1. Call to Order

The Chairperson, Therese Taylor, called the Tuesday, September 4, 2007, meeting to order at 6:08 p.m., which was held in the SHS & BTC Campus Library, 155 Ayers Street, Barre, Vermont.

A. Introduction of Interim Superintendent Gail B. Conley

The Chair introduced Dr. Conley, Interim Superintendent, and provided a brief history of his experience. The Board welcomed Dr. Conley along with the new Student Representatives.

2. Announcements and Awards

Mr. Phillips and Ms. Donlon introduced and along with the Board welcomed the new teachers.

Mr. Phillips informed the Board an impressive 98% attendance of freshman participated in the dedicated freshman orientation day, creating a smooth, positive, and successful beginning to the school year.

Ms. Donlon advised that open house for parents would be held Thursday, September 13, 2007, at 6:00 p.m. She also displayed the plaque that would be hung outside the newly renovated Room 134 (living skills classroom) recognizing the community members, Board, Committees, and staff that contributed toward the successful renovation. The Board agreed a formal dedication and recognition of Allen Lumber and Tatro Aces at the open house was appropriate. The Board further thanked Ms. Donlon for bringing the project to the forefront.

Detailed information on other current and upcoming events may be viewed by visiting the school’s Web site at www.shsbtc.org.

3. Visitors and Communications

None

4. Items for Board Action

A. Approval of Minutes: August 6, 2007 – Regular Board Meeting

On a motion by Mrs. Conti seconded by Mr. Prevost, the Board unanimously voted to approve the minutes of the August 6, 2007, Regular Board Meeting, as amended.

B. Approval of Food Service Contract with FitzVogt

Mrs. Conti explained that in cooperation with the Barre City School’s Finance Committee the three proposals received were evaluated, and while it was a difficult decision, the firm of FitzVoght was selected for the one--year contract. She said the SHS and BCEMS Finance Committees agreed to meet quarterly to assess the vendor, and that more on-site representation from the vendor’s management team was expected at the BCEMS location. Mrs. Conti noted a district wide contract may be considered at a future date.

On a motion by Mrs. Conti seconded by Mr. Isabelle, the Board unanimously voted to approve the one-year food service contract with FitzVogt, as presented.

C. Board Member Resignation

Along with the other Board members, Ms. Taylor thanked Mr. Lash for his service to SHS & BTC and the community. Mr. Lash thanked the Board and the community for their support and understanding; however, explained with reluctant regret an employment opportunity has lured him away from his home town and commitment to serve out his term on the Board.

On a motion by Mrs. Conti seconded by Mr. Prevost, the Board unanimously voted to accept, with regret and best wishes, the Board Member resignation of Matt Lash.

D. Second Monthly Board Meeting

See item 5, B.

5. Items for Information and Discussion

A. Spaulding High Athletic Advisory Committee (SHAAC) Presentation

Mrs. Conti introduced SHAAC members present, Mr. Maiola, Mr. Martin, Mr. Evans and Mr. Woods. She provided a brief recap of the SHAAC’s original proposal presented in June for both inside and outside athletic facility capital improvements, and advised the Board of the SHAAC’s newest proposal.

She explained the committee looked at the old Jackson Dairy building as discussed, and determined an approximate cost of $753K to refurbish the site compared to approximately $900K for new construction. She said the committee further agreed that while one of their drivers was to find a permanent “home” (new building) for the wrestling team, they agreed that other factors such as a need for a larger and improved library space, multi-purpose room, tutoring/guidance offices, etc. could be incorporated into the Jackson Dairy refurbishing project and free up the current library space; therefore the SHAAC’s current proposal was to only concentrate on the outside facility projects at this time.

Mrs. Conti explained the plan was to raise funds through creative ventures and from alumni, etc. with the contributions dedicated to external improvements to the 42 year-old athletic facilities, and encompassed the football, baseball, soccer, and track fields, and other features including football field lights, etc. at an estimated cost of $600K. She said the SHAAC was seeking the Board’s approval to begin the fund raising campaign but also needed the Board to adopt an advertising and recognition policy of those who contribute.

Discussion ensued, including the Board’s desire to see a more formal, encompassing, proposal that included details such as:

· what are the exact external improvements planned

· a conceptual drawing to show the new fields and layout

· a timeline for the project and goals

· who is the project manager

· a description of the project’s administration including names of those with responsibilities, and duties

· an estimate of time and/or effort expected from staff, faculty, administrators, etc.

· a plan for obtaining surveys, State and local permits, etc.

· adherence to bidding process guidelines

· a donation or advertising plan, i.e. “gold, silver, bronze” “buy a light pole, buy a banner, etc”

Mr. Lash expressed his caution and concern that as much enthusiasm would be expressed when replacing the roof, building a new library, and retaining teachers was needed. The Board acknowledged the SHAAC’s desire to raise funds to complete a project was appreciated and timely since so many other projects were needed for the aging building, however, how the campaign was presented and marketed was critical that it did not conflict with the academic and facility needs of the school.

Upon a verbal consensus, the Board granted Mrs. Conti and the SHAAC their support, in concept, and to move forward with the capital improvement campaign plan, contingent upon receipt of the information outlined and discussed, and to return to the Board for a formal approval. The Board further committed to work on the policies needed to support the work of the SHAAC, and to engage in the discussion needed for both a donation recognition and advertising policies. The Student Representatives agreed to conduct a survey of students for input.

B. Retreat Follow-Up

Along with the Board Ms. Taylor reviewed the outline of the results of the annual work session. The Board discussed the proposal to hold a second Board meeting monthly, and the structure of the meetings, which would be to continue with the first meeting as a business meeting and the same agenda outline and the second meeting to address policies, curriculum, goals and strategic planning with the opportunity to address timely issues, as needed.

On a motion by Mrs. Conti seconded by Dr. Pizzo, the Board unanimously voted to add a second monthly Board meeting to the schedule with the first meeting to remain the regular monthly business meeting and the second meeting to be a planning/discussion meeting from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in combination with the monthly Policy & Curriculum Committee, to be held on the third Monday of each month, and to address any other timely business matters only as needed.

C. Legislative Breakfast (Items for December discussion)

Ms. Taylor asked Board members to be ready to act at the next monthly business meeting on setting a date for the breakfast, and to be thinking of agenda items for the annual breakfast, which typically includes the other district Boards. Dr. Pizzo agreed to continue serving as the Legislative liaison.

6. Reports to the Board

A. Superintendent’s Report

Dr. Conley advised the Board the central offices were moved back into the Ayers Street location and the staff was happily getting settled and to be at “home.”

B. SHS & BTC Campus Administrator’s Report

Mr. Phillips and Ms. Donlon added to their report that FEMA was taking the request for consideration for damage to the fields under consideration.

Campus and other general information may be viewed at www.shsbtc.org.

C. Technology Coordinator’s Report

Mr. Walz had nothing to add to his report.

D. Supervisory Union Report

The next regularly scheduled meeting (second Thursday of each month) will be on September 13, 2007, at 5:30 p.m., in the Central Office Conference Room, 120 Ayers Street..

E. Student Representative Report

Ms. Grubb advised the Board the Student Council created a Legislative Committee to work with the Board, and to help identify and address student issues and needs.

Ms. Baker also noted that Guidance Office services provided to seniors regarding college application deadlines, etc. was a tremendous service to the students and greatly appreciated.

F. Policy and Curriculum Committee

The next regularly scheduled (third Monday of each month) meeting would be September 17, 2007, at 6:00 p.m., in the SHS & BTC Campus Library.

G. Spaulding High Athletic Advisory Committee (SHAAC)

Mrs. Conti advised the date for the next meeting will be announced at a later date.

H. Facility Committee

The next regularly scheduled (last Thursday of each month) meeting would be September 27, 2007, at 5:30 p.m., in the SHS & BTC Library.

Mr. Santorello distributed a list of facility needs/concerns prepared by Mr. Evans that he noted needed to be prioritized. The list included such major items as phone system at $90K, roof at $70-100K, card access system at $30K, as well as chemistry lab updates, cafeteria and kitchen upgrades, etc.

The Board agreed considerable discussion and attention was needed with respect to the items listed.

I. Finance Committee

The next scheduled meeting would be September 18, 2007, at 7:30 a.m., in Room C-2.

7. Other Business

None

8. Executive Session

A. Personnel Matters

B. Student Matter

At 8:20 p.m. on a motion by Mr. Prevost seconded by Mrs. Conti, the Board unanimously voted to enter into executive session, pursuant to Title 1 § 313, to discuss personnel and student matters.

Dr. Conley, Ms. Donlon and Mr. Phillips were invited into the executive session.

At 9:20 p.m. the Board exited executive session.

9. Adjournment

On a motion by Mrs. Conti seconded by Mr. Prevost, the Board unanimously voted to adjourn at 9:21 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 planned as a working/discussion meeting.

The next planning/discussion meeting is scheduled for Monday, September 17, 2007 at 6:00 p.m.

The next regular business meeting is scheduled for Monday, October 1, 2007 at 6:00 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Donna Holden