May 4, 2005

Attendees: John Alberghini, Vicky Congdon, Phil Graff, Fred Kenney, Jim Massingham, Steve May, Loree Silvis

Meeting came to order at 7:05 pm.

General Items

1. There were no comments from community members.

2. Principal’s Report:

Students in Grade 2 will take the DRA (Developmental Reading Assessment) in May. All students (K-4) will be given an end-of-year math assessment as part of creating a detailed math profile for each student.

Preschool enrollment information has gone out to parents. First grade placement letters will go out to parents the last week of May. Expected enrollment for Grade 1 is 21.

Current K enrollment is 15. John anticipates that the number may change and recommends waiting until the end of June before making a final decision regarding kindergarten staffing.

The spring concert is May 19^th.

All students (K-4) will attend a Wellness Walk in Montpelier on May 11^th.

Enrollment for April was at 96 (inc. preschool).

3. Superintendent’s Report:

The teacher contracts have been sent out and most have been returned. Central Office is currently working on support staff contracts.

Bob Stevens has announced his retirement from MMU. He will work for the Dept of Ed. program, High Schools on the Move. Jen Botzojorns will be the interim principal for 2005-06 while a search for a permanent replacement is conducted.

4. Committee Reports:
Policy: The committee continued its work on the Harassment Policy and Guidelines. A draft policy will be available for review at the next committee meeting. The committee discussed the implementation of the Nutrition Policy adopted last year.

Special Ed.: The CESU coordinators gave an overview of the committee’s function and special ed. regs. and policies.

Negotiations: no quorum

Curriculum: This committee hasn’t met because Jim Massingham has not been available.

Action/Discussion Items

1. February minutes: Fred moved to accept the April 14 minutes with an amendment to the #4 Action Item to read “ad hoc committee.” Vicky seconded. All in favor.

2. Technology Plan approval: This item was deleted from the agenda. The plan had previously been approved at the April 14^th board meeting.

3. 3^rd/4^th grade math/language instruction:

John described the looping system he has proposed for next fall, where Steve Menz would teach 3^rd/4^th math and Helen-Ann Cafferty would teach 3^rd/4^th Language Arts. Math is currently the focus of Steve’s professional development through the VT Math Initiative and Helen-Ann has a wealth of literacy skills. It is John’s recommendation that Smilie try this approach for a year. Parents would be notified via a letter.

Loree noted that she had been involved in a similar looping system in Huntington and it was very successful. Fred asked about these two teachers staying current in the areas they would not be teaching if Smilie used this approach for a long time.

4. Budget review workshop:

The board will schedule a budget workshop in September with Joanne Machia to review the basics of building the budget, including how line items are allocated and assessed costs.

5. Phil moved that the Board approve the Invoice Edit List in the revised amount of $120;877.59 Steve seconded. All in favor.

Other business:

1. Principal search update: The three finalists will visit the school on May 16, 17, and 18. Parents and community members will have the opportunity to meet the candidates and give written feedback. John will collect the forms at the end of each day so they are available for board review.

2. The next meeting is scheduled for May 18^th at 6 pm at the Smilie School to interview finalists for the principal position.

The next regular board meeting is scheduled for June 1^st at Smilie School. Two selectboard members will attend to discuss designating Smilie School as the town’s emergency center. The town would purchase a generator for the school.

3. Steve, Loree, Vicky, and Phil will attend a Roles, Responsibilities & Relationships Workshop at VSBA in Montpelier on Saturday, May 7^th.

Meeting adjourned at 8:20 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Vicky Congdon

Approved