BELLOWS FALLS UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT
School Board Meeting
December 12, 2011
Present:
Daniel Axtell, Jack Bryar, David Clark, Stephen L. Fine, Matthew Guild, James McAuliffe, Margaret Perry, Laurie Rowell
Also Present:
Christopher Kibbe, Sharon Reynolds, Christopher Hodsden, John Broadley, Faculty Members, FACT-TV
1. Call to Order:
The Chair, David Clark, called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
2. Adjustments to Agenda:
A contract matter will be added to Executive Session.
3. Minutes ofAugust 15, 2011:
There being no objection, the Chair declared that the minutes of a special meeting held on August 15, 2011 are accepted as presented.
4. Communications and Public Comments:
Speaking on behalf of the Windham Northeast Education Association, its Co-President, Erica Moody, read a prepared statement expressing disappointment with the lack of a contract for the staff to work under, and asked the board to support its teachers by quickly settling the contract. Stephen Fine, Negotiating Committee Chairperson, took objection to Ms. Moody’s statement, and responded to many of the allegations. Mr. Fine also noted that by presenting this statement, the union has not complied with the so-called “gag agreement” that was entered into during mediation.
5. Policies:
Laurie Rowell moved to approve Acceptable Use of Electronic Resources &the Internet (G11) and Policy on the Use of Restraint and Seclusion (F26) for first reading, and to warn these policies for adoption at the next board meeting. The motion passed on a vote ofsix in favor (Axtell, Fine, Guild, McAuliffe, Perry, Rowell) and one opposed (Bryar). The Chair did not vote.
6. Reports:
A. Principal
Principal Hodsden distributed information relating to school costs per pupil as reported by the Department of Education. This information differs from the
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data Jim McAuliffe referred to in earlier meetings, because that information had been used to provide information about average teacher salaries, and wasn’t developed for district spending per pupil.
Principal Hodsden reviewed information regarding BFUHS’ modified 4 x 4 block schedule that was included in the agenda packet.
B. Superintendent
Superintendent Kibbe has read the first draft of the Department of Education’s application for a waiver from the requirements of No Child Left Behind. If approved, there will be a change in the testing systems and goals for students.
The timber contract is ready for signature. The period in which the contractor has to cut and remove the timber has been extended, so that essentially the work will be completed over two winter seasons.
C. Technical Center Representatives
The River Valley Technical Center board continues to work on developing its FY2013 budget, as it faces diminishing state and federal resources as well as a decline in enrollment.
D. Financial
Enclosed in agenda packet.
E. Special Education Semi-Annual Report
The Special Education semi-annual report was included in the agenda packet, and Sharon Reynolds was available to answer questions. Jim McAuliffe complimented Ms. Reynolds on the work being done and initiatives that have been implemented.
F. Committees, Reports and Special Projects
(1) School and Community Relations
The committee continues to meet monthly, and recently discussed high expectations for students and ways to expose Middle School students to options after high school.
(2) Budget
At last week’s meeting, the committee looked at an expenditure budget that met goals this board established. Revenue numbers should be coming in mid-December and the committee hopes to present its budget recommendations to the board during the first January meeting.
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(3) Educational Effectiveness
The committee met this evening and plans to begin discussing graduation requirements and how the school can better prepare students for college and other post-graduation options.
7. Unfinished Business:
None
8. New Business:
None
9. Appointments:
None
10. Directors’ Comments:
Laurie Rowell spoke in opposition to the poster focusing on the cost of having a baby, feeling that the issue is more about opportunities that are lost. There is also a picture in the front hall of students holding dolls that she would like removed. Ms. Rowell also noted that it seems as if this board is moving toward one meeting per month, and she is concerned about the lack of time for discussion if this happens. She also asked for an update on the food program.
Jack Bryar believes that many of the recommendations made by the High Schools That Work initiative have not been put in place, and suggested that these be looked at, as they may be in line with NEASC recommendations. Commenting on WNEA’s request to settle the contract, Mr. Bryar stated that the board has, on numerous occasions, been advised of the status of negotiations, and he would like to make it clear to the community that the board supports the Negotiating Committee.
Stephen Fine would like to see issues that are brought up under Directors’ Comments be looked into, and end up as an agenda item at a future meeting.
11. Date of Next Meeting:
The Chair set the date of the next meeting forJanuary 12, 2012.
12. Executive Session:
Jim McAuliffe moved to go into executive session at 8:36 p.m. for the purposes of discussing a contract matter and negotiations, inviting the administration to attend. The motion passed unanimously, without the Chair voting.
The Chair returned the board to open session at 9:02 p.m. No action was taken as a result of executive session.
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13. Adjournment:
There being no further business to come before the meeting and no objection, the Chair declared the meeting adjourned at 9:02 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Margaret Perry, Clerk
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