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, and Ann Whitman
Guests: Laura Nassau
1. Comments from community members: There was very positive feedback about the play presented at Smilie in May. John mentioned that a video of the performance will be for sale.
2. Fred moved to approve the minutes from April 2, 2003 with two amendments; Phil seconded. All in favor.
3. Ann reviewed the May 7 minutes and will distribute them to the Board for approval at the next meeting.
4. Laura Nassau presented the FY ’03 Year-End Estimates. Her preliminary estimate is that Bolton will end the year with a surplus of $29,552 over the budgeted surplus, which means the fund balance deficit might be paid off before the end of next year.
5. Principal’s report:
There are currently 14 incoming kindergarteners for the fall. Two MMU students provided child care at the orientation for new parents, which increased participation.
The preschool enrollment is full.
Some Smilie string students will perform at the final MMU concert in June as a tribute to Andrea Haulenbeek, who is retiring.
Ann Whitman took four fourth-graders to Vermont Technical College to meet Sharon Creech, this year’s winner of the Dorothy Canfield-Fisher award.
John and Pat King took four fourth-graders to Lyndon State College on May 28 to participate in the Learning in Place conference.
A sales rep from Squash Valley (food distributor) made a presentation on the company’s prices and services; Smilie will order some fresh produce from this local company next year.
ACTION/DISCUSSION ITEMS
1. The Board discussed central purchasing of central supplies as a cost-saving option. Laura reviewed the supplies that are purchased district-wide.
2. The Board reviewed a memo from Joanne Machia with the FY ’03 wrap-up and price recommendations. Fred questioned keeping prices constant if food prices are rising and the program in running at a deficit. Laura explained that the federal reimbursement for May/June has not come through yet. Joanne is recommending Bolton join the Food Service Directors Coop. Fred suggested networking with other Coop members on menu ideas; Ann suggested networking within the district. Fred moved to accept Joanne’s price recommendations; Ann seconded. All in favor.
The Board also discussed the summary of the food service survey distributed in April. John has already had discussions with Ann and Sheri to incorporate some of the results of the survey next year. There was a discussion of the way the Huntington program operates and is funded.
3. The Board reviewed the goals set at the retreat last September and assessed progress:
Enrichment: John distributed enrichment participation figures. After-school enrichment offerings have been varied and well attended. The Board also discussed a part-time academic enrichment position shared within the district. John will look at Huntington’s program.
Community/parent involvement: John is planning a monthly senior lunch starting in the fall. The Board discussed inviting our local legislators to lunch with the students. The staff has reported an increase in parent involvement in school events. The Board will invite the Recreation Committee and the Community Club to attend the October meeting. The Board discussed opening the library to the community on Board meeting nights for computer use. Users would sign in at the office and would be required to sign the CESU form for Internet access.
Technology: This is an ongoing goal. John will resubmit the Apple grant and will discuss Smilie’s technology needs with the Community Club as a fundraising goal.
Grants: John has been applying for grants as appropriate.
4. Superintendent’s Report:
Dr. Conley updated the Board on the CESU Title 1 funding allocation, which has been recalibrated according to the most recent census data. This readjustment has resulted in a sizable increase in Title 1 funding for the district. Central Office is studying allowable uses of the money and planning how best to use it, and will keep the CESU Boards informed on this process. A possible use of increased Title 1 money in Bolton is to fund the preschool.
Dr. Conley distributed the insurance expenses for CESU teachers for ’02-’03.
5. Vicky moved to accept the revised invoice edit list total of $8,963.75; Phil seconded. All in favor.
6. Committee reports
Curriculum: The science and social studies curriculums are being reviewed by teacher committees. The Curriculum committee is scheduled to vote on the Communications curriculum at the June meeting. The next inservice day will be dedicated to the new Communications curriculum.
Negotiations: The committee will be reviewing a study on the time required for teachers to complete all the assessments.
7. At 9:00, Ann 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 9:05, Ann moved that the session end, Vicky seconded. All approved
Meeting adjourned at 9 pm. There will be no July meeting. The next meeting has been scheduled for 7PM, August 13, 2003, at the Smilie School.
Respectfully submitted,
Vicky Congdon, Clerk
Approved