MINUTES OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS MEETING
Smilie Memorial School, Bolton, VT
Meeting came to order at 7:05 pm.
ATTENDEES:
John Alberghini, Gail Conley, Vicky Congdon, Phil Graff, Fred Kenney, Lisa Wells, and Ann Whitman
Guests: Cindy Preston, Steve Menz, Laura Nassau
1. There were no comments from community members.
2. Fred moved to approve the minutes from March 5, 2003; Phil seconded. All in favor.
4. Principal’s report:
Smilie was broken into on March 20. The items damaged or stolen are listed in the April 2 Principal’s Report. The state police have investigated and John has contacted our insurance company.
Twenty-five parents attended Math Night, the presentation of the math curriculum. John received positive feedback after the meeting.
Insurance will cover half of the recent repairs to the heating system ($1,800).
Smilie has received a total of $1,167 in e-rate money this year.
Enrollment is steady at 79 students.
Smilie’s grant application for new computer equipment (five computers and a printer) has been accepted and it is a finalist for the grant. Phil will look into a server.
1. The Board discussed following up on the recent break-in by:
-installing 2 motion sensor lights around the building (while being sensitive to residents adjacent to the school
-replacing library door with better quality door
-installing improved window locks
-having Lee Sykes and/or state police walk through for other recommendations
-installing chain to block off rear parking area
2. John distributed a memo from Amy Grover with the results of the kindergarten survey distributed at Town Meeting. The Board discussed endorsing the formation of a group of community volunteers to gather information but decided not to pursue this option at this time. Dr. Conley will prepare a packet of information, including more definitive numbers from the survey and a summary of the K options at the other CESU elementary schools, for the Board’s September meeting.
3. Superintendent’s report:
Ten teachers (9 MMU, 1 RES) will take the early retirement incentive, resulting in a $75,000 savings. The CESU Spring meeting and dinner is May 5.
4. Laura Nassau presented the Bolton School District Audit for FY 2002.
5. Fred inquired about accounting for and reporting on school performance as required by Act 60 and now by the new No Child Left Behind legislation. Lisa responded that Smilie’s annual report is published in the Bolton Town Report each spring. Dr. Conley noted that regarding NCLB, we are still waiting for Montpelier to publish state regulations that will determine CESU procedures.
6. Fred moved to accept the revised total of $16,880.29; Ann seconded. All in favor.
7. Phil reported on the Education Caucus he attended in Montpelier.
8. Lisa reported on recent VSBA meeting, in particular on the discussion regarding level of board involvement in appointments to the State Board of Education.
9. Committee reports
Curriculum: Health curriculum will be ready for review at next Cur. meeting. Two building administrators discussed math problem-solving in their buildings.
Policy: The revised Animals in School policy (A18) was warned for the next meeting.
10. Other business:
Fred distributed a draft of the nutrition in schools policy for the district. Ann asked that a discussion about school nutrition/food services be put on the agenda for the next meeting.
The Board will review goals set at last fall’s retreat and assess progress.
Meeting adjourned at 9 pm.
The next meeting has been scheduled for 7PM, May 7, 2003, at the Smilie School.
Respectfully submitted,
Vicky Congdon, Clerk
Approved as amended