MINUTES OF THE SCHOOL DIRECTORS MEETING
Smilie Memorial School, Bolton, VT
December 4, 2002
Meeting came to order at 7:10 pm.
ATTENDEES:
John Alberghini, Gail Conley, Vicky Congdon, Phil Graff, Ann Whitman, Fred Kenney
Guests: Pat King, Joanne Machia, Matt Weston, Lori Weston, Darlene Autery, Lenore Hayes
GENERAL ITEMS
1. Comments from community members:
Matt Weston observed the meeting to fulfill a requirement for a Boy Scout badge.
Darlene Autery and Lenore Hayes inquired about the possibility of a full-day kindergarten program. Lenore is very interested in seeing a full-day program in place for the remainder of this school year, if possible. She feels the current day is too short and Bolton students are being shortchanged. Darlene noted that Ginny Gifford has indicated she cannot cover all the material required in the time available. The Board explained the issues of busing, shifting population numbers, staff flexibility (with only one K teacher), and its commitment to offering as consistent a K program as possible from year to year that all affect the length of the kindergarten day. The Board will study the alternatives (2 sessions, 60%, full day) again.
Lenore Hayes also asked why the bus schedule hasn’t changed now that the Jonesville bridge is open. Dr. Conley has spoken with Bob Magee to resolve several equipment and personnel issues and a notice will go out after the holidays announcing the changes, which will take effect in January. Gail will talk to Bob Magee about rotating the afternoon kindergarten route every month so the same kids don’t always have the longest ride.
2. Vicky moved to accept the November 6, 2002 minutes; Phil seconded. Joanne Machia should be listed as a guest. Vicky will add her to the October and November minutes. Fred asked about providing a more detailed discussion of the budget. The budget drafts are available at the Central Office for public review and the Board will present the budget for discussion at Town Meeting. The minutes were approved.
3. Principal’s report:
Current enrollment is at 79.
The Boston trip was a great success. The Mountain String program’s String Together will be December 8 at MMU. The holiday concert will be December 10.
The Smilie website is up and running. Ann suggested students from the middle and high school could help maintain the site.
Smilie staff took workshops on differentiated instruction during the October inservice and reviewed these goals on the Action Plan.
See Principal’s Report distributed at meeting.
ACTION/DISCUSSION ITEMS:
1. Joanne Machia from Central Office presented the third draft of the 2003-2004 Bolton School District budget for review and questions. The Board will meet again in December to finalize and adopt the budget with the latest Central Office figures.
2. Superintendent’s Report:
Dr. Conley distributed information on the new multi-line/risk pooling VSBIT insurance program. The district has committed to Phase 1 of the program in an effort to manage rising insurance costs.
3. Ann moved to accept the revised total of the invoice edit list in the amount of $251,243.35; Vicky seconded. All approved.
4. The Board had a lengthy discussion on the length of the kindergarten day and the structure of the kindergarten program and will continue to study this issue.
5. The Weapons policy (S20) was warned for the January meeting.
6. Committee reports:
Executive: The Central Office and Spec. Ed. budgets were approved.
.
At 9:30 pm, Fred moved that the Board enter into executive session, under the authority of Title 1 VSA, Chapter 5, Section 313 (3) to discuss a personnel issue. Vicky seconded. All approved. At 9:45, Fred moved that the executive session end; Vicky seconded. All approved.
Meeting adjourned at 9:45 pm.
The next meeting is scheduled for December 10, 2002, at the Smilie School.
Respectfully submitted,
Vicky Congdon, Clerk
Approved