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School Board Meeting Minutes |
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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: BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: None ADMINISTRATORS: Guests: Video Vision Tech 1. Call to Order The Chairperson, David Harrington, called the Wednesday, December 17, 2008, meeting to order at 6:05 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
Mr. Harrington reminded the Board and Community that two Board member seats (one a 2-yr term and the other a 3-year term) were up for election in March. His advised that he would not be running for re-election, however, Mr. Bond would be. He encouraged any interested community member to contact a Board member or Superintendent’s Office for information regarding the position’s responsibilities. 3. Consent Agenda
On a motion by Mrs. Buzzell seconded by Mr. Kirkland, the Board voted to approve the warrants, and minutes of December 3, 2008, as submitted. 4. Board Action Items
Mr. Bond explained that in keeping with the Board’s practice to remove procedures from the Policy Manual; this procedure would be removed, however, retained and improved upon for use by the Administration. He also advised the Board the corresponding policy JBA, and others, would be brought forward with amendments, at a future meeting. On a motion by Ms. Moore seconded by Mrs. Buzzell, the Board unanimously voted to approve the first reading of Procedures for Prevention of Harassment of Students Policy – JBAA, for removal.
Mr. Kirkland advised there had been a recent incident on the bus with a special needs student, para-educator that provides assistance on the bus, and the bus driver, which led to a student discipline matter and the camera recommendation. At 6:10 p.m. on a motion by Ms. Moore seconded Mr. Bond, the Board unanimously voted to enter into executive session, pursuant to Title 1 § 313, to discuss a student matter. Dr. Bacon, Dr. Riggen, Mr. Crowley, and Mrs. Pritchard were invited into the executive session. At 6:25 p.m. the Board exited executive session. On a motion by Ms. Moore seconded by Mr. Bond, the Board unanimously voted to approve the purchase of three bus video cameras, for every bus in the fleet to be fitted with holding boxes, and for the Administration to develop a procedure for the use and potential rotation of the cameras. Mr. Kirkland advised the Board the cost of the cameras and holding stations could be covered by funds available in the current budget. Dr. Bacon noted that approximately 50% of the cost should be covered by reimbursement from the State and Dr. Bacon agreed to provide a cost estimate and model policies. The Board requested a report from the administration on the procedure developed. 5. Board Discussion Items
Mr. Harrington reviewed the draft FY ’10 budget of $9,929,197, which represented an overall 2.9% increase, of which $7,615,478 was for regular instruction (up 1.6%), and $2,313,719 in special education expenses (up 7.1%). The budget will also include two special articles totaling $200K, the first article for $25K for the roof fund, and the second article for $175K for two new busses, one of which would be a handicap bus with hydraulic lift. Mr. Harrington reviewed the many budget adjustments, including the elimination of three teachers, six para-professionals, and one administrator. He commended the administration and superintendent for their efforts to trim the expenses, which resulted, he said, in the responsible and lean budget presented. The Board discussed and agreed that the move to a new administrative model of two administrators would be piloted in FY ’10; however, acknowledged that with the ever increasing reporting demands by state and federal regulations, and social needs of far more students, the model could result in a return to the three-member administrative team in a future fiscal year. Dr. Bacon reviewed the anticipated tax
rates for SHS and BTMES, and blended rate for the community. He noted
the appropriate equalized pupil count and CLA rates were known, however,
the state-wide homestead equalized tax rate had not yet been set for the
coming year; therefore, the prior year’s property tax rate was used in
the calculations. Dr. Bacon explained the impact to the blended .06¢ tax increases was primarily attributable to the CLA rate decrease of .07¢ and equalized pupils of .01¢. He said had these factors remained unchanged, the blended BTMES tax rate would have fallen by .02¢. The Board discussed and acknowledged they could not responsibly or reasonably trim the projected budget by another $500K needed to level fund the tax rate and maintain the quality education offered at BTMES. Mr. Harrington invited the community to the next Finance Committee meeting on January 7, 2009, at 8:00 a.m. in the 2nd floor conference room, and advised that the final budget would be voted on by the Board at their regularly scheduled meeting that night. 6. Old Business None 7. Regular Reports to the Board
Dr. Bacon provided a brief oral report, and advised the Board he had no new information presently to share regarding the bussing options. He also informed the Board based on recent fact-finding the telephonic emergency notification system could total a district-wide cost of $1,000 for six recorded announcements, which can be carried over from year to year, and could be ready for a January implementation. Dr. Bacon agreed to provide further information of the SU’s final selection.
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)
Mr. Crowley reviewed recent, current, and future events. School information is available at www.btmes.org
Mrs. Pritchard announced the January 20-23rd screenings for Barre Town children born in 2005. 9. Other Business None 10. Executive Session
At 8:30 p.m. on a motion by Mr. Kirkland seconded by Mr. Bond, the Board unanimously voted to enter into executive session, pursuant to Title 1 § 313, to discuss contract negotiations, a real estate matter, and a personnel matter. Dr. Bacon and Mr. Crowley were invited into the executive session. At 9:42 p.m. the Board exited executive session. On a motion by Mrs. Buzzell seconded by Ms. Moore, the Board unanimously voted to authorize the Superintendent to change the contract, as directed. 12. 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: January 7, 2009 – 6:00 p.m. 13. Adjournment On a motion by Ms. Moore seconded by
Mr. Bond, the Board unanimously voted to adjourn at 9:42 p.m.
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