1. Call to Order

The Chairperson, Tess Taylor, called the Monday, December 17, 2007, 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

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

3. Visitors and Communications

Jim Woodworth, representing “Friends of Girl’s Hockey”, provided the Board a packet of information in support of the continuation of the girl’s hockey program at SHS. He asked that the information be shared and discussed at the Finance Committee, and that the Board continue its support of the students involved.

4. Curriculum Reports

A. Mike Gilbert

Mr. Gilbert appeared before the Board and provided a handout listing the four departments that he currently Chairs. They included; 1.) Family and Consumer Science & Health, with three teachers offering 10 quarter and/or semester courses, 2.) Technical Education Department, with one teacher offering 10 quarter courses, 3.) Business and Finance Academy, with three teachers offering 16 quarter and/or semester courses, including a satellite program at Montpelier High School, and 4.) Drivers Education with two teachers offering quarter courses to the maximum allowed students.

B. Technical Center – Penny Chamberlin

Ms. Chamberlin distributed a handout containing detailed information regarding the Technical Center’s ten programs currently offered. The document also included accomplishments, challenges, community service projects, facilities, highlights, and other information. Ms. Chamberlin pointed out the immediate need for approximately $94K to replace or repair essential equipment throughout the Tech Center programs, i.e., automotive lift repair, replacement of the 30-year old industrial appliances for the culinary program, etc, all needed to maintain the programs offered. Ms. Chamberlin advised the Board that qualified students were waiting to have access to the programs; however, the lack of space was not the deterrent.

5. Items for Board Action

A. Approval of Minutes: November 5, 2007 – Regular Board Meeting

B. Approval of Minutes: November 19, 2007 – Regular Board Meeting

On a motion by Mr. Prevost seconded by Mr. Isabelle, the Board unanimously voted to approve the minutes of the November 5, 2007, Regular Board Meeting, as discussed.

On a motion by Mr. Prevost seconded by Dr. Pizzo, the Board unanimously voted to approve the minutes of the November 19, 2007, Regular Board Meeting, as submitted.

C. Administrator Resignation

The Board reviewed the letter from Mr. Woods, announcing his intention to retire effective June 30, 2007. Members of the Board and Administration recognized Mr. Wood’s service, his value for academics, and support for students.

On a motion by Dr. Pizzo seconded by Mrs. Conti, the Board unanimously voted, with regret and best wishes, to accept the retirement resignation of Shawn Woods, effective June 30, 2007, as submitted.

D. Ratification Consideration – Associate Nurse

On a motion by Dr. Pizzo seconded by Mr. Prevost, the Board unanimously voted to ratify the associate nurse contract, as proposed by the Business Manager.

6. Items for Information and Discussion

A. Superintendent Search Update

Mr. Isabelle reported the next Screening Committee meeting was scheduled for December 18, 2007, at 6:00 p.m. in the SHS & BTC Campus Library. He advised that Bernie Fitzgerald was hired as the consultant to work with the Committee to establish norms and protocols. The Superintendent applications are due by January 4, 2008.

B. Legislate Breakfast Follow-up

Ms. Taylor reported the breakfast was a respectful and valuable exchange of ideas and the Board appreciated the attendance of Representative McDonald, Senator Scott, Senator Cummings, Representative McFaun and Representative Koch.

Dr. Pizzo suggested the Board and Chair consider development of, and appointments to, a Legislative Committee with the purpose of following proposals and activity in Montpelier, and reporting back to the Board.

7. Reports to the Board

A. Superintendent’s Report

· Substitute Pay

· Block Schedule

Dr. Conley advised the Board he was working with Ms. Donlon and Mr. Taffel to develop a comprehensive substitute pay recommendation, which would contain substitute categories, qualifications, etc. He noted if the package represented a substantial budget impact; the implementation of the pay changes would be deferred to the FY ’10 budget.

Mrs. Conti requested that substitute pay for those currently employed be examined, and a recommendation be provided to the Finance Committee as timely as possible for an adjustment to equitably compensate employees for the work performed.

Dr. Conley also advised the Board he was continuing his research regarding block scheduling. He explained a number of block schedule options to achieve the state standard of 120 hours per year, per credit, criteria. Ms. Donlon also advised that the Scheduling Committee would be looking at models and would be available to work with the Superintendent on the project.

B. SHS & BTC Campus Administrator’s Report

Ms. Donlon shared a copy of a newly developed protocol developed by the Assessment Intervention Team to assess student behavioral and mental health concerns. She explained a process was in place and used for academic assessment and intervention, and that the new procedure was to compliment and address other student needs and behavior.

Mr. Phillips distributed a copy of a Crisis Response Manual, developed as required and reviewed by the Police and Fire Chiefs. The Board requested that Mr. Phillips continue with the next steps to develop a crisis response team and continue working on the readiness plans. Mr. Phillips agreed to report back to the Board on its progress.

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

C. Technology Coordinator’s Report

None

D. Special Services Director’s Report

Dr. Sperry advised the Board she was meeting with each special education instructor to review duties, needs, etc., which she expected to complete by the end of January.

E. Supervisory Union Report

The next regularly scheduled meeting will be January 10, 2008, at 5:30 p.m., in the Central Office Conference Room, 120 Ayers Street.

The Board discussed the proposed K-12 Curriculum Director and Assistant Business Manager positions proposed in the SU budget. Mrs. Conti advised that the Finance Committee would meet at 7:00 a.m. on December 18, 2007, to discuss budget adjustments.

F. Student Representative Report

None

G. Policy and Curriculum Committee

None

H. Spaulding High Athletic Advisory Committee (SHAAC)

The next meeting is scheduled for January 16, 2007, at 5:00 p.m. in the Campus Library.

Mrs. Conti advised the Board the SHAAC was willing and available to assist in the new Athletic Director search. Mr. Isabelle advised Board members that he also submitted his suggestion. The Superintendent agreed to develop a recruiting and hiring process.

I. Facility Committee

The next meeting is scheduled for January 31, 2008, at 5:30 p.m., in the SHS & BTC Library.

J. Finance Committee

The next scheduled meeting is scheduled for December 12, 2007, at 7:00 a.m., in Room C-2.

7. Other Business

None

8. Executive Session

A. Personnel Complaint, Title 1 § 313 (a) (3) (4)

At 7:40 p.m. on a motion by Mrs. Conti seconded by Mr. Maiola, the Board unanimously voted to enter into executive session, pursuant to Title 1 § 313 to discuss a personnel matter.

Dr. Conley was invited into the executive session.

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

9. Adjournment

On a motion by Mr. Prevost seconded by Dr. Pizzo, the Board unanimously voted to adjourn at 9:22 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 regular business meeting is scheduled for Monday, January 7, 2008 at 6:00 p.m.

The next planning/discussion meeting is scheduled for Monday, January 21, 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

B. SHS & BTC Campus Administrator’s Report

C. Technology Coordinator’s Report

F. Student Representative Report

G. Policy and Curriculum Committee