|
|
School Board Meeting Minutes |
||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Minutes are not official until approved by the Barre Town School Board BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: None ADMINISTRATORS: Guests: Video Vision Tech, Matt Safford, Randy Lamberti BOARD SECRETARY: Donna Holden 1. Call to Order The Chairperson, Brenda Buzzell, called the Wednesday, January 20, 2010 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 Mrs. Buzzell thanked Tim Crowley and Jim Taffel for their participation at the recent Milk & Cookies reading event at the Aldrich Library. Mr. Buzzell also invited the community to attend the Barre Area Success by Six & Central Vermont Building Bright Futures annual Dabble Day, on February 6th, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., to be held at the SHS cafeteria. She said in addition to a variety of activities and snacks, that each child would receive a free book. 3. Consent Agenda
On a motion by Ms. Moore seconded by Mr. Kirkland, the Board voted to approve the Regular Board Meeting minutes of January 6, 2010, and Special Finance/Board Meeting minutes of January 12, 2010, as submitted. 4. Old Business
The Board reviewed the proposed warning, which consisted of eight articles. Mrs. Buzzell discussed a list of budget adjustments and reductions involved in the zero increase Article IV budget of $10,202,140 (including $300K of grants that do not increase local taxes). Mr. Kirkland informed the Board he would not have a final estimate figure for the Article VIII, kitchen renovation, until Monday, January 25th. The Board agreed to hold a special meeting on Tuesday, January 26th at 12:00 p.m. in the BTMES Conference Room to address the final kitchen repair estimate and take action to approve the March 2, 2010 warning. B. Bus Contract – One Wave Dr. Bacon advised the Board the Barre City Elementary and Middle School Board (BCEMS) had discussed and agreed they were interested in pursuing a joint busing contract with BTMES. He added that he and Mr. Barone held a meeting with administrators from both schools today to discuss pros and cons, start times, individual school needs, along with other logistics and considerations. Dr. Bacon said the meeting resulted in an agreed proposal of: BCMES student pick-ups to start at 7:30 a.m., school beginning at 8:00 a.m. and ending at 2:30 p.m., and all students delivered to stops at the end of the day by 3:00 p.m. BTMES student pick-ups would start at 8:00 a.m. with school beginning at 8:45 a.m. and ending at 3:15 p.m., and all students delivered to stops at the end of the day by 4:00 p.m. He said students would likely be on the bus less time in Barre City, and that some students in Barre Town would also be less time, but some BT students may travel about the same amount of time. However, it was possible that most, if not all, students would be at morning and afternoon bus stops during daylight hours, even in the winter months. Other details such as late busses, etc. would need further discussion; however, it was agreed field trips would be continued through an agreement regarding bus use during the daytime hours. Dr. Bacon noted a list of potential savings, if the proposal was implemented, which included elimination of bus runs to a combined 56 vs. the current 76, saving on gas, maintenance, and man-hours. He said the estimated total savings for Barre Town began at $200K and $130K for Barre City each year, and the initial contract would be a three-year contract. Dr. Bacon further advised the savings for BTMES could increase depending on the disposition of their bus fleet, i.e. leasing the busses to a bussing company or selling the busses. The Board agreed retaining ownership of the busses during initiation of a single-wave system was prudent, in the event of dissatisfaction and/or a desire to return to the current dual-wave system. Among other discussion, Dr. Bacon listed other positive aspects considered, including: 1.) Potential child-care savings for parents with siblings leaving and arriving home at the same time, 2.) Older students, or siblings, partnered with younger students at bus stops to aid in safety, 3.) No cancellation of routes - the bus company would be responsible for spare drivers and covering all needed bus routes, 4.) Eliminating the uncertainty of short-notice cancellations, 5.) The current BTMES bus drivers would be offered positions to retain their routes, and 6.) The elimination of future bus purchases, which was currently at a cost of $85-90K each. However, Dr. Bacon noted, in addition to student safety, which the Board agreed was of primary concern whether a single or dual-wave system; and economic benefits, which were obvious; special consideration was given to the educational benefit to students. He said the administrators and Mr. Barone unanimously agreed having all students virtually start and end together provided immense opportunity to maximize the utilization of staff, special services [shared throughout the district and independently], and for staff interaction and staff development opportunities. Matt Safford, Barre Town resident and
BTMES employee addressed the Board. In response to Mr. Safford’s
concerns about the Board seeking community input, alleged leasing
company practices, student safety, and other matters, Dr. Bacon referred
to a recent report issued pursuant to a Legislative Act. The report, he
said, recommended bussing contracts be consolidated in school districts,
under their Supervisory Union structure, to achieve maximum savings. Randy Lamberti, Barre Town resident and parent of twin kindergarten students, also addressed the Board regarding his concerns in the areas of proposed savings, fleet ownership and maintenance, scheduling, and most concerning to him - exposing young students to older students on the bus. Mr. Crowley agreed the bussing changes proposed would be a change not only in the culture of the community but for the operations within the school. However, he noted there were very few districts [providing student transportation] that were privileged enough to have the luxury of a split-wave system such as in Barre Town. He said many schools systems, including his own home town, transport K-12, K-8, or grades 5 or 6 through 12 students together every day, and it worked. He agreed there was, and could be, challenges from both older students and also some younger students. Mr. Crowley said he also felt there were opportunities for good experiences and that he counted on the wonderfully engaged, interested, and involved parents of BTMES students to work with the change and any situation to balance and/or out-weigh any negatives. Mr. Kirkland offered to share survey results from other VT districts regarding multi-aged bussing. Ms. Moore also observed the Board had grappled with bussing issues, growing expenses, staffing problems, route cancellations, etc. for a long time, and the prospect of offering a reliable bussing program was appealing. Mrs. Buzzell restated the single-wave proposal was still in the development stage, and that public meetings would be held with the community prior to any Board action to implement a change in the current system. However, she noted the proposed savings for the school (and ultimately the taxpayers) and educational benefits for students and staff, were compelling reasons to seriously consider the option and move forward, if possible.
Ms. Worth informed the Board an additional Rock family contribution in the amount of $3,303 was received bringing the total donation in excess of $15K. She said an internal recommendation of a comprehensive three-year plan was agreed upon, which involved a thorough inventory of the current library book collection, weeding-out of outdated or worn materials, purchase of shelving, and thoughtful and systematic purchase of new text. Ms. Worth further noted that all new text purchased would be reviewed with Mr. Barone in advance to ensure the relevance of purchases and alignment with curriculum. The Board agreed with Dr. Bacon’s reminder that in addition to a granite plaque thanking the Rock family for the donation, labels or an ink stamp depicting credit for the donation would be placed inside each of the newly acquired books for the library’s collection. 5. New Business
The Board discussed whether Mrs. Rosa should be asked to return for budget presentations. The Board agreed the Superintendent and Board members would present the budgets to local Service Clubs, and the Superintendent and Board Chairs would present budgets to the community at regular Board meetings. Dr. Bacon agreed to develop a “talking points” sheet, and a PowerPoint presentation would be developed to present the budget to the community at the February 17, 2010 Board meeting, and March 1, 2010 pre-Town Meeting Day meeting. Mr. Crowley also spoke of a number of features and programs offered by the school, all of which he said were supported by a zero increase budget and creative management. 6. Administrative Reports to the Board
Dr. Bacon provided an oral report including distributing invitations to attend the SU-wide art show to be held at the Aldrich Public Library February 16th, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. Dr. Bacon distributed a copy of the Report of the Committee on the Financing and Effectiveness of the Vermont Education System in the 21st Century”, as required by Act No.1 section H.57 (2009 Special Session). He advised the legislature would likely be focusing on the report during this session and the potential cost savings outlined, of which many were already being implemented by the Barre SU. Dr. Bacon advised the Board the State’s Department of Education had recently been on site to monitor special education programs throughout the district and included meetings with Mrs. Pritchard, and other Special Ed Directors. Mrs. Pritchard said many of the observations were not unexpected, and there were also many positive comments, however, a corrective action plan would have to be prepared addressing areas of concern once the report was received. Dr. Bacon informed the Board he had been working with area superintendents to develop the 2010-2011 Regional Calendar, which he distributed. Upon discussion, the Board agreed they were in support of the calendar, and also supported holding parent/teacher conference with an evening format as was piloted last year, to avoid additional breaks in the schedule. Dr. Bacon reminded the Board he would be on vacation the first two weeks of February, and that Mr. Barone would be available and attending Board meeting in his absence. Dr. Bacon also distributed superintendent evaluation forms, which the Board agreed to review at their February 3rd meeting. Dr. Bacon notified the Board of Business Manager, Linda Rosa’s resignation effective June 30th, and said the SU Board had agreed to initiate a search in March. He asked that input regarding job qualifications be provided to the Board’s SU reps before their February 18th meeting. The Board agreed to also discuss the job description and qualifications at their February 3rd meeting.
Mr. Crowley reviewed information regarding student and staff achievements, along with recent and upcoming events. For additional information on these and other events, visit 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.
7. Other Business (If Needed)
On a motion by Ms. Moore seconded by Mr. Tewksbury, the Board unanimously voted to approve the warrants, as submitted. 8. Future Agenda Items
9. Executive Session
At 8:40 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 contract negotiations, personnel matter, and student matter. Dr. Bacon was invited into the executive session. At 9:33 p.m. the Board exited executive session. The Board unanimously voted to approve charging the allowable tuition. 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:
Date to Remember:
11. Adjournment On a motion by Mr. Kirkland seconded by Mr. Paterson, the Board unanimously voted to adjourn at 9:35 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Donna Holden
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||
