ROCKINGHAM SCHOOL DISTRICT
School Board Meeting
October 5, 2009
Present: Joseph Brissette, Timothy Doherty, Michael Empey, Charlie Jarras, James McAuliffe
Also Present: Johanna Harpster, Chris Kibbe, Andrea Allbee, David Lesser, Bruce Downer, Cheryl McDaniel-Thomas, Sharon Reynolds, Richard Schuhmann, FACT-TV, Brattleboro Reformer, Joel Love, David Clark
MINUTES
Charlie Jarras, Chair, called the meeting to order at 7 PM.
Pledge of Allegiance: Led by Tim Doherty.
Review Warrants: The warrants were made available for Board review during the meeting.
Adjustments to the Agenda: Joe moved #10a. Formation of an Instruction and Educational Effectiveness Committee to #7a.
Review and Approve Minutes of September 21, 2009: Jim moved to accept the Minutes as printed; Tim seconded. Joe asked if the volunteerism piece which Johanna talked about last meeting is part of the vision statement of the SU, which it is. Chris stated that two positions appointed last meeting got switched: Marj Adams is math and Jeanne Moore is reading. The motion carried and the Minutes were approved as amended.
Visitors:
Orianna Baez – 21st Century Grant Manager: Cheryl introduced Orianna and Hayden Noyes, a BFMS student. Orianna gave a presentation on the after-school program, also called “ZOOM”; Hayden and fellow BFMS student Holly spoke about their involvement in the program.
Communications – Chair: None.
Formation of an Instruction and Educational Effectiveness Committee: Joe handed out the Central Elementary PTO’s charter as well as a proposed charter for the committee he is recommending. Joe introduced David Clark, Chair of the High School Board representing Westminster, and member of the High School Education Committee. David talked about the Committee’s functions and stated it works closely with Administration and teachers. Joe said his core group would consist of himself, Wendy Jordan, Sam Maskell and Kathy Bergmann and would meet perhaps every other month or as needed. Charlie asked for comments from Board members and principals. Joe made the motion, tabled last meeting, that an Instruction and Educational Effectiveness Committee be created consisting of one
administration member, one faculty member, two board members and one community member. Tim seconded and the motion carried three to two (Joe and Tim yes, Jim and Mike no, Charlie yes). Reports from this Committee to the Board will be on future agendas. Jim asked that Joe be furnished with copies of the action plans of the three schools.
Committee and Other Projects:
Budget Committee: They met and had a report from Saxtons River Elementary, with no decision made yet.
Article 6 Study Committee: The next meeting will be on October 19 at 5:30 at BFMS with a proposal for renovation of the Middle School.
9. Reports:
Financial: Andrea discussed the Summary of Notes Payable and the Balance Sheets, and re-stressed that net revenue will always change. Andrea answered some of Jim’s questions and will report back with answers to the other issues later. Charlie questioned whether a finance committee is needed and will put this on the next agenda.
Superintendent of Schools: Johanna announced that a High School student, Luke Alderman, died over the weekend in a tragic accident repairing his car. His family came and spoke at the High School, and the school and the students handled it well.
Paraprofessional Recalls: Johanna said there were some move-ins during the first few weeks of school, so two paraprofessionals have been recalled.
Director of Student Support Services:
Sharon reported that the SPED Department will air a presentation on FACT-TV by the end of October, and she will have the exact date by the next meeting.
The first para-educator training was held this month and was very successful. There is another one scheduled for March 19th and they are funded through IDEA and ARA.
Principals: BFMS and SRES reports are in the packet. Cheryl added that her school has been contacted by Vermont NEA to be a pilot school, and this is a great opportunity. She has researched the cut in the clerical position, and had not previously been aware of its extent.
Bruce gave on oral report on activities at Central.
WNESU: The meetings continue to be interesting and lively. They voted to hire a consultant at the last meeting. Mike objects to this Board being labeled “dysfunctional”. Tim stated that this Board is united and doing its best for the community and the taxpayers.
Unfinished Business:
Approve Memo of Understanding Between the Rockingham Area Community Land Trust, Inc., Southeastern Vermont Community Action, Inc. and the Rockingham School Board: Central was not able to gain the three parking spaces requested from Parks Place, so the agreement is back as is. Mike moved to approve the Memo of Understanding; a time limit was discussed and Mike amended his motion to state that the Memo be effective for one year as of the date of signing. Tim seconded and the motion carried with three votes and Jim recusing himself.
New Business:
Approve Purchasing Guide: Jim moved to approve the Purchasing Guide; Mike seconded for discussion. Jim said there should be some controls over who is allowed to purchase goods and materials on behalf of the schools and was told that the Principals are accountable. The motion carried.
Results of NECAP Science Tests: David described how SRES became so successful in science, using a Science Committee and a Science Consultant. He said the data team is a good model with a data coach in each of the schools; this will be a good topic for the new Education Committee. David is head of the SU Science Committee, which is a curriculum committee.
Invite Science Teachers to a Future School Board Meeting: The Principals will let the Board know when the science teachers are ready to come before them.
Review/Approve Joint Use of Facilities Agreement w/BFUHS Board for Hadley Field: Jim moved to approve the Joint Use of Facilities Agreement w/BFUHS Board for Hadley Field; Joe seconded. Charlie stated that the tennis courts need to be properly maintained and cleaned. The motion carried.
Award Bid for Emergency and Exit Lighting at BFMS: Jim moved to award the bid for emergency and exit lighting at the Bellows Falls Middle School to Cleveland Electric; Mike seconded and the motion carried.
Award Bid for Replacement of the Gym Lobby Door at BFMS: Jim moved to award the bid for the replacement of the Gym Lobby Door at the Bellows Falls Middle School to Blanc & Bailey; Mike seconded and the motion carried.
Approve Gutter Installation at Saxtons River Elementary School: Jim moved to award the installation of heated gutters at Saxtons River Elementary School to Blaine Goad; Mike seconded and the motion carried.
Discuss/Schedule Joint Meeting w/BFUHS Board re: Middle School Transition, etc.: Johanna said the High School Board has requested a joint meeting with the Rockingham School Board to talk about transition issues, with Cheryl McDaniel-Thomas and Chris Hodsden present. This will be scheduled for the fourth Wednesday in October. Let Charlie know if you want to put something on the agenda as “etc.”.
Action List Review: Tabled to next meeting.
Directors’ Comments: Joe thanked the Board for spending time discussing the formation of the Education Committee and for the vote of approval. He hopes to see good things and good participation.
Mike previously made his thoughts on the Education Committee known. The High School JV’s won again tonight and the Varsity is playing Windsor this weekend at Hadley Field.
Date and Location of Next Meeting: The next meeting will be October 19th at 7 PM at BFMS.
Executive Session: Jim moved to go into executive session for a personnel matter at 9:25 PM; Mike seconded and the motion carried. The Board came out of Executive Session at 9:40 PM. Mike Empey moved to authorize payment to Tim Eno for 3.2 additional days of service beyond his contract. Jim McAuliffe seconded the motion. The vote carried.
The Chair adjourned the meeting at 9:45 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Timothy Doherty, Clerk
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