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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, Phil Joyal, Susan Barnard, Carl Davison, Terri Salvador, Steve Murray BOARD SECRETARY: Donna Holden 1. Call to Order The Chairperson, Brenda Buzzell, called the Wednesday, November 4, 2009, 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 None 3. Consent Agenda
On a motion by Ms. Moore seconded by Mr. Kirkland, the Board voted to approve the warrants and Regular Board Meeting minutes of October 21, 2009, as submitted. 4. Old Business 9-2-09: Follow-up on food service bid/SU
wide contract. Mr. Murray advised the Board (during the single wave bus presentation) that bids were received along with an option for a used handicap bus. 9-2-09: Follow-up 4th grade band
instrument requirement requests/costs. 9-16-09& 10-21-09: Follow-up evaluation
of school snack program ~ April 1, 2010.
P.E. instructors, Mrs. Barnard and Mr. Joyal, appeared before the Board to discuss their recently applied for DOE technology grant. Mrs. Barnard explained the $10K grant was made available only to identified schools for the purpose of integrating technology, and for use across all disciplines. She said the $9,952.80 applied for would purchase twenty Polar heart monitors, a laptop and interface, and would created collaborations with the math and health/consumer science curriculums. The Board reiterated its appreciation for the PE department’s initiative to apply for the grant, which had a very short turn around period. They also discussed their request for the administration to develop a process to vet and coordinate grant applications, particularly those that would be beneficial across all disciplines.
BTMES Transportation Department personnel, Steve Murray and Terri Salvador, along with the former Transportation Director of 34-years, Carl Davison, appeared before the Board to provide a single-wave presentation. Among the many items discussed were: current route schedule, transportation statistics, financial and logistical benefits and challenges, educational pros and cons, survey results, and estimated costs. Mr. Davison noted the matter of a single wave transportation schedule had been discussed many times during his tenure, acknowledged the benefits of a one-wave bus system, and very eloquently and passionately expressed his sincere concern for student safety particularly at bus stops, and also during the time students were being transported. He advised that he was not attempting to be negative about the proposal, but viewed the possibility of increased dangers and discipline problems with older and younger children together at bus stops and riding on the busses. The Board noted the surveys of transportation directors at similar sized VT schools reported the benefits of mixed age groups of children riding the bus together as older children might be able to watch over and help our younger children. It was also noted that bus stops could be consolidated or moved if needed to address crowding at a stop. Once again the Board and Transportation Department encouraged parents to be vigilant in discussing bus stop safety with their children. The Board agreed the single wave bus proposal needed further study Mr. Kirkland estimated that costs might increase by as much as $121,000 (and more if a late bus run(s) is added) but acknowledged the actual cost could be less. He said the additional expense could diminish over 3-5 years to generate a savings or a break-even status; however, it would initially be an increase due primarily to personnel costs that the school was currently contractually obligated to. The Board thanked the members of the committee and agreed to continue discussions, and taking public comment, with the intention of reaching a decision by January. 5. New Business
Mr. Kirkland referred the Board to the Black River Design proposal of $9,370 for Pre Bond phase architectural services. The quote also included a Design/Construction phase commitment of 9-11%, depending on the scope of the final project. The Board agreed to postpone action. The Superintendent agreed to investigate industry standards regarding bidding for this type of project, along with determining the time line for preparing a quote, etc. to be timely in getting a bond article on the March ballot. Dr. Bacon also advised the Board of potential access to stimulus finds for renovations at very low interest rates. He agreed to provide further detail as they develop in the future.
The Board reviewed the proposed budget schedule. Mrs. Buzzell invited interested community members to attend upcoming Finance Committee meetings (next meeting on 11/12/09 at 1:00 p.m.), future Board meetings, or to contact any of the Board members, administrators, or Superintendent with concerns. 6. Administrative Reports to the Board
Dr. Bacon provided an oral report including notice that he was working through the Department of Natural Resources where schools could receive a reduction in the cost of wood chips purchasing. He also advised that information had been received and was available to the Board regarding Northern Power’s application for a permit to place a larger wind mill on abutting property. Dr. Bacon advised the Board the auditors were completing the FY ‘09 audit, and he also distributed the current FY year-to-date financial report. Mrs. Buzzell asked for comments regarding the financials to come to the Finance Committee where Mrs. Rosa would be available remotely from her present Florida location. The Board also discussed whether the school should consider applying for the DOE Solar in Schools competitive grant, which offered a minimum $50K award. Dr. Bacon advised that the Barre Tech Center would also be applying, however, if the applications created a conflict the schools could collaborate and coordinate projects to maximize benefit of the grant. The Board agreed by consensus to support a BTMES Solar in Schools grant application. Ms. Worth agreed to coordinate the application process.
Mr. Crowley and Ms. Worth reviewed current and upcoming events. For additional information on these and other events, visit www.btmes.org. Mr. Crowley announced the H1N1 clinic schedule for November 5th was postponed to December 3rd, with the date for second clinic to be determined. He said all students who signed up for the vaccine, including those on a waiting list, would now be given the inoculation. The Board also briefly discussed the new parent/teacher conferences schedule to be held between 11/9/09 and 11/25/09. Mr. Crowley agreed to provide follow-up information to the Board regarding teacher feed-back, participation, etc.
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) None 8. Future Agenda Items
9. Executive Session
At 8:40 p.m. on a motion by Ms. Moore seconded by Mr. Kirkland, the Board unanimously voted to enter into executive session, pursuant to Title 1 § 313, to discuss contract negotiations and a personnel matter. Dr. Bacon was invited into the executive session. At 9:31 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:
11. Adjournment On a motion by Mr. Tewksbury seconded by Mr. Paterson, the Board unanimously voted to adjourn at 9:32 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Donna Holden
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