MINUTES OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS MEETING
SMILIE SCHOOL, BOLTON, VT
Meeting came to order at 7 pm.
ATTENDEES:
Vicky Congdon, Gail Conley, Judy Gendron, Phil Graff, Fred Kenney, Lisa Wells, and Ann Whitman
GENERAL ITEMS:
Judy presented a letter from Smilie parent Hillary Besse raising the issue of enrichment at Smilie. Hillary noted that there is a lot of support for students requiring special ed. services but little for students at the other end of the spectrum. Judy noted that she and the staff are gathering information on the topic (the needs to be addressed and the number of students to be served) and the report will be ready in March or April.
Fred said he had received comments that the afternoon kindergarten
bus schedule has been very erratic and the bus has been very late arriving at
Fernwood.
2. Phil Graff has been appointed to fill the open School Director position.
3. Ann moved to accept the January 6th minutes as written; Vicky seconded. All approved.
4. Principal’s report: Judy reported re: Smilie’s water testing that we are able to request waivers for several tests and that our current Source Protection Plan is up to date.
Helen Bow has been hired to fill the Guidance position for the remainder of the school year.
School enrollment is steady at 74 students. There are 15 students eligible for Kindergarten registration to date.
Judy circulated a letter from the Dept. of Education commending Smilie on exemplary work on its Math and Writing Portfolios
See report circulated at the meeting.
ACTION/DISCUSSION
ITEMS:
5. Judy reported that clearing the snow and ice at the entrance where the roof guards are missing has been a problem and is a safety concern. The Board had previously discussed having a small roof constructed over the doorway to deflect the sliding snow and ice; Judy will get estimates from local contractors.
6. Ann raised the issue of window guards for the gymnasium, noting that there is very active play going on in there during the after-school program. The town would also like to make this facility available for team practices and indoor soccer. Judy will get an estimate from Tom O’Brien.
7. Superintendent’s report:
Gail noted two errors in the Town Report. The first is in the Bolton School District Budget Report; the FY 2003 Tax Summary has been revised.
The second is regarding the expiring terms of the School Board Directors. Ann motioned to amend the Official Warning of Annual School District Meeting approved on January 2nd to accurately reflect the vacancies to be voted on on March 5.
Gail circulated copies of the Master Agreement for the new teachers’ contract.
8. Lisa moved to accept the Invoice Edit List in the amount of $11,897.18; Fred seconded. All approved.
9. The Board discussed potential development projects in town and ways to gather census information to determine their possible impact on the school population.
10. Committee reports:
Special Ed. committee summarized its study of Act 117 for the Executive Committee.
Long-Range presented its proposal on teacher recruitment to the Executive Committee. It is now studying the issues around lengthening the school day, and met with Dr. Conley and Bob Magee regarding the busing issues.
Curriculum: Some parents have asked that foreign languages be expanded in the middle schools and potentially into the elementary schools as well. Elementary school boards were asked to report back as to their interest pursuing foreign languages. The Board would first like to see foreign language study begin in 5th grade, so there is not a gap (foreign language study currently doesn’t begin until 7th grade).
11. At 9:02, Lisa moved that the Board enter into executive session, under the authority of Title 1 VSA, Chapter 5, Section 313 (3) to discuss personnel issues. Vicky seconded. All approved. At 9:20, Lisa moved that the executive session end; Vicky seconded. All approved.
Meeting adjourned at 9:20 pm.
The next meeting has been scheduled for 4PM, March 2, 2002, at the Smilie School.
Respectfully submitted,
Vicky Congdon, Clerk
Approved