|
|
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, Beth Hulbert, John & Linda Leu, John Leu (JJ), Louise O’Connor, Emily O’Connor, Yves & Debbie Goulet, Matthew Goulet, Justin Goulet, Joe Whitaker, Jaylyn Whitacker, Suzie Klinefelter, Jeff & Melissa Berry, Rod & Pam Morin, Collin Morin BOARD SECRETARY: Donna Holden 1. Call to Order The Chairperson, David Harrington, called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, November 16, 2005, in the Library at Barre Town Middle and Elementary School, 70 Websterville Road, Barre Town, VT. A flag salute followed. 2. Visitors and Communications
Mr. Harrington advised the Board and community of the unfortunate, but inevitable, interruption in Barre Town student transportation, effecting bus routes 4, 8, and 11 over the next couple of days. He explained that due to staffing issues, and the lack of spare driver, the potential for bussing problems was a reality, Mrs. Lamb announced the kick-off of the David Stefaniak Holiday Drive, asking that anyone interested in making donations to contact either her or the school nurse. 3. Consent Agenda
On a motion by Mr. Gagne seconded by Mrs. Buzzell, the Board unanimously voted to approve the warrants, and minutes of November 2, 2005, as submitted. 4. Board Action Items None. 5. Board Discussion Items
Dr. Riggen introduced Beth Hulbert, Math Specialist, who in turn introduced the four 5th grade students assisting her in the presentation. Joining Mrs. Hulbert were JJ Leu, Emily O’Connor, Jaylyn Whitaker, and Justin Goulet. Board members were provided laptop computers from one of two BTMES mobile labs, and with assistance from the students, were navigated to two math Websites. Mrs. Hulbert distributed a list and explained there were many websites available for mathematics, of which teachers used several during classroom instruction. He also discussed student proficiency. Mr. Harrington suggested a “kids page” be added to the BTMES homepage, where students can be automatically linked to the educational sites. 2. Visitors and Communications (CONTINUED)
Parents affected by transportation interruptions appeared before the Board to discuss their concerns and frustrations. Once again the Board and Administration described the statewide bus driver shortage, and BTMES’ specific Transportation Division’s staffing crisis. Parents and the community were asked for understanding, cooperation, and constructive suggestions with respect to timely communication of unexpected situations. Also briefly discussed was the desire of some parents for the school to provide a before and after school daycare program, to which the Board responded the school was not philosophically or economically in a position to be in the daycare business, however, advised the Administration was currently investigating the requirements for development of an approved after school program. 5. Board Discussion Items (CONTINUED)
Dr. Riggen referred the Board to his Website Management plan. He explained the next homepage development project planned was to display staff, teacher and Board member bios, including photographs, etc.
Mrs. Gossens referred the Board to her written report and advised that due to staffing issues it was not possible to provide before school and pick-up time supervision for pre-school students in a location other than the classroom. She said parents and guardians would continue to be required to escort students to and from the classroom. Mrs. Gossens reminded the Board of the previously discussed Pre-School drop-off and pick-up parking spaces, which will be allocate once the parking lot signs that were ordered have been received.
Dr. Moccia referred the Board to his report and discussed the DRA interface results. Mr. Harrington asked the Curriculum Committee to take a critical and comprehensive look at the Reading Recovery Program, including its costs, effectiveness, and potential alternatives, if any, to deliver the services in light of the full-day kindergarten program. Dr. Moccia suggested the Curriculum Committee would also include an evaluation of the ramifications if changes or elimination of the program occured. Mrs. Gossens cautioned the Board that since BTMES is not a Title 1 school, funding for remedial services was not available, leaving the Reading Recovery Program as the only remedial program offered for students at risk but not in Special Education services.
Dr. Moccia advised he would present the Board with a DRAFT plan at the second December meeting, which would include 1.) Timeline, 2.) Accountability, and 3.) Assessments. He said the plan was to identify and prioritize goals that would be incorporated into an action plan. Mr. Harrington asked for the plan to also include 1.) Identification of professional development and schedule, 2.) Opinions of the best way to get technology into the classrooms, i.e. stationary or more mobile labs, 3.) Comprehensive report on “where we are”, including IT work orders, lab use statistics, etc. and 4.) Classroom and teacher assessments, demonstrating technology use, knowledge, and proficiency. 6. Old Business Pending Items: 7. Regular Reports to the Board The Board was provided written reports in their packets.
Dorothy Anderson reminded the Board of
their Para-Educator bargaining meeting at 5:00 p.m. November 17, 2005,
immediately followed by a meeting with the Paras at 6:30 p.m.
Mr. Crowley and Dr. Riggen had nothing to add to their report. Current and upcoming events may 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 that budget meetings were scheduled for November 22, 2005 and December 1, 2005 at 5:30 p.m.
8. Bi-Monthly Reports to the Board (2nd meeting of the month)
Dr. Moccia had nothing to add to his report.
Mrs. Gossens had nothing to add to her report.
Tommy Walz added he would soon be meeting with a company that disposes of old computers, at no charge.
Mr. Kirkland advised the next SU #61 meeting was scheduled for December 8, 2005, at 5:30 p.m., which is held in the SHS & BTC Campus Library. Mr. Kirkland shared information about the Tri-Board meeting held November 10, 2005 at the Barre City School, immediately followed by the regular SU#61 meeting where the Board voted to eliminate the proposed Assistant Superintendent position from the draft budget, but include a $25K line item for Superintendent’s Office Special Projects. Mr. Kirkland also briefly discussed was the Superintendent’s Search process and meeting schedule. 9. Other Business Mrs. Buzzell advised she receive and would forward information regarding Early Childhood Council and Legislative discussions regarding ADM funds. 10. Executive Session A. Personnel Matters At 8:50 p.m. on a motion by Mr. Gagne seconded by Mr. Kirkland, the Board unanimously voted to enter into executive session, pursuant to Title 1 §313, to discuss personnel matters. Ms. Anderson, Mr. Crowley, Dr. Riggen, and Mrs. Gossens were invited into the session. At 9:30 p.m. the Board exited executive session. 11. Next Meeting Dates Meetings are held on the first and third
Wednesday of the month. The next Barre Town School Board meeting dates
are: 12. Adjournment On a motion by Mrs. Buzzell seconded by Mr. Gagne, the Board unanimously voted to adjourn 9:31 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Donna Holden
|
|
