MINUTES OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS MEETING

Smilie Memorial School, Bolton, VT

June 5, 2002

 

Meeting came to order at 7:00 p.m.

 

ATTENDEES:

Gail Conley, Judy Gendron, Phil Graff, Fred Kenney, Lisa Wells, Ann Whitman

 

GENERAL ITEMS:

  1. Comments from community members: Following the May 29 music performance, many community members commented on the quality of the performance and the music program at Smilie.  The Board commends Steve Peery for his great work and the students for the wonderful show.
  2. Principal’s report:
    1. Enrollment is at 75/4. There are 14 enrolled for Kindergarten next Fall. Judy has split them into 7 students in morning and 7 in afternoon. All parents are happy with placement.  The Board discussed having only one session. Judy believes there will be more students, probably closer to 18. Judy recalls the Board setting 14 as the level to split the class and 18 as the level to have an aide.
    2. Source Protection Plan: Judy prepared the plan update. When it is approved, copy needs to go to CESU Central Office.
    3. Action Plan: Plan is drafted for 2002-2003. Staff will complete update and write plan for 2003-2004 during in-service in August for Board to approve.
    4. Technology Plan: To be approved for funds from basic e-rate, school needs a technology plan. Was to be CESU-wide, now each school doing their own. Judy and Steve Jarrett drafted a plan for Board to review and approve before July 1, 2002 deadline.
    5. Future Budget Considerations: Judy wrote a plan for future items for the Board and new Principal to consider. Includes salary items, a budget line for substitutes, technology funding and building ideas.  The Board will incorporate these ideas into their retreat.
    6. CESU has hired a new Guidance Counselor.  She is Jennifer Caron. She will be at Smilie one day per week.
    7. Other items: See Principal’s report.

 

ACTION/DISCUSSION ITEMS

  1. Minutes: Lisa moved to accept the minutes of May 1, 2002 meeting. Phil seconded. All in favor.
  2. Technology Plan: Fred moved to approve the technology plan subject to further Board review at the next meeting.  Ann seconded. All in favor.
  3. Meal program review: Board accepted Laura Nassau’s review and approved her recommendation on the meal plan. No price changes for 2002-2003.
  4. Tax anticipation note: Board accepted Bill Scherr’s report and approved his recommendation regarding bids for the district’s tax anticipation note. Lisa moved that Smilie School borrow $419,000 from the Chittenden Bank in anticipation of tax revenues. Phil seconded. All in favor.
  5. Board discussed possible agenda items for a board retreat, scheduled for September 14. Board members should review the proposed agenda, and add and prioritize items.
  6. Superintendent’s report:
    1. New federal legislation: Under Title I, State received funding on behalf of certain schools for SIP consultants. New ESEA law allows the funding, about $12,000, to come directly to Smilie; or, Smilie could approve the funds to the state. If school gets funding directly, school must submit an action plan and certify improvements. Board directed Gail to have the funds come directly to Smilie.
    2. Superintendent and Board discussed supervisory union tuition rates.
  7. Invoice edit list: Fred moved to approve the Invoice Edit List for May 30 in the amount of $31,889.90, including payment of Jericho tuition. Lisa seconded. All in favor.

 

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Curriculum: Committee discussed the math curriculum and the mentor program. Committee would like a pool of 40 mentors in the future.

Policy: Committee discussed final Weapons Policy, a Tobacco policy, a Medication policy and an Animals in School policy.

 

EXECUTIVE SESSION

At 9:01 p.m. Lisa moved that the Board enter into executive session, under authority of VSA Title 1, Chapter 5, Section 313(a)(7) to discuss a student issue. Ann seconded. All in favor. At 9:14 p.m., Lisa moved to end the executive session. Ann seconded. All in favor.

 

Meeting adjourned at 9:15 p.m.

 

The next meeting has been scheduled for 7:00 p.m., July 31, 2002 at the Smilie School.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Fred Kenney

Approved as amended