|
|
School Board Meeting Minutes |
|
|
|
|
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, Carla Manning, Bill Kirkland, Grace Manning, Steve Murray, Reid Asaro BOARD SECRETARY: Donna Holden 1. Call to Order The Chairperson, David Harrington, called
the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 6, 2006, which
was held in the Barre Town Middle and Elementary School Library, 70
Websterville Road, Barre Town, VT. A flag salute followed.
Dr. Fagan introduced, and the Board welcomed Wayne Shepard, the new Business Manager. 3. Consent Agenda
On a motion by Mrs. Lamb seconded by Mrs. Buzzell, the Board unanimously voted to approve the warrants, and minutes of August 9, 2006, as submitted. 4. Board Action Items
On a motion by Mrs. Lamb seconded by Ms. Moore, the Board unanimously voted to approve the speech/language specialist teaching contract for Deborah Law Fontes, at $51,906.00. 5. Board Discussion Items
Dr. Riggen reviewed the April 26, 2006, Vermont Superintendents Association Site Assessment Report, highlighting points of improvements to consider, which included lighting controls, HVAC system, roofing membrane system, vending miser installation, and general operations and management items. The Board discussed the prudence of a more comprehensive energy audit and resulting action plan. The matter was referred to the Facility Committee for a cost estimate for such service to be presented to the Board at the next meeting. Mr. Murray was also requested to implement the “little or no cost” recommendations outlined in the VSA report.
Dr. Riggen reviewed multiple reports which clearly demonstrated a consistent decline in student enrollment. With the Board’s permission, the following item was added to the agenda.
Carla Manning and Reid Asaro appeared before the Board to discuss the current, anticipated, and frequent bussing issues. A lengthy discussion ensued which included issues such as potential development of a Before and After School (B&AS) Program, recruitment and retention of bus drivers, the state-wide bus driver dilemma, and development of alternative transportation plans, etc. Mrs. Buzzell invited interested parents to work with Mr. Crowley, and an existing Committee, to investigate the requirements to acquire an accredited B&AS Program. Mr. Harrington encouraged parents to work together to create alternative transportation plans in the event their child’s school bus is not running, and Ms. Moore suggested a comprehensive survey be distributed to parents to determine the potential enrollment in a B&AS Program at BTMES. The Board acknowledged there was pre-existing philosophical concerns with regard to providing a B&AS Program, and also acknowledged there were no funds currently available, or budgetary plans to include taxpayer financial support for a B&AS Program. Mr. Crowley advised the Board a survey was nearly ready for distribution by the Committee working on research for a B&AS Program, and advised the date and time of the next Committee meeting would be announced in the next Parent Newsletter. Dr. Fagan supported distribution of the survey and suggested including exploration of other nearby area B&AS Programs.
Mr. Harrington advised the Board of a letter from the Barre Town Manager informing the school that the Barre Town Recreation Department voted to eliminate the community ice rink, due to the lack of use, maintenance expenses, and lack of community volunteers for seasonal rink maintenance. On a motion by Mr. Gagne seconded by Mrs. Buzzell, the Board unanimously voted to decline the Town’s offer for the school to assume responsibility for the ice rink. 6. Old Business
Mr. Crowley advised the Board the change to a single entrance to the building was successfully implemented. He said the only public access to the school would now be through the front of the building and lobby area.
Dr. Riggen will provide additional information at a later date. 7. Regular Reports to the Board Written reports are typically provided in Board packets.
Dr. Fagan discussed the opening of school activities, noting her pleasure over the successful, district-wide, staff assembly prior to the opening of school, which included guest speakers Guy Isabelle and son JP, who discussed and demonstrated the generational changes and progress in education. Other topics mentioned were: budget timelines and strategies, anticipated contracted services for Special Education coordination, and upcoming crisis response team training.
Mr. Crowley provided information on current and upcoming events, which may also be viewed on the school Web site at www.BTMES.org.
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.
Mr. Harrington advised the Board
information regarding the development of a new Committee would be
announced at the next Board meeting.
9. Other Business None 10. Executive Session
At 8:15 p.m. motion by Mrs. Lamb seconded by Mrs. Buzzell, the Board unanimously voted to enter into executive session, pursuant to Title 1 §313, to discuss contract matters. Dr. Fagan was invited into executive session. At 8:55 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:
12. Adjournment On a motion by Mr. Gagne seconded by
Mrs. Lamb, the Board unanimously voted to adjourn at 9:00 p.m.
|
|
