SPAULDING HIGH SCHOOL UNION DISTRICT

2. Announcements and Awards

Mr. Phillips had no new announcements. Campus and other general information may be viewed at www.shsbtc.org/.

Ms. Chamberlin announced a program survey was posted to the BTC Web site at www.barretechnicalcenter.org, and asked for responses and feedback on what programs would be desired by the regional community.

Dr. Bacon announced a free and voluntary H1N1 flu shot clinic would be held for SHS and BTC students and high risk adult staff, at the school on November 18^th. Information will be distributed and permission slips for the vaccine would be required.

Dr. Bacon also advised a community forum hosted by the Vermont Department of Health on flu preparedness would be held at the Barre Opera House on October 7^th, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

3. Public Comment

None

4. Approval of Minutes of September 21, 2009 Regular Board Meeting

On a motion by Mrs. Pope seconded by Mr. Storz, the Board unanimously voted to approve the minutes of September 21, 2009, regular meeting, as submitted.

5. New Business

A. First Reading of Volunteer Policy (IJOC)

On a motion by Mrs. Malone seconded by Mrs. Pope, the Board unanimously voted to approve the first reading of the Volunteer Policy (IJOC), as submitted.

B. Second and Final Reading of Substitute Teacher Policy (GCG)

On a motion by Mrs. Pope seconded by Mr. Storz, the Board unanimously voted to approve the second and final reading of the Substitute Teacher Policy (GCG), as submitted.

C. 2010 Financial Reports

Along with the Board Dr. Bacon reviewed the current fiscal year budgets to date. The SHS report revealed of the $11,205,104.00 approved budget 68.34% or $7,658,210.58 in funds remained, and of the $2,489,649.00 approved BTC budget 82.32% or $2,049,582.91 or the funds remained.

The Board agreed monthly reports would be provided to the Finance Committee for their review and scrutiny and the Board would be kept generally apprised, however, the Board would receive more detail in matters of concern, spikes in spending, or other budgetary issues.

D. NEASC

Mr. Phillips advised the Board of the April 3-6, 2011 site visit scheduled by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges committee, which would generate an expense of approximately $16,510 for the FY ’11 budget to support the evaluation and visit.

Mr. Phillips also distributed the “Suggested Schedule for Spring 2011 Evaluation Visits” and advised development of the self-study was underway. He advised that one or two interested Board members was recommended and welcomed on the Steering Committee. Mr. Santorello asked members to contact Mr. Phillips.

Mr. Phillips agreed to keep the Board informed of the evaluation process.

E. Summer Reading Project

Mr. Phillips introduced Dan Hershel, English Department Chairman, to review the Summer Reading Project program and results. Mr. Hershel advised of the 402 students participating in 2009 (year two of the project), 296 completed projects, an increase in participation of 12% over 2008.

He said students were required to read at least one book from the prepared reading list and one book of their choosing, as well as complete a project, to receive a grade. He said the grade was deemed equivalent to approximately 5% of the student’s first semester English grade, and further explained for those students who did not complete the summer reading assignments no grade was awarded.

Mr. Hershel advised the Summer Reading Committee would convene in January, of which he would be a participant. The student feedback received on the most recent project would be considered in developing the program further and in selecting books for the next Summer Reading Project list.

6. Old Business

A. School Security Report

Mr. Phillips reported that a new Crisis Response Team was developed to review the policy and procedures used in response to the September 21^st bomb threat that closed the school. In addition “table top exercises” for at least three emergency scenarios would be conducted to further educate and prepare school officials in the event of other emergencies.

Mr. Phillips also advised the Board many steps including door locks, window film to prevent passersby from seeing students, cameras, student resource officer, improved internal communications, and a key card system, which was scheduled for full implementation within the next couple of months, were all implemented to improve campus safety. He said the Tech Center and SHS administration also meet frequently to discuss safety matters and protocols.

Mr. Phillips advised the Board a request for additional facility safety improvements could likely be forthcoming after the “table top” scenarios were thoroughly reviewed.

B. Athletic Field Plans

Along with the Board Dr. Bacon reviewed the minutes of the 9/24/09 Facility Committee meeting. Dr. Bacon encouraged the Board support the Facility Committee’s recommendation to spend $4,500 of the approximate $5,800 funds collected by the SHAAC [through a 2003 Class donation, memorial contributions, and Raven Football League fees] to hire engineer Wayne Lawrence to prepare initial athletic field reconstruction and riverbank stabilization plans.

Mr. Storz, Facility Committee Chairman, thanked Mr. Cecchinelli for all of his work on the project and drawings prepared to assist in the conceptual design. Mr. Storz also stressed timing was of the essence if the Board was to take advantage of low or no-cost fill available at the Knapp Airport, for either the reconstruction project, riverbank stabilization project, or both.

Mrs. Pope expressed her concern that many details of the project seemed elusive and didn’t want the Board or members pressured into further decisions because of the timing of information shared. Mrs. Malone pointed out the actual benefit to this engineering request would be to address the riverbank erosion and repair plan required.

Mr. Santorello explained he viewed the reconstruction project as a Barre City and Barre Town Community Project, and that he did not anticipate any of the field reconstruction costs would be paid for through school funds.

On a motion by Mr. Cecchinelli seconded by Mr. Storz, the Board unanimously voted to support the concept of the field reconstruction, and to move forward with the expenditure from SHAAC funds of $4,500 for an engineering proposal.

C. Tech Center Equipment and Improvements

Ms. Chamberlin distributed a multi-year Equipment Replacement Plan, which estimated approximately $117K worth of costs, of which approximately $85K would be included in the FY ’11 budget in addition to the annual anticipated equipment grant.

Dr. Bacon pointed out that the BTC tuition rate was historically one of the lowest in the state primarily because equipment replacement had not been done on a regular schedule, however, after a three year initial replacement investment, and routine planning, future cost would not be as extensive.

D. Reynolds’ Scholarship Fund

Mrs. Pope and Mrs. Malone advised the Board the reported market value of the fund as of September 16^th was $3,477,979.00. Mrs. Pope assured the Board that scholarship funds should be available this year and the amount would be determined based on the 12/31/09 balance; however, the value of the fund could not dip below the principal of $3,028,000.00.

7. Other Old Business (if needed)

None

8. Reports to the Board

A. Superintendent

Dr. Bacon provided an oral report advising the fall, winter, and spring coach evaluations were completed by Mr. Merriam, and would be included in files at the Superintendent’s Office.

Dr. Bacon also reminded the Board of a joint meeting of the district’s three School Boards at 6:00 p.m., immediately following the SU Board meeting beginning at 5:30 p.m. on October 8^,2009. He said the joint meeting was designed to provide a general tutorial of the new financial management system, or more in-depth instruction for those members who wanted more would be provided.

B. Principal

Mr. Phillips highlighted some points of the written report provided.

C. Tech Center Director

Ms. Chamberlin added information and highlighted some points of the written report provided. Ms. Chamberlin also thanked FW Webb for the indirect water heater cutaway donated to the HVAC program.

D. Curriculum Director

None

E. Committee Reports

Finance Committee: meeting scheduled for October 13, 2009 at 5:00 p.m.

Facility Committee: meeting scheduled for October 29, 2009 at 5:30 p.m.

Curriculum Committee: meeting scheduled for November 5, 2009 at 5:00 p.m.

Personnel Committee: meeting to be determined.

9. Future Agenda Items