Smilie Memorial School, Bolton VT
Meeting came to order at 7 pm.
Attendees: John Alberghini, Vicky Congdon, Gail Conley, Phil Graff, Fred Kenney, Lisa Wells, Ann Whitman
General Items:
1. Lisa raised for discussion the article about school budgets in the December 4 issue of the Mountain Gazette, particularly the detailed information made public about the number of students receiving special ed. services in Underhill.
2. There were no comments from community members.
3. Approval of previous minutes: Fred moved to approve the December minutes; Lisa seconded. All in favor.
Principal’s Report:
John updated the board on Smilie’s membership in the Vermont Rural Partnership. Smilie won’t receive any money from the organization this year, and John is concerned that the time commitment required may outweigh the benefits. After discussion, it was agreed that Smilie would remain a member for now.
There was a good turnout at the Winter Concert and John received positive feedback on the concert.
During the Dec. inservice days, Smilie staff began addressing ways to improve students’ performance in math. See current and previous Principal’s Reports for more details.
Action/Discussion Items:
1. 2004-2005 Budget: Due to students moving out of the district, there has been a reduction to the Special Education budget, thereby reducing Smilie’s budget by $5,000. Fred moved to approve an amended 2004-2005 budget total of $1,096,208; Phil seconded. All in favor.
2. The board reviewed the Official Warning for the Annual School Directors Meeting. Fred moved to accept the warning; Vicky seconded. All in favor.
3. Fred moved to accept the revised invoice edit total of $72,445.87: Lisa seconded. All in favor.
4. Superintendent’s Report:
Dr. Conley distributed and reviewed the Budget Summary information for the Bolton School District and a comparison of education tax estimates (’02-’03 and ’03-’04 actual and ’04-’05 estimated) that will appear in the Town Report. This information is also available on the CESU website.
5. Committee reports:
Executive: Lisa updated the board on the changes in the Spec. Ed. Budget (due to health insurance and number of students receiving services). The committee has received information from VSBA on its role as facilitator in search for a new superintendent.
The Chittenden East Transportation budget has been transferred to the Central Office, and it will now be reflected as a Chittenden East service rather than an Mount Mansfield Union School District assessed cost. This accounting change is so that the MMU budget reflects costs associated with MMU students only.
Negotiations: Didn’t meet. There will be a new negotiator representing VT NEA, replacing Sherry Gile.
Policy, Long-Range Planning, Curriculum, and Special Ed. did not meet.
6. The meeting adjourned at 8:15 pm. The next meeting is scheduled for February 21 at 7 pm at Smilie Memorial School.
Respectfully submitted,
Vicky Congdon, Clerk
Approved