MINUTES OF THE SCHOOL DIRECTORS MEETING

Smilie Memorial School, Bolton, VT

October 2, 2002

Meeting came to order at 7:05 pm.

ATTENDEES:

John Alberghini, Gail Conley, Vicky Congdon, Phil Graff, Fred Kenney, Lisa Wells, Ann Whitman

Guest: Joanne Machia (from CESU Central Office)

GENERAL ITEMS

1. Comments from community members:

Several Board members reported positive feedback from parents regarding the new principal.

2. Lisa moved to accept the September 4. 2002 minutes as amended; Ann seconded. All approved.

3. Principal’s report:

John distributed an overview of Smilie’s 2002 DRA and the NSRE scores, which were very good, and reviewed the results. He will submit a piece to the Bolton Gazette.

There was a good turnout for the Open House, and John received positive comments about the format.

John has surveyed the staff for recommended items for next year’s budget. He distributed a list of budget recommendations for the Board to consider.

John has written a grant to the Vermont Rural Partnership for funds for a community soccer field and improvements to the nature trail.

As a follow-up to the retreat, John reported on his discussion with Ginny Gifford regarding full-day Kindergarten and distributed Ginny’s letter on this topic. The Board doesn’t feel that offering a full-day K some years and not offering it others, depending on the class size, is a viable option and feels that offering 60% when possible is fairer to all students and to the community. Further discussion is needed with Ginny, who responded to the full-day option only.

ACTION/DISCUSSION ITEMS:

1. Joanne Machia from Central Office presented the first draft of the 2003-2004 Bolton School District budget for review and questions. She will incorporate the Board’s changes and additions and present a second draft at the November meeting.

2. Lisa moved to accept the revised total of the invoice edit list in the amount of $12,259.79; Fred seconded. All approved.

3. Vicky distributed a draft summary of the goals and action steps from the September retreat.

4. Committee reports;

Policy: Fred warned the Weapons policy (S20) for the November meeting.

The Policy committee has recommended that the building use form include a copy of the building use policy. The committee is currently drafting a policy on animals in school. Ann asked that it include animals at after-school events on school property.

Executive: The transportation memo regarding two independent busing systems was discussed; more information is needed on lengthening the school day before making a decision on this proposal.

Spec. Ed.: Vicky gave an update on the Act 117 audit, the Federal compliance monitoring audit (due in our district in Spring ’03) and the increased paperwork requirements for Medicaid.

Transportation: There was no quorum.

Fred will attend the next Executive committee meeting for Ann; Vicky will attend the Curriculum meeting.

Meeting adjourned at 9:45 pm.

The next meeting is scheduled for November 6, 2002, at the Smilie School.

Respectfully submitted,

Vicky Congdon, Clerk

Approved