BELLOWS FALLS UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT
School Board Meeting
November 23, 2009
Present:
Daniel Axtell, Jack Bryar, Russell Capron, David Clark, Matthew Guild, Stephen Major, Jan Mitchell-Love, Margaret Perry, Laurie Rowell
Also Present:
Johanna Harpster, Christopher Kibbe, Andrea Allbee, Christopher Hodsden, Marion Major, FACT-TV
1. Call to Order:
The Chair, David Clark, called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m.
2. Adjustments to the Agenda:
None
3. Consent Items:
Jan Mitchell-Love asked that the subcommittee being formed by the School and Community Relations Committee (Item 5(f)(e) be identified as a fundraising subcommittee. There being no objection, the Chair declared that the minutes of November 9, 2009 are accepted as amended.
4. Technology Grant:
Stephen Major moved to authorize the board’s Supervisory Union representatives to act on a technology grant proposal, at the Supervisory Union level, for distance learning hardware. The motion passed unanimously.
5. Communications and Public Comments:
None
6. Reports:
A. Financial
A current financial report was distributed and the Business Manager responded to questions regarding encumbrances and anticipated revenue. The Balance Sheet indicates a deficit because all revenue has not been anticipated or recorded. Jack Bryar asked for periodic comparison reports to enable board members to identify areas of concern.
B. Principal
(1) New Driver Education Car
Principal Hodsden distributed a memorandum outlining the details of the recent purchase of a new Driver Education car from Durand Ford.
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(2) Diversity Speakers
Jan Mitchell-Love asked for information regarding diversity programs being scheduled.
C. Superintendent of Schools
(1) Payment of FY2009 Expense
The Department of Education has been contacted regarding legalities of the school being billed for services rendered during the previous fiscal year, but the Business Office not having any record of receiving the invoice. Russ Capron noted that discussion is moot at this point, because payment was made about five weeks ago.
(2) Location of BFUHS Budget Committee Meeting on 11/30/2009
The BFUHS Budget Committee will meet in the high school library at
5 p.m. on November 30, 2009.
(3) Commissioner’s Letter re: FY2011 School Budget Recommendations
The Commissioner’s Letter regarding FY2011 budget recommendations was distributed, and areas of concern noted. Stephen Major moved to warn the Commissioner’s Letter regarding school budget recommendations for discussion and action at the board’s next meeting. The motion passed unanimously.
(4) Secretary of State’s Opinions
Superintendent Harpster distributed copies of the Secretary of State’s November 2009 opinions.
D. Technical Center Representatives
Brattleboro will again offer students an agriculture coop program.
The RVTC board is looking at options for ways to engage students who are not doing well in the mainstream environment.
E. Student Representative
Student Council will continue to work on Project Feed the Thousands through the holiday season.
F. WNESU
Unapproved minutes of the October 28, 2009 meeting were included in the agenda packet.
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G. Committees and Special Projects
(1) School and Community Relations Committee
Minutes of the October 3, 2009 meeting were included in the agenda packet.
(2) Policy Committee
Minutes of the November 9, 2009 meeting were included in the agenda packet.
(3) Article 6 Study Committee
Minutes of the November 10, 2009 meeting were included in the agenda packet.
(4) Budget Committee
Minutes of the November 10, 2009 meeting were included in the agenda packet. Stephen Major asked that reminders about Budget Committee meetings be sent to all board members.
7. Policies for First placeCityReading:
A. Weapons (Code F21)
B. Animals on placeSchool District Property (Code G12)
Laurie Rowell moved to warn Weapons Policy (Code F21) and Animals on placeSchool District Property (Code G12) for adoption at the next meeting. The motion passed unanimously.
8. Unfinished Business:
A. State Street Stock
The Business Manager confirmed that there are no restrictions for use of this bequest. The auditor suggests holding these funds in a fiduciary account. If the board decides to pursue IRS 501(C)(3) status, directors will have to be identified and the board will not necessarily have control over the funds as board members’ terms expire, and there will most likely be annual expenses for reporting. As of today, the stock is valued at $41.61 per share, and over a 51 week period, the value has ranged from $55 to $14. Jack Bryar plans to present an application for the IRS 501(C)(3) status for board consideration. A financial advisor suggested to the Business Manager that this is not stock that is likely to make a great deal of money, and suggested selling the stock and
putting the funds into another form of investment.
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9. Business for Action/Discussion:
A. Repair of School Bus No. 5
The rear wheel seal on Bus 5 has been replaced, and remaining parts needed have been ordered.
B. Request for Leave
A faculty member’s aunt recently died, and being responsible for arrangements, it was necessary for the teacher to be out of state for three working days, although she only had 2 ½ personal days available. Bereavement leave is not allowed for the death of an aunt, and the teacher is asking for permission to use other leave rather than to go unpaid. Stephen Major moved to offer the faculty member ½ day other leave for the remainder of time she was absent that is not covered by personal leave. The motion passed unanimously.
C. Mac Jones’ Purchase Plan
The high school is in need of a special needs bus, and Bus No. 5 is at a point where replacement is advisable. Since Sharon Reynolds is applying for a grant to cover the cost of purchasing a special needs bus, the administration suggested the board consider using the budgeted funds to purchase a replacement for Bus No. 5. The Transportation Director will be asked to solicit bids from at least four vendors for board consideration.
10. Co-Curricular Appointments:
A. Girls’ JV Basketball Coach
Russ Capron moved to appoint Greg Amend as Girls’ JV Basketball Coach for the 2009-2010 school year. The motion passed unanimously.
B. Spring Drama
Margaret Perry moved to appoint Matt Burke as Spring Drama Coach for the 2009-2010 school year. The motion passed unanimously.
11. Directors’ Comments:
Jack Bryar commented on the importance of small schools’ grants not being lost.
Jan Mitchell-Love would like help in compiling a master calendar for all school events in the Supervisory Union to avoid multiple activities happening at the same time.
Russ Capron complimented Suzanne Groenewold on the newsletter that has been mailed to residents.
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While working on a Project Graduation fundraiser, Laurie Rowell discussed Senior Projects with other parents and students. The comments she heard were negative.
Margaret Perry encouraged the administration to work on making the school entryway brighter and more welcoming.
Stephen Major asked that the Food Service Contract Committee be re-established, and students and faculty included.
Howard Dean will be speaking to the RVTC Board at 11 a.m. on November 30 at placePlaceNameSpringfield PlaceTypeHigh School.
12. Date of Next Scheduled Meeting:
The Chair set the date of the next meeting for December 14, 2009 beginning at 7:30 p.m., and the Instruction and Educational Effectiveness Committee will meet that evening at 6:30 p.m. The Building & Grounds Committee will meet on December 1 at 3 p.m.
13. Executive Session:
None
14. Adjournment:
Stephen Major moved to adjourn at 8:48 p.m. The motion passed unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Jan Mitchell-Love, Clerk
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