SPAULDING HIGH SCHOOL & BARRE TECHNICAL CENTER CAMPUS

Video Vision Tech Tom McSweeney

David Delcore, Times Argus Lisa Lemieux

Paul & Norma Malone Brian Hirschman

Brenda Waterhouse

Board Secretary: Donna Holden

1. Call to Order

The Chairperson, Christine Conti, called the Monday, November 3, 2008, meeting to order at 6:00 p.m., which was held in the SHS & BTC Campus Library, 155 Ayers Street, Barre, Vermont.

2. Executive Session

A. Student Discipline Hearing

At 6:00 p.m. on a motion by Mr. Starz seconded by Mr. Santorello, the Board unanimously voted to enter into executive session, pursuant to Title 1 §313 to discuss a student matters.

Dr. Bacon, Mr. Phillips, Mr. Hennessey, Mr. Sedore, Ms. Chamberlin, parents and student were invited into the executive session.

At 6:35 p.m. the Board exited executive session.

On a motion by Mrs. Pope seconded by Dr. Pizzo, the Board unanimously voted to accept the discipline plan recommended by the Administration.

3. Announcements and Awards

Mr. Phillips advised the Board of several student achievements. Ms. Taylor thanked the many, many students involved in the Barre Partnership’s successful, week-long, Scary Barre events.

4. Visitors and Communications

None

5. Curriculum Reports

None

6. Items for Board Action

A. Approval of Minutes:

October 20, 2008 – Regular Spaulding High School Union District Board Meeting

On a motion by Ms. Taylor seconded by Dr. Pizzo, the Board unanimously voted to approve the minutes of October 20, 2008 –Regular Spaulding High School Union District Board Meeting, as submitted.

B. Overnight Field Trip Request

Dr. Bacon and Mr. Hirschman reviewed the request for Mr. Hirschman’s marine biology class field trip for 11^th and 12 graders to St. John to study the marine ecosystem and human impact. Mr. Hirschman stated the students would be confined to an isolated area at an eco camp approximately 45 miles from the nearest resort.

The Board agreed that swim tests should be given to students in the ocean upon arrival at the island. However, Mr. Hirschman agreed to query students beforehand to be aware of any potential non-swimmers in the group.

Mrs. Conti asked that language contained in the parent permission form be tightened. The Board also expressed that class trips should be confined to semester break days and not spill over to instructional days beyond that schedule. The Board also acknowledged that in addition to students missing class days, that three faculty members were planned for this trip and would also be absent on three instructional days.

Mr. Phillips advised the Board of the Administration’s support for the request.

On a motion by Dr. Pizzo seconded by Ms. Taylor, the Board unanimously voted to approve Mr. Hirschman’s marine biology class overnight field trip request, as recommended by the Administration.

C. Mission Statement

Ms. Grubb reported that students surveyed were in support of the mission statement.

On a motion by Dr. Pizzo seconded by Mr. Cecchinelli, the Board voted to adopt the mission statement, as presented. Mr. Starz abstained.

“Spaulding High School provides a safe, healthy, and positive environment that supports learning. Through a partnership of students, educators, parents, and community, the school strives to offer a variety of educational opportunities to meet academic and social needs of all its students. Spaulding High School graduates will have the knowledge and skills to become productive, responsible citizens”.

7. Items for Information and Discussion

A. Scheduling Criteria

Mr. Phillips provided a brief report on the activities of the Scheduling Committee, and presented two alternative schedules for consideration. He explained the first option was a five-block schedule with the first block split into two periods. The second option was an A/B 4x4 block schedule.

The Board agreed to review the materials discussed and revisit the matter for action at the November 17, 2008 meeting. Mrs. Conti encouraged members to direct questions to Mr. Phillips.

B. Class Size

The Board referred to Dr. Bacon’s 10/27/08 memo to Mr. Phillips regarding guidelines when reviewing course enrollments, which in part instructed that the ideal class size should be 20 students, with a 15-25 rage acceptable, AP courses of 10-15 students, and courses with less than 10 students to be cancelled, offered less frequently, or combined with another related course.

Dr. Bacon also advised the Board that based on the class size guidelines, declining enrollments historically (978 in 2005 to 883 in 2009) and projected (875 in 2010, 848 in 2011, and 842 in 2012), and the Superintendent’s recommendation that 7.5 SHS positions (1 English, 2 math, 1 foreign language, 1 science, .5 fine arts, 1 guidance, and 1 special education) and 2 BTC positions (1 business and 1 CAD) could be cut from the budget.

The Board asked for historical AP test results data from the past 5-years, and a recommendation regarding the combining of honors and AP courses.

C. School Vision

The Board agreed to postpone further discussion on this topic until the January/February time frame and to coordinate efforts in development of the school’s vision with the school’s Action Plan.

D. FY 2010 Budget

Business Manager, Linda Rosa, provided an update of the major increases to the budget, which totaled $596,695 minus adjustments resulting in a net increase of $351,695.

Ms. Chamberlin discussed amendments to the Tech Center budget, which include saving of approximately $120K by eliminating an IT Academy position ($75K), and due to under enrollment over the past 4-5 years closing of the Business-Finance Academy program ($45K).

Ms. Chamberlin also discussed the development of a new pre-tech program for 10 students at each of four satellite locations; Harwood, U32, Barre and Cabot/Twinfield. She said the collaboration with the Vermont Youth Conservation Corps could increase Tech Ed participation for another forty 9^th and 10^th grade students, at a cost of approximately $75K for a site coordinator, which would be paid for through Perkins Grant and DOE funds.

The Board agreed that new draft budgets would be prepared incorporating changes and the Superintendent’s recommendations, and would be discussed in further detail at the November 17, 2008, meeting.

8. Reports to the Board

A. Superintendent’s Report

Dr. Bacon provided a list of central office phone numbers. The Board discussed their opinions regarding whether school phones should be answered by a person rather than listening to an automated menu.

B. SHS Administrators’ Report

Mr. Phillips had nothing to add to his written report. Campus and other general information may be viewed at www.shsbtc.org/.

Mr. Phillips presented a waiver request supported by the Athletic Director, Pat Merriam, to permit four girls who participate in the SHS hockey program to also participate in the US Hockey Select Tournaments during the 08-09 winter season.

On a motion by Mr. Starz seconded by Dr. Pizzo, the Board unanimously voted to approve the waiver request.

Mr. Phillips also agreed to provide a report on the status of the Freshman Academy at the November 17, 2008, meeting.

C. Barre Technical Center Director’s Report

Ms. Chamberlin added to her written report that Lu Turmel was recognized as a Teacher of the Year at a ceremony at UVM on October 22, 2008. .

D. Technology Coordinator’s Report

None

E. Student Services Director’s Report

None

F. Supervisory Union Report

The next regularly scheduled meeting will be Thursday, November 13, 2008, at 6:00 p.m., in the Central Office Conference Room, 120 Ayers Street.

Mrs. Conti advised the Board the district’s Board Chairs met to discuss the quarterly Superintendent’s evaluation, and thanked the Board for their input.

G. Student Representative Reports

Mr. Norway had nothing new to report. Mrs. Conti reminded Mr. Norway of the request for the student reps to seek input and gage the general consensus of the student body regarding the status of school pride/spirit and to query students on the possibility and/or interest in additional School Spirit weeks during the year coordinated with sports season changes.

H. Spaulding High Athletic Advisory Committee (SHAAC)

Mrs. Conti advised the Board the SHAAC had met and the Committee would be returning to the Board soon with a report and requests.

I. Facility Committee

The next Facility Committee meeting, typically the last Thursday of the month, will be rescheduled and announced.

Mr. Santorello advised the Board he would be submitting a request at the November 17, 2008 meeting, for authorization to spend the $98K balance of the capital construction funds to purchase an additional 7 camera for the campus ($14K), 75 interior door lock sets ($15K), and the balance of approximately $69K to begin paving and resurfacing the most needed areas.

J. Finance Committee

The next Finance Committee meeting is scheduled for November 11, 2008, at 5:00 pm in Room 10.

9. Other Business

None

10. Executive Session

None

11. Adjournment

On a motion by Dr. Pizzo seconded by Mrs. Pope, the Board unanimously voted to adjourn at 9:15 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 next policy review/working session meeting is scheduled for Monday, November 17, 2008, at 6:00 p.m.

The next regular business meeting is scheduled for Monday, December 1, 2008, at 6:00 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Donna Holden

John Pizzo, Representing Barre Town, term expires 2010

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