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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: None ADMINISTRATORS: Guests: BOARD SECRETARY: Donna Holden 1. Call to Order The Chairperson, David Harrington, called the Wednesday, September 3, 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
Mrs. Buzzell shared an invitation to parents and providers for an open house at the State House in Montpelier on September 13, 2008, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., “to learn what happens under the golden dome.” Mr. Crowley advised the Board over $2K was raised in memory of Christopher Rogers, which would be used for playground improvements, and a plaque in Christopher’s memory would also be installed. Mr. Harrington introduced and welcomed Mrs. Pritchard, BTMES Special Education Director. 3. Consent Agenda
On a motion by Ms. Moore seconded by Mr. Bond, the Board unanimously voted to approve the warrants, and minutes of August 19, 2008, as submitted. With the Board’s permission, items on the agenda were taken out of order. 4. Board Action Items A. Sidewalk Easement Kevin Russell, Municipal Project Manager, appeared before the Board. Mr. Russell advised he was the manager of the sidewalk replacement project and was seeking an amended permanent easement for the portion of the sidewalk that crossed on the school’s property. He said due to the discovery of a second storm drain it was required to extend the distance the sidewalk was built on the school’s land before veering back to the Town’s right-of-way, which created the need for the amended easement. Mr. Russell advised the project completion date was expected to be September 23rd and that he was very pleased with the result, which included improved drainage and an additional and/or alternate safe route for student to get to school. Mr. Crowley advised the Board the school would once again apply for a Safe Route to School Grant with the intention of extending the sidewalk on to connect to the existing bike path. On a motion by Mrs. Buzzell seconded by Ms. Moore, the Board unanimously voted to sign the supplemental sidewalk easement, as discussed.
Mr. Harrington advised that Dr. Riggen had requested Family Medical Leave for specified days each week (Thursday and Friday) and for an extended period in January and February 2009. He explained that in light of this development, it has been agreed that Mr. Crowley would assume the responsibility of principal in charge for the entire school, grades K-8. Dr. Riggen would assume responsibility for specific administrative duties, including implementation of the Action Plan. Dr. Bacon explained that when the request was initiated the first thought was to find a retired principal to assist in the school’s administration on a part-time basis; however, the opportunity to bring Mr. Olson on board came to light, which Dr. Bacon said he felt was the optimal situation for all parties. Mr. Olson introduced himself and explained he was in the Principal’s Residency Network Program, which required participants to learn and master 26 competencies in the field of school administration. He said he was very pleased to have the opportunity to work in the school three-days per week, with the plan for Dr. Riggen to provide direct mentoring on Wednesday, and on Thursday and Friday he would follow- up to administrative assignments and assist Mr. Crowley as needed. He explained he had extensive experience working with students of all ages, and looked forward to the experience of this internship. Dr. Riggen and Mr. Crowley both expressed their eagerness to test the model, and agreed to keep the Board advised of the pros and cons to the change in administrative leadership. On a motion by Mrs. Buzzell seconded by Ms. Moore, the Board unanimously voted to approve the FY 2008-2009 administrative model, as proposed. The Board agreed to further discuss the proposed internship of Mike Olson in executive session. The Board thanked Dr. Riggen for his commitment to the school and his willingness to assist in the administration’s transition.
The Board reviewed the bus purchase proposals. Dr. Bacon recommended the Board stick with the original bid received from J & B International bus dealer, which met all the specs requested, including the larger bus and student capacity preferred. On a motion by Mr. Bond seconded by Mr. Kirkland, the Board unanimously voted to authorize the purchase of two 77 passenger busses, including the optional extended warrantee at the cost of $86,003 per bus. Dr. Bacon agreed to work with Town Manager, Carl Rogers, to ensure a timely delivery date. 5. Board Discussion Items
Mr. Crowley advised there was no additional information to report. Dr. Bacon advised the clean up consulting fees totaled $14,240 and actual clean up costs totaled $12,815, for a total unbudgeted expense of approximately $27K. The Board also discussed the unbudgeted expense incurred to dig up and replace rotted pipes from the wood chip burning plant to the school. Dr. Bacon said he expected the state would reimburse 30% of the pipe replacement cost; however he was also seeking other remedies and/or cost reimbursements from other sources.
Dr. Riggen reviewed the 20 steps outlined in the five areas of the BTMES 2008-2009 Action Plan, which included 1.) Response to Intervention (3 steps), 2.) Mathematics (3 steps), 3.) Literacy (8 steps), 4.) Science (2 steps, and 5.) Health and Wellness (4 steps). Dr. Riggen noted he was currently awaiting input from the faculty on the proposed plan, and would also incorporate comments already provided by the Superintendent. Dr. Riggen asked the Board to forward any comments to him as timely as possible upon which a version would be presented to the Board for adoption. Mr. Harrington requested the document list [in the column] a cross reference to the specific step that would address the Commissioner’s concerns as outlined in his letter. 6. Old Business None 7. Regular Reports to the Board Written reports are typically provided in Board packets.
Dr. Bacon distributed an amended budget revenue summary detailing an anticipated, unreserved, FY 2008 surplus of $177,842. Dr. Bacon also noted that of a $10 million +/- budget the surplus was a relatively small amount, and “pretty close to the budgeting bone”. Dr. Bacon queried the Board on their acceptance of receiving bi-annual Board salary payments, as a cost savings effort by the Central Office. The Board agreed to discuss the option and advise the Superintendent at a later date. Dr. Bacon reported that the Tech Director had arrived and was assessing the hardware, software, developing long-range plans, which would include staff and administration trainings, and professional development and training for teachers. Mr. Harrington suggested the SU consider employing a centralized Web Master, and to develop consistency in the district’s sites. Dr. Bacon shared a letter from a parent recognizing Special Education Instructor, Terry Johnson, for her professionalism and the family’s appreciation for the caring assistance provided to the writer’s son. Upon Dr. Bacon’s suggestion the Board agreed, in lieu of regularly scheduled in-person reports from the Curriculum Director, and Technology Coordinator, that monthly written reports would be acceptable, and that either Director would be scheduled for an in-person report if requested by the Board or Director. The Board agreed, however, that Special Education Director, Julia Prichard, would attend at least one meeting per month (2nd meeting) to provide a report. The Board agreed to hold the new staff reception immediately preceding the September 17, 2008 meeting, beginning at 5:30 p.m. The Tech Director and Curriculum Director will also be invited for introduction to the community. Dr. Riggen also advised the Board the art department requested they be permitted to present an art presentation immediately preceding a meeting in October.
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. Monthly Reports to the Board (2nd meeting of the month)
School 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 7:55 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 and personnel matters. Dr. Bacon, Dr. Riggen, Mr. Crowley, Mrs. Prichard, and Mr. Olson were invited into the executive session. At 9:15 p.m. the Board exited executive session. On a motion by Mrs. Buzzell seconded by Ms. Moore, the Board unanimously voted to approve the hiring of an administrative intern. 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 17, 2008 – 6:00 p.m. 12. Adjournment On a motion by Mrs. Buzzell seconded
by Ms. Moore, the Board unanimously voted to adjourn at 9:20 p.m.
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