September 5, 2001

Meeting came to order at 7:05 pm.

ATTENDEES:

Vicky Congdon, Judy Gendron, Lisa Wells, and Ann Whitman

Guests: Laurie Brisbane, Beth DeForge, Jeff Garfield, Lenore Hayes, Jim Massingham, Steve Menz

GENERAL ITEMS:

Several community members raised busing issues. Laurie Brisbane and Lenore Hayes expressed concern about the change back to early dismissal for some students to accommodate the current shortage of bus drivers and the possible loss of classroom time for those students. Judy will survey the teachers to find out how they are handling the end of the day to be sure there’s a consistent approach in all classrooms and teachers are not continuing to teach the remaining students.

Laurie has kept in contact with Roger Whitcomb at the state re: the closing of the bridge in Jonesville. Ann will raise the bridge issue at the Transportation Committee meeting on 9/24/01.

Jeff Garfield expressed concern about not being able to contact the school bus during a recent incident when his son didn’t get off at his stop to find out where he was. When no one answers the phone at the bus garage in the afternoon (because staff are out driving the buses), neither parents nor Judy have any way to contact the buses to determine if a missing child is still on. Suggestions included purchasing a CB radio for Smilie. This issue needs to be discussed with Bob Magee and the Transportation committee; Ann will raise this issue at the committee’s next meeting.

Beth DeForge introduced herself as the Chittenden East Special Education Coordinator who will serve Smilie.

ACTION/DISCUSSION ITEMS:

1. Kammy Barich has resigned her position as School Director.

2. Ann moved to accept the minutes from the June 6^th meeting. Lisa seconded. All approved. There was no quorum at the August 8^th meeting.

3. Principal’s report:

Judy reported that the roof damage that occurred when the snow guards were torn off is more extensive than originally thought. The estimate for repair is $5,495. She will talk to Tom O’Brien re: the warranty and look into the insurance coverage.

Enrollment is currently at 75. There are currently only 6 students in the morning K session and 11 students in the afternoon. The goal is to remain in the 7 to 14 range in both sessions..

Smilie has received two grants: $1,000 from an individual in town to be used for extraordinary student needs and $143 from Bolton Valley Ski Resort for field trips costs.

Open House will be held September 20.

Options for parking during school events were discussed, including a shuttle from the fire station. Judy will look into hiring Deter Security to prevent people from parking in the school lot once it’s full and blocking the fire lanes.

See Principal’s Report distributed at meeting.

4. Lisa nominated Judy as the truant officer for 2001-02; Vicky seconded. All approved.

5. Vicky moved to approve the Invoice Edit List from 8/8/01 in amount of $37,371.29; Lisa seconded. All approved. Vicky moved to approve the Invoice Edit List from 9/3/01 in amount of $65,541.03; Lisa seconded. All approved..

There were no committee reports.

At 8:40, Lisa moved that the Board enter into executive session, under the authority of Title 1 VSA, Chapter 5, Section 313 (1), to discuss teacher contract negotiations. Vicky seconded the motion. All approved. At 8:45, Vicky moved that the executive session end; Lisa seconded. All approved.

There were no other items of business.

Meeting adjourned at 8:50 pm.

The next meeting has been scheduled for 7 PM, October 3, 2001, at the Smilie School.

Respectfully submitted,

Vicky Congdon, Clerk

Approved