MINUTES OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS MEETING
Smilie Memorial School, Bolton, VT
Meeting came to order at 7:05 pm.
ATTENDEES:
John Alberghini, Vicky Congdon, Gail Conley, Phil Graff, Fred Kenney, Lisa Wells, Ann Whitman
Guests: Joanne Machia, Mike and Paula Gervia
1. Comments from community members:
Fred reported complaints regarding the constant fundraisers since the beginning of school. John will ask the Community Club to respond and explain its goals in the next school newsletter.
Paula and Mike Gervia were present to hear the presentation of next year’s budget.
2. Fred moved to accept the September 3 minutes with the summary of the Policy committee meeting amended to read: Policy: The committee did not meet. The nutrition policy is still on the agenda and the committee may discuss a policy prohibiting cars from idling in front of school buildings, as some schools in the district have discussed. Vicky seconded. The amended minutes were approved.
3. Principal’s report:
The Senior Luncheon was a success with 10 seniors attending. There was a great turnout for Open House too.
The updated website is almost ready.
Linda Cruise has been hired as the PT instructional assistant in the K classroom.
Smilie will host the CESU dinner in October.
ACTION/DISCUSSION ITEMS
1. Kindergarten program: Ginny Gifford was unable to attend so John reported in for her. She was very appreciative of the extended day and the paraprofessional in her classroom. Ginny is advocating for a full-day K because it is difficult to fit all the benchmarks of the Chittenden East curriculum into the current. She feels a longer day would be very beneficial and would appreciate being part of future discussions. Ann suggested isolating the K component of the curriculum, which is written for a K-4 unit, for review. John distributed various handouts, including survey results from Richmond. Fred noted no community members were present for the kindergarten program discussion, which had been posted on the agenda.
2. Joanne Machia distributed draft 1 of the ’04-’05 Bolton School District Budget. The Board reviewed John’s budget recommendations and then reviewed the budget line by line with Joanne. Joanne will present a second draft at the November meeting. The budget is available for review at Chittenden East central office in Richmond.
Dr. Conley distributed a summary of the state mandated services for K-4 with a comparison to Smilie’s current staff.
John distributed a memo from Deb LaRiviere regarding the town plowing the school driveway. This would represent a substantial cost savings to the Smilie budget. Eric Andrews is concerned about the rocks, even with the smaller truck, as well as whether he’ll be able to have the lot ready for the opening of school. Lisa will invite him to the November meeting to discuss it.
3. Superintendent’s Report:. Dr. Conley distributed the ’02-’03 and ’03-’04 K-12 enrollments for Chittenden East. Enrollment is declining in the district. He also distributed the current Budget Status report.
4. Ann moved to accept the revised invoice edit list total of $38,968.95; Vicky seconded. All in favor.
5. Lisa updated the Board on the search for new VSBA director.
6. Committee reports:
Policy: The Policy meeting was cancelled.
Executive: The annual meeting will be held on 10/29 at Smilie. There will be a presentation on assessments and the No Child Left Behind legislation.
Special Ed. did not meet.
3. At 9:55, Lisa moved that the Board enter into executive session, under the authority of Title 1 VSA, chapter 5, section 313 (3), to discuss negotiations. Vicky seconded. All approved. At 10:05, Lisa moved that the session end, Vicky seconded. All approved.
Meeting adjourned at 10:10 pm. The next meeting has been scheduled for 7PM, November 5, 2003, at the Smilie School.
Respectfully submitted,
Vicky Congdon, Clerk
Approved