SPAULDING HIGH SCHOOL UNION DISTRICT

Board Secretary: Donna Holden

1. Call to Order

The Chairperson, John Santorello, called the Monday, May 4, 2009, meeting to order at 6:00 p.m., which was held in the SHS & BTC Campus Library, 155 Ayers Street, Barre, Vermont.

2. Announcements and Awards

Mr. Phillips advised the Board of recent student achievements, along with previous and upcoming events. Campus and other general information may be viewed at www.shsbtc.org/.

With the Board’s permission, the following item was taken out of order on the agenda.

3. Items for Board Action

A. AP Exam Requirements and Payment

Nancy Prescott addressed the Board, seeking to have her daughter, Emily, excused from taking the AP chemistry exam. Mrs. Prescott explained the request was based on several criteria including: 1.) When the school eliminated honors chemistry it left no suitable alternatives and may have prematurely forced students into the AP course, 2.) The very high probability existed that Emily lacked the knowledge to achieve a high enough score to earn the college credits from the AP course, 3.) Four of the six pharmacy schools they visited would not accept the chemistry credits even if earned, and 4.) Asking parents to spend $86.00 for an exam that students would likely not do well on, and could be useless for credit at some college’s, seemed punitive, and should be a parent’s choice.

The Board discussed whether elimination of the honors chemistry course disadvantaged students and whether they were not sufficiently prepared for admission into the AP chem class.

Dr. Bacon advised that of the 33 students currently enrolled in AP chem only five had prior chemistry knowledge. He noted, however, that prior chemistry knowledge was not a prerequisite.

Mr. McSweeney, Science Department Chair, advised the Board that the course syllabus advised students [and parents] of the extreme level of difficulty, and potential/probable limited student success. He also noted the full-year course was designed to combine the honors and AP curriculum, and that at the time they were combined the courses were competing for enrollments. He also reminded the Board the elimination of the honors chem course was discussed at length before implementation, and sanctioned by the Board. Dr. Pizzo noted for the record, he did not support the elimination of the honors course(s).

The Board discussed the value of the exam, whether the student achieved the higher score distinction or not. Also acknowledged was the cost factor of AP exams and the existing policy and expectation that students who elect to take the AP courses would sit for the exams, regardless of whether the student or parents feel the student is prepared for the exam.

Mr. Phillips confirmed a student’s grade in an AP course was not affected by their AP exam score. He said the tests were ordered and in house and that some students submit payment for the exam right up to the day of the test. Mr. Phillips said if a student does not sit for the exam it is returned, and only a partial refund is given to the school.

On a motion by Mrs. Malone seconded by Mr. Storz, the Board unanimously voted to maintain the policy that students enrolled in AP courses shall be expected to sit for the AP exams.

The Board agreed the Finance Committee would discuss and bring a recommendation forward regarding the payments for AP exams.

4. Visitors and Communications

5. Curriculum Reports

None

6. CONTINUED - Items for Board Action

B. Approval of Minutes:

April 6, 2009 – Regular Spaulding High School Union District Board Meeting

On a motion by Mrs. Pope seconded by Dr. Pizzo, the Board unanimously voted to approve the minutes of April 6, 2009 –Regular Spaulding High School Union District Board Meeting, as submitted.

C. Approval of Teacher Contract

Ms. Chamberlin advised the Board of the recommendation to approve the hiring of Paul Parsons to serve as the Barre Tech Center’s Pre-Tech Outreach Coordinator.

On a motion by Mrs. Pope seconded by Mr. Storz, the Board unanimously voted to move this item to executive session.

D. Regional Advisory Board (RAB) Bylaws

Ms. Chamberlin presented the model by-laws for approval. The Board reviewed and made miscellaneous amendments to the RAB By-Laws.

On a motion by Dr. Pizzo seconded by Mrs. Pope, the Board unanimously voted to approve the RAB By-Laws, as discussed and amended.

E. First Reading of Substance Abuse Policy

Mr. Phillips explained the proposed 2006 re-write of an existing policy was never acted upon, and would replace the existing policy. The Board discussed proposed amendments to the language, and miscellaneous edits.

On a motion by Mrs. Pope seconded by Mr. Walz, the Board unanimously voted to approve the First Reading of the revised Substance Abuse Policy, as discussed.

Mr. Phillips agreed to format the language into the standard form, affix the appropriate policy code and cross references, and incorporate the changes and edits.

F. New Position

Lisa Lemieux appeared before the Board to discuss the proposed position. The Board reviewed and discussed the proposal for a new Educational Success Counselor position, which was designed to assist the school counselors, principals, and local agencies to support students who are failing, at-risk, truant and/or homeless. Upon discussion it was agreed the position would also assist families and the SRO, and possibly others.

Discussion ensued regarding who the position should report to and why, and the Board’s desire not to encumber the position with a guidance case load. The Board was assured the position was dramatically different than a typical guidance councilor position. Dr. Bacon advised the position would be supported through Medicaid funds.

On a motion by Mr. Walz seconded by Mr. Storz, the Board unanimously voted to approve the Educational Success Counselor position, as discussed.

The Board agreed that Mr. Phillips and Dr. Bacon would determine the appropriate supervision, and that the position should have the flexibility and freedom (if needed) to act in other schools within the district where siblings might be, or incoming student issues might need attention.

G. Making Up Snow Days

Mr. Phillips proposed the two snow days be made up by using one as a student instructional day and one a staff development day, to be held on June 17 and June 18, respectively, with graduation on June 20, 2009. Dr. Bacon concurred stating there would be a total of 179 student days vs. the traditional 180, however, still above the state required 175 student days.

On a motion by Dr. Pizzo seconded by Mrs. Malone, the Board unanimously voted to accept the snow day make-up proposal, as submitted.

6. Items for Information and Discussion

A. Meeting Videotaping

The Board discussed whether taping the 2^nd monthly meeting was necessary. The Board agreed restructuring the second meeting of the month to focus on policy reviews and working/discussion sessions was desirable. The Chair suggested temporarily suspending the taping of the second monthly meeting, beginning with the current month’s next meeting, which he hoped would encourage attendance and dialogue with community members, and to reinstate the taping depending on community feedback.

B. Proposed Building Improvement Fund (RAB)

Ms. Chamberlin reviewed the RAB minutes of 3/31/09, which contained a motion encouraging the SHS Board to establish a long-term capital improvement fund to be regularly funding to support the purchase, maintenance and/or replacement of equipment and technology.

The Board discussed and agreed that Ms. Chamberlin would develop a long-term (5-10 yr) plan during the summer for items over $5K, including purchase date, anticipated replacement cost price, life expectancy, replacement time table, etc. and present it to the Finance and Facility Committees. The information would be used in the 2011 budget building process.

C. Eligibility Policy

On a motion by Dr. Pizzo seconded by Mr. Storz, the Board unanimously voted to move this item to the next Board meeting agenda.

Mrs. Pope asked that the current eligibility policy and any recommendations from the Administration, Athletic Director, Superintendent, etc. be included in the packet.

D. Schedule (Math Credits, Band and 90-Minute Blocks)

Mr. Phillips advised the Board of the status of enrollments for the new 45-minute music and 45-minute chorus slots embedded within the school day, stating the schedule change had not impacted enrollments, which remained similar to the current year. He said several 45-minute courses, including a couple in the Tech Center, would be available to students who opt for a music or chorus class. Mr. Phillips agreed to provide a list of the courses to the Board.

Mr. Phillips also advised that course requests were loaded into the computer for schedule modeling, and conflict results would be known by the May 27^thschedule distribution. The Board acknowledged the new schedule would undoubtedly create conflicts, not unlike any other previous or proposed schedule.

The Board agreed that parents and students should be notified the schedule change still afforded students access to teachers before and after school, with teachers available at 7:35 a.m. before classes commence at 8:00 a.m. The administration agreed to keep the Board informed of scheduling matters.

The Board also briefly discussed the undesignated elective credit received for taking a year-long math course. Some members expressed their concern whether the credit was necessary and/or that the credit was not identified on transcripts with an elective course.

E. Content for Administrator Reports

Mr. Walz distributed a list of recommendations for administrator’s reports. Additions to the list were also discussed, and administrators were encouraged to come up with a schedule of how and when topics would be covered.

F. Preparation for Pandemic Flu

Dr. Bacon advised the Board a meeting of Principals, school nurses, and the Superintendent took place to review the school policies and plans in the event of an outbreak. He said the district was also in touch with the VT Department of Health, and notices were sent home to parents. In addition custodians in each building were spending extra time wiping railing, door knobs, etc. in an effort to minimize germ contact by students.

G. Financial Projection ‘09

Dr. Bacon briefly reviewed the financial projections for FY ‘089, which revealed the Tech Center projected surplus at approximately $35K and the SHS budget at approximately $282K. He noted the SHS surplus was due in part to unanticipated revenue in the area of special education, in addition to other minor adjustments.

7. Reports to the Board

A. Superintendent’s Report

Dr. Bacon provided an oral report including notice that teacher contracts were issued on April 15^th. He said 15 requests for extension were honored, two retirements (Mike Gilbert and Stacey O’Neil) were received, and a request by Mae Gilbert to reduce her schedule to part time. He said in light of these savings the reinstatement of some of the business math courses would be allowed, and the rehire of a RIF’d math teacher. Dr. Bacon also advised that based on the outstanding teacher contract extensions, due by May 15^th, it might be necessary to hire teacher replacements.

Dr. Bacon also explained that para-educators for Barre City Elementary and Middle School and Spaulding High School are covered by the same contract. He said when a reduction in staff happened or was required the least senior person form either location was selected, which could create issues and transferring between the schools. He said it was his desire to de-couple the contracts in the future, but for now all para contracts were sent out on May 1^st.

Dr. Bacon expressed his appreciation for the work involved in managing staff and faculty contracts and thanked Deb Gibson for her excellent work on behalf of the district.

B. SHS Principal

Mr. Phillips reviewed his written report. Campus and other general information may be viewed at www.shsbtc.org

C. Barre Technical Center Director

Ms. Chamberlin reviewed excerpts of her written report.

D. Committee Reports as Needed

Ø Curriculum Committee – Mrs. Malone, Chair (with Nancy Pope, Tommy Walz)

The next meeting is scheduled for May 7, 2009. (First Thursday, monthly)

Ø Finance Committee – Mrs. Pope, Chair (with Norma Malone, Dr. Pizzo)

The next meeting is scheduled for May 14, 2009. (Second Thursday, monthly)

Ø Facility Committee – Mr. Storz, Chair (with Giuliano Cecchinelli, Tommy Walz)

The next meeting is scheduled for May 28, 2009. (Last Thursday, monthly)

Ø Policy Committee – Full Board - Third Monday, monthly.

Ø Personnel Committee – Mr. Cecchinelli, Chair (with Richard Storz., Tommy Walz)

The next meeting scheduled for June, 2009, will be announced at a later date. (June and October)

Ø SHAAC – Advisory, Dr. Pizzo, appointee

Ø Legislative – Advisory, Dr. Pizzo, appointee

8. Other Business

None

9. Executive Session