SPAULDING HIGH SCHOOL UNION DISTRICT

Tom Sedore, Assistant Principal John Barone, K-12 Curriculum Director

Chris Hennessey, Assistant Principal

GUESTS PRESENT:

None

Board Secretary: Donna Holden

1. Call to Order

The Chairperson, John Santorello, called the Monday, August 17, 2009, meeting to order at 5:30 p.m., which was held in the SHS & BTC Campus Library, 155 Ayers Street, Barre, Vermont.

2. Approval of Minutes of July 6, 2009 Regular Board Meeting

Approval of Minutes of July 28, 2009 Special Board Meeting

On a motion by Dr. Pizzo seconded by Mr. Cecchinelli, the Board unanimously voted to approve the minutes of July 6, 2009, regular meeting, as submitted.

On a motion by Mrs. Pope seconded by Mr. Storz, the Board unanimously voted to approve the minutes of July 25, 2009, special meeting, as submitted.

3. Public Comment

None

4. New Business

A. Tour of Building to Inspect Recent Repairs and Future Needs

The Board toured several areas of interest, including: 1.) the multipurpose room, to be used daily for in-school suspension/support services, and evenings for wrestling and drama rehearsals, etc. When completed the room will have dividers, desks, and tiled floors, 2.) the gym, which had the floor completed sanded and resurfaced, newly lined, and new lighting, 3.) the pre-school and cosmetology areas, which had asbestos tile removal and floor replacement as well as a complete renovation of the work stations, hair washing stations, etc. in the cosmo area, and 4.) newly renovated boys’ and girls’ bathroom facilities in the math wing. The Board also appreciated the newly paved and striped driveway and parking lot area, and were advised of the installation of a card access system, additional security cameras and locks for the doors.

The Board thoroughly acknowledged and offered sincere appreciation for the hard provided by the maintenance and custodial staff.

B. Supervisory Union Goals and Plans

Mr. Barone reviewed the BSU initiatives (2009-2010) six best practice areas and 26 supporting initiatives. The Board discussed the proposal for multiple walk-through evaluations by administrators planned for each teacher in the High School and Tech Center with the goal to improve teaching and learning. Board members were also encouraged to schedule a time to visit and tour the High School and Tech Center during the upcoming year.

Mr. Barone advised the Board he appreciated the Board’s support and continued administrative support that allowed teachers to actively participate in the curriculum committees and work being done. He said in the future additional staff development days should be considered and a discussion about whether a mandatory Skillful Teacher course during the school year should be added.

C. New Hires

The Board reviewed the recommendations for the following new hires: Lisa Burton, Grade 9-12 ELL, Christy Jo Wasmer, High School Special Education, David Nicholson, Guidance Director, and Laura Albert, High School Special Education.

On a motion by Mrs. Pope seconded by Dr. Pizzo, the Board unanimously voted to approve the contracts for the new hires, as submitted.

Ms. Chamberlin advised the Board she was still pursuing a teacher for a ½ time position in basic computer repair to replace the slot opened by Mr. Griggs, who will be serving as Assistant Tech Director in a ½ time capacity.

The Board also briefly discussed the Athletic Director’s recommendation for two new assistant football coaches and that Mr. Anderson would continue in the head coach position.

On a motion by Mr. Storz seconded by Dr. Pizzo, the Board unanimously voted to authorize the contracting of Tim Cota and John Graves as assistant football coaches.

D. Plans and Goals for Coming Year

Mr. Phillips reviewed the “Cycle for Effective Schools” handout and said the goal was to “do away with the past behavior that teachers were independent contractors united by a common parking lot”. He reviewed the 2009-2010 Goals developed by the Leadership Team and 2009-2010 Action Plan.

Mrs. Pope and Mrs. Malone asked that an additional goal to review the course offerings in the areas of math and science be added to the list of Leadership goals.

Mr. Santorello asked if the “accuplacer” test used by CCV and other colleges was used as a tool to evaluate what and how SHS students were taught. Ms. Chamberlin advised that many students take the exam as part of the Tech Center reciprocal agreements with colleges, but the tracking of scores was nearly impossible and too difficult to use as a tool.

Ms. Chamberlin advised the Board that she and faculty members have updated and revised the Tech Center’s 3-yr Action Plan, previously submitted for approval. She provided an oral report on several administrative items and distributed a new Program of Studies brochure.

E. Other Business as Needed

None

5. Old Business

A. Other Old Business as Needed

Dr. Bacon advised the Board he would be applying for a $25K grant that contained a required $75K matching funds component to be used for lighting on the football field.

Added item 8-17-09: Follow-up for summer reading initiative – report by English Depart Chair to be scheduled.

Added item 8-17-09: Board to receive copies of student handbooks including full faculty & staff listing.

Added item 8-17-09: Follow-up on two model policies: Substitute Teachers. Volunteers

6. Reports to the Board

A. Superintendent

Dr. Bacon provided an oral report including a review of the current expenditure approval process. He recommended the Board approve a change that would permit the Tech Director, AD, and Special Education Director to approve their own departmental expenditures without Principal Phillip’s oversight and co approval.

Mr. Phillips explained his position and sense of responsibility for the entire budget, as well as desire to be informed and have some level of control for expenditures from purchased order approval to invoice payments. He admitted the new financial management should provide be a more streamlined process for budget monitoring.

The Board agreed to have the Business Manager review the entire accounting process with the Finance Committee before taking action, if prudent.

Dr. Bacon also advised he was looking for temporary driving instructors for the after-school driving component of the program as a result of the current teacher’s refusal to drive after school, and arbitration ruling.

Dr. bacon also reported an anticipated $240K surplus balance, and that the new student management system Power School, and ADS, accounting system were both successfully up and running.

B. Principal

Campus and other general information may be viewed at www.shsbtc.org. Mr. Phillips also presented two model policies that should be added to the school for substitute teachers, and volunteers. The Board agreed to review and discuss at the next meeting.

Mr. Phillips also advised that the Tech Center was out of space and seeking space within the SHS building, which is also scarce. He suggested use of the Jackson Dairy building might be in the near future as a facility issue.

C. Technology Center Director

Ms. Chamberlin had nothing to add to her report.

D. Facilities Committee

The Board once again discussed the outstanding job by the maintenance and custodian staff. Mrs. Pope suggested the Administrators provide the Board with a recommendation to appropriately recognize the staff.

On a motion by Dr. Pizzo seconded by Mr. Storz, the Board voted to award each of the five maintenance and five custodial staff members a sum of $150.00 each in recognition of their exemplary service. Motion passed, 5-2. Mrs. Pope and Mrs. Malone voted no.

7. Executive Session

A. Personnel Matter

At 9:04 p.m. on a motion by Mrs. Malone seconded by Mr. Walz, the Board unanimously voted to enter into executive session, pursuant to Title 1 § 313, to discuss a personnel matter.

Dr. Bacon was invited into the executive session.

At 9:50 p.m. the Board exited executive session.

8. Adjournment

On a motion by Mr. Storz seconded by Dr. Pizzo, the Board unanimously voted to adjourn at 9:51 p.m.

Next meeting Date:

Meetings are regularly scheduled for the first and third Monday of each month at 6:00 p.m., unless otherwise noted. The first meeting is planned as a business meeting; the second meeting is conducted as a policy review and working/discussion meeting.

· The second July meeting is cancelled.

· The Board will hold a regular business meeting on Monday, August 31, 2009**, at 6:00 p.m.

** because of the September 7^th Labor Day holiday, the meeting will be held one-week earlier **

· The Board will hold a policy review/working session meeting Monday, September 21, 2009, at 6:00 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Donna Holden