Martin Prevost, VICE-CHAIR, Representing Barre City, term expires 2011

John Santorello, CLERK, Representing Barre City, term expires 2009

Therese Taylor, Representing Barre City, term expires 2009

Giuliano Cecchinelli, Representing Barre City, term expires 2010

Nancy Pope, Representing Barre Town, term expires 2011

John Pizzo, Representing Barre Town, term expires 2010

Meredith Grubb – Class of ’09, SHS/BTC Non-voting Student Representative

JJ Norway – Class of ’10, SHS/BTC Non-voting Student Representative

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John Bacon, Superintendent of Schools

Chris Hennessey, Assistant Principal

Penny Chamberlin, Tech Director

Video Vision Tech

The Chairperson, Christine Conti, called the Monday, July 21, 2008, meeting to order at 6:00 p.m., which was held in the SHS & BTC Campus Library, 155 Ayers Street, Barre, Vermont.

Mrs. Conti introduced the new Superintendent, Dr. John Bacon. Dr. Bacon shared a brief biography and said he looked forward to working with the Board.

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Mr. Santorello explained the repair needed to the auditorium exterior granite façade estimated at $18,225, which would be authorized from the $50K facility improvement fund approved by voters in March. Mr. Santorello also discussed with the Board the cost of the canopy roof repair estimated at $10,943, which would be authorized from the roof fund.

The Board discussed their desire not to lose sight of the other safety issue matters that require attention within and outside the building, i.e. camera, doors, locks, etc.

Mr. Santorello explained the Facility Committee was asking the Board to consider supporting a request to voters to approve the spending $200K of the FY ’07 reported surplus to enable the Committee to move forward with several major maintenance projects, including phase 1 of 3 at $100K to resurface the parking area estimated at a total cost of $300K, installation of seven (7) card access exterior doors at $50K, with balance to be used toward other facility repairs.

Mrs. Pope said the Board also needed to consider other facility improvement suggestions/recommendations from the High School and Tech Center administrators, and to discuss whether part of the surplus should be returned to voters through a tax stabilization program.

The Board agreed to postpone any action on this matter until the September 2, 2008 meeting where they will have further information from administrators and any other interested parties.

Dr. Bacon advised the Board that both the math and science teachers would require application for a two-year provisional license from the DOE. He assured the Board it was the Superintendent’s responsibility to apply for, monitor, and track all provisional licensing.

Ms. Chamberlin advised the Board the job description and position for the Tech Center Adult Education Coordinator position was previously approved by the Board, and that Ms. Ricks had already exceeded expectations to improve and expand the Adult Education program. Ms. Chamberlin further advised the Board that 33-50% of the Coordinator’s salary was reimbursable by the State.

Ms. Chamberlin advised the Board the position of administrative assistant for the Tech Director, that was previously filled but had been vacant for the last 1 ½ years. She said a part-time, 5 hour/day school year position would be acceptable, but to truly serve the needs of the Tech Center a full-time, 7.5 hour/day year round position would be more desirable, and could also provide assistance to the Adult Education Coordinator.

Ms. Chamberlin reviewed the anticipated revenue as of July 1 and said, based on the current enrollments, a surplus of $100K was expected, therefore, the position would be supported.

Ms. Chamberlin advised the Board that based on enrollments in the baby room at the Tech Center’s “Kid Connection” pre-school and daycare needed a full-time para educator. She affirmed the program was self-sufficient and the increased expense for the full-time para would be paid for from program proceeds.

The Board discussed whether a potential increase to the current $10/day fee for participants should be re-evaluated and increased. Ms. Chamberlin advised the Board the rate of $10/day would be effective with the 2008-09 school year and was an increase from the $5.00/day rate charged previously charged. She said currently about 50% of the children participating belonged to staff and 50% of the children were from community based members, that the program was in a public school and operated on a school calendar, an educational lab based program, and that the goal was not to be a for-profit business.

The Board discussed its desire to have the program available to infants and/or children of students at no cost or on a reduced cost basis, to assist student’s in the ability to stay in school.

Ms. Chamberlin agreed to prepare a report on the program’s budget, enrollment demographics, etc. and provide several options regarding enhancements to the program for the Board’s consideration at the December 1, 2008 meeting. The Board will then discuss a potential increase to the $10/day fee to be effective on or about January 1.

Ms. Chamberlin briefly reviewed the status of program and staffing changes.

Mr. Hennessey briefly reviewed the separate policies for adults and students. Upon discussion it was agreed a few minor typographical edits were needed.

Dr. Bacon distributed a SHS/BTC Surplus Analysis prepared by the new Business Manager, Linda Rosa, which broke down the total surplus or deficit by year, school (SHS or BTC), accumulated total, and amount transferred in or out.

Dr. Bacon explained that the amounts of the surplus attributable to each entity was owned by that entity, and in the case of the Tech Center any surpluses needed to be shared with the sending schools through rebates, tuition reduction, etc. Alternatively, he explained use of any amounts attributable to the high school was at the discretion of the voters.

The Board discussed the deterioration of the integrated campus model initiated in 2004 and endorsed by a waiver from the DOE. Ms. Chamberlin explained the original waiver was for two-years and based on an administrative model including co-principals and a Tech Directorship. She said it appears that seeking extension of the waiver were either overlooked neglected since documentation beyond the original waiver is non-existent, and in addition to changes in the leadership model, the waiver no longer exists. She also explained that the two separate schools have governing statutes that must be adhered to, including the accounting of separate income and expense streams.

Dr. Bacon explained he was working with Ms. Chamberlin to develop a comprehensive and equitable formula to use in budgeting combined costs of doing business, i.e. interior and exterior maintenance, parking, mowing, heat, electricity, use of common areas, etc.

Dr. Bacon also distributed an FY ’08 Projected Year End analysis showing an SHS $93,655 deficit and $216,302 BTC surplus, for a combined $122,647 SHS/BTC projected surplus. However, the amounts require handling in separate accounts.

The Board reviewed the class size report distributed. The Administrators agreed to format the information similar to the prior year’s reports, including per block, per teacher, classes, size, etc. and to include classes for art, music, drivers education, etc.

Dr. Bacon said the instructor was nearing the end of his two-year provisional license and was seeking a peer review certification, which may not be completed by the September provisional license expiration.

Ms. Lemieux said she was not sure whether GED instructors were required to hold licensure, which contributed to the debate of whether APL students should receive the same SHS/BTC diploma as other traditional students, given that APL students are not required nor do they meet the same academic rigor and demands of high school.

Mr. Hennessey stated he supported alternative programs including the APL program, which he agreed needed improvement. He explained in concept and the goal was to retain students in the academic environment and provide as much opportunity to succeed as possible. Mr. Hennessey suggested options including the use of Mythos teachers could be explored.

For the August 19, 2008, retreat, the administrators agreed to prepare an alternate plan in the event the program does not have an appropriate instructor, and how to address placement of the students. The Board will also receive a plan of how the APL Program would look and serve students moving forward.

The Board reviewed the DRAFT policy. The Board agreed amendments would include a 1-4 chaperone/student ratio.

The Board also agreed the policy would be brought forward for a first reading on August 4, 2008.

Dr. Bacon announced the custodian contract was approved by the Barre City Board. He also said a new Technology Coordinator, from private industry in Texas, was hired by the SU, and that he would begin on August 18, 2008.

Ms. Chamberlin had nothing to add to her report.

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The next regularly scheduled meeting will be Thursday, August 14, 2008, at 5:30 p.m., in the Central Office Conference Room, 120 Ayers Street.

The Student Representatives had nothing to report.

No meeting has been scheduled. Mrs. Conti reported the AD, Pat Merriam, was holding football coaches interviews.

The next Facility Committee meeting is scheduled for July 31, 2008, at 5:30 p.m. in the SHS & BTC Campus Library.

The next Finance Committee meeting is scheduled for August 5, 2008 at 7:30 a.m.

Mrs. Conti advised the Board retreat would be held in the Community national bank conference room on August 19, 2008, 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Administrators, Student Reps, and the Superintendent were invited to attend.

Dr. Bacon and Ms. Chamberlin were invited into the executive session.

The next regular business meeting is scheduled for Monday, August 4, 2008, at 6:00 p.m.

The Annual Retreat is scheduled for August 19, 2008

The following regular business meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 2, 2008, at 6:00 p.m.

The next planning/discussion meeting is scheduled for Monday, September 15, 2008, at 6:00 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,