SPAULDING HIGH SCHOOL UNION DISTRICT

Video Vision Tech Bill Kirkland, BTMES and SU Board Member

Larry Davignon, Science Department Chairman Tom McSweeney

David Delcore, Times Argus

Board Secretary: Donna Holden

1. Call to Order

The Chairperson, John Santorello, called the Monday, December 7, 2009, meeting to order at 6:00 p.m., which was held in the SHS & BTC Campus Library, 155 Ayers Street, Barre, Vermont.

2. Announcements and Awards

Mr. Santorello referred to a recent Times Argus article regarding the U-32 budget and proposed staff cuts. He offered comments of understanding for the stresses on area school districts with respect to economics, budget constraints, and the need for staff reductions.

Mr. Phillips and Ms. Chamberlin shared information regarding student and staff achievements, along with recent and upcoming events. Campus and other general information may be viewed at www.shsbtc.org/.

3. Public Comment

None

4. Approval of Minutes

A. November 16, 2009 Regular Board Meeting

B. October 8, 2009 Joint Meeting

On a motion by Mrs. Malone seconded by Mrs. Pope, the Board unanimously voted to approve the minutes of November 16, 2009 regular meeting, as submitted.

On a motion by Mrs. Malone seconded by Mr. Walz, the Board voted to approve the minutes of October 8, 2009 Joint meeting, as submitted. Mrs. Pope and Mr. Storz abstained.

5. New Business

A. NECAP Science Report

John Barone and Larry Davignon appeared before the Board to discuss the testing results of the second year’s NECAP data for the 184 grade 11 students tested. Mr. Barone reported a number of reasons for the performance including a lack of alignment with the science curriculum to grade expectations, buy-in by students, the cumulative nature of the grade 4, 8 and 11 assessments, and the need for professional development in the area of writing science responses.

Mr. Davignon advised that he was working with the district’s Curriculum Committee to align the curriculum and address other specific objectives. Mr. Baron noted a new curriculum was expected to be brought forward for approval by the end of the school year.

Student Representative, JJ Norway, offered that the largest contributor to the performance was likely a lack of effort by students, who would do better if there was an incentive. Many members agreed and Mr. Barone described what some other schools offer in the way of incentives.

Mr. Barone agreed the issue was a big challenge compounded by the annual changing of the test. He cautioned the Board regarding the use of the results, and advised that implementation of a K-12 curriculum alignment was key and would serve the district well in the next few years.

B. Second and Final Reading of Reading of Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act Compliance (HIPPA) Policy (GBG)

On a motion by Mr. Storz seconded by Mrs. Malone, the Board unanimously voted to approve the Second and Final Reading of Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act Compliance (HIPPA) Policy (GBG), as submitted.

C. Ninth Grade Progress

Mr. Sedore provided a report detailing information regarding discipline and grades, which indicated a decline in discipline incidents and better grades. He noted the Freshman Academy model was in year three with annual improvements to the program, and advised that future reports would include further data including attendance.

Mr. Phillips advised the Board the implementation of the new Educational Success Counselor position held by Peggy Ward, and efforts to coordinate with other area programs, i.e. Washington County Youth Service Bureau and Cityscape helped some at-risk students. He said the school and entities were currently collaborating to develop a summer program to aid in transitioning students from 8^th grade into 9^th grade.

Mr. Sedore advised the Board his major concern was with respect to retention and repeat students. The Board discussed options including the Pre-Tech program, scheduling repeat students with different teachers, etc.

D. Phoenix Graduation

Mr. Santorello advised the Board of the January 19, 2010 graduation ceremony to be held at 8:45 a.m. in the Wall Street Complex location, and invited and encouraged Board members to attend.

6. Old Business

A. FY 2011 Budget

Along with the Board Ms. Chamberlin reviewed the BTC FY ’11 (Draft #2 dated 12-3-09), which revealed a proposed budget of $3,188,882.26, an increase of $456,925.26 or 16.72%.

Ms. Chamberlin distributed a budget summary identifying a number of budget increases and areas needing explanation. Ms. Chamberlin also discussed her recommendation to increase the Tech Center tuition (after revenue adjustments) to $11,714, a substantial increase over the current $9,160, but she noted was still below the state’s average tuition of similar sized tech centers.

The Board discussed the impact to sending school budgets with respect to such a sharp tuition increase. The Board noted the SHS Budget contained a nearly 11% increase for Tech Center tuition. Mr. Phillips explained the figure budgeted was calculated at a higher $12,821 estimate tuition rate, which would be adjusted (down) once an approved rate was established.

The Board acknowledged they needed additional information from the Business Manager including revenue information for the Tech Center to determine the overall BTC budget increase. Dr. Bacon agreed to contact Mrs. Rosa and the Finance Committee would continue to discuss the budget at their meeting on December 8, 2009, at 5:00 p.m.

Mr. Phillips and the Board reviewed the SHS FY ’11 (Draft #2 dated 12-3-09), which revealed a proposed budget of $11,765,085.68, an increase of $559,979.68 or 4.99%.

Mr. Phillips distributed a list of major increases and decreased (of $7K or larger) for discussion, and the Board reviewed the anticipated revenue projection. Dr. Bacon briefly discussed the estimated tax rate data, which revealed an increased statewide property tax rate of $0.882 up from $0.85. He noted the per-pupil spending had also climbed to $10,551 from the previous low $9,726.

Dr. Bacon advised the Board they could elect to use some of the unreserved $213,278 unaudited FY ’09 fund balance to reduce the tax revenue needed, and that there was also $108,000 in prior years’ tax stabilization funds available.

The Board once again agreed they needed additional information from Mrs. Rosa including fund balance allocation for the current FY and verified fund balance totals. Dr. Bacon agreed to contact Mrs. Rosa and the Finance Committee would continue to discuss the budget at their meeting on December 8, 2009, at 5:00 p.m.

7. Other Old Business (if needed)

None

8. Reports to the Board

A. Superintendent

Dr. Bacon provided an oral report advising a renewable energy grant was available and applied for through the SU on behalf of Spaulding High School for the purpose of hooking the SU office building heating system up to the woodchip boiler plant. He said the matching 10% fee would be paid by the SU budget, however, the anticipated long-term savings were expected to be $14K or more per year, depending on the price of fuel, which in turn would be returned to the district through their assessments.

Dr. Bacon also advised the Board he had verified with Mr. Evans that no other large energy efficiency projects were needed or would benefit the High School at this time.

On a motion by Mr. Storz seconded by Mr. Walz, the Board unanimously voted to support the grant application for the purpose of connecting the woodchip plant to the SU office building.

Dr. Bacon advised of a Contract Negotiation Team meeting at the Central Office on Wednesday, December 9, 2009, at 4:00 p.m.

Dr. Bacon advised the Board the FY ’09 audit would be delayed due to discrepancies found by the State during their audit of special education fund. He said the result would likely be lower FY ’11 special education reimbursements. Dr. Bacon agreed to keep the Board informed.

B. Principal

Mr. Phillips had nothing to add to his written report, submitted. He distributed copies of the Tide Pride Newsletter and The Sentinel newspaper, both publications of Spaulding High School

C. Tech Center Director

Ms. Chamberlin had nothing to add to her written report, submitted.

D. Committee Reports

Finance Committee: meeting scheduled for December 8, 2009 at 5:00 p.m.

Facility Committee: meeting scheduled for December 17, 2009 at 6:00 p.m.

Curriculum Committee: meeting scheduled for January 7, 2010 at 5:00 p.m.

Personnel Committee: May 2010, to be determined.

9. Future Agenda Items

Mr. Santorello asked members to contact him with other agenda items.

10. Executive Session

A. Contract Negotiations §313(1)

At 8:26 p.m. on a motion by Mr. Storz seconded by Mrs. Malone, the Board unanimously voted to enter into executive session, pursuant to Title 1 § 313, to discuss contract negotiations.

Dr. Bacon was invited into the executive session.

At 9:23 p.m. the Board exited executive session.

11. Adjournment

On a motion by Mr. Storz seconded by Mrs. Malone, the Board unanimously voted to adjourn at 9:25 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 Board will hold a policy review/working session meeting Monday, December 21, 2009.

· The Board will hold a regular meeting on Monday, January 4, 2010.

Upcoming dates to remember:

· Phoenix Graduation - January 19, 2010 at 8:45 a.m. in the Wall Street Complex location.

Respectfully submitted,

Donna Holden