SPAULDING HIGH SCHOOL & BARRE TECHNICAL CENTER CAMPUS

Board Secretary: Donna Holden

1. Call to Order

The Chairperson, Christine Conti, called the Monday, December 15, 2008, 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. Phillips advised the Board of recent student achievements. Campus and other general information may be viewed at www.shsbtc.org/.

3. Visitors and Communications

None

4. Curriculum Reports

A. Digital Media Arts and Computer Technologies Presentation

Ric Nudel and Scott Griggs appeared before the Board and discussed their programs.

5. Items for Board Action

A. Approval of Minutes:

December 1, 2008 – Regular Spaulding High School Union District Board Meeting

On a motion by Mr. Storz seconded by Mr. Cecchinelli, the Board unanimously voted to approve the minutes of December 1, 2008 –Regular Spaulding High School Union District Board Meeting, as submitted.

B. FY 2010 Budget

The Barre Technical Center budget was discussed, and proposed at $2,498,115, a 14.9% increase, which included the pre-tech and electrical programs that would [in part] be reimbursed through Perkins Grant funds, bringing the actual education increase to 5.3%.

The Board discussed the Spaulding High School budget proposed at $10,263,584, a 3.2% increase, which included $2,193,441 in special education spending (up 20.6%) and $8,070,143 in regular education spending (a decrease of 0.6). The budget included elimination of teacher positions in the areas of English, world language, math, science, guidance, business education, special education, and para-professionals.

Mr. Santorello advised the Board the Facility Committee would be requesting an additional $92,500, which was estimated to be 1/3 of the campus paving project, to be raised either through the regular budget or a special article. The Board discussed and agreed to add the $92,500 to the Plant Operations budget line item 450.

Dr. Bacon advised the Board that based on the current budget proposal and knowing the equalized pupil data, that if there was no change in the CLA and state-wide education tax rate, the Barre Town rate of .55¢ would decrease to .54¢, and the Barre City rate of .48¢ would decrease to .46¢.

Upon further discussion, the Board reached other budget considerations, which included; a desire to receive a report reviewing the restructuring of the CSL program, a report reviewing a driver’s education restructuring proposal, and reinstatement of the guidance and business education positions.

The Board agreed to postpone final budget approval until the January 5, 2009, meeting.

6. Items for Information and Discussion

A. Proposed Schedule

Mr. Phillips reviewed the most recent schedule proposal, dated 12/12/08, which proposed moving the music program to the middle of the day, flanked by 90 minute blocks or for Freshman, 45-minute periods including structured study. He also distributed four model schedules to demonstrate the flexibility of the new schedule proposal; however, he also cautioned that any schedule changes would create additional expenses in textbook needs and potentially staff.

Amie Scott and Chris Appleton, Student Council Presidents, appeared before the Board and reported that a very negative response to the proposal was received when discussed with the other 37 member student council.

The Board agreed to discuss any related potential personnel and/or material costs associated with a schedule change and to take action at the January 5, 2009, meeting.

7. Reports to the Board

A. Superintendent’s Report

Dr. Bacon briefly advised the Board that participation in a parent notification system was still being investigated for a January 2009 implementation; however, the most recent information indicated that for a $1,000 annual cost six notices could be broadcasted, and if they were not all used the notice slot could be carried over to the following year. The Board will be kept informed.

B. Curriculum Director

C. Technology Director

D. Special Services Director

Written reports were provided in the Board packets.

E. Finance Committee

The next regularly scheduled meeting will be Tuesday, January 13, 2009, at 5:30 p.m., in the SHS Campus Library. (2^nd Tuesday, monthly)

F. Facility Committee

The next regularly scheduled meeting will be Thursday, January 29, 2009, at 5:30 p.m., in the SHS Campus Library. (4^th Thursday, monthly)

G. Supervisory Union

The next regularly scheduled meeting will be Thursday, January 8, 2009, (2^nd Thursday, monthly) at which time all three district Boards are invited to attend a TRI-BOARD meeting, beginning at 5:30 p.m. with a light meal, followed by the meeting at 6:00 p.m., in the SHS Campus Library.

8. Other Business

None

9. Executive Session

A. Real Estate

At 8:45 p.m. on a motion by Mr. Storz seconded by Mr. Santorello, the Board unanimously voted to enter into executive session, pursuant to Title 1 § 313, to discuss a real estate matter.

Dr. Bacon was invited into the executive session.

At 9:10 p.m. the Board exited executive session.

On a motion by Mrs. Conti seconded by Dr. Pizzo, the Board unanimously voted to authorize the Superintendent to offer the Mayor $50,000 to purchase the Ayers Street Building from the City of Barre to resolve the conflict over ownership, save money, and clear the title.

10. Adjournment

On a motion by Mr. Santorello seconded by Mr. Cecchinelli, the Board unanimously voted to adjourn at 9:13 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 regular business meeting is scheduled for Monday, January 5, 2009, at 6:00 p.m.

The next TRI-BOARD meeting is scheduled for Thursday, January 8, 2009, at 5:30 p.m.

The next policy review/working session meeting is scheduled for Monday, January 19, 2009, 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