BARNET SCHOOL

BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ MEETING MINUTES

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BARNET SCHOOL

BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ MEETING MINUTES

Tuesday, December 18, 2007 – 5:30 PM

Board Members & Administration in Attendance:

Chair Shellie Samuels, Carolyn Bruckner, Nancy Frank, Richard Roosa, Shannon Larocque, Princ. Kerry Keenan, Supt. John Bacon, Bus. Mgr. Rob Billings, Minute Recorder Kathy Zita.

Public in Attendance:  Maurice Gingue (Town Road Dept.), Tina Houde, Rose Houde, Sally Anderson-Cook (Caledonian Record), Jeremy & Roxanne Roberts, Ted Faris, Dave Warden, Jennifer Crown, Dexter Willson, Jim Ingerson (JPI), Dana Young, Katie Larney-Young, Trish Pennypacker, Linda Goss, Cindy & Matt Burak, Sandra Mings-Lamar.

1.   Meeting called to order by Chair Shellie Samuels at 5:35 p.m.

2.   Transportation – Kitchell Hill & Brook Hill Bus Loop:  Richard Roosa started off the topic by explaining how he was approached, by some families who live on these roads, to see if a bus run could be added to service these families.  After reviewing the area, a new bus route was added tacking on an additional 15 minutes to the bus schedule.  This topic was brought to the Board a couple months ago because this route was put on last minute and there were concerns about getting children to school on time during inclement weather being that it was such a tight schedule during good weather.  There was discussion about purchasing a mini-bus with AWD capabilities that could handle this route a lot better than a big bus, even if the weather wasn’t good.  Purchasing a mini-bus would be a huge expense to us.  There was a trial run of doing this route with a borrowed 2 wheel-drive mini-bus, from Monroe.  We were charged a per trip charge of $68.00 which hasn’t been figured into the budget and therefore would be an added expense.  Now with the winter weather, there are safety concerns from families both living on these roads and other parents whose children ride this bus, as well as from the bus drivers and JPI Transportation.  Tonight’s meeting will give all those in attendance a chance to voice their concerns and to come up with a solution that will address these concerns and provide a safe situation for all involved.  Most of those in attendance are concerned about the road conditions; not necessarily always being snow covered but can be ice covered as well.  Sometimes the conditions change from the morning to the afternoon and if the bus isn’t able to make the hill, then how will parents know that they need to pick up their children at a different location.  There could be a phone chain put in place to notify parents but this can be time consuming and not always fool-proof.  Maurice Gingue explained that he and his crew are out by 3:00 a.m. to start plowing and sanding.  There is a lot of area to cover before the start of school and depending on the storm sometimes it’s hard to keep up.  Then some of the roads have cold spots that even when you put sand down it doesn’t stick.  Currently Kitchell Hill is the last leg of the plowing/sanding route because it wasn’t added to the schedule until last minute.  Plus the Town was down a truck and driver until just recently.  They are doing their best to keep the roads clear and stay on top of the inclement weather conditions.  Jim Ingerson of JPI explained that the bus drivers and town crew are in constant radio communication.  Should a bus get stuck someplace they will just radio and the town will send a truck to assist in getting that bus back on its way.  When making up the bus schedules for the year, Jim tries to keep in mind the winter months and if one of his drivers does get into trouble where can they turn that big bus around.  Unfortunately Kitchel Hill doesn’t offer a place to turn around once you start up that hill.  Jim isn’t comfortable having his drivers put chains on the bus and besides that the drivers aren’t suppose to leave the bus unattended.  Ted Faris mentioned that nowadays there are a lot more liability issues and law suits.  If the roads are too unsafe; it’s better not to be on them.  Jim Ingerson suggests that all of Kitchell Hill be off the bus route for the winter and to re-direct the bus to 4 Corners for pick-up and drop-off instead.  He also stated that if we can just get through this year, next year he can look at the bus schedule again to see what he can do.  Most of the concerned parents in attendance don’t mind the switch to 4 Corners for the winter months.  They just want to be clear that the Kitchell Hill run will be suspended for the winter and would appreciate if the Kitchell Hill run will be put back into effect when the spring comes.  Solution:  After listening to the concerns, the School Board has decided that the Kitchell Hill bus route will be suspended during the winter months (until further notice) and instead the children will be picked up and dropped off at 4 Corners and/or at the bottom of Kitchel Hill.  The bus run for Brook Hill will still be in effect.     Dave Warden and Cindy Burak wanted to thank JPI for how responsible they are and to the bus drivers for taking care of our precious cargo.

6:20p   Break

6:35p   Meeting resumes.

3.   Approval of Minutes – 12/11/07:  After reviewing the minutes, the following changes/corrections were noted: page 1, under Principal’s Report, 3^rd bullet change title to Library Media Specialist.  Also change, 3^rd sentence under this bullet from “each position” to “Technology Instructor position”.  4^th bullet under Kitchel Hill/Brook Hill Roads; change the sentence “The big bus tried to go up the hill” to “Brook Hill”.  Page 2, under

BARNET SCHOOL BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ MEETING MINUTES

Tuesday, December 18, 2007 – 5:30 p.m. at Barnet School                                            Page 2

      the bullet for Other; item #2, second sentence change “parents” to “students” and “something” to “possible”. Item number 6 under Financial, 7^th bullet; change to read “$24K due to Peacham”.  Page 3, under Strategic Planning, the fifth sentence should be changed to “It might be free”.  Under Item 9, Future Agenda Items; delete

      “Garland Hill loop” and replace with Kitchell Hill/Brook Hill route.  Motion was made by Carolyn Bruckner, 2^nd by Shannon Larocque to accept as amended.  Motion PASSES. 

4.   Financial – ’09 Budget:  Presented by Rob Billings.

·         This is draft #3 for the budget.  Expense Summary shows ’09 budget of $4,462,902.  This would be an increase of $216,960 or 5.11% from projected FYE ’08.  Rob explained that increased amount under the School Board title was in order to meet any increases in negotiations because they aren’t finalized.  Most of the increases are due to: 1) SPED funding, 2) teacher(s) moving on in a column, 3) tuition to Blue Mountain.  There is still an amount of $125,509 in the unallocated/unreserved Fund Balance that you need to think about where to put it.    The estimated tax rate calculations show a decrease of about $145K from FY’08 for local revenues from tuitions that we no longer have.  The cost per pupil amount of $13,452 is slightly above the spending threshold amount of $13,287 given by the State. Rob made the following notes: 1) The Equalized pupil calculation is from the Dept. of Education and is based on FY’07 & FY’08 data then averaged over those 2 years.  Data is frozen at 12/15/07.  2) The amounts are based on the recommendations from the Dept. of Taxes to the Legislature and are subject to final approval or change by the 2008 Legislative session.  3) The Common Level of Appraisal (CLA) percentage is calculated by VT Dept. of Taxes, Division of Property Valuation and Review.  Currently an appraisal is underway and expected to be complete for 4/1/08.

·         Rob would like for the Board to look at the Budget as a whole and decide what monetary amount and/or a percentage that they would want to see instead of trying to micro-manage.  Doing it this way will allow them to see that the money is put where it is best needed.  Carolyn Bruckner said that sometimes, as a Board, you need to look at some of the items or categories for consideration and not just leave it up to someone else to decide.

·         We would have to decrease the budget by $46K to get it below the initial spending threshold; actually it would be $42K because $4K would be taken out for the new phone system.  There was discussion about the purchase of the new mower and the reasoning behind it at this time.  Richard Roosa questioned why the FY’08 spending threshold amount of $12,594 and FY’09 amount of $13,287 have such a difference.  Rob explained that 52% of the budget is instructional expenses, 34% is support services and 18% is transportation.  It was also explained that there was $45K in other revenues from FY’08 that isn’t there for FY’09. 

·         The Board members feel that there is a level of detail that you need to look at so that you can explain to the community why there was an increase.  There was discussion about the different ways to allocate the $125K in the fund balance.  Some possibilities would be to put $38K into the Hot Lunch program to pay it off as well as what, if any, amount should go into LTM since the balance is down to about $7K.  Do we formulate what the needs are or do we just put $10K - $15K into it and then have the balance as a line item.  Rob also suggested that we establish what the long term maintenance items should be.  We should also have a plan in place as to what will need to be replaced.  The other option for allocating the $125K is to put a line item into the budget stating what the deficit will be and allocate that amount.

·         Nancy Frank isn’t comfortable with having a new mower ($12K) in this budget.  Rob suggested that we look into alternatives such as financing or lease to own for 3 years which would be a savings of $4K.  Discussed the benefits of having this mower and how it would save a lot of time that Burleigh could be using elsewhere.  Action Item:  have Burleigh look into the costs for 1) contracting out the mowing, 2) lease to buy option, or 3) buy new and finance.

·         Discussed the teaching/support staff and if there were any positions that should be eliminated.  Supt. suggested having 3 teachers instead of 4 for the 1^st and 2^nd grade.  You could come up with a configuration for those class sizes.  Right now there are 18 in Kindergarten, 24 in 1^st and 20 in 2^nd grade.  You could do 14 1^st graders, a 1^st/2^nd grade combo of 15 and 15 2^nd graders.  This way you could possibly eliminate a Para position ($14K).

·         Briefly discussed the 3^rd/4^th grade Maine trip that was supposed to be in the budget every other year.  Currently the budget has $3,400 for the 3^rd/4^th grade trip, $1K for the 7^th grade trip and $4K for the 8^th grade trip.  Nancy Frank gets frustrated with the trips and their costs and wanted to know why the 3^rd/4^th grade trip has increased and is almost as much as the 8^th grade trip.

BARNET SCHOOL BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ MEETING MINUTES

Tuesday, December 18, 2007 – 5:30 p.m. at Barnet School                                            Page 3

·         Action Item:  Princ. Keenan offered to go through the teachers’ budgets again to see where he can cut back on some things.  The Board would like Kerry to reasonably cut where ever necessary but still allow  the teachers to catch up on the important things that had to be cut a couple of years ago.  They would also like to know what he decided to cut as a result from this.

·         Rob suggested to coming up with a policy and guidelines concerning the trips so that the conditions, etc. are clear.

·         The Board wanted to know if it was possible to have the budget presented at the next School Board meeting the way it will be presented at Town Meeting.

5.   Next School Board Meeting(s):

      CCSU Board Meeting:  Thursday, December 20, 2007 at 6:00 p.m. at Danville School. 

      Barnet School Board:  Tuesday, January 8, 2008 at 5:30 p.m. at Barnet School.  Regular meeting.

10:25p  Motion made by Nancy Frank, 2^nd by Shannon Larocque to adjourn the meeting.  Motion PASSES.          Meeting adjourns.

Respectfully submitted,

Kathy Zita

Barnet School Board

Meeting Minute Recorder

BARNET SCHOOL

BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ MEETING MINUTES

Tuesday, December 11, 2007 – 5:30 PM

Board Members & Administration in Attendance:

Chair Shellie Samuels, Carolyn Bruckner, Richard Roosa, Shannon Larocque, Princ. Kerry Keenan, Supt. John Bacon, Bus. Mgr. Rob Billings, Minute Recorder Kathy Zita. Not Present: Nancy Frank 

Public in Attendance:  Bill Douglas, Dave Warden, Joe Clough, Katie Larney-Young.

1.     Meeting called to order by Chair Shellie Samuels at 5:35 p.m.

Approval of Minutes – 11/13/07:  After reviewing the minutes, the following changes/corrections were noted: page 2, under the first “Motion”, test bits should be test pits; Page 3, under Supt. report, 2^nd bullet, change 2^nd sentence to read “If the school district spends more than the State average and the proposed school budget is increased and the by the cost of living is going up 1%, they are required to have 2 votes.” Page 4, under New Business, 2^nd bullet, 5^th sentence should be 300 students.   Motion was made by Carolyn Bruckner, 2^nd by Shannon Larocque to accept the Minutes as amended. 

3.   Public Input:  None.

4.   Administrative Reports:

A.  Principal’s Report: (see distributed report)

·         After-School Program – (Note: Joe Clough was not present at the meeting during this discussion, he arrived later) the parent survey was sent out to families and 46 families returned the survey stating that they would utilize this program.  The amount families are willing to pay for this program ranges from $2 - $50.  20 out of the 46 would utilize the program only during sports seasons the other 26 families would utilize it on a consistent basis.  There are a few people willing to offer activities and help facilitate.  We have information on 1 possible Grant.  Shannon mentioned that he spoke with Joe Clough and got the impression that this program could be self-funded the first year.  When Joe Clough arrived later, he mentioned that it would be beneficial to have a facilitator with a developed job description for this person because there is a lot involved in running this type of program.  There are Grants available to help fund it.  Bill Douglas mentioned that the biggest problem in the past with a program like this was the busing to get kids home afterwards.  Action:  Due to time constraints for this meeting, the Board would like to discuss this further at the Jan. 8, 2008 School Board meeting.

·          Barnet Emergency Card for Sports:  (see distributed sheet) after reviewing the Board agreed that this looks fine.  Princ. Keenan said it will be reduced in size to fit into the 1^st Aid kits that the coaches carry with them.

·         Library Media Job Description – There was a memo sent to faculty and staff asking for their thoughts and suggestions on this position.  The first draft of the job description was also completed for the staff to review.  Bill Douglas said that he thought it would be helpful to find someone for each position.  Another thought would be to have Barnet help fund a person from the CCSU level to work with the teachers to integrate technology in the classroom. Richard Roosa feels there is a need for more of a serious discussion surrounding this position.  Princ. Keenan would recommend that he start advertising for the librarian.  Action:  Due to time constraints for this meeting, the Board would like to discuss this further at the Jan. 8, 2008 meeting.  Princ. Keenan will draw up an advertisement to show the Board at that meeting as well.

·         Kitchel Hill/Brook Hill Roads – There is a 2-wheel drive bus that is available from Monroe, NH.  It can accommodate potentially 18 students.  This mini-bus would be used only on slippery days when the big bus can’t make the run to Kitchel Hill & Brook Hill safely.  The cost per trip charge is $68.  This could be an option this year or we could call and have parents bring them down to an alternate bus stop; or the 3^rd option would be to buy the AWD mini-bus.  Richard Roosa said he received a phone call from a concerned parent whose child(ren) doesn’t live on either Kitchel Hill or Brook Hill but does take that same bus.  This parent is concerned over the safety of the other children who don’t live on those roads but have to be on the bus when it attempts to go up or down when the roads are slippery.  The big bus tried to go up the hill the other day and couldn’t make it therefore the driver had to back down.  After a couple attempts the driver was able to make it up.  Discussed that years ago the buses used to have chains and the Town would sand the roads in question very heavily so the buses could get up there.  Richard Roosa said that some of the parents would like to meet to discuss this route and voice their concerns.  Motion was made by Shannon Larocque, 2^nd by Carolyn Bruckner to have bus service to Kitchel Hill and Brook Hill be suspended during inclement weather conditions and have parents bring students to Route 5 and/or 4 Corners to be picked-up or dropped-off by the bus.  Motion PASSES.  Katie Larney-Young said she spoke to Maurice Gingue regarding the fact that the roads were being sanded 45 minutes after the bus was scheduled to go through and that he claimed he didn’t know what the bus schedule was.

·         Request to Extend Bus Route off Garland Hill to Blaine Road – JPI can’t get a bus down the requested area to turn around, therefore request has been denied by the School Board.

BARNET SCHOOL BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ MEETING MINUTES

Tuesday, December 11, 2007 – 5:30 p.m. at Barnet School                                            Page 2

·         Action Plan – Princ. Keenan is getting concerned because this item has been pushed aside so much.  He would like to discuss this ASAP.  Action: Due to time constraints for this meeting, the Board decided to table it for now and if time allows later tonight to go back to it.

·         Personnel – Betsey Carpenter has officially announced her intent to retire at the end of this school year.  Motion was made by Carolyn Bruckner, 2^nd by Richard Roosa to accept with regret Betsey Carpenter’s intent to retire and appreciate her many years of service at Barnet School.  Motion PASSES.

·         Other – 1)  Beverly Hatch from the E. Peacham Vacation Bible School has requested the use of our soccer field for a Soccer Camp June 23-26, 2008 from 1:00p – 3:30p.  Motion was made by Shannon Larocque, 2^nd by Richard Roosa to allow E. Peacham Vacation Bible School to use the soccer fields from June 23 – 26, 2008 from 1:00p – 3:30p pending liability of use issues.  Motion PASSES.  2) There are a few students that, due to religious beliefs, would require missing 2 days in the fall.  The parents wanted to know if it was something that the whole school could close.  There was discussion about the school calendar and how it will soon be a state-wide calendar with holidays and days off already figured in.  Action:  The Board would allow religious holidays to be an excused absence and have teachers be sensitive and aware of these religious holidays in order to make it work as far as school work missed.  This absence would not count towards a student’s perfect attendance.  The Board will look into possibly having a policy regarding this.

7:05p    Break.

7:30p    Meeting resumes.

B.  Superintendent’s Report:

·         Emergency Generator – Filed an application for an emergency Generator for the school.  Total cost is $62K.  There is a required 50% match estimate which would be $31K.  In January if it comes through we need to ask the Town to fund it through the School budget or the Town budget.  If it goes through the school’s budget it would raise the cost per pupil.  The generator will be capable of running everything in order to keep the school going in an emergency as well as in case it is needed as a shelter.  The Select Board has $4K put aside towards this.

5.   New Business:

      Enrollment Projections – We have (2) 1^st grades with 24 students, 2^nd grade had 20 students.  Princ. Keenan spoke with Caroline Adams to see if she could work with the younger students.  It would be preferred to have (2) 2^nd grade teachers to handle the student load because of the special needs.  Shannon asked if it would be helpful to have Cathy Browne cover some of this schedule and have the SPED person become F/T.  Bill Douglas commented that it really makes a difference with another teacher.  There was discussion using different scenarios with the teachers.  Princ. Keenan didn’t add any positions.  Using the same staff, having (2) 2^nd grades, (1) 1^st grade and (1) Kindergarten.  We would need to advertise for a 5^th grade teacher unless someone can move into that slot within the current staff.  Then we would advertise for a lower grade teacher.  As for Middle school, we would have (2) 8^th grades with 22 students, (1) 7^th grade with 19 students, (1) 6^th grade with 22 students and (1) 5^th grade with 12 students.  According to the enrollment projections, it looks as though enrollment will drop in 2009/2010.  Princ. Keenan would suggest a Para for a Full Time Kindergarten to help with the children.

6.   Financial:  ’09 Budget – 2^nd Draft

·         Biggest impact of the budget is negotiations.  We need to get that taken care of.

·         The Reserve funds used to help with the Hot Lunch program is no longer available.

·         The Principal should delete $4K for phones which is already in the budget someplace else.

·         Plant Operations shows a substantial increase because of the 1 time purchase of the new lawn mower plus fuel oil costs.

·         Student Support shows an increase for reward trips (the bus to bring students on the trip).

·         LTM has nothing in its budget and right now we don’t want to do anything with it because it will change the cost per pupil and put us over the top.

·         Allowable tuition: $24K to Peacham.

·         The Board would like for Princ. Keenan to find out how many students are going elsewhere other than the SJA, especially those going to Blue Mtn. because they are a higher tuition school.

·         VMARS – if you’re going to participate you need to notify them by 6/30^th and the retirement Board by 9/1^st, and then it takes effect the following year (2010).

·         Discussion on LTM may currently have $8K left in it.  If there isn’t anything going into replenishing it then none of the projects will be able to be done for next year.  Carolyn Bruckner asked if the $85K worth of discussions for Pkg. lots, ball fields, etc. was any of it figured into the budget.  Ans. NO.

·         Rob Billings said the Board needs to come up with either a figure amount or a percentage that they want to see for the budget.  Then let CCSU decide where the money will best be utilized.  Next Tuesday’s meeting

BARNET SCHOOL BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ MEETING MINUTES

Tuesday, December 11, 2007 – 5:30 p.m. at Barnet School                                            Page 3

      (12/18) will be the refining process and we should also have an idea of the CLA.  We will need to nail down          95% of the budget and should also go into Executive Session to nail down negotiations as well.

·         There were questions raised about Barnet’s cost per pupil ($13,379) being higher than the other districts.  Rob explained that its because Barnet chooses to offer programs and educational tools that other schools choose not to.

·         Auditors will be coming by the end of next week for CCSU and Peacham, and then the last week in December will be down in Barnet.  The audit deadline is the middle of March.

7.   Strategic Planning:

      Danville is interested in the training process.  So the cost of $1500 would be divided into $750 for each school.  Richard Roosa expressed that he feels a sense of common direction for the community; a larger sense of community that not only cares about the school and school issues but also the community as a whole.  Supt. Bacon talked with Winton about this and was told that there is a foundation (Costello Foundation) that comes into the community and does a “global” community plan.  It’s free and maybe something to look into.  Bill Douglas commented that that would take a couple of years to get going; and that having a strategic plan for the school should start now.  Supt. Bacon will look into getting on a list and finding out how long before it would get underway and what would be involved.  He will try to have it available for the Dec. 18^th meeting.  He also talked to Bill Marshall about being a facilitator for this.  Bill said he might be interested but would like to know more about it.

8.   Other Business:   1) CCSU Board Meeting – Carolyn Bruckner said she isn’t able to make this meeting.  Richard Roosa said he isn’t able to make it either but told Shannon Larocque that he could vote for him during his absence.  2)  Action Plan – Princ. Keenan worked on the original draft last summer; came up with “Focus Areas” for the NECAP and DRA tests.  He had various committees look at it and provide information, ideas, etc.  After going through the revisions, the current revision # 5 shows Assessment Needs, Targets for Increased Student Performance, Action Steps and Completion Dates, and Budget.  Some of the requirements may need to come from the State.  Princ. Keenan has been following this format; other schools also use this format.  We’ve narrowed down what the weaknesses are and how we can get a handle on it.  Shannon Larocque asked will these action steps help what is going on in 2^nd and 3^rd grades.  Ans. Yes, we will try to watch tests and keep track of what is going on in these grades as well.  Princ. Keenan would like the Boards’ approval on the plan or to offer any suggestions they may have.  Carolyn Bruckner said she would be interested to see what the results show after the NECAP and DRA scores have come in.  After review and discussion a Motion was made by Carolyn Bruckner, 2^nd by Richard Roosa to approve Revision # 5 of the Draft Action Plan.  Motion PASSES.  3)  Mural in the Gym – The idea came out of VT Rural School Partnership.  The students came up with the idea from an Anti-bullying seminar they attended.  They want to focus on respect and not bullying people.  The students are also asking the community to share their stories about an act of kindness, showing respect or bullying someone or being bullied by someone.

9.   Future Agenda Items:

      Tuesday, December 18^th:  1) Parent concerns regarding Bus #7, Kitchel Hill/Brook Hill/Garland Hill loop (1 hour), 2) Budget discussion.

      Tuesday, January 8, 2008:  1) After School Program.  2) Library Media Specialist Job Description.

10. Next School Board Meeting(s):

      Tuesday, December 18, 2007 at 5:30 p.m. at Barnet School.  Special meeting to discuss Budget and Parental concerns for Bus route # 7.

      Thursday, December 20, 2007 at 6:00 p.m. at Danville School.  CCSU Board meeting.

      Tuesday, January 8, 2008 at 5:30 p.m. at Barnet School.  Regular meeting.

9:55p    Into Executive Session for negotiations.  Motion was made by Shannon Larocque, 2^nd by Carolyn            Bruckner.        Motion PASSES.

10:00p  Out of Executive Session. Motion was made by Carolyn Bruckner, 2^nd by Richard Roosa. Motion PASSES.

            No Action Taken.

10:01p  Meeting Adjourns.  Motion was made by Shannon Larocque, 2^nd by Richard Roosa.  Motion PASSES.

Respectfully submitted,

Kathy Zita

Barnet School Board

Meeting Minute Recorder

BARNET SCHOOL

BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ MEETING MINUTES

Tuesday, November 13, 2007 – 5:30 PM

Board Members & Administration in Attendance:

Chair Shellie Samuels, Carolyn Bruckner, Nancy Frank, Richard Roosa, Shannon Larocque, Princ. Kerry Keenan, Supt. John Bacon, Bus. Mgr. Rob Billings, Minute Recorder Kathy Zita. 

Public in Attendance:  Sally Anderson – Caledonian Record, Dave Warden, Joe Clough, Katie Larney-Young, Lori Werdenschlag, Brooksie Stanton, Steve Mills, Matt Kiley, Susan Jensen, Andy Mosedale, Nancy Bailey, Jim & Paula Ingersen of JPI Transportation.

1.       Meeting called to order by Chair Shellie Samuels at 5:35 p.m.

2.       Approval of Minutes – 10/9/07:  Motion was made by Carolyn Bruckner, 2^nd by Nancy Frank to accept the Minutes as written.  Motion PASSES.

      Approval of Minutes – 10/25/07:  Motion by Shannon Larocque, 2^nd by Richard Roosa to accept the Minutes as written.  Motion PASSES.

3.   Public Input:  1) After-School Program: Joe Clough voiced that he would like to have a formal after-school program started.  His research shows that most of the other schools in the area do offer an after-school program.  He’s developed a survey to circulate (see distributed flyer/survey to go out in the Friday folders) to find out what kind of interest there is amongst others within the school community.  The Board questioned how this program would be staffed.  J. Clough said some schools have para-educators; some have a teacher; others have an outsider come in to run the program.  The Board asked how it would be funded.  J. Clough said that there are Grants available, otherwise they are self-funded and charge some kind of rate, i.e. $8/day from 2:45p – 5:00p.  Shannon suggested that it be posed as a question in the survey asking how much people would pay for this program. Jim Ingerson commented that they (JPI Transportation) provide transportation for one school that has an after-school program.  He feels a program like this is very positive for the children.  Shellie Samuels asked if there were any funds available for snacks to provide for the children.  Supt. said not from the government.  Shannon asked if there was any interest amongst the other school districts.  Supt. said that Danville and Walden currently have programs but not everyday.  Discussed where this program might be held after school which could be a challenge with all the other activities going on; but this could be worked out.  Right now it would have to be volunteer participation because we don’t have the funding available.  Nancy Frank mentioned that it is hard to find volunteers to keep this sort of program going.  Action:  After discussing the above, the Board isn’t opposed to the survey going out to the school community and would like to hear back on the results of the survey.    2) 3 Rivers Baseball – Need for Additional Field:  Matt Kiley and Steve Mills represented the 3 Rivers Baseball Assoc. (3RBA) and stated that they would like to expand the age group for the league from ages 8 – 12 to ages 8 – 15.  The 13+ age group need to play on a bigger field then the one currently being used by the Barnet School Soccer Field.   3RBA searched the area from Monroe to Peach looking for an area that would be suitable for the size baseball field that would be required.  It was discovered that Barnet School has property that would accommodate the size field in question.  At this point Matt Kiley produced a map and cost sheet showing the costs that would be incurred by 3RBA and Barnet School.  The Minimal Plan would be at an expense of $1,800 to 3RBA; the Moderate Plan would cost $15,200 ($4K incurred by 3RBA and $11,200 by Barnet School); the Full Blown Plan would cost $ 46,200.  This cost reflects the high end costs to produce a playing field with all the extras including night lights, announcers stand, and a quality playing filed.  3RBA said that Gary Bunnell said the soil was mostly clay.  It would also have to be set up to drain properly.  M. Kiley also pointed out that there may be some adult men/women leagues that would probably use this field.  The State of VT has Grants available to use towards the construction of the trails to get to the field.  What the 3RBA would like from Barnet School is: A) permission to construct the field; B) whatever money you can put towards it and C) if the school maintenance personnel could maintain this field as well.  Shannon Larocque asked if there are any wetlands in that area.  M. Kiley said it’s not a wetland issue; it may get moist.  The price for drainage includes making sure it’s not a mud puddle and drains properly.  If given permission, would hope to have it in place by spring but not completely finished.  Princ. Keenan asked how you would access this field.  M. Kiley replied that Louis Bushey said that there is access from behind the school.  Carolyn Bruckner wanted to know how many of these players are from Barnet.  M. Kiley said they are from all over the neighboring areas.  We don’t turn away any children.  We are projecting 22 players with 6 or 8 going to St. Jay.  More than ½ of the 22 are Barnet students.  Carolyn Bruckner asked if the girls’ softball teams can use this field.  M. Kiley said that they normally play on a 60’ field.  As yet, 3RBA hasn’t approached local contractors to see if any would volunteer their services.  Nancy Frank had concerns as to whether there would be others on the 3RBA to keep this going once M. Kiley and S. Mills aren’t involved, as

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well as that this will be done and no one will utilize it.  M. Kiley replied that there are others involved with the association who are interested in keeping it going.  Shannon Larocque wants to make sure that the proposed numbers are correct; some of them seem low, i.e. drainage costs.  Richard Roosa commented that if 3RBA were willing to put up the $4K, you could have a decent field.  Carolyn Bruckner would like to know that the Barnet students would benefit from this plus she’s interested to find out if this area is being used by the Science teacher for learning purposes.  Motion was made by Shannon Larocque, 2^nd by Nancy Frank to allow 3RBA to test bits of soil in the proposed area for drainage and report back with the results as well as the correct amount of costs involved for this field.  Motion PASSES.

4.   Administrative Reports:

A.   Principal’s Report: (see distributed report)

·         Traffic Flow Concerns – (see distributed info. from Burleigh Huntoon)  Turns out we would need Jersey Barricades and curbs to close off the entrances to the parking lot and re-direct for pick-up/drop-off traffic lane.  The cost for (12) barricades = $3K, (5) 8’ curbs = $275.00.  We will also need a staging area to accommodate 14-16 cars that need to pull off to wait, costs = $6,900.  Range of costs for this project = $14,950 - $15,990.  Half of this cost is the staging.  Looking to use LTM for this.  This will be a good solution to the safety concerns of the pick-up/drop-off situation.  Richard Roosa pointed out that some of the parents with younger children park and brings their children in. So there will have to be a spot designated for them to park.  There was a suggestion made that they can park back by the kitchen and use the sidewalk to bring children in.  Action:  The Board will discuss this information further during the budget discussions.

·         Bus Proposal:  (see distributed sheet) Presented by Jim Ingerson of JPI Transportation.  The cost for a 2008 GMC Dura-Max, 29 passengers with 4 wheel drive would be $65K.  It would have to be built from the ground up.  Even if it was ordered now it wouldn’t be here until June/July ’08.  This bus will handle what our needs are.  We currently have 16-18 students that would utilize this bus but it would also be useful for the other bus routes that we couldn’t do because of snow, mud, etc.  The yearly cost to the school for a 5 year contract is $36K which includes fuel & fuel reimbursement, loan payments, driver salary, insurance, and inspection/maint.  Nancy Frank questioned that we would be paying for this bus for 5 years but still not own it.   Action:  Since we aren’t able to have the bus for this school year, the Board would like to discuss it during the budget discussions.  Jim Ingerson mentioned that if we do want the bus for next school year he would have to order it by January ’08.

Building Advisory Committee (BAC) – The BAC met on 11/6/07 (see distributed sheet) and based on that meeting the following recommendations were made for 2008-09:  1) Gym Lighting = $3,387.  Lighting would be upgraded with fluorescent fixtures and would include motion sensors.  They would come on immediately.  They can be purchased through Efficiency Vermont and could be installed by SJA electricity students.  There is a 2 year payback.   Motion was made by Nancy Frank, 2^nd by Shannon Larocque to get lights done with current money in LTM during Feb. break.  Motion PASSES.  2) Summer painting = $6,089.  It would be about $1K more than we normally spend but would include repainting north end of bldg. to east gable end, east gable end, and southeast front of bldg. with air handler roofs, southwest front of bldg. with air handler roofs as well as interior hallway jambs and doors.  3) New Ex-mark mower = $11,409.  For time efficiency and better lawn care.  This mower would save 2-3 hours each mowing.  The tractor we currently use is 13 years old and showing wear but would last longer if it weren’t used for mowing.  The BAC also recommends that this item be budgeted under “equipment” in Burleigh’s maintenance budget as a one time purchase.  The Board wanted to know if we had a place to house this mower.  Princ. Keenan said the attachments can go into the Rec. Bldg. and the mower can be stored with the tractor.  4) Generator Transfer Switch = $14,500.  For both the generator and the switch = $51K ($45K for the generator & switch, $5K to install and $800 for the concrete slab).  Nancy Frank feels it would be important to make sure that we are prepared incase of an emergency, especially if we are a designated Red Cross Shelter.  She would rather put the money towards this rather then some of the other items.  This would be a great service to the community if there was an emergency.  Supt. John Bacon said he would write the Grant for this to see how much we could get.

7:55p    Break for 15 minutes.

8:10p    Meeting resumes.

• Personnel Update – 2 new students enrolled in the 5^th & 6^th grades since the beginning of the year.  Both are on IEPs and both require significant support.  We’ve shifted Para-educator coverage to accommodate the needs of both students and have altered Cathy Brown’s schedule so that she can provide support for the new students as well.  To realign Cathy’s schedule or that of the Para-educator any further would jeopardize programs for other SPED students.  We have extended Linda Warnaar’s

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time by 1 ½ hours, 4 days per week.  She is available and willing to do this and her time is reimbursable through SPED funding.

Motion was made by Richard Roosa, 2^nd by Shannon Larocque to have Princ. Kerry Keenan approve the additional coverage totaling 26 hours for Linda Warnaar.  Motion PASSES.

• Student Activities/Issues – 1) 7^th and 8^th graders along with staff attended an Anti-bullying Assembly at Walden School on 10/10.  The previous week some teachers and students had attended a VT Rural Partnership workshop.  They will be writing a small grant to use towards enlarging their leadership group and pursue development of the anti-bullying school mural.  It will focus on “Respect, Belief in Oneself, Appreciation and Kindness”.  2) Two student led assemblies were held recently.  One by the 8^th graders who attended “Peace Day” at the United Nations; and one by the 6^th grade student leadership team doing a presentation on “Bus Safety and Behavior”.  The student leaders from each grade did a wonderful job.
• 8^th Grade Class Trip – There was a meeting held on Oct. 11^th for 8^th graders and their families to discuss this year’s 8^th grade trip.  They were given information and itineraries for Washington, DC and Northern Forest Challenge.  There was questions and discussion afterwards.  Following this there was a vote amongst those in attendance for their choices.  4 families voted for Washington, DC and 16 families voted for the Northern Forest Challenge.  Therefore we will pursue the Northern Forest Challenge.  Since the School Board agreed to use the budgeted money of $3K for the Washington trip towards whichever option was chosen and the $2K fund-raised already, we now have in excess of what is needed for the Northern Forest Challenge.  The families will meet at a later date to discuss what the do with these funds.  The Board would like to hear what is planned and for when.  Katie Larney-Young and Lori Werdenschlag suggested that it would be nice to have the students come in and present to the Board, as a courtesy, what their plans are.  There was also concern over how the excess funds would be spent being that it would now be coming out of the school fund set aside for this.  It is a liability matter as opposed to giving permission on how to use it.  Dave Warden suggested maybe having the PTF hand over the check for excess funds instead of the school.  The Board would like to find out what is done with a trust fund.  Supt. John Bacon said in some trust funds they have a cap and if you go over that cap you would get taxed.  Action:  The Board would appreciate and be interested to hear from the 8^th grade students and parents a presentation of their plans.  Before moving on, Nancy Frank wanted to address the fact that she heard that some of the fundraised money was used for graduation.  Someone mentioned to her that the left-over money was to be given back to the Board or for use for graduation.  Nancy was never aware that this was ever discussed or realized that this money was being used for graduation.  Principal Keenan said that there was an occasion where there was carry-over from fundraising that was used to purchase some things for graduation.

B.  Superintendent’s Report:

·         Home-school Notices – from the State.

·         VSBA & VT Superintendent Association – Did an assessment in the Towns to see what Towns have been affected by ACT82 “Think Twice”.  If the school district spends more than the budget and cost of living is going up, they are required to have 2 votes.  Based on past records, Barnet would have needed 2 votes for FY07 ($43,374.75) and FY08 ($906.77)

·         Legislator Meeting – There will be a CCSU Board meeting on Thursday, December 20^th in Danville.  We are hoping to invite some of our State Legislators to discuss concerns among the school districts.  Invitations will be sent to see which State Legislators can be there.

·         NEK Region In-Service – This in-service with teachers from all over the NEK region took the place of the Network meeting.  It was run by people of the State and will save money on the amount of subs required for the network meeting.

5.   Financial – ’09 Budget:  (see distributed report and highlights)

      According to Rob Billings, the 1^st draft of the FY09 budget has been updated for personnel and contract changes but isn’t complete because of on-going contract negotiations.  Provisions for negotiations have been placed under function for “School Board”.  There are no updated requests for supplies and services included yet and the Hot Lunch Program budget isn’t complete.  The Revenue estimates for 2009 are incomplete because we’re still waiting for information from the State regarding equalized pupil data.  We’ve included personnel changes but only for known step changes for FY09.  The FY08 Projection is preliminary and although it seems very favorable at this time, he still needs to meet with Princ. Keenan to review estimates, etc.  What has been included for FY09 is: * Health insurance rate increase of 8.5%, * Personnel changes for resignations and new hires, * No known column movements for teaching staff, * Debt service for Bond, * Oil budget (no change but will expect that an increase will be needed), * TAN financing estimate, * Updated rates for worker comp, dental, life and disability, * Tuition adjustments, * New transportation

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      contract.  What has not been included is:  * No new salary schedule for professional and support staff, * Services, supplies & maintenance requests, or co-curricular activities, * any facilities projects, * New program initiatives for regular education & technology, * any Board or Administrative initiatives, and * CCSU assessments pending for the SU budget completion.

We may be looking at an additional $145K, based on the information and recommendations heard here tonight.  There is a lot of information to think about and therefore Rob recommends that we do not discuss the budget at a regular School Board meeting because there is too much to go over.  Key dates and deadlines to remember are 1) material needs to be to the Town Clerk by Jan. 20^th, so our deadline should be Jan. 10^th.  2) Common Level Appraisal (CLA) doesn’t come out until last week of Dec. 3) State-wide Tax Rate comes out Dec. 5^th. 

Enrollment Projections (see distribute sheet):  There is a group that requires a lot of needs, therefore Princ. Keenan is proposing that we keep 2 Second Grade teachers.  Carolyn Bruckner said 44 students divided among 4 teachers don’t sound right; maybe 3 teachers for 1^st/2^nd grade classes.  Princ. Keenan said that some of the teachers mentioned that the 3 1^st/2^nd combination didn’t work out too well. 

Rob Billings said to think about what is important to you as a School Board and a Principal, and then decide what will stay in the budget and what needs to go.  Supt. Bacon asked if one of the 7^th/8^th grade teachers, i.e. Caroline Adams could be used to focus some of her time at the 1^st/2^nd grade math level.  That might help the situation.  Action:  The Board decided to designate Tuesday, Dec. 11^th for a Budget “Only” meeting and Tuesday, Dec. 18^th for a regular meeting and budget discussion.

6.   New Business:

·         Defibrillator – Jay Wood is writing a Grant for us, and we are at the top of list.

·         Job Description for Library/Technology - This position is 3/5ths Librarian and 2/5ths Technology Teacher.  The Princ. and Supt. will try to locate the job description for this position.  Kerry said if we can’t find the job description, he would create one based on what the school needs.  He would also like to keep the technology aspect of this position.  Supt. said the rule of thumb for an F/T Librarian is 400 students, so this size school would only need a P/T one.  Lori Werdenschlag commented that today’s Librarian is totally transformed and is now technology information based.   Kerry said he was at a meeting where it was suggested having an SU Technology person; although it would be hard to find a person to be just a P/T Librarian or a P/T Technology person.

·         Athletic Physicals/Permission Slips (see distributed sheet from Danville) - There are no physicals required at the elementary school level.  Princ. Keenan had a form that he had Eric Bogie, the schools PE teacher and Sports Director make-up for our school.  After reviewing the Board liked the Danville form except for the Social Security information.  Action:  The Board would like for Princ. Keenan to take the best of both forms and create one.

7.   Old Business:

• Policy Review – for 1) HIPPA, 2) Pupil Privacy Rights, 3) Professional Development, Acceptable Use of Electronic Resources & the internet.  Action:  Due to budget discussion deadlines the Board decided to “table” this until further notice.
• Strategic Planning Process – There are 2 areas to consider 1) Barnet School Planning Issues and 2) What is our vision for our School.  We would need to get going with this and invite those that would be willing to work on this as well.  It would have to be well organized and not necessarily a Board member group.  Maybe 1 Board member but it should consist of other stakeholders, i.e. farmers, parents, business people, etc. who would be interested in seeing this through.  There would be 10 meetings that these people would have to commit to.  If we hired a consultant it would cost around $5K.  If we found someone else to facilitate the meetings then Winton Goodrich would be willing to train them.  Lori Werdenschlag said that Lyndon School is in the final stages of their strategic plan, maybe we could call them for advice.  Shannon Larocque feels the $5K would be worth it.  Richard Roosa would like to se this followed through by Winton and he can train people along the way.  Then the others that are trained are then able to keep it going year after year.  Nancy Frank feels that Bill Marshall would be wonderful for facilitating but an outside party would get things moving to start.  There was suggestion that maybe other district schools might want to participate and can chip in something towards the costs.  Supt. said he will talk to Winton and the other Boards to see what their thoughts are to combine this effort.  Shannon also suggested paying Winton $600 to do the forum; then have someone else trained to take over from there.  Motion was made by Shannon Larocque, 2^nd by Richard Roosa to allocate $1,500 to allow Winton Goodrich of VSBA to start the process of the Strategic Plan for Barnet School.  Motion PASSES.   Shannon Larocque will contact Winton Goodrich about the decision made and each Board

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member is to come up with 5 names to invite to participate/commit to this.  We also need to know a time line for meetings, etc. so people don’t think it will drag on.

8.   Other Business:  7^th Grade is looking for direction on their class trip.  It’s getting costly to go to Quebec City.  Last year it was $5K for the trip.  Money was raised through fundraising.  The Board feels if the staff supports it then they should move on.

9.   Future Agenda Items:

·         Job Description for Library/Technology position

·         School-wide Action Plan

10:55p  Break for 5 minutes.

11:00p  Meeting resumes

11:03p  Into Executive Session for negotiations.  Motion made by Carolyn Bruckner, 2^nd by Richard Roosa.              Motion PASSES.

11:20p  Out of Executive Session.  Motion made by Carolyn Bruckner, 2^nd by Richard Roosa.

            No Action Taken.

11:23p  Into Executive Session for personnel issue.  Motion made by Nancy Frank, 2^nd by Carolyn Bruckner.

            Motion PASSES.

11:48p  Out of Executive Session.  Motion made by Richard Roosa, 2^nd by Carolyn Bruckner.

            No Action Taken.

11:50p  Meeting Adjourns.  Motion made by Nancy Frank, 2^nd by Richard Roosa.  Motion PASSES.

Respectfully submitted,

Kathy Zita

Barnet School Board

Meeting Minute Recorder

BARNET SCHOOL

BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ MEETING MINUTES

Tuesday, September 11, 2007 – 5:30 PM

Board Members & Administration in Attendance:

            Chair Shellie Samuels, Carolyn Bruckner, Nancy Frank, Richard Roosa, Shannon Larocque (left after       7:40p), Princ. Kerry Keenan, Supt. John Bacon, Minute Recorder Kathy Zita. 

Public in Attendance:  Jacob Grant – Caledonian Record, Dave Warden, Jean Denson – Guidance, Teacher Caroline Adams, Katie Larney-Young, Lori Werdenschlag, Sandra Mings-Lamar, John Bruckner, Jim & Paula Ingersen of JPI Transportation.

1.       Meeting called to order by Chair Shellie Samuels at 5:35 p.m.

2.       Approval of Minutes – 8/14/07:  The following corrections were noted: change “principle” to “principal” where necessary.  Motion was made by Nancy Frank, 2^nd by Carolyn Bruckner to accept the Minutes with the abovementioned corrections.  Motion PASSES.

3.       Public Input:  Dave Warden mentioned about the delay on construction of the Barnet Center Road.

4.       Administrative Reports:

A.   Principal’s Report: (see distributed report)

·         Traffic Flow Concerns – Still haven’t heard when the Dept. of Transportation will be coming to advise us.  In the meantime we have assigned a staff member to monitor the parking lot during dismissal.

·         Guided Study Program:  Students have responded well so far.  Attached are some comments from some of the teachers and what they think of it.  Some mentioned that they wished it was longer than a ½ hour.  Caroline Adams who was in attendance at this meeting gave a positive overview of the program.  Jean Denson, also in attendance, commented that it is a huge deal that the 32 students taking instrumental instruction are no longer missing out on academic studies.

·         Back to School Teacher in-service – All staff members attended a training class on “Prevention and Response to Bullying in Vermont Schools”.  It offered useful information about the differences between bullying and harassment as well as the do’s and don’ts about communicating with the students who are bullying or being bullied.  We will continue to use these types of training classes to enhance our own program.

·         Food Service – (see attached update from Annette Burrington).  Outlines some of the improvements that are currently in place, i.e. offering 2 vegetables, wheat bread and fresh green salad.  No bake sales are to happen during lunch, as it interferes with student nutrition.  Their budget is looking better from last years and they will continue with the improvements initiated in January after meeting with the School Food Service Consultant.  Kerry went over the current prices for breakfast: $1.00; reduced $.30, Lunch $1.50; reduced $.40.  Currently we have the lowest meal rates around.  Supt. John Bacon showed a comparison rate between the 4 school districts.  According to the 2007/08 rates each school charges $1.00 for breakfast but then the lunch rates go from $1.50 (Barnet), $1.75 (Walden) and $2.00 (Danville and Peacham).  Discussed whether Barnet should seriously consider raising their lunch rates.  It hasn’t been raised in a very long time and would help with the deficit.

·         Facilities/Maintenance – Burleigh is recommending that we consider repairing & repaving our driveway.  Being that this is considered part of Town Highway, Burleigh asked Maurice Gingue of the Road Dept. for advice.  Maurice suggested that the proper approach would be for a School Board member go to the Selectmen to make a formal request.  This would come out of the Town’s budget and not the school’s.  Shannon Larocque volunteered to go to the Selectmen.

·         Personnel Update – 1) Mary Prior who has taught at Barnet for 19 years has officially announced her intent to retire and take sabbatical leave after this school year ends.  She has given us early notification to make the transition easier for all involved.  Kerry Keenan recommends not waiting to long to hire a replacement.  2) Cindy Abry was hired as a home school coordinator to replace Jeff Scannell.  3) Linda Warnaar has been hired as a half-time SPED Para-educator to assist in our autism program.

·         8^th Grade Class Trip – Kerry would like some direction from the Board regarding this.

·         Other – The state law requires us as a school to have any contracted services do a criminal check on its employees.  JPI currently requires a motor vehicle check, a physical exam, and drug & alcohol testing.  He isn’t required to do a criminal check but has agreed to initiate testing of all his Barnet School drivers.

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·         Revisions to bus routes 6 & 7 – The bus routes have been revised to accommodate the pick up and drop off of additional students who live in the area of Kitchel Hill & Brook Hill Roads and then back to Joe’s Brook Road and Route 5.  The revisions seem to be working just fine for now but alternate plans need to be made during the winter months because some of these roads are too hazardous for the buses to go up or down.  Jim Ingersen was invited to this meeting to share his suggestions concerning this matter.

B.   Superintendents Report:

·         Article on Early Childhood Ed – “Children’s Education a Smart Investment” outlines how kids who start learning in their early years seem to do better later on.

·         Policies that are Warned for Adoption:  Child Nutrition & Wellness, Harassment & Prevention, Student Conduct & Discipline.

·         Teacher of the Year Award – Sue Perrson has been elected as one of the Teachers of the Year Award.  The award will be given by UVM.

·         Sample Hazing Policy – For the Board’s review.

5.      JPI Transportation suggestions to bus route revisions:  Jim & Paula Ingersen were present to offer their thoughts and suggestions regarding the above bus route revision as well as any other questions anyone had.  Jim explained that these roads are very dangerous during the winter because they have steep hills and are very narrow (even when the weather is good, it’s hard to have 2 vehicles passing each other).  He said we may have to notify the parents of these students when the weather is bad to have them bring the children to the old bus stop by Robinson Mill.  Jim has also spoken to Maurice Gingue from the Road Dept. who mentioned it’s the last road to get plowed and it would be difficult to rearrange the whole schedule and the order in which the roads are plowed.  Jim also mentioned that he is very happy with the way the Road Dept. has been clearing the roads just in front of the buses.  He said right now the 4 buses are stretched to the max with their schedules as it is and to try to change anything we would have to start pushing the schedule back by 10 – 15 minutes.  Currently the high school students are at SJA 45 minutes before school starts.  Pushing the schedule back means the students will be at SJA an hour before school starts.  As it is with the current schedule and the good weather it doesn’t leave much room for any delays.  He always likes to leave at least 15 minutes left in the schedule for bad weather, etc.  He currently starts picking up the H.S. students at 6:45a in W. Barnet, that driver (Joanne Watkins) meets up with Mr. Wilson’s bus at the Town Clerks Ofc. From there Joanne starts her elementary school route by 7:00a.  Being that the 4 buses are maxed out with their current schedules, Jim offered that one solution might be to get a smaller AWD bus with a 25-35 passenger capacity.  It would be able to maneuver through the back roads easier than a big bus.   Kerry Keenan asked if a 5^th bus would help with the overall schedule.  Jim answered that it absolutely would and proceeded to give examples of how and also mentioned that it would allow him to put back into the schedule the 15 minutes to spare for emergencies.  Jim and Paula then explained that it wouldn’t be much cheaper for a smaller bus.  The bus cost ($65K - $80K) might be less expensive but by the time you figure in the loan, maintenance, driver and other overhead costs it would seem to cost more.  It costs about $28K/year for used buses based on last years prices.  The bank will loan us the money for the length of the contract of the bus.  It would take about 6 + months from the time a decision is made to get a new bus, so this isn’t really going to help our situation for this year.  Results/Action Items:  The Board would like for Princ. Kerry Keenan to work with JPI to obtain more information as well as the costs involved with a smaller AWD bus.  Shannon Larocque offered to talk with the Selectmen to see if they could have Maurice Gingue change his schedule to accommodate the revised bus route.

         Sandra Mings-Lamar expressed concern for students who are late to school due to the weather that it won’t be marked against them.  Some students become very anxious and upset when they are late because of circumstances beyond their control.  Maybe the school could let them know that it won’t be marked against them in these circumstances.  Also, if the school can make sure that the student is not present before making a call to parents asking why that child is absent when the parent knows they put their child on the bus that morning and starts to feel alarmed only to get a phone call a few minutes later saying that the child is here at the school.  Kerry said he will look into this and make sure that Nedra knows whether students are definitely at school before making phone calls.

7:00p    Break for 15 minutes.

7:15p    Meeting resumes.  Motion was made by Nancy Frank, 2^nd by Shannon Larocque to go into

            Executive Session for discussion on Contract Negotiations.  Motion PASSES.

7:39p    Out of Executive Session. Motion made by Carolyn Bruckner, 2^nd by Richard Roosa to come out.        Motion PASSES.  No Action was taken.

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6.      Financial – ’07 Financial Statement:  (see distributed report)  Discussed why the budget was up from $3,822,327 to $4,078,265 because of recent work that was done such as paving, new phone system, emergency lights and summer painting.  Supt. John Bacon explained the “over” budget line items on the general fund operating statement, i.e. almost $44K for a new teacher, almost $17K for a math Para-professional, $16K for Microsoft hardware/software, almost $7K for an interest rate that was higher than expected, $50K for the paving, new phone system, etc., around $100K for SPED of which 55% will be reimbursed.  There is a balance of $49,127 in the reserve account to be used towards carry forward.

7.      New Business:

·     Strategic Planning 10/24/07- Winton Goodrich.  This will be tabled until the next school board meeting.

·     Hot Lunch Cost:  Discussed whether to raise the price from $1.50 to $2.00.  It could go into effect after winter break in January this way people will have time to be notified of the new price change.  Carolyn Bruckner feels that a $.50 cent raise is a huge jump.  She suggests maybe raising the price to $1.75 then next year increase to $2.00.  The Board decided to table this discussion until the next Board meeting.

·     8^th Grade Class Trip – Kerry would like some direction on this before he meets with the 8^th grade parents.  The main concern seems to be the cost of the trip and all the fundraising that is involved.  Last year the Washington DC trip would have cost around $21K.  Instead the class went to New York City for a shorter amount of days and the trip cost $18K.  This year the Washington trip will be around $24K.  It was also pointed out that the 7^th grade trip to Quebec is also climbing.  Last year it was $5,500.  There was a lot of discussion surrounding this topic as well as comments and suggestions from those in attendance.  Supt. mentioned that it’s important to explain “what” the purpose of the trip is for.  Is it tied to the curriculum or just for fun?  C. Bruckner feels that if you ask parents “where do you want to go” it will create a problem.  The trip is either a tradition or its not.  R. Roosa wonders if the students absorb all that they see and do.  The amount of $$, and time involved would be justified if it was supported more by the students instead of the school and the parents.  Also, if the school is going to declare this trip as part of the curriculum then the school should pay the bill, which he would be against.  If we don’t foot the bill then we could support an end of year trip.&nb