Minutes of School Directors Meeting
Smilie Memorial School, Bolton, VT
Attendees: John Alberghini, Vicky Congdon, Gail Conley, Phil Graff, Fred Kenney, Lisa Wells, Ann Whitman
Guest: Steve Jarrett, Technology Coordinator for CESU
Meeting came to order at 7:10 pm.
1. Steve Jarrett gave a presentation on the results of the Internet Filtering Study Committee,which surveyed the district last year and tested content filtering programs. There is strong support across the district among staff and parents for filtering. The process for deciding which sites get filtered involves a child protection team at each school that includes the principal, the school librarian, and a guidance counselor. Steve noted that sites blocked can be customized at each school for both students and adults. Based on the committee’s recommendations, Surf Control was installed in MMUSD last summer.
Steve recommends installing Surf Control at Smilie. The cost
of filtering in CESU is covered by
e-rate funds. Smilie does not need to be on the WAN for Surf Control to work.
Steve further noted that filtering is only one component of an overall approach
that includes teacher supervision and education of students, parents, and staff
about safe Internet use. i-Safe offers free training and community education
about safe, ethical use of the Internet.
2. Comments from community members: The board discussed a letter from Tony Barbagallo regarding loss of the bus turnaround on Notch Rd. because of a house being built. The town of Bolton had issued a permit for a right of way there but didn’t get the signed agreement back from the property owner. Fred will write a letter to the selectboard to express the school board’s concern about the potential loss of the turnaround and to indicate that we would like to see it stay open.
3. When the rocks were removed from the parking lot, the berm was also removed to further facilitate plowing by the town. Dr. Conley noted there is a mandate that car and bus traffic must be separated. John has been using cones and movable signs to indicate the no parking areas. Other options such as a guard rail, posts with a chain, and large planters were discussed. Ann recommended white lines to delineate the parking spots. Dr. Conley will check on the actual wording of the mandate.
4. Lisa moved to accept the minutes from June 2 and June 15; Fred seconded. All in favor.
5. Principal’s report:
John updated the board on building maintenance performed over the summer. Two unexpected expenses were the replacement of the sewer pumps as well as the wire to the well pump, which required some excavating. Manosh has billed Smilie for a portion of the cost ($757.68). John also reported on the topics for the August inservice days.
See report distributed at the meeting.
Action/Discussion Items
1. The board discussed Internet filtering and is in favor of installing the filtering software at Smilie. The board reiterated that the CESU Internet Use policy should reflect that teacher supervision and community and student education are the primary components of safe Internet use. Vicky will report back to the Policy committee.
2. Fred moved that John Alberghini serve as Truant officer for 2004-2005; Ann seconded. All in favor.
3. John is concerned about the cracking of the cement on the front steps and will get an estimate for repair. Fred knows a mason. Phil suggested we also look into using interlocking rubber tiles to protect the steps.
4. The nutrition policy was warned for a vote at the October meeting. Fred and Lisa had minor wording changes that Vicky will take back to the Policy committee.
5. Lisa moved that the board approve the tax anticipation note of $529,000; Vicky seconded. All in favor. Fred questioned why we need to borrow such a large amount when taxes are collected four times a year. Large bills are due July 1 and the first tax payment of that fiscal year isn’t collected until September 15.
6. 2005-06 Budget: Joanne Machia will attend the October meeting for the preliminary budget review. To prepare for the budgeting process, John will ask Carl Sword to prepare a report on all the physical equipment at Smilie with dates of last servicing and estimates of when service is due. Carl will review the report with the board at the November meeting. The board discussed a capital contingency fund for emergency repairs.
7. Enrollment: One of the August inservice topics was grade configurations for ‘05-’06. The board discussed several options for next year’s first grade because of the large K class size (22) this year. At the October meeting, the board will review census projections and discuss options further.
8. Lisa Wells would like to continue to represent CESU in the teacher contract negotiations process after her term on the school board expires in March. The board supports Lisa remaining as a negotiator for CESU because of her experience in negotiations and to ensure continuity in the process.
Phil is interested in attending Negotiations committee meetings to begin familiarizing himself with the process.
9. Phil moved that the board authorize Deb LaRiviere to open an account at Chittenden Bank and deposit funds for Smilie School; Fred seconded. All in favor. Fred and Vicky signed the application.
10. Superintendent’s report:
There are currently no extra buses because of two bus accidents, as well as two buses that won’t pass inspection in December. Two new buses were purchased with MMU reserve funds and Smilie will be assessed for its 25% share.
Dr. Conley distributed copies of his letter to Governor Douglas listing the MMU Board’s concerns about the Regional Technical Academy. The RTA reps will attend the October board meeting prior to the upcoming ballot item in November on funding the project.
11. Lisa moved to accept the revised invoice edit list total of $70,540.84. Ann seconded. All in favor.
12. A VSBA regional meeting will be September 15 in Hinesburg; the annual meeting will be October 15-17 in Lake Morey.
13. Committee reports:
Curriculum: Ann gave an update on adding add’l year of foreign language at the middle schools and the challenge of scheduling. Brewster-Pierce has a language/culture program and participation in foreign language study remains high through middle school for those students.
Executive: The superintendent’s position has been advertised and applications are coming in. A community forum will be held September 8. The finalists will be here for full-day interviews in October, and board and community members will have the opportunity to meet them.
Policy: Policies currently being discussed are Internet filtering, corporate sponsorship, and health-related policies (HIV/AIDS, severe allergies, medication). The Nutrition Policy was revised.
At 9:45 pm, Fred moved the board enter into Executive session under the authority of Title I, Section 313 (3) to discuss negotiations; Vicky seconded. At 10:05 Fred moved the board come out of Executive Session; Vicky seconded. Meeting adjourned at 10:05 pm.
Next meeting is scheduled for October 6, 2004, at Smilie School.
Respectfully submitted,
Approved