final grouping of the 1st & 2nd grade students would be concluded upon evaluation by the Administrators and teachers, and be based on student needs. The newly hired interventionist would be dedicated to serving as professional staff in the areas of math and literacy (including writing) only, and serve to reduce the student/teacher ratio in these core subjects. Ms. Worth explained the model was being implemented in the primary grades where the classroom teachers would also provide instruction in all areas. However, since student/teacher ratios did not require reductions in all areas, i.e. lunch, recess, specials, etc, the reduction was beneficial in core learning areas, particularly in the primary grades. Ms. Worth also advised the enrollment numbers remained at the 17-20 range in grade 1 & 2, however, final numbers would be provided in September, after school began. The Board expressed their support and enthusiasm for the innovative use of staff, and reiterated their dedication to providing the best possible educational experiences and alternatives to students at BTMES. Ms. Worth agreed to keep the Board informed. 5. Old Business A. Bussing
Along with the Board, Dr. Bacon reviewed and discussed the DRAFT Bus Lease Transition Agreement outline. Dr. Bacon advised that Town Manager, Carl Rogers, would provide a final document for signature upon the Board’s approval. The Board agreed in addition to transparency, considerable savings should be realized under the new agreement, where the school assumed greater responsibility and control for the vehicles and transportation department expenditures. The Board also discussed the proposed per hour maintenance cost and alternate plan for a local garage to provide maintenance when the Town is unable to meet demands. Mrs. Buzzell thanked Mr. Kirkland, Dr. Bacon, BT Select Board Chair, Jeff Blow, the members of the Select Board, and Mr. Rogers for their cooperative efforts in reaching the new agreement. She said the Board looks forward to more collaboration with the Select Board in representing the best interests of town residents. On a motion by Mr. Kirkland seconded by Ms. Moore, the Board unanimously voted to accept the Bus Lease Transition Agreement outline, to be effective July 1, 2009, to be signed by the Chair unless a substantial difference in the outline appeared in the Final Agreement, and with the addition of maintenance to be contracted at a cost of $67.00 per hour.
Dr. Bacon advised the Board that he applied for a grant worth up to $40K toward the expense of replacing an old/outdated bus. He explained the purchase of a special needs bus with a lift was turned down by voters in March, however, the need for a new handicap bus still existed, and the grant would be used toward the anticipated $100K expense. He explained the purchase would have to occur before 6/30/2010 and funds from a number of sources including savings on the bus maintenance contract would be used for the balance. Dr. Bacon said he expected to receive award information within the next week and would keep the Board advised.
Dr. Bacon reported the Transportation Department was still preparing a single wave plan, which was expected to be completed and ready to present in September, for a 2010-2011 school year implementation. Mrs. Buzzell advised Dr. Bacon and Mr. Kirkland that Carl Davison, former BTMES Transportation Director, contacted her and volunteered to serve on the single-wave planning committee.
Mr. Kirkland advised that approximately 40 applicants were interviewed for the bus driver/maintenance positions, with four selected, however, through various reasons only one remains viable. Mr. Kirkland agreed to re-advertise in the World newspaper and with DOL. He also reported the maintenance project for the nurse’s office was behind schedule, however, the maintenance staff has worked tirelessly and completed all of their summer tasks and projects. The Board acknowledged the hard work and dedication of the staff. 6. Administrative Reports to the Board
Dr. Bacon provided an oral report advising that Mr. Crowley had sent letters and $50.00 checks to this year’s retirees in appreciation of their service to the Barre Town students and community, as well as checks and letters to several exemplary teachers, nominated by their peers. Letters and checks were also sent to teachers serving 25 or more years. The Retiree Recognition letters and checks were sent to: Laurette Allard, Christine Mears, Jean McPherson, Richard Payne, Ted Riggen, and Alan Sholk. The Exemplary Performer letters and checks were sent to: Laurette Allard, Revell Allen Loraine Bullis, Beth Campo, Robin Cappetta, Susan Gibson, Kevin Lawrence, and Jessica Roy. The service recognition letters and checks were sent to: Annette Bisson-Rossi, Raymond Blanchette, Patricia MacAskill, Christine Mears, all with 30-years of service, and Margaret Mehuron for 25-years of service. Dr. Bacon also advised the Board a $30K grant was received for EEI service, which will be used in a new collaboration with the Head Start.
Ms. Worth reviewed several current and upcoming events. For additional information on these and other events, visit www.btmes.org. Ms. Worth also distributed updated Staff and Parent/Student Handbooks, and a copy of the 2009-2010 assignment book created for older BTNES students. C. 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.
8. Other Business None 9. Executive Session
At 7:15 p.m. on a motion by Mr. Kirkland seconded by Ms. Moore, the Board unanimously voted to enter into executive session, pursuant to Title 1 § 313, to discuss personnel, student, and legal matters. Dr. Bacon, and Ms. Worth were invited into the executive session. At 8:20 p.m. the Board exited executive session. 10. 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: September 2, 2009 – 6:00 p.m. 11. Adjournment On a motion by Ms. Moore seconded by
Mr. Bond, the Board unanimously voted to adjourn at 8:25 p.m.
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